The Clare Echo 17/01/19

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FEATURE

Caring for the elderly 17

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17 Jan 2019

WILD ATLANTIC WAY

AIRPORT? Councillor suggests rebrand for Shannon

Meet Clare Artist Kevin mcNamara 13

OPINION

BREXIT

Eoin Neylon on what Brexit means for us 26

FINANCE

PÁRAIC McMAHON

D

news@clareecho.ie

UBLIN Airport’s monopoly could be tackled by rebranding Shannon Airport to put emphasis on the Wild Atlantic Way. Inspired by an editorial which featured in The Clare Echo at the end of November, Cllr Paul Murphy put pen to paper on a motion which gives “a massive opportunity to rebrand the airport”.

Stuart Holly’s editorial stated, “Renaming Shannon would be no tricky task. There must be some barriers with Fáilte Ireland that won’t allow for this idea of using the Wild Atlantic Way to our distinct advantage, because otherwise why wouldn’t the board of Shannon Group jump on a gravy train that’s going to attract millions of tourists directly through their doors every year”.

Cllr Murphy’s motion read, “In a bid to boost numbers using Shannon International Airport, and to endeavour making the most of the potential that the” Wild Atlantic Way” brand has for the western seaboard, I am requesting that Clare County Council call on management at Shannon Group to consider rebranding the airport accordingly”.

Full story PAGE 11

Darach Honan on the impact a new arrival has on your income 26

BRING ON THE SANDWICHES: Jane Tierney on her way to the Community Hall with food for the hungry walkers during the Toonagh Charity Walk.

photo by Martin Connolly

Public support for Fr Ryan

A

PUBLIC outpouring of support has come in for Ennis Parish Priest Fr Tom Ryan following a claim made last week by a homeless person that they felt they were treated like dogs following their eviction from Ennis Cathedral.

Following reports of consistent problems with drinking, smoking and public urination on the grounds of the Ennis Cathedral, a number of letters were sent and phonecalls made to The Clare Echo offices.

Full story PAGE 10

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Index FRONT PAGE STORY

11

FORMER DISNEY MAN

13

ELDERLY CARE

17-24

OPINION

26

PROPERTY

30-31

MOTORING

32-33

SPORT

34-35

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or news@clareecho.ie

SALES

Email: ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie or ger.naughton@clareecho.ie

lMUNSTER CHAMPS: St Flannan’s camogie team celebrate at the weekend after winning th eSchools Munster Senior B Camogie Final played in Clarecastle on Saturday. The Ennis school defeated St Mary’s Nenagh on a score of 1-05 to 1-03

Photo by Willie O’Reilly

Live register increase while Tulla sees 20% annual reduction PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

M

ORE than 5,000 people signed on to the live register in Clare for December.

5,009 individuals were on the register in the county last month which is an increase on the 4,814 in November according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office.

However, there has been a 15.8 percent drop in the amount of Clare people signing on since last year.

Every part of the county saw a rise in its figures for December with 80 extra people on the dole in North Clare which now totals 974, in Ennis there is more than 2,500, 853 are doing so in West Clare while it is 667 in East Clare.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Senator Martin Conway was quick to highlight the overall reduction since last year. “It is great to see that the number of people signing on the Live Register in Clare has declined by 15.8% in 2018.

“Locally we’ve seen declines in the live register right across the county this year. My hometown of Ennistymon saw a decrease of 16.4%, Ennis and Kilrush saw a reduction of 15.5 percent and 12.2 percent respectively

and the greatest decrease locally was in Tulla with a reduction on the live register of 20.1 percent.

“We will continue this success into the future because we are investing in our talented people, in our drive for innovation and in the future of our infrastructure”.

“Jobs are also growing in rural Ireland, with over 3 out of every 5 jobs created outside Dublin, since the Government was formed in 2016. And these are not just in the commuter belt, with over 5 out of every 10 jobs created outside of Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow.

“We are also investing in our future as a society, organised and resourced for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Project Ireland 2040 aims to ensure that Ireland is ready for the future with a society that has sustainable and balanced growth, nurtures talent, serves the welfare of our people, and offers opportunity for all.

He added, “We are moving towards full employment and we will ensure that all parts of Ireland can share in our prosperity and economic growth, including here in Clare.”

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NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Long-time Bunratty worker stars in RTÉ documentary

PÁRAIC McMAHON

O

paraic@clareecho.ie

NE of Bunratty Castle’s longest serving staff members features in a RTÉ documentary to be broadcast on Monday.

Kilmore resident Lynne Connolly has worked as a Bunratty entertainer for 23 years and stars in One Day: Showing Ireland Off where she showcases her daily duties at the tourist attraction. Of her job, she said, “We serve the food, we do all the speeches, we give the history of the castle, we throw the prisoner in the dungeon and then we do the entertaining and the singing. We put on a half an hour project for each banquet, then we serve the tea and coffee downstairs. We do everything from the welcoming to the serving and entertaining, you’re in our hands completely from the minute you come in the door to the minute you leave”.

Up to 3,000 tourists visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in one day, two out of every three come from either Ireland or the USA. In 24 hours, the Bunratty singers will also serve up around 900 ribs and close to 300 pieces of chicken. “We get all sorts mostly tourists but

l SHOWTIME FOR LYNNE: Michelle Grimes and Lynne Connolly, the subject of an RTE documentary, taking a break before a banquet at Bunratty Castle

over the years more so in recent years we’ve got much more Irish people coming out to us, a lot of them would come out and say ‘oh my God we know the banquets were on but we didn’t realise it was this good’ then

word would spread,” Lynne said.

While filming the documentary, Lynne was five months pregnant. Since then she and her husband, Keith have welcomed a baby boy, Ted who is now two weeks old.

She recalled the filming process. “It was a great experience and we were just ourselves as usual, we did exactly what we did every other night”.

Though best known for her performances at the castle, not many people would know Lynne was also the first receptionist to be employed by Limerick’s Live95FM. By day she worked for the radio station, did voiceovers and community announcements while by night she headed for Bunratty to entertain.

An employee at Bunratty since the age of 17, Connolly left for a five-year period where she worked for Abdullah II of Jordan. “I got a job working for the King of Jordan privately on his jet as an air hostess so I went off flying with him for five years”.

Since returning, she has also clocked up the air miles with trips to New York and Sweden to promote the Bunratty brand abroad.

Lynne told The Clare Echo that she has noticed more people visiting the tourist attraction during her two decades of service there.

“There is an increase most definitely over the years. The banquets are packed twice a night seven nights a week”. Though many people have walked through their doors, according to Lynne their reaction remains the same, “It’s always a shock value that people are coming in expecting one thing and they are going away with something else completely better”.

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6

NEWS

Lisdoonvarna student leads way for Clare

STUART HOLLY

THURSDAY, JAN 10 2019

Unacceptable 'ghost station' lets Ennis down PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

editor@clareecho.ie

M

INISTER Pat Breen has congratulated Mary Immaculate Lisdoonvarna student Sarah McNamara who won the BT Young Scientist Biological & Ecological Intermediate Individual.

The minister of state from Clare also paid tribute to all Clare students who took part in the Scientist and Technology Exhibition.

Minister Breen said, “It was a pleasure to meet all of the Clare students at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS and see first hand their exciting and innovative research, designs, inventions and discoveries.

“I was delighted to learn that a Clare student took one of the main awards at this year's event. Huge congratulations to Sarah McNamara from Mary Immaculate Lisdoonvarna, her family and her school. Sarah won first prize in the Biological & Ecological Intermediate Individual award for her project which compared upland and lowland soils in the Burren.

“I would also like to acknowledge the work of Sarah’s science teacher, John Simms, who

l AWARD: Stephen Hurley, BT Ireland, Minister Pat Breen TD with student Sarah McNamara and her teacher John Sims from Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Lisdoonvarna at the 55th BT Young Scientist Exhibition Photo by Peter Houlihan/Fennells

has ensured Lisdoonvarna has been amply represented at the national science exhibition for the past 30 years and was rightfully awarded the Perrigo Educator of Excellence Award,” added Minister Breen.

Mr Breen also congratulated Lara Mellett and Niamh McMahon of Colaiste Muire, Ennis who received honours in

BUNRATTY ANNUAL FAMILY PASS

€

the Social and Behaviour Sciences category for their project which asked if the Leaving Cert was fair, and paid tribute to Jennifer Weston Colaiste Muire, Roisín McNamara from Mary Immaculate Secondary School, and Gavin Guthrie from St. Flannan’s College who were all highly-commended for their work.

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A Gift of Magic & Adventure

HISTORY MAKERS

S

Other premium card options also available www.bunrattycastle.ie M P N

ENNIS falling from Ireland’s cleanest town to twenty second has been described as “unacceptable”.

In the space of one year, Ennis went from being Ireland’s cleanest town to its 22nd. This came following the final Irish Business Against Littter (IBAL) survey of 2018. An Taisce, who carried out the survey, commented in its Ennis report: “A small number of littered sites was enough to take Ennis down the rankings in 2018.

By far the most heavily littered was Ennis Train and Bus Station.”

Cllr Johnny Flynn at Monday’s meeting of the Ennis Municipal District (EMD) asked that both Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann be contacted in light of the IBAL report.

“We need to write again to the people of the train and bus station, falling from first to twenty second place is unacceptable”.

Fine Gael’s Mary Howard who is also a member of the Ennis Tidy Towns committee also expressed her frustration. “I was hugely disappointed that our ghost station is letting us down, Bus Éireann & Iarnoid Éireann in Ennis is run by machines, it’s a joke they are making plenty money out of the bus and train station. It is a very unsafe place at night time”.

She said nobody cleared the snow there last Spring which resulted in public transport users falling on the premises.

ALES of the recently published, 'Sixmilebridge Images through Time', a photographic collection of local Sixmilebridge stories over time, exceeded all expectations and generated a donation of €11,000 to St Finnachta’s National School Development Fund.

Sixmilebridge Historical Society said they are most grateful to the individuals who supported the book in advance of publication and to the hundreds who purchased books.

In the week following the launch in November of 'Sixmilebridge, Images through Time', the first print run of 600 copies was sold out. Leading up to Christmas another 250 were purchased. Copies are still available from shops in Sixmilebridge and at Easons in Shannon.

The History Society is delighted to have been able to donate the proceeds and presented a cheque to St Finnachta’s Principal Gereth Heagney.

Pictured above is the Presentation to Gareth Heagney, Principal of Sixmilebridge National School, (L-R) David Deighan, Paddy Higgins, Gereth Heagney and Tim Crowe.

The Sixmilebridge Historical Society includes Chairman,Paddy Higgins, Secretary, Tim Crowe,Treasurer and PRO David Deighan.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Lahinch to use 600 volunteers

PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

RAFFIC through Blake’s Corner will be kept to a minimum during The Irish Open, with other routes and a shuttle bus to be used - while businesses have been asked not to hike prices during the European Tour event.

From July 3-7 this year, daily crowds of between 20 and 25,000 will attend The Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club and some 600 volunteers will be required for the week of the tournament. Members of Lahinch Golf Club will serve in this capacity while Golf Clubs within Clare will also be asked to join in the volunteer programme.

A traffic management plan is outlined in the event licence application and is still subject to the planning process. It proposes a temporary closure of the Liscannor Rd during tournament days. The majority of golf traffic will be diverted at Ennis and Inagh towards Miltown Malbay to access the public car park south of Lahinch (Moy), with busy roads already expected with

the Willie Clancy festival taking place the same week in Miltown. North Clare traffic will make use of the public car park north of Lahinch (Ballyellery), park and ride facilities will be in place at both car parks.

A shuttle bus services will operate between Lahinch and Ennistymon and Liscannor.

Infrastructure work is being carried out

by Clare Co Council in the area including the Promenade Car Park and new public toilets and shower facilities at Seaworld.

A meeting with the local business community was held at The Falls Hotel last month where approximately 150 people attended. Concerns and issues were raised during the evening, but Lahinch Golf Club stated “the general feedback was very positive and supportive”.

Community interaction was discussed as being important “to ensure a successful event”. Local businesses were asked for support in ensuring that the cost of food, drink, accommodation and all other products and services are not increased for the week of the tournament.

A site layout plan will be finalised by the end of January, The Clare Echo understands. It has been provisionally agreed that the tented village will be located on the Castle Course.

GALWAY SIGN RISING CLARE SOCCER STAR

Mike wants to know about engineering.

His mam wants to know about employment opportunities for Mike.

LIT Engineering

Open Day Saturday January 19th

10.00am - 2.00pm LIT Moylish Campus Interested in engineering?

Visit our Moylish campus, talk to staff and EX BARNSLEY and Limerick FC striker, Jeff McGowan has signed for Galway Utd. He has been snapped up by The Tribesmen alongside 24 year old right back Andrew Peters of Mayo ahead of the 2019 SSE Airtricity League First Division season. In 2015, Jeff moved to Barnsley having put pen to paper on a two year deal with the South Yorkshire club lining out at youths level On his return to Ireland, the 20-year-old played for Newmarket Celtic before agreeing a deal with Limerick FC last February. While there, he made four appearances for The Super Blues but injury cut his season short. He also spent a period trialling for Dundalk FC who were managed at the time by Stephen Kenny, he has since taken the reigns as Ireland U21 boss.

Commenting on his move, the Bunratty attacker said, “My main aim for this year is to show everyone what I can do on the pitch and I definitely think this is the right club for me to do that at. I play up top, but I’m more than happy to play anywhere across the front. As long as I’m playing and being involved, that’s the main thing. I know a few of the lads up here and they’ve all been brilliant to me, hopefully we will gel together this year and do well. Everyone wants to push forward and that comes from Alan and all the coaching staff. Everyone around the club wants to shove on in 2019.”

