The Clare Echo 16/11/23

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Nov 16 2023

GOD LOVES A TRY’ER

Clare farmer ‘sees vision of Our Lady’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Enjoying a moment at the Ennis RFC Centenary Ball at the Inn at Dromoland last weekend is Conor Guilfoyle and Ania Zimma

A RETIRED suckler farmer from Labasheeda has said he had an apparition of Our Lady while visiting Međugorje.

During his fourth visit to the Eastern European town, Tony Malone (73) had a memorable experience when walking to church.

He told The Clare Echo, “Someone said ‘the sun is dancing in the sky’, we looked and there was Our Lady, she

was all in blue, she had a white ribbon down, she was there for about ten minutes, the clouds moved back and she was there all in white, there was a little brightness in the background and then she disappeared”.

Tony said, “She was up in the sky, she was a bit away. She was standing up straight and I thought she was beautiful, her hands were together”.

It has been estimated that 30 million pilgrims have visited Međugorje since the reputed

apparitions began in 1981.

No sightings of Our Lady have been recorded by Tony since that faithful day last September.

“Someone would love if she appeared in Labasheeda,” he quipped.

Full story Page 4

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Pat Quinn, owner of Clare Vehicle Testing Centre, Clarecastle

Clarecastle Test Centre, 40 years in business, looking forward to many more ON a damp October day in 1983, Pat Quinn, a Clarecastle man, born into the family dairy farm, opened the door to his first venture in business outside the farm.

I was lucky that my wife was a keen business person, she developed the business from a very humble beginning, `we only did seventeen tests in the first month’ I remember bringing my truck to Kilfenora to be tested in early 1983,I was surprised to find that I had been in National school in Clarecastle with the owner. We had a great chat and I was fascinated by the business so much so that when the owner was emigrating to the UK he rang to see would I be interested in buying the equipment.

My relish for the business is as strong today as it was back then, and I hope to keep at it for many more years. While I had 5 children, they have all forged their own careers, I have however 16 grandchildren and I expect that one of them will be interested.

This business was based on an EU regulation that said that vehicles travelling on the public roads had to conform to certain minimum standards as regards braking, steering suspension etc. and everything that contributes to making our roads safer. The difference in attitudes,

back then and now, is stark. People resisted these new regulations, whereas now people have a constructive attitude towards testing and are happy to repair any defects identified. They are also satisfied that the test stands on its own i.e. no other activity, for instance sales, repairs, etc., are carried on in the msame premises, thereby avoiding a possible conflict of interest.

Over the years, vehicles have h changed onaed quite quite a lot, so our mechanics have to be re-trained every year to keep abreast of the changing technologies. We also have ISO 9001 which creates a set of standards and procedures that have to be maintained.

We offer several tests depending on people’s needs, from the smallest van to the biggest lorry or bus.

As well as the standard test, we do, what’s called ADR i.e. a more stringent test on vehicles carrying dangerous substances like petrol chemicals etc. Tachograph calibration is also part of the test on larger vehicles.The Tachograph is sometimes called ‘the spy in the cab’.

We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers over the years.

We are also very grateful to our staff, who have been with us for many years.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Wind farms ‘not in Area ‘numbed’ by Joe interest’ of Clare and Claire Collins death A LOCAL group of objectors in East Clare have released a new report, highlighting the impact that a new windfarm development will have on their lives, writes Adam Maloney.

Since 2018, locals in the region have stood firm in opposing a proposed wind turbine development set to be situated within a 10km radius around the Broadford region.

“Modern turbines are 185 metres and more in height, so they will dominate the scenery and be visible from near and far; from Limerick City, along the Shannon and Lough Derg with Holy Island and the viewpoints on the Tipperary side, from Scarriff, Feakle and Tulla, from Bunratty and Cratloe,” reads a statement issued to The Clare Echo by the group.

“Large national (FuturEnergy Ireland, consisting of Coillte and ESB; Ballycar Green Energy / Greensource) and international (RWE, Germany; EFD, France; Orsted, Denmark) trusts are trying to make Big Money with Onshore Wind Energy, at the expense of East Clare, its people, livestock, wildlife, heritage.

“The so-called “green” agenda is obfuscation, deliberately tapping into the climate change crisis to make even more money, not to save the planet!

These planned Onshore Wind Farms are not in the interest of East Clare or County Clare, or even the whole of Ireland,” the statement added.

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A PRIEST told mass-goers in the Burren village of Corofin on Sunday morning that the area of Corofin and Kilnaboy “is numbed” by the deaths of married couple, Joe Collins and Claire Collins.

At 11am mass at St Brigid’s Church on Sunday, Fr Pat O’Neill asked for prayers for the couple and “also for the families and all of those who know them who are traumatised by their deaths and especially all of the people of this community”.

The funeral mass for the couple took take place in the same Church on Monday morning, followed by cremation service at Shannon crematorium. Fr O’Neill said: “It is in our togetherness and support for one another that we can continue on.”

Gardaí are treating the deaths of the parents of two daughters last Thursday at Crossard, Kilnaboy as a suspected ‘murder suicide’ where Joe Collins (54) is believed to have killed his wife Claire (51) who was found dead in the bedroom of their home before Mr Collins took his own life in an outhouse at the detached bungalow in the rural area.

At mass on Sunday, Fr O’Neill said: “We pray for God’s blessing on the Collins family - living and dead - and that all of them somehow will be to continue to live their lives and be able live for one another and we commend those who have died to the care and love of Christ Jesus.”

The Collins recently became grand-parents to a grand-son and speaking after celebrating mass on Sunday morning, Fr O’Neill said: “We don’t understand what has happened. We haven’t an understanding of it.

“We haven’t the knowledge or the wherewithal - that is why we are traumatised in so many ways and all we can do is try to be there for one another and try to support one another in whatever way that we can.”

He added the people are in shock “and will continue to be”.

He said: “You never forget things that affect us hugely - we never forget those things and we learn to live with life and live with the difficulties life presents and difficulties come to us in all different shapes and sizes and this is completely different to all the other difficulties that come our way.”

Fr O’Neill said that people can be supported in the aftermath of such a tragedy by trying to foster a sense of togetherness, prayerfulness, sense of support and compassion.

He said: “There is no such thing as passing of judgement on any situation or of anybody or anything. We are all one. We are God’s creation.

We all belong to one another.”

Declan Kelleher gave the first reading at the 11am mass and taught Claire Collins for two years during his time as teaching principal at Corofin National School.

Asked to comment on the impact the tragedy is having on the community outside St Brigid’s Church on Sunday morning, Mr Kelleher said:

l Joe and Claire Collins on their wedding day

“The community is absolutely devastated for both families.

He said: “There is very little more you can say. Everyone is just in a sense of can’t understand what has happened and feels so sorry for both families and feels so sorry for the family of the deceased - the two girls that are left.”

He added: “It is just a terrible, terrible tragedy. I taught Claire for two years in the primary school. Lovely, lovely, lovely girl. They were both lovely people. That is all you can say.

There is just utter devastation in the area.”

In a separate tribute in an online Condolence Book to the couple on rip.ie, signed on behalf of Delcan Kelleher and Mary Kelleher, Declan says: “I had the privilege of teaching Claire in 5th and 6th class in Corofin and she was an absolute joy to have in school. She was so full of life with boundless enthusiasm, energy and incredible talent.

“Her warm and radiant kindness towards everybody will always be remembered. We will always remember Joe as a kind and caring neigh-

bour.”

The rip.ie death notice is accompanied by a photo of the couple on their wedding day.

Another mass goer said after mass on Sunday: “It is an awful shock.

There is complete numbness in the area. You hear about these kinds of tragedies in the news up the country and you think it is a sad story but when it comes to your own door, you are in a complete freeze and in shock.”

The woman said: “You wake thinking ‘was that a dream?’”

Another mass goer commented: “A death is bad enough but a death like that...You can’t explain it - there are no words.”

Gardaí are not looking for anyone else in relation to the deaths of the couple and a file will be prepared for Clare County Coroner, Isobel O’Dea for an inquest to be held at a later date.

The couple are survived by their “loving” daughters, Sara and Tara “and their cherished grand-son, Rian” and also by the Collins and Meere families.

There are six windfarms planned for the region, which would add up to a potential 66 large wind turbines in total through the Carrownagowan, Fahybeg, Lackareagh, Knockshavo, Oatfield, and Ballycar Windfarms.

Many locals have expressed their opposing views on the overall event within the Windfarm Opposition Alliance’s report with Emer O’Cearbhaill, who works in the Silent Meditation Centre in the 12 o’clock hills stating, “We are not opposed to renewable energy, on the contrary! But it has to be conciliated with the protection of nature, our National Heritage, and the protection of wildlife, livestock, and people!”

Bridgetown native Seán Conway stated, “Do we need the energy? The ordinary person does not, as by newspaper articles only this week, the energy consumption outside of giant data centres – like the ones planned outside of Ennis, and near Shannon – remained pretty much the same over the last decade. County Clare is also more or less self-sufficient, with its renewable electricity generation, according to the Council and the County Development Plan. The extra energy is only for the data centres! The planned energy consumption of the proposed Data Centre near Ennis alone would be 2.5 times that of the whole County!”

Two men charged with robberies to make third court appearance

TWO men charged with a spate of alleged robberies in Bunratty and Ennis have been further remanded in custody and will make their third court appearance next week, writes Gordon Deegan.

At a recent sitting of Ennis District Court, Dylan Considine Kelly (23) and Andrew Price (40) both appeared charged with robberies in Ennis and Sixmilebridge last month.

The two were first brought before Gort District Court on October 26th and have now appeared at Ennis District Court where they were further remanded in custody to appear again next week.

Sgt Louis Moloney told the court a production order would be required for Mr Considine Kelly to appear in person next Wednesday after the court heard that he faces charges “on new matters”.

Both accused men have an address of Laurel Lodge, Ennis, Co Clare.

On behalf of Mr Price, solicitor, Daragh Hassett told Judge Alec Gabbett that he was not in a position to move a bail application in court stating that the issue is an address for Mr Price out of Co Clare which the Gardaí are suggesting.

Judge Gabbett further remanded Mr Price in custody to re-appear before Ennis District Court on November 15th.

In relation to the second accused, Judge Gabbett also further remanded Dylan Considine Kelly to re-appear before Ennis District Court to November 15th.

Mr Hassett said that it was a similar situation to the Price case where he was not in a position to advance the bail application where again there is an issue about an address.Both men were appearing via video-link from prison.

Both men are charged with robbing on October 14th, Rachel Swire, c/o Tim Crowe’s shop at Minister’s Cross, Bunratty of €500 in cash and €800 cigarettes.

Both are also charged with on October 20th robbing Dave Magner care of Bar One Racing, Turnpike Rd, Ennis of €2,340.

The two men are also accused of robbing Aisling Fleming, care of Tim Crowe’s shop, Minister’s Cross, Bunratty of €500 in cash and €900 in cigarettes on October 24th.

Mr Considine Kelly faces a fourth charge on October 21st at Tim Crowe’s Gala shop, The Green, Sixmilebridge of robbing Dayna Mullins of €400 in cash.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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‘I saw Our Lady on pilgrimage to Međugorje & she was beautiful’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A LABASHEEDA man has spoken publicly for the first time about seeing Our Lady while on a trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Retired suckler farmer, Tony Malone was in Međugorje for the fourth time last September and he left with quite the story to tell after witnessing a vision of Our Lady, an event he has only retold to a handful of people before making contact with The Clare Echo.

On June 24, 1981, six youths between the ages of 10 and 16 claimed to have witnessed the apparitions of the Virgin Mary on the Podbrdo Hill in Međugorje. The Marian shrine of Međugorje has become a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics and has turned into Europe’s third most important apparition site, where each year more than 1 million people visit. It has been estimated that 30 million pilgrims have come to Međugorje since the reputed apparitions began in 1981. Pope Francis has previously said the original reported visions at Medjugorje merit continued investigation, but cast doubt on claims of ongoing apparitions at the site, which continues to attract thousands of pilgrims annually.

For Tony Malone, it was the 8th of September 2022 when he had the apparition. “Our Lady’s birthday was on the 8th of September, it was a Saturday evening and I thought to go for a lie-down but I changed my mind. I was with two girls, one from Kerry and one from Cork, Lisa and Mary, the next thing we were going towards the church and someone said ‘the sun is dancing in the sky’.

lAPPARITION: Tony Malone at his home in Labasheeda

“We looked and there was Our Lady, she was all in blue, she had a white ribbon down, she was there for about 10 minutes, the clouds moved back and she was there all in white, there was a little brightness in the background and then she disappeared”.

Photo by John Mangan

His two companions had a different experience, “Mary saw our Lord’s face, Lisa didn’t see it at all, a few people didn’t see it but I did see her, that was the first time I ever saw Our Lady in Međugorje”. He continued, There was no big crowds around, she appeared, the bell rings at twenty to six for them, it was only by pure chance that I happened to go out that way and see it”.

It was a whirlwind of emotions for Tony, “I was cool, calm and collected like I am always, I just said ‘there’s Our Lady up in the sky’. I saw our blessed lady. The sun was dancing, then we looked up, the clouds moved and went in, she came out then”. He added, “I haven’t seen her before or since, I was speechless, I couldn’t say anything. I got caught for words”.

No words were said by Our Lady for his apparition, “She was up in the sky, she was a bit away. She was standing up straight and I thought she was beautiful, her hands were together”. He added, “The sun moved back and the clouds moved back as well, she came forward”.

Telling people about his experience hasn’t been on the agenda for Tony, until now. “I’ve told a few people but you wouldn’t know how

to describe it”. On his reasons for waiting a year before relaying what he saw, he remarked, “I said I’d mention it anyway because it is a story and people might be interested in it, people might come to me to talk about something or about their experiences”.

“I know a lot of people will be giving out but I’ll say no more on that. I got good strength from it so I keep out and keep going, I get on with my life,” Malone said.

His faith was strengthened after the events of September 8th last year, he admitted. “I go to mass here every Saturday night, I like to keep it up, I know a lot of people are gone from the faith and from religion, I do my best, I go to mass every weekend”. He added, a lot of people are gone from the church, they only go for occasions”.

Walking down the road to St Kieran’s Church every Saturday evening for mass has been a constant in his life. “I’ve went to mass all my life, I pray in silent and things like that or an odd Hail Mary”.

Declining numbers at mass has been observed by the 73 year old. “It isn’t easy like everything else, I know people have their own religion, I know a lot of people don’t go to mass but they might say their prayers on the quiet or say the Rosary now and again. I think people should go back to the church, I know a lot have gone with what happened years ago but that is gone now and I don’t want to talk about it. People are well-gone from religion because they don’t want to go to mass anymore”.

Lourdes has also been visited by the West Clare bachelor on four occasions. “I got a cure there. My aunt died in 2007 and I was all emotional over the whole thing, someone said to go to the baths, they take off your clothes and put a towel around your waist, they put me into the water where it is very cold, you stay there for a minute or two, I didn’t have to dry myself, I just put my clothes on again and I went out I was able to say goodbye to it all”.

In 2021 he had another “experience” in Međugorje. He recalled, “I had one experience before, the year before I was above in Blue Cross, I turned around and there was this man all in white, he said ‘hello how are things’, the next thing I was going to ask was he one of the visionaries and he disappeared, they were the only two experiences I ever had in Međugorje”.

No sightings of Our Lady have been recorded by Tony since that faithful day last September. “Someone would love if she appeared in Labasheeda,” he quipped.

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Chambers retires to end four decade service with Clare County Council

COORACLARE’s Cllr Bill Chambers (FF) has announced his resignation from politics, writes Páraic McMahon.

Chambers had not been expected to contest the 2024 local elections with his absence from recent meetings of Clare County Council and the West Clare Municipal District emphasising this. His resignation has been submitted to the Council with elected representatives

informed of the correspondence on Tuesday.

An elected member of the Council since 1985, he fulfilled a lifetime ambition when he became Mayor of Clare in 2016. He is the first Cooraclare representative to serve as the county’s first citizen.

This role was a highlight in political life for the quiet farmer. “It was my personal highlight for the last term anyway, it’s a great honour to

lBill Chambers at the 2019 election count

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be the first citizen of your county regardless of Chambers’ resignation will become effective. travelling, I was in America for Paddy’s Day A Fianna Fáil candidate will be co-opted to fill which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wouldn’t have his seat following on from this. gone to America but for it”.

Chambers was the second candidate in the West Clare MD in 2019 amassing 15.6 percent of the first preferences with 1,431.

That performance in 2019 was Chambers’ greatest and surpassed his 1,266 first preferences in 1999 and 1,084 in 1985.

For close to four decades he has been campaigning for a sewerage scheme in Cooraclare. He previously told this writer of his frustrations on the West Clare village’s long wait.