Alan Murphy was appointed to take charge of Galway Utd in July. He outlined the qualities the Clare striker will bring to their outfit. “Jeff is really dedicated and has a huge ambition to further his career and is another perfect fit”.

students about our engineering courses and to employers about what they want from graduates.

Visit cao.lit.ie/OpenDays

7

8

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

DEMANDS ESB Food enterprise can MINISTER OPTIONS FOR MONEYPOINT replenish Newmarket M PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

POTENTIAL social food enterprise development in Newmarket-on-Fergus “will give a life back to the main street which is now dead”.

Such was the view of former Shannon Development Regional Manager for Co Clare, John Quinlivan when speaking with The Clare Echo on Tuesday. The Newmarket-on-Fergus native was worried by the current state of affairs in the village following the loss of 13 jobs with the recent closure of Spar, prior to that Commanes Drapery and Footwear along with Clare Tech both shut their doors, all businesses located on the same side of the main street.

“When I was growing up in the village there were at least 16 shops, some of them were very small, sweetshops selling newspapers and bread, now there is one shop and two if you count the petrol station’s convenience store, that’s a huge change. The village was always the centre of commerce within the parish”, Quinlivan said.

“It’s terrible that the village is quickly becoming a settlement rather than a community, we still have our GAA and our soccer club which are excellent providing a huge community service in the area but they are all in danger of not surviving if we lose the commercial centre. There’s more houses starting up in Gleann Cora, they’re all going to have to travel to get a pint of milk, even if you take the older people up the Ballycar Rd they have to travel the full length of the vil-

lage and it’s not easy if you don’t have transport or if you don’t have mobility problems to go that sort of distance, I think that we have to be very conscious of what’s needed to create business that will make a demand for the kind of services that we need”.

Locally it is believed that a proposed Tradaree Social Food Enterprise will bring the buzz back to the main street which is currently comprised of restaurants, pubs, fast food eateries, a pharmacy, a bookmaker, a credit union plus a physiotherapy and sports injury clinic. “The Tradaree Development will create the activity in the area which will in turn lead to the commercial development,” John flagged.

Thus far €700,000 has been raised for the project with a further €1.1 million required.

Obair who operate the Meals on Wheels service in Newmarket have purchased what was the Tradaree Arms in the heart of the village for the social food enterprise and are relying on the second round of financial support from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund to bring this to fruition.

Plans on establishing the Tradaree Social Food Enterprise started in 2013 when Obair were informed their current Meals on Wheels kitchen which operates out of Café Fergus was too small. The 7,500 sqft building would house a state of the art culinary training facility, a holistic space to include counselling offices, four micro food development hubs for start-ups, a youth drop-in centre and a modern production kitchen to facilitate the Meals on Wheels service.

LIT, GMIT and the LCETB

have all expressed an interest in taking over the 16 kitchen training units. If successful with their application, Obair will expand their Meals on Wheels service to other areas in Clare.

Three years ago the service expanded to deliver to Clarecastle, Quin, Doora, Kilkishen, Sixmilebridge, Kilmurry, Bunratty and Cratloe. They envisage that by 2022 they will delivering 80,000 meals. 13 full-time jobs would also be created if funding was secured to complete the project. A tender process has already been completed by Obair who are in a position to start redeveloping the building immediately if they received funding.

John maintained the Tradaree Social Food Enterprise is key to solving Newmarket’s problems.

“It will create the activity and it will give a life back to the main street which is now dead, there is nothing in the main street.

What I’m hoping is, this will be the focus for future development and this is why it’s so important to the village to get this kind of activity up and running to create the community”.

A director with Obair since 2014, Quinlivan added, “We’re under pressure with Obair to deliver the Meals on Wheels to other areas of the county, we can’t do it because it’s just not big enough, it doesn’t have the right capacity.

The food training kitchen I think is going to bring this area really into its own, we already have a fairly good food reputation with The Weavers Inn, The Hunters Lodge, Dromoland Castle, The Inn at Dromoland, this centre will give them the basic training to get jobs in that business and be capable of getting that kind of work."

lOPPORTUNITY TO GROW: Obair who operate the Meals on Wheels service in Newmarket have purchased what was the Tradaree Arms in the heart of the village for the social food enterprise

INISTER Richard Bruton has told Michael Harty TD that he has asked the ESB to provided a paper on options for the replacement of coal-fired generation at Moneypoint Power Station.

In a letter to Independent TD Dr Harty, Minister Bruton also said he expects the ESB response this month. The Independent TD welcomed the move and said he hopes the Minister will publish the EBS’s set of options once they become available.

“I think at last we may be getting some movement on this issue,” said Dr. Harty, the Kilmihil doctor.

“In December I wrote to the Minister for Communication, Climate Action and Environment to clarify what exactly is planned for Moneypoint when it comes

to the end of its operating life in 2025 as a coal burning station.

"I asked the Minister to clarify the situation and if he doesn’t know what the plan is - assuming there is one - could he please engage with ESB Power Generation and inform the public of the company’s future intentions,” continued Dr. Harty.

In his letter to Dr. Harty, the Minister noted that the 2016 Programme for Government included a commitment that the most suitable low-carbon technology to replace coal by 2025 would be identified.

Dr. Harty added that as the clock ticks, there is an air of uncertainty in Clare following the announcement by Bord Na Mona to move away from peat harvesting in the Midlands by 2025.

lCALM BEFORE THE STORM? A dolphin breaches the surface of the Estuary in front of Moneypoint power plant Photo by Pat Kelly

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Calls for action on Ennis Town Bus

EDITOR’S OPINION Stuart Holly

Hard questions left unanswered

T

HERE are two sides to every story.

Last week’s issue of The Clare Echo documented the story of two homeless men living on the streets of Ennis, told in their own words. The crux of their story related to their recent banishment from the grounds of the Cathedral in Ennis, a place they often received their only warm welcome and salvation after falling on such hard times that they bed down each night on cold concrete. I myself attended a Christening at the Cathedral last winter and was greeted with the sight of one such person stretched out on a pew immediately inside one of the side entrances, before being greeted by then-parish priest Fr Tom Hogan. I did not know that homeless man and I personally don’t know either of the men we interviewed last week, but I certainly feel sympathy for anyone whose life has resulted in such a harsh existence.

Our front page in last week’s issue carried the story that the two homeless men, both of Polish origin, were critical of Fr Tom Ryan’s decision to adopt a zero tolerance policy regarding loitering on the Cathedral grounds. It was an emphatic front page which led off on the line that one of the homeless men, Josef, felt they had been treated like dogs.

Since that publication, a number of locals have written and phoned to relay their dismay at the apparent one-sided nature of the article and also the manner in which the article portrayed Fr Tom Ryan, who is by all accounts a popular and valued member of community. There were also people - many hard working, regular church-goers - who shared the parish priest’s concerns about the conduct of certain homeless individuals frequenting the religious grounds. The alleged behaviour of these individuals described in some cases is bad and without doubt a result of the problem’s root, hopeless addiction. However I acknowledge that this does not justify any case of inexcusable behaviour. A lack or omission of a line of questioning on the pair's culpability was an oversight in the interest of balance.

These men are clearly no angels when it comes to conducting themselves on the church grounds to which they were once welcomed and those questions were left unanswered.

The Clare Echo story followed a number of articles which gained national attention a week earlier. A story written by

‘‘

Very questionable alleged behaviour aside - these two men are at the very centre of this story which came to national attention and I was stirred to give them a platform to tell their story

‘‘

Austin Hobbs, former editor of The Clare Champion, quoted Fr Ryan as saying he witnessed people in the cathedral “smoking, drinking alcohol and urinating in public. I often had to clean up and mop up after them….you can imagine. This type of behaviour is not acceptable in a consecrated building”.

He added, “Having a duty of care to all parishioners, including those who are homeless, I have always asked such people to leave.” He also told The Irish Independent that he is “extremely sympathetic to people without a home”.

I agree with Fr Ryan’s sentiments and in no way would criticise him for the move - far from it. Parishioners’ safety is

STUART HOLLY

A

editor@clareecho.ie

T THE January Municipal District of Ennis meeting, Cllr Johnny Flynn asked that Clare County Council urgently act with the Government to provide an Ennis Town Bus Service, making the town centre more accessible for work, shopping, health services, tourism and leisure.

The 2017-2023 County Development Plan (CDP) states that a related Council feasibility study for a bus service from Clarecastle through Ennis to Gort Road in 2013 “showed that there is sufficient demand to make a bus service within the Ennis area feasible.”

The CDP goes on to state that it is a policy of the Council “to encourage the provision of such a bus service.”

It is not the first time this request will come in front of either the former Ennis Town Council or Clare County Council, submissions have

been made many times since 2004.

Cllr Flynn comments, “Based on the work done by a Clare Sustainable Transport committee when I sat on the committee in 2011 and 2012, I proposed a license application in 2016 for an initial trial bus route from Clarecastle through Ennis to the Gort Road Business park, as phase 1 of the plan. I was disappointed when Ennis was excluded from the announcement in September 2017 by the National Transit Authority (NTA) stating private bus operators would be invited to bid for bus routes in many large rural towns. This news led to my additional requests that the Government seek an Ennis Town Bus Service from the Department of Transport in its next tendering process in November 2017 and June 2018.”

Smaller sized towns to Ennis have had town bus services for decades. The reorganisation of the Sligo Bus Service in 2016 led to passenger numbers increasing by 20 percent while following a similar reorganisation of the Athlone bus service saw a 115 percent increase in numbers.

paramount and they certainly deserve the right to worship God without fear. The same must be said about the security of the priests who work there. A horrific case came to the courts last year in which one of Fr Ryan’s colleagues was attacked and threatened at the same church by a homeless alcoholic man. I can only wish the same fate would not befall me or a loved one.

The local clergy’s commendable willingness to help people from all walks surely makes them more vulnerable in this respect.

And there is no doubt that the Church in Ennis has opened its arms over the years. I’m acutely aware that Fr Tom Hogan, now serving in Birr, and Fr Ger Fitzgerald have often carried out benevolent and compassionate contributions working with the local homeless population. Ennis parish office also hosted a Christmas dinner for the homeless last year at the Maria Assumpta Hall, an event organised by the Polish community.

Last week’s article quoting Peter and Josef was not an attempt to damage anybody’s character - it was about hearing that second side to this story from two individuals who find themselves in extremel difficulty. In retrospect, this publication may have underestimated the delicacy of the situation.

However - very questionable alleged behaviours aside - these two men are at the centre of this story which came to national attention and I was stirred to give them a platform to tell their story. Judging by the reaction, there was a public thirst for it also, despite how unpalatable many found their story.

Our journalist reached out to Fr Tom Ryan and the parish office in advance to publication, who unfortunately weren’t in a position to give a response at the time. There are two sides to every story, both which should be heard where possible.

Notably, however, there is more to this story than just three men.I wrote an editorial recently, ironically enough about The Clare Echo’s commitment to positive journalist. Within that article included research about the impact of a headline. In this story's case the message of homelessness was loud and clear, and while framed in a way some found offensive, the message was clearly received. This article, as jarring as it was, brought this problem to the fore. The importance of putting the issue of homelessness in the spotlight can not be underestimated at this point; it’s what can only be described as a national embarrassment which Clare is not exempt from. Hidden homelessness continues to rise along with those in emergency accommodation and those living on the street.

In 2013, the body of a homeless man named Joseph Pavelka was found in a laneway in Ennis. The discovery was made after him and his friend Peter Baram (one of the subjects of our front page story) spent time sleeping in a public toilet. The alarm bells were clear then and they continue to ring aloud. If the warning signs are not heeded, sad stories like this one will never go away, rather persist and grow.

l REPREATED REQUESTS: Ennis Councillor Johnny Flynn

The Ennis Municipal District Councillor explained, “The NTA currently run a similar service for rural towns that have a smaller population than Ennis, such as Carlow, Mullingar and Letterkenny. Introducing a Town Bus in Munster’s largest town would support the transport service supplied by local taxis and reduce the reliance on private cars, traffic delays and emissions.”

Strong local support for Fr Ryan A PUBLIC outpouring of support has come in for Ennis Parish Priest Fr Tom Ryan following a claim made last week by a homeless person that they felt they were treated like dogs following their eviction from Ennis Cathedral.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, homeless man Josef criticized the priest for his zero tolerance policy regarding homeless people sleeping in Ennis Cathedral due to consistent problems with drinking, smoking and public urination.

As well as a number of phonecalls to The Clare Echo offices, the majority of commentators online agreed with the stance of the priest who last year moved from Shannon to Ennis. A smaller number of people also questioned the Church's stance on the issue.

One person said, "That priest is dead right. The urinating and drinking and being blindly drunk in public is a big problem. It's not on and they should not be allowed do this. How do they think they have a right to do this or that we should be treating them any differently. I would have done exactly the same."

Another added, "Good man Fr Tom. How many would like urine on the door of their car ... they are not as innocent as they portray in article."

The Clare Echo both last week and this week asked the Ennis Parish Office to comment on the issue ahead of publication, however they said that Fr Ryan cannot currently be reached.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Shannon rebrand could tackle Dublin monopoly PÁRAIC McMAHON

D

paraic@clareecho.ie

UBLIN Airport’s monopoly could be tackled by rebranding Shannon Airport to put emphasis on the Wild Atlantic Way. Inspired by an editorial which featured in The Clare Echo in November, Cllr Paul Murphy put pen to paper on a motion which gives “a massive opportunity to rebrand the airport”. Stuart Holly’s editorial stated, “A rebrand becomes necessary when a business needs to change, expand, evolve and communicate a clearer vision for the future of the airport, city or country”.

It suggested “renaming Shannon would be no tricky task.