“One thing that grieves me about my term as a Councillor I was pushing for a sewerage scheme and it was going as far as it was almost ready to go to tender and it was pulled, there was €380,000 spent in Cooraclare doing sideTwin celebration in Miltown Malbay works buying a site for the treatment plant and all Miltown Malbay twins Aine (left) and Eimear (right) Keane both and it was pulled like that.” graduated recently. Aine received a Bachelor of Education At the December meetand Psychology from Mary Immaculate College while Eimear ing of the County Council, graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy from UCC

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Updating aviation policy can bring economic activity even further

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SUBSTANTIAL economic impact continues to be made by the Shannon Airport Group “but it could go further with the right support,” a co-author of an economic impact report on the entity has said.

Shannon Airport’s viewing gallery was a flurry of excitement on Friday morning as the findings of Oxford Economics’ report on the Shannon Airport Group was unveiled.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine was on hand to welcome all stakeholders which had Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers (FF) on hand to launch the report.

Addressing the launch, Ms Considine expressed her delight that the Shannon Airport Group “has rebounded faster than expected from the pandemic”.

She said, “it is the first time in a decade that we will have record breaking passengers through the door. We expect to be in excess of 1.9m which is 25% higher than last year and 14% higher than pre-pandemic”.

Five daily transatlantic flights will operate from Shannon Airport next summer, she noted.

Neil McCullough, Director of Consultancy with Oxford Economics explained that the Shannon Airport Group is a GVA multiplier of 1.54 which means that for every euro another 54 cent is given to the Irish economy and that it accounts for 6.4 percent of jobs in the West of Ireland.

On tourism, it contributes €146m to the Irish GDP and supports 1,860 jobs while on trade its estimated contribution last year was €1.36bn to the Irish economy with 10,490 jobs supported.

McCullough said, “these are really significant numbers but we think it could do better”.

He continued, “Dublin captured all the net increase in Ireland passengers from 2011-2022. A growth in aviation is expected but Irish aviation policy favours Dublin”. Strong regional airports are proven to improve economic activity by six percent he said.

Shannon Airport has “really strong advocates” in the Oireachtas, Junior Minister Chambers informed the briefing.

He felt the report reflected the importance of the Shannon Airport Group to the Mid-West of Ireland and noted it had the biggest multi-sector business campus outside of Dublin.

l SKY’S THE LIMIT: Mary Considine, Neil McCullough and Jack Chambers Photo by Arthur Ellis

He pointed out the support from Government has enabled growth at Shannon in the past three years, through financial support.

“There is a huge can do attitude to drive economic activity and promote trade in the Mid-West region,

the report shows how aviation can be a catalyst for growth”.

Speaking from the floor, Deputy O’Donoghue maintained that Shannon Airport has “a big part to play”.

He highlighted the potential for increased growth. “

Shannon has capacity for 5m passengers and with the proximity to the motorway it would save congestion in Dhblin, Shannon has a fantastic opportunity for growth, it will save congestion and have a positive environmental impact”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Social Democrats enter election race

FIRST candidates have been unveiled by The Social Democrats for next year’s local elections, writes Páraic McMahon.

At a selection convention on Saturday chaired by Cllr Elisa O’Donovan (SD) based in Limerick, the Social Democrats put forward Hilary Tonge and Fiona Levie as candidates in the Ennis Municipal District and Killaloe Municipal District, respectively.

Hilary who is a prominent member of the Midwest Hospital Campaign and had founded the successful Mná ag Gáire, women’s community hub. She said female representation in politics is very important.

“I believe that we must embed a community wealth-building approach in Clare County Council, and continue the establishment of sustainably funded Community Development Projects. I will also continue to campaign for funding and other supports to address the deficiencies in the provision of GPs, dentists, mental health services and social housing to ensure that, at the very least, County Clare meets national average standards”.

She added, “We have particular challenges in County Clare. The population is di-

verse, aging and growing, while the percentage of the population carrying out unpaid care is increasing.

“There are stark differences in how health and care services are delivered in Clare.

And housing needs are unmet across the county. Rebalancing the power and increased funding to the Local Authorities to at least the European average, is the challenge we face”.

A lecturer and business consultant, Mountshannon’s Fiona Levie is well known within her community for her years of voluntary service in Scariff/Mountshannon Scouts and Whitegate Camogie Club as well as for her time on the Mountshannon Community Council. Last weekend, she began a new business show on Scariff Bay Community Radio.

She said, “I was always drawn to being actively involved in politics. But as any mother of four will tell you, it’s almost impossible to find the time. I was also waiting for the right party to arrive. I wanted to represent a party which believed in real change and was prepared to offer a legitimate voice to contemporary Irish women”.

Fiona flagged that all five of the current representatives on the Killaloe MD are men.

“I know some of them personally. They’re very decent people and they’ve done their best to represent their communities. But women make up half the electorate of the Killaloe LEA. Contemporary Irish women have specific needs and concerns. They need a woman’s ear and a woman’s voice looking after their interests”.

It’s the first time that either woman has stood for political office.

Fiona said, “I’m thrilled by the challenge. And I’m thrilled by the example it sets for younger women around East Clare. When they see that someone like me isn’t afraid to put themselves out there and try to make a positive contribution, they won’t be afraid to have a go themselves when the time comes”.

Tonge and Levie have already been knocking on doors in their respective LEAs and both report that the response has been very positive.

“People know about Hollie Cairns and they have great respect for our party founders Catherine Murphy and Roisin Shortall,” says Tonge.

Triple glory at Pride of Place Pictured at the the IPB Pride of Place awards ceremony in the Armagh City Hotel, left to right: Con Corry of Ennis Men’s Shed; Bernadette Haugh, Senior Executive Officer in the Rural Development Directorate of Clare County Council; Christine O’Brien, Ardboula B&B, Tulla & secretary Tourism East Clare; Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Cllr. Gabriel Keating; and Harrison Gardner of Common Knowledge.

Tourism East Clare and the Rekindle Festival of Lost Skills in Ennistymon were named winners at the awards. Nominated by Clare County Council, Tourism East Clare was named overall winner of Community Tourism Initiative category for its efforts to promote sustainable tourism development in the region by fostering relationships among local providers and offering unique tourism products and packages.

Meanwhile, Ennis Men’s Shed was named Runner Up of the Community Wellbeing Category

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June and Snamhaí Sásta aim to raise €200,000 with 63 swims

by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie

JUNE Curtin has officially launched her annual fundraiser for MidWest Simon Community.

Having raised more than €100,000 last year for the charity, June will take 63 dips in the Atlantic at Spanish Point this winter.

The Snámhai Sásta founder is this year hoping to raise a whopping €200,000 to help Midwest Simon Community open a ‘social grocery store’ in Ennis to help tackle food poverty in County Clare.

The goal of a social grocery is to provide access to a wider variety of food for people in low-income households who are experiencing food poverty. By supporting Snámhai Sásta, you will be making a significant contribution to this cause and helping us make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

West Clare woman June said, “I’m delighted to be working with the Mid West Simon Community again this year, I think it’s important we all do our bit to raise awareness of the magnitude of the homeless situation in Ireland & those who are in food poverty, sadly it could be anybody’s story. It’s very tough both mentally & physically getting into the sea three times a day. My whole moth of December is dedicated to the fundraiser & I literally do nothing else, my target this year of €200,000 is huge & I am aware it will be hugely difficult to reach but I won’t let fear hold me back. I intend to give it my all.”

June’s ambitious target of €200,000 aligns with Midwest Simon Community’s ambitious plans to establish a social grocery in Ennis. Jackie Bonfield, CEO of Midwest Simon Community, said, “We are thrilled and honoured to team up with June Curtin & Snamhí Sásta once again this year. June’s unwavering support and dedication to the Mid West Simon Commuinity for the past number of years is nothing short of incredible. Our aim this year is to combat food poverty

l FOOD POVERTY: Gearoid Quilty, The Clare Echo’s Denise Quinn and Midwest Simon Community CEO Jackie Bonfield and (below) the audience shows their support

Photos by Tom Micks

l INSPIRING: June Curtin speaks at the launch of her 63 swims challenge Photo by Tom Micks and open a social grocery in Clare.

The store proposed in Ennis will be based on a social enterprise model, giving people the chance to buy groceries at heavily discounted prices.

Just as importantly, a social grocery empowers clients, giving them the autonomy and choice that can be lacking when accessing a traditional food bank. We will also facilitate a range of skills and training courses, money management workshops, advice and information services, and cooking and food skills classes – all with the goal of giving people prospects to move themselves towards a self-sustainable future and increased financial stability”.

The Clare Echo is delighted to come on board as media partner for

this year’s event. Clare Echo Editor Stuart Holly added, “We are delighted to support June on her annual campaign to raise money for such a deserving cause. June’s perseverance sets an excellent example of what can be achieved when we come together to help others. I would encourage members of the public and businesses to row in behind June and Midwest Simon Community leading into this Christmas.”

By donating to Snámhaí Sásta, you will be making a significant contribution to this cause and helping to make a difference in your local community and the lives of those who need it most.

Please consider joining us in our efforts to raise funds for the Mid

West Simon Community Social Grocery in Clare.

You can donate by following through the QR Code or contact

Gearoid Quilty – Head of Fundraising and Communications. Email: gearoid.quilty@mwsimon.ie. Mobile: 085 801 9325

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

COPD ‘doesn’t have to be life sentence’

by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie

THE Clare COPD Support Group is “solely focused on the people of Clare,” according to group chairman James Gallagher.

As the group enters its ninth year in operation, James explained that November is COPD Awareness month. James became Chairman of the Group in 2014, a few years after being diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emerging from being an ex-smoker.

“I became chairman in 2014, and I could just see that there was a bad need for it, and basically now our group now is an independent group, we’re solely focused on the people of Clare. We’re not part of any major big charity like that, we used to be in the past but

we decided our interest is best served locally”.

“I was diagnosed with COPD in 2011, so I was a smoker but I quit smoking in 2006 and in 2011 diagnosed with emphysema and it led me on to a new direction of awareness, the condition of COPD, so that’s the background I’m coming from”.

“It’s important then that once you are diagnosed with COPD, that’s it, you have a friend for life, it stays with you so you have to be very proactive with how you deal with it. And you have to follow, good medical advice”.

The Support Group meet up every Thursday in Cois na hAbhna where they participate in an exercise class.

“That’s where we come in as a group, we offer that solace, and the exercising is key, a half-hour exercise class, that’s done with Ferns fitness, James Ferns, he’s the local phys-iotherapist, he comes and does a half-hour routine with us, and teas and coffees afterwards then”.

“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

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

Retained Fire-Fighter Panel (Part-time) Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is currently recruiting staff for inclusion on a panel for the following station: • Ennis Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Thursday 7th December 2023.

Retained Fire-Fighter Panels (Part-time) Extended Closing Date Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is currently recruiting staff for inclusion on panels for the following stations: • Shannon • Kilrush • Kilkee • Killaloe • Ennistymon Candidates must live and work within 2.4 km of the Fire Station and be available to attend drills and fire alerts.

Garda vetting will apply prior to any appointment(s) that are made.

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later then 12 noon on Friday 24th November, 2023.

School Warden, Full Time & Sporadic Cover Panels (Ennis MD) Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon Friday 8th December, 2023.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846250, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

l PROACTIVE: The Clare COPD Support Group possible life you can do and not to be stopped, from COPD in the county to link in with the because as the old saying goes, if you rest, group, “we are on Facebook, Clare COPD you’ll rust you know”.

Support Group, and feel free to drop by at Clare COPD Support Group will host an 12:30 any Thursday in Ennis”. awareness day today (Thursday, November They also host a support group on Wednes16) from 11:30-1:30. day from 11:30 in the Shannon Resource CenGallagher encourages everyone suffering tre.

Expert advises homeowners to review insurance policy following Storm Debi HOMEOWNERS have been warned to value their homes appropriately following the fourth storm of this winter, writes Stuart Holly.

Storm Debi came with a red weather

warning in County Clare earlier this week with some 3,378 premises in Clare left without power on Monday morning.

Campion Insurance Head of Claims, Stephen McKenna, told The Clare Echo

that the storm brought to light the need for homeowners to be prepared ahead of further weather incidents as the year progresses. He outlined that many homes in Clare are underinsured, which can potentially affect the amount that is paid out to a customer following storm damage.

Mr McKenna explained, “The biggest thing in physically protecting yourself is making sure everything is battened down outside. Trampolines and outside furniture can be blown around and cause damage we’ve seen people lose guttering because a trampoline has blown into the side of the house.

“From an insurance perspective, a lot of houses in Ireland are underinsured, quite significantly in some cases. Because of inflation, the cost of rebuilding houses has literally doubled in the last couple of years.

We recommend people go onto the SCSI website and they can plug in their details there and review their rebuild cost. To simplify it, if somebody insured their house for €100,000 and it should be €200,000 and they do €10,000 worth of damage, they’ll only get paid for half of that because all the claims are subject to average.”

He also warned against opting against flood damage cover in your insurance policy, noting, “I think that’s a very dangerous thing to do, the way things are going right now. We know of people in Middleton in Cork when we were dealing with Storm Babet, who could have purchased cover. It was offered to them and they decided not to take it, and they’re property was decimated as a result. Property is your biggest asset.”

The Claims Manager with Campion Insurance - which recently acquired Munstergroup in Ennis - added that they are there to assist people with their claims. Stephen notes:“Part of our job is to make sure the claims are reporter accurately to the insurance companies, advise the clients whether they can avail of a public loss assessor.

We will assist the client in putting together a claim, advise them on what they need to produce, and we would look at invoices that would have been paid for, works carried out, replacing windows or whatever that happens to be, and getting those to the insurance company under the policy and ensuring the policy responds the way that it should.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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News

Turn Black Friday green with Flynn Hotels

IT’S the season to support local, stay sustainable, and take advantage of savings when it comes to your next getaway break!

The Flynn Hotel Collection of award winning, independent, family-owned hotels has announced their 2023 Green Friday Sale, which runs until Cyber Monday 27h November!

Green Friday at the Flynn Hotel Collection means exceptional value with savings of 20% on bed and breakfast rates in their landmark properties in Kilkenny, Dungarvan and Ennis, in addition to the sale discount, savvy guests booking this sale period will be further rewarded with gifted extras on arrival in the form of local green experiences. These welcome gifts have been thoughtfully selected by each individual hotel property to showcase

lThe Old Ground Hotel

their local suppliers and producers as an effort to truly embrace the Green Friday ethos, which encourages people to shop sustainably and think local first. With your 20% saving you could be staying at any of the 4-star Flynn Hotel Properties which includes: The Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny, The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co. Clare and The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Break away to the Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny, this 4-star destination hotel is just 10 minutes’ walk from the vibrant mediaeval city of Kilkenny and has a stellar reputation for superb hospitality and on-site amenities. Here guests will be treated to a complimentary High Bank Farm Organic Apple Gin that is 100% apple and 100% organic as their Green Friday treat! Newpark boasts 25 acres

of parkland with a nature walk, wildlife farm & fairy trail, adventure playground and ‘Jurassic Newpark’ dinosaur attraction and newly added features such as the Dino Den theatre and ‘Jurassic Bounce’ covered inflatable adventure park all making it ideal for families!

Or enjoy a chilled getaway on the adult only floor, with hot tubs and a private breakfast terrace!! Their on-site leisure centre, outdoor infinity pool and relaxing spa mean you don’t need to leave the hotel unless you really want to! Snapping up a 20% discount on a stay at Newpark is a great incentive to explore the historic and cultural attractions, shop or socialise in the Marble city.

Meanwhile at Ennis’s restored 18th century manor house hotel, The Old Ground, is offering guests a JJ Correy whiskey paired with Tuamgraney chocolates. JJ Correy Whiskey is sourced from the McGuane family farm in County Clare where they have resurrected the lost art of whiskey bonding, while Tuamgraney chocolates are passionately crafted by chocolatiers on the banks of Lough Derg.

The Old Ground is the highest rated hotel in Ennis offering guests a luxury stay, unrivalled culinary experiences and a true Irish welcome, all in a central location in the town. With an unrivalled collection of art and sculpture and period charm throughout, this is definitely a hotel for those who love a culture rich and authentic stay. Superbly positioned on the doorstep of The Burren, Bunratty, Cliffs of Moher and many more Wild Atlantic Way highlights the Old Ground is one of the best places from which to experience the natural wonders of County Clare.

Having achieved 4-star status earlier this year and winning awards such as ‘Best Family Hotel’ and ‘Best Local Hotel’ at recent industry awards The Park Hotel in the harbour town

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of Dungarvan, Co. Waterford is a bucket list stay for anyone wishing to explore the South East and Copper Coast. The Park Hotel is set to welcome guests with a sweet treat of Lismore chocolate and two craft beers from the renowned Dungarvan brewing company, an ideal way to refresh after a trek on the nearby Dungarvan to Waterford greenway. Dungarvan is an ideal staging point for coastal drives, scenic beaches, historic points of interest and sporting endeavours such as cycling, golf, fishing, and angling, not to mention shopping and dining in Dungarvan itself!

Breaks booked during the Green Friday sale period (13-27 November) can be taken from 14th November until 14th March inclusive so it’s a great opportunity to book a Winter, Christmas, New Year or Spring break. So, whether you’re looking for a city break, a family getaway, a spa break, self-catering, or an escape to the Wild West, there’s something for everyone at the Flynn Hotel Collection Green Friday Sale.