There must be some barriers with Fáilte Ireland that won’t allow for this idea of using the Wild Atlantic Way to our distinct advantage, because otherwise why wouldn’t the board of Shannon Group jump on a gravy train that’s going to at-

tract millions of tourists directly through their doors every year”.

Cllr Murphy’s motion read, “In a bid to boost numbers using Shannon International Airport, and to endeavour making the most of the potential that the” Wild Atlantic Way” brand has for the western seaboard, I am requesting that Clare County Council call on management at Shannon Group to consider rebranding the airport accordingly”.

In Áras Contae an Chláir on Monday, the Fine Gael councillor said, “I was reading an editorial in one of the local papers in the last few weeks and the editor was making the point on what the Wild Atlantic Way brand has. It is a massive opportunity for us to rebrand the airport, it is not something we have to do but I’m saying we should consider it. The chances are people haven’t heard of Shannon but they have heard of the Wild Atlantic Way. I’m talking about the whole western seaboard, Dublin has the monopoly and we have to tackle them”.

lPOSSIBILITIES: Councillor Paul Murphy (inset) suggested that Shannon Airport would benifit from aligning itself to the renowned Wild Atlantic Way through rebrand Inset photo Eamon Ward

His Fine Gael colleague Cllr Johnny Flynn supported the motion but suggested that the Wild Atlantic Way be included as a tagline to the airport. Independent councillor, Gerry Flynn was against a rebranding that would result in Shannon being replaced completely by The Wild Atlantic Way. “I had an issue with Cllr

Murphy’s motion especially as a resident of Shannon but I would support what Cllr Johnny Flynn has suggested, the Shannon name is synonymous with Clare”.

“I would be anxious to keep the Shannon name”, Cllr Murphy replied. The request will now be sent to the management of Shannon Group for consideration.

11

Employment info for youth of Newmarket OBAIR Newmarket on Fergus and Shannon Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Rural Development Directorate of Clare County Council, will host an opportunity for Shannon-based companies to meet with young people from Newmarket on Fergus and surrounding areas at the Obair offices in Newmarket on Fergus on Wednesday, January 23 from 7-8pm.

Companies, ranging from aviation, life sciences and innovation and Autonomous Modular manufacturing will discuss employment and training opportunities available to young people.

Information on apprenticeships, internal training and job prospects will also be discussed with young people considering their future options, as well as those who have recently left school and would like to avail of work in the Shannon area.

This is the first time Shannon Chamber, Clare Co Council and local community organisations have joined forces to offer new ways to support young people in the communities of Clare.

Parents and youth workers are welcome to attend and young people can submit questions for the companies in advance of the event. There will be an opportunity to hear about the real life experience of someone who has entered training. Participants will also avail of access to information on recruitment and applications processes, as well as links to potential new opportunities.

Get more from your smartphone.

Join our free 3Assist event on January 23rd to get up to speed with your smartphone.

Do more with your mobile.

Don’t miss your chance to ask the experts how to make the most of your mobile. At our 3Assist event, you’ll learn how to keep connected with your friends and family.

Places are limited so book today.

Visit 3Store The Square, Ennis now to book your spot.

12 FEATURE

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Ex-Disney animation artist on life in Clare

Variety of dramatic landscapes inspire Lahinch-based artist Kevin McNamara

A

news@clareecho.ie

FORMER Disney employee who could have lived anywhere in the world feels Lahinch is “as good a place as any” to call home.

Four years ago, Kevin McNamara and his wife Rachael Montejo moved to the townland of Moy in Lahinch and have no desire on ever moving.

At their home, what on the outside appears to be a modern garage is in fact Kevin’s studio with current projects on easels with finished works taking pride of place on the walls.

Paintings of sentimental value are hung inside their house with jewellery made

by Rachael on show in the corner of their dining room.

“We’re not summer holiday blow-ins, we’re here the whole time, this is our home. We were here Christmas on our own, we didn’t bother travelling. I lived in Florida in places where I was out in the boonies, this is not as rural as some of the places I’ve been. As far as I am concerned this is as good a place as any, we could have picked anywhere, we’re here because we want to be here and my family are from here too.

"Drive around the coast and have a look at the variety of the landscape here in Clare. It’s not just the coast in Clare, there’s a lot of other stuff as well all the way from Ballyvaughan to Kilkee onto Carrigaholt out the Loop Head...that’s the beauty of it there’s variety,” he said from his home, which on a clear day gives a view of O'Briens Tower at the Cliffs of Moher.

As well as running sixweek workshops, Kevin hones his craft and rarely takes a day off. He can often be spotted sitting at lo-

cations around the county creating his art. Rachae,l who spent 25 years in museum store management and consultancy, formally studied photography at NESOP in Boston and travels with him. While he paints, she shoots.

Born in Manchester and bred in Dublin, Kevin’s family links stretch back to Scariff. A graduate of the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, he recalled his early memories of art and animation. “I always gravitated towards it and was always doing it. I can remember just using anything and everything, even screwdrivers to draw and put things down."

Outdoor painting has always been his prefer-

ence. “I try to use what’s in the light and the colour and react spontaneously from those things to create something exciting that’s of my own”. He adds, “Often times I would have done a smaller painting of a scene to understand it similar to running a horse

around a course to learn the course before a main race. That gives me an idea of what’s going on so that I’m free to look for things in colour, light and design when it comes to the real painting."

From 1994 to '99, he worked as a background artist for Disney on films such as Mulan, Tarzan and Thumbelina. “When I left college, I worked for an animation company in Ireland, then I went to England and worked freelance. I came back and worked for Don Bluth Studios and because of the work I did, Disney had heard of the talent and the artists had a good background, they came over, met us all in person, recruited us and basically

Disney paid for me to go and live in the States and work on their films.

“Everything in an animation movie that doesn’t move is a background so they would have to be drawn and painted, that’s what we did. We had the colour, mood and lighting

right and what was critical, especially in Disney, was mixing the colours for a background...sometimes I would spend one, two or three days just mixing colours in little tubs and putting them on little slivers of paper drying them with a hairdryer and matching them with the painting for hours and hours, nine to six everyday till I had a cross section of colours.

"The reason for that is on the large screen those colours can pop and you lose continuity. It’s a great discipline for an artist, that sort of exacting and colour matching."

Kevin left Disney when his contract finished and he admits that he had no interest in renewing it. “I just used the money to put into other expenses such as paying off a mortgage, it was the one golden opportunity for an artist to get out on his own and I took it”.

His half a decade spent with the multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate has influenced Kevin’s style to this day. “From discipline to the fact that Disney could recruit very talented people from all over the world allowed me to work in an environment with people from all over the world. If there was any downtime between movies, Disney would pay to have professional artists come in and hold workshops...that was an ongoing thing”.

Since 1984, McNamara's work has featured in 51 exhibitions all around the world including Temple Bar, Florida, South Carolina, London and Kentucky.

Currently he has galleries open in South Carolina and Dublin, later this year he is hopeful of releasing a Cliffs of Moher collection.

Whilst based in Cape Cod in 2013, Kevin met Rachael, they married three years later and she has been a positive influence in both his personal

l BRINGING ART TO LIFE: Kevin speaking to The Clare Echo about his art from his studio in Moy, Lahinch and (left) a selection of recent work carried out by the once Disney animation artist

Photos by Martin Connolly

‘‘

It was the one golden opportunity for an artist to get out on his own and I took it

and professional life.

“She’s a photographer in her own right so she has a complete empathy for what I’m doing without a conflict, I don’t know if two painters could get on in the one house. We work as a team, we work closely together and she promotes my work in that way. It’s not just about her being there to promote business, it extends to other things, we work as a team so that’s how it works.

"She’ll be with me when

‘‘

PÁRAIC McMAHON

I’m working because she’s interested and chances are she’s in an area where she is building her own portfolio for whatever she is doing with her own photography”.

Away from paint, brushes and cameras, they are hopeful of a happy life in Lahinch.

Professionally they will be kept busy with a high demand for places in the workshop while a series of paintings inspired by the beauty of Clare looks to be on the horizon.

OUT & ABOUT 13

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

The scene

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho instagram.com/theclareecho

Toonagh locals in walk for Huntington’s

H l GOOD CAUSE: Imelda Duffy and Edel Cassidy in Toonagh on Sunday Photo by Martin Connolly

l SISTERS IN ARMS: Francis Woods and Lorraine Glynn helping out with the food and (below) Noreen Cummins and Ann Moloney before their headed out on their walk

Photo by Martin Connolly

UNDREDS of walkers and runners turned out for the annual Toonagh Charity Walk which this year was raising funds to support people impacted by Huntington’s Disease.

Organiser Denise Whelan this year took over from Breda McCullough, who had previously organised the event for the last 19 years raising money for a host of charities.

Ms Whelan praised the community spirit of Toonagh residents who helped out and thanked all those in attendance to help raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Ms Whelan told The Clare Echo, “We had over 300 walkers excluding kids and dogs. Even though it was such a bad day people still came out.

“It’s a great community. The food etc had to be organised, we had over 20 hampers with drinks, chocolate, biscuits. Then

there was the tea, food, raffle, registration, guys doing signage, water stops etc. Everyone was great to donate and help out.”

Ms Whelan set aside some praise for Ms McCullough, saying the event wouldn’t have been possible this year without her help and guidance.

“Last year she retired from it, she had a lot done in the 19 years but she kept the dates. It was always the second weekend in January and I said I’d continue it for the Huntington’s Disease Association this year. It’s a disease that’s in my husband’s family. It was to create awareness for the disease,” Denise added.

Huntington’s Disease is a hereditary disease marked by degeneration of the brain cells and causing chorea and progressive dementia.

For more information contact the Huntington’s Disease Association of Ireland or visit their website at www.huntingtons.ie.

l RUFF WEATHER: Geraldine Cahir and her dog Toby brave the elements

Photo by Martin Connolly

l FAMILY FUN: Seamus ,Emma and Dara Masterson who had just completed their walk in Toonagh

Photo by Martin Connolly

14 INTERACTIVE

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

A new era of

INTERACTION twitter.com/ ClareEcho

facebook.com/ clareecho

Facebook comment of the week

‘‘

instagram.com/ theclareecho

Good man Fr Tom.... how many Nora Shanahan would like urine on the door of their in reaction to our story about two car and person didn’t have the homeless men decency to zip up as car was being banned approached ... they are not as from the innocent as they portray in article Cathedral

www.clareecho.ie

Tweet of the week

ENNIS NATIONAL SCHOOL @ennisns

Lovely to see #Ennisns teacher David McInerney pictured in this week’s @ClareEcho - doing what he does so well - being generous to youngsters

TRENDING ON OUR WEBSITE: CLAREECHO.IE

Gough lands Game of Thrones prequel ENNIS actress Denise Gough has landed a leading role in upcoming prequel series to Game Of Thrones, it has been confirmed.

The Olivier-award winning actress, one of 11 children, has built a strong stage profile in recent years while also starring in a number of screen successes such as Poldark (alongside Naomi Watts), The Walking Dead and Jimmy’s Hall alongside fellow Ennis actress Simone Kirby, who herself is currently starring in RTE’s drama Resistance.

However this latest role is expected to be the 39-year-old’s highest profile work to date.

British director SJ Clarkson will take charge of the pilot episode of the yet-to-be named series which also stars Sheila Atim, Ivanno Jeremiah, Georgie Henley, Alex Sharp and Toby Regbo.

The Game Of Thrones prequel takes place thousands of years before the events of the main story line, with HBO saying it “chronicles the world’s descent from the Age Of Heroes into its darkest hour”.

Gough’s new film Colette, starring Keira Knightley, has just opened in cinemas.

STORY REACHED OVER 7,000 PEOPLE ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

l GROWING PROFILE: Former Coláiste Mhuire student Denise Gough (39) will star in the pilot which is yet to be named

Entertainment

BURREN FOOD SEASON ON WAY

O

N THE face of it, the Burren is perhaps the last place on earth where one would expect to find a Food Trail. It is an area of expansive karst limestone landscape, often referred to as ‘lunar-like’, which to the newcomer may appear as barren, inhospitable and forsaken.

However, it is not without good reason that the Cistercian monks who settled there in the 11th century gave the name Santa Maria de Petra Fertili, to the iconic Corcomroe Abbey, which still stands as a magnificent landmark of the Burren Landscape to this very day. The name, St. Mary of the Fertile Rock, reflects the fertile nature of the surrounding Burren lands, which insured that here a Cistercian community could, by cultivation, provide itself with the necessary means of support and ultimately, self-sufficiency.

It is a perplexing juxtaposition of nature whereby great bounty of lamb, beef, fruits and vegetables emerge from the cracks, crevices and valleys of the limestone Burren. Flanked on the west by the magnificent Wild Atlantic, a bounty of fish and seafood is also assured.

In recent years, the Burren’s rich and ancient food culture has expanded through

l GET YOUR CLAWS INTO THIS: Gerry O’Halloran, Redbank Food Co, New Quay enjoying last year’s festival Photo by Eamon Ward

the emergence of many award-winning chef-led restaurants and high quality artisan food producers.

The Burren Food Trail members organise an annual series of food events, taking place at unusual locations around the Burren. They are a celebration of local, wild and seasonal produce of the Burren, as well as a

chance to meet the producers, mingle with local people and learn about the Burren.

The 2019 foodies season in The Burren will commence with the Burren Slow Food Festival, taking place from the 10th to the 12th of May in Lisdoonvarna.

The Festival theme this year is “Seaweed & Salmon”. On Friday May 10, seafood en-

thusiasts will be going to Inis Oírr by ferry to enjoy a seafood buffet. On Saturday and Sunday, there will be cookery demos (Gareth Mullins has been confirmed as the first demo chef), talks and high-quality food stalls and experiences at the Pavilion, Lisdoonvarna. Further details on this annual event will be released in the coming months.

The Burren Food Trail Long Table events for 2019 dates are Friday June 7, Friday September 7 and Thursday November 21.

Following the success of the three Sold Out events of 2018, Burren Food Trail members will join forces again to showcase the best seasonal, local produce of The Burren.

The last event of the foodie calendar will take place in Lisdoonvarna on Sunday October 27, The Burren Food Fayre. Each year on the October Bank Holiday weekend The Burren Food Fayre plays a part in the festivities for the Winterage Festival, which is celebrated in the towns of the Burren.

This year, the Fayre will also play host to the launch of the Burren Dinners Book, a publication that will include recipes and food hero stories from the best chefs and producers of the Burren region, in collaboration with Chef Trevis Gleason and O’Brien Press.

FLEADH 2019 IS LAUNCHED...

by ANTHONY HART news@clareecho.ie

n DEREK RYAN @ GLÓR Saturday, February 2

T l BODHRÁNS AT THE READY: At the launch of the Fleadh na Mumhan Inis 2019 program were Mayor of Ennis Claire Colleran

Molloy with Joe Arkins, Chairman, Frank Whelan Secretary, Micheal Ó Raibhaigh, Therese McInerney, Comhaltas and Ennis Municipal District members. The Fleadh will run from 14th to 22nd July Photo by Eamon Ward

HE Carlow Country Powerhouse that is Derek Ryan, returns to Ennis to perform in Glór theatre on Saturday 2nd February.

The Sunday Worlds “Songwriter of the Year 2018” tours in support of the recently released “Ten”, funnily enough, his tenth studio album, solidifying Ryan’s position as one of Irelands premiere country music stars in what has been a whirlwind rise to the top tier.

With support on the night from special guests, Louise Morrissey and Olivia Douglas, and a string of hits from “Ya Can’t Stay Here” and “Heaven Tonight” to a whole host of country classics, this one is not only sure to be a sell out, but a truly engaging evening of song and dance with the poster boy of Irish country music.

Tickets are available from Glór box office or derekryanmusic.com

16 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

A PRAYER FOR A GOOD NEW YEAR

A

T s we go further into the new year we continue to try and keep our new year resolutions and also to keep trying to get fit and more healthier and my motto of sorts when trying to lose weight goes as follows: ‘A moment on the lips is a lifetime on the hips.’ It meant that an act that took just an instant could remain with you forever. I like to apply this phrase to the process of prayer. A prayer takes just a matter of seconds to utter, but its influence on our lives can be permanent. ‘A moment on our lips is a lifetime on our souls.’ A simple prayer can change us; can lead us on the path to healing ourselves and our world. So pray. Pray for peace, pray for healing, pray for love, pray for mercy, pray for forgiveness, pray for advances in science, pray for the strength to eradicate poverty and disease, pray to overcome injustice, pray for resolve, pray for others, pray for acceptance, pray for our poor, abandoned and homeless, pray for yourself. Pray to God with all your heart and soul, and then gather up your might to meet the challenges that lie ahead and we all know at this present time in our wonderful county and country that we need that help and strength to make the lives of our children brighter, so lets get doing it for our beautiful children.

Prayer is asking.

Prayer is pleading.

Prayer is praising.

Prayer is loving. Prayer is merciful. Prayer is thanksgiving.

Millions of people pray every

day for a variety of different reasons.

Whether you’ve found yourself in need of a listening ear or you want to praise a recent triumph, prayer has the ability to help people feel more grounded as they communicate with a higher power.

store. The customer handed a fifty euro note to the grocer and said, “It was worth every penny of it.” It was sometime later that the grocer discovered the scales were broken; therefore, only God knows how much a prayer weighs!!”

How much does a Prayer weigh?

Thought for the week

“Berela Dunne, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store. She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries. She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work. They had seven children and they needed food. John Murphy, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store. Visualizing the family needs, she said: “Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.” John told her he could not give her credit, as she did not have a charge account at his store. Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, “Do you have a grocery list?” Berela replied, “Yes sir.” “Okay” he said, “put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries.”

Berela hesitated a moment with a bowed head. Then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed. The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scale went down and stayed down. The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, “I can’t believe it.” The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more. The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list. It was instead a prayer which said: “Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.” The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence. Berela thanked him and left the

As your thought for the week may I offer up this comfort blessing or a prayer of mine for a good New year for you the reader on your life’s journey that you may see the light in the darkness during these challenging times! May you feel the loving presence of those who hold you in their thoughts and prayers! May your spirit find what it needs to sustain you on this journey of life! May you discover your inner strength and face all difficulties with dignity and grace. May you be filled with comfort, love, acceptance, strength, grace and a lasting sense of peace! May the light of your soul guide you. May the light of your soul bless the work that you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.

May you see in what you do the beauty of your own soul. May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work. May your work never weary you. May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration and excitement.

May you be present in what you do. May you never become lost in bland absences.

May the day never burden. May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities and promises. May evening find you gracious and fulfilled. May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected. May your soul calm, console and renew you. May there always be work for your hands to do. May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. May the blessing of God’s soft rain be on you, Falling gently on your head, refreshing your soul.

With the sweetness of little flowers newly blooming. May the strength of the winds of Heaven bless you, Carrying the rain to wash your spirit clean. Sparkling after in the sunlight. May the blessing of God’s earth be on you, And as you walk the roads, May you always have a kind

word for those you meet. May joy and peace surround you, contentment latch your door, and happiness be with you now and bless you evermore! May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow. May the soft winds freshen your spirit. May the sunshine brighten your heart. May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you, and may God enfold you in the mantle of His love now and always. I also pray for us all to have the power to be gentle, loving, kind and caring to one another and to ourselves; the strength to be forgiving and be forgiven; the patience to be understanding and compassionate and merciful; and the endurance to accept the consequences of holding to what we believe to be right and good and peaceful. May we put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil and the power of love to overcome hatred.

Pray for the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world emancipated from violence, hatred and war, a new world where fear shall no longer lead men and women to commit injustice, nor selfishness and unkindness to make them bring suffering to others. Help us to devote our whole life and thought and energy to the task of making peace and a better life for people and children in need in our world and country, praying always for the inspiration and the power to fulfill the destiny for which we and all people were created and that we will always look after the needy in our county, our country and in our world especially so many vulnerable and needy people in our country and world who are in serious need at this time. Remember change starts within yourself and that you can’t change others you can only change yourself so be a change for goodness and genuineness in your own life and always remember for evil to exist it takes good people to remain quiet. Much peace and love to everyone. Also Some friends and family asked me to light a candle for them during the first month of our new year and some friends and family are in need of a prayer and candle at this moment especially any of you that are unwell or ill or in hospital or suffered an accident or a loss or some who are having worrying times with family and financial problems and for some who are lacking peace and mercy in their lives. For them and for all of us I offer up my prayers and candle through this thought for the week and especially for peace in all our lives and in our families and in our world. Amen.

caring for the elderly

2019

Specsavers’ is transforming the image of hearing aids with the launch of Signia Styletto

F

ORMER Strictly Come Dancing judge and renowned choreographer, Arlene Phillips is urging people to stop letting their vanity hold them back when it comes to their hearing.

The 75-year-old dancer is working with Specsavers to encourage people to have regular hearing checks to coincide with the launch of the Signia Styletto – a stylish and discreet new hearing device available at Specsavers stores nationwide.

The Signia Styletto high-tech hearing system comes with a portable charging station. It is the first of its kind to have a sleek, slim-line look and is available in three colour combinations for the style-conscious – dark granite and silver, cosmic blue and rose gold and snow white and rose gold.

Arlene says: ‘Hearing loss will inevitably affect all of us as we get older – it’s a natural part of the ageing process. And when it happened to me I was initially worried I wouldn’t be able to continue doing the things I love. I must admit that part of me was a bit anxious about wearing a hearing aid too. What if it looked awful or flew out of my ear while I was dancing. But I needn’t have worried’.

Hearing aids are no longer clunky and bulky with the Signia Styletto, which is so small and discreet. When Arlene saw it for the first time she said: ‘I couldn’t believe how stylish and sophisticated it was. Just like with the evolution of glasses, there’s no reason why you have to compromise on your style when it comes to needing a hearing aid. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.’

Specsavers audiologist Jeff Walbran comments: ‘There is still a stigma attached to hearing loss and hearing aids.

Many customers want hearing aids that are stylish and discreet. The new Signia Styletto is exactly that and we hope

this new aid will help open up the conversation surrounding hearing loss and ensure no one misses a moment.’

Specsavers recommends that those over the age of 55 should have their hearing checked every two years and if you’re concerned about your hearing make an appointment to see your Specsavers audiologist.

Signia Styletto hearing aids are available from Specsavers stores nationwide.

To find out where your nearest Specsavers store is and to book a hearing check visit specsavers.ie/hearing

Signia Styletto: Arlene Phillips is working with Specsavers to urge people to stop letting their vanity hold them back and (above) the stylish Signia Styletto hearing aid

Internationally renowned local artist has solution for all your special occasions

I

nternationally renowned artist Harry Guinane has the perfect solution for any occasion. Harry can create masterpieces in a flash, with a general turnaround time of four to five days, depending on the request. A native of Ennis, Harry worked in Botswana for 14 years before returning to his beloved Co Clare. He has been commissioned to create all kinds of artwork, including portraits, caricatures and logo design. He created wonderful murals for Cahercalla Community Nursing Home and Hospice in Ennis.

Contact Harry on 087-9101646 or by email at harryguinane@gmail.com.

BEFORE

IN DISGUISE: (above) Harry has disguised these two exits in Cahercalla Alzheimers unit as a beautiful waterfall

caring for the elderly

2019

Growing old can be positive state which should be availed of as falls are

By Michael O’Doherty more lightly as one ages.

There are a few key things I feel that are founder of Bioenergy Healing fundamental in caring for the elderly. loneliin Ireland ness, isolation and frailty. One of the biggest

A

GEING is a common phenomenon for every living species, some people feel that getting old presents many challenges depending on the nature of their mental and physical health. Others believe that getting old is a privilege and can be an enjoyable life, its all about attitude and mindset. I remember when I was growing up grandparents played a major role in the family dynamics providing great support and education to the young etc. This in turn would be reciprocated by the next generation as they would take care of their loved ones as they aged gracefully often in the same home. People had no other choice as there were no services available such as is available today.

However, the family dynamic has changed and unfortunately many of our elderly live in isolation waiting patiently for their home help or carer to arrive. While modern society has given the opportunity for prosperity it has come at a cost and it is often the elderly who suffer most.

Advances in medicine and improved lifestyles mean people are living longer so caring for the elderly requires time, commitment and the support from the various services available. Certain types of illnesses afflict the elderly much more such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, stroke, heart issues, arthritis, poor mobility, anxiety and depression. This can mean more hospital and doctors visits so other members of the family have to create strategies around their own lives to make that happen. While many families don’t look on this as a problem, others find it challenging often due to travel and distance.

Many of our senior citizens take a lot of medication and while these are packed and organised better it still needs monitoring.

Homecare is a rapidly growing business and has already quadrupled since 2000, with about 150 plus companies providing services around the country. At the same time, family size is shrinking, so there are fewer siblings to support elderly parents, and increased globalisation means they are less likely to be living nearby anyway. Nursing homes can often be the last word for the elderly even though great service can be provided within many nursing homes.

There is no doubt if the elderly can be kept within their own home it can be a lot less stressful for them. This is their home and a place they are very familiar with so the less disruption the better. There are lots of alarm and panic alert companies now that provide monitoring and this can be funded by the

issues for seniors is that their social begin to shrink as the years go by. Friends, significant others and family members move away or pass away. Even those who still live close by may be inaccessible due to limited mobility, especially once a senior can no longer drive safely. Age-related changes in one’s physical condition, such as hearing loss and low vision, can make it so difficult to communicate that it doesn’t seem worth the effort anymore. A University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) study found that participants 60 years old and older who reported feeling lonely saw a 45 percent increase in their risk of death.

Isolated survey respondents also had a 59 percent greater risk of mental and physical decline than their more social counterparts.

It is critical that every effort is made to provide all the necessary support in these areas.

Nutrition is an important determinant of health in caring for the elderly. Malnutrition in the elderly is often underdiagnosed.

Careful nutritional assessment is necessary for both the successful diagnosis and development of comprehensive treatment plans for malnutrition in elderly people. It is difficult to advise on this specifically, as it all depends on the health of each individual but regular wholesome meals preferably organically sourced is best. The digestive system of each one of us is the basis for illness and health but in particular great care must be taken to ensure that the digestive system in the elderly is functioning to its optimal. Lots of fluid to prevent dehydration also.

Promoting and Prescribing Exercise for the Elderly.

Regular exercise provides a myriad of health benefits in older adults, including improvements in blood pressure, diabetes, lipid profile, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and neurocognitive function. Regular physical activity no matter how little is also associated with decreased mortality and age-related morbidity in older adults.

circles

Despite this evidence the vast majority of our older community are insufficiently active to achieve these health benefits. Few contraindications to exercise exist, and almost all older persons can benefit from additional physical activity.

In the modern world I feel we have what it takes to care for every generation and not determine this care by age. Family is everything and old age comes to us all if we are lucky. www.michaelodoherty.com

Promoting independent living at home and in the community By 2021 there will be 800,000 people over the age of 65 in Ireland. Whilst we are an aging population we are a healthier population with many of us living well into our 80’s and 90’s.

As the years pass we may require more support to help us live independently with many studies showing that people want to remain at home for as long as possible. We are in the lucky position that is now possible.

Bluebird Care provides health and social care services within the home setting and local community. Quality and safety being at the core of all its work.

Service provision is nurse-led and Bluebird Care’s staff place the customer at the heart and centre of every interaction providing care with kindness, compassion, consideration and respect.