Commenting on the sale, one of the owners of the Flynn Hotel Collection Allen Flynn said “Sustainable hospitality is at the heart of everything we do, and we pride ourselves on offering a great experience, creative local food and thoughtful surprises for guests. We are 100% Irish with a genuine and passionate commitment for outstanding employee care, sustainable growth, and protection for the local environment and community.”

Terms and Conditions: Selected dates, subject to availability. No date changes once the sale is over. Bookable from Monday 13th – Monday 27th November. Availability from 14th November until 14th March inclusive.

Each hotel offers its own unique local green experience.

To book see flynnhotels.com.

WE’RE TURNING

B L A C K F R I D AY GREEN #BecauseWeCare #LoveLocal

20% B&B DISCOUNT & LOCAL GREEN EXPERIENCE

BOOK YOUR BREAK NOW OLD GROUND HOTEL, STATION RD, CLONROAD BEG, ENNIS,CO. CLARE | T: 065 682 8127 | E: SALES@OLDGROUNDHOTEL.IE | WWW.OLDGROUNDHOTELENNIS.COM

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Black Friday

7 reasons to shop locally

W

HY should you shop locally? There are a lot of reasons why you should pay a visit to your local shops in towns and villages across Clare instead of shopping online.

Here The Clare Echo explores what’s to be gained by turning on the car for a short spin instead of booting up the computer.

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Think about the bigger picture. By shopping locally, you are supporting local businesses. Local businesses especially ones in more rural towns are the lifeblood of the community and by supporting them, you are supporting the vibrancy of your locality, increasing the possibility of local jobs and in turn, services.

2

It makes sense. If you are buying clothes you can try them on to see if they are the right size and if they look good on you.

If you are buying online you can’t try it on and if it doesn’t fit you, you have to send it back and it could take weeks depending where it is going to and coming from. There is also the element of reliability when you buy from a trusted local source.

3

Black Friday deals. Black Friday is a big day for both local shops and online shops. Both often have equal deals, but you get the product you buy instantly if you buy locally. In some cas-

es, you can get way better deals locally and you can also get 2 for 1 deals locally but very rarely online.

4 5 6

Customer service. Customer service is always better locally as you are talking to a person face to face instead of typing to someone half way across the world - you might even be talking to an automated answer machine.

A huge part of your community is local businesses. They donate to local projects such as building a new part of the local primary school or funding a playground to be built. They also sponsor local sports teams and school teams and clubs.

When you purchase locally you support the Irish economy by keeping the money in the country rather than giving it to an international business.

Also, if it is a community owned business and not a nationally owned business like a franchise you are keeping the money in the community which is even better.

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Local shops, especially health food shops and craft shops, often stock items that are made locally and you cannot buy anywhere else especially online. You might also get a better deal in a local shop and the owner or the person might give you advice on the product you are buying, or you are going to buy.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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BLACK FRIDAY

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

‘Clare Farmers Weaving Stories Together’

Booklet launch and Health & Wellbeing Expo ‘Clare Farmers Weaving Stories Together’ expo at glór Over 100 people from all over Clare gathered at glór in Ennis for the launch of the Clare Farmers Weaving Stories Together Booklet and as a free Health and Wellbeing Expo for the local farming community.

Traditional farming practices, the importance of the family farm, social isolation, and the advent of online marts are amongst the themes that have emerged in the ‘Clare Farmers Weaving Stories Together’ initiative.

The event was organised and supported by Clare County Council’s

Healthy Clare, Age Friendly Clare and Creative Clare programmes in partnership with Cuimhneamh an Chláir / Clare Memories, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) Clare and the HSE’s Mid-West ‘Connecting for Life’. Guest speakers on the day included Finola Colgan from Mental Health Ireland’s Farming Resilience Project, while more than 30 community, charity and State organisations hosted health and wellbeing information stands at the venue.

Visit yoursay.clarecoco.ie for more

Launching the Clare Farmers Weaving Stories Together Booklet at glór; front left to right Jim Finn (Presenter, Clare FM’s Farm Show) and Nina Blodeau (Graphic Harvester); back left to right Finola Colgan (Mental Health Ireland’s Farming Resilience Project); Ester Blodeau (Graphic Harvester), Cllr. Joe Cooney (Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council), Paula Carroll (Cuimhneamh an Chláir), Bernadette Haugh (Senior Executive Officer, Rural Development Directorate of Clare County Council), Caroline Lynch (IFA Farm Families) and Dena McGrath (Healthy Clare Co-Ordinator) All pics by Paul Corey

Jim Finn, presenter of Clare FM and Tipp FM’s Farm Focus Show, who launched the ‘Clare Farmers Weaving Stories Together’ booklet

Members of the Clare Division of An Garda Siochana pictured at the free Health and Wellbeing Expo for the local farming community

Therese Griffin of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board

Lottie Kenny and Dan O’Connor of Clare Suicide Bereavement Support pictured in glór

Brendan Boyce (second from left) of the Rural and Community Development Directorate of Clare County Council pictured with Paddy, Brendan, Jimmy, Mike, Caroline and Kay of the Sixmilebridge Weaving Stories Together team

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Ennis

Notes

CLARE ROOTS SOCIETY THE last meeting for 2023 of the Clare Roots Society takes place on Thursday, November 16th at 7.30pm in the Clare Education Centre, Ennis. The talk is by Bríd O’Sullivan and is entitled: ‘And all I done drawing guns into Kilrush…’. Email events@ clarememories.ie to book a place.

QUIN TIDY TOWNS THE next two Saturdays will see further bulb planting and if anyone would like to help, please come along to the Community Centre at 10.30am.

Please bring a small shovel or trowel with you.

December 3rd will see the gala opening of the Fountain Area as well as our annual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. More details to follow nearer the date.

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE THE annual ecumenical service of remembrance takes place in Ennis this Sunday November 19th at 12pm. This unique event is held annually in Clare to remember all those from the county involved in WW1, WW2 and all international conflicts.

The service to commemorate over 600 young Clare men and women who lost their lives in the Great War 1914 to 1918 and 62 lost in WW2 takes place at the Clare World War Memorials opposite Glór Theatre at Causeway Link Ennis. Everyone is invited to bring flowers, wreaths and crosses to place at the memorial during the service.

Gihans at Ennis Golf Club

ENJOY a delicious four-course meal with colleagues, family & friends this festive season. Twocourse menu option available.

A complimentary bottle of red & white wine is included for groups of over 10 people.

For more information contact the restaurant today on 065-6824074. Visit www.ennisgolfclub.ie to view our full menu. We look forward to welcoming you all!

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis Lions Club raise €30,000 for local charities ENNIS Lions Club pulled off a mega fundraiser recently to sup- Clare businesses is so heart-warming, they know the work we port local charities, primarily Clare Haven Services and Bushy- do in the community and they consist-ently support us in that park Addiction Treatment Centre, writes Elaine Tubridy. service. We extend a deeply felt gratitude to them”.

Partnered by Clare FM, the Lions accrued over 200 items to To contact Ennis Lions Club email info@ennislionsclub.ie auction online over a 10 day period culminating in a live on-air event on October 20th on Morning Focus. Taking up residence in No Forty One Bar & Restaurant on that morning Alan Morrissey of Morning Focus skilfully moved between interviews and auction bids as the excitement mounted for the final countdown.

Amongst those was an interview interview with businesswoman and broadcaster Norah Casey who gave a very personal and emotional testimony to the experience of domestic abuse.Other interviews included Dr Siobhán O'Connor, Manager of Services at Clare Haven, and Mags Nash, Manager of Bushypark, prompting a robust response from listeners and bidding on the final items surged towards the end of the auction with up to 10 bids on individual items.

Clare based businesses, artists and professionals were extremely generous again this year donat-ing items ranging in value from €20 right up to €2500 to raise funds for the Lions charities. Over €23,000 was raised on the day but further donations through iDonate, cash and Jersey Day has brought the total Soroptomists Ennis speak out funds raised to over €30,000. Project Leader Soroptomists Ennis recently held the local heat of their annual Girls Public David Goodstein thanked people who made Speaking Competition in the Old Ground Hotel. Pictured Back row from L to R, purchases over the 10 days online and hoped Dr Gwen Murray Flynn President SI Ennis, Neila Ryan, Lauren Meaney, Sofiia they all enjoyed the fun of the bidding process Kiselyova, Niamh Queally, Lauren McCarthy, Helen Hanrahan Competition and caught a bargain while they were at it.

Convenor SI Ennis, Front row Isabel Gurure, Lily Mae Hawton, Eabha Speaking after the auction Lions President Ashmore. Isabel Gurure and Lauren McCarthy from Colaiste Muire, Ennis will go through to the Regional final in Ballina.

Michael Sheedy declared “The generosity of

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Ennis Book Club Festival announce short story comp

E

NNIS Book Club Festival have launched a new short story competition, with the winner to be revealed at Festival 2024, writes Elaine Tubridy.

The 18th annual festival which will bring a host of international and Irish authors to Ennis to promote and celebrate the joy of reading will be held from March 1st to 3rd 2024.

Each year EBCF runs a popular debut authors event and Martina Durac, the Artistic Director, notes that in launching this new initiative the festival aims to support and encourage the development of new writing. This is

an exciting development and we look forward to receiving entries from writers who have not yet published a full collection of work. The story competition adds a new dimension to the festival and the winner will have an opportunity to read their story at an event during the festival weekend.

The competition will be judged by writers Aingeala Flannery and Neil Hegarty and the winner will receive €750. There will be two runners up with prizes of €500 and €250. Interested writers should visit www.ennisbookclubfestival.com for further information and the entry deadline is December 5th 2023.

Ennis

NOTICE OF THE PREPARATION OF THE DRAFT LOCAL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY PLAN (LECP) Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Act 2001 (Section 66) as amended by the Local Government Reform Act 2014, (Section 44) that Clare Local Community Development Committee has prepared a Draft Local Economic and Community Plan for the functional area of Clare County Council.

The Draft LECP is accompanied by an Environmental Report, prepared in accordance with the European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and Programmes) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 435 of 2004 as amended by S.I. 200 of 2011 and S.I 201 of 2011) for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Appropriate Assessment (AA) Natura Impact Report, pursuant to Article 6 of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC. Public Consultation A copy of the Draft Clare Local Economic and Community Plan with associated Environmental Report and Natura Impact Report will be available to view online on Clare County Council’s website at https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/LECP from 13th November 2023 and may also be inspected during normal opening hours at the following locations: Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis.

Shannon Municipal District Office, Town Hall, Shannon.

West Clare Municipal District Office, Town Hall, The Square, Kilrush.

Ennistymon Area Office, Ennis Road, Ennistymon.

Killaloe Municipal District Office, Mountshannon Road, Scarriff and Public libraries in Ennis, Kilrush, Ennistymon, Shannon and Killaloe during opening hours Submission/Observations Clare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and Clare County Council hereby invite any interested parties to make submissions OR observations with regard to the Draft Local Economic and Community Plan. Submissions/observations may be made during the period from 13 November - 2 December 2023 inclusive. Submissions received will be taken into consideration before the making of the Clare Local Economic and Community Plan.

lTALES: The entry deadline is December 5, 2023 Photo by Arthur Ellis

Ennis Street Fashion Show – December 2nd

In respect of making a submission or observation please note the following: ·Please make your submission by one medium only i.e., via on-line form, email or by post.

Clare County Council and Clare LCDC are subject to the provisions of the Data Protection Act (as amended) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In order to assist us in complying with Data Protection and GDPR please include your name and where relevant, details of any organisation, community group or company etc., which you represent, on a separate sheet to the content of your submission/observation. This processing of your personal data is lawful under Article 6 (1)(e) of the GDPR regulations. The Council’s Data Protection Policy is available on the Council website and a Data Protection Privacy Notice for the Draft Local Economic and Community Plan Public Consultation can be viewed on https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/LECP Children, or groups or associations representing the interests of children, are particularly encouraged to make submissions or observations regarding the foregoing.

Please ensure that no vexatious, libellous or confidential information, including confidential information relating to a third party (in respect of which the third party has not, expressly, or impliedly in the circumstances, consented to its disclosure) is included. Clare LCDC and Clare County Council reserves the right to redact any submission or part thereof that does not comply with this requirement.

A submission/observation can be submitted by one of the following methods: Online: Online via https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/LECP In writing to: Draft Clare Local Economic and Community Plan 2023-2029, Rural and Community Development Department, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2 By email to: lecp23@clarecoco.ie. Subject headline should read “Submission to Draft Clare Local Economic and Community Plan”.

The deadline for receipt of submissions is 22rd December 2023. Please note late submissions will not be considered.

If you have any queries or require more detail, please contact the Rural and Community Development Department by email at: lecp23@clarecoco.ie or by phone at 065-6866498.

Ennis Municipal District, the Holman Lee Agency and Ennis Chamber launch the Ennis Street Fashion Show which will be held at O’Connell Square and O’Connell Street, Ennis on Saturday December 2nd

Jason Murphy Director of Service Rural and Community Development 10th November 2023

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Denise wins Beagh Hurling Club lotto jackpot

Congratulations to Denise Keane on winning Beagh Hurling Club Lotto Jackpot of €19,800. Pictured are Michael Earley, Michael Mahon, Denise Keane, Neil McGuane, Frank Falloon, Vivian Diviney and Cathy Murray. Well done Cathy and Keith of Whelan’s Bar Shanaglish, sellers of the winning Lotto ticket.

KAVA to showcase ‘remarkable’ artwork

KINVARA Area Visual Arts will host the grand opening of their much-anticipated Members’ Exhibition, ‘I Love Art’ this weekend, writes Elaine Tubridy.

This exciting event will showcase new and remarkable works of art created by the talented members of KAVA. The exhibition promises to be a celebration of local and regional art, drawing atten-tion not

only within our community but also on a nationwide scale.

“The “I Love Art” exhibition is a testament to the vibrant and diverse artistic talent and we believe it will serve as an excellent platform to appreciate the creativity and innovation that our members bring to the forefront of the art scene. You will not only have an opportunity to witness an array of captivating artworks but also a chance to en-

gage with fellow art enthusi-asts and our talented artists.

“We sincerely hope you can join us for this special occasion and contribute to the success of “I Love Art.” Your presence will undoubtedly enhance the celebratory spirit of the event,” said a KAVA spokesperson.

The launch will take place on Friday, 17th of November 2023 at 7 pm at The Courthouse, Kinvara, Co. Galway.

Fines ‘will have little effect’ Team Ireland scoop #EuroSkills2023 medals Team Ireland were awarded two Medallions of Excellence at the #EuroSkills2023 Closing Ceremony in Gdansk, Poland. James Tester picked up the first Medallion in Cabinetmaking and Evin Coughlan scooped the second Medallion in CAD. Evin was also awarded the Best Of Nations Medal for Ireland. Team Ireland were represented by: Willow Swire from Labasheeda - Craft Butchery; James Tester - Cabinetmaking; Adam Long - Digital Construction BIM and Evin Coughlan from Gort - Mechanical Engineering CAD

THE Government announcement to increase fines for breaches in laws for dog owners will have little or no effects, Independent TD Sean Canney has claimed, writes Elaine Tubridy.

According to the Galway East representative, Ireland does not have the necessary number of dog wardens to enforce the law.

“Over 400 people were hospitalised last year after being attacked by a dog whilst the number of prosecutions are in single figures. I understand that we have 20 dog wardens in place in the coun-

try where there is a dog population in excess of 500,000. This is an insult to the law-abiding citizens and leaves the public in danger of further incidents and risk of permanent injury or death.

“The number of dog wardens need to be increased tenfold across every Local Authority area with immediate effect if we are serious about tackling the problem. Enforcement and prevention are key to protect people from being attacked by dogs.

Laws and fines will remain useless if sufficient resources are not put in place,” Canney stated.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Shannon

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Shannon Airport Group to support 20,300 jobs and contribute €4bn

O

VER 20,300 jobs across the Irish workforce are supported by the Shannon Airport Group which contributes €3.96bn to Ireland’s GDP and €643m in tax revenues, a new report has found, writes Páraic McMahon.

An economic impact report published on Friday by economic advisory firm Oxford Economics has detailed that an updated national aviation policy published can ensure further growth continues in Shannon.

To maximise the contribution that the Shannon Airport Group makes to the Mid-West and Irish economies, the report makes a series of recommendations including, Government should update the Irish Aviation Policy published in 2015 to help it achieve the long-term growth targets set out in Project Ireland 2040. Government should review its decision to exclude regional airports above one million passengers from state aid within the Regional Airports Programme. Government and tourism boards

should further promote Shannon Airport as the gateway to the Wild Atlantic Way. Ease of travel, both through the Airport and onward to other destinations is a clear aspect that differentiates Shannon’s offer to prospective visitors from that of Dublin, which is more prone to congestion.