There are also very many people who have a life-long disability or experience a lifechanging event that requires long-term care. Bluebird Care’s range of specialised care and support services enables

individuals and families to choose a care plan that is right for them whether on a shortterm or long-term basis.

Local Clare person Kay Leahy opened her office over six years ago and have been going from strength to strength providing much needed homecare service throughout Co. Clare.

Kay Leahy commented: “Having recently won the tender to provide care for older persons in the community we are pleased to announce that we are recruiting a number of additional staff in the coming months.

These additional staff will allow us to increase the level of hours of service we provide within the community.”

“Often people hesitate when it comes to making vital decisions about home care, but there is nothing to fear. Our years of experience show that it has very positive outcomes and dramatically improves an individual’s quality of life. In providing care to our customers we also aim to provide support and respite to the family or to the primary carer”.

“Home care is also a realistic and cost-effective alternative to nursing home care as there are significant tax reliefs available to those incurring the cost.”

“To enable us to increase the level of hours of service we can provide within the community we are recruiting staff across Clare

We provide: Care for older persons Care for children and adults with complex care needs Care for children and adults who require convalescence / rehabilitation post hospitalisation PA support for college students Care for persons due to: − − − − −

A chronic illness An acquired brain injury Dementia An established spinal injury A physical/sensory or intellectual disability

and would invite qualified Nurses and experienced Care Assistants to get in touch with us.”

Bluebird Care invests significantly in quality standards, education and training, technology and partnerships with other organisations. This commitment has been recognised for the last four years with Bluebird Care winning the Q Mark Business Group of the Year award in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Bluebird Care are also the first franchised homecare company in Ireland to have all its offices Q Mark certified.

For more information on Bluebird Care’s broad range of services visit www.bluebirdcare.ie or call 065 686 8222

caring for the elderly

Home Instead Senior Care Clare

O

UR VISION in Home Instead Clare is to enhance the lives of older adults and their families.

With this in mind we are especially pleased to have won the FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards 2012 – Clare Customer Service Excellence Award. With the many challenges in delivering person centred care this award along with our many other relationships within the community where I am particularly delighted that Home Instead continues to be an ‘HSE Approved Provider for Enhanced Homecare Packages (Services for Older Persons).’

Since 2008 we have been building our team around our client’s needs and not ours; in doing so our Quality Assurance Nurse supports our three Care Managers made up of an Occupational Therapist, an Health & Safety and a Dementia leader. We have a Person Moving and Handling Instructor hence our in-house training along with in-house Dementia training led by our Person Centred Dementia Training Nurse.

Outside of many practical courses my particular interest in the ageing journey is intergenerational communication which complements our Care Managers as they conduct Care Consultations on a weekly basis. Why would a 30,929 word thesis; ‘Does the parent-adult child communication model give Ageing the best chance of Success’ prove useful with struggling families? The families we engage are under massive pressure led by emotions such as guilt, burden, fear

and rejection. Yes, rejection is oft experienced by the adult child where their loved one simply refuses to engage in meaningful conversations around their vulnerability. This in turn places enormous pressure on the family to find a quality, professional solution meeting their loved one’s needs; to stay at home, within the community and engaged in life.

Clare U16, First Floor, Roslevan Shopping Centre, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co.Clare V59HR49 Contact: Liam Toland Phone: 065 679 7507 Liam Toland: 087-2380258 Email: liam.toland@homeinstead.ie

065 679 7507

emer.oconnor@homeinstead.ie

2019

2019

caring for the elderly

FAMILY OWNED AND MANAGED

R

OSEMOUNT NURSING HOME is a family owned and managed, 39 bed purpose built, nursing home set on lovely spacious grounds in the heart of Gort is registered with the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) and is fully compliant with all food hygiene, fire, health and safety legislation.

We provide a high standard of nursing care to cater for convalescent, respite, short and long term residents. Our highly skilled team are dedicated to ensuring our residents every need is catered for and our head chef ensures that our resident’s dietary requirements and personal tastes are taken care of when preparing their meals.

Rosemount Nursing Home is a designated centre approved and registered with HIQA which means families can be assured of only the highest of standards and quality of care for their loved ones.

We employ a team of 35 who are trained, friendly and ensure residents experience a comfortable, relaxed and homely environment. The residents are treated with respect and dignity at all times. The healthcare assistants are trained to QQI Level 5 standards in their area of work.

Employees include a dedicated Person In Charge (P.I.C.), Deputy P.I.C. and Manager along with a friendly and caring team of registered general nurses, healthcare assistants, chef, cooks, kitchen assistants, activities co-ordinator and maintenance personnel. There is physiotherapy, occupational therapy, chiropody, hairdressing, exercise and fitness personel available to the residents by arrangement.

Rosemount Nursing Home always ensures suitably trained and competent staff are working on the floor at all times caring for all of the resident needs. We have a wide variety of activities taking place on an on-going basis ranging from ball games to bingo. Our residents also enjoy art, gentle exercise, card games, live traditional music, pet therapy, entertainment shows, social outings, darts, tai chi, manicures and daily delivery of their favourite newspaper.

For further information on Rosemount Nursing Home and our services please call us on 091 631847 or visit our website at www.rosemountnursinghome.com

caring for the elderly

2019

‘Hundreds’ on waiting list for home support

T

HE number of elderly people on waiting lists for home support services in Co Clare is “in the hundreds”, according to the latest HSE figures as reported in The Irish Times.

Nationally, 6,324 elderly people were waiting for home support services, according to the latest available HSE figures from October – which signifies an increase of more than 200 since May. The figures were obtained by Social Democrats co-leader Róisin Shortall. While areas in Dublin, Galway, Mayo and Roscommon had the largest waiting lists, a report in The Irish Times said that In Co Clare, waiting lists were also in the hundreds. However, Co Kerry, parts of Co Cork, Co Tipperary, Co Longford and Co Westmeath had short or non-existent waiting lists.

The latest update from the HSE on the Winter Plan in December said that €10.6 million had been allocated for additional packages. Of those, 346 packages had been approved as of December 23, with a further 190 due to be allocated this month.

Deputy Shortall pointed out that it made no economic sense not to fund home care as it works out massively cheaper than having people in a nursing home or hospital bed.

According to her the average cost of home

care works out at just €160 per person weekly, compared with €1,000 for a nursing home, or €6,000 for an acute hospital bed.

“The Minister [for Health] announced that there would be funding for an additional 550 homecare packages as part of the HSE’s winter plan,” she said.

“When seen in the context of these figures, 550 does not even represent a tenth of existing demand. This paltry figure is an insult to older people when so many are waiting for services.”

The Dublin North West TD said the Government needs to “make good” on its commit- ELDERLY ON WAITING LIST: Nationally, 6,324 elderly people were waiting for home support serment to introduce a statutory vices entitlement to homecare “as “An acute hospital bed can cost the HSE essary. soon as possible”. approximately €6,000 per week and adds to Additional funding for homecare packag“The average weekly cost for home-supwaiting lists as people cannot return home. es was provided as part of the HSE winter port services is €160. This is a fraction of It is a complete failure of planning and a plan in an effort to ease the hospital overthe weekly cost of the average nursing home waste of resources. ” crowding crisis. which is over €1,000 per week. Additionally, A shortage of homecare funding was notmany older people remain in hospital longer than they need as no home supports are ed in a recent report on people being left in hospital for longer than was medically necavailable,” Ms Shortall added.

HEALTH & WELLNESS AT CARRIGORAN’S DAY CENTRE

COLUMNISTS 25

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

Miriam O’Donohoe Join Miriam on her history tours to hidden locations of Clare

1968 H

Visit to Kilfenora sheds light on Pope connection

CLARE ROSE TAKES THE CROWN The Rose of Tralee competition spear-headed Irish beauty on all our television sets through the latter half of the 20th century. Embodying a culture refined through strong personalities, the competition has provided sustenance to Irish communities across the globe as to what it truly means to be an Irish woman. In 1968, Eileen Slattery from Clarecastle took the fabled crown, being the first Clare woman to do so. In its infancy, the competition comprised of 23 finalists from seven counties. The competition took place in Tralee’s Ashe Memorial Hall and was presented by the late Terry Wogan.

At the time, Eileen was working as a hostess at Bunratty Castle and her newly acquired notability afforded her the opportunity to travel. First place claimed the opportunity of a lifetime with a world trip accompanied by a £100 cash prize, a nice cosy sum at the time. Interestingly, Eileen’s motivation to participate was fashioned in fate whereby after having her tea cup read she was foretold of her imminent future in entertainment and of its prosperous nature. Her instinct guided her towards the Clare Rose in Lahinch and the rest is history.

CHÉ’S TRIP TO KILKEE COMES TO LIFE

Jim Fitzpatrick is an Irish artist that gained notoriety through the years for his traditional Celtic artwork. His most prominent piece of work stems from a chance meeting with the iconic revolutionary Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara in Kilkee, County Clare in 1962. Jim held a summer job there at the time and was in awe at the presence of such an internationally revered lead- er. Che had a stopover at Shannon Airport and was killing some time in Kilkee where he deliberated with the young Jim Fitzpatrick over his Irish ancestry.

This encounter inspired Fitzpatrick to create the iconic red poster of Guevara in 1968, one year after his death. This image would become one of the most iconic in history, symbolising freedom, political uprising and the power of socialism.

In retrospect, it was the seaside resorts of County Clare that took the limelight in 1968, with the Darlin Girls from Clare and the story of Che Guevara’s quiet adventure to the west, not to liberate any people but simply to free his pint from a glass.

THE STORY OF CLARECARE Ennis saw its philanthropic roots strengthened with the formation of Clarecare in 1968. Originally operating under the title of Clare Social Service Council, Clarecare was espoused through the wilful minds of Mr Joe Boland, County Manager, and Dr. Michael Harty, Bishop of Killaloe. Its main aim was to co-ordinate the various voluntary organisations in Clare with special emphasis on care for the elderly. The initiative gradually grew into the large boots it fills today in our local community, extending its helpful hand into matters relating to families and children in need. On November 12, 1968, Clarecare held its inaugural meeting operating as a parish-based organisation with 23 affiliates. Its history can be traced back to an office on O’Connell street in 1968, with just one employee operating as a clerk typist.

DARLIN’ GIRLS FROM CLARE We all know Miltown Malbay as a bustling seaside town. The faintest hint of sunshine and it’s beach towels at the ready. In 1968, the sandy white shore wasn’t the only attraction that pulled people towards the coast.

The Darlin’ Girls from Clare was a widely known festival that kicked off the Spanish Point Holiday Season. People gathered in their thousands to commence the festival, welcoming the 14 girls from Ireland and England all with some sort of affinity to the Banner. Qualification came from winning dance competitions across Ireland and England. The festival then in its fifth year was seen as a roaring success and added to the communal vibe of the seaside resort. Streets lined with musicians and dancing, the official Darlin’ Girl was announced at midnight during the middle of the festival. Maura Barry from Kilmaley takes the crown, winning a trip to the United States.

Look out for next week’s edition of Reeling in the Years in Clare where we will delve back in time into 1969.

I ALL,

Last week I decided to visit the Kilfenora Cathedral as I had heard of its rich architectural history. I took the R476 route via Corofin which brought me right into the heart of Kilfenora. Once you see the 13-foot high Celtic cross in the field between the church and cathedral, you’ve arrived.

Inside I was instantly captivated by the rich tapestry of ancient Celtic design, Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, I heard a voice say ‘Isn’t it a pity Pope Francis couldn’t have visited in August’. Startled by this comment, I replied ‘But he was here on the 25th 26th’. ‘Yes!’ came the reply, ‘but did you not know that Pope Francis is Bishop of Kilfinora’. Having only a vague recollection from childhood, I asked if he would explain. It transpired that, due to a technicality within the Papal law dating as far back as 1883, any newly elected Pope automatically becomes Bishop of Kilfenora.

‘By the way my name is Joe,’ said the voice.

Joe then remarked on Kilfenora once being the site of a monastic settlement founded by St Fachana in the 6th century.

Back then this site attracted large amounts of pilgrims who travelled from the four corners of the Burren to worship. In those times most of the natives lived in dispersed rural settlements known as Raths [earthen ring forts] or Cashel’s [stone ring forts]. Kilfenora was very thinly populated at the time, so as you can imagine monastic settlements such as this one attracted droves of worshipers.

In those times it was believed that the doors of heaven were signified by the doors of the cathedral here on earth. Due to frequent gatherings, settlements here started to grow as Kilfenora became a meeting place where peasant farmers from neighboring villages could, perhaps barter/sell goods such as livestock, crops or whathaveyou.

There was also the social aspect. Throughout time Kilfenora became a very important religious centre as people began to settle there, so as to be close to their place of worship; of course

this meant that the population of Kilfenora started to develop into a small little community.

Never-the-less it was regarded by the Synod of Rathbreasail [Irish National Church Council] as the most remote, impoverished and insignificant district. Consequently, demand for position of bishop proved difficult as few were willing due to lack of resources. In 1057 the original monastery plus 100 inhabitants were burnt by Murrough O Brien [Grandson of Brian Boru] over succession rights. The O Loughlans and the O Connors who ruled over much of the present day North Clare and East Corcomroe, were determined to stay aloof of the O Brien’s of Killaloe, therefore they united in a bid to stay detached from the diocese. In 1058 they rebuilt the cathedral in the same site. Preceived now as a place of great wealth, it was plundered in 1079 and accidently destroyed by fire in 1100.

Nevertheless, persistence paid off which resulted in the present day Cathedral and 7 high crosses being built in 1200, to mark Kilfenora’s independence as one of the 13 dioceses of Cashel.