Findings also show that Shannon Airport is an enabler of trade through the facilitation of imports and exports. In addition, Shannon Airport-facilitated tourism is a major contributor to Irish GDP. Of the jobs supported from the activities of the Shannon Airport Group, 11,300 are linked directly to the activities of the Airport and the businesses located across the Group’s business parks. 4,560 are linked to the activity and employment supported along the supply chain, as a result of the procurement of goods and services by firms across the Group.

4,480 are arising from induced impact, comprising the wider economic benefits that arise when workers across the Group and the associated supply chains spend their earnings.

lREPORT: Mary Considine, Neil McCullough and Jack Chambers Photo by Arthur Ellis

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Shop local Ennistymon

Shop local in Ennistymon

Embrace spirit of the season: shop local in Ennistymon this Christmas A “THRIVING Ennistymon benefits the economy of the surrounding hinterland”.

That’s the view of Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, who made the statement to coincide with the completion of the €625,000 investment in Ennistymon as part of the Destination Towns Scheme, which is designed to encourage visitors to stay longer in the historic market town.

With the festive season approaching, local people are also being encouraged to shop local this Christmas.

SUPPORT LOCAL Every €10 spent locally on Irish products generates more than €40 of benefit to the local community in terms of employment, according to a recent ISME Shop Local Report.

Ennistymon is a town bursting with community spirit, and shopping locally will help safeguard the future of the town.

With wonderful local businesses, artisan creators and more, there’s no shortage of ways to support the

lcoal economy. This day next week, a Winter Tasting Party at The Aloe Tree will see local suppliers assemble at the Health Food Store at 6pm.

There will be prizes and giveaways, hot winter drinks and a ‘surprise launch’ as the Aloe Tree celebrates entering their 10th year.

There are of course, many local businesses to pick up a Christmas gift, such as Rowena Sheen Jewellery, Airmid Natural Soap, Ruth Vaughan Photography, and Banner Books, to name just a few.

EAT & DRINK Ennistymon has famously become a hot spot for food and drink.

Its pub scene is as lively as ever which Murts Bar is at the beating heart of. With card games every Thursday night at 8.30pm welcoming all, Murts Bar is encouraging locals to visit for all their festive get-togethers and family events.

Murts will host a Christmas Trad session on Saturday, December 16.

Named as ‘a foodie’s heaven’ by Image magazine, Ennistymon continues to punch above its weight

The Ennistymon Destination Towns Scheme was completed last month Photo by Eamon Ward

when it comes to the culinary scene. The Market House, Byrnes Restaurant, the Cheese Press, Oh La La and Pot Duggans have, among others, helped to carve out Ennistymon’s name as a culinary retreat.

STAY Moreover, Ennistymon is a gateway to Lahinch, the stunning Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, adding an adventurous touch to its allure.

This proximity to natural wonders, combined with a deep-rooted sense of community, makes Ennistymon not just a town but a destination that captures the essence of Ireland’s spirit and leaves an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience its greatness. Of course the Falls Hotel is central to Ennisty-

mon’s success as a vibrant town in North Clare. Nestled on the cascades, it is central to almost every function happening in the town and beyond.

INTO THE FUTURE A key element of the Destination Towns project has been the emphasis placed on increasing dwell time in the town and reducing vehicle dominance through the introduction of gathering areas for social interaction and additional accessible street furniture, pedestrian crossings, bicycle racks, street tree planting, and accessibility improvements throughout the town. The widening of existing footpaths has also resulted in new public spaces being created to encourage outdoor activities, street cafés and additional opportunities for markets and fairs.

Other completed works include

the installation of high-quality street lighting on Church Hill, Parliament Street and the Square.

Cllr Joe Cooney, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, hailed the Destination Towns initiative as a ‘transformational project’ for Ennistymon.

“The completion of these works strengthens the town’s status as a vibrant commercial and tourist centre,” stated Cllr Cooney. “A thriving Ennistymon benefits the economy of the surrounding hinterland and I am delighted that Clare County Council, with the invaluable support and expertise of Fáilte Ireland, has delivered a scheme that everyone in the town and the county should be rightly proud of.”

Miriam Kennedy, Head of Wild Atlantic Way for Fáilte Ireland, said, “Fáilte Ireland is committed to and focused on the sustainable development of tourism across Ireland which is an important economic driver and source of employment.

“We look for every opportunity to expand the number of appealing destinations that offer compelling visitor experiences with the potential to drive visitors across the regions. Fáilte Ireland’s work in partnership with Clare County Council through our Destination Towns scheme has made a definite impact on the appeal of Ennistymon as a tourist destination.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

Shop local Ennistymon

25

Shop local in Ennistymon Ennistymon artist Vincent Wall illustrates it’s never too late to learn

A

S THE writer C.S. Lewis once said “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” This certainly rings true for 90 year old Ennistymon resident Vincent Wall who was recently conferred with a QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Art from Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board recently.

According to Vincent he was always interested in art and loved drawing as a young boy growing up in West Clare. Later on in life, he explored art again during his time in London with a course in interior design. However, Vincent never got to finish the course as life working as a busy salesman between Dublin and London took over. Vincent met his wife, they fell in love and became parents to five children, spending time between London and Dublin before returning to his beloved hometown of Ennistymon Co. Clare where he lives now.

Vincent passed on his love for the West of Ireland when he moved his family back to the creative hub that is Ennistymon. He also passed on his artistic side, with all his children embracing their creativity, including his son Vinnie who is also a talented visual artist and printmaker in Ennistymon. His other sons Steve and Joe Wall are well known musicians with much loved Irish rock bands The Stunning and The Walls and his daughters

side of life at the campus and meeting new people along the way, as well as exploring my love of art” he said.

According to Maeve, as part of one of his college research projects Vincent chose to explore Ennistymon in more depth in his art and this has proved popular with locals and tourists alike, with local shops and bookstores in Ennistymon selling prints and postcards of his artwork.

Maeve was at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa in Limerick recently to celebrate Vincent’s conferring and she couldn’t be prouder of him “It just goes to show what you can achieve” she said. “We have art learners from both Level 5 and 6 receiving their certificates today and the ages of those graduating range from 16 to 90 which proves you can explore your talent at any age”.

Anna and Helen have also proudly embraced their creative sides over the years.

Vincent never forgot his early passion for painting and when he met artist Maeve Collins who is course leader at Limerick and

Clare ETB’s College of FET, Ennistymon Campus she encouraged him to re-visit that creative side.

Vincent decided to do the course and has never looked back “I really enjoyed the social

PICTURED: Vincent Wall and (inset) his ‘Main street, Ennistymon’ Pencil and charcoal, 2023 which featured in the students group exhibition called, ‘le Cheile’ at The Courthouse Gallery and Studios, Ennistymon, April 2023 Photo by Brian Arthur

26

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE

GREEN CLARE

New series of ‘Winter Wildlife’ talks

THE public have been invited to learn about Clare’s fascinating and varied wildlife through a new series of lectures, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer in conjunction with Clare Libraries will be hosting five ‘Winter Wildlife Talks’ during November and December at libraries in Ennis, Shannon and Kilrush. Children, adults and community groups can learn about biodiversity projects that are taking place in County Clare. The events will see three expert speakers tailor separate talks to both children and adults (including community groups).

On Tuesday, 21st November, John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland, will talk about the ecology of barn owls at Kilrush Public Library. John has worked closely with Clare County Council in the delivery of the Council’s biodiversity projects, including the Clare Barn Owl Nest Box Scheme, and will provide updates on the results of the nest box scheme. The children’s talk will start at 5:00pm and finish at 6:00pm with a one-hour talk for adults starting at 6:45pm.

John Lusby commented, “The call of the barn owl is now heard once again in parts of the county where it has been absent for far too long.”

On Thursday, 23rd November, Dr Kate McAney, Ireland Mammal Programme Manager of the Vincent Wildlife Trust, will speak about bats at De Valera Public Library in Ennis, in particular the lesser horseshoe bat, an Annex II listed species of the EU Habitats Directive whose distribution is confined to just six counties in Ireland. The Vincent Wildlife Trust is working closely on a lesser horseshoe bat project with Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer. Dr McAney will give a talk for children from 5:00pm to 6:00pm and a talk for adults from 6:45pm to 7:45pm.

Dr McAney commented, “The lesser horseshoe bat in Ireland occurs in only six western counties and Clare is a central and important location for the species. Vincent Wildlife Trust is involved in the practical work of protecting and providing roosts for the lesser horseshoe bat and conducts desktop modelling studies to indicate the wildlife corridors needed by the species so it can fly safely within the landscape. ”

l On Tuesday, 21st November, John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer with BirdWatch Ireland, will give a talk about the ecology of barn owls at Kilrush Public Library

Photo by Mike Brown

Tuesday, 21st November, 2023 – Kilrush Public Library • Speaker: John Lusby, Raptor Conservation Officer, BirdWatch Ireland • 17:00-18:00 Barn Owls of County Clare (Children’s Talk) • 18:45-19:45 Clare Barn Owl Survey and Project Updates (Talk for Adults) Thursday, 23rd November, 2023 – De Valera Public Library, Ennis • Speaker: Dr Kate McAney, Ireland Mammal Programme Manager, Vincent Wildlife Trust • 17:00-18:00 Bat Talk (Children’s Talk) • 18:45-19:45 The Ecology of Bats and Project Updates (Talk for Adults) Tuesday, 5th December, 2023 – Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon • Speaker: Barry O’Loughlin, Biodiversity Officer, Clare County Council • 18:45-19:45 Peatland Restoration and County Wetland Inventory Surveys (Talk for Adults).

On Tuesday, 5th December, Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer Barry O’Loughlin will give a talk on wetlands and peatland restoration at Sean Lemass Public Library in Shannon. As part of his remit, Barry is overseeing wetland inventory surveys for Clare and has previously worked on restoration of raised bogs, rewetting largescale industrial cutaway bogs in the midlands region of Ireland and linking community groups to wetlands. Barry’s one-hour talk is targeted at adults and community groups and will start at 6:45pm.

Barry O’Loughlin explained, “My role in the Council will involve preparing the next Clare Biodiversity Action Plan 2024-2030.

Wetlands and peatlands will be an import-

ant aspect of the next plan and my talk will cover biodiversity actions carried out to map, restore and conserve peatlands and wetlands in the county. Collaboration with local community groups, landowners and farmers is important to their protection and enhancement.”

Barry is encouraging members of the public to come along to the Winter Wildlife Talks, saying, “The talks will benefit anybody with an interest in wildlife and there will be practical recommendations that individuals and community groups can use to enhance wildlife in their local area. This is a unique opportunity to hear from expert speakers about ways we can support and protect our local wildlife.”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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GREEN CLARE

27

Govt stance on electric buses ‘surprising’

A CLARE TD has voiced his surprise at a response received by the Taoiseach that electric buses will lead to tourism becoming more sustainable rather than creating a more equal divide of flights across the country’s airports, writes Páraic McMahon.

Speaking during Leader’s Questions in Dáil Éireann, Michael McNamara TD (IND) stated, “Increasingly, and for a long period of time, we have had a concentration of all tourists coming into Dublin and being bused for a day to the Cliffs of Moher and back again. Is there any examination of how sustainable that is? Is there any examination of whether there is a very wealthy or not-so-wealthy cohort of people who wish to see, travel to and stay in the west of Ireland, so they are not coming into an overcrowded airport through an overcrowded city to be driven across the country and back again?”.

Talk of sustainability and sustainable tourism “is nonsense” in the absence of a tourism strategy, he

maintained. Refugees and persons seeking asylum account for 40 to 50 percent of the hotel beds in Co Clare, the Scariff native claimed. “I am not saying they do not need a bed - they clearly do - but, arguably, if they are to integrate into our economy, they need a bed where they can get a job. There are not a load of jobs in Lisdoonvarna, unfortunately.

There are lots of them in Dublin”. He questioned what was the Government’s long-term plan around tourism and its sustainability.

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (inset) confirmed that a new national tourism policy is to be published by the Tourism Minister, Catherine Martin (GP) in early 2024. With the climate crisis, attention must be paid to the impact of international and internal travel, the Taoiseach said.

“We have always taken into account both the numbers visiting and also the revenue brought in but people are welcome no matter where they are coming from or how long they stay. On sustainability, we believe busing will become

sustainable most quickly. Electric and hydrogen buses already exist.

They are already being used and manufactured on the island. I anticipate that in the next 10 years, we will see bus transfer becoming very environmentally sustainable. When it comes to aviation, the focus has to be on sustainable aviation fuels.

It is early days yet. We want Ireland to be a leader on that. Ireland will always need aviation. It is an island, after all. The focus that we want is a move to sustainable and synthetic aviation fuels so that we can make that sustainable into the future”.

In response, Deputy McNamara admitted that he found the Taoiseach’s answer “somewhat surprising”. He stated, “On the one hand, he says we need to curb international travel and take account of sustainability while, on the other, he wants to lift capacity limits at Dublin Airport. Nowhere has he discussed exploiting capacity at other airports so that people are flown directly into a region that they might stay in, when, one hopes, there is a greater

balance in how people are accommodated. These people need accommodation but the State has to match that with what it provides. Instead, the Taoiseach says that this practice is going to be sustainable.

We are going to have electric buses bringing them from Dublin Airport down to the west so that they can see Kylemore Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher or whatever it is and back again. Suddenly, that is sustainability”.

No curb on international travel was called for, the Taoiseach clarified.

“The Government also has a policy of favouring the regional airports such as Cork, Shannon and Ireland West airports and others. When it comes to

Dublin, as the Deputy knows, we take money off Dublin Airport in the form of dividends and other charges.

“When it comes to the other airports, we provide funding.”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy McNamara felt the idea of electric buses being the solution was bizarre. “He seemed to suggest that electric buses are somehow going to be the model for more sustainable tourism. Surely what we need to do is bring a greater proportion of people in Ireland in via our regional airports and particularly into Shannon instead of having tourists come to Dublin and bring them to Shannon.

We need them to stay on the west coast of Ireland, clock up less miles so that they have more time enjoying themselves and not driving around”.

28

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

Support journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe

Thought for the week: Road accident victims

l Remembering loved ones this November

RONAN SCULLY

T

HE World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is on this coming Sunday the 19th November 2023.

This day focuses on both the overall scale and the individual devastation caused by road deaths and injuries and the impact upon families and communities around the world. Almost 4,000 people are killed and many hundreds of thousands injured on roads throughout the world every day.

Many more have to cope with bereavement or the effects of injury and thus become part of the huge group of people affected by road carnage. Close on 25,000 people have died on Irish roads since records began, in 1959. My niece, Aoife Doyle, was one of them.

Every road death, however caused, leaves a family bereaved forever. Many others remain deeply affected by the loss of a friend, colleague, neighbour or member of the community.

The effect on the emergency services, who are faced with horrific scenes every day of their working lives is also profound. Road traffic injuries leave behind shattered families and communities.

REMEMBERING As we move through November, the month when we pray to and for our loved ones and remember the names of all our loved ones who have passed over into eternity, especially this coming Sunday of people who have died tragically on our roads, let us be mindful of them again and be grateful.

In a time of loss if you can’t muster up words for your prayer then let your tears be your prayer.

I remember so vividly even now as I walked just over three years ago along the streets of the famous little town where I hailed from, at the funeral of my beautiful niece Aoife, I remember feeling the cold shivering breeze of the Coronavirus everywhere also.

I prayed and reflected as I walked, and thought that this time must be one of the darkest and cruelest, and while I have dealt personally with many dark times on my journey through life, at that moment with the loss of Aoife through the reckless traumatic death caused so tragically by an aimless distracted driver on our roads, the tendency to fear and lose faith over how much is wrong, evil or unmended in this our world and indeed in

this life made me think “how did I end up here”?

Just over 18 years ago Aoife you came into our lives, an angel to us all from that special day. I was living here in Ireland at the time, and had vague and romantic designs on being a dad myself, even though I had no actual relevant experience, and knew absolutely nothing about parenting.

The next best thing was to be blessed with a beautiful niece such as you Aoife, and you became an angel to everyone in our family and now always will be.

What followed was years of friendship spanning thousands of miles as you travelled abroad with your wonderful parents. What a brilliant relationship you had with your grandparents, aunts, uncles, and especially your cousins. We treasure the photos of the 5 cousins meeting up over the years on various holidays and family get-togethers.

The esteem in which you were held by your teachers and school friends was evident in their story telling of the antics both at school and outside of school. Your sense of humour and wit shined through your often quiet demeanour and gave us all a good laugh. Your life journey Aoife was short, but for one so young a lot got packed into those 14 years and without you those number of years would have been very different.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, always remember that life’s road is sometimes extremely tough, because the time we have with our loved ones is just simply not long enough, especially when they are taken away tragically in someway or other and especially if they have been taken away from us by been killed on our roads.

I will finish this thought

for the week by thanking everyone who helped our family, especially Aoife’s parents and grandparents in any way over the last few years. We would have been further lost without your love and care. Aoife, like everyone who has died on our roads over the years, had many plans for a life of her own but was deprived of the chance to implement them by a careless, heedless driver texting on his mobile phone.

So many questions unasked, so many experiences unshared. There are no words to describe the impact of the sudden cutting-off of a daughter’s, a grand daughter’s or a niece’s unconditional and lasting love and support.

One of my favourite poems is TS Eliot’s “The Love Song of J Alfred Prufrock.”

It is preoccupied with time and ageing but I have learned over the years that it takes time to properly appreciate how finite and precious time really is.

‘There will be time,’ Eliot wrote. But alas not enough time for my beautiful young niece Aoife, whose time was ended needlessly on a rural country road.

There will never be time to fill the void that has left in our lives. Ní neart go cur le chéile – together we are indeed strong and we still need to believe every day that we can make a difference.

We owe it to those loved ones lost to us and to those seriously injured in road crashes and will always remember them and keep them as our core inspiration for the continuing fight to bring about more real change for greater safety on our roads. World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims is on Sunday November 19th.

Please remember them and all our loved ones and everyone who has paved the way for us. Amen.

Venison Wellington This weeks recipe is brought to you by the Award Winning

085 8613103 Doolin, Co. Clare V95 KH30

A taste of Clare cuisine

WITH Christmas coming up fast we are going to start laying on some recipes that are perfect for over the festive period, we will be letting you into tricks and hacks to help you spend less time in the kitchen and more with your friends and family.

This week’s recipe is the show stopper venison Wellington. Venison can we swapped out for beef fillet but the cooking time will be the same. This will be an amazing alternative to turkey on Christmas day or to celebrate the new year. It is quite a lot of work but most can be done over a couple of days before so on the day it’s just putting it in the oven and enjoying.

More of the recipes that would go with this can be found in the Burren cookbook along with this recipe under Robbie McCauley.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil 1kg thick venison loin 150g chopped venison liver 2 tbsp dijon mustard 300g mixed mushroom 6 slices prosciutto 2-4 thin herb pancakes, see method, below 500g pack all-butter puff pastry 3 egg yolks, beaten

For the herb pancakes

100g plain flour 1 egg 250ml milk handful of chopped herbs (chives, Parsley)

Method

-Heat half the oil in a frying pan and quickly seal the venison for about two minutes on each side until browned. Remove the meat from the pan, brush all over with the mustard and leave to cool.

-Mince the mushrooms in a food processor. Place the pan back on the heat with the rest of the oil and add the mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and fry over a high heat for five minutes until the excess moisture has evaporated and you have a thick paste. Add the liver, fry for one minute, then add cream and reduce. Season, transfer the mushrooms mix to a bowl and leave to cool.

-Lay two or three large sheets of cling film overlapping each other on a clean surface. Lay the slices of prosciutto overlapping lengthways in two rows of three.

Then spread the mushroom mix. Place the venison loin on top and roll tightly in to a sausage and leave to chill in the fridge.

-Lay out another couple of pieces of cling film. Trim the pancakes into squares and lay them overlapping on the cling film. Remove the cling film from the prosciutto wrapped meat and place the meat on top of the pancakes.

Roll up tightly again in cling film, then place in the fridge to hold its shape.

-Roll the pastry out to a large rectangle big enough to easily wrap the meat in, then brush all over with egg yolk. Unwrap the cling film from the pancake-wrapped

venison and roll to completely encase in the pastry.

Tuck the ends in and trim any excess. Lay out more cling film and finally roll into a tight package to get an evenly thick log. Tie the ends of cling film to keep the package tight and leave in the fridge overnight or in the freezer for an hour. Can be made to this point up to a day in advance.

-When ready to cook, heat oven to 220C gas 7. Remove the cling film and brush the Wellington all over with egg yolk. Sit it on a baking tray lined with baking paper and lightly score in a feathered fashion. Bake for 35 mins for medium rare, or prob to 48°c dropping to 200C/180C fan/gas 7 if the pastry becomes too brown. Remove from the oven to rest for 20 minutes. If you prefer the meat well done, turn oven off after 40 mins and leave to rest inside. Trim the end of the pastry, carefully carve in slices about 3-4cm thick and serve.

-To make the pancakes for the Wellingtons, tip 100g plain flour into a bowl. Beat 1 egg with 250ml milk and gradually whisk into the flour until smooth. Stir in some snipped chives and a handful of chopped flat-leaf parsley just before cooking, then heat a drop of oil in a large non-stick frying pan and swirl around some of the batter to make a thin pancake. When the pancake is done, make another three and set aside. The pancakes can be made two days in advance.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

Columnists

29

Safe cycling in wintery conditions AS THE darker evenings close in this winter, cyclists in Clare face unique challenges on the roads.

The combination of shorter days, inclement weather, and reduced visibility demands extra precautions for those who choose two wheels over four.

Ensuring a safe cycling experience during the colder months involves a combination of preparedness, adherence to traffic rules, and consideration for the elements.

speeds and increased braking distances can prevent accidents caused by unexpected slips.

Ensure visibility: First and foremost, visibility is paramount. With diminished daylight hours, cyclists should equip themselves with high-visibility clothing and accessories, including reflective jackets, vests, and ankle bands. Proper lighting on the front and rear of the bicycle is also essential, providing a clear signal to motorists in low-light conditions.

Be aware: Finally, staying informed about local weather forecasts can aid cyclists in planning their journeys wisely. Choosing alternative routes or delaying travel during severe weather conditions can contribute to a safer winter cycling experience.

Slow down: Icy roads pose a significant hazard, making it crucial for cyclists to adapt their riding style. Slower

l Safety first

Clear communication: While navigating traffic, cyclists should adhere to all traffic laws and signals, promoting a harmonious flow with other road users. Hand signals and clear communication become even more critical in adverse weather conditions when visibility may be compromised.

By prioritising visibility, adjusting riding techniques, adhering to traffic rules, and staying weather-aware, cyclists can confidently embrace winter cycling in Ireland, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey on the roads.

Top Tips for November ‘Geantraí’ i dTigh Mhic Your Local Garden Centre, filling and Diarmada ar TG4 refilling your pots all year round!

086 340 5236 Orchard Lane, Hermitage, Ennis

Macalla an Chláir

brought to you by

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

B

Brighten up planters

BRIGHTEN up your planters by adding colour for the winter to your pots and window boxes. The garden centre has a lot to offer and lots of options. There is lovely colour available from the cyclamen to primroses to the violas and pansies.

If you would like more structure, plants like a skimma or silver sencio or pony tail grass, which give a lovely flow and colour, can be added to enhance your container.

So, time to become an artist with your planters.

EIDH eagrán fíor-speisialta de ‘’Geantraí’’ ar TG4 san oíche Dé Domhnaigh ag 10.35pm, nuair a thabharfar cuairt ar Tigh Mhic Diarmada i nDúlainn. Is clár é seo a craoladh roinnt mhaith blianta ó shin, mar sin ní bheadh fhios agat cé a d’fheicfeá air!

McDermott’s of Doolin on TG4 this Sunday evening TG4 will show a very special episode of ‘’Geantraí’’ this Sunday evening at 22.35, where they’ll be visiting McDermott’s in Doolin. This programme was broadcast a good few years ago so you’d never know who you might see!

l Cyclamen

Comhchairdeachas le buaiteoirí Chondae an Chláir de “Ghradam Gnó’’ Ghlór na nGael!

Beidh tuilleadh faoi seo an tseachtain seo chugainn.

Congratulations to the Co. Clare Glór na nGael Business Awards winners!

There’ll be more on this next week.

Follow us / Leanaigí ar twitter, Facebook, agus Instagram muid ag @MacallaAnChlair!

Contact us / Is féidir r-phost a sheoladh chugainn má bhíonn scéal ar bith agaibh nó imeacht Gaeilge éigint ag tarlú in bhur gceantar, ag macallaanchlair@gmail.com.

COMING SOON TO ENNIS/ AG TEACHT GO GEARR GO HINIS SINGING CLASSES IN IRISH FOR ADULTS / RANGANNA AMHRÁNAÍOCHTA I NGAEILGE DO DHAOINE FÁSTA Eolas/Information: spraoilegaeilge@ gmail.com nó 085-1295594

lTigh Mhic Diarmada i nDúlainn ar TG4 san oíche Dé Domhnaigh ag 22.35

30

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

60 seconds with... Bridget Haren Ahead of the Clare Business Excellence Awards, the woman behind Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty answers our rapid fire questions

1. Where are you from?

Clare. I have lived here my whole life.

about customer service and sustainability for the future of our industry.

2. Tell me about your business?

I have a hair and make up salon in Ennis for the last 14 years, with a team of highly trained stylists, apprentices and make-up artist Linda Lafferty, who are focused and passionate

3. Is there anything that might surprise readers about O’Brien Learning Solutions?

We recycle hair into hair booms, it is used to soak up oil spillages in the ocean, along with other sustainable practices.

4. What was your first job?

I had four jobs while in school: Twin Blades Hair, Vincent Kelly Butchers, Tony Molloy Fashions and The Queens Hotel.

5. What are your strongest memories of that?

Liz Greer gave me a fantastic training in hair, Vincent Kelly had high award standards.

Tony Molloy was amazing at customer service and Tony Ryan was a very hard worker.

6. Most unusual job you ever had?

I worked in a garage.

7. If you could have chosen a different career path, what would it be?

A mechanic, a fashion de-

signer or photographer.

a plan.

8. Is there anybody in business that has inspired you?

Liz Greer she had a salon in Ennis for over 30 years and trained loads of great hairdressers.

12. What is your favourite book?

The Fantastic Hairdresser and Fantastic Boss series by Alan Austin Smith.

9. What has been the most challenging thing you’ve encountered in business?

Juggling everything.

10. If you could start again, is there anything you would do differently?

I would learn more of the business side first.

11. Can you give advice to anybody considering going into business?

Hire slowly and right for the position.

Have a clear strategy and

13.What is your favourite film?

I’m not into films but I love the Friends series.

14. What was the first CD / tape / record your purchased?

Bon Jovi.

15. Who is your sporting hero?

Roy Keane and Katie Taylor.

16. What was your favourite holiday?

Center Parcs 17. If somebody could play you in a film, who

l Bridget Haren

Photo by Tom Micks

would it be?

Natalie Portman

18. Three things you’d bring to a desert island?

A knife, a boat and a lighter.

19. What is your favourite saying / quote?

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t - you’re right” - Henry Ford

Authentic Health honoured with All-Star accreditation

ENNIS based Health Coaching provider Authentic Health has been honoured with Business All-Star Accreditation by the All-Ireland Business Foundation, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Authentic Health specialises in the fields of Nutrition and Positive Psychology, aimed at assisting individuals in achieving better health and a more enriched lifestyle.

Reacting to the news of her company’s achievement, Authentic Health Owner Smaranda Maier said: “I am so grateful to have been recognized for this prestigious accreditation from AIBF. This accreditation is a testament to the passion and hard work of my team here, as well as our beautiful and amazing customers.

“I would like to thank my fantastic team, my incredible customers, and of course the All-Ireland Business Foundation for this accreditation. We

are delighted to be part of the AIBF TRIBE and very proud to display the AIBF Marque as a powerful symbol of trust and quality.”

Smaranda holds an honours degree in Communication and Public Relations along with a Master's degree in Advertising. In 2021, she made the decision to pursue certification as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, and in 2021, she launched Authentic Health.

Authentic Health has been recognised by the All-Ireland Business Foundation with this Accreditation for its excellent work ethics. The Business AllStar 2023 title is a testament to its outstanding commitment to excellence and the continuous efforts to drive positive change in the community.

Announcing the news of Authentic Health’s achievement, Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, said:

“This is in recognition of Authentic Health’s outstanding performance during its audit for Business All-Star accreditation.

Furthermore, we wish to recognise the company’s conduct in the areas of trust, commitment, performance & customer centricity. Authentic Health is hereby included in the AIBF Register Of Irish Business Excellence.”

The All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF) is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class in Irish business. The Foundation actively engages and supports its network through peer dialogue, collaboration, mentoring and enterprise development activities. Companies are qualified for accreditation by completing an enterprise audit and are identified by their use of the AIBF’s Business All-Star Marque.

Doolin Ferry sails to victory Doolin Ferry scooped a Silver Award at this year’s Family Business Awards ceremony held in The Mansion House, Dublin. The awards recognise and celebrate the vital role that family-run businesses play in the economic and social fabric of Ireland. A second-generation family business, Doolin Ferry offers a seasonal passenger ferry service to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, boasting a fleet of state-of-the-art boats, a range of tour options and consistently high customer satisfaction ratings. O’ Lochlainns Bar, Ballyvaughan won Gold in the ‘Family Business Longevity Award’ category while Hotel Woodstock in Ennis won Bronze in the ‘Innovative Family Business of the Year’ award.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Business & Recruitment

Boru Sports open new Ennis store ‘Specialising in team wear, work wear and school wear’

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

BORU Sports has opened its first retail shop in County Clare, displaying an extensive range of sports gear, work gear, gifts and more.

Established in 2015 as a one-stop shop for sports clubs, Boru Sports has developed in the intervening years and last week proprietor Shane Collins proudly opened the shop doors at Tracklands Business Park in Ennis.

Boru Sports has developed a reputation for producing customised playing gear, sports equipment, first aid supplies, school uniforms and bespoke branded work attire. Newmarket-on-Fergus native Shane says that finally in their new location, “Here, we have the potential to display everything we do.”

Boru Sports will continue to provide its own in-house embroidery service from its facility in Smithstown, Shannon, while there is a printing service available in Ennis for labelling and branding the likes of bags, mugs, and hi-vis vests, hen and stag party attire – or adding names and numbers to the back of jerseys. They even supply trophies and medals.

“It really has evolved from what we started doing and now we produce anything with a logo. That includes pens, mugs, bottles; all kind of branded merchandise,” explains Shane.

The Boru Sports shop floor carries an extensive range of gear from cycling to golf gear, athletics gear, GAA gear and extensive work wear section, and currently supplies uniforms to all industrial sectors including hospitality, retail, health care and construction.

“This is a walk-in retail offering for the general pub-

lic. We offer a lot of our own branded merchandise and we believe the quality is just as good as the premium brands but the pricing is often half of what you would usually pay.

“We also have a workwear section and a number of club shops and school shops and then we have a range of sports equipment and sports gifts.”

Boru Sports supplies uniforms to schools nationwide and Shane is welcoming local schools to get in touch. “We also do customised tracksuits and jerseys for a number of schools, on top of that we’re very competitively priced and when we do stock a uniform we have it in stock all year round so it’s easy for parents to pop in and pick it up.” Boru also provide ‘club shops’ for its partnering clubs which “takes all the work out of the club’s hands and we can pay commission back to the club on a monthly basis”.

With Christmas almost upon us, there is also a range of options for gifts for all ages, including support gear for Clare GAA, polo shirts, dryrobes, hurleys, helmets, beanie hats, running tops, Premier League team merchandise including wallets, footballs, water bottles, gift sets, pyjamas, dressing gowns, and fleece blankets.

“We also have 10 clearance rails of sportswear starting from €2-3. Anyone who comes in, it’s hard to go out empty handed. There’s something there for everyone,” notes Shane.

Boru supplies training gear from cones, whistles, kit bags and shin guards, to hurleys and water bottles. Shane adds that any local clubs looking to source specialised equipment or gear can get in touch with him.

lSPORTSMAN: Boru Sports Proprietor Shane Collins opened a new store in Ennis last week Photos by Tom Micks

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Homestead Cottage wins Best Newcomer at Food & Wine Awards

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

HOMESTEAD Cottage in Doolin has been named Newcomer of the Year at the prestigious Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards.

Just months after being picked as one of the Michelin inspectors’ favourite new restaurants, the North Clare eatery is celebrating again after picking up the Food & Wine award last weekend. In a very competitive field, Homestead Cottage was selected as best in a category which included Hawksmoor in Dublin and Castlemartyr’s Michelin star restaurant Terre, among others.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, proprietor and Head Chef Robbie McCauley admitted the award win came as a surprise. “There’s been so many great restaurants opened this year around the country. At the end of the day we’re only a small restaurant out of North Clare so it was definitely a surprise for us,” he said.

The Food&Wine Restaurant of the Year awards 2023 took place at the Mansion House in Dublin. Held in association with Rémy Martin, the awards recognise the very best in Irish food, drink and hospitality.

The award follows the restaurant being recognised by the Michelin guide as one of their favourite new restaurants. The Michelin inspectors reserved special praise for Homestead Cottage’s dish of Scariff fallow deer, garden celeriac and

heirloom kale. Robbie, who runs the restaurant alongside his wife Sophie, said to gain national recognition is a credit to the entire team at Homestead Cottage and helps support them to keep their doors open year-round.

“Tourism quietens down at this time of year but we decided to stay open to make it more sustainable for staff,” Robbie explained. “This is their profession so we need to be able to offer year-round work so definitely, being mentioned by the Michelin guide attracted a bit more custom for us and getting these national awards is great to keep our name out there.”

Homestead Cottage prides itself on using seasonal ingredients from local suppliers and Robbie notes, “Something that’s really important to us is that the seasons are reflected in the menu so there’s game on the menu at the moment. We use venison from East Clare, we’re lucky to have that supplied to us

by Eamon Giblin in Scariff.” The venison dish is paired with homegrown celeriac, heritage kales, and fermented elderberries which were locally picked in September. “Nothing is wasted, the sauce is made with the bones, we’ve got hay-bake celeriac, celeriac puree, it’s a celebration of autumn-winter. So, at the moment we offer more comforting dishes, and it’s the same with the wine list, bigger reds and bolder whites.”