Kilfenora then maintained its independence until 1750 when it was united with another small diocese in Kilmacduagh. As Kilfenora was now in Cashel

‘‘

province, and Kilmacdough was in Tuam province, neither diocese lost their separate identities. Then in 1883 the holy See [being the offices of the bishop of Rome which was Pope Leo X111 at that time] decided to unite Kilfenora and Kilmacduagh with Galway. The only problem now was that there were three separate dioceses being covered by the one bishop. Back then the Church prohibited this practice so as to prevent bishops collecting dues from more than one province without doing the work. Joe finished by saying, ‘so I guess the Pope was officially named bishop of Kilfenora as it is now the last remaining parish to come under the remit of the Holy See’. Then Joe laughed out loud, and said. ‘I suppose to quote Father Jack Hackett, That would be an ecumenical matter, ha ha...’

Personally I’m more of a spiritual person, however I must say that I found this story most enlightening.

Well I’m off now to see the remains of the 4 existing high crosses. Thank you for keeping me company along the way and I hope you will join me next time, Bye for now.

‘‘

F

OLLOWING on from last week’s introduction to this column, week two and our second stop on this 52-part series brings you back in time to 1968. So what were the main talking points in the Banner County 50 years ago?

PS: As with all historical sites, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.

Throughout time, Kilfenora became a very important religious centre

26

COLUMNISTS

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Darach Honan

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Our land of a thousand welcomes is under threat

S

UCH is the nature of British politics these days that by the time this article has been submitted, printed, delivered to your shop or door and you’re reading it, it’s likely to be completely out of date. Spare a thought for political columnists trying to keep up with the mad circus that is Westminster. With Theresa May’s Brexit deal with the EU being emphatically defeated in the House of Commons, we’re now in a strange political scenario where no-one is in control, no-one knows what might happen next and financial markets certainly don’t like the uncertainty this has thrown up. It may be a case that, with the Tories ripping themselves apart, that Labour might decide to go to the people by forcing a vote of No Confidence in May’s Government. But that would just be the beginning of the fun.

Should such a scenario happen, no-one can predict the outcome of an election with any great certainty either.

Polls put Labour and the Tories in relatively the same position with the British electorate. This means that a hung Parliament would be the most likely outcome, opening

the door for the Lib Dems

and

Scottish National Party to become king makers. Any deal for power with either party may come with the caveat of a second vote on Brexit. This would require a postponement of Article 50 and likely trigger further angry.

The whole business of Brexit has, from the outset, been an abhorrent mess.

Brexiteers promising all the benefits of EU membership without any of the responsibilities is the kind of populist nonsense that has seen such political upheaval across the Western World in recent years as charlatans try promise the Earth to voters and easy solutions to issues that are simply unachievable. This is then backed up by the same individuals or parties blaming an unseen, unheard, unidentified “elite” which is stopping problems from being resolved. We have seen this cycle of human behaviour time and again through history in the aftermath of recession. Usually, the ones shouting at the nameless “evil elites” are the mega rich, abusing people’s hopes and fears for their own gain.

What’s different in Europe this time is that those labelled “the elite” are not followin the herd but instead are standing up to it in unison. The message from the EU, comprising the sovereign remaining 27 Governments in agreement, is that the populist argument of ‘having your cake and eating it’ is a fantasy. There will be no appeasement this time.

Likewise, in the US, the tools of suppression and intimidation have been employed by a billionaire populist who claims he’s standing up for the little guy, directly in contradiction to his own actions in life. Trump’s policies have seen a surge in inequality, yet still, he manages to get away with blaming a mysterious elite for his own actions. At the end of the day, he’s now President and has shut down the Federal Government, stopping up to 1 million people getting pay checks so he can have a multi-billion dollar vanity project designed to whip up fear and bolster his

grip on power.

Therefore, the rise of the yellow vest movement scares me. In the face of growing populism, the rise of clandestine groups who claim to represent the masses and speak of, on the face of it, laudable ideals, has the power to gain popular support. But when you scratch the surface, you expose a deeply misogynistic, racist and homophobic core to the group. By not claiming they have a leader, it means finding out what drives them becomes harder. I’m proud to say that, as the rest of the World has seemingly fallen into madness, these xenophobic messages appear confined to the fringes of society here.

That said though, the vote Peter Casey received in the Presidential election is cause for concern. Are we as accepting as a society as we think we are? After all Casey is also in favour of Ireland leaving the EU, of clap downs on migration (the irony being he’s an emigrant to the USA) as well as the restriction of minority rights. Yet one in five voters in Ireland still voted for him.

Was it a case of a protest vote in the face of an overwhelming favourite, or is there really an underbelly in society that’s ready to forget the World’s response to our ancestors’ all too recent time of need? After all, the Famine was only 170 years ago. In that time, we’ve gone from one of the poorest countries in the World to one of the richest. Sadly though, for some, we’ve forgotten how much other people’s generosity means and the Ireland of 1000 welcomes is now under threat. Klaxon calls of “Ireland for the Irish” were a century ago about freedom from oppression. Nowadays though, they’re more likely to be shouted by a bigot wearing an English soccer jersey, devoid of the ironic clash of his image and his words as he disclaims his hatred for a people or religion he knows nothing about. If ever there was a case for keeping the teaching of history in schools as mandatory, you need look no further.

Trusted independent financial advisor with IPS Financial Advice

Tips to cope financially with a new arrival

Y

OU’RE expecting a baby! So what does that mean for your finances?

For anyone in the happy position of looking forward to the arrival of a baby, the months before the birth will be a whirlwind of doctor’s visits, scans, ante natal classes, parenting books, name choosing and the buying of cots, baby blankets, clothes and a whole lot more.

Naturally, the financial aspects of having a baby will figure somewhere in the middle of this whirlwind, but many expectant parents leave such matters aside ‘until the dust settles’ after the baby’s arrival. The thing is, however, that the dust never settles. Which is why now is the time to think about steps you can take to protect your new lifestyle, and to provide for your child in future.

Having a child is a big step emotionally, practically and financially. With the responsibility of parenthood comes a new level of financial commitment. With childcare costs in Ireland higher than ever there is no doubt but that financial planning will be an important aspect of family planning.

There are a few things you can do right away which will help spread the cost of raising your child and give you better lifestyle security and peace of mind.

The first of these is to start putting some money aside regularly to cover the costs of your baby’s first few years. After what might be years of providing for yourself and perhaps a partner, the extra day-to-day expenses of a baby can come as a shock. Even if you’ve only got two months to go, any extra money you can save will come in handy when the baby is outgrowing its clothes.

It can be a good idea to put some of your savings on deposit where you can easily access them, and the rest into a secure longer-term savings plan where your money can earn a better rate of interest. You can then draw down the money you have saved into the plan at your child’s later life stages such as when they start primary school, secondary and college. Even if that all seems impossibly far away right now, you’ll be very grateful when the time comes.

Many parents are keen to provide a ‘nest egg’ for their children, perhaps to help them onto the housing ladder or cover third-level education. Investing money with this in mind can pay big dividends if you are prepared to take a long-term view. While investing on behalf of your child in assets such as shares, property, bonds and currency is not without its risks, there are a wide range of investment options that provide a solid degree of capital security as well as the potential to earn an attractive return over the medium to longer term.

Another financial essential that comes with parenthood is the security of your lifestyle. Your income is what provides the foundation upon which your family’s lifestyle depends. So you need to think about what would happen if you or your partner was suddenly unable to earn an income due to illness or injury. If you are employed you would probably qualify for sick pay for up to six months, but beyond that how would you pay for childcare, education, your mortgage, your car and everything else?

There is a financial product that covers all that at a stroke. It’s called Income Protection and what it does in the event of illness or injury is pay you an income until such time as you are able to return to work or until you retire. You pay a monthly premium based on the level of benefits you require and then, in the event of a claim, the policy will pay you up to 75% of your net relevant earnings.

There are, of course, other financial aspects to having a child such as Life Cover and Health Insurance, so the person who is best placed to give you more advice and talk you through the options open to you is your financial adviser.

They are full qualified and experienced to help you choose Income Protection, Life Cover, savings and investments that are right for you and your new family.

By working with your financial adviser to work out what you do and don’t need, you’ll enjoy the security and peace of mind that will help you prepare for the arrival of a very special new person in your life. For anyone interested in knowing more, I am here to answer all your questions.

Darach@ipsfa.ie 087-1277155

COMMUNITY 27

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Community

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE

l LOVELY HURLING: The Coláiste Muire, Ennis team which won the Munster Colleges Senior D title by defeating Colaiste na Trocaire, Rathkeale by 1-11 to 2-4 at Éire Óg Ennis. Colaiste Muire will contest the All Ireland quarter final in the coming weeks, while their Junior team will contest the Munster Colleges Junior C Final in Cashel on Saturday next

ENNIS

EAST CLARE

CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ For those who have an interest there is now and will be conversation and chat on in Irish every week in these following locations Luan : Zest, 11 pm Ceádain : Sweet + Green, 11 pm Diardaoin : Temple gate, 8 pm Aoine : Sweet + Green, 11pm Satharn : glór, 11 pm All are welcome

CHEF’S TABLE AT SCARIFF OGONNELLOE Scariff-Ogonnelloe Camogie Club will host a Chef’s Table on Sunday, January 20 at 1pm in Scariff Community Hall. Tickets are €20 for adults and €10 for under 14s.

Enjoy Sunday lunch cooked by our camogie club chefs!

For further enquires phone contact Joan on 0879880371 or Eleanor on 0876969858.

Pictured Right: (L-R) Eleanor Walsh,Eleanor Skelly, Joan Crotty and Kate Walsh

St Joseph’s reading initiative CLARE County Library and St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point have joined forces to promote reading for pleasure among students.

During December, Library staff provided an input to the ‘Well Read’ reading initiative running at the school. The ‘Well Read National Award’ is an initiative

designed by the Professional Development Service for Teachers (PDST).

It aims to create heightened awareness about the importance of a reading culture in school.

Class visits and teen book clubs at Miltown Malbay Library are just two of the initiatives

currently being discussed as part of the newly established collaboration.

In delivering the Right to Read strategy Clare County Library plans to continue to build on existing good practice and to support and further develop several literacy initiatives already underway in the community.

THANKS FROM ST VINCENT DE PAUL SVP East Clare would like to thank parishioners or their contributions at our recent church gate collections, via the SVP giving trees, as well as those that have made individual donations to us - your kindness meant that many families who would otherwise not have had food for the table, heat, or toys for their children, had a brighter Christmas. We also would like to thank: The Clare Crusaders for their donation of €200; The dancers and musicians who organised a Christmas Celi held in Shortts Bar Feakle. SVP East Clare are very grateful for the €480 raised; Derg Credit Union Scariff who kindly organised a giving tree space for us. Thanks so much also to our small team of local volunteers, all those organising the giving trees and for the subsequent organisation of donations received. Should you be in need of assistance, or wish to donate, then SVP East Clare can be contacted on 086 392 1492.

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

RECRUITMENT

BUSINESS

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Have an empty seat that you need to fill?

CALL THE CLARE ECHO TEAM TO PLACE A RECRUITMENT AD 065 671 9021

29

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Property Spacious family home 12 SHANNON PARK, ENNIS

3

2

€175,000 Contact: Helen Gallery Phone: 086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481

H

elen Gallery Auctioneers and Valuers are delighted to bring 12 Shannon Park to the market, This home is ideally located in a popular mature area within minutes walk of Ennis town centre, Rice College, The CBS national School, Tim Symth Park, local shops, St Joseph’s Church. and all other amenities. Built in the 1960’s the property offers bright spacious rooms with separate living room, dining room, living room, kitchen and wet room on the ground floor. There are three good size bedrooms on the first floor and a shower room. The back garden is very private and fully enclosed with the front garden having off street parking and mature shrubbery. The property could make an ideal home or investment property. Viewing strongly recommended.

An opportunity born of increased tourism demand – change your life forever?

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AVE you ever dreamt of changing your lifestyle or owning your own restaurant? If so, then perhaps a fairytale opportunity might just have appeared. A profitable multi-award winning hospitality business & properties with magnificent sea views on one of the busiest stretches of the Wild Atlantic Way has just been placed on the market. With a 25% - 35% increase in tourist numbers over the last two years and with thousands of cars and over 200 tourist buses passing the building each day between March and October the owners have decided to put the property on the market as they cannot devote the time required to the business due to the expansion of their other commitments.

Ross & Karen Quinn have happily run the business for over 10 years after undertaking a career change from the world of finance and feel the business should be capitalising further on the very strong demand in the area but this is something they are unable to commit the time to. Having escaped the office over 10 years ago, the opportunity has opened for somebody else to change their lives in a similar way. The lifestyle, abundant wild produce from the fertile rock and sea and the spectacular beauty of Fanore is something the owners will miss greatly.

The tourist season is now nearly year round on this stretch of the Coast due to the proximity of the Cliffs,

Galway and Doolin to Aran ferries. Footfall continues to increase as people seek to spend more time in nature and with it’s location beside one of Clare’s finest blue flag

beaches, top walking, fishing, climbing and cycling routes and a busy mobile home park and camp-site the property is ideally located to benefit.

There is very strong demand for commercial properties along the busiest sections of the Wild Atlantic Way at the moment from both investors and entrepreneurs with almost no supply on the seashore currently available in Kerry, Clare, Galway or Mayo. The property is located facing the sea directly on the Galway – Cliffs of Moher & Burren circuit routes - one of the busiest tourist routes in Ireland.

The multi-award winning restaurant has been in operation for over 10 years, trading well through the recession.

The Deli & Adventure unit can be further expanded for hot food take-away/ off licence/ shop / living quarters and art and craft gallery. The sale includes goodwill, fixtures, fittings, state of the art equipment, stock and adaptable website and the premises is fully licensed for alcohol sales and registered & approved for weddings with the HSE. There is a fantastic opportunity for significant extension of the opening hours, customer base, product lines and turnover.