Homestead Cottage will remain

lGOOD EATS: Robbie McCauley and his wife Sophie Photo by John Mangan open over the festive period and on arrival. For opening hours and www.homesteadcottagedoolin. will host a special 7-course New more information visit Homestead com/ or call 085 8613 103.

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Property

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ASKING PRICE: €425,000

34 THE HAWTHORNS, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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ASKING PRICE: €159,000

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(065) 684 0200 74 O'CONNELL STREET ENNIS PSL No 002295

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Property

10 COLLEGE PARK ENNIS CO. CLARE

AMV: €125,000

FOR SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION ON THURSDAY THE 23RD OF NOVEMBER 2023. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED No.10 College Park is a is a charming three bed semi-detached home in a quiet mature housing development situated in Tobarteascáin. Buying into this area you are not just acquiring a property, you are attaining a quality of life, walking distance to the town centre, primary and secondary schools. This truly is an exceptional location.

The house was built in circa early 1960’s and requires significant refurbishContact: SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Jason Pyne Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

ment and upgrading giving new purchasers tremendous scope to create their dream home. The purchaser may qualify for the vacant home refurbishment grant.

Entering the property is by way of hall to a living room, sitting room, separate kitchen/dining room with a utility room to the rear of the property. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms - two doubles & one single, the main bathroom completes the first-floor accommodation.

DRUMDIGUS KILMURRY MCMAHON KILRUSH

AMV: €79,000

FOR SALE BY ONLINE AUCTION - POSTPONED UNTIL FRIDAY THE 1ST DECEMBER 2023. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED This 2/3 bedroom cottage is ideally located only 1.5kms from Kilmurry McMahon village and within easy access of all amenities. The property is situated on a 0.54 acre site with a number of outbuildings plus an old hay barn on site. While it is in need of total renovation it would have huge potential to be a fine family home.

This property may qualify for the Vacant

Property Refurbishment Grant which is up to €50,000 and potentially may qualify for an additional €20,000 derelict house refurbishment grant. In addition, it may also qualify for Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grants

Contact: SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Danielle O’Connor Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ON THURSDAY THE 30TH OF NOVEMBER 2023.

PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED.

LAND AT CARROWDOTIA, BAREFIELD, ENNIS The property is for sale in 4 lots and then Lot 5 is being offered the entire (being lots 1 to 4 as one lot). The property consists of two Folio’s being CE9878 and CE9875. Both folio’s were previously divided by the development of the M18 motorway. Both folios consist of long narrow strips of land which are located to the northern side of Barefield village just off the old Gort road the R458.

Lot 1 – AMV €90,000. 5 hectares (12.35acres) of land. Consists of Folio CE9878. (Plan No. 9878). The land is located 650 meters after Barefield National school heading north on the old Gort road (R458).

The majority of the land is on the left hand side and is made up of approximately 4.75 hectares (11.74 acres). This is located immediately after the Radharc na Bhoirne development on the left hand side. This land is predominantly wooded and quite overgrown.

In addition there is a field on the right hand side of the old Gort road backing onto the M18. It consists of approximately 0.25 hectares (0.61 acres). This field is located between two existing residential properties.

Lot 2 – AMV €10,000. 0.39 hectares (0.96 acres) of land. Consists of Folio CE9878.

(Plan No. BM52Q). The land is located on the southern side of the M18 and is accessed via

AMV: €260,000

a local access road near junction 14 (Barefield) of the M18.

Lot 3 – AMV €110,000. 8.65 hectares (21.36 acres) of land. Consists of Folio CE9875. (Plan No. 9875). The land is located north of Barefield Village just off the R458 along a local access road immediately adjacent to and after Whelan’s Plant sales. The land is located predominantly to the north of the local access road and there is a some land to the south east backing onto the motorway overpass for the Old Gort Road. The land is largely overgrown with some old derelict farm buildings.

Lot 4 – AMV €50,000. 1.95 hectares (4.8 acres) of land. Consists of Folio CE9875.

(Plan No. BM464). The land is located on the southern side of the M18 and is accessed via a local access road near junction 14 (Barefield) of the M18. The land is good grazing land and is broken into a number of fields.

Lot 5 – AMV 260,000. 15.99 hectares (39.5 acres) of land. Consists of all lands on Folios CE9875 and CE9878. Being lots 1 to 4.

Contact: SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Diarmuid McMahon Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Out & about

Ennis Rugby Club Centenery Ball

lPARTY TIME: Ennis Rugby Football Club celebrated their 100 year anniversary in style at the Inn at Dromoland on Saturday night. Clockwise from above: Past captains of Ennis RFC; Hazel Murray and Eimear Considine with the URC cup; Stephanie Browne, Mary Butler and Maria Considine; All dressed up for the occasion; Bryan Murphy, Oscar O’Gorman and Callum Barrett; IRFU Senior Vice president Declan Madden with Ennis RFC President Brian Farrell; President Gerry Buggy and Mary Deacy

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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Sport

37

Banner Ladies 'didn't turn up' MUNSTER LADIES FOOTBALL FINAL

Ballymacarbry 2-13 Banner Ladies 1-09 Venue: Mallow GAA Complex

“

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

MANAGER COMMENT

JJ O'Dea, Banner Ladies

STORY OF THE GAME BALLYMACARBRY Frees For: 15 (4/11) Wides: 3 (0/3) Scores from Play: 2-11 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Brid McMaugh (0-7) Own Kick-Outs won: 9 from 13 (69%)

BANNER LADIES Frees For: 24 (12/12) Wides: 3 (2/1) Scores from Play: 1-4 Spread of Scorers: 4 Top Scorer: Grainne Nolan (0-7) Own Kick-Outs won: 12 from 18 (67%)

REFEREE: Eamon Moran (Kerry)

“Goals win matches and while they scored theirs, we had a few chances that were saved too. Overall though, we didn’t turn up in the first half as far as I’m concerned. Very few turned up really early on and it meant that we never really got to grips with Ballymac at any stage.

“We were standing off them and I thought the girls looked a bit nervous. “ Brid McMaugh was just on song today.

She got seven points from plan and we tried a few different girls on her and they all did their best but she is very strong and accurate in front of goal.

“We kept chasing the game but we were still always that step behind. We just didn’t get that bit of luck or a bit of a break that we needed to get back into it.

“Ballymac had our big players targeted and were constantly in their faces, knocking them and pulling and dragging them.

“I think it’s wrong on good players that this should be allowed and not let display their skills. We like to play nice, free-flowing attacking football that you could

l Banner Ladies Niamh O’Dea with Ballymacarbry’s Maeve Ryan

watch but we weren’t allowed to do that.

“They had their homework done and were very cynical. In mens or ladies football, the good players are not being minded by referees and at the end of the day, everyone goes to matches to see these quality players display their skills and get the big scores so something will have to be done about that.

“They were fouling early so that we couldn’t counter-attack and get into the scoring area and I’m not sure what we could do to stop that.

Look, at the end of the day, fair play to them, they won the game and in years to come, no-one will ask how many frees you gave away, they’ll only ask who won the game and that’s it.

Burren Eye Photography

So well done to Ballymac, we’ll just have to go back and lick our wounds and try and come back again next year.

“We can’t fault any of the girls, we just didn’t show up today like we know we can.

We’ll all take collective responsibility of that from management to players and all we can do is sit down and chat about it and see where we can improve.”

14-man Kilmihil knocked out of intermediate Munster championship MUNSTER INT' FOOTBALL QF

Cill na Martra 1-17 Kilmihil 0-07 Venue: Cill na Martra

by Therese O'Callaghan

FOURTEEN-MAN Kilmihil were comprehensively defeated by Cill na Martra in the AIB Munster Club IFC quarter-final at Cill na Martra on Sunday.

After a closely contested opening quarter, it was the Cork champions who prevailed, going on to lead 1-9 to 0-5 at the break.

Scorer-in-chief for the Cork side Dan Ó Duinnín was in sparkling form, his return of nine points instrumental in securing this favourable outcome, while their strength in depth was all too clear in seeing off Brian Dillon’s side. Ó Duinnín’s brother Ciarán, netted the only goal of the game in the 20th minute, and the visitors were outplayed for long stretches thereafter.

While winning promotion back to the senior ranks will have been priority for Kilmihil, the long lay-

off since that famous day a month ago, meant there was no serious momentum behind them.

By contrast, Cill na Martra coached by Kerry native John Evans, were fresh from their epic success two weeks earlier over Bantry Blues. They also made the most of home advantage, with a large vocal support behind them.

Tadhg Ó Corcora made a welcome return to the side following his suspension that saw him miss the Cork showdown, and he was given the task of curtailing Kilmihil danger man Ciarán Downes.

Downes is a class act, and while there were moments of real quality from him, he lacked the necessary support up front.

Behind by seven at the break, Kilmihil, with the breeze at their backs, tried to make a game of it in the second-half, quick-fire points from David Lernihan and Martin O’Leary reduced the deficit.

But that was as good as it got, the remainder of the match was utterly

dominated by the Gaeltacht club, and the Clare men wouldn’t find the target again.

Five points overall from open play was never going to be enough, but even when the game was out of their reach, they never stopped trying.

However, they couldn’t stem the blue and white tide, and seven different scorers shows how much the

west Cork team were in charge.

They got back on the scoring track in the 33rd minute. They kicked eight straight points, while keeping the visitors scoreless for the remainder of the hour, plus.

Four of those from Dan Ó Duinnín, Micheál Ó Deasúna got two and there was one each by the hero from the county final two weeks’ ago Shane Ó Duinnín and Damien Ó hUrdail.

It didn’t help Kilmihil’s cause that Dan Keating received a straight red card in the second-half, meaning his teammates played the final 20 minutes a man down. Keating was one of their better performers, but he can have no complaints with the decision as he left referee Séamus Mulvihill with no other option in the third quarter for a rash challenge.

Kerry native John Evans and his management team will be interesting spectators at next Sunday’s Kerry IFC final, as they await the winners between Fossa and Mill-

town-Castlemaine, where Cill na Martra will have home advantage again to look forward to in a fortnight.

Scorers for Cill na Martra: D Ó Duinnín (0-9, 0-3 frees), C Ó Duinnín (1-0), M Ó Deasúna (0-3, 0-2 frees), D Ó hUrdail (0-2, 0-1 free). F Ó Faoláin, S Ó Duinnín, C Ó Meachair (0-1 each).

Scorers for Kilmihil: C Downes (0-4, 0-2 frees), D Lernihan, M O’Leary and S Downes (0-1 each).

Cill na Martra: 1. P Ó Críodáin 2. C MacLochlainn 26. T Ó Corcora 4. F Ó Faoláin 5.

D Ó Conaill 6. S Ó Fóirréidh 7. C Ó Fóirréidh 8. A Ó Cuana, 9. G Ó Goillidhe (Capt) 10. D Ó Duinnín 11. C Ó Duinnín 12. D Ó hUrdail 13. F Ó hÉalaithe 14. M Ó Deasúna 18. C Ó Meachair.

Subs: 19. S Ó Duinnín for C Ó Meachair (45); 17. E Ó Conaill for D Ó Duinnín (51); 3.

G Ó Mocháin for C Ó Fóirréidh (53); 24. A Ó hUidhir for A Ó Cuana (55); 23. A Ó Loingsigh for D Ó hUrdail (56) Kilmihil: 1. S Scott Cafferkey 2. F Febbraro (J-Capt) 3. J Finucane 4. M Keating 5. J Browne, 6. D Keating 7. G Downes 8. D Lernihan, 9. S Lineen 17. S Downes 11. C Downes 12. G O’Grady 13. M O’Leary (J-Capt) 14. S Crowley 15. D Coughlan Subs: 19. C Crowley for G O’Grady (45); 21. C Finucane for D Lernihan (53); 20. N Reidy for D Coughlan (55); 22. P O’Grady for S Crowley (56) Referee: Séamus Mulvihill (Kerry).

38

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Extra-time heartache for Cratloe MUNSTER SNR FOOTBALL QF Cratloe 0-11 Castlehaven 1-12 Venue: Páirc Úi Chaoimh

CRATLOE’S hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the AIB Munster Club SFC Quarter-Final ended in an extra-time defeat to Cork champions Castlehaven at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, writes Dylan O’Connell.

The wider surroundings over the change of venue from Castlehaven to the home of Cork GAA played to both teams strengths as it allowed Cratloe to express themselves in possession and they went agonisingly close to a famous result on Leeside.

The Haven – two weeks removed from their victory over Nemo Rangers in the Cork Premier SFC final – almost took the lead inside a minute through Mark Collins. He missed the target and Cratloe responded by playing Cathal O’Hanlon into space.

He made no mistake at the City End and the Clare champions’ early advantage was immediately cancelled out by a Brian Hurley free.

The quick fire start then faded into a period of neat passing by Cratloe, which involved Conal O’Hanlon running between the lines in midfield. The forward was everywhere and a key part of his team’s second score, put over by Enda Boyce to make it 0-2 to 0-1.

Even though Cratloe saw the most of the ball in the first half, Castlehaven created the most chances as they missed the target on four different occasions and Whelton hit the post.

It was only a matter of time before the Cork championships equalised, and Jack Cahalane raised that white flag.

The Haven followed that up with Rory Maguire giving them the lead for the first time.

After Shane Neville missed a chance to tie the game up, a 45 was awarded to the Haven and Brian Hurley kicked the ball straight into the hands of Padraigh Chaplin. Things were opening up and Cratloe used this period of to get back to back scores through O’Hanlon and Rian Considine.

That made it 0-4 to 0-3 in favour of the Clare champions, and the first half fished with Jack Cahalane

l Cratloe prior to kick-off against Castlehaven at Páirc Uí Chaoimh

getting his second point of the game.

It was 0-4 apiece when the referee blew his whistle and Castlehaven used the restart to create space for Brian Hurley. He kicked the ball over the bar and Cratloe responded with Diarmuid Ryan raising a white flag.

Brian Hurley twice put his club into the lead in the minutes that followed and each time Cratloe equalised through O’Hanlon and Cathal McInerney.

The Clare champions did hit two wides during this spell and Catlehaven missed one opportunity. This put the quarter final on a knife edge during the closing minutes at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, and clear-cut chances were starting to dry up.

Cratloe did create two opportunities from placed balls and they narrowly missed the target on both occasions.

Brian Hurley’s fifth of the game that kickstarted a burst scores which saw Boyce and David Collins twice equalise for Cratloe and force extra-time.

Robbie Minihane, who replaced Andrew Whelton midway through the second half, hit the back of the net with a venomous strike to give Castlehaven a three point advantage once the game got back underway.

Two Cathal McInerney frees tore that cushion apart CASTLEHAVEN: CRATLOE: and just the bare Frees for: (4/2) Frees for: (4/3) minimum separate Wides: (5/4) Wides: (4/3) the two clubs once Spread of scorers: Six Spread of scorers: Six Players Players again.

Scores from play: Nine Scores from play: Six Brian Hurley had points scores the final say by getTop scorer: Brian Top scorer: Cathal ting his final scores Hurley 0-7 (3f) McInerney 0-4 (4f) Bookings: Three yellow Bookings: Three yellow of the Munster quarcards and a black card cards ter final, and the Own kickouts won: Own kickouts won: three point cushion (2/3) (3/4) ensured the Cork champions move REFEREE: Jonathan Hayes (Limerick) onto the next round.

Scorers for Castlehaven: Brian Hurley 0-7 (3f); Robbie Minihane 1-0, Jack Cahalane 0-2, Rory Maguire 0-1, Mark Collins 0-1, Jamie O’Driscoll 0-1.

Scorers for Cratloe: Cathal McInerney 0-4 (4f); Conal O’Hanlon 0-2 (1m), Enda Boyce 0-2, Conor Ryan 0-1, Diarmuid Ryan 0-1, David Collins 0-1.

Castlehaven: Darragh Cahalane; Johnny O’Regan, Rory Maguire, Ronan Walsh, Thomas O’Mahony, Damien Cahalane, Mark

Collins, Conor Cahalane, Andrew Whelton, Jack O’Neill, Brian Hurley, Sean Browne, Cathal Maguire, Jack Cahalane, Michael Hurley.

Subs: Conor O’Driscoll for Browne (43); Robbie Minihane for Whelton (45), Ciaran O’Sullivan for O’Neill (47), Jamie O’Driscoll for O’Regan (57), Jamie O’Driscoll for Maguire (ET), David Whelton for Thomas O’Mahony (ET), Michael Maguire for Brian Hurley (ET).

Photo by James Treacy

Cratloe: Padraigh Chaplin; David Collins, Kevin Hartnett, Liam Markham, Enda Boyce, Mike Brennan, Rian McNamara, Diarmuid Ryan, Conor Ryan, Shane Neville, Sean Collins, Conal O’Hanlon, Rian Considine, Cathal McInerney, Padraic Collins.

Subs: Jack McInerney for Considine (52); Ogie Murphy for McNamara (52), Tommy Rooney for O’Hanlon (58), Conal O’Hanlon for Collins (ET).

WEST CLARE SIDES RULE ROOST AS U21A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS SEMI-FINALISTS CONFIRMED

U21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

STORY OF THE GAME

l Sam Power and Éire Óg were on the losing side against Kilrush-Killimer

Photo by Mike Brennan

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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39

Truagh-Clonlara 'not too disappointed' after Munster defeat to Sarsfields MUNSTER SNR CAMOGIE QF Truagh-Clonlara 1-07 Sarsfields 1-14 Venue: Clonlara Compiled by Derek Dormer

STORY OF THE GAME TRUAGH-CLONLARA Frees For: 16 8/8 Wides: 6 5/1 Top scorer: Áine O'Loughlin 1-2 Scored from play: 1-4 Spread of scorers: 4 Own puckouts won: 13/19 68%

SARSFIELDS Frees For:15 8/7 Wides: 7 2/5 Top scorer: Kate Fenessy 0-8 (5f) Scored from play: 1-6 Spread of scorers: 5 Own puckouts won: 10/14 72%

REFEREE: TP O’Sullivan (Tipperary)

“

MANAGER COMMENT

Ryan Morris, Truagh-Clonlara

"It was a wonderful occasion and if we're being honest about it we're not too disappointed. We put everything into the County final and that

was our holy grail. We had nothing left in the tank there today and fatigue definitely caught up with us.

"They had that big game experience in last year's Munster club and it showed out there.

They never panicked when we were on top and in fairness they had their homework done on us and it has to be said they got their match ups spot on.

"They restricted the space and played someone in front of Róisín (Begley) and we could never really flow.

"Aine was also doubly marked at times but she still did the business for us. Look it you can see the girls there, they're not too disappointed. It's a great day. It was brilliant to be able to host it and look at all the kids on the field now. There's smiles everywhere.

"We obviously wanted to win but we had such a draining County campaign. It was unbelievable stuff to beat both Inagh-Kilnamona and Scariff Ogonolloe to become County Champions for the first time. That's what 2023 will be remembered for and we're all one big family here in Clonlara and we will all get behind the hurlers now as they head to Tipperary."

Paddy Donovan to be showcased on PPV Cameron-Taylor card UNDEFEATED Ennis welterweight Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (110, 8 KOs) will fight for his first title as a professional on November 25 against English welterweight champion Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Championship.

Donovan (24) will be showcased on the undisputed world super lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0) vs Katie Taylor (21-1) rematch, streaming on DAZN PPV live from 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.

“If I win this fight,” Donovan said, “I will win the WBA Continental title and be ranked No. 15 by the WBA. I’d like to defend that title a few times and get a world title shot by the end of next year or early 2025.

“I know Katie Taylor extremely well; I was her sparring partner when I was 15. She’s one of the nicest people, not just in boxing, I’ve ever met. She’s never forgotten my name. She’s even come to train with me and Andy [Lee] in Dublin a few times before fights.”

Fighting out of Limerick, Donovan is trained in Dublin by former WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee (35-3-1, 24 KOs), whose cousin is unbeaten lineal and reigning World Boxing Council (WBA) World Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs).

Because of his relationship with Lee, Donovan has benefited from training with Fury and “The Gypsy King” is mighty high on his fellow Traveller, Paddy.

“I think Paddy Donovan is one of

the stars of the future,” Fury told the Irish Mirror. “He’s definitely the biggest prospect in Irish boxing at the moment. He’s a very, very talented young fighter and he’s had a lot of amateur experience.

“He can punch hard, and he has got the boxing IQ, He’s had great tutelage with my cousin, Andy Lee. I think he’s going all the way, Paddy!”

“It meant so much to me when Tyson said that I’m going to be a world champion,” Donovan added. “They call him 'The Gypsy King' and in Ireland, they call me “The Gypsy Prince.”

Donovan is a southpaw and represented Ireland at the 2016 World Youth Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia. As an amateur (65-12), Donovan was a two-time Irish National Champion.

SCAN FOR REPORT

l Truagh-Clonlara's Laura Foley in possession as her teammate Ellen Horgan

follows the play

St Francis Community Games AGM report THE St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Annual General Meeting took place on Tuesday last in Treacy’s West County.

President Cecilia O’Sullivan expressed her thanks and appreciation to all county officers, sub committees, coordinators, officials, managers, coaches and referees who have devoted many hours to Community Games during the year.

She also stressed the importance of attracting more volunteers in order to build on the many excellent achievements of the past.

Chairperson Graham Meakins said he took over as Chairperson in February as no one else stepped up to the mark. In doing so he gave the opportunity for children from six to 16 to participate in every event that Community Games offers. He thanked all the volunteers at Area and County who enable Community Games to provide so many events for the children of Clare. He thanked main sponsors St Francis Credit Union without who’s help Community Games couldn’t continue. Graham did not seek re-election. He wished the incoming committee the best for 2024.

Secretary Lianda d’Auria gave a detailed report on the participation and achievements of the Clare children at County, Provencial, and National level.

She said 2023 was a very busy one for Community Games as we didn’t get affiliated until March. She thanked all the members of the executive, All the committees, volunteers, and

participants. Lianda is stepping down from the secretary position.

Treasurer Triona O’Gorman produced a very detailed report on all the Income and Expenditure during the year. She thanked sponsors St Francis Credit Union for their support, A Community Support grant has also been awarded by Clare County Council. She acknowledged the work done by all the committee.

Public Relations Officer Mary Phelan reported on the publicity Clare Community Games received in the media over the year. Some events received great coverage. She thanked the Clare Champion, Clare Echo and Clare Fm who helped to keep Clare Community Games and the children of our county in the public eye. She thanked everyone who helped her during the year. She acknowledged the sponsorship of St Francis Credit Union over the past number of years which enabled Community Games to continue. St Francis Credit Union have pledged to continue their sponsorship.

The Games Director Sarah O’Donoghue said she found it a challenging but rewarding experience. She said Claire had done a lot of work on the calendar before she took over. Many thanks are due to coordinator, schools, halls, community centres and venues that allowed us to use their premises.

She expressed thanks also to parents who stepped up and to all the children who make the games so worthwhile. She thanked the executive commit-

tee for their support.

The Registrar Veronica Finucane, NEAC Delegate Graham Meakins and Children’s Officers supplied detailed reports to the meeting.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS President - Cecilia O’Sullivan,

Ennis St John’s Vice President - Graham Meakins, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Chairman - Rob Stephen – Shannon Vice Chairman - Graham Meakins, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Secretary - Maurette Crowley, Doora/Barefield Assistant Secretary - Nicole Kelly, Newmarket-on-Fergus Minute Secretary – Paddy Vaughan, Crusheen/Ballinruan/ Tubber Treasurer - Triona O’Gorman, Quin/Clooney Assistant Treasurer - Mary Clancy Dunne, Doonbeg PRO - Mary Phelan, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Registrar – Veronica Finucane, Kilmihil Games Director – Sarah O’Donoghue, Newmarket-on-Fergus NAC Delegate – Graham Meakins, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Munster Delegate – Deirdre Conlan, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Munster Delegate – Mary Phelan, Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Youth Officer – Sinead Murray, Quin/Clooney Child Protection Officer – Niamh O’Connor, Doora/Barefield

40

Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Avenue United and Newmarket Celtic advance in Munster Junior Cup

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

AVENUE United and Newmarket Celtic both progressed in the Munster junior cup with wins over St. Ita’s from Askeaton and Kilrush Rangers on Sunday.

Avenue had a runaway 11-0 win but Newmarket were made battle all the way

by Kilrush before emerging winners by the odd goal in three.

Avenue were well on their way to this victory when they led 5-0 at half time.

Gavin Cooney scored a hat trick for the Ennis side while Elias Kunz and Philip Talty scored two each with the remaining goals coming from Conor Mullen, Tomas Hehir, Nnabuike Nneji and Steven McGann.

In Newmarket Celtic’s victory over Kilrush, all three goals came in the opening half. The visitors took the lead through Dean Neary but the home side responded and Josh Lindsay struck for the leveller before Nathan Boaventura struck for what proved to be the winning goal.

Newmarket Celtic; Shane Cusack; David lennon, Cael Gaffney, Harvey Cullinan, Ethan Fitzgerald, Conor Mc-

Daid, Cian Foley, Eoin Hayes, Tadhg Noonan, Josh Lindsay, Nathaniel Boaventura Kilrush Rangers; Eamonn O’Dea; Tomasz Zajas, Kirill Antonov, Sean Madign, Tommy Lillis, Karl Murphy, Patrick Clair, David Tubridy, Jack Cleary, Norbert Knacki, Dean Neary.

Wins for Lifford and Kilkishen Celtic Meanwhile, in the premier league, there were wins for Lifford and Kilkishen Celtic over Tulla United and Coole FC while the game between Bridge United and Shannon Town was postponed.

Lifford led 2-0 at half time in their win over Tulla with both goals coming from Eddie Prunty, the first from the penalty spot.

Tulla pulled one back early n the second half through Ray Bane before Darren O’Neill restored the home side’s two goal advantage with a great score. Tulla continued to tak the game to their opponents and they were rewarded late in the game with their second which came from Ayoub Ayuorrum. The Withycombe brothers Sean and Dan had efforts rebound off the post and crossbar at either side of half time.

Lifford; Peadar O’Keeffe; Fiachra Roche, Emanuel Obadeyi, Emanuel Ikebeiy, Chibby Okoro, Chucks Obedeyi, John Ikedeyi, Ikem Ugwueru, Darren

Cormac Murphy Sean Murphy, Aidan Fawl, Cian Mulqueen, Mark Pewter Paddy Fitzgerald Conor Henry.

Subs; Stevie Donnellan, Niall Donovan, Ian Donnellan, Shane McInerney, Mark Long.

l Conor Mullen was amongst the goalscorers for Avenue in their 11-0 victory O’Neill, Eddie Prunty, Chubei Pempeh Subs; Eoin Monahan for Roche; Harry Griffin for Ugwueru; Wayne Ryan for Emanuel Ikebeiy; Finn Woods for C. Pempeh; Luse Ifetaybodr for Prunty; Tulla United; Aaron curtis; Fiachra Hale, Adam McNamara, Neil Callaghan, Dara Ryan, Ayoub Ayuorrum, Dan Withycombe, Sean Withycombe, Eanna Culloo, Eoin Hassett, Tay Bane; Subs; Diarmuid Molloy for Callaghan; Emmet Lynch for S. Withycombe; Finn Ryan for McNamara; Yasher Aliu for Culloo; James Walsh for Hassett.

Kilkishen Celtic 4 Coole FC 1 Kilkishen Celtic came

from a goal down to record a comfortable win over Coole FC at Kilkishen.

The visitors took the lead after twenty minutes but the home side were back on level terms twn minutes later when Mark Pewter drilled a free kick to the net.

Conor Henry headed the home side into the lead when he finished a Conor Cooney

cross and they struck for the lead goal on the stroke of half time through Mark Pewter who volleyed home following a Cian Mulqueen corner.

Sean Murphy struck for the winner’s fourth goal in the second half as the dominated on their way to a first win in the premier division this season.

Disappointment for Clare youths Clare 1 Waterford 5 Clare suffered a disappointing defeat in the inter league youths cup when they went down to Waterford at Frank Healy Park in Doora on Saturday.

With a 1-1 draw with Limerick in the opening round under their belts, Clare had high hopes of picking up a win with home advantage in this one but the visitors proved the stronger team.

Substitute Adam Kilker (Tulla United) was Claare’s goalscorer on Saturday Clare’s next outing will be an away fixture to Cork before they entertain Kerry in their final group games and they will need to pick up wins in these outings if they are to have a chance of emerging from the group.

Clare; Leon White; Zak Kebalm, Luc Fitzgerald, Dylan Howard, Conor Daly, Don Griffin, Darragh White, Jack O’Halloran, Lee Maguire, Jack Daly, Che Burke Subs; Sean McMahon, Aidan Moloney Niall Liddane, Adam Kilker

Kilkishen Celtic; Paul Tuohy; Christy Philpott, Enda Murphy, Conor Cooney,

Impressive showing at Audi Quattro Cup World Final for County Clare golfers

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Mike O’Halloran (East Clare) and Michael O’Brien (Spanish Point) finished third in group B at the Audi quattro Cup World Final at the Al Mouj Golf Resort in Muscat, Oman recently.

The Irish National champions secured the third place finish with an impressive 67 points behind winners Australia who had 80 points and runners up, Italy, who had 68 points.

The 33rd Audi quattro Cup saw 31 teams from 29 countries taking part at the World final. The competition was hosted at the Al Mouj course, Muscat, Oman. The links style course was designed by International golfing legend Greg Norman.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Last week’s ladies 14 hole stableford competition at East Clare was won by Evelyn Skehan with 31 points, one more that second placed Margaret MacNamara The ladies Wednesday competition was won by Mary Stillman, Mary Stritch and Evelyn Skehan from Mary Hogan, Ursula Hogan and Pauline Nugent with third place filled by Margaret Lynch, Brid Hayes and Teresa Bradley.

Last week’s men’s 18 hole stableford competition was won by Noel

l Mike O’Halloran and Michael O’Brien, winners of the Audi Ireland

Quattro Cup National Final with Audi Ireland Brand Director, Damien O’Sullivan and Audi Ireland Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Deirdre Schwer.

Nash with 47 points, one more than Namara and Chris Davis.

Colm Kelly. The gross was won by Friday’s mixed scramble was won Conor Meade

by Jonathan Walsh, Ailbe McDonThe senior men's competition was nell and Mary Hogan with second won by John Fielding, Brian Torpey place filled by Terry Coughlan, Mary and Pat Duggan with second place Collins and Noreen Skehan. filled by Donal Fleming, Danny MiThe mixed scramble continues on nogue and Steve Symes who were Friday morning at 10 a.m followed by Paul Husband, Pat Mc-

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB John Kelliher won the weekend singles stableford competition at Dromoland with 41 points, winning on a countback from Seamus Cusack who had a similar score. Philip Alldritt was third with 40 points followed by Daniel Lennon, also with 40 points. Patrick Marnane won the gross with 38 points.

In the ladies 9 hole stableford competition the winner was Joan Dunne with 23 points from Cora O’Toole with 20 points and Anne McMahon with 19 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Tom McGrath (19) was the winner of the Christmas turkey competition on week 1 of the series at Kilrush with 32 points. Brendan Carey (14) was second with 30 points Finbarr Mc\Mahon (15) was the winner on week 2 with 29 points, winning on a countback from Brian Scanlan (8) who also had 29 points WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB The club singles at Woodstock at the weekend was won by Bernardo Kelly (7) with 35 points with second place filled by John Mul ahy (6), also with 35 points. Twenty five members played.

The Ozone Health & Fitness league continued at the weekend when the winners were Ross Darmody (5) and Jack Darmody (7) with 55points. In second place, also

with 55 points, were Michael Guerin (2) and David Quinn (7) and they were followed by Joe Barry (6) and Lorcan Clancy (10) with 53 points.

Fourth spot was filled by Mike Reen (2) and Mike Kelly (10) with 51 points. Callum Hayes (3) and Kevin Hayes (7) were next, also with 51 points which was the same total returned by sixth placed Aidan Mulcahy (4) and Stephen Dunne (6) The league continues this weekend when the format will be singles while there will also be a club singles GORT GOLF CLUB Conor Shields (10) with 39 points was the category 1 winner at Gort at the weekend. Category 2 was won

by Tony Curran (13) with 39 points.

Pat Boyle (20) won category 3 with 40 points while the category 4 winner was Piaras O Dea (29), also with 40 points.

The ladies mini hampers competition was over 13 holes and resulted in victory for Marcella Killeen (17) with 32 points followed by Sara Broderick (15) with 31 points with third place filled by Carmel Joyce (18) with 29 points.

The 9 hole 2 person scramble was won by Sinead Collins and Patricia O Donnell from Geraldine Crowe and Gina Cahill.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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41

Ennis RFC women draw with Shannon

by Dearbhla Parry

Senior Women’s League: Ennis/Kilrush RFC 12 – 12 Shannon RFC A late intercepted score and conversion against the home team yielded a 12-12 draw and earned Ennis/Kilrush their first league points of the campaign.

Repeated tackling infringements from the home side resulted in a yellow card for Ennis/Kilrush wing Emer Moynihan and the hard defense took a toll with hooker Emily Fanning leaving the game due to injury.

Wing Grace Molloy touched down for the game’s opening score following a break from Ennis backrow Aoibheann Hahessy.

Captain Michaela Glynn converted to bring the score to 7-0. Michaela Glynn’s tactical kicking helped to pin Shannon in their own half, but errors from the home team prevented them from taking advantage in scoring positions but the home team kept a clean sheet in the first half.

In the second half, Molloy was replaced on the wing by Lucy Guilfoyle, and Hahessy and Niamh Doyle rotated with substitute Emily Anglim to provide injury cover. Ennis/ Kilrush’s defense eventually broke early in the second half and an unconverted try left the score at 7-5.

A massive tackle by center Ailis Dunne resulted in a turnover and a penalty in the following play. The forwarded momentum was carried on by Hahessy before being worked out to wing Guilfoyle who touched down for the home team’s second score. However, a breakaway interception from the halfway line allowed the Shannon women to touch down in the corner. This, followed by a very good conversion, brought the score 12-12.

Ennis/Kilrush: Orna Moynihan, Grace Molloy, Ailish Dunne, Micaela Glynn (Captain), Emer Moynihan, Patricia Coote, Sarah Coote, Ciara Coughlan, Emily Fanning, Niamh Doyle, Laura

Cooney, Karen O’Sullivan, Caoilfhionn Morrissey, Amy Flavin, Aoibheann Hahessy, Emily Anglim, Aoife MacMahon, Nicole Leamy, Aishling Browne, Lucy Guilfoyle, Louise Gilsenan O’Connor, Machteld Hulsegge and Elena Anastasia.

l Cian Guilfoyle was amongst the tries for

the Ennis Men's team

Senior Mens League: Ennis RFC 41 – 24 Castleisland RFC Ennis came away with a 41-24 win and collected the full house of points to ensure a top of the table position after three consecutive wins.

At half-time, Ennis led by 20-7. A Calum Barret made a run in broken play before offloading to Morgan Garry, who drew two defenders and passed to Brendan Keane for the first try. This was followed by a Dylan Kenny try out wide which went unconverted. Straight from the kick-off, Kenny made a great line-break, with a pass out wide to Cian Guilfoyle on the wing, who scored in the corner. Jack Scahill later on touched

Success for Clare dogs in Galway

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

FRIDAY night's Galway card was of the highest quality with four first round heats of the FONEZ Galway Oaks down for decision and the first round heats of the Stephen Molloy Memorial A1/A2 525 Stake also to be decided.

As the traps rose for the opening heat of the Stephen Molloy Stake, Heathlawn Bullet was smartly into stride in the centre and showing pace led from Knoppogue Time and Fortune Sydney rounding the opening two bends.

Rounding the third bend Fortune Sydney struck the front along the rails but off the home bend the Collossal Syndicate of Ennis-owned Colossal Venture (Droopys Sydney-Droopys Lullaby) powered through in the centre to claim the spoils by a length from Fortune Sydney and Knoppogue Time in 29.27.

The outcome of heat 3 was in little danger from an early stage for the Thomas O’Connor of Ennistymon-owned Da Ultimate. The son of Out Of Range Ash & An Bhean Cheile was five lengths clear passing halfway and maintaining the tempo all the way scored by nine & three quarter lengths from Crokers Harbour in 29.00.

Saturday night's card was a Gala fundraising night organised by the Ardrahan Comogie Club. As the traps rose for the feature contest Lissatouk Gena and Portumna Sapphire were away smartly but rounding the bend, Lissatouk Gena led by a length. Racing towards the penultimate bend the lead was three lengths and staying on powerfully the Master James McMahon of Cooraclare-owned Lissatouk Gena (Laughill Blake-Lissatouk Dolly) completed a litter and kennel double by a length and three parts over Knoppogue Blue in 29.59.

The brace was initiated in the third race by the Seamus McMahon-owned Lissatouk Suzy who doubled her career tally in this A7 graded 525 yards contest as the daughter of Laughill Blake & Lissatouk Dolly made all to defeat Cragataska Black by three & three quarter lengths in 29.95.

The locals went home happy as the John Quinn of Gort-owned Fast Fit Pennie wore down the pace-setting Eileens Story for a neck success the third of her career in 29.11.

The chief supporting contest was the S1 graded seventh contest over 350 years and from traps Astro Podge was best away. At the bend the Madden-Pepper Syndicate of Feakle-owned Astro Podge led Almost There by a length and although swinging wide off the home bend the Donie Duggan trained son of Ballymac Best & Dynamic Cool Sky drew clear in the straight to score by four lengths in 19.26.

The opening contest of the night was a Novice sprint affair in which the Mrs Maria Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Jaycee never saw another rival as he scored by a length from the staying on Wellfield Glory in 19.71.

The A4 graded contest looked a really tightly graded contest and so it proved with less than two lengths covering for the field as the opening bend loomed, with Donies Wood and Aulton Lucy disputing the lead. Rounding the bend the Pat Hogan of Ennis-owned Aulton Lucy on the inside like took half a length out of her rivals and turning into the back straight the Vincent McKenna-trained daughter of Pat C Sabbath & Portumna West led her rivals by a length. Racing along the back the order remained unchanged but Aulton Lucy was as game as they come to see off Burnpark Crash by a length and three parts in 29.26.

down for another unconverted try.

With 15 minutes left and a lead of 3414 to Ennis, the senior men’s team continued with great running and play from Sean McDonald, Maurice O’Connell and Oisin Madigan. The reliable Scahill made a great offload to hardline runner Brendan Keane, who went over untouched to score under the post. Dylan Kenny managed to convert, making Castleisland’s last try not enough to make this a close contest.

U16 Girls Munster League: Ennis RFC 33 – 28 Shannon RFC Ennis U16 girls played their third league match of the season against Shannon, who suffered a loss when Ennis visited them two weeks ago. Ennis came out victorious again with a score of 33 – 28.

Aoife Martin, who was tackling well, suffered an injury and the capable Rachel Hayes was subbed on.At half time the Ennis girls were ahead 12-7 and pushed on in the second half for a hard-fought victory, with Kathy Slattery, Abi Kelly, and Kate Howard among the try-scorers.

U14 Girls League: Ennis 34 – 21 Shannon RFC Most of the first half in Drumbiggle was played in the Shannon half of the pitch, where Ennis proved to be in control of the game. The Shannon girls defended well and kept Ennis to two tries scored by Saoirse Quinn. Shannon then ran in a try just before half-time, which they converted to make the score 14-10.

Shannon started with a try from the kick off, which they converted, and things started to look worrisome for Ennis when they lost four players to injury. Ennis had to play with a new back line and move lots of players out of position. However, some new Ennis players who just started playing rugby stepped

up with the leadership of last year’s players.

Tries were scored by Emma Hanrahan, Emily Frawley, Sally Crowe and Saoirse Quinn, making the final score 34-21.

Ennis: Sadbh McMahon, Sophie Hanrahan, Rebecca Toone, Emma Browne, Emma Hanrahan (x1 try), Amy Martin, Saoirse Quinn (x3 tries), Addison Kelly, Niamh Browne, Sally Crowe (x1 try), Rachel Hanrahan, Biborka Benko, Rachel Clarke, Lauren Reidy, Eve Tiernan, Grace Kelly, Emily Frawley (x1 try), Lily Richardson and Edaoina McNamara.

U13 North Munster Development League: Ennis RFC 22 – 41 Nenagh RFC A highly entertaining game saw Ennis score four excellent tries in the first half by Robbie McMahon (x2), Finn Ellingstad (x1) and Dylan O’Loughlin (x1). But before halftime, Nenagh hit back with two tries. During the second half, Nenagh emptied their bench and dominated with five more tries.

Ennis: Dylan O’Loughlin, Robbie McMahon, Alfie Treacy, Finn Ellingstad, Ben McAllister, Eoghan McGrory, Conor McMahon, Cian Friel, James Howard, Paraic Keane, Conor Earle, Alexander Labuhn, Donnchadh Warner, Colm O’Gara, Thomog Ryan, Johnny Murphy, Michael Meere, Mícheál Thornton, Donnacha Flanagan, Tadgh Crowe, Dara Ryan and Luke Phillip.

U15 boys: Nenagh 24 Ennis 10 Another step in the right direction for Ennis U15s but still no luck on their side. In a hard-fought game played on a very heavy pitch, Ennis fought to the end. 12-nil down after 25 minutes, Ennis wouldn't drop their heads and some sustained pressure eventually told as No.10 Tadhg Bane stole round the outside and accelerated away to score a lovely try. Unfortunately, for him and Ennis he turned his ankle while scoring and was unable to continue.

A Ciaràn Sheehan try in the second half put Ennis in front, 12-10, however as hard as Ennis tried they couldn't get back up the field as Nenagh piled on the pressure. Two late tries put a harsh look on the scoreline and Ennis being held up over the line on their last attack were scant reward for the huge effort put in.

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Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours.

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Thursday, Nov 16, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Quiz

The Clare Echo Quiz

Who captained the Clare hurling team in 2013?

In which Clare village was subma-

Tony Kelly Podge Collins David Fitzgerld Pat Donellan

Fanore Liscannor New Quay Ballyvaughan

What is the most visited tourist attraction in Clare

Which politician’s grandfather is a former lightkeeper at Loop Head Lighthouse?

Kilfenora Kilrush Kilkee Killaloe

Which village in Co. Clare is re-

What is the largest Parish in County Clare?

Kilmihil Kilmaley Feakle Kilmurry

ferred to as the Capital of Traditional Irish Music?

What is the former name for O’Connell Street in Ennis?

Which one of these players does not play for Ballea?

Which president was born in Clare?

Kilkee Doolin Kilrush Doonbeg

Niall Deasy Jack Brown Martin O Leary Robin Mounsey

l QUESTION 9 : What is the former name for O’Connell Street in Ennis?

Jail Street Turlough Lane Post Office Lane George Street

Patrick Hillary Eamon DeValera Michael D Higgins Mary Robinson

Spot the Difference Can you spot the 7 differences

ANSWERS

6. Liscannor 7. Enda Kenny 8. Kilmaley 9. Jail Street 10. Patrick Hillary

 What town is the Birthplace of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland.

Simon Coveney Tony Mulcahy Jimmy Deenihan Enda Kenny

Last weeks answers

. Cone missing . Legs of stand missing . Helmet different colour . Shadow on yellow mat missing

1. Pat Donellan 2. Cliffs Of Moher 3. Killaloe 4. Doolin 5. Robin Mounsey

The Burren Craggaunowen Cliffs Of Moher Mcdonalds

rine inventor John P Holland born?

. tape different colour . writing on tank different colour . light on front of truck missing

Avenue Utd vs Newmarket Celtic

photo by Gerard O’Neill

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THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

Puzzle

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THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Nov 16th

SUDOKU

10/8/2020

Almanac

3

1

Commander

9

8

Commandos Demands

2

Dismantle

9

Egomaniac

4 5

Humanly

5

7

1

3

3

8 3

1/1

Germanium

8

8

9

4

2

Kilimanjaro

1/1

1

4

How to play

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY

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

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

How to play

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8

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

3

Undemanding

5

9

6

6

Salamanders

1

2

Romance

7

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10/8/2020

The Clare Echo Crossword

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46

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

Planning

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMLINE, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO CLARE Take notice that Kieran Quinn of Drumline, Newmarket on Fergus, Co Clare, intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for following a) Permission to retain existing 1st floor living area and rear storage shed. b) Permission to extend the front wall of the house to enlarge existing bedrooms 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, CRAG, BELVOIR, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO CLARE I, Seán O’Gorman, am applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Crag, Belvoir, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare: Permission for the construction of a detached two storey dwelling, detached domestic garage, new entrance, onsite waste water treatment system, bored well, 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 SHANTRAUD, KILLALOE, CO CLARE We, Jennifer Frahill & Colm Connolly, am applying to the above authority for retention permission/permission for the following development on property at ‘Sharbour’, Shantraud, Killaloe, Co Clare: Retention Permission for as-constructed detached domestic garage/store and Permission for single storey extension to the rear of the existing dwelling, dormer windows to first floor level, 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 TYREDAGH LOWER, TULLA, CO CLARE I, Pat Corry, am applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Tyredagh Lower, Tulla, Co Clare: Permission for a change of design

from that previously granted under planning reference 194, namely to construct an extension to an existing private garage building and to use part of building as a granny flat, all with associated site works 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 MILLBANK, ROSLEVAN TULLA RD, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take Notice that JLS developments limited intends to apply for permission for development at the above site.

The development will consist of: 1) Omission of 3 number blocks of semi-detached houses numbered B04 to B09 as previously granted under planning reference P20-158 .

2) Inclusion of 5 number blocks of semi-detached houses in lieu of units omitted and amendments to the house design in accordance with house type designs submitted with this application.

The road layout, access arrangements and boundary treatments to remain as previously granted planning permission under P 20 158.

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, O’CURRY ST, KILKEE, CO. CLARE Further Information / Revised Plans Planning Ref: P22/1165 Development Description: Planning permission for the following development at the above address: a) change of use of the existing building from disused hostel to ground floor café / restaurant with two no. apartments to the first & second floor; b) demolish existing rear extension; c) construct new rear extension; d) make elevational changes to the existing building; e) all associated site works and services.

Location: O’Curry St, Kilkee, Co. Clare Take notice that Mary, Bernie & Kevin Murrihy have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/1165. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare

County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, KNOCKALUSKRAUN, BAREFIELD , ENNIS, CO CLARE Further Information / Revised Plans Planning Ref: P22/1163 Development Description: Outline permission to construct a new dwelling house, site entrance, access road, private on-site wastewater treatment system, private bored well and all associated site works and services at the above address.

Location: Knockaluskraun, Barefield , Ennis, Co. Clare Take notice that Gerard Anthony Leamy have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/1163.

This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL. 60 ATLANTIC VIEW HOLIDAY HOMES, CASTLEFILED, KILKEE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Muiris & Aine Gavin for planning permission for the following development at the above address: a). Construction of a dormer roof structure at both the front and rear of the existing dwelling house; b). Modifications to the existing windows at front, side, and rear elevations; c). Construction of a freestanding balcony structure with ancillary access stairs, along the side and rear elevations; and d). all ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €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. COACH HOUSE LANE, WEST END, KILKEE, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Juliet Mac Mahon for planning permission to construct an extension to the side and rear of the existing dwelling house, to include conversion of the existing shed for use as part of the house, along with all 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.

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. BALLINTLEA SOUTH, CRATLOE, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Liam & Chloe Markham for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, private garage, domestic wastewater treatment system, site entrance and all 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.

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 CLONREDDAN, COORACLARE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Donal Dillon is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for minor alterations to the existing dwelling house and planning permission to install a new wastewater treatment unit & percolation area, and revised site boundaries along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or obser-

LICENCE APPLICATIONS AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT COURT AREA OF KILRUSH DISTRICT NO 12 CONFIRMATION OF TRANSFER APPLICATION OF Megan Nolan of Kelly’s Bar and Restaurant Henry Street Kilrush in the County of Clare TAKE NOTICE that application will be made to the Judge of the District Court sitting at Kilrush District Court, within the District Court Area aforesaid on the occasion of the sitting of the Annual Licensing District Court at 10.30am on the 19th of December 2023 on behalf of Megan Nolan of Kelly’s Bar and Restaurant in the Henry Street Kilrush County of Clare for a Certificate of Confinnation of Transfer of the ordinary seven day publican’s Licence attached to the premises known as Kelly’s Bar and Restaurant Henry Street Kilrush in the County of Clare and District Court Area aforesaid.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that Application will be made at the same time in accordance with the provisions of Section 30 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1927 for transfer of the said Licence freed and discharged from any indorsements against, or records of offences committed by the former Licencee.

Dated the 6th November 2023 Signed Joseph A Chambers Solicitors for the Applicants Frances Street, Kilrush, Co Clare TO District Court Clerk, The Courthouse, Ennis, Co Clare AND Superintendents Office, Garda Siochana, Ennis, Co Clare AND The Fire Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare

vation 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.

AN CHUIRT DUICHE / THE DISTRICT COURT NO. 66.1 GAMING AND LOTTERIES ACT 1956 SECTION 15 APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 CHRISTOPHER MURPHY AS NOMINEE OF COALQUAY LEISURE LIMITED APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the above named Applicant of 21, Academy Street in the City of Cork, T12 CV02, will apply to the Court sitting at The Courthouse, Ennis, Co. Clare on the 13th day of December, 2023 at 10.30am for a certificate under Section 15 of the Gaming and Lotteries Act, 1956 (No.2 of 1956) authorising the issue of a licence permitting gaming at an amusement hall or funfair namely at property situate at Part of Ground Floor, Merchants Square, Curtins Lane, Parnell Complex, Parnell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare, in the said court area, subject to such conditions as may be imposed in accordance with Section 15 (4) of the said Act. The number and kinds of games proposed to be carried on are as follows: • 40 Gaming Machines • The other forms of amusement to be provided are as follows: - 2 Video Games.

The Applicant is not disqualified by Section 8 of the said Act from the promotion of gaming under Section 6 or Section 7 thereof.

Dated this 7th day of November 2023 Signed: Murphy and Condon Solicitor for the Applicant 69 Shandon Street, North Gate Bridge, Cork TO: The District Court Clerk., The Courthouse, Lifford Road, Ennis, Co. Clare AND/ Corporate Affairs Department, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, County Clare.

AND/ Chief Superintendent, An Garda Siochana, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Lifford, Ennis, Co. Clare AND/ The Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Nov 16, 2023

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