The location and size of the premises also provides a great opportunity for package holiday, tour bus or hotel businesses to extend an outpost to the Coast. Purchasers of the business for sale at €595,000 would benefit from a reduced 1% stamp duty charge, no VAT payable on purchase and potential future sale opportunity at reduced 10% CGT rate due to the structure of the sale.

For enquiries please e-mail ross@vasco.ie or call 085 1411646

PROPERTY 31

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Town Centre located

11 CLOUGHLEIGH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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€99,000

OWN-CENTRE located property, three bedroom mid-terraced home with exceptional front and rear gardens. Ideal for First-time buyer, investor or retired couple.

Conveniently located within walking distnace of the town centre, boasting exceptional front and rear gardens, this three bedroom, mid-terraced home is ideal for first-time buyers, investors or a retired couple. The property features main reception, kitchen/breakfast, downstairs shower room with three bedrooms at first floor level. Viewing for this town-centre property comes highly recommended and is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents. PSL 002295.

Contact: John Clohessy, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

Lovely Terraced House 24 ST. FLANNAN`S TERRACE, ENNIS

Great elevated site MONANOE, QUIN ROAD, ENNIS

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€299,000

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ET on a stunning elevated site approximately 0.75 acres, the property is approached by a sweeping driveway to front side and rear and to the 1500 sq ft detached garage and tennis court. The property, which has been refurbished over the years by it`s current owners offers modern, bright, spacious and well proportioned living accommodation finished to a very high standard throughout. Conveniently located, fronting onto the Ennis to Quinn Road immediately adjacent to the Gurteen GAA facilities. This is a fantastic opportunity for the family home buyer with outstanding potential in the surrounding out buildings. This is a must view and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents. PSL 002295

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€149,950

T. FLANNAN`S Terrace is long noted as being one of the much sought after terraced bungalow residences due to its town centre location, traditional character and the extensive sites that are normally reserved for countryside living. No 24, extended to the rear to facilitate an extended Kitchen/ Diner, Main Bathroom and Bedroom 3 is an ideal home for those seeking convenient living in a spacious and well proportioned single storey dwelling. This is a must view and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

PSL No. 002295.

Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

4 WOODSTOCK DRIVE, SHANAWAY ROAD, ENNIS

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€399,000

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EAUTIFULLY situated Executive Home on elevated corner site, overlooking Woodstock Hotel and Golf course. Beautifully manicured landscaped site.

Stained Glass PVC door giving access into large hallway. Outside Stone wall boundary, large tarmac drive which leads around to the rear of the house. Ample space for a large number of vehicles. Manicured garden area to the front with mature landscaping. Raised bed of mature planting to the side. Rear has large patio are with raised decking and built-in seating feature, lawned area with timber shed and raised deck. Decorative bedding area and side gate access to back garden. PSL No. 002295

Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

Contact: Douglas Hurley, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

Great location

Wonderful Detached Home

CLARE ROAD, ENNIS

3

Stunning family home

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CLAREABBEY, CLARECASTLE €189,950

OT OFTEN does a home on Clare Road come to the market and in particular one that is set on a site normally reserved for countryside living and just 50m from O`Connell Street. The gated off street parking provides for two vehicles which further leads to the front lawn area and adjoining garage.

On entering the entrance hallway, two separate doors lead to the main reception and formal family room and the main stairs to the first floor. Off the formal family room is the kitchen breakfast which open onto the rear utility, gardens and the rear entrance to the garage. PSL No. 002295.

Contact: Cormac O’Sullivan, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

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D

€299,000

ETACHED dormer bungalow in well sought after residential location just off the Clareabbey Exit to M18 motorway and within minutes walk to Clarecastle Village and only 2 km distance from Ennis town centre. Long landscaped mature site with the benefit of rear access. Site has potential for further development to rear, Four Double Bedrooms.

Full height ceiling in kitchen with Mezzanine. PSL No. 002295.

Contact: Douglas Hurley, DNG O’Sullivan Hurley, 74 O’Connell Street, Ennis Tel: (065)6840200

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SEAT SALES JUMP IN A DWINDLING MARKET

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SEAT SEES AN 11 PER CENT INCREASE IN SALES IN IRELAND

EAT’S remarkable renaissance continues with the brand announcing a strong sales performance for 2018. Seat in Ireland delivered a total of 3,700 cars in 2018 which marks a phenomenal increase of 11.5 per cent compared to a market that’s back 4.5 per cent on 2017. This performance means Seat is currently enjoying a three per cent market share which is up a staggering 20 per cent year on year.

Fuelling Seat’s success in the Irish market is its outstanding SUV range which continues to resonate with Irish motorists. The Seat Arona, which was awarded Irish Small Crossover of the Year 2019, accounted for 23.4 per cent of sales in 2018 while the Seat Ateca closely follows the Arona with 21 per cent of Seat sales this year. Meanwhile Seat Ireland has high hopes for the all new Seat Tarraco 7-seater SUV the latest addition to the impressive Seat range which is available from January 2019.

Hallmarks of the Seat brand, the Seat Ibiza and Seat Leon

continue to be held in great esteem by Irish motorists. The Seat Ibiza has enjoyed a very successful year, representing 25.7 per cent of total sales while the Seat Leon remains ever popular contributing to 19.5 per cent of the overall sales this year.

Niall Phillips, Brand Director at Seat Ireland commented, “2018 has been a remarkable year for the Seat brand with these impressive figures giving clear evidence of the significant impact the brand is having in the Irish market. The development of our product range over the past two and half years, particularly our SUV range, has been a gamechanger for the brand in Ireland meaning we can now offer motorists more quality, value and choice than ever before. In addition to our fantastic product range, our overall performance is testament to another strategic addition to our commuted and professional dealer network in Spirit Seat in South Dublín. We’re very much looking forward to seeing what lies ahead in 2019.”

Renault TRAFIC

Offers to get your engine going: 3% APR 5 Years’ Warranty 5 Years’ Roadside Assistance Model shown: Trafic SL27 dCi 95 Sport, RRP €26,145. Finance example Trafic SL27 dCi 95 Business. RRP €23,945. Deposit €8,450. Term 60 monthly payments of €275. APR 3%. Total cost of credit €1,155 inc fees of €150.

Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

MOTORING 33

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

STELVIO HOPES TO CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN OF GERMAN COMPETITION NAMED FOR A FAMOUS ALPINE PASS, CAN ALFA’S SUV BE AS GOOD AS AN AUDI OR BMW? ROAD TEST: ALFA ROMEO STELVIO

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AST YEAR, Alfa Romeo re-invented itself, but perhaps you did not notice nor care. It has become worryingly easy to be cynical about the Italian brand’s penchant for resurrection, and it has had more drinks in more last-chance saloons than Clint Eastwood and Randolph Scott combined. It is a brand which has been kept alive more by goodwill and misty memories than anything else, and has seen its sales tumble to a fraction of once-healthy levels, both here and around the globe.

Yet, this time, there is some genuine substance to Alfa’s latest revival. The Giulia saloon, launched last year, is actually really good. It’s arguably the best car in its class to drive, and we don’t just mean the Ferrari-engined €100k Quadrifoglio version either. It seems to have at least decent levels of quality and reliability, and (almost always an Alfa given) it looks good too You, the Irish car buyer, don’t seem to have cared much. So far this year, Alfa Romeo has registered just 47 Giulias. Audi, the best-selling brand in the segment, sold 1,249 A4s. Jaguar, never the biggest-seller in the Irish market, has shifted almost three times as many XEs as Alfa has Giulias. It’s understandable when people don’t buy a bad car, but when you’re staying away from a good one, what’s going on?

Perhaps an SUV will fix all of that. Certainly, adding extra height, bulk, four-wheel drive, and some ruggedness of image has helped others pick up their sales game. Nissan was a European bit-part player before the Qashqai, after all. So Alfa has created the Stelvio, some decade-and-a-half since it showed off its first ever SUV concept, the Kamal.

The Stelvio (which, oddly, does bear a certain visual similarity to that original Ka-

mal concept) is basically a Giulia wearing lift shoes. It uses the same chassis, much of the same structure, the same 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines (and yes, there is a screaming 510hp V6 turbo Quadrifoglio version too and yes it’s as mind-bendingly brilliant as that sounds) and much of the same interior.

Sad to say, it doesn’t look quite as good as the Giulia. Keeping the same face and stretching it upwards has worked well for BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar, and Lexus but less so for both Porsche (whose Macan is also a Stelvio rival, at least at the top end) and Alfa. The Giulia’s face looks good on the Stelvio’s taller front end, but the rest of the body just looks too generic and not half pretty enough. Seen from side-on, there’s too much Hyundai Tucson in the profile.

Still, you know that old phrase about there’s no such thing as an ugly-looking racing car when you’re winning? Well, perhaps that’s true too for premium SUVs when they’re being cheap. OK, not cheap exactly, but with a starting price of €52,795 for the just-updated 190hp diesel rear-wheel drive model, the Stelvio does, slightly, undercut the entry level stickers of the Audi Q5 and Merceces-Benz GLC, and has a more powerful engine to boot.

That 2.2-litre diesel seems quieter and more refined here in the Stelvio than it does in the Giulia, and our test car was helpfully equipped with the gruntier 210hp version which makes short work of any straight stretch that comes into view. With the same eight-speed automatic (standard equipment, another significant price advantage over German rivals, as well as the Jaguar F-Pace) and gorgeous, tactile, real-metal gearshift paddles, here is a powertrain with which one can have a little fun. It’s not musical, like an Alfa petrol engine of old (how

could it be) but the instant oomph from the turbo and relentless feel to the acceleration give it a sufficient dose of Italian brio.

It all feels pretty good from the cockpit, too. The cabin is basically that of the Giulia’s, with a few trim panels to raise is all up a bit in height. Overall, the quality, fit, and finish all seem at least competitive with the Anglo-German opposition. The Stelvio’s cabin is realistically behind that of the Audi and Mercedes in terms of quality and style, but about level-pegging with the Jaguar and the (outgoing) BMW X3, which isn’t bad going. It’s very comfortable too, with really good front seats, and plenty of space in the back seats. Just enough width in the back for three child car seats too, which means you won’t notice the lack of a seven-seat option, and a decent 525-litre boot.

In dynamic terms, it’s in a bit of a middle ground. It has the same super-sharp steering as the Giulia, which is nice in terms of responsiveness, but perhaps a little too fast at getting the nose to dart into a corner.

We’ve become used to SUVs with chassis reactions like those of a lower-slung car, but your brain still thinks that a car this big and tall will be a little slower to respond. The ride is also a touch too firm. Our test drive was on the mostly smooth roads of the Ards Peninsula, just outside Belfast, and even here the Stelvio feels quite hard-sprung. It’s not harsh, nor crashy, but a bit more pliancy wouldn’t have gone astray. That said, the Stelvio is far, far more engaging to drive than either its Audi or Mercedes rivals, and not far off that provided by Jaguar. Porsche’s Macan remains untouchable at the top of the driving appeal chart, however.

In isolation, the Stelvio is really rather good. It stacks up well against its rivals, feels entertaining and occasionally even exciting to drive, and seems to have the sort of

FACTS & FIGURES:

Model tested: Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2 Diesel Q4 Speciale Pricing: €59,795 as tested; Stelvio range starts at €52,795.

Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel Transmission: eight-speed automatic, all-wheel rive Body style: five-door, five-seat SUV CO2 emissions: 149g/km (Band C, €390 per annum) Combined economy: 49mpg (5.7 litres/100km) Top speed: 215km/h 0-100km/h: 6.6 seconds Power: 210hp at 3,750rpm Torque: 470Nm at 1,750rpm Boot space: 525 litres EuroNCAP rating: Five-stars. 97% adult, 84% child, 71% pedestrian, 60% safety assist

quality levels that are expected from a car of its station. It it were from an upstart Korean brand, we’d be singing its praises to the rafters and issuing warnings about how the European grandees would want to watch their backs.

Of course, you can’t view it in isolation.

That Alfa badge is both seductress and succubus. For every red-blooded car nut who knows and loves what Alfa stands for, there are a hundred more who don’t know, don’t care, and will buy German because that’s what everyone else does. Perhaps, though, there is some salvation in the Stelvio. Just as its name comes from a famous pass through the treacherous terrain of the Alps, so too the vehicular Stelvio does seem to offer a path to success for Alfa Romeo. Recent sales figures showed that, across Europe, it actually sold more Stelvios than Jaguar did F-Paces, which is pretty good going.

If the Stelvio’s SUV shape and all-wheel drive traction can help to drag Alfa’s sales upwards, maybe we’ll all start praising this particular resurrection.

Sport l EYES ON THE PRIZE: Tipp’s Michael Breen cannot prevent Niall Deasy’s shot for a Clare point

Photo by Martin Connolly

Clare put on a premier show in comfortable win JAMES MULVIHILL

MUNSTER LEAGE Clare 1-20 Cork 0-21

Munster Senior League Final: Clare 4-19 Tipperary 1-18 at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

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LARE were crowned Munster Senior League Champions after a comfortable victory over Tipperary in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday. Clare outscored the Premier men by 2-14 to 1-07 in what was an impressive second half performance.

Tony Kelly played a captain’s part scoring 2-03 including 2-02 from play and was a worthy man of the match. Diarmuid Ryan, Colin Guilfoyle and Aidan McCarthy were excellent throughout this game and joint managers Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor will take plenty of encouragement going into the National League campaign. Clare will travel to Semple Stadium on January 26 to take on Tipperary looking to extend their winning start to the 2019 season.

Tipperary started this contest the brighter of the two sides, racing into a 0-05 to 0-01 lead early on thanks to Jason Forde (2), Seamus Callinan (2f) and Alan Flynn (1) while Colin Guilfoyle was the only Clare name on the scoresheet

at that point. Clare were sparked into life with the opening goal of this contest when a long delivery by Aidan McCarthy, the brother of Jason, landed on the edge of the square and Cathal McInerney was on hand to whip the ball past Barry Hogan. Clare then levelled matters thanks to a well taken score by Diarmuid Ryan before a great move involving Colin Guilfoyle and Michael O’Neill led to a goal by Tony Kelly, to give Clare the lead for the first time in this contest. Tipperary responded with two points through Forde and Callanan (free) to leave the score at 2-02 to 0-07.

Two Clare point through Diarmuid Ryan and Niall Deasy (free) were followed by three in a row from Tipp’s Forde, Flynn and Mark Kehoe to put the teams on level terms once again. Ryan Taylor and Forde shared the next two points to leave the score at the interval 2-05 to 0-11.

Clare showed their intent early in the second half with a well taken point from Shane Golden before the Banner men scored their third goal of this game when Colin Guilfoyle burst through the Tipperary defence and his initial shot was saved by Barry Hogan. However, the Newmarket-on-Fergus man was first to react and made no mistake in slotting home the rebound to extend Clare’s lead to four points. Tipperary hit back through a placed ball from Seamus Callanan but Clare were starting to flex their muscles and scores from Kelly (two) and Niall Deasy (free) left the score at 3-09 to 0-12 after 43 minutes.

Clare scored their fourth goal when a long delivery by Kelly went all the way to the net. Clare then scored four of the next five points through Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal McInerney,

Guilfoyle and Deasy.

The game was almost over as a contest and the next four points were shared through Seamus Callanan (two), Cathal McInerney and Shane Golden to leave the score at 4-15 to 0-15 after fifty-four minutes.

Tipperary scored their only goal of this game when Seamus Callanan broke onto a loose ball before hand passing to Dan McCormack who made no mistake in dispatching the ball past Donal Touhy. The impressive Guilfoyle and Callanan (free) shared the next two points.

Clare finished this game very well scoring three points in a row through Kelly (free), Taylor and Michael O’Malley.

Clare captain Tony Kelly was presented with the Man of the Match award and the Munster Senior League trophy after the game.

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Jason McCarthy, David McInerney, Rory Hayes; Aidan McCarthy, Conor Cleary, Cathal Malone; Shane Golden (0-2), Tony Kelly (2-3,1f); Diarmuid Ryan (0-3), Niall Deasy (0-3,2fs), Ryan Taylor (0-2); Colin Guilfoyle (1-3), Cathal McInerney (1-2), Michael O’Neill.

Subs: Podge Collins for O’Neill (53 mins), David Conroy for Ryan (55 mins), Michael O’Malley (0-1) for A. McCarthy (58 mins), Gary Cooney for C. McInerney (65 mins), Jack Browne for Hayes (66 mins).

Tipperary: Barry Hogan; Cathal Barrett, Padraic Maher, Donagh Maher; Alan Flynn (0-2), Seamus Kennedy, Joe O’Dwyer; Willie Connors, Michael Breen; Jason Forde (0-5,1 side-line), Patrick Maher, Colin English; Mark Kehoe (0-2), Seamus Callanan (0-8,6fs, 1 ‘65’), Jake Morris.

Subs: Ronan Maher for Connors (H/T), Noel McGrath (0-1) for Morris (44 mins), Dan McCormack (1-0) for Kehoe (48 mins), Killian O’Dwyer for Barrett (56 mins), Robert Byrne for Kennedy injured (57 mins).

Referee: Thomas Walsh (Waterford).

SPORT

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

McGrath Cup returns to Clare after 11 year wait PÁRAIC McMAHON

McGrath Cup Final Clare 1-09 Cork 0-09

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LARE have won the McGrath Cup for the first time since 2008.

Playing in his home field at Hennessy Memorial Park, it was Miltown’s Gordon Kelly (pictured) that kicked the all-important goal as Clare claimed the spoils against Cork on Saturday afternoon to secure the McGrath Cup for the thirteenth time.

Cork took the lead via Cian Kiely but Clare replied with Kelly’s goal and a Cathal O’Connor effort.

They remained in front and boasted a 1-03 0-03 halftime advantage.

The break saw the introduction of Keelan Sexton who kicked four points for the Banner.

Five consecutive Reb-

el points from Mark Collins, Damien Gore and Eoghan McSweeney had the sides level with fifty minutes on the clock. Colm Collins’ charges settled and finished out the game with the final three scores, Sexton added two while wing-back Dean Ryan registered on the scoreboard.

Clare have now won the McGrath Cup more times than other county. Their success comes two weeks ahead of a home tie versus Donegal which kickstarts their National Football League campaign.

Clare: Eamonn Tubridy (Doonbeg); Kevin Harnett (Meelick), Cillian Brennan (Clondegad), Gordon Kelly (St Joseph’s Miltown) (1-00); Dean Ryan (Éire Óg) (0-01), Aaron Fitzgerald (Éire Óg), Eoghan Collins (Ballyhaunis); Darragh Bohannon (Shannon Gaels), Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen) (0-02 2f); Cian O’Dea (Kilfenora), David O’Halloran (Éire Óg), Dermot Coughlan (Kilmurry Ibrickane); Gavin Cooney (Eire Óg), Gary Brennan (Clondegad) (0-02), Kieran Malone (St Joseph’s Miltown) Subs: Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane) (0-04 3f) for Cooney (HT), Sean O’Donoghue (Cooraclare) for O’Halloran (HT), Sean Collins (Cratloe) for Coughlan (46), Gearoid O’Brien (Kilrush Shamrocks) for Malone (55), David Tubridy (Doonbeg) for Cooney (55) Cork: Chris Kelly (Eire Óg) Sam Ryan (St Finbarrs) Peter Murphy (Bandon) Aidan Browne (Newmarket) Liam O’Donovan (Clonakilty) Tom Clancy (Clonakilty) Steven Cronin (Nemo Rangers) James Fitzpatrick (Carbery Rangers) Ronan O’Toole (Eire Óg) John O’Rourke (Carbery Rangers) Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree) (0-01) Cian Kiely (Ballincollig) Mark Collins (Castlehaven) (0-03 2f) Peter Kelleher (Kilmichael) (0-01) Stephen Sherlock (St Finbarrs) (0-02 2f) Subs: Damien Gore (Kilmacbea) (0-02 1f) for Sherlock (41), Nathan Walsh (Douglas) for Ryan (50), Kevin O’Donovan (Nemo Rangers) for O’Rourke (50), Tadgh Corkery (Cill na Martra) for Kiely (60), Blake Murphy (Vincents) for Cronin (63) Referee: Padraig O’Sullivan (Kerry)

How to increase spin with a wedge

I

F YOU are looking to increase the amount of spin you get with your wedge’s, firstly check the grooves and make sure they are not worn, if they look worn it may be time to purchase a new wedge.

Wedges come in all different lofts from a 46° pitching wedge up to a high lofted 64° lob wedge. Lob wedges (58° - 64°) are the best wedges to use if you are looking for more spin, especially when your ball is near the green. The added loft on a lob wedge helps to achieve more spin because you can afford to strike the ball with more clubhead speed knowing the higher loft won’t allow to ball to travel as far as a sand or gap wedge (50° - 56°). The secret to increasing spin is ACCELERATION. What I mean is your clubhead needs to have acceleration through impact not deceleration.

Acceleration through impact will help to increase the amount of spin you will get on a pitch or chip shot. We all know it’s much easier to get spin when you are hitting a full golf shot but it’s much tougher as you get closer to the green. The main reason for this is the increased clubhead speed and acceleration we have when we are hitting a full shot, versus less clubhead speed when you are hitting a shorter chip shot. To help you to achieve more clubhead speed and acceleration you first must look at the length of your current arc of your swing. Having too short or long of an arc will effect your acceleration. The arc I’m referring to is the length of your backswing and your follow through. To make sure your club is accelerating through impact, make sure your follow through is at least as long if not longer than your backswing. This length of arc then should increase the further you are away from the hole and decrease as you get closer to the hole.

The next area to understand when your trying to a achieve optimum spin is angle of attack. It was misunderstood for years that hitting down on the ball with your wedges increases spin,

however if you get too much speed this just causes the ball to pop up into the air with less spin. I personally shallowed my angle of attack recently with my wedges and I’ve noticed an increase in spin and I’m also now getting a lower ball flight with my wedges. To help me to shallow out my attack angle, I imagine a more circular swing where I’m swinging my wedges more around my body rather than feeling like I’m swinging up and down. This has helped me to receive even more spin with my wedges even when I’m close to the hole.

The best way of checking if you are getting the optimum spin with your wedges is experimenting in practing with different lengths of a backswing and follow through and also with the angle of attack of your current swing. To shallow out your angle of attack simply imagine your clubhead is travelling in a more circular direction around your body. Once you find the best technique for you to achieve optimum spin, practice this technique so you will have the confidence to use it at your next competitive tournament.

35

Cian Dillon hangs up county hurling boots

CIAN Dillon announced his retirement from inter county hurling last week after nine seasons on the Senior team.

The Crusheen club man first played for Clare as a member of the minor team in 2006, before later playing at Full-Back on Clare’s All-Ireland Under-21 Championship winning team in 2009.

He made his Senior Championship debut against Waterford in 2010 before playing a major role in Clare’s first All-Ireland winning team for sixteen years in 2013. He later won a National League medal as joint captain in 2016.

HONOURS

Crusheen Clare Senior Hurling Championship (2): 2010,2011.

Clare All-Ireland Senior Championship: 2013.

National League Division 1: 2016.

National League Division 1B: 2012.

All-Ireland Under-21 Championship: 2009.

Munster Under-21 Championship: 2009.

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

ENNIS GOLF CLUB Results Weekend 13th Jan. 2019

Gent’s Foursomes Half of Combined Handicap Stableford 12th & 13th January 2019

1st Noel Pilkington(18) & Declan Hanley(28) 37pts 2nd John Mc Namara(12) 1st Joan Murphy, Pat Ruth- & Eddie Glenny(17) 37pts erford, Julian Brown 67pts 3rd Dermot Doheny(5) & 2nd Una O’ Reilly, Eamon Martin Moran(7) 36pts Murphy, John Cullinane 4th Ml Cummins(17) & 62pts Gary Cunningham(14) 3rd Ann Casey, Garry Tyr34pts rell, Padraig Larkin 60pts 5th Ml Kearney(8) & Ea4th Eileen Holly, Steve mon Corry(13) 34pts Burns, Fergus O’ Brien 59pts 5th Ml Dempsey, Eamon Corry, Tom Gallery (60-2) 58pts Club Scramble Saturday 12th Jan. 2019

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds

CLEANING & POWER WASHING

CAR REPAIRS

ACCOUNTANCY

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

PAINTING DOG SITTERS AT HOME

Ceremonies

2 STAFFIES TO BE CARED FOR IN YOUR OWN HOME WHILE OWNER ON VACATION

• • •

Preferably person used to Staffies, energy/ strength Great with people/prefer not to mix with other dogs All food and bedding provided.

175 – 200 EURO PER WEEK 375 – 400 EURO FOR 2 WEEKS.

Genunine animal lover required Ennis 089 242 1071

FIREWOOD

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18/12/2018 22:08:41

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Classifieds ROOFING

STORAGE

CLASSIFIEDS 37 CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

The Clare Echo Classifieds Contact 065 671 9021

TARMACADAM

The Clare Echo Classifieds

RELIGION

Contact 065 671 9021 WINDOW AND DOORS

STORAGE

The Clare Echo Classifieds Contact 065 671 9021

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THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

Best Daily Word Search

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JAN 17

Best Daily Word Search: 15 January 2019

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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.

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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.

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WORD SEARCH

Making a House a Home

. Blinds . Books . Candlestick . Carpet Blinds . Chair . Clock Books . Cushion Candlestick . Drapes . Figurine Carpet . Lamp Chair . Mirror . Ornament Clock . Photo Cushion . Picture Drapes . Plant . Radio Figurine . Rugs Lamp . Shelf . Sofa Mirror . Table Ornament . Television . Tray Photo . Trinket Pi. Vase t Solution

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JAN 17 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz THE CLARE ECHO QUIZ

Monument in Ennis facin Clare would you most 1 O’Connell es in which direction?

6 Where likely find a legless lizard?

East, West, North

The Burren, Loophead, Meelick

was Lee’s Road sports 2 When facility established?

Joseph’s Miltown Malbay’s ground is known as what?

7 Sthome

1995, 2015, 2005

3 What was it renamed in 2017?

John O’Sullivan Park, John O’Connell Park, John O’Bama Park

Shannon Airport is famous for 4 many things, but which of the following is NOT true of the airport.

Only place in Ireland equipped to land a space shuttle, First airport to fly a giraffe, World’s first duty free

Morrissey Park, Millenium Stadium, Hennessy Memorial Park

arts centre was built at a 8 Glór cost of €8.5m in what year?

1999, 2001, 2004

Island was home to a 9 Scattery monastery founded by who?

St Senan, Brian Boru, St Flannan

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The Armada Hotel was previ10 ously known as what, when it opened for business in 1809?

Ennis, O’Callaghan’s Mills, Kilnaboy

Spanish Point Hotel, Spinach Point Hotel, The Atlantic Hotel

The Fair Green is also known as Tim Smythe Park, but where was the athlete / politician Tim Smythe from?

l QUESTION 9: Scattery Island was home to a monastery founded by who?

ANSWERS 10. The Atlantic Hotel

5. O’Callaghan’s Mills

9. St Senan

4. First airport to fly a giraffe

8. 2001

3. John O’Sullivan Park

7. Hennessy Memorial Park

2. 2015

6. The Burren

1.West

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Kilkee Beach, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection