The Clare Echo 24/10/24 by The Clare Echo

Lisdoon ‘let down’ after locals gave céad míle fáilte

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NORTH CLARE communities which have welcomed thousands of refugees and asylum seekers have been “let down” by the Government and the county’s Oireachtas members. Stark warnings were issued by Clare councillors this week on the growing frustration in Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna where the tourism indus try has been put on pause since the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

An exit strategy is needed for when Clare hotels and accommodation providers used to house asylum seekers and refugees can return to the tourism market. “The danger of not doing this is the people will lose patience and every human being will be impacted negatively,”

warned Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG, pictured).

“The people of Lisdoonvarna feel seriously let down by our Senators and Oireachtas members, they don’t want to say anything in case they are classed as

racist, this has gone on three years in Lisdoonvarna and is getting worse,” commented Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) who told the Chief Executive of Clare County Council that he hasn’t been seen in Lisdoonvarna since the first arrivals of Ukrainians three years ago.

Dowling said, “the Government have no plan to deal with the long-term implications of this matter” and remarked accommodation providers “have chosen to benefit from a crisis situation”.

l Donnacha Cantwell with his parents Peter and Nancy (a popular employee at Sweet’n’Green café) with the Willie Chaplin Cup after Clooney/Quin were crowned Minor A champions Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

IN

Big-hearted Ennis girls Eilidh & Layla raise over €1,700 for local charities

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

TWO big-hearted Clare youngsters have raised almost €2,000 for local charities.

Eilidh Lucey (11) and Layla Keane (11), both from Ennis, commemorated the one year anniversary of close family friends Nancy Jean Coote-Guilfoyle and Sinead Dillon with a charity bake sale raising €1,740 for Down Syndrome Clare and Milford Hospice.

Call: 065 - 6719021

NEWSDESK CONTACT US news@clareecho.ie

Nancy Jean Coote-Guilfoyle, a young girl with Down Syndrome, was described by her family as a “happy little diva”.

Nancy passed away at just 21 months old on October 1, 2023, just days after Sinead Dillon (51), a cousin of Layla, passed away from cancer .

SALES

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or

kieran@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie

This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

In honour of these two ladies the money raised by Layla and Eilidh was donated to the organisations which took excellent care of them throughout their lives.

Through a bake sale and raffle held in their housing estate on Sunday, September 22, the two Ennis National School students managed to raise €1650.

Members of the community continued to donate to the worthy cause even after the event had taken place. Eilidh and Layla donated a total of €1,740 through cheques and online donations.

All of the confectionery on sale was home-made by Eilidh and Layla.

The two girls also paid for the raffle prizes out of their own money, except for the bottle of wine which was donated by Sarah and Jade, the very proud mothers.

Reflecting on their success-

ful project, Eilidh told The Clare Echo, “my favourite part of the experience is probably that I know that I hopefully helped someone else from going through the pain of losing someone from having cancer or someone that is going through

Down syndrome, I feel like it helps, hopefully it will help them in their life.”

Eilidh and Layla would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone in the community who supported to make the bake sale a success.

Ennis bridge remains closed ‘for essential maintenance

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

A BUSY footbridge in Ennis remains closed for “essential maintenance”.

Pedestrians have been unable to access Abbey Street car park from Harmony Row for the past three weeks, a route navigated by hundreds of Ennis students daily as they make their way into the town centre.

Repairs to the bridge have been underway with crews on site. The bridge is in private ownership, Clare County Council confirmed.

“The pedestrian bridge linking Abbey Street Carpark and the Rowan Tree (beside the Abbey Hostel) is in private ownership and is not in the possession of Clare County Council. The owner of the structure has closed the bridge for essential maintenance,”

a spokesperson for the County Council told The Clare Echo.

The footbridge crosses the River Fergus and it was built in 2009 at a cost

€350,000. It is considered a safer and alternative route for pedestrians to Club Bridge which has narrow pathways.

SPORT

We preview the Clare SHC final

l Eilidh Lucey and Layla Keane with Nina and Ferdia, who accepted the cheque on behalf of Down Syndrome Clare

l Harmony Row Bridge has been closed in recent weeks

Tommy Hilfiger visits home of Eddie Lenihan for biscuits and tea

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

FASHION designer Tommy Hilfiger was inspired to visit the home of Eddie Lenihan due to the Clare author’s most prominent publication.

The Crusheen resident received a curious phonecall last Sunday from Hilfiger’s driver, requesting if he would accept a home visit in the from one of the world’s most famous fashion designers.

Mr Hilfiger had been staying at Newmarket-on-Fergus’ world-famous Dromoland Castle and as he set off on the next leg of his journey to Ashford Castle, the New Yorker made it his business to call to the Lenihan household.

“You’re inclined to associate [famous people] with, ‘well they must be rich and sometimes riches turns people into bollocks’, idiots,” scoffed Eddie as he recounted Mr Hilfiger’s visit to Crusheen. Softening up, Ireland’s greatest story-teller continued, “But other times it doesn’t, which is nice. As far as I could see, he’s a very nice person, just ordinary.”

Eddie invited Mr Hilfiger and his daughter, Elizabeth into his home for tea and biscuits and reveals that the multi-millionaire’s daughter brought an edition of his book, Meeting The Other Crowd, a worldwide hit which has been translated into numerous languages including Chinese, Japanese and Italian.

“His daughter Elizabeth had got her hands on the book. She brought it, she wanted it signed. I suppose she persuaded him to stop off,” Eddie told The Clare Echo.

“I knew him only by name as a clothes man and maybe the young ones like him and the kind of clothes he advertises, and fine. I don’t buy those kinds of clothes, all of mine are rags. My shirts are all worn out, look,” said Eddie, showing off a tear in his jeans.

When it was suggested that Tommy should have brought him a new pair of jeans, Eddie revealed that Hilfiger (73) has promised to send a selection of his brand’s clothes to Lenihan for his grandchildren, who were present during the visit as they were at their grandparents’

house for Sunday dinner. Eddie, who is currently working on a book titled Military Memories, revealed that they chatted mostly about fairies and his book. He described Elizabeth as “an intelligent person” and added that Mr Hilfiger regarded his Crusheen visit “as one of the highlights of his trip”.

“I could see why maybe, because if you have money that you can do anything with, I mean what’s the big deal about going to a 5- or a 10-star hotel, you can buy that. You can buy anything you want and have people bowing down before you because they know you have money. But when you come into an ordinary house, you can’t because people don’t care whether you have money or don’t have money.”

He added, “He was very nice, down to earth man. I suppose he realises that, to be invited into an ordinary house and given biscuits and tea, is different... I don’t care if a fella has 10 million or a billion or he’s poor. The least you can do is offer a cup of tea and that’s what we did, and he thought very highly of it.”

Tommy Hilﬁger pictured with Eddie Lenihan at Eddie’s home in Crusheen

Gilligan trial unlikely to progress until 2025

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE STATE is seeking priority in the fixing of a trial date for the assault trial of former All Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler Niall Gilligan, a court has heard.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday, counsel for the State, Sarah-Jane Comerford BL said that the State was seeking priority in the case as the complainant “is a young gentleman”.

In the case, Mr Gilligan (47) of Rosroe, Sixmilebridge is charged with the assault causing harm of a 12 year old boy during an alleged ‘stick’ assault.

Mr Gilligan denies the charge of assault causing harm of the boy at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Mt Ivers Rd, Sixmilebridge contrary to Section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Act on October 5th 2023.

Tuesday was the first day that the case came before the Circuit Court after the Book of Evidence in the case was served last month.

The trial is not likely to go ahead before 2025 after the case was adjourned today to a call over date on December 13th when trial dates will be made for the first Ennis Circuit Court criminal sittings of 2025.

Counsel for Mr Gilligan, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Daragh Hassett) said that the case is a new return and relates to an allegation of assault.

After Ms Comerford (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) requested priority for the case in the fixing of dates, Mr Whyms said that it is a matter that can be addressed on December 13th when trial

dates are fixed.

In response, Judge Francis Comerford said that the complainant’s young age and request for priority “is useful to know”.

Mr Gilligan was not present for Tuesday’s mention of the case and was not required to attend.

The DPP had initially directed that the case be heard in the District Court but Judge Alec Gabbett declined district court jurisdiction in the case after hearing an outline of the State

boy’s injuries were handed into court in July and Judge Gabbett said at the time, “I am looking at photographs here and what I am seeing is a child with significant injuries over and above what the district court should be dealing with so I am going to refuse jurisdiction”.

Outlining the background to the charges against Mr Gilligan, Ms Casey said the charges relate to a matter alleged to have happened on October 5th 2023 at 5.30pm.

case against Mr Gilligan in July.

In court in July, State solicitor, Aisling Casey told the court that one of the injuries the boy was treated for in the aftermath of the alleged ‘stick assault’ by Mr Gilligan was a fractured left hand.

Solicitor for Mr Gilligan, Mr Hassett told the court that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted by his client and “there is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here”.

As part of the State case, a medical report and photos of the

She said that the alleged injured party, who was aged 12 at the time, was with a friend also aged 12 and they were on a disused property, the Jamaica Inn in Sixmilebridge owned by the accused.

Ms Casey said, “When the boys were on the property, it will be alleged that the accused confronted the two boys and produced a wooden stick and the boys attempted to flee”.

She said that it will be alleged that the alleged injured party “slipped on muddy ground and while lying on the ground, it

will be alleged that the accused struck him several times with the wooden stick he had in his possession”.

Ms Casey stated the boy returned home on foot and was brought first to the VHI clinic and subsequently transferred to University Hospital Limerick that evening.

Ms Casey said that the injuries reported was a loss of consciousness by the boy on the occasion along with significant bruising at the top right shoulder, the buttocks and lower back.

Ms Casey said that injuries also included a 2cm long wound was on the boy’s forearm and a 2cm long wound to the right shin which both required suturing

She stated that following orthopaedic intervention, a fracture was identified on the boy’s left hand and he made a full, uneventful recovery concerning the left hand.

In July, Ms Casey confirmed that both juvenile witnesses will give evidence by video link in the circuit court.

Mr Gilligan was a star forward for the senior Clare hurling team which defeated Tipperary to win the 1997 All-Ireland Final and was named an All-Star in 1999.

The Sixmilebridge clubman also won two Munster titles with Clare and multiple honours with his club over a long, distinguished hurling career.

Judge Comerford on Tuesday further remanded Mr Gilligan on bail on the same terms to December 13th and said that he is excused from attending court on that date.

Man in his 40s arrested following shooting in Ennis

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NO INJURIES were reported following a shooting in a residential area of Ennis on Friday evening.

An Garda Síochána have launched an investigation after a ﬁrearm was discharged in a residential area on the Lahinch Rd in Ennis on Friday night. At approximately 10.10pm, a number of shots were ﬁred at a residence in the Acha Bhile residential estate on the Lahinch Road. No person was injured during the course of the incident.

One man (aged in his 40s) was arrested in relation to this investigation and is currently detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 at a Garda station in Clare. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told The Clare Echo, “Any person who was in the vicinity of the Acha Bhile residential area on Friday evening between 9.30pm and 10.30pm is asked to contact investigating Gardaí. Any road users who were travelling on the Lahinch Road and surrounding areas during this time and who noticed any unusual activity is asked to come forward.

“Any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in this area are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 684 8100, the Garda Conﬁdential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station”.

Halloween photo competition: Win family ticket to Arc Cinema

THE Clare Echo has teamed up with Arc Cinema, Ennis on our spooktacular Halloween photo competition.

We are asking readers to send in their spookiest Halloween themed photographs over the next two weeks - so we want to see your best costumes and spooky house decorations in the lead-up to Oiche Shamhna.

We are giving one lucky reader a family pass to Arc Cinema Ennis for the most spooktacular photograph.

The winners will be announced in our edition on Thursday, October 31, when a selection of photographs will be published in The Clare Echo’s Halloween edition.

To enter, email your entry to lisa@clareecho.ie. One entry per person, by entering you are permitting The Clare Echo to share your photograph on social media and in our print publication. Best of luck to everyone.

TICKETS

Niall Gilligan

Photo by John Mangan

Acha Bhile, Lahinch Road, Ennis

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Clare woman ‘out of her mind’ on Christmas morning in separate paint attacks

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A WEST Clare woman covered her boyfriend “head to toe” in paint and also damaged his car and his sister’s car with the same beige paint on Christmas morning in a row sparked by repeated egg throwing incidents at the woman’s home.

At Ennis District Court, Garda Kevin Duffy told the court that he saw Patrick Hurley was standing at the front door of the Hurley home “covered head to toe in paint” when he received a call to the go to the home in the west Clare vil lage of Miltown Malbay on Christmas morning 2022.

Garda Duffy said that Mr Hurley’s car was also “covered in paint”.

Garda Duffy said that Mr Hurley said that it was his girl-friend, Noelle Walsh (47) of The Square, Milltown Malbay who threw the paint.

Judge Alec Gabbett remarked: “I don’t know why Patrick Hurley ended up with a lick of paint.”

In evidence, Ms Walsh told the court: “It was 7.30 Christmas morning. I was out of my mind. My house had been damaged three times

lNoelle

by eggs. I had been physically assaulted by Caitriona Hurley, violently, and I was out of my mind, I shouldn’t have done it. That is the truth.”

Garda Duffy said: “At around breakfast-time, Patrick Hurley had been standing at the front door having a cup of tea and a cigarette and Ms Walsh was gone from the scene when I had arrived.”

Garda Duffy said that while at the scene he was made aware of an another criminal damage incident at the Ballard Rd, Milltown Malbay home of Mr Hurley’s sister, Cathriona (35) where he found that her car had also been damaged with

Garda Duffy said that the word ‘c**t’ was also gouged onto the boot of the Ms Hurley’s car on December 24th.

Judge Gabbett described a €8,334 bill for the damage to Ms Hurley’s car presentd to court as “off the wall - that is over-egging the omelette. The car is a write off. I don’t believe for a minute the damage cost that much.”

Later on Christmas morning, Garda Duffy said that he entered the home of Ms Walsh and found her upstairs asleep in her bedroom wearing a pair of beige boots, leggings and a top

all covered with beige paint.

After her arrest and subsequent interview at Kilrush Garda Station on Christmas Day, Ms Walsh, represented by solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick, admitted to the criminal damage. Garda Duffy said that Patrick Hurley made no complaint against Ms Walsh.

The criminal damage offences by Ms Walsh came around 12 hours after she arrived at the Hurley family home at around 6.30pm on Christmas Eve to complain about her house being egged once more.

Ms Walsh and Ms Hurley had both denied assault charges against each other from the altercation at the Hurley home on December 24th 2022 and Judge Alec Gabbett found both guilty of the minor Section 2 assaults.

Ms Hurley said that the Hurleys had been watching The Chase and keeping an eye on the Christmas Day turkey cooking when Ms Walsh barged in.

In evidence, Ms Walsh said her house had been egged three times in a month and a half.

She said: “I was frightened. It was more than one egg. The house was destroyed. It was my Dad’s house and he had died during Covid.”

She said that Ms Hurley’s daughter had owned up to throwing eggs at her home and when her house was egged again on Christmas Eve 2022, she suspected Ms Hurley’s daughter.

Solicitor for Ms Hurley, Daragh Hassett said that Ms Walsh

“wrongly believed” that Ms Hurley’s daughter had egged her home on Christmas Eve.

Mr Hassett said that Ms Hurley’s daughter had been formally reprimanded by Gardai for the egging prior to December 24th 2022 and he said that the girl’s actions had been unacceptable

Ms Walsh said that sh phoned Gardai to make a complaint about the Christmas Eve egg attack on her home and then went to the Hurley home at Lis Ni Sli, Milltown Malbay.

Ms Walsh said that her partner, Patrick was at the Hurley home when she called and she said on arrival there that Ms Hurley’s daughter “is running around the streets throwing eggs again”

Ms Walsh alleged that during the altercation, Cathriona Hurley assaulted her “and I was left with a black eye” and bruising.

Mr Hassett put it to Ms Walsh that she called Ms Hurley “a knack-

er, a tramp and a prostitute” and Ms Walsh said: “I was wrong to call her names.”

Asked about keying the word ‘C**t into Cathriona Hurley’s car, Ms Walsh replied: “I don’t recall that.”

In evidence, Ms Hurley said that her daughter told her that she had nothing to do with the egg attack on Ms Walsh’s home on Christmas Eve.

Judge Gabbett adjourned sentencing to January 8th to allow Probation Reports be provided to court on both Ms Walsh and Ms Hurley. Judge Gabbett said: “I am concerned about the future here. Patrick Hurley has been gone from the court for the last hour. Cleary he is in a difficult spot.”

“I don’t know if the relationship is still on. Mr Hurley and Ms Walsh were sitting together at the start and I presume the relationship still exists and all of these parties in the case have to live together”.

County Clare Students receive €24,000 Scholarship Award

COUNTY Clare Students Maeve Begley and Alanna Hayes were awarded a Naughton Foundation Scholarship worth €24,000 at a ceremony in the Trinity Business School , Dublin. The award was presented by founding patrons of the Naughton Foundation, Dr. Martin Naughton, and his wife Carmel, who were joined by An

Taoiseach Mr Simon Harris to present winning students with their awards and cheques.

Maeve Begley, has accepted a place studying Engineering at University College Cork and Alanna Hayes has accepted a place studying Engineering at Trinity College Dublin.

Since its establishment in 2008, Naughton Schol-

arships worth over €6 million has been awarded to more than 450 outstanding students. The scheme started in three counties and has continued to expand annually to become a nationwide scheme in 2016.

Maeve Begley and Alanna Hayes join 37 exceptional Irish students who were awarded third level scholarships towards their studies

in the areas of engineering, science, technology, and maths.

The prize winner’s former secondary schools, Coláiste Muire, Ennis and Ennistymon Community School, Clare were awarded a prize of €1,000 towards their school’s science facilities, for their support of their winning student.

l Cathriona Hurley

Walsh

lWinning scholar Maeve Begley

lWinning scholar Alanna Hayes

Senator Frances Black Addresses Ennis Meeting on the Occupied Territories Bill

FRANCES Black, perhaps better known for singing for packed out crowds, attracted a great attendance at a public meeting on her Occupied Territories Bill in Ennis last Monday. The event was organised by the Clare branch of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

The government has claimed that EU law prevented them from refusing to trade with any countries, saying that trade agreements are an EU competence. However, addressing the event, Frances said, “I’ve said consistently since 2018 when I introduced the bill, that Ireland can lead out on this, and the International Court of Justice ruling in July has simply put the legal question beyond any reasonable doubt now. And it’s encouraging that the updated Attorney General’s advice seems to reﬂect this. So, we can now say clearly that there is no legal barrier to the passage of this bill. It’s just a question of political will now. The bill is ready to go, and it’s really important that we, the people of Ireland, keep the pressure on because the seriousness of what’s happening, the devastation across Gaza and the West Bank demands that we pass this bill urgently.”

Éamonn Meehan of the Palestine support group Sadaka, which helped draft the bill, spoke about the illegality of the occupation of Palestinian territory. He told the crowd, “the ICJ ruling stated that the occupation of Palestinian land is illegal

and must be stopped immediately. It said the Palestinians must be restored to their land and compensated and that all settlements must be dismantled. But the court also crucially ruled that all states must do whatever they can to make those things happen. It said states must not give any support or assistance to the illegal settlements- including trading with them. So, it is actually illegal for us to not enact the Occupied Territories Bill as soon as possible”.

Senator Black, her campaign, and the IPSC, are asking people to make the passing of Occupied Territories Bill an election issue by questioning politicians who canvass them in the time ahead.

Ten in a row as Credit Unions voted Irish ustomer experience champions

FOR an unprecedented ten consecutive years, credit unions are named the undisputed champions in Ireland for Customer Experience

For a record-breaking 10th consecutive year, credit unions have topped the league table for best customer experience in Ireland, according to the 2024 Customer Experience Insight (CXi) Report. Furthermore, credit unions are also the only brand to have maintained a constant presence in the top ten since the survey began ten years ago, a testament to the consistency of their CX excellence.

Credit unions achieved an incredible overall CX score of 8.26, with a score of more than 8.0 considered to be the measure of CX Excel lence. In contrast, the average score in the fi nancial services sector was 6.91.

Speaking on behalf of The Clare Credit Unions, Marina McMahon CEO of Derg Credit Union stated,

“Winning the CXi award for the tenth consecutive year is an amazing achievement. We are proud of the values and ethos we have and of the unrivalled service that we offer to our members. We would like to say a heartfelt thanks to all our valued members for their continued loyalty and support. We are committed to maintaining a physical presence in our communities as well as keeping pace with the digital service we have all come to expect from a financial service.”

Commenting on the announcement, Alice Grant, Head of Brand & Member Experience of the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) said that the ILCU was delighted to see that credit unions continue to set the standards when it comes to delivering superior customer experience.

“This unprecedent -

ed tenth win is recognition of the dedication and hard work of credit union staff and volunteer directors across Ireland. Their relentless focus is always on being there for our members and for communities which we serve

She continued:

“There has been a great deal of change in credit unions in recent times with enhanced digital journeys and new product offerings. What hasn’t changed, and what won’t change, is our absolute commitment to put the needs of our members first.”

The CXi Report is published annually and is based on a survey which is carried out by Amarách Research. This year’s survey ran from June 8th to the 30th of July 2024. A representative cross section of Irish consumers was asked to give feedback on their experiences with 150+ companies across 11 sectors.

Pictured is St Francis Credit Union General Manager Louis Fay Photo by John Kelly

Sen. Frances Black and Éamonn Meehan with Clare branch ofﬁcials of the Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign

Clare Dancer Selected for Irish National Youth Ballet Council has paid out €2m for vacant property refurbishment grant

Clare is celebrating as Ciara Needham from Killaloe has been selected to join the Irish National Youth Ballet (INYB), the pre mier youth ballet company in Ireland. Ciara will represent Clare in The Nut cracker, part of INYB’s 30th anniver sary performances this December.

Ciara Needham, who trains local ly under Sophie Bailey at Turning Pointe Ballet School, is the youngest dancer in INYB’s Senior Compa ny this year. She the fur to Dub rehears to her commitment and passion for ballet. Ciara will perform in The Nutcracker in the roles of Flowers, Snow, and Reed Flutes.

Lindsay Ashe-Browne, Artistic Director of INYB, commended Ci ara’s dedication: “To be selected for INYB is an incredible achievement, and Ciara’s perseverance and talent shine through. Our dancers under go a competitive audition process, and Ciara has truly earned her place among the best young dancers in Ireland.”

Funded by the Arts Council, INYB provides an exceptional platform for young dancers, offering them the opportunity to train with internation ally acclaimed teachers and per

form in semi-professional productions. Many former members have gone on to professional ballet careers, and this opportunity gives Ciara a strong founda-

The Clare community is invited to support Ciara as she takes the stage at the Samuel Beckett Theatre in December. The Nutcracker will be the highlight of INYB’s 30th-anniversary celebrations, with performances running from Friday, December 6th, to Sunday, December 8th, including matinee and

This is a proud moment for Clare—a celebration of local talent and the conmunity stage.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

OVER €17m has been approved by Clare County Council in the past two years under the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant.

To date, Clare County Council has paid out more €2m under the grant and has approved €17m in grant funding. Applications have opened for more property owners to apply for the grant from the local authority to help them turn a vacant building into a permanent home.

In May 2023, the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant was extended to include rental properties, allowing the property owner to rent the refurbished home long-term or make it their primary residence.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) stated, “The grant has proven very popular

to date and is a great investment in housing in the County. I would encourage property

owners to attend our walk-in information days or contact the Vacant Homes Team”.

Sinead Aherne, the Council’s Vacant Homes Officer explained, “A grant of up to €50,000 is available for the refurbishment of a vacant property while up to €70,000

is available for derelict properties. The members of the Vacant Homes Team in Clare County Council are available to assist those making applications. As well as accessing the Frequently Asked Questions document available on our website, we also encourage applicants to call us if they require any further assistance. This is a scheme that not only benefits the vacant property owner, but has on going benefits for the community as we bring more vacant housing stock back into use”. She added, “The scheme will be further promoted with public walk-in information events to be held throughout the county in the coming months. The council is also undertaking surveys of vacant properties in all settlements in the county to identify and engage with the owners on the supports available to bring the property back into use”.

LISDOONVARNA REUNION WEEKEND

15TH - 17TH NOVEMBER 2024

The Lisdoonvarna Reunion Weekend returns to The Gleneagle Hotel in November and we simply can’t wait. Book your place now and get ready to enjoy a great line-up of music acts accompanied by plenty of dancing!

✓ Bed & Breakfast ✓ Free Entertainment ✓ Access to Leisure Facilities

COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

3RD - 7TH NOVEMBER 2024

The Gleneagle will sway to the sound of the Irish Country Music Festival next November as a selection of Ireland’s best country acts take to the stage in the famous ballroom.

✓ Bed & Breakfast ✓ Evening Meals ✓ Free Entertainment ✓ Access to Leisure Facilities

Peter Burke Checkers

Michael Collins Teddy & Cathal Barry Best of Friends

Ciara Needham from Killaloe, Clare, has National Youth Ballet, performing in The

THIS FOUR BEDROOM HOME IS TO BE VIEWED TO FULLY APPRECIATE THE BRIGHT SPACIOUS AND WELL-PROPORTIONED LIVING ACCOMMODATION THROUGHOUT OPEN VIEWING SATURDAY 19TH FROM 11.00 TO 11.30

ENNIS, CO. CLARE

47 SYCAMORE DRIVE, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ROSLEVAN, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 CHURCH DRIVE, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

16 FERGUS MANOR, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 MEADOW COURT, CLONROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

5 DROMARD, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

137 ACHA BHILE, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

43 CATHEDRAL COURT, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ASHFIELD HOUSE, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

42 ASHFIELD PARK, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

OAKWOOD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE

LARCH HILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 OAKWOOD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE

ENNIS, CO. CLARE

47 SYCAMORE DRIVE, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ROSLEVAN, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 CHURCH DRIVE, CLARECASTLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

16 FERGUS MANOR, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 MEADOW COURT, CLONROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

5 DROMARD, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

137 ACHA BHILE, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

43 CATHEDRAL COURT, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

ASHFIELD HOUSE, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

42 ASHFIELD PARK, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE 2 OAKWOOD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE

REASKAUN, LARCH HILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

2 OAKWOOD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE

MANACH, QUIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

‘Tourism

has to breathe again’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN EXIT strategy is needed with a clear timeline on when Clare accommodation providers used to house asylum seekers and refugees can return to the tourism market.

Communities such as Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna are becoming increasingly frustrated according to county councillors while the Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling has said some accommodation providers have “chosen to benefit from a crisis situation”.

In a motion before this week’s Council meeting, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr Rita McInerney (FF), Cllr Shane Talty (FF) and Cllr John Crowe (FG) called on Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman (GP) “to instruct his department and IPAS to set a clear plan and timeline that will return hotels and tourism accommodations that have been used in Clare to house refugees through an emergency period to the tourist market”. They also requested Minister for Tourism, Catherine Martin (GP) to find supports for SMEs in “most affected areas in are supported in the transition phase”.

Co Clare “has gone above and beyond” in offering a warm welcome to people from wartorn countries, Cllr Garrihy said. “It has impacted hugely across multiple factors, it has affected our tourism industry”. He continued, “People understood the emergency measures over three years, we’re looking for a reasonable and decent plan. We’re not looking for something to happen in the morning, we’re looking for a proper coherent plan to allow Clare County Council to react and engage with the host community. The danger of not doing this is the people will lose patience and every human being will be impacted negatively”.

How the Government have tackled the provision for accommodation has been wrong and lacked a multi-departmental approach, Cllr McInerney maintained, “the importance of tourism to our rural communities cannot be overstated”.

Integration is a word used by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) daily, he told the meeting, “Tourism has to breathe again”. While supporting the motion, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) questioned where will the people accommodated go. “That is the reality of where we are, our businesses are suffering economically, small to medium enterprises are struggling because of the lack

of tourists but we have a number of people that will have nowhere else to go. At the moment we’re in a catch 22”.

Concerns were expressed for the future of Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna by Cllr Bill Slattery (FG) in a workshop two weeks ago. “I spoke of the trauma that the local residents have been through in the last three years, the people of Lisoonvarna feel seriously let down by our Senators and Oireachtas members, they don’t want to say anything in case they are classed as racist,

lCllr Bill Slattery

this has gone on three years in Lisdoonvarna and is getting worse”. Slattery claimed the figures of Ukrainians in Clare has dropped from 3,750 in February 2022 to 1,850, “the war is ongoing but they have gone out of the country in my opinion because the money has dried up”. He said an audit should be done on the hotels to see how many bednights were occupied.

Lisdoonvarna based Garrihy said, “We’re looking for an exit strategy on where these people will go, nobody will say get rid of them and put them on the streets. The people of the area deserve to see there is a plan and to be included in the plan”.

Addressing the meeting, Dowling acknowledged, “it can be an emotive issue.

“It is a concern of all local authorities where accommodation was contracted for one purpose has now flipped to a further contract for extending that accommodation for the purpose of the international protection population which had been the Ukrainian population before that”.

Concerns have been raised with the Dept on the density aspect, he outlined. “Cllr Garrihy is absolutely right, the Government have no plan to deal with the long-term implications of this matter, various schemes have been mooted through the OPW, Land Development Agency but very little planning of that has come to material fruition and therein lies the difficulty, I think the concerns are very legitimate, Lisdoonvarna and Ballyvaughan have welcomed people from day one, I’d question the wording used by Cllr Slattery, the people were very welcome”.

Fr Bohan back from health scare to attend county final

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TRADITION has hurling on par with religion in the village of Feakle according to Fr Harry Bohan.

Fr Harry is regarded as one of the leading social commentators in Ireland. His thinking and philosophy is shaped from his native Feakle and he is eagerly looking forward to their appearance in Sunday’s Clare SHC final, their first senior county final since 1988.

On Monday, he was released from UHL, having suffered a stroke. Speaking to The Clare Echo at his home in Shannon on Tuesday, he said, “When I was in the hospital for the last fortnight, all I used to be saying to the doctors and nurses was ‘if ye can at all can ye try get me out for the county ﬁnal’. Tommy (Guilfoyle) and Val (Donnellan) would be in touch with me, it means a ﬁerce amount to us at home”.

He added, “I couldn’t have got a better service, they were excellent in there, doctors, nurses, porters, I was delighted with them and I met a lot of hurling people in there. The girl that is going to marry Jason Forde was one of the nurses with me, herself and a nurse called Nora offered to bring me to the match on Sunday”.

Tuesday’s Irish Times is to the left of Fr Harry while an encyclopedia on geography lays on the floor but the topic of conversation he is most interested on is centered around Sunday.

Six senior championships have been won by Feakle but reaching the 2024 decider is signiﬁcant, Harry said.

“There’s a serious tradition of hurling in Feakle, the best way I can put it, when I was growing up in Feakle as a young lad, I didn’t

‘Limerick

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

have to look to Liverpool or Manchester for my heroes because the Feakle team of the time won five championships, it started when a man called Sean Harrington came in 1934 he was a teacher in the Brothers in Ennis and he got the principal job in the primary school in Feakle, he was a great hurler from Tipperary, he got the hurling organised and he saw they played it well, they won the 1935 championship, they won three in a row in 1938, 1939 and 1940, they won in 1944 and lost to Scariff in 1946. Hurling was everything to us at home, we had the hurley in our hand all the time, we hurled at school and everywhere. Even though I had the Clare team and they were huge to me, we aimed to win the All-Ireland, we were a small bit unlucky especially in the 1987 Munster final against Cork but otherwise Feakle winning again and getting to this final means a lot to me”.

“Val Donnellan and Tommy Guilfoyle would be onto me the whole time to tell me how things are going. Evan McMahon, the full-back who is going to miss the game, my heart is broken for him to miss it, I trained the Feakle time after leaving Clare and his father Harry was with me, a great hurler, I’m so sorry for Harry and Evan that Evan is missing the game and he is a huge loss,” he added.

Former county board secretary, Pat Fitzgerald has driven Harry to the majority of championship games he has attended this season. Following Feakle’s only loss this year, a one point defeat to Kilmaley, “I said to Pat coming down the road ‘if Feakle can stay in the group they won’t be far away’, I was very happy with them. I saw them against Crusheen

which didn’t go so well for Crusheen. They are in the ﬁnal and getting into the ﬁnal means a huge amount to the people, hurling is everything in Feakle, there is a huge tradition of hurling going back in Feakle, they might say there’s tradition in Kilkenny but we grew up with hurling, there was nothing else in Feakle only hurling. We had Eibhear Quilligan, Adam Hogan and Conn Smyth involved with Clare, I was very proud that they were on the team”.

Hurling gives places like Feakle its identity, he explained. “I’ve dreamt my whole life, that is why I started the housing for rural Ireland, rural villages, rural communities, they are the key, I’ve studied this, if Ireland loses its small rural communities we’re in trouble, hurling wherever hurling is in a place like Clare, it is a crucial part of those communities, the big thing is they will only have the population now

and again, Newmarket and Clarecastle would be up and down for different reasons. We always because of the team of the 40s, the tradition was there always in Feakle, we always aspired, we’d be a very proud community, I’d be fierce proud of Feakle, I love going back to meet people there, going back there on the night of Up for the Match and having three lads on the panel meant a fierce lot to us, I met Adam Hogan’s parents. People who have no interest in hurling wouldn’t no what I’m talking about but hurling people do, Willie Walsh has the same interest, he wouldn’t have it for his own place but he has the love for the game. Hurling is one of the great games, we’ve always said it is the fastest field

Mayor cannot dictate

DIRECTLY ELECTED Mayor of Limerick, John Moran has been criticised by Friends of Ennis Hospital.

On Monday, Moran unveiled the Limerick Mayoral Programme 2024-2029, titled More for Limerick.

Visions and objectives for the Directly Elected Mayor’s five year term of office were outlined in the 134page document as mandated by the Local Government (Mayor of Lim-

erick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2024.

There are three key pillars to the Mayoral Programme which focus on affordable housing and quality of life, improved prosperity and health. Friends of Ennis Hospital criticised the plans outlined by the Mayor. “The Mayor makes no reference to the KPIs which already exist with the HSE for Primary Care, Acute Care, Palliative Care. in fact the words Palliative care don’t even appear in his document so his health

care plan is leaving out the most vulnerable in society completely. Neither the HSE nor the CEO of UHL are answerable to the Mayor of Limerick. They are answerable to the Minister for Health & they are answerable to the TDs elected to represent not only Limerick but also Clare and Tipperary in Dáil Éireann. The Mayor of Limerick does not speak for us he has no mandate to speak for the people of Clare or Tipperary,” a spokeswoman told The Clare Echo.

l Fr Harry Bohan was in UHL after suffering

game in the world, there isn’t much better, you put on a soccer match and I watch the Irish teams, I’ve an interest in any sport but there is an awful difference between a good hurling match and a good soccer match, I would be wishing the Irish teams well”.

Sunday’s opponents for his native Feakle are Sixmilebridge, an area he has great affection for having been parish priest there for sixteen years. “I loved it, I got involved in a lot of things like when the Mart was closing, it’s a great GAA club, they won ﬁve championships during that time with Paddy Meehan, Tim Crowe, Davy Fitzgerald and John O’Meara, I love The Bridge, it is growing probably too fast. I love The Bridge, I will always say I loved my time there but from the day I was born my heart has been in Feakle and in the hurling part of it.

When comparing the areas, he points out

that in terms of population, “There’s no more than 800 in Feakle, there’s nearly 8,000 in The Bridge now”. Even when people leave the East Clare village, they stay proud of their roots, “There was a story about a Feakle man going to work in London, the Cockneys were making fun of him so he put down his bag and said ‘Feakle whilst I live and Feakle while I die, I’ll take on the whole lot of ye’”.

Parallels are drawn between hurling and religion by Harry, something which was brought to his attention by the late Jackie O’Gorman of Cratloe. “People say sport is religion and I can say it was for us, Jackie O’Gorman said Sunday was about mass and the match”. He continued, “I would have always said people don’t appreciate what the game of hurling means, I don’t know much about gaelic football but I know it was anathema in The Bridge. We used to cut our own hurleys, there was a whole way of life attached to it. I’d always be hoping for Feakle whether it was juvenile or intermediate or senior that Feakle would get into finals and be fierce happy when they won. When they won the semi-final against Cratloe, even though I wasn’t feeling great it was better than any tonic”.

Demonstrating the bonds that are formed from sport, our interview is interrupted as Harry receives a call from Seamus Durack, goalkeeper on the two-time National League winning Clare side of the 1970s managed by Bohan, another proud son of Feakle. “We were a close team, even to this day they ring me which is great which says a lot about hurling, there is more to hurling than just playing the game, I’ve friends for life from it, Seamus Durack came in on Sunday night and stayed for two hours with me in the hospital”.

Sport is also huge for personal development

and learning, he highlighted. “The school system in Finland is regarded as one of the best in the western world, they don’t go to primary school until they are seven, we go at four, the reason is that they have a huge emphasis on playing, they say playing is about learning, you can learn so much from sport and from playing a game, you can learn from playing, we over emphasise the formal side of education, in Finland they go out and when they go to school they go playing very often in the day. When I think back, I spent half my young life in the hurling ﬁeld and I learned more in the hurling ﬁeld than I did anywhere else.

“What I bring sport down to, Joe Schmidt coached the Irish rugby team, Ireland were playing the All Blacks and he got a letter from his mother that morning, she wasn’t well, she said in the letter ‘I’m very proud of all you have achieved but what makes me really proud is the person you became’. Sport can shape character because you’re in competition with other people, it can shape character, that is why I think Finland got their education system right and it is regarded as the best education system in the western world, I often wonder did some people underestimate the importance of sport, I do believe that hurling is special because you are wielding a hurley, it was very much part of the place in Feakle”.

Places like Feakle are made by the people, he said. “There is an old saying, ‘it’s the few who make things happen, the many who watch things happen and the majority who don’t know what’s happening. If you look at every parish and club, you will ﬁnd the few who are making things happen and great credit is due to them”.

Midwest health policy’

According to Friends of Ennis Hospital attempts by Moran to “dictate health policy” need to be rejected.

“HSE Midwest does have a mandate and indeed an obligation to provide healthcare for the entire region not just the most populated part of it.

Mr Moran speaks of an ‘Independent Limerick First health Strategy’ with complete disregard for the remainder of the region. The word ‘Tipperary’ appears just once in his 134 page manifesto, the word ‘Clare’ just four times and two of them are in reference

to the Clare glens which is a walking trail. As Clare based health campaigners we reject in totality any attempts by the Mayor of Limerick to dictate health policy in the Midwest Region.

“Healthcare in UHL and the MidWest serves a population far greater than his constituency and must be focused on improving healthcare for all of the Mid-West. Ironically Mr Moran refers to ‘unacceptable outcome variances depending on Eircode’. But apparently he’s fine with those of us with a V95 Eircode being left behind”.

a stroke recently

West Clare shook to the core following untimely death of ‘true friend’ Jonathan Clancy

CARRIGAHOLT, Cross, Doonaha, Kilkee and Querrin has been shook to the core following the sudden and untimely death of teenager, Jonathan Clancy.

Eighteen year old Jonathan was set to celebrate his nineteenth birthday next week. On the approach roads to Carrigaholt, the O’Curry’s flags were visible at several locations while the number four jersey he wore with great pride was draped over his coffin alongside the club flag as the hearse made its way to St Mary’s Church on Thursday morning for his funeral mass.

Crowds lined the R458 in Carrigaholt where hundreds of mourners of all ages were in attendance, they included his teammates, friends and personnel who wished to show support for his grieving and heartbroken family.

On the field of play, Jonathan was an honest, selfless member of the O’Curry’s intermediate team, traits he also brought to the table when he represented the amalgamation of Western Gaels and with Kilkee/Bealaha on the hurling field. Gifts brought to the alter

included a footballer of the year award that Jonathan received for his displays with O’Curry’s second team last season. Speaking from the altar, Denis Foran noted, “he was a talented player who gave his all when representing O’Curry’s and Western Gaels, he was always lifting the spirits of his teammates, giving his all and his dedication shone through even when he began the new challenge of starting hurling with Kilkee/Bealaha”.

Work pants belonging to Jonathan symbolised his “hard working nature and boundless energy”. Denis recalled, “from a young age he was always able to take on challenges no matter how big or small, he showed incredible promise and willingness to learn his trade as a plumber”.

A pair of brown boots reminded the congregation that he “had a deep love for life’s simple pleasures and nothing symbolised that more than when he was socialising with friends. Jonathan’s presence brought warmth and joy to any gathering,” Denis outlined. His “special bond with animals especially” horses and his love of “spending time between the wheel of the tractor during

the summer months” were also acknowledged through the gifts brought forward. wo photographs were put before the altar, one with his family and one with his friends to “reﬂect the deep bonds he shares”. Denis added, “loyalty and kindness was evident in all he did, he was a true friend who brought joy, laughter and support to all around him”.

Addressing the congregation, Fr Gerry Kenny noted that it was “a very sad day”. He said, “today as we gather to commend John to his creator, we journey conscious that Jesus understood the pain of human fragility”. He continued, “we already knew Jonathan’s fronds, neighbours, family have been contributing so much in recent days through compassion, prayer and support to ensure that for all of you who mourn that Jonathan’s passing leaves a chink of god light to sustain his family”.

Fr Kenny said, “Jonathan’s friends and school companions and social circle, this is a very difﬁcult time for you, you too are grieving. Those of us who are older don’t have ready answers, it is going against the grain when one so young and vibrant dies. October 10th is world men-

tal health awareness day, it is a reminder to us all that we need to foster good mental health for ourselves and others. Jonathan’s death by suicide is a painful and stark reminder that we never know the pain and fragility that people are carrying inside, it is a reminder to be gentle to each other, to engage carefully with social media comments and how we engage with each other”.

Talking is key to addressing problems, Fr Kenny stressed, “engage with the questions that Jonathan’s death poses to you, please talk to each other, take time, ﬁnd somebody you can be quiet with and journey gently with the sadness you are carrying, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts and sadness with someone you can trust, the temptation to seek refuge with alcohol and drugs to dampen the pain you may be seeking is not the way, talking it through with someone you trust and who is compassionate is a step to take”. He continued, “there is a challenge here at this time to engage and reassure that there is a safe place in your hearts and thoughts”.

Assistance is also available through the HSE, Samaritans and Clare Suicide Bereavement Support, Fr Kenny said, “asking for help is never a sign of weakness. This tragic death is an invitation to come to terms with our human fragility, we need to be caring and sensitive with one another”.

In the prayers read, Jonathan’s ability to value all colleagues in the workplace and how he touched the lives of everyone he met were remembered.

Paddy Clancy, Jonathan’s brother said, “Jonathan was a big brother, a little brother, a son and a friend”. He recalled, “at the age of fourteen he found his real love in life, driving a tractor” and praised his brother for being “a brilliant driver”. Paddy said, “in school excelled at making friends, getting in and out of trouble without Josephine ﬁnding out. Due to a lack of interest in geography at school, he instead found interest in travelling the country with John but he never came back empty handed”.

After winning the “prestigious award as Junior B player of the year, he knuckled down and became an extremely solid corner back” for the club’s intermediate team, Paddy pointed out. “He never took the results too seriously, as long as there was a good session with the lads afterwards”. He concluded, “he was a softie at heart, he would do anything for people, we love and miss him”.

Serena, Jonathan’s sister read Ellen Brenneman’s poem, ‘Gone, But Not Forgotten’ as part of the communion reﬂection.

John Foran, a foster father to Jonathan told the funeral mass, “every life is

like a book, Jonathan’s is a short story. The first chapter was written before he came to us, the second was when he came to Kilrush”, where John recalled his first time seeing Jonathan “he was below on the floor looking up at me, peaking up from below his fringe, if you could put words on that look it was that this guy could break me”. He continued, “after I got to know him better, more mannerly kids you could not hope to have, they were polite and everything, after everything on farm vocabulary changed a little like when you’re directing cattle and they don’t go the right way, I take responsibility for that”.

During his school days at Kilrush Community School “it became apparent that he would not be a rocket scientist, there was no point trying to force him to do the books in his room because it wouldn’t happen. He was a great help on the farm and a great friend to have,” John said. “We travelled the country and had great fun,” he stated.

Jonathan completing the Leaving Certiﬁcate was an achievement they were all proud of. John then remarked that there was a sense of shock when he raised the notion of further education, “I nearly fell on the ﬂoor when he said he’d go to college, this is a young fella we struggled to get to school”. He ventured to Pallaskenry to the agricultural college and took until the seventh week to attend the Friday morning lecture after enjoying his Thursday nights with friends, personnel in the college were surprised with

the new addition to the Friday lecture and had to ask who Jonathan was, “to make a long story short he had to leave Pallaskenry,” quipped John.

Following this, he began pursuing a trade, with the help of John’s nephew Michael he started plumbing and John expressed his gratitude to everything Michael did, “it was going very well”. He continued, “the future was extremely bright and we just don’t know what happened”.

“What we found on Sunday morning is something that could sink you buy I’ve never made a grater bunch of lads than those that called to the house, I think the future is bright for the country with people like them,” John said to rapturous applause. He thanked everyone for the support they have shown over the past week, “to younger people, please talk to each other, if there is any trouble talk about it”.

For support, please contact Clare Suicide Bereavement Support on 086 056 5373 or 087 369 8315 or Samaritans, email jo@samaritans.ie or call on 116 123. Jonathan is survived by his mother Lisa Taylor, father Patrick Clancy, brothers Patrick and Damien, sisters Serena and Annalise, The Foran Family in Querrin John & Josephine, Denis, Marie John & Oisín, Brid & Michael, Patricia & Cillian, and Daniel, grandparents William & Mary Taylor, uncles, cousins, extended family, neighbours and his many friends

Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

lA true friend: Jonathan Clancy in action for O’Cuirry’s Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.

Make your plants spooky this Halloween

IT’S been a mix of weather so far this October some fantastic days and some lovely crisp dry mornings.

If you had geraniums in beds or containers now is the time to bring indoors if you want to save for next year, they can make a lovely indoor plant with colour over winter.

Its time to get beds tidied up and container /pots around the home remove any annual plant that have completed their cycle. Prune back and clean up perennials remove any dead wood and clean around them. Remove bedding plant in containers that have given their best and maybe consider putting in some autumn bedding there is a lovely selection to choose From.

It’s nice to mulch up the beds this time of year to help protect perennial and other shrubs from the upcoming winter.

Now is the time to plant your spring bulbs and one of my favourites is to do some layering of them in my pots its so nice to see them pop up in spring and I usually

plant some autumn ﬂower on top for colour now layer can easily be achieved it’s a great way to create a long-lasting display of blooms in the spring. Some of the ones I use are for an early bloom Crocus, Snowdrop, Bluebells. For a mid-season bloom daffodil and hyacinths. Late bloom tulips alliums.

With Halloween just around the corner why not have a Halloween themed pot at the front door with your pumpkin full of Halloween themed plants?

You coud try a lovely Solomon and orange heathers, add apop of sliver and a wee bit of ivy. To add something extra bit, at Blossoms On The Go we have lovely witch picks and spooky ghost to add to your pot to complete the look. Just some food for thought as we creep into the spooky season.

“October is a symphony of permanence and change, of rustling leaves and cooling breeze, a quiet farewell before winters embrace.”

THRIVE ENNIS Invitation

Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme

Join Us for a Thrive Ennis Engagement Session!

Clare County Council invites you to join us for a citizen and stakeholder engagement session on Thrive Ennis, a project focused on revitalising a vacant, under-utilised heritage building in Ennis Town Centre. Your input will help shape both an Integrated Urban Strategy showcasing Ennis’ heritage and architecture, and decisions on how best to adaptively reuse one of these selected heritage buildings to serve the community.

A short presentation will take place at 5pm and will remain on-screen for the duration of the session. Drop in at any time during the session and share your feedback!

WHERE AND WHEN

Monday, 21st October from 5:00pm to 7:00pm

The Civic Room in the Buttermarket Building,

l Incorportae your plants into a spooky Halloween display

Cullinan looking to grow Midwest Windows in Clare

by Jane Hinchy news@clareecho.ie

KILFENORA resident Jason Cullinan, a carpenter with over 30 years of experience, has recently acquired Midwest Windows, a well-established window compa ny based in Clondrinagh, County Limerick since 1984.

Midwest Windows, under Ja son’s leadership, continues its long-standing tradition of serving homes across the Midwest.

The company offers a range of window styles, from modern de signs to traditional windows. All windows are A-rated and are double or triple glazed, catering to both new and old properties.

Jason Culli nan’s journey to becoming a business owner goes back to his background as a self employed carpenter for 20 years. When an

opportunity arose to take over Midwest Windows, owned by his neighbour, Cullinan swiftly purchased the business, becoming its fourth Clare owner.

MidWest Windows takes pride in the personal rela-

the entire process.

Long-time salesman Dónal O’Shea, who has 50 years of experience, meets with clients to discuss options and pricing. Tin Vukovic, a fitter who has been with the company for 14 years, handles surveys and measurements, while Jason and new recruit Ryan Fawl oversee the installations.

“We pride ourselves on the personal relationship with clients,” Cullinan explains. “We never leave the premises until the person tells me they’re happy.”

Customer service is key at MidWest windows . “Cleanliness is number one,” he says, emphasising that his team leaves

homes in better condition than when they arrived.

Midwest Windows requires a 50% deposit when placing an order, with the remaining 50% due upon completion, once the customer is fully satisfied. Wait times are typically between six to eight weeks, and most installations take only three days for the whole house

In a competitive market, Jason ensures Midwest Windows remains

affordable without compromising on quality. The company is known for its work on grant-funded projects for pensioners.

Although Midwest Windows is based in Limerick, Cullinan has plans to expand his business operations further into Clare. “I’d like to get back up to Clare where I was before “ he says, indicating his desire to grow the company while staying true to his local roots.

l Jason Cullinan (left) and (below) with his team, (l-r) Dónal O’Shea, Ryan Fawl and Tin Vukovic; (above) Midwest Windows put huge emphasis on a clean ﬁnish for their customer

Photos by Joe Buckley

EMS Training: Help Women Deal with Menopause

As an EMS studio owner, I have had the pleasure of working with a diverse clientele, including many women who are navigating the complexities of menopause. For many, this stage of life can be physically and emotionally challenging, bringing with it a host of symptoms such as weight gain, muscle loss, joint pain, mood swings, and fatigue. EMS workouts have emerged as a highly effective tool to help women manage these changes and regain a sense of control over their health and well-being.

Understanding Menopause

It is a natural biological process. The hormonal shifts—particularly a drop in estrogen—can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms. Many women experience a decrease in muscle mass and bone density, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), joint stiffness, and a general feeling of sluggishness. These changes can also affect mood, leading to anxiety, depression, or irritability.

While regular exercise is widely recommended to mitigate these symptoms, not all workouts are equally effective or accessible for menopausal women. High-impact exercises may put strain on joints, while lengthy gym sessions may feel overwhelming. That’s where EMS comes in as a perfect solution.

The Science Behind EMS Workouts EMS workouts use electrical impulses to stimulate muscle. A typical session lasts just 20

minutes and it targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously, allowing for efﬁcient, full-body activation. The electrical impulses work deep into the muscles without putting stress on joints or nligaments, making it an ideal option for women dealing with joint pain or stiffness. EMS also engages 90% of the body’s muscles at once, leading to faster gains in strength, muscle tone, and endurance.

How EMS Workouts Help with Menopause Symptoms

Combating Muscle Loss and Improving Strength

One of the most common effects of menopause is a gradual loss of muscle mass, a condition known as sarcopenia. This can lead to weakness and a reduced metabolic rate, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. EMS training helps counteract muscle loss by stimulating deep muscle ﬁbers that are difﬁcult to engage through regular exercise.

Supporting Weight Management

Many women gain weight during menopause, as their metabolism slows. EMS training boosts the body’s metabolism, helping to burn fat more efﬁciently. With consistent EMS sessions, women can better manage their weight and prevent the stubborn fat accumulation.

Enhancing Bone Density

Menopause can lead to a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis.

EMS training not only strengthen muscles but also put beneﬁcial stress on bones, which can help maintain or improve bone density.

Reducing Joint Pain and Improving Mobility

EMS workouts are gentle on the joints but still offer a powerful workout for the muscles surrounding them. This helps to stabilize joints, reduce pain, and improve overall mobility without the risk of injury from high-impact exercises.

Boosting Mood and Energy

Exercise is known to release endorphins“feel-good” hormones, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and irritability that some women experience during menopause. In fact, because EMS workout is short yet highly effective, women often leave feeling energized and uplifted.

Empowering Women Through EMS

As an EMS studio owner, I have witnessed firsthand how transformative EMS training can be for women dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of menopause. At BodyWow studio, we take pride in offering personalized sessions that cater to each client’s individual needs. Menopause may bring its share of difficulties, but with the right support and fitness regimen, it’s possible to move through this phase with strength, confidence, and vitality. EMS is not just a workout; it’s a tool for empowerment during one of life’s most transformative stages.

lEMS: the Calre Echo’s Denise Quinn

‘Hiccups’ with Shannon Bridge Crossing flagged

by Páraic McMahon

“HICCUPS” are causing concern for elected members in East Clare as the Shannon Bridge Crossing nears its completion.

A western bypass of Killaloe is to be provided along with a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhill as part of the proposed proposed Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme. In total, the entire scheme is an approximate 6.2km in length.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling in his monthly management report confirmed that the kentledge and approach slabs have been concreted for the Shannon Bridge, the water-

proofing to deck has been complete along with the sand asphalt to deck. He said the concrete works to the viewing platforms is complete and finishing works are progressing.

Regarding the Shannon Bridge crossing link, he said the paving to binder course has been completed at the Shauntraud to Clarisford junction and the construction of walls

to the embankment are ongoing at the Clarisford to West Embankment section. He said, “Progress has been steady during the current period”.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) commented, “we’re coming to a near enough completion of the Shannon Bridge Crossing, it is a very welcome piece of infrastructure for the

whole of East Clare, it will be vital to us all.

“There are some issues and hiccups which are concerning, I am asking the Director and senior management of the Council to meet with the five Killaloe Municipal District councillors, Brian McCarthy (area co-ordinator) and Declan Flanagan (senior engineer) very quickly. The project is coming to a conclusion”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) said he was “delighted” the Shannon Bridge Crossing was progressing.

Director of Service, Alan Farrell told the meeting that area engineers had been asked “to keep an eye on roads and road conditions prior to the works”. He added, “the reality is the majority will be left to road works programme but we will make a case where needed”.

Wind Energy Ireland disputes claims made on East Clare plans

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

WIND Energy Ireland has disputed claims made by the Broadford to Oatfield Windfarm Action group.

Last month, the Broadford to Oatfield Windfarm Action Group told The Clare Echo that there was “mounting evidence of the detrimental ecological impact, noise pollution, and shadow flicker that windfarms bring to nearby residents”.

The group added that there are currently six windfarms seeking planning approval in a concentrated area of East Clare which would total some 61 turbines, while also citing traffic concerns in the area, particularly around Sixmilebridge.

However, Wind Energy Ireland has contacted The Clare Echo, disputing information put forward by the group.

Yvonne O’Brien, regional public affairs manager with Wind Energy Ireland, told The Clare Echo in a statement from the group that there are four wind farms currently seeking planning approval in East Clare, all of which are “entirely seperate companies”.

“The intention - to build wind farms - is transparent. We trust the planning authorities to be robust but fair in their examination of the merits of the projects in the context of what is appropriate for an area and

in conjunction with our collective obligations in relation to climate action.”

Ms O’Brien also stressed that wind farms use technology to prevent shadow flicker, also citing a World Health Organisation 2018 study found “no evidence” or “low quality” evidence of any health impacts from wind turbine noise.

On the potential impacts of traffic management, she said, “Contractors who open roads for the purpose of laying cables from a wind farm to the electricity grid are required to be licensed by the State and obliged among other things to keep traffic flowing as freely as possible and reduce the impact of the roadworks to a minimum. Clare County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland may set requirements that the contractor is obliged to follow – predictions of a decade of traffic disruption are unfounded and overstated.”

She added, “Misleading and exaggerate claims about wind farms are made and at times repeated and shared as though they were fact, without sound or indeed any reference points. Misinformation and disinformation abound. Wind farm community liaison officers and project teams stand ready to have conversations and work through concerns with anyone and everyone in East Clare.”

Cut out distractions while behind the wheel

THE Clare Echo has teamed up with Martin Daly Autos to bring our readers a series on road safety tips.

This week, we report on ‘Driver Distraction’ and the urgent need for drivers to cut-out distractions while behind the wheel, which was the theme of last week’s RSA (Road Safety Authority) annual international road safety conference.

Delegates heard from Dr. Kiran Sarma, Forensic Psychologist Associate Professor, School of Psychology at University of Galway who outlined attitudes and addictive behaviour towards smart phone use which indicated that the ‘fear of missing out (FOMO)’ on messages, calls and notiﬁcations while driving is a signiﬁcant motivation behind this dangerous behaviour.

Planned behaviour: Drivers deliberately use their phones, and this derives from high self-efﬁcacy (e.g., “I believe I can handle the car safely while using the phone”), low risk perceptions (e.g., “I won’t get caught”), and belief that others use their phones all the time (i.e., normative influences).

Automatic behaviour: Linked to unconscious processes derived from habit, the fear of missing out and smart phone addiction.

Dr Sarma’s insights stemmed from six focus groups conducted with 18-24 year old drivers based in Galway, Sligo, Cork and Dublin, and completed interviews with six international road safety experts in the ﬁeld to explore young driver mobile phone use in detail.

A 2023 observational study commissioned by the RSA found that 9% of drivers observed on Irish roads were using a mobile device while driving. This ﬁgure was at 6% when the same study was conducted in 2022.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless said: “It is clear from listening to the expert speakers today that there is no level of distraction, multi-tasking or mobile phone use while driving which should be considered safe or societally acceptable. None of us, regardless of our age or years of driving experience, have the right to pick up the phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle driving at any speed and on any road.”

Using a phone while driving slows reaction times and makes it more difﬁcult to stay in the correct lane, and a safe distance from other cars. International evidence indicates that drivers using a mobile phone are four times more likely to be involved in a road trafﬁc collision.

Here, we offer Clare Echo readers some simple ways to reduce the risk of using your phone while driving. We’ll walk you through our top safety tips.

PLACE YOUR PHONE WHERE IT’S EASY TO SEE AND REACH

To limit distractions while driving,

install a phone mount.

This easy-to-use, convenient gadget attaches to your car’s dashboard and holds your phone securely in place — at eye level — while you drive. Keeping your phone in your normal line of sight means you don’t have to look down or off to the side to check for directions. Using a mount also improves your safety by letting you keep both of your hands on the wheel.

USE HANDS FREE APPS

Apple CarPlay® and Android™ Auto are hands-free driving tools that let you use your favorite apps such as Google Maps and Spotify while you drive. These safe driving apps are easy to set up and use, and because they mirror your phone screen onto your car’s display, it feels like you’re using your phone, only with a streamlined list of apps and bigger icons. With CarPlay and Android Auto, you can keep your hands on the

wheel while making calls, dictating texts, listening to podcasts, getting directions, and more.

USE DO NOT DISTURB

Most phones come with a Do Not Disturb option that silences or limits text messages, calls, and other notiﬁcations. If you have an iPhone with iOS 15 and later, the feature is called Driving Focus, and you can set it to automatically turn on when your phone connects to your car via Bluetooth or senses motion. With Driving Focus, you can ask Siri to read text replies to you and set up a custom autoreply to send to anyone messaging you while you drive.

For those with Androids, Do Not Disturb works in a similar way, muting sounds, hiding notiﬁcations, and stopping vibrations.

PULL OVER

If you need to use your cell phone while driving, pull over in a safe place. Don’t use your phone when you’ve stopped at a red light or stop sign.

For all your automotive needs and NCT checks, visit Martin Daly Autos at Quin Road Business Park or call 085 1666794.

lCONSTRUCTION: The Shannon Bridge Crossing

Toonagh NS setting a high bar for promotion of pupil wellbeing

TOONAGH NS was one of eighteen schools in the country chosen to outline the initiatives they have in place to promote pupil wellbeing and to prevent bullying.

Cineáltas is the Irish word for kindness and this initiative in schools aims to celebrate the positive work that schools are doing to promote wellbeing, inclusiveness and prevent bullying.

Minister for Education Norma Foley TD (FF) hosted the inaugural Cineáltas showcase and best practice event at Croke Park recently to recognise best practice school community initiatives to combat bullying.

Pupils from representative schools across the country highlighted the work they have done to help ensure that no child or young person has to experience bullying and endure the impacts of bullying, which can be life-changing and lasting.

At the showcase event, Toonagh NS was one of eighteen schools selected to give a presentation on the excellent initiatives that the

school has in place to promote pupil wellbeing and prevent bullying.

Wellbeing initiatives in the school as such as walking and talking each morning, monthly kindness awards presented to pupils, buddy with a junior and their buddy bench designed by the student council were highly commended.

Sixth class students Jack Casey and Ellie Carroll represented the school along with teachers Aoife Garrahy and Gearóid Roughan. Jack and Ellie are members of the Student Council, Jack featured in an interview on RTÉ’s News2Day and Ellie appeared on the panel with Minister for Education to discuss how Toonagh NS promotes wellbeing.

Minister Foley presented the representatives from Toonagh NS with a special Cineáltas Certificate to acknowledge their work to prevent bullying and to promote equality, inclusion, diversity and wellbeing within the school community.

Principal; Gearóid Roughan told The Clare Echo, “We all work together in Toonagh NS to make sure everyone feels, happy,

valued and content. By creating a culture of kindness in the school we are helping to promote pupil wellbeing and prevent bullying. Our motto is ‘Throw Kindness around like Confetti’. At our monthly assemblies, pupils who have shown great kindness receive an award. Their names are displayed on our ‘Throw Kindness around like Confetti’ notice board. We believe this helps create a caring atmosphere in our school.

“Another very positive initiative is walking and talking every morning before school starts. When the children arrive they drop in their bags and go walking and talking around our Active School trail. Children chat to whoever is beside them, it could be a pupil in infants today, someone from third class tomorrow or even the teacher doing morning supervision. It’s a very nice beginning to the school day, fosters positive relationships and sends the children into class ready to learn,” he added.

Members of the Student Council designed and painted the buddy bench, Mr Roughan explained. “The slogan on the bench is ‘The best way to make a friend is

to be one’. The buddy bench is in our school yard and if a student feels sad for any reason at all, they can go and sit on the buddy bench. Then another child will go and talk to them so no one is ever left alone in our school yard”.

He acknowledged the great

efforts made by the school staff through many different initiatives for creating a culture of kindness, respect and inclusion, a culture he said which helps to promote wellbeing and prevent bullying behaviour in Toonagh NS.

Meanwhile, Toonagh NS is hosting an open night on Wednesday October 23rd from 7 to 8pm, at this information night parents can tour the facilities, find out about the school and see what Toonagh NS can offer their child. Refreshments will be served.

Ennistymon to host talk on revolution in Clare in 1923

Land, Revolution: Clare in 1923 is the topic for the North Clare Historical Society’s next talk. The guest speaker on the night is Terry Dunne.

A wave of cattle drives and land seizures took place in the closing years of the Irish Revolution as local committees sought to redistribute farmland.

The Irish Free State met this challenge in two ways: over the course of 1923 a new military unit, the Special Infantry Corp, patrolled disputed land and arrested and interned suspected activists, on the other hand

the 1923 Land Act renewed a programme of land redistribution within the formal insinuations of the State.

This talk will examine some cases of agrarian conflict from North Clare in the early 1920s. Terry’s research has been supported by a grant from the Royal Irish Academy.

Terry Dunne holds a PhD. in Sociology from Maynooth University. He is co-editor with John Cunningham, Galway University of the new volume ‘Spirit of Revolution: Ireland from Below,

1917-1923’ (Four Courts Press, 2024).

Mr Dunne, who podcasts at Peelers and Sheep, farms in O’Callaghans Mills. He is Historian-in-Residence with Clare Libraries 2024 and was Historian-in-Residence with Laois Libraries 2021-2023.

The talk will be held on Monday, October 21 at the Courthouse Gallery and Studios, Ennistymon at 8 pm. All are welcome.

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lPRESENTATION: Aoife Garrahy (Teacher), Jack Casey (6th class Toonagh NS), Minister Norma Foley, Gearóid Roughan (Principal) and Ellie Carroll (6th class Toonagh NS)

Killimer heifers on the Mooo-ve to Kosovo

WHEN Mikey Kelly stopped in to meet the farm charity Bóthar at the National Ploughing Championships, little did he know where the conversation would take him over the next three weeks.

Limerick-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Bóthar is a charity deeply rooted in Irish identity, Bóthar specialises in providing livestock and training to empower families, enhancing their livelihoods and nutritional standards.

On October 10, Bóthar successfully shipped 30 in-calf heifers to Kosovo, to assist families who currently rely on subsistence farming. Partnering with local organisation Meshqerra, the programme by Bóthar is dedicated to transforming these farms into sustainable operations that yield economic, health, and nutritional benefits for entire families.

But back in September when Bóthar CEO Ailish O’Reilly got a notification to say that one heifer was not ready to ship she immediately thought of the family in Killimer, Co Clare.

As Ailish explained “It costs the same to ship 30 as to ship 29 and as a contingency we had extra heifers in our supply. The reserve list was used up. We did not want to be calling our partner Meshqerra in Kosovo to tell them that one family would have to be

left out of the programme. With our PassOn gift this essentially would mean that two families would lose out. Thankfully, the Kelly and McMahon families stepped in to help.”

A crucial aspect of Bóthar’s work is ensuring animal welfare during the full life cycle of the project. The donated heifers have been reared under best practice farming regulations of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) here in Ireland.

In Roscrea the animals are inspected, their passport checks are done prior to approval to export along with inspection of the transportation. Lairage, essentially animal B&B, is of good quality and planned in the journey log. This commitment to animal welfare may increase costs, it is vital for maintaining the comfort and well-being of the animals throughout their journey.

“Treating animals well, ensuring there is good lairage, is not just our responsibility and good ethics; it is best for the animal and best for the recipient farmer to receive a healthy animal. “ says O’Reilly.

Bóthar will request photographs and updates from the animals over the course of their journey to Kosovo and will share these images on social media as part of transparency and accountability.

After a minimum two week quarantine, Kosovo farmers receive a grass reared

Big support for annual Martin Corry memorial walk

by Tony Mulvey

THERE was a big turnout, the biggest in years, for the Martin Corry annual Memorial Walk in Dublin organised by the Clare Association Dublin to honour its former president for many years,who was a native of Clohanemore,Cree.

The 5k walk took the usual route starting at the Alﬁe Byrne Road and concluding near the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Clasac Centre where participants enjoyed a social gathering and entertainment.

Cooraclare native, Martin Donnelly, a former Clare Person of the Year,thanked everyone for their support,caterers and musicians. He said that the proceeds from this year’s walk would go towards the self-ﬁnancing Clare Crusaders, Bareﬁeld, who for many years were providing therapy and treatment for children with special needs in Co. Clare.

AWARDS NIGHT

Meanwhile members of the Clare Association Dublin- Muintir an Chláir- are looking forward to one of their big nights of the year, the association’s annual dinner and awards night which is being held in the Lucan Spa Hotel, on Saturday night, October

healthy cow and in Spring, a calf. While live exports are often debated, Bóthar emphasises that responsible practices can lead to positive outcomes.

If you wish to donate to Bóthar’s Autumn

26.Some tickets for the event are still available from Clare Association chairman Tom Conway (086 4640085 ) and members of the association. Presentations will be made to the association’s 2024 Clare Person of the Year, Anne

Marie McMahon, a native of Kilmurry McMahon, who is a retired Deputy Garda Siochana Commissioner and 2024 Hall of Fame winner, Kilmihil native, Gerry Collins, Cratloe,a former manager of the Clare GAA football team.

shipment please send Cheques or Postal Orders to Bóthar, Regus Castletroy, Business Reply, Limerick, V94 Y6FD. Donations can also be made by phone on 1800 26 84 63 or online at www.Bóthar.ie

National award for Talty’s

Talty’s MACE Lissycasey was presented with the 2024 Checkout National Grocery Retail Award for Excellence in Fresh Food Retailing in a convenience store at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin, last Thursday.

The National Grocery Retail Awards highlight best in class performance in retailing and honour those who help Ireland’s retail outlets achieve levels of service and excellence that set them apart from their competitors.

Paying tribute to the Tally family and all the team in Talty’s MACE Lissycasey, MACE Sales Director Keith Crawford said, “I want to offer my wholehearted congratulations to the whole Talty family and their wonderful team in Talty’s MACE Lissycasey on this national award. Receiving this national recognition for excellence is a tribute to the great work they do in providing a wonderful service to their customers and they are great champions for the MACE brand. Well done to all.”

The National Grocery Retail Awards are one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Irish grocery retail calendar and those honoured are recognised as being true industry standard bearers.

lTIME TO SAY GOODBYE: At the shipment day in Roscrea, Mikey Kelly and Marty McMahon, Killimer, with their donated heifer

lTOP CLASS: Marie, TJ, Moira and Cathal Talty with their award

lPARTICIPANTS: Some of the participants in the Martin Corry annual charity walk in Dublin. Included are members of the Clare Association Dublin Liam O’ Looney, Martin Donnelly, Michael Anglin and Mary Corry(front)

Thousands attend anti-war protest

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

THOUSANDS of people attended a protest in Shannon on Saturday which saw two people arrested.

Demonstrators flocked to the Clare town over the use of Shannon Airport by the US military. An Garda Síochána arrested two people in relation to public order incidents at Shannon Airport. Gardaí from the Clare and Tipperary Division were assisted by colleagues from the Garda Public Order Unit with officers from Clare, Tipperary, Limerick and Cork. Gardaí had been expecting a significant attendance for the protest and limited access to one section of the N19 access road to Shannon Airport from early on Saturday morning. Vehicles accessing Shannon Airport were inspected by Gardaí at checkpoints from Drumgeely to the Airport. Passengers were redirected through Ballymurtagh and Shannon Industrial Estate to ensure they made their flights on time. With the closure of roads in Shannon, there was a lot of frustration expressed by local residents, particularly those in Drumgeely who experienced the brunt of pro-

testors abandoning their vehicles on different roads.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokeswoman for Shannon Airport commented, “We are pleased to confirm that throughout the protest, there were no disruptions to airport operations. An Garda Síochána implemented planned road diversions, which allowed pas-

sengers to access the airport without issue, despite traffic operating on one lane. A shuttle bus service was also in operation, transporting some passengers to the terminal building”.

“All flights at the airport operated on schedule, and there were no delays or cancellations as a result of the event,” the spokeswoman added.

Pro-Palestinian Groups including Shannonwatch, Cairde Palestine Belfast and Mothers Against Genocide were among those organising the protest which was attended by political figures such as MEP, Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan (IND) and TD Richard Boyd Barrett (PBP).

By 2pm on Saturday, the estimated crowd was 1,200.

Anti-war protestors have placed a renewed focus on Shannon Airport with the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the United States’ support of Israel plus their military’s use of Shannon. Since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, the US has spent a record of at least $17.9 billion (about €16.3 billion) on military aid to Israel.

A first for Ireland as Muse Productions stage Shakespear in Love at the Comp

FOLLOWING the success of their sell-out, four-man musical, Forever Plaid, Muse Productions are taking to the stage again, this time with the comedy Shakespeare in Love, never before performed in Ireland.

This play with music has been adapted for the stage by Tony Award and Olivier Award winning writer Lee Hall, based on the 1998 screenplay of the same name.

Penniless and indebted to two demanding producers, struggling young playwright William Shakespeare is tormented by writer’s block until he meets the beautiful Viola de Lesseps, daughter of a wealthy merchant, whose ﬁery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor.

Both are despondent when they learn that Viola’s father has promised her to the stuffy Lord Wessex in order to gain a title for their family.

Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play

he is writing – Romeo and Juliet. With opening night – and the wedding day –fast approaching, the plots race toward a parallel conclusion. Will it all work out in the end or are the two star-crossed lovers destined for tragedy?

Shakespeare in Love will be staged in St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon from Wednesday the 30th of October to Friday the 1st of November. Co-directed by Ted Germaine and Martin McNelis, this large cast play promises a lot of laughs, a few tears and of course- ‘a bit with a dog’! Tickets can be booked on www.ticketsource.eu/muse, or via phone on 087-4136822. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok at ‘Muse Productions’ for previews of Shakespeare in Love and updates for upcoming productions.

Muse are proud once again to be supported by the Shannon Springs Hotel and EI Electronics.

l Thousands attended the demonstration at the weekend where (right) there was a strong Garda presence

Photos by Joe Buckley

l Eoin Gilmartin as Will Shakespeare and Clíodhna McNelis as Viola de Lesseps

Coláiste Muire open newly-refurbished science labs sponsored by Regeneron

COLÁISTE Muire has unveiled its newly refurbished science laboratories, a significant milestone in the school’s commitment to excellence in STEM education.

The comprehensive refurbishment, generously sponsored by Regeneron, a leading bulk biologics manufacturing facility based in Raheen, Limerick, included the complete remodelling of five stateof-the-art laboratories and three preparation rooms.

This project signifies the continued revitalisation of the school’s science department, ensuring students have access to cutting-edge facilities. Regeneron’s contribution underscores the company’s strong commitment to STEM outreach and their dedication to giving back to local communities. “At Regeneron, we believe the future of innovation starts in the classroom. By investing in the refurbishment of these

l (l-r) 6th year students Bríd Jean Walshe, Lauren Fox, Líadán Ní Ghlaisne and Mary Guy present their experiment results to Senior Vice President and Site Lead at Regeneron’s Raheen facility, Mr. Niall O’ Leary and Coláiste Muire School Principal, Ms. Jean Pound

Truly Joyful Ennis Gospel Choir in recruitment drive

The Truly Joyful Ennis Gospel Choir, approaching its 20th anniversary next year, is on the hunt for new members.

The popular group will host an open evening on Thursday, Novemeber 7 at 8pm at Chapel Lane Community Centre, Ennis.

Known for its energetic blend of gospel and popular music, the choir has thrived under the leadership of Fiona Walsh and now beneﬁts from the expert direction of Jessica Coyle. The choir is open to everyone, regardless of singing experience, and especially encourages newcomers to Ennis and people from diverse backgrounds to join its supportive, friendly environment.

Jessica Coyle explains, “The choir isn’t just about

making music— it’s about building friendships and creating a positive, welcoming space.”

Former member Susan O’Neill, now an acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter, began her musical journey with the choir, highlighting its nurturing impact on talent.

As the holiday season approaches, the choir is preparing to perform at local hospitals and nursing homes, bringing festive

cheer to the elderly and those in need. They also take part in charity events throughout the year, using their music to support local causes and enrich the Ennis community. This spirit of giving is at the heart of the choir’s ethos. No auditions are required to join — just a love for singing and a positive attitude. Jane, a choir member, shares, “I’ve made so many good friends, and

even if you’re tired, you leave choir feeling uplifted.” Rehearsals are every Thursday at 8pm at the Chapel Lane Community Centre.

The open evening is a perfect opportunity to meet members, enjoy tea and biscuits, and learn more.

For details, visit the choir’s Facebook page or email ennisgospelchoir@ gmail.com.

labs, we are not only enhancing the learning environment but also empowering young women to excel in STEM,” said Niall O’Leary, Senior Vice President and Site Lead at Regeneron’s Raheen facility.

“This initiative champions the next generation of female scientists, engineers, and innovators, providing them with the tools and inspiration to drive future breakthroughs in science and technology.”

The event was attended by Regeneron senior leaders and employees, many of whom are past pupils of the school or have children currently enrolled.

Joining the celebration was past pupil and Senator Roisin Garvey, who fondly recounted her experiences at the school, reflecting on how they shaped her journey to becoming a science graduate.

Principal Miss Jean Pound emphasised the school’s long-standing

tradition of excellence in science, noting the high uptake of Science subjects and Technology at Senior Cycle and the consistently strong academic results achieved by students each year. This year, for the sixth time, a student from the school was awarded the prestigious Naughton Foundation Scholarship, further cementing the school’s reputation for nurturing scientific talent.

“The revamped science department marks a new chapter for our school,” said Miss Pound. “We are grateful to Regeneron for their support, which will inspire current and future students to continue our proud tradition of scientific achievement.”

The upgraded labs are now fully operational and set to inspire a new generation of young scientists, ensuring Coláiste Muire remains at the forefront of STEM education.

€35,000 worth of prizes on offer in Lions Club auction

WITH €35,000 worth of prizes on offer, Ennis Lions Club is urging the Clare public to get bidding and bag themselves a bargain ahead of Christmas.

A number of items close this evening (October 17) so people are being urged to visit the Ennis Lions Club website today to be in with a chance to bid and raise funds for a good cause, Slainte An Chláir.

Items up for bidding include a signed Clare jersey, vouchers for shops and restaurants across Clare, to art pieces.

Speaking about the action, a spokesperson from the Ennis Lions Club stressed that local businesses have been incredibly generous in supporting this initiative.

They told The Clare Echo, “The Ennis Lions Club Auction project team were looking at the items for our Charity Radio Auction this week and it really struck us that almost all of the donors are ‘small’ businesses in our county.

“People who live here, get up in the morning, and work hard to make a business work. Yet they have the good will to support local charities. They have reason to be sick of the asks, but here they are – giving generously to Ennis Lions Club so that we can support our own community, their community.”

Slainte an Chlair support people in County Clare through their cancer journey, and equally Slainte an Chlair are dependent on groups such as Ennis Lions Club and other fundraisers to sustain them financially so that they can concentrate on the task at hand.

l There are prizes on offer from local businesses such as Nozomi

The Ennis Lions Club said, “We too are dependent – on our own networks, contacts and the businesses we support in our day to day lives. We drop in and say please. Can you give us a hand here? And they do.

“Full circle – this is exactly what community is about. As we approach the last two days of our Radio charity auction we appeal to you – our supporters who we depend on – to register at https://ennislionsclub.ie /auction/ and to browse and bid on more than 200 items donated by local businesses. We are so grateful to them and ask you to note who they are and give them a turn later in the year when you get a chance to.

The grand finale auction is broadcast live by auction partners Clare FM on Friday morning (October 18) at No. 41 in the Queens Hotel.

Shoe shop

Ballinasloe Community Sports Hub launched

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

A NEW community-based initiative to promote health, wellbeing and physical activity in the East Galway area has been officially launched in Ballinasloe.

Elected Members, members of the local community and representatives of Galway County Council, Galway Sports Partnership and Galway Rural Development Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP) gathered at the Emerald Ballroom for the launch of the Ballinasloe Community Sports Hub, which is poised to become a central pillar in the local sports landscape for the next five years, serving as a hub for collaboration, development and inclusivity.

Funded by Sport Ireland through the Dormant Account Fund, the project’s key mission is to increase participation in sport and physical activity by all members of the community irrespective of age, ability or background, particularly focusing on disadvantaged areas, by bringing local people together to improve the ranges and opportunities offered in the local community for people to be physically active.

The launch coincided with a “Health, Well-Being and Physical Activity”, hosted by Galway Rural Development Social Inclu-

sion Community Activation Programme (SICAP), during which health and wellbeing organisations displayed their supports and offerings available to the community and networked with each other to collaborate on initiatives to pro-

mote health, well-being and physical activity in Ballinasloe.

Formally launching the Hub, Cllr Michael Connolly (FF), Cathaoirleach of the Ballinasloe Municipal District commented, “The Community Sports Hub is a huge

opportunity for the community to build on the great work already being done by clubs and physical activity groups and to amplify usage of the excellent facilities the area already has on offer”.

Jackie Carroll, Director of Ser-

vices, Galway County Council said, “The Hub will create pathways for people of all ages in the community who are not currently physically active by providing information, support, advice and safe environments on a wide range of sports and physical activities to encourage participation in a healthier active lifestyle”.

Andrew Mc Bride, Coordinator, Galway Sports Partnership stated, “It is great to see the Ballinasloe Community Sports and Physical Activity Hub coming to fruition and we look forward to working with all the key stakeholders and supporting the people of Ballinasloe to become more active throughout the lifetime of the Ballinasloe Hub and beyond”.

According to Loraine Treacy, Coordinator for the Ballinasloe Community Sports Hub, “It is a real honour to oversee this brandnew Hub in Ballinasloe. I know from first-hand experience the benefits of community development and the benefits associated with physical activity. I look forward to working with the people of Ballinasloe and introducing sustainable and meaningful changes in this area”.

For more information on the Ballinasloe Community Sports Hub or Galway Sports Partnership please email galwayactive@galwaycoco.ie or phone 091 509 670.

Sod turned on Clifden social housing scheme

SOD has been turned on a new social housing development in Clifden, which will provide 30 new energy efficient homes to West Galway.

Elected Members, representatives of the contractor McRoy Limited and senior housing officials from Galway County Council gathered at the site of the development on the Westport Road for the ceremony.

The state-of-the-art turnkey development is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026 and will comprise 1, 2 and 3-bedroomed homes. The local authority scheme is the second to be developed in Clifden recently following the completion of the Gort na Greine and Ard Aoibhinn apartment development at Gort na gCloch, which was the subject of an open viewing for the local community on Friday.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien (FF) said, “Today’s launch of 30 new social homes is most welcome. This development will provide secure, high-quality homes which will make a real difference in the lives of families and individuals. This is Housing for All at work on the ground. It is thanks to the excellent work of local authorities such as Galway County Council that we are now delivering more social homes than we have in decades”.

Cllr Ollie Turner (FG), Leas Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway commented, “Increasing our social housing stock is of critical importance to the future sustainability of our rural communities. I look forward to the

completion of this and other schemes which will provide much needed homes for people in rural towns and villages across County Galway”.

According to Cllr Gerry King (FF), Leas

Cathaoirleach of the Connemara Municipal District, “This new social housing development is very much welcomed by the nine Elected Members of the Municipal District of Connemara and those who live in this largely rural district. The delivery of these new homes will enable families and individuals to become valuable members of the community where they will help sustain the town’s schools, businesses, clubs and local services”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said, “With the support of Elected Members and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage under ‘Housing for All’, Galway County Council has embarked on an ambitious programme of social housing construction with developments planned for Athenry, Portumna, Ardrahan, Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Tuam, while other schemes have recently been completed in Glenamaddy and Clifden”.

“The staff of the Housing section are working hard to increase the amount of social housing construction delivered by the Local Authority and we hope to be able to announce new schemes under the Government’s Social Housing Investment Programme in the near future,” added Mr. Conneally.

lINITIATIVE: At the launch of the Ballinasloe Community Sports Hub (left to right) Andrew Mc Bride and Loraine Treacy (Galway Sports Partnership), Cllr Michael Connolly and Cllr Evelyn Parsons (Galway County Council), Jason Craughwell and Tommy Peoples (Galway Sports Partnership) and Ciarán Cafferkey (Sport Ireland)

Photo by Gerry Stronge

lINITIATIVE: Turning the sod on a new 30-unit social housing development at Clifden, County Galway (left to right) Cllr. Ollie Turner, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Cllr. Eileen Mannion, and Cllr. Gerry King, Leas-Cathaoirleach of Connemara Municipal District

Photo by Sean Mannion

HSE Living Well programme improves quality of life of those with long-term health conditions

HSE Living Well is an evidence based, structured Self-Management Programme, originally developed in Stanford University, California in the 1990’s.

The programme has been delivered in Ireland since 2005 and is also used worldwide. It is currently delivered by the HSE in North Tipperary, Limerick and Clare.

The HSE Living Well programme supports participants to develop the conﬁdence and skills required to deal with the day-to-day management of living with long-term health conditions and to become active partners in their own healthcare.

Studies have shown that how people manage their health conditions on a dayto-day basis greatly determines their symptoms and

quality of life.

Research has shown that the HSE Living Well programme improves quality of life and mental health of those with long-term health conditions. Furthermore, this programme increases awareness of local supports available to help self-manage long-term health conditions. The structured programme is Peer led. This means that at least one leader will have a long-term health condition. The programme is delivered in a non-intrusive and friendly manner where participants can share their experiences and learn from each other.

Each participant will receive a 400-page resource book on Self-Management skills and on living a healthy life. The programme runs over 6 weeks, 2.5 hours per week

and addresses topics such as fatigue, sleep, pain, stress, physical activity, healthy eating, difﬁcult emotions, low mood, depression and general wellbeing. Tools used include problem solving, action planning and decision making. There is no charge for the programme. If you would like further information, please contact our Mid-West coordinator Philip Hennessy at 087-1799396 or email philip.hennessy2@hse. ie. See https://www.hse.ie/ livingwell for detailed information on the programme. You can listen to a Living Well Programme informative podcast on HSE Health & Wellbeing YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/ Jd9TXot-PzA

IBTS urgently seeking blood donations over the next 4 weeks

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) are urgently seeking an additional 2,000 blood donations over the next 4 weeks to support the national blood supply as most blood groups have fallen to under 3 days of stock.

“The IBTS aims to have 7 days supply, but current levels including O negative, A negative and B negative are under 3 days supply and O positive (at nearly half the population) is very low at 3.5 days,” said Paul McKinney, Director of Donor Services and Logistics.

“There has been a consistently high hospital demand for blood over the summer months and in August we issued the highest amount of blood units to hospitals in over a decade. This high demand has continued through September and with a Bank Holiday fast approaching we need to boost our collections by nearly 500 donations per week in all blood groups to be able to continue to meet the demand. High sickness levels, holiday travel combined with the traditional back to school demands, have all had an impact on donor availability throughout the Summer and now into Autumn.

’”We are asking regular donors who are texted for upcoming clinics over the coming weeks to make an extra effort to attend, especially in Dublin and Cork where we have clinic availability every week. This is vital to address the increased demand from hospitals.

“Potential new donors should visit giveblood.ie and take our quick eligibility test and call us on 1800 731137 to make an appointment. We would particularly encourage new donors of African Heritage to join the

National blood donor panel to help us diversify the donor base and get better blood type matches for patients.

‘’A pre-amber alert letter was issued to all hospitals on the 27th of September, restricting issues of certain blood groups and hospitals have been asked to reduce their stock holding. This enables the IBTS to manage the limited blood supply available more effectively across the health service. If the IBTS has to issue an ‘amber alert letter’ which is the next escalation level of the blood shortage plan, it would have an immediate implication for hospitals and for elective surgical procedures requiring blood support’’ he added.

There are opportunities next week for the Clare Community to donate

Ennis West County Hotel

Wednesday 23rd October

4.50pm – 8.10pm

New Donors welcome

Please phone 1800 222 111 for appointment

Kilrush Community School

Thursday 24th October 5.00pm – 8.20pm

New Donors welcome

Please phone 1800 222 111 for appointment

Re-Turn success: over 2 million returns to Clare SuperValu & Centra stores

SUPERVALU and Centra stores in Clare have announced the return of over 2 million eligible single-use containers through the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).

13 Reverse Vending Machines are currently installed across SuperValu and Centra stores in Clare to ensure convenient returns across a range of locations for customers.

This achievement represents the largest number of returns in the country and highlights a significant shift in the nation’s recycling habits. It also reflects the retailers’ commitment to sustainability, offering the most extensive network of Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) across Ireland, promoting waste reduction and a circular economy.

Since the scheme’s launch in February, SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide have achieved a total of 125 million returned containers within its first eight months, becom-

ing the first retailers in Ireland to reach this milestone.

Public engagement has surged in recent months, with more than 91 million containers returned since June alone nationwide, resulting in a return rate of over 95% for that period. This rate indicates the proportion of containers returned through Reverse Vending Machines in SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide, relative to total container sales.

Stores in Dublin, Cork, Meath, Galway, and Kildare have seen the highest volume of returns within the SuperValu and Centra store network.

Launching in February this year, SuperValu and Centra invested €28 million in Reverse Vending Machines across their store networks nationwide, as part of their continued focus to build more sustainable communities.

SuperValu and Centra have installed 686

Reverse Vending Machines in 549 stores across all 26 counties in Ireland, the largest deployment by any retailer. This strategic approach to DRS implementation focused on providing the most convenient option for customers, ensuring that both large and small communities nationwide have easy access to recycling facilities, helping customers adapt their recycling habits seamlessly.

SuperValu and Centra continue to see growing interaction with their Reverse Vending Machines as the year progresses, with a number of stores ordering larger and additional machines to facilitate demand. According to both retailers, consumer behaviour indicates strong adoption of the scheme with weekends being the busiest period for recycling. In recent months, consumers are bringing higher volume of returns at once, averaging 24 containers per visit.

Speaking about the scheme, Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra said: “As a result of offering the largest number of Reverse Vending Machines in convenient locations across every county in Ireland, we are delighted to see such a high level of interaction from our customers in Clare with the Deposit Return Scheme in our stores, with over 2 million containers

returned in total since its introduction in February. This is a testament to our loyal customers embracing the scheme which benefits not only them, but also the wider environment. Our data indicates that since June over 95% of eligible cans and bottles we sell have been returned through our RVM machines nationwide. This is a significant increase in the average nationwide recycle rate for these items, which was estimated at 60%–70% before the scheme’s introduction.”

“I would also like to thank our retailers in Clare for the effort and investment that has gone into rolling out the scheme. We and our retailers understand the important role we play in caring for the environment and ensuring that we make the implementation of the DRS scheme as easy and convenient as possible for our customers. Customers are increasingly sustainability focused and it’s essential that as community retailers, SuperValu and Centra are able to empower more eco-friendly recycling habits. This demonstrates the positive benefits of our ‘Local Action Global Impact’ initiative, showing that small, community-based efforts can contribute to the broader fight against environmental challenges.”

Clare business finalists for Pakman Awards

CLEAN Ireland is shortlisted for the 2024 Pakman Awards.

The Clare based business has been nomiated for the Waste Recovery Operator Award in the Commercial and Household category due its commitment to delivering best in class services to commercial and household customers.

The Pakman Awards are Ireland’s leading national environmental awards which recognise and celebrate excellence in recycling and waste management across businesses, organisations and community groups.

This year’s awards will see the addition of two new categories; Best Deposit Return Initiative and Best Single Use Plastic Initiative. With almost 30 years of experience in the waste management industry, Clean Ireland Recycling has developed into one of the lead-

ing providers of waste management services in the Mid-West. With a strong focus on technology, Clean Ireland Recycling was one of the first waste management companies in Europe to introduce the wheelie bin (Big Ben Bins) for the collection of non-hazardous waste. Clean Ireland have also invested in tracking and traceability equipment, which is installed in all their collection vehicles.

Celebrating its tenth year, the Pakman Awards are regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in the environmental sector, honouring those who lead in sustainability and environmental efforts.

The twelve winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Shelbourne Hotel on Thursday, 24th October 2024.

Each category winner is eligible for the Overall Pakman Award,

which celebrates outstanding achievements in recycling and waste management over the past year.

Commenting on the announcement of the 2024 Pakman Awards finalists Minister Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for Communications and Circular Economy at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications said; “The 2024 Pakman Awards are a great way to show what people, communities, and organisations can achieve by working together for a more sustainable future. These awards honour those leading Ireland’s move to a Circular Economy and help spread awareness about reducing waste and keeping resources useful for as long as possible.”

l Pakman Awards: Clean Ireland nominated for the Waste Recovery Operator Award

OxyGeneration - An Inspiring Story

OXYGENERATION, a hyperbaric oxygenation clinic in Galway, has been helping people boost their healing since it opened its doors in 2018.

Over the years, the clinic has welcomed thousands of people, many of whom have found remarkable results using hyperbaric oxygenation (HBOT). The story behind OxyGeneration’s founding is both personal and inspiring, rooted in the experiences of its founder, Galway solicitor Brian Lynch.

Brian’s journey to discovering HBOT began after a serious horse-riding accident that left him with severe injuries. After being thrown off a horse, doctors told Brian he would be in a wheelchair for months, with a long, slow recovery ahead. Thanks to a family member who was a physician, Brian was introduced to HBOT. However, he would have to travel from Galway to Dublin multiple times for the treatment. The results? Incredible! Instead of being in a wheelchair for months, Brian was walking in just seven weeks!

This amazing turnaround made Brian realise that more people should have access to HBOT, without needing to travel long distances. That’s why he decided to bring the treatment closer to home by setting up OxyGeneration in Galway. His goal was to give more people an opportunity to benefit from this innovative treatment without the hassle of going to Dublin or further afield.

Since its founding, OxyGeneration has been helping people recover from a variety of health issues, from traumatic injuries to

chronic conditions.

HBOT works by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood, which helps tissues heal faster, reduces inflammation, and acts as a natural antibiotic. Hyperbaric oxygenation has shown positive results in treating everything from non-healing wounds and pain to neurological conditions, making it a versatile option for many people.

Despite its success, OxyGeneration has faced some challenges along the way. Be-

Thought for the week: rest our weary souls

Spreading the word of Positivity

RONAN SCULLY

ARE you feeling tired and weary this week? Start searching your mind, your schedule and your lifestyle to see if you are causing some of this tiredness and weariness unnecessarily. Are you trying to be a super-person? Are you trying to do everything to total perfection? Have you never learned how to say “no”? Are you always in rush mode? Take a good look at these areas in your life and confess to the Lord anything that needs to be changed. Being tired and weary is something we all face. It’s reﬂected in our voices, in our faces, in our body language, in our attitudes and it affects all areas of our lives.

We’ve all had days, weeks, months even years when life just doesn’t seem to be going our way! We feel at a loss, and despair for our future about what might happen to us. At times turning to different types of addiction or falling into different spiraling levels or symptoms of depression, and fear of being found out or fear of seeking help and support from family, friends and caring organisations.

The sad fact is that we all have something that puts us under enormous pressure and stress from time to time. But

we’re in this life to learn from every experience we have and then to use those teachings to grow, evolve, and become the best version of who we are or who we really want to be. Life is not stagnant, we are always changing, this is the nature of life.

I have started saying a prayer during this month of October which is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness that you can use on the ten ﬁngers of your hands which was kindly given to me by David, an amazing friend of mine who sadly passed away a few years ago

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week remember that whatever challenges you’re facing today, keep praying, keep trusting, giving thanks and never, ever give up! The beautiful thing I love about the Lord is he never leaves us in our weariness. One way to remind ourselves of this simple truth is to reﬂect on it every day. Here is a simple meditation from my Nana Scully’s prayer book that you can reﬂect on; Wherever you go, whatever you do, be always like one who walks in the presence of God. Remember that he is present everywhere, that he is with you everywhere, and that he knows your most secret thoughts and that he loves you dearly.

I hope my thoughts of the week help you on your life’s journey as writing them, help me on mine! Amen

ing considered an “alternative” treatment in a healthcare system that often leans heavily on pharmaceuticals has posed some hurdles. On top of that, the clinic had to deal with the complications of COVID-19 and the rising costs of running a clinic. But through it all, OxyGeneration has persevered, and its impact has only grown.

These challenges inspired founder Brian Lynch to write a book titled “Oxygenation is the Solution,” which went on to become

Macalla an Chláir

LE

MACDARA

Ó CONAOLA

Go bhfága Dia an tsláinte ag ár gcara, Domhnall Ó Loingsigh, atá ag ceiliúradh sé mbliana déag dhá chlár raidió, Cúl-chaint, ar Clare FM an tseachtain seo!

Aithneoidh go leor agaibh glór suáilceach Dhomhnaill agus é ag cuir an clár i láthair chuile mhaidin Dé Sathairn ón naoi a chlog, inár gcoinneál ar an eolas faoi chúrsaí Gaeilge sa gCondae agus go deimhin sa tír ar fad.

Tá an oiread déanta ag an bhfear seo don teanga thar na mblianta, sa stiúideo agus taobh amuigh dhe, nach bhfuil tada eile gur féidir liom/linn a rá ach; GO RAIBH MÍLE MAITH AGAT A DHOMHNAILL!

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?!

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

Imeachtaí/Events:

a bestseller on Amazon. In the book, Brian highlights a global legal issue regarding medical disclosure and HBOT.

Many people, including doctors, are unaware that in many countries, Ireland included, physicians are legally obliged to inform patients about HBOT as a potential treatment for various conditions. This lack of awareness means that many patients who could benefit from HBOT are not even told it’s an option. Brian’s book aims to educate both the public and the medical community, advocating for better access to this transformative treatment. The message is clear: patients around the world deserve to know all of their treatment options, including hyperbaric oxygenation, so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare.

irish Life Health recognise the benefits of HBOT for various medical conditions and include it in many of their policies. This is a huge step forward, as it shows a real understanding of the treatment’s potential to enhance recovery and improve lives. OxyGeneration is an example of how innovative thinking can make a big difference in healthcare. By making HBOT more accessible, Brian Lynch has given people a chance to experience faster healing and better health outcomes. The clinic’s success, despite the obstacles, shows just how valuable hyperbaric oxygenation can be. As more people discover the benefits of HBOT, OxyGeneration continues to stand out as a leader in helping so many recover and thrive.

lMé fhéin agus Réalt Clare FM, Domhnall Ó Loingsigh, ag scaipeadh an soiscéil ag Ard-Fheis Chonradh na Gaeilge anuraidh

lLuimneach, Aifreann in ngaeilge, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

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

lCill Inine Baoithe - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

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

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

lAn Scairbh– “Lón i nGaeilge”, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé “An Gáirdín”, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

l Brian Lynch, co-founder of OxyGeneration

Celebrate Your Occasion at Dromoland Castle

DROMOLAND Castle are connoisseurs of celebration. The Castle’s award-winning team devote themselves entirely to shared happiness for a few perfect hours, slowing life down enough to really savour a particular moment in time allowing a priceless opportunity to make memories.

Birthdays. Anniversaries. An announcement. An engagement. Graduations and retirements. Personal triumphs and epic achievements. Whether it’s once a year or once in a lifetime, Dromoland Castle offers a magical backdrop for your most important milestones.

Your celebration at Dromoland can be as simple or extravagant as your heart desires. A small private dinner with a bespoke menu. A sparkling soiree with themed cocktails in The Terrace Room. An indulgent Spa Retreat followed by Afternoon Tea for a group of like-minded friends. A sumptuous feast and a full dance floor in the Brian Boru Hall. With our thoughtful, imaginative events experts at the helm and our infinitely adaptable event spaces at the ready, anything is possible.

Located in the heart of our local community, is one of Ireland’s most celebrated Castles – explore the Castle and grounds this Winter and dine in one of Dromoland’s many dining outlets. Celebrate the milestone anniversary or birthday in our signature Restaurant, Earl of Thomond, or opt for a more laid back affair in The Fig Tree Restaurant. Enquire for bookings (061) 368144.

Sip & Savour at Dromoland Castle

Experience one of Dromoland Castle’s many events, Sip & Savour, this November is a perfect occasion for a group of close friends to experience all that Dromoland Castle has to offer. Sip on exquisite Charles Heidsieck Champagne, while savouring a 4 Course Gourmet Cuisine prepared by Dromoland's Executive Head Chef David McCann showcasing the very best of local Irish producers and growers.

Each course will be paired with Heidsieck Champagne to enhance your dining experience with accompaniment from Dromoland's Head Sommelier, a Charles Heidsieck expert, and Chef McCann introducing each course. Tickets are on sale now. See www.dromoland.ie for more details or link to the QR code below.

Coconut Lime Fish Soup

INGREDIENTS:

n1 lb (450g) white ﬁsh ﬁllets (such as cod, snapper, or halibut), cut into n1-inch pieces

n1 tablespoon vegetable oil

n1 onion, ﬁnely chopped

n3 cloves garlic, minced

n1-inch piece of ginger, minced

n1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional, for heat)

n1 can (14 oz) coconut milk

n4 cups ﬁsh stock (or chicken broth)

n1 tablespoon ﬁsh sauce

n1 tablespoon soy sauce

n1 tablespoon lime zest

nJuice of 2 limes

n2 teaspoons sugar

n1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

n1 red bell pepper, sliced

n1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

nLime wedges (for serving)

nSalt and black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

n Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

nAdd the garlic, ginger, and sliced red chilies (if using). Sauté for another 2 minutes until fra-

grant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

n Pour in the coconut milk and ﬁsh stock (or chicken broth), stirring to combine.

n Add the ﬁsh sauce, soy sauce, lime zest, lime juice, and sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Add Vegetables

n Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red bell pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still vibrant.

Step 4:Cook the Fish

n Gently add the white fish pieces to the soup. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the fish iscooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook the fish.

Step 5:Taste and Adjust

nTaste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more lime juice, salt, or pepper as needed.

To Serve: Ladle the Coconut Lime Fish Soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Enjoy!

lThis Coconut Lime Fish Soup is light yet comforting, with a perfect balance of rich coconut ﬂavour, zesty lime, and tender ﬁsh—great for a cozy lunch or dinner!

Christmas Party Nights

Dromoland Castle offers the perfect setting to mark your company, department or small business achievements in luxurious style this Christmas.

Join us for an exclusive and enchanting Christmas Party Night where festive elegance and joyful revelry come together for an unforgettable evening.

December 14th & 15th

Tickets €110 per person. Minimum of 6 required.

Five Course Festive Dinner

Live Band & DJ

Preferred Rate for Overnight Stay

The Gift of Luxury

Celebrate the loved ones in your world with a Dromoland Castle Gift Voucher.

Gift Vouchers can be used for Room Stays, our luxurious Award Winning Castle Spa, the Golf Club & Academy, or for our many dining options including Dromoland’s signature restaurant, Earl of Thomond, The Fig Tree Restaurant and Afternoon Tea along with our bespoke boutique, Charlotte & Co. Visit: www.dromoland.ie/shop or Phone (061) 368144

Add some sparkle to your ofﬁce Christmas Party

STAFF Christmas parties can be great fun. It’s an opportuniyt to spend some quality time with your colleagues out side of the office and chat about things that aren’t work related. But after a few years of attending the same venue for dinner and drinks, the once fun and exciting night out can start to turn into an obligatory team building exercise. A successful staff party is more than just gathering everyone together and throwing

Ofﬁce Awards Night

Add a little bit of glamour to the night by turning your regular office party into an “Office Awards Night”. Create some categories of awards such as; “Team Spirit Award” or “Un-Sung Hero” and hand out these awards at the Christmas party to show your appreciation for the hard-work your colleagues have put in all year. You could even add in some fun awards like; “messiest desk”, “best new-comer”, “biggest drama queen”.

some food and wine on the table. By putting a little bit of extra thought into planning your Christmas party you can take this year’s event from “bah humbug” to “Ho Ho Ho.” Here are some easy ideas to put the sparkle back into your office Christmas party.

Add a Theme

Adding a simple theme for all the party guests to follow can easily elevate a traditional Christmas event. Plan your decorations and menu around your chosen theme. Ask your party guests to dress on theme also. It’s as simple as picking a specific colour, or maybe bring the whole party back to the 70’s. You could even add a tropical twist by have a “Christmas in July” party.

Christmas Jumper Contest

If you want to keep the planning of your Christmas Party to a minimum, the best way to get colleagues involved and excited for the Christmas party is to have an “Ugly Christmas Jumper” competition. Every body has to wear their favourite ugly Christmas jumper to the party. There can even be a prize for the best Christmas jumper on show on the night.

Christmas Quiz

Inject a little bit of competitive spirit into your staff night out by have a Christmas quiz. Split the attendees into teams and organise a good old-fashioned pub quiz but with a Christmas twist. Add an extra incentive by having some small prizes for the winning team.

Christmas Carol Karaoke

Reviving your staff Holiday party is as easy as getting your hands on a speaker and some microphones. Organise a karaoke machine to be set up and your Christmas Party venue and enjoy all of your colleagues singing along to some classic Christmas carols.

Cookie Decorating

Nothing says christmas like decorating festive cookies . Buy some delivious Christmas shaped cookies, some coloured icicng, sprinkles and whatever oher toppings you would like. It may get a little messy but it will defintly be a lot of fun. You will also have a dessert ready once you are finsihed.

Christmas Party Playlist

IN THE words of Noddy Holder; IT’S CHRISTMAS!

So it’s not actually Christmas time just yet, but it’s never to early to start planning your Christmas party playlist.

Being the designated DJ for a night can be a lot of pressue because let’s face it music can make or break a party.

To make sure your party playlist keeps everyone in the festive spirit we have put together a list of our Top 20 songs for your work Christmas Party.

1. All I Want For Christmas is You –Mariah Carey

Okay let’s get this one out of the way. No matter how much you might hate to admit it there is a reason Mariah Carey is the queen of Christmas Songs.

2. Fairytale of New York – The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl

We hear it every year and we still don’t know all the words.

3. Baby It’s Cold Outside – Tom Jones & Cerys Matthews

Pick your favourite colleague and sing this duet as loud as you can. You could even challenge another pairing to sing off.

4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra

You can’t forget ol’ blue eyes at Christmas time. Frank Sinatra’s smooth calming voice is just what you need on a cold Christmas night.

5.Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

– Mel & Kim

If you want to get your party guests moving and grooving then this is the song you need. Mel & Kim are guaranteed to get everyone on their feet.

6. Do They Know It’s Christmas –Band Aid 1984

Get everyones emotions going with this lovely Christmas collaboration. With four versions to choose from you could be listening to this song all night.

7. Last Christmas- Wham!

Why this Christmas classic didn’t hit the charts unitl 33 years after it was originally released will forever be a mystery.

8.“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas”-Michael Bublé

If Mariah Carey is the queen of Christmas songs then Michael Bublé is the king. His cover of “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” has a permanent spot on all Christmas playlists.

9. Step into Christmas- Elton John What do you get when you combine a cre-

ative pop superstar and Christmas. One of the best Christmas songs ever.

10. A wonderful Christmas Time- Paul McCartney

All though it may be thought of as one of Paul McCartneys worst songs in terms of composition, it is one of our favourite in terms of festive feeling.

11. I wish it Could be Christmas everyday -Wizzard

Spice up your Christmas playlist with some classic ‘70’s pop with Wizzard’s iconic sound.

12. Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano

Despite, apparently, being one of the most played across the world we are playing it again this year. This cheerfull Christmas tune will be stuck in year head until New Years.

13. White Christmas by Bing Crosby Bing Crosby’s voice is filled with so much Christmas nostalgia that it would be criminal to not put this song on your playlist this Christmas

14. Santa Claus is Coming to Townthe Jackson 5 There are a lot of different versions of “Santa Clause is Coming to Town”, but the Jackson 5 cover is undoubtedly the best one.

15.Driving Home for Christmas -Chris Rea

This soulful tune about being stuck in Christmas traffic from a husky-voiced Chris Rea should always be included in a Christmas Playlist

16.Blue Christmas -Elvis Presley

If your looking for a slow number to round out your christmas playlist, then Elvis Presleys ‘Blue Christmas’ is the perfect choice.

17. ”Underneath the Tree” - Kelly Clarkson

Kelly Clarksons beautiful voice singing a modern Christmas classic is all we need “underneath the tree” this year.

18. DJ Play A Christmas Song- Cher When Cher tells you to play a Christmas song, the you play a Christmas song. There is no better choie than the title track from her 2023 Christmas album.

19. Is This Christmas - The Wombats If you have had enough of the traditional Christmas carols then try out this Christmas themed track by english indie rock band The Wombats.

20.One More Sleep - Leona Lewis

This track by Leona Lewis captures that childhood that Christmas Eve feeling perfectly.

Rock-in around the Christmas Tree at Nora’s!

THE countdown to Christmas is starting now in Nora’s ! The decorations will be coming out of storage soon so it’s time to start planning your Christmas nights out with colleagues, friends or family.

Nora’s has a number of areas suitable for group Christmas parties such as the sophisticat-ed Balcony Bar upstairs with its own outdoor area or the classic and comfortable Lounge Area downstairs or the cosy Whiskey Bar with its dramatic cabinetry displaying Nora’s impressive and growing Whiskey collection.

While Nora’s doesn’t have its own kitchens we are happy to ar-range to bring in party food for customers. We work with some great local food businesses

to offer a selection of party food options and we will liaise with customers to find the right option to suit all astes and budgets.

Anyone who has been to No-ra’s will know that there is always great music playing and this year will be no different. ‘We have top class bands and Dj’s booked for the lead up to Christmas and throughout the Christmas peri-od to ensure a great atmosphere’ says owner Barry O’Keeffe. ‘The team at Nora’s are really looking forward to welcoming and serv-ing our customers this Christmas - we will do our best to deliver great service, great atmosphere and great fun’!

For party/group booking enquiries contact Nora’s on 065-6824954 or dm on Facebook/Instagram

Share the Christmas magic at the Old Ground Hotel

Celebrate the Christmas holiday season in style at the Old Ground Hotel Ennis with our Christmas Party Nights, a festive experience like no other!

We invite you to join us for a shared party night that promises to be ﬁlled with laughter, great food, and warm memories.Our Christmas Party Nights will be held on the following dates: Saturday December 14th - Friday 20th December.

It’s the perfect opportunity to gather with friends, family, or colleagues and get into the joyful spirit of Christmas.

As you step into our beautifully adorned hotel, you’ll be welcomed with the inviting aroma of mulled wine, setting the perfect tone for a memorable evening. Our culinary team has prepared a sumptuous 4-course meal that includes all your festive favorites. From traditional roast turkey with all the trimmings to tasty desserts, you’re in for a culinary treat. For those seeking a more intimate cele-

bration, we offer the option of hosting private parties in our Maguire suite.

If you prefer a more casual dining atmosphere, our Brendan O Regan Restaurant and Town Hall Bistro are also open for your enjoyment.

To make your experience even more convenient, we offer discounted group accommodation rates. We highly recommend booking your luxury accommodation early to secure your stay and avoid any disappointments during this busy season.

To reserve your table for our Christmas Party Nights or to inquire about private party options, please contact us at 065 6892321 or email sales@oldgroundhotel.ie

We look forward to celebrating the magic of Christmas with you, making memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an enchanting evening of festive cheer at the Old Ground Hotel Ennis!

Festive fun and food at Knox’s

ONE OF Ennis’ most iconic buildings; Knox’s Pub and Storehouse Restaurant has a number of options over the Christmas Party season.

When booking your Christmas party at Knox’s you can go all out with a three-course meal in the Storehouse with an optional reserved area in the pub afterwards. If you are looking for something a little more simple you can also just reserve an area in the pub with an option of finger food.

There is also the option of the Christmas Lunch group menu for Christmas breakup days, available daily from 12pm to 3pm over the Christmas period. As well as all these great options they will be serving bar food everyday from 12 noon to 9pm if it’s just main courses that your

group requires.

If you are just looking for a lively atmosphere for a couple drinks, Knox’s will be allowing tabs for groups organised by a wristband system.

Knox’s Pub and Storehouse Restaurant has your weekend entertainment sorted for the Christmas party season with the best of bands and DJs with a late bar until 2am on weekend nights.

Whether you are looking for a sophisticated sit-down meal or just some simple drinks and nibbles, Knox’s has the perfect Christmas Party Package for you.

Call Knox’s on 065 6822 871 or email info@knoxs.ie.

Celebrate Christmas in Style at JP Clarke’s, Bunratty

THIS Christmas, JP Clarke’s of Bunratty is the perfect spot for Festive Dining in County Clare. Whether you’re planning a cosy dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, family, or colleagues, JP’s offers a warm and inviting atmosphere to make your Christmas celebrations truly special.

We are now taking bookings for the Christmas season! Our specially crafted Christmas menus feature two-course meals starting from €35 and three-course meals from €42, with a variety of delicious options to suit all tastes. Menus are available on request.

If you’re coming to Bunratty to visit the man of the moment—Santa Claus—why not stop by JP Clarke’s to make the day even more magical? Let your little elves enjoy our award-winning kids’ menu while you treat yourself to something from our new menu! With beautiful Christmas decorations and a welcoming ambiance, we promise to get everyone in the festive spirit for the big visit.

Book your table now for a Christmas meal to remember at JP Clarke’s! Call us on (061) 363 363, email info@jpclarkes.ie or bookings can be made through our website, www.jpclarkes.ie

Dinner, drinks and more this Christmas at The Creamery Pub & Food Barn

WITH THE festive season fast approaching, the search for the perfect venue for your Christmas party is on! This year, look no further than The Creamery Pub & Food Barn in Bunratty, Co. Clare. Known for its cosy atmosphere and rich heritage, The Creamery offers an unbeatable blend of festive cheer, great food, and outstanding service, making it the ideal location for your family gathering or company party.

One of the standout features of The Creamery is its impressive Loft Function Room, which can accommodate up to 200 guests. With ample and customisable space for mingling, dining, and dancing, this room ensures

that no one feels cramped—perfect for larger groups looking to celebrate together. The function room is also equipped with a private bar, offering an exclusive setting where your guests can enjoy the evening to the fullest.

The Creamery offers a range of catering options designed to suit all tastes and budgets. Finger Food packages are perfect for a more casual gathering, with a variety of tasty bites that are sure to satisfy everyone.

Christmas Lunch and Dinner packages offer a selection of classics and modern favourites, using locally sourced ingredients. With the ability to cater for any allergens or speciﬁcs upon request.

In need of a thoughtful Christmas Gift? Vouchers can be purchased in any amount at The Creamery - which means you can treat someone special to a drink, meal or more! For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the limited edition Creamery Whiskey - a collaboration with Co. Clare’s very own JJ Corry is available to purchase in-house in full-size and travel-size bottles.

Christmas parties are not just about the food—the atmosphere is what makes a night to remember! The Creamery has live music every weekend, ensuring that your event will have the perfect soundtrack to get everyone

in the spirit for celebrations.

Booking your Christmas party at The Creamery Pub & Food Barn in Bunratty means choosing a venue that combines a wide selection of alcoholic and nonalcoholic options, ambiance, and the ﬁnest Irish food. With the capacity to accommodate large groups, ﬂexible dining options, and a warm, festive atmosphere, The Creamery is the perfect spot for creating lasting memories with colleagues, friends, and family.

MAKE A BOOKING TODAY: info@creamerybar.com

Shared Christmas party nights at the Inn

CELEBRATE the Festive Season in style at the Inn at Dromoland Hotel. Join their award-winning team for an unmissable Christmas Party night on one of their remaining shared party nights – Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, Friday 13th or Saturday 14th of December. It’s the perfect celebration for work colleagues, friends and family, so book your table now before it’s too late! Kick off your evening with a mulled wine arrival reception before indulging in a fabulous festive four course dinner. MC Nelius Stackpoole will keep you entertained throughout the meal with games, dance-offs, quizzes, and the best part of all – there will be some amazing prizes up for grabs on the night including hotel getaways and dining vouchers!

The fun will multiply even more once the Band start their groove, with some of Ireland’s finest musical acts, Switch, Acoustra & The Gamblers providing the mustdance-to entertainment!

A midnight snack will offer one last extra boost of energy before the final hours of a DJ set, which ultimately will be the finale of an unforgettable night!!

For more information on Christmas parties at the Inn at Dromoland, call 061-368161 or email info@theinnatdromoland.ie.

Shannigans Gastro Pub will also once again run their annual Festive Set Menu from the 25th November, available daily from 1-8pm, right up to Christmas Eve! Choose from a two course (€30pp) and a three course (€35pp) meal, with both options also including complimentary mince pies and tea/coffee. This delicious offering combines some classic Christmas dishes with some of Clare’s best local ingredients. Book your table now by calling 061-368161 or email info@theinnatdromoland.ie (Walk-ins are also welcome but subject to availability).

Celebrate the Festive Season at Shannon Springs Hotel!

LOOKING for the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Shannon this year? Look no further than Shannon Springs Hotel, where the warmth of the season meets award-winning hospitality. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering with family, friends, or colleagues, our hotel offers an unforgettable Christmas experience.

This Christmas, we’ve created a magical atmosphere in our charming Old Lodge Gastro Pub. Join us for a sumptuous 4-course Christmas dinner, complete with all the traditional trimmings. From ofﬁce parties to family get-togethers, we have the perfect setting for every occasion. Enjoy live entertainment that will keep the festive cheer going all night long.

Our exclusive Party Package includes a warm welcome with mulled wine on arrival, and with live music from Friday to Sunday, you can dance and celebrate in true Christmas spirit. Let our attentive staff handle every detail while you focus on making memories with your loved ones.

Spaces are ﬁlling up fast, so book your Christmas celebration at Shannon Springs Hotel today!

For more information or to make a booking call us on 061 364047 or email: info@shannonspringshotel.com

Celebrate in style this Christmas at Shannon Springs Hotel— where the magic of the season comes to life!

LOCATED just outside Ennis Town with free parking, The Grove Bar is the perfect spot to celebrate the Christmas Season. With its quality food and warm atmosphere, The Grove is an ideal party venue for your Christmas Party this year able to cater for any size party. At the Grove Ennis you can enjoy a three course meal for only €35 per person. The delicious menu has options for everyone and able to cater for all your dietary needs.

To make a booking contact The Grove Bar & Restaurant by phone 065 689 3280 or email info@thegroveennis.ie

Christmas Party Nights at The Temple Gate Hotel

CELEBRATE this festive season in style at the four-star Temple Gate Hotel! Join us for our Christmas Party Nights on December 7th, 13th, or 14th, starting from just €69.95 per person.

The evening kicks off at 7 PM with a festive mulled wine drinks reception, complete with an MCled quiz and exciting spot prizes. At 7:30 PM, enjoy a sumptuous fourcourse meal in the elegant Great Hall, followed by live music that will have you dancing the night away. With limited availability, make sure to book early to secure your place! Contact us at 065 682 3300 or email sales@templegatehotel. com.

Celebrate Christmas at Legends Restaurant

This December, join us at Legends Restaurant for a festive celebration! Enjoy a delightful fourcourse evening meal for just €48.95 per person, featuring a selection of mouth-watering holiday dishes designed to make your Christmas memorable.

We also offer a special fourcourse Christmas lunch menu on select dates throughout December. Spaces are ﬁlling up fast, so be sure to pre-book your table to avoid dissapointment – telephone 065 682 3300 or email sales@templegatehotel.com.

Bookings now open for Santa Experience at Moher Hill Farm

SANTA is preparing to visit Moher Hill Farm where the children of County Clare will get a chance to meet the main man, his elves and reindeer this Christmas.

The renowned Moher Hill Farm & Leisure Park is now taking bookings for their Santa experience, where each family will enjoy a private audience with Santa Claus. Santa visits will take place on the weekends of December 7 to December 22.

Each child will receive a gift and have time to chat and a photograph with Santa, while a professional photographer will also be onsite to capture your magical visit. Families can sit into Santa’s Sleigh for a picture and feed and pet Santa’s deer.

Children will also meet Santa’s elves, play in the indoor bouncy castle, or visit the ball pool and under 5s area while adults keep themselves refreshed with complimentary tea, coffee, mulled wine and a festive home-made mince pie.

Each child will also receive a bad of food to feed the animals of Moher Hill Farm, who are snuggled up in their animal barn where children will have the opportunity to hold a rabbit. At Moher Hill Farm resides a vast array of animals from alpaca, emu, raccoons, sheep, Highland cow, Fallabella horses, Kune Kune pig, ostrich and much more.

Santa has been visiting the family-run Moher Hill for two decades, which is operated locally by Delia and Martin Canavan along with their children Shane, Lorraine and Alan.

Delia told The Clare Echo that families that began visiting the Santa experience in the 2000s continue to meet Santa at Moher Hill Farm to this day, “Our farm will look like a Christmas village in preparation for the visit of Santa and children from across County Clare. We will have a Post Office where children can post their Santa list, we’ll have a snow scene and of course our animals are very friendly and children love them, we’re very unique in that sense.

Delia adds that visitors should book early to secure their visit, adding, “Santa is looking forward to meeting our visi-

tors in the coming weeks.”

Moher Hill Farm opened its doors in 2000 and over the years the farm has developed a range of facilities to meet customer demand including indoor go-karting, a mini-golf course, bouncing castle, and in-door and out-door play areas. Following this year’s Santa Experience, Moher Hill Farm will close to the public before reopening in Easter for the 2024

season. They welcome bookings for groups and birthday parties, along with school tours

To book your Santa visit, go to www.moherfarm.com. For more information on Moher Hill Farm & Leisure Park, call 065 708 6867.

Atlantic Aviation Group expands with creation of 50 new jobs

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON based Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) has confirmed the addition of 50 new jobs following securing a maintenance contract with a ‘blue-chip’ international airline for a new maintenance line.

The confirmation of the 50 highly qualified roles is contained in new 2023 accounts for Atlantic Aviation Group Ltd and subsidiaries showing a 68 percent decline in pre-tax profits to €1.46m last year.

The group sustained the drop in profits as revenues increased by 6 percent from €95.3m to €101m.

The business continued to expand in 2023 as numbers employed increased from 652 to 703 as staff costs rose from €37.82m to €44.5m.

In 2021, AAG formally acquired the Lufthansa Technik Shannon business from Lufthansa Technik (AG) and under the terms of the deal, approximately 300 Lufthansa Technik Shannon employees joined the AAG group.

The AAG directors state that “the medium-term outlook for the Group is extremely bright, with further anticipated growth in 2024 and 2025, through a number of strategic growth initiatives that the directors have identified and deployed the necessary resources to ensure their successful execution”.

They state that “the oper-

ation of a ninth line of heavy base maintenance in Shannon is planned for Q1 2025, for which a multi-year nose to tail contract has already been secured with a blue chip international airline, and will result in the addition of a further 50 highly qualified technical roles in the Mid-West”.

Reflecting on the 2023 performance, the directors state that “2023 was a relatively challenging year for Atlantic Aviation group as the aviation industry continues to adjust to the legacy effects of the COVID-19 pandemic”.

They state that these adjustments are most evident in the employment market “where the sector is attempting to respond to increased passenger

demand with a reduced level of available technical resource from a maintenance perspective”.

They state that the Group “did however continue to enjoy further growth in both revenue and operating profit across the defence segment of its business, which continued its upward trajectory in 2023”.

The directors state that they identified an industry wide challenge in the aviation market which they addressed in a proactive manner and embarked on a successful international recruitment campaign attracting substantial numbers of highly qualified technical resources across a broad range of skill sets.

They state that "the attrac-

tion of this experienced technical talent together with the addition of several new multiyear nose to tail contracts, with blue chip multinational airlines, across all eight lines, resulted in a significant improvement to profitability in the final quarter of 2023”.

They state that “this improved performance has continued into the first nine months of 2024, which is substantially ahead of the same period in 2023”.

The business last year generated cash of €3.89m from operating activities.

The group’s revenues are made up of €84m in Republic of Ireland revenues and €16.97m in UK revenues.

Value Centre Ennis bags national retail award

VALUE Centre Ennis, owned by BWG Foods and managed by John McMahon, was presented with the Checkout National Grocery Retail Award for Cash and Carry/Wholesale Outlet of the Year award at the prestigious 2024 awards ceremony at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin, on Thursday, October 10th.

The National Grocery Retail Awards highlight best in class performance in the industry and honour those who help Ireland’s pioneering outlets that achieve levels of service and product excellence that set them apart from their competitors.

Paying tribute to John and the Value Centre Ennis team, BWG Cash and Car-

ry Director Vincent Brown said, “This is a wonderful acknowledgement of the excellent work John and the team in Value Centre Ennis do and of the great service they provide to their customers. The whole team is so very deserving of this acknowledgement and they are great ambassadors for the Value Centre brand.”

Those honoured at the National Grocery Retail Awards are recognised as being true industry standard bearers.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS WORKS CLERK IN THE SOUTH WEST REGION ARTERIAL DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE AND CAPITAL WORKS DELIVERY DIVISION

Competition Reference: 2024/068

Applications are invited for the above positions. Competition details and application forms are available at www.gov.ie/opw

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is not later than 5:30pm on Monday, 4th November 2024

The Office of Public Works is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form panels for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage. Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Only applications completed online will be accepted.

• Assistant Staff Officer

Closing date: 12 Noon Monday 11th November 2024.

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

San am i láthair, tá Comhairle Contae an Chláir ag iarraidh iarratais ó dhaoine a bhfuil na cáilíochtaí oiriúnacha acu ar an gcomórtas thíosluaite. Tar éis an phróisis agallaimh, cruthóidh Comhairle Contae an Chláir painéal le haghaidh an réimse atá leagtha amach thíos óna bhféadfar folúntais ábhartha amach anseo a líonadh faoi réir ceadú a fháil ón Roinn Tithíochta, Rialtais Áitiúil & Oidhreachta.

Comhlánaigh, le do thoil, an fhoirm iarratais ar líne atá ar fáil ar www.clarecoco.ie faoin rannán dar teideal ‘Careers’. Ní ghlacfar ach le hiarratais atá comhlánaithe ar líne.

• Oifigeach Cúnta Foirne

Dáta deiridh: 12 Meánlae, Dé Luain, an 11 Samhain 2024.

Is fostóir comhdheiseanna í Comhairle Contae an Chláir agus fáiltíonn sí roimh iarratais ó gach cuid den phobal.

Scríobh chugainn as Gaeilge más fearr leat.

l John McMahon receives the award

Shannon Airport must strike to capitalise on Dublin passenger cap

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON Airport needs to fight back against a potential lifting of the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, councillors have argued. Available slots at Dublin Airport have been limited by the Irish Aviation Authority in a bid to prevent it from exceeding the 32 million passenger cap.

Some airlines operating at Dublin have reduced the scale of their operations from the capital as a result prompting the daa to launch a new scheme encouraging airlines to move seat capacity to Cork instead.

CEO of Kerry Airport, John Mulhern this week wrote to An Taoiseach, Simon Harris (FG) expressing concerns on the direct and indirect impact to regional airports of the passenger cap. He said tourism growth into Ireland via Dublin is essential to the economy of rural Ireland and should be encouraged rather than inhibited.

On Tuesday, Cllr David Griffin (FF) urged Clare County Council to engage with the Shannon Airport Group management and the Department of Transport “to ensure Shannon Airport remains commercially competitive in light of ongoing capacity issues at Dublin Airport.”

Speaking at a meeting of Clare County Council, he said, “the cap shows the Dublin focused and centred aviation policy we have in Ireland”. He referenced attempts by the daa to shift traffic to Cork Airport and stressed

the need for Shannon to be supported strongly. “Our airport always to the fore on innovation but it has remained under-utilised”. He added, “we can’t be the sorry cousins at the end of the line”.

Contributions of Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) and Limerick Mayor, John Moran on RTÉ’s Upfront with Katie Hannon in fighting the case for Shannon were commended bv Cllr Michael Begley (IND). He said, “I call on the CEO of the Shannon Airport Group to take advantage of the problems in Dublin, if it involves incentives and conversations with airlines to put more traffic through to Shannon then it should be done”.

Shannon based, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) stated, “people in Kildare have drove down to Shannon Airport and after using it once they will always use it because of the ease of access”. Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) commented, “we have to fight our own battle, we have to mind our own population” and added, “We have to focus on our own patch, we have potential but we need to address accommodation for the tourists”.

“I do believe Shannon has a bright future but we’ve really got the aviation policy so wrong, the Department of Transport left it to people in Dublin,” remarked Cllr Michael Shannon (FF). “My own policy is that there should be at least five million passengers in both Shannon and Cork, 2.5 million in Knock and spread it out”. He pointed out that there is no flights to Canada available from the West

of Ireland. “There is no reason why we can’t increase capacity, the whole German product, 99% of all German flights go into Dublin Airport, there is no flight only one into Kerry three days a week, there is huge potential for regional airports to gain out of Dublin”.

According to Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF), “If the Banner County was a person, Shannon Airport is one of our vital organs”. Government policy made Dublin and Cork Airports competitors of Shannon since its separation from the daa, he maintained. A former member of the daa board, he recalled that his final term was cut short by the separation, “I was told ‘best of luck’ with a smirk by Dublin directors in standing up against it for Shannon”.

Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) felt, “there is no reason to lift the cap in Dublin Airport, there is plenty capacity between Shannon, Cork,

Knock, Kerry”. She flagged, “70 percent of our tourism jobs are outside of Dublin, 40 percent of tourists that arrive in Dublin leave immediately because their destination is the Wild Atlantic Way or Hidden Heartlands”.

Calls to set up a working group involving each Chief Executive of local authorities in the Mid-West region was suggested by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF). “Shannon is going well but there is capacity for more,” said Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF). Cllr Mary Howard (FG) stated, “Not too many people can say they live within 20 minutes of an international airport, can park car and be in duty free bar in five minutes, it is the most person friendly airport I’ve been to. This weakness in Dublin is a chance for us to band together”.

Every step by elected representatives in Clare to try help Shannon Airport would be worthwhile, maintained Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) who said Cllr Griffin’s predecessor Pat McMahon (FF) would be smiling to see a Newmarket-on-Fergus representative tabling motions on the International Airport.

Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling told the meeting that the local authority “has always been consistent around its support of Shannon Airport. There is a new statutory committee put in place, there is a project board chaired by the directly elected Mayor of Limerick and includes Clare County Council where I stressed the importance of the Airport”. He said this group had a legal standing and negated the suggestion from Cllr Hayes.

l COMMENT: Roisín Garvey

Banner buzz perfect Fitz for Paidi & Sixmilebridge

CLARE SHC CHAMPIONSHIP ROAD TO THE FINAL

Group 1:

Rnd 1: Clonlara 1-28 Ballyea 1-20 on 10/08/24 at Cusack Park

Rnd 1: Éire Óg 1-20 Clooney/Quin 3-13 on 10/08/24 at Cusack Park

Rnd 2: Ballyea 0-19 Clooney/Quin 0-17 on 23/08/24 at O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Rnd 2: Éire Óg 1-23 Clonlara 1-20 on 25/08/24 at Dr Daly Park, Tulla

Rnd 3: Clonlara 3-26 Clooney/Quin 2-17 on 07/09/24 at O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Rnd 3: Éire Óg 0-19 Ballyea 0-17 on 07/09/24 at Cusack Park

Group 2:

Rnd 1: Kilmaley 6-22 Coroﬁn 1-11 on 10/08/24 at Clarecastle

Rnd 1: Feakle 0-23 Cratloe 1-16 on 10/08/24 at O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Rnd 2: Kilmaley 0-22 Feakle 0-21 on 25/08/24 at Cusack Park

Rnd 2: Cratloe 4-23 Coroﬁn 0-19 on 25/08/24 at Cusack Park

Rnd 3: Feakle 2-16 Coroﬁn 0-14 on 08/09/24 at Clarecastle

Rnd 3: Cratloe 1-20 Kilmaley 1-17 on 08/09/24 at Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus

Group 3:

Rnd 1: Broadford 2-17 O’Callaghans Mills 0-19 on 09/08/24 at Clonlara

Rnd 1: Scariff 0-24 Inagh/Kilnamona 0-20 on 10/08/24 at O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Rnd 2: Scariff 1-18 Broadford 2-15 on 24/08/24 at Dr Daly Park, Tulla Rnd 2: Inagh/Kilnamona 2-19 O’Callaghans Mills 0-8 on 25/08/24 at Gurteen Rnd 3: Scariff 1-19 O’Callaghans Mills 1-17 on 08/09/24 at Dr Daly Park, Tulla

Rnd 3: Inagh/Kilnamona 4-19 Broadford 0-16 on 08/09/24 at Cusack Park, Ennis

Group 4:

Rnd 1: Sixmilebridge 1-18 St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld 1-12 on 09/08/24 at Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus

Rnd 1: Crusheen 1-21 Newmarket-on-Fergus 2-17 on 10/08/24 at Ruan

Rnd 2: Newmarket-on-Fergus 2-13 St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld 1-14 on 24/08/24 at Dr Daly Park, Tulla

Rnd 2: Sixmilebridge 1-20 Crusheen 2-15 on 24/08/24 at Clarecastle

Rnd 3: Crusheen 3-19 St Joseph’s Doora/ Bareﬁeld 0-18 on 06/09/24 in Ruan

Rnd 3: Sixmilebridge 1-19 Newmarket-on-Fergus 1-19 on 06/09/24 in Cusack Park

Quarter-Finals:

Inagh/Kilnamona 2-16 Éire Óg 0-20 on 21/09/24 at Cusack Park

Cratloe 2-15 Scariff 2-14 on 21/09/24 at Cusack Park

Feakle 5-19 Crusheen 1-14 on 22/09/24 at Cusack Park

Sixmilebridge 2-18 Clonlara 0-21 on 22/09/24 at Cusack Park

Semi-Finals:

Feakle 1-17 Cratloe 1-15 on 05/10/24 at Cusack Park

Sixmilebridge 0-28 Inagh/Kilnamona 1-25 on 06/10/24 at Cusack Park (Sixmilebridge win 4-3 on penalties)

Relegation semi-ﬁnals:

St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld 0-19 Coroﬁn 0-14 on 21/09/24 at Clarecastle

Clooney/Quin 3-18 O’Callaghans Mills 1-18 on 22/09/24 at Dr Daly Park, Tulla

Relegation ﬁnal:

Coroﬁn 2-18 O’Callaghans Mills 1-18 on 06/10/24 at Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus

Final:

Feakle vs Sixmilebridge on 20/09/24 at Cusack Park

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

WHETHER or not you believe in omens, there’s no denying that Clare’s All-Ireland winning exploits also seem to stir something special in Sixmilebridge.

After all, their greatest year of Munster and All-Ireland glory mirrored Clare’s indelible breakthrough in 1995 while Davy Fitzgerald’s Banner surge through the backdoor in 2013 was also accentuated by his club’s county senior success. Consequently it’s hardly a coincidence that Brian Lohan’s thrilling summer success has also rejuvenated Sixmilebridge’s charges ahead of Sunday’s latest county final against Feakle.

Defensive anchor Paidi Fitzpatrick doesn’t pay much heed to such piseogs but freely admits that only for Clare’s extended summer in 2013, Sixmilebridge’s remarkable senior dominance of five titles in eight years from 20132020 may not have gotten off the ground at all.

“2013 was remarkable as nobody saw it coming in that we had been knocking at the door in 2010 and ’11 but had gone badly in ’12 and Clarecastle beat us in the first round of ’13. We actually won very few Clare Cup games either that year so things weren’t going great in the earlier part of that year. However the whole season took on a whole new life of its own with Clare as there were 20 weeks between our first round and second round so by the time the championship eventually came around again, we had gotten ourselves into a much healthier position.

“Injuries had cleared up while we hadn’t a huge amount of lads that were drained coming off Clare’s campaign so we were relatively fresh whereas others had almost a spine of Clare players. Because of the nature of the All-Ireland championship and the replay in the final, it just took off so much so by the time we lost the Munster Club Final, we had approximately seven or eight matches played in eight or nine weeks.

“As it was week-on-week, there wasn’t time to think about it even but still winning it was one of the most special feelings I’ve ever had. All be-

ter-final result alone against a Crusheen side that we had a right battle with in the group was so clinical as they made short work of them.

cause it’s your dream growing up and once you get there I suppose there’s just that realisation that you’ve reached the top of that mountain”.

Fitzpatrick and Co. have been camped at the summit regularly since, having previously forged an unbreakable bond from underage. “It’s hard to detail exactly why there has been such longevity with this group so I suppose it’s a combination of factors really. First and foremost this is a great club, we’ve also had some great set-ups and multiple managers in that time that have all kept it to a very high quality.

“Then there was the standard set within the playing group that saw players buy in and want to play and win for each other.

“There’s the competitiveness side of things, as we all seem to have that desire to keep coming back and wanting to win again. In addition the club championship in Clare has been so open over that period that unlike other counties, it has been far from predictable."

Having exited at the group stages in 2023, was there still an self-belief that this group could reach that peak again?

“We did have the belief because even though the year ended disappointingly, the two teams that came out of our group ended up in the county final last year.

"Things have worked in our favour this year with injuries and breaks but while it’s great to be back in a final, we’ve nothing won yet and will be facing another huge test on Sunday.

“You can see from Feakle’s results how impressive they’ve been. Their quar-

“All the quarter-finals were tight bar that one so that would really make you sit up and take notice. This is a team that has been boosted by youth just as we have but their core have been building for a while and they have the backbone of the St Joseph’s Tulla team that won the Harty Cup a few years back so it comes as no surprise to us to be facing them now in a final.”

Between Paidi and his older brother Stiofan who is joint-manager, the Fitzpatrick family have been involved in all seven senior titles for Sixmilebridge since the turn of the millennium, with their father PJ cited as the biggest influence in both sons’ hurling exploits.

“I suppose you don’t realise fully how hugely influential he has been until you get older. It has been in a number of different aspects from education to coaching, things that you definitely don’t appreciate at a young age. The extent of coaching over the years with club and county has been so impressive and he has also instilled those core principles of work ethic and trying to get the best out of yourself.

“Every day you go out on the field, you represent yourself and your team so being a good team-mate and a good club person are also things that are very much instilled in us so yes he’s had a massive influence and continues still to be”.

Is that something this generation of ‘Bridge players are also hoping to impart? “Definitely. Look, no more that Clare this year and the attention that an All-Ireland win has given to the county, that has given a new lease of life to hurling around the place. I remember growing up watching those ‘Bridge and Clare teams in the 90’s and that’s what really sparked my love of hurling so it would be great to do that for the next generation especially in such a changing village”.

l Paidi Fitzpatrick

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Experience has 'Bridge primed for county ﬁnal

by Ross O'Donoghue news@clareecho.ie

Giorraíonn beirt bóthar; and Stiofán Fitzpatrick and Tommy Liddy wasted no time in shortening the road to the TUS Senior Hurling Championship final.

The pair are in their first season as joint managers and have already brought their charges to a county final, having fallen at the group stages last campaign.

“Coming in, the county final was the furthest thing from our thoughts,” admits Tommy Liddy. “It was just about getting everyone available to sign up for the year. Once we had that done, the focus turned to the league and trying to develop the panel. It’s not a mystery that there was a lot of ageing bodies on the panel over the last couple of years so we were trying to freshen up with younger legs. That was the next job at hand”.

The Clare Cup brought mixed results, fourth place in the round robin and the chance to try new things. For what it’s worth, it also brought a five-point defeat to Feakle.

“That first win in the championship is what’s most important,” says Liddy. “If you start having to chase points, that’s when you’re looking down instead of up. We secured the two points against Barefield in a really tough game for us. Then you can start looking at getting out of the group and once you’re out of the group, sure it takes on a life of its own. I think every team in Clare is like that. It’s such a tight championship. Until you have those first two points under the belt, there’s

about 60 or 65 minutes of hurling when we address the players before a game. This was 85 minutes and we had the added drama of penalties. They were emotionally draining rather than physically draining. It was a new departure for a lot of these players and for us trying to manage it and understand it and the complications around the five players being reused.

“It takes a while to come down from that. You always want as much time as possible to get recovered, refocused and recalibrated again. But it’s the nature of the championship. It’s been every two weeks since it started and every club adapts to that. You know that structure and it’s actually been very helpful, because you know win-loseor-draw you’ve to go again and face the next game. It’s no different this time around”.

Both coaches mention ageing bodies. They leave out the part where over half the panel have five championship medals. Jamie Shanahan and Shane Golden have both scored in all those wins. They’ll be making their eighth final appearance along with Derek Fahy, Seadna Morey, Caimin Morey and Páidí Fitzpatrick. Those days out include the drawn game with Clooney Quin in 2017 and a grim 0-10 to 0-4 defeat by Crusheen in 2010.

“Know-how comes from experience,” says Stiofán. “It’s the same in life as it is on the playing field. These boys have experiences a lot in the hurling world. They’ve experienced winning and losing championships and Munster club games. They’ve experienced

not at your best on a given day, the opposition could beat you. It’s a learning curve. You also have to have the work done and the training done. That’s what puts yourself in the position to lean on that experience”.

Both joint managers are wary of the threat presented by Feakle. Video analysis, like their opponents, is a key part of preparations.

“Obviously there are certain areas of their game that we’ll have to clamp down on,” says Tommy. “Shane McGrath is a brilliant player. It’s no surprise to anyone how well he’s played over the past number of weeks. He’s an athlete and he’s in extraordinary shape. He’s everything you’d look for as a hurler.

“His support cast aren’t too shabby either. They’ve three county seniors and Oisín Donnellan is in the form of his life. Stevie Conway is a player I’ve seen a lot of underage and he’s not even making the first time at the moment, coming back from injury. They’ve a lot of strings to their bow.

“They won’t just be focusing on trying to get Shane into the match, they know that they’ve a lot of different attributes and we have to focus on more than just Shane McGrath too. He’s obviously been the player of the championship and he’s putting up scores every day he goes out but the lads around him are all producing too”.

There are 50 odd clubs in Clare looking forward to this decider. Most of them will root for the team without a win in this century over the team looking for their fifth title in a decade. Sixmilebridge understand that.

“It’s human nature,” says Stiofán. “When Clare or Sixmilebridge aren’t involved you might be willing on a team that hasn’t been as successful as the other team over the years to win. But it’s not something we pay much attention to. We worry about what goes on in the four walls of our dressing room and the four white lines of the pitch. We’re not concerned with the side shows”.

It’s obvious that Liddy and Fitzpatrick work well together. Tommy would consider himself ‘good cop.’ Stiofán is inclined to agree.

“Tommy’s very organised,” says Stiofán, “and in charge of a lot of the everyday operations of the team. I might be more positioned to deal with issues that arise over the course of the year. To make sure everybody is happy in the camp. If there’s issues, that they’re dealt with and don’t linger. There’s two other lads heavily involved and we have healthy discussions on everything. In general, we normally reach a unanimous verdict when it comes down to it.”

What a year it’s been for hurling in Clare. Everyone is hoping for a club showpiece to match.

“It’s kind of an unexpected county final,” says Tommy. “Things were just starting to settle down in the village after Clare won the All-Ireland. I think it came as a surprise that we got over the line in the quarter-final and a bigger surprise to get over the line in

the semi-final.

“I think people are just trying to get their heads around that we’re actually in a county final. There’s a nice little buzz

building.” Whoever wins, that nice little buzz might just take the roof of the stand in Cusack Park on Sunday.

l Tommy Liddy and (below) Stiofán Fitzpatrick Photos by Ruth Grifﬁn / Gerard O'Neill

ALAN MULREADY

CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SIXMILEBRIDGE VS FEAKLE

ALL PHOTOS BY GERARD O'NEILL

ALEX MOREY BARRY FITZPATRICK BRIAN CAREY

BRIAN CORRY

CAIMIN MOREY COLM FLYNN

CONOR DEASY DAVID KENNEDY DEREK FAHY

FIACHRA O BRAOIN JACK CORRY JAMIE SHANAHAN JASON LOUGHNANE

LEON KELLY LORCAN FITZPATRICK MARK SHEEDY MATTHEW O'HALLORAN

NOEL PURCELL PA MULREADY

PÁIDÍ FITZPATRICK

PAUL CORRY RONAN TOUHY SEADNA MOREY SEAN MacNAMARA SHANE GOLDEN

ADRIAN CHAPLIN AIDAN O'CONNOR BARRY COFFEY

CHLOE MOREY RONAN KEANE STIOFÁN FITZPATRICK TOMMY LIDDY

CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SIXMILEBRIDGE VS FEAKLE

ALL PHOTOS BY RUTH GRIFFIN

ADAM HOGAN AUSTIN McMAHON CONN SMYTH

CONOR McGANN DIARMUID BANE

EIBHEAR QUILLIGAN ENDA MADDEN

EOIN TOUHY EVAN McMAHON

FIACHRA DONNELLAN GARY GUILFOYLE GER HANRAHAN

JUSTIN NELSON KILLIAN BANE LIAM O'CONNOR MARTIN DALY

OISÍN CLUNE OISÍN DONNELLAN OISÍN O'CONNOR OWEN McGANN PATRICK DALY RAYMOND BANE RONAN O'CONNOR

CONOR TOUHY DARREN CONWAY

ENDA NOONAN EOGHAN DALY EOIN McGUINNESS

SEÁN WALSH SHANE McGRATH STEPHEN CONWAY TOMMY WALSH

CIARAN CALLANAN DERMOT GLEESON DÓNAL O'GRADY

GER CONWAY JOHN PUNCH STEPHEN MOLONEY

Mullins to ref

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLONLARA’s Joe Mullins will take charge of his first Clare SHC final this weekend.

Feakle and Sixmilebridge will meet in the county final for the first time and the Galway native has been handed the task of refereeing the tie.

It will be the third game that Mullins takes charge of in this year’s championship having refereed the first round meeting between Broadford and O’Callaghans Mills in the familiar surrounds of Clonlara and the second round clash between Newmarket-on-Fergus and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield.

A member of the interprovincial referees panel, Joe took charge of his first Munster MHC game in May 2018 and has since taken charge of provincial semi-finals at the grade. In 2019, he was appointed to ref the Clare IHC decider when Broadford overcame St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield.

Sixmilebridge are looking to win their sixteenth title in what will be their first final appearance since 2020 while the wait is longer for Feakle who were last crowned champions in 1988 and have not featured in the big day since then.

Gus Callaghan of Feakle will be the referee for Saturday’s intermediate final between Tubber and Wolfe Tones.

Donnellan family reared on hurling

by Ross O'Donoghue news@clareecho.ie

VAL Donnellan believes Feakle’s run to a 2024 TUS Senior Hurling Championship decider has been matched by development off the pitch.

“There’s fierce work gone on this year,” says the current club secretary. “Adam Hogan’s father Micheál is gone in as treasurer. Oisín Clune’s father Mark is gone in as chairman. They’re in their second year. We’re building a new clubhouse. At underage, the numbers are good”.

Val is a Canon Hamilton winner with Feakle from 1988 and his sons Oisín and Fiachra will get their chance on Sunday to get their own equivalent.

“They were reared hurling,” he says. “There was nothing else in their life only hurling matches”.

It’s hurling’s circle of life and Feakle are massively proud of how they produce their players.

“In Feakle, everyone that plays hurling stays hurling. There’s only 63 boys and girls in the school so that will tell you how many boys we have coming through. That’s four a year at most. But they all keep hurling”.

Sixmilebridge’s national school enrolment is seven times greater than their opponents on Sunday but there was a time when both clubs enjoyed a decade of dominance in age-grade hurling and

U21s in particular, and Feakle’s famous win in 1988 didn’t come out of nowhere. “We won U16B, U16A, Minor A and four U21s,” says Val. “We had a celebration every year up to ‘85. We won the Clare Cup in 1987. In ’88, we won the Clare Cup and the Championship. We were used to winning”.

Sixmilebridge won U21 titles in 1980 and 1981 before Feakle made the breakthrough. Three of Feakle’s titles were at the Bridge’s expense. Feakle’s run of four-in-a-row was broken by Sixmilebridge in 1986. The clubs were finalists twelve times between them in the 80s.

So, championship winning sides don’t arrive overnight. Sixmilebridge’s run of five titles in eight years of the 2010s is some going, but hurling experts will tell you the signs were there from a run of three U21 titles between 2011 and 2014.

If player numbers and underage pedigree are anything to go by, Donnellan reckons the signs are there for Feakle in 2024 too. “We’ve fierce numbers training now,” he says. “We haven’t had them since ’88. There’s thirty lads training every evening. It’s unreal.

“We’ve started to compete again. We won U21C and U21B, we were beaten in an U21A final and then won with Feakle Killanena in 2018. By that stage, you could see a core

group of fellas there”.

While Sixmilebridge’s last U21 success was in 2014, six of Feakle’s current panel were winners in 2018 including Conn Smyth and three other starters. “Since 2018 we don’t really have any fella that has retired through age. The oldest there would be 35 or 36 and they’re still playing. All we’ve done is added each year. For the last four of five years, the lads com-

ing up are all pushing for places. Great young fellas and you can see the team progressing.”

Ten of the current panel were U21A winners in 2022. They include 2023 Harty Cup champions Oisin Clune, Adam Hogan, Ronan O’Connor and Oisin O’Connor.

Val enjoyed his own days as a young gun. “I was 24 in 1988. We were beaten in ‘87 by Clarecastle. Ger Loughnane

and Fr Harry were over the team in ‘87. Nerves maybe got to us in the final and we didn’t play well. The following year we got back and won the Clare cup in the spring of ’88. In the championship, we were playing Éire Óg in the semi-final and we were not playing well. We got a real Ger Loughnane speech at half time. He picked out a few of us, myself included, that weren’t doing the business. We were named and shamed inside in the dressing room and we won the second half. It got the response. He was inspirational”.

The current crop has their own way of doing the business. Val attended his first ever video analysis session as part of Feakle’s preparations at the weekend. “It’s huge these days,” he says. “You’d often be wondering what all the analysis is for but it does help fellas. If everyone else is doing it, you have to do it. Playing Cratloe, you know they play their hurling as a football team. There’s great support play and short play. You play the Bridge then and it would more traditional like ourselves.

“I expect this Sunday what you’ll have is more of a traditional hurling match.”

Both clubs may share the same traditions, but Val is hoping Feakle will be favoured by history on the day.

l Oisin and Fiachra Donnellan with their niece, Sadhbh Ward; (below) Val Donnellan watching a game Photos by Ruth Grifﬁn / Burren Eye Photography

l Joe Mullins

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

'We might never get the chance again'

by Páraic McMahon

FEAKLE’s current crop may only get one chance at lifting the Canon Hamilton and star man Shane McGrath says they are determined to grab the opportunity with both hands.

Shane McGrath has been electric in 2024. The Feakle forward has scored 2-55 across five championship games on the road to Sunday’s TUS Clare Senior Hurling Championship decider. The 2-22 from play is impressive enough before you factor in 33 frees.

“It’s nice to hit a bit of form,” he says, modestly.

“Last year wasn’t great. I struggled a bit with my own form. Obviously we lost the semi-final and things didn’t go well for us or myself. I feel like maybe I let people down at the end of last year so it was in the back of my head to bounce back this year. I

wanted to get the form back and make sure that didn’t happen again,” he told The Clare Echo

He is, by a distance, the top scorer from both open play and placed balls. He accounts for 51% of Feakle’s scores. For the opposition, Sixmilebridge get 43% of their scores from Alex Morey while Brian Corry currently ranks seventh in championship scores from play (0-17). Feakle have a strong supporting cast too, but Sixmilebridge would be foolish not to focus on McGrath and his supply.

“It’s definitely something I’ve gotten used to the last few years,” he says. “I think the biggest thing is to be as patient as you can with it.”

“When you’re training with the likes of [Adam] Hogan, you’re getting well trained for how you’d be marked in matches. If you can get one ball off him, you’d be thinking you might

get a couple off someone else. Nightmare. Adam is just quick and strong. Very hard to win a ball of him, not to mind do damage. Conn [Smyth] is the same”.

Feakle’s ‘Plan A’ will revolve around their top marksman. ‘Plan B’ probably does too, however many Bridge players pick him up. So what’s the plan for

McGrath to switch things around if he can’t get into the game? “Management give the lads the freedom to make those decisions. It might be Martin [Daly] inside and he’d pop out for ten minutes or I’ll pop in. We’ll just swap over. They let us manage it ourselves on the field. I think that’s the best way of doing it because lads are really bought into what they’re doing then. It’s working for us so far this year, anyway. “A lot of it comes down to experience. Personally, myself I would have gotten very frustrated earlier in my career if I didn’t start well. If I missed a couple of frees, next thing I miss all the frees. Or if the ball isn’t going in, you wouldn’t be in the game it all. When you get a little bit more experience, you just have to stay patient and stick with it. Especially up in the forwards. You might get a chance here and there, just to get yourself

in the game. The biggest thing is just sticking with it. The game is sixty minutes long. If the first ten or 15 minutes don’t go your way, you still have to be in the game”.

Cratloe really went after Feakle in the third quarter of their semi-final on October 5th. McGrath responded with five points in a row. He practises what he preaches.

“Confidence has a lot to do with it,” he says. “I’ve had some bad games where a couple of things didn’t go my way and confidence drops. Then you’re struggling and fighting to get it back. Sometimes the harder you try, the worse it gets whereas there is a bit more of a flow this year. It comes a bit easier when the confidence is up. It’s just the way it is, I suppose”.

Shane is 31, as a fitness professional that age is just a number, but it’s given him time to add experience and resilience to his skill set. He

has no intention of losing a final to win a final. “We might never get the chance again,” he says. “My first year playing senior with Feakle was in 2010 and we were in a relegation playoff. We’ve been relegated. We’ve won intermediate. We’ve had a lot of ups and downs. There’s a core group of ten or twelve lads who have been together through that. We’re taking it that we might get one shot at this so we have to make it our best one”. What’s he doing to keep ready for Sunday? “I try and hit a few frees most days. Even just 15 minutes. Go up and hit 20 balls, then go away home and chillax. You can’t really bury your head in the sand. With the gym work, you’re meeting an awful lot of people in East Clare obviously into their hurling. There’s plenty of talk about it."

So says a man who’s ready for the walk behind the Tulla Pipe Band.

l Shane McGrath

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

paraic@clareecho.ie

CATHAL DRONEY

CLARE INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: TUBBER VS WOLFETONES

ALL PHOTOS BY GERARD O'NEILL

CLIVE EARLEY BLAINE EARLEY

DIARMUID TOBIN

DOMHNALL McMAHON EMMET QUINN FERGAL O'GRADY

JAMES COSTELLO JAMES HOWARD JOEY DRONEY

JOHN FAWLE

LIAM CLANCY LORCAN O'GRADY MARK EARLEY

OISÍN McNAMARA OSGAR DUNFORD PAPPY TAAFFE

PATRICK O'CONNOR RONAN McMAHON RONAN TAAFFE RORY GANTLEY

JOE CLANCY TOMMY FAHY

SENAN DUNFORD SEÁN McNAMARA ALAN LEE

PAT TAAFFE PASCHAL LEE

MICHAEL O'CONNOR IVAN CONWAY

DARRAGH MCMAHON

CLARE INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: TUBBER VS WOLFETONES ALL PHOTOS BY RUTH GRIFFIN

AARON CUNNINGHAM AARON KELLY ARON SHANAGHER CIAN O'ROURKE COLIN RIORDAN CONOR CARRIG CONOR FERNS

DAITHI LOHAN DAITHI O'CONNELL DARRAGH LOHAN DEAN DEVANNEY

DYLAN FRAWLEY EVAN O'GORMAN GARY CUSACK

GARY LEAHY GAVIN CARRIG JACK CUNNINGHAM JOHN GUILFOYLE LIAM MURPHY LIAM O'DWYER MIKEY HAYES

NIALL FITZGERALD OISÍN O'ROURKE PETER McEVOY RORY HAYES SAM MEANEY

SEAN COSTELLO SEAN MURPHY

SEAN MURPHY

SHANE NIHILL

STEPHEN DONNELLAN TADHG FITZGERALD

Wolfe Tones Intermediate hurling management team

O’Connor continues proud family tradition

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IT’S been forty eight years since Tubber last won the Clare intermediate hurling championship.

Members of the team on that occasion were Pat O’Connor Snr and his brother Enda, Mike and Jamie. Pat’s son, of the same name, will be striving to end that long wait on this Saturday when he leads the North Clare side into the 2024 Clare final against competition favourites Wolfe Tones at Cusack Park where the throw in time is 3.30p.m.

As expected this week’s final “is all that has been talked about throughout the parish this week. Hurling is always been talked about here, whether it’s the fortunes of the

county team or our own teams. The love of the game is here and will be here for many years to come”, Patrick explained.

After over a decade as a key player with Clare at senior level having come through the minor and under 20 grades, Pat called time on his inter county career just over a year ago having won under 20 and senior (league and championship) honours with the team.

He has been a key player in the club’s march to Saturday’s final.

“Look, there is no getting away from the fact that we have our challenges in relation to numbers but I don’t think that the number of members in each club will have much to do with Saturday's game. Tones have a quality team but we know what we

have to do and we are under no illusions as to the task we are facing. They have been tipped for success from day one and there has been very little in their campaign to date that suggests otherwise but we are giving ourselves a chance”.

The team captain told The Clare Echo, “we have a very good management team in place. Our coach Rory Gantley from a neighbouring parish, has played at the highest level. This year we got a few new players into the squad and that youth has given us a bit of a lift and it has given enthusiasm to the regulars who are there and who continue to be key players”.

O’Connor believes that the addition of those new young players played a big part in the team’s win

over a fancied Clare castle side, “In the quarter final Clare castle were coming at us hard and we were able to bring a few off the bench which we weren’t able to do before. That bit of youth along with the quality that has always been there and the management team mixed together has played a big part in our march to this final”.

“We are all well familiar with the sur names associated with

the club over the years, the O’Gradys, the Taaffes, the Conroys, the O’Connors etc. The tradition is there and it has been for years. It’s a huge honour to be able to carry it on and to keep up our side. There was a really good team in Tubber in the seventies and eighties and it’s a big thing to be following in that tradition. We are trying to keep our teams at as high a level as we can. It’s important to leave something behind for the next group, keeping the thing alive is what we want. There is an appreciation that it’s not all down to just one day”, O’Connor concluded.

Sweet 16 on cards for Guilfoyle?

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

JOHN GUILFOYLE made his senior debut for Wolfe Tones at the age of 16, sixteen years on he is 60 minutes away from captaining the club to a successful return back to the top tier. There’s been ups and downs during his career with the hurlers in Shannon which have included the pain of experiencing relegation from the senior grade on two occasions but the chance to lead his beloved club back to the top tier of the Clare hurling scene is something to savour.

Guilfoyle pulls no punches when admitting that for Wolfe Tones situated in Clare’s second largest town to be an intermediate dual-club is not where they expect or want to be. “With the size of the club and the facilities we have it is a massive stickling point to be an intermediate dual club, the footballers are in a ﬁnal and hopefully they will win. You could see last year when we became a dual intermediate club that a lot of people began to move behind the scenes to get things in order underage, we have been struggling but we’re starting to come good at the younger years which is good to see, there is a lot of movement to try get our house in order. We expect ourselves to be at a higher level with the skill that is there”. He is the longest serving member of the Tones team having made his debut versus neighbours Newmarket-on-Fergus back in 2008 at the age of sixteen. “The likes of Frank Lohan and Patsy Keyes were still playing, I came on as a bold 16 year old and swung back at some older Newmarket man, I can remember James McInerney coming in behind me and throwing me around like a rag doll, thankfully a few of the older lads saved me”. Going from sharing a dressing room with Frank Lohan in 2008 to his nephews Darragh and Daithí in 2024 has been “a big change, it has changed a lot, this year is strange, the lads that are 21 or 22 are a lot more vocal than we were, the likes of Daithí Lohan are well coached and well able to speak compared to when we were growing up, we were hiding in the corner of dressing rooms and being told to do what the likes of Frank Lohan and BOC told us to do, from that point of view has changed”. Recalling sharing a dressing room with Frank Lohan, John said, “You took hold of every word Frank said, whatever Frank said goes with his status, it was a great learning

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

curve and even BOC who was still playing Junior this year, those lads are unbelievable leaders”.

Getting to line out with his brothers, goalkeeper Oisin and freetaker Cian O’Rourke adds to the significance of representing the club and town for John. “Oisin has been sleeping with his hurley in the bed since he was four or five and loving it, Cian has been brilliant, he’s really come on since being on The Underdogs, this year he has worked really hard, he is living in Dublin and is training up there on his own, he does incredible training on his own and the results have been showing this year, he’s the top scorer in the intermediate championship and in fairness his form has been unreal. There’s a few brothers on it, Darragh and Daithí Lohan, Liam and Brian Murphy, Aaron and Jack Cunningham so there’s a good family connection to the squad. It means more when you’re playing with family and my father is the Chairman as well, there’s another side to it, it would be incredible to win the final and get a few pictures with the brothers, it’s what you’re hoping to do as a young lad”.

A three year stint in Australia is all that has kept him away from representing Wolfe Tones since 2007. “I missed out on the whole COVID period but uninterrupted apart from that, no

real injuries, anytime I’ve been here I’ve been available to play, it has been a rollercoaster really with struggling at the start from mass emigration one year when we lost fourteen players so we were scraping to stay up and then we came good and got a good crop of young lads coming up in Aron Shanagher, Rory Hayes, Ben O’Gorman and Dean Devanney, we came good again to win the intermediate, we got to the All-Ireland semi-ﬁnal, I thought we would challenge for the next few years but we were knocking on the door getting to the quarter-ﬁnal stages and then we petered off and ended up back down intermediate, there’s been many ups and downs”.

His time with the Tones has coincided with senior relegation in 2014 and 2023, ironically it was St Joseph’s Doora/Bareﬁeld that sent them down on both occasions. Injuries and a bad run of form are the two common traits with both seasons, he outlined.

Buy-in from the players following last year’s disappointment has set the standard for their run to the intermediate ﬁnal, the Eli Lilly engineer maintained. “It was late October when a lot of lads just circled the wagons like Rory Hayes, Liam Murphy, Aron Shanagher and myself were searching for a management, in fairness Barry Keane was plotting his own management team in the background and came to us, the management team he came with we were delighted to hear they were putting their names in the hat. I think we were back training in mid to late November, we had the bones of 130 sessions done this year, the buy-in has been incredible”.

Central to Keane’s management has been Alan Cunningham, a highly respected coach and equally respected figure in Shannon. “Luckily for myself, I’ve had Alan coaching myself every year pretty much give or take since I was 14... he was with us in 2021 and 2022, he took a year away and he’s been with Limerick and what he has done with them is incredible, what he is picking up in that environment and passing onto ourselves we’re lucky to have and he’s one of the best coaches around”. Cunningham was also in charge when Guilfoyle was midfield on the first and only St Caimin’s team to contest the Dr Harty Cup final in 2009.

Finishing the Clare Cup on a high plus the return of Rory Hayes, Darragh Lohan and Aron Shanagher with All-Ireland medals in

their arse pockets served as a timely lift for their championship challenge, he believed.

“For ourselves when we play the league a lot of times it can be a struggle but it is great in one sense because a lot of young lads get a chance but then they get ten games in the group stages, we took a few beatings and it can be tough but towards the end of the league, we drew with Ballyea and won the last three games so we had good form and then the county lads came back to really kick it on, Daithí Lohan came back following his hamstring surgery before the ﬁrst round of the championship so we had a third of our team back before the group stages which really drove it on, the conﬁdence was high with the lads after winning the All-Ireland and there was a pep in their step”.

From the outside they have been classed as one of the favourites to lift the Paddy Browne Cup but such a tag was not difﬁcult to carry, John said. “In our eyes Clarecastle were probably better. We were playing the league and we were losing most of our game whereas they were top in Division 1B so we didn’t see ourselves as favourites in the group stages. It is hard for us because you don’t see yourself as the favourites if you’re losing games in the league, in the championship we were maybe beginning to see ourselves as favourites but we got brought back down to earth in the quarter-ﬁnal stage and we were very lucky to get over that game”.

Clarecastle’s involvement in the race ended at the quarter-ﬁnal stage with defeat to Tubber and Wolfe Tones survived an almighty scare against Parteen/Meelick. “We didn’t take for one second take Parteen/Meelick for granted, they really had us to the pin of our collar and they were leading with a few minutes to go. We were more disappointed with our own game and how we played, our style of play”. All eyes for the club are on the next challenge which pits them against Tubber. “There’s nothing else to focus on but completely on Tubber, we know how good they are, there’s nothing else in our eyes apart from Saturday, getting over the line with sixty minutes to go”.

Having shared a dressing room with outstanding leaders, Guilfoyle doesn’t have too far to look for inspiration but a return to the senior ranks on the back of a special year for many club personnel will certainly leave Wolfe Tones hitting the high notes.

Flying start lays platform for Kilmurry Ibrickane

TUS CLARE SFC SEMI-FINAL

KILMURRY IBRICKANE 3-08 Cratloe 1-11

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

KILMURRY IBRICKANE

Frees for: 10 (4/6)

Wides: 4 (1/3)

Spread of scorers: 5

Scores from play: 3-3

Top scorer: Keelan Sexton (0-4 4f), Daniel Walsh (1-1), Shane Hickey (1-1)

Yellow Card: Conor Kearney (16), Darragh Sexton (16), Mark Killeen (47), Black Card: Aidan McCarthy (54)

Red Card: None

Own kickouts won: 10 from 16 (63%)

CRATLOE

Frees for: 17 (7/10)

Wides: 4 (3/1)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 1-7

Top scorer: Conal O’Hanlon (0-4 2f)

Yellow Card: None Black Card: Cathal McInerney (28)

Red Card: Podge Collins (63)

Own kickouts won: (73%)

REFEREE: Niall Quinn (St Joseph’s Miltown)

MANAGER COMMENT “

David Egan, Kilmurry Ibrickane:

"We dug deep for that, there’s a great bit of character in the lads, fair enough we got a cushion but we let it go, there was big character to not let Cratloe get in front at any stage today, we didn’t let them get ahead of ourselves which shows the good resilience in the squad so if you’re working hard, training hard and trying to do all of the

right things it’s great to see it coming off on the grass.

“We had some start, when we play fast football we are hard to stop which you saw in the Miltown match and patches again against Lissycasey, that is our template and what we need to build for the next two weeks, really focus in on ourselves.

“We petered out of it a small

bit in the third quarter, I’ll put my hands up maybe we didn’t bring on the legs quick enough or the experience quick enough, we brought Michael O’Dwyer on for the last three minutes, maybe we should have had him on earlier to calm things down a bit, I put my hands up there, there’s loads for me and the lads to work on which is great going into a final.

“I was disappointed with [Aidan McCarthy's black card].

That is one thing we spoke about, we don’t like to see happening and I said I don’t want to see anyone beside me when the game is ongoing, we have to address that, the rest of the boys dug deep for him and got us through.

“I’d say it will be very hard to tell that man (Dermot Coughlan) he is not playing in a county final, recovery or no recovery, it will be hard to tell him he is not playing”.

“I watched Cratloe on several DVDs including the one where they were six points down against Éire Óg last year and ended up winning, if you watch that over and over again you can see their character, their pluckiness and their football ability, they are very clever footballers, they really play to their strengths, we tried to nullify their strengths and we did it. They are a good team, they are county champions, they are going to play to their strengths”.

“We were slow off the blocks and left ourselves too much to do, that was basically it. Fair play to Kilmurry Ibrickane, they played some great football and got some great goals, they are deservingly in the final and best of luck to them.

“The first two (goals conceded) we had the ball and we gave it away cheap but it happens. To be fair to our lads, they have given everything we have asked of them, they’ve put in some great performances throughout the year and everything comes to an end.

“We started really well in the second half with a goal and a point to bring it

back to manageable figures but again sloppy play gave them the third goal which really put the nail in the coffin, I felt if we hadn’t conceded that one that we could have still snuck it but to be fair we never led and Kilmurry Ibrickane deservingly won the match so we’ve no complaints.

“They are clever footballers, they have a lot of good footballers on the team and they are well able, they have good football brains so when they are a man down they are well able to deal with it.

“I was absolutely shocked with one thing, a man in the process of shooting and the referee blows the whistle to stop the game, now that was a disgraceful decision and I’ve never in my life commented on referees (in interviews) but all he had to do was let the ball go for one more second and play was stopped, I don’t blame Cathal (McInerney) in the slightest for being very annoyed with that. It was going to be a point knowing Cathal, it was a mad decision”.

We've achieved nothing yet, insists Madden

TUS CLARE SFC SEMI-FINAL

Éire Óg 1-13 Ennistymon 0-02

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

ÉIRE ÓG

Frees for: 18 (6/12)

Wides: 9 (7/2)

Spread of scorers: 7

Scores from play: 1-7

Top scorer: Mark McInerney (0-5 4f 1’45)

Bookings: Aidan McGrath (56)

Own kickouts won: 8 from 10 (80%)

ENNISTYMON Frees for: 11 (8/3)

Wides: 8 (2/6)

Spread of scorers: 1

Scores from play: 0-0

Top scorer: Brendy Rouine (0-2 2f)

Bookings: Ger Quinlan (manager) (9), Seán Rynne (24), Joey Rouine (31 & 63), Joshua Vaughan (38), Cillian Rouine (56) Black Card: Darragh Conneely (26) Own kickouts: 17 / 23 (74%)

REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Paul Madden, Éire Óg:

“There’s never a guarantee you’re going to be in a county final any year, last year we were beaten on the day and it was our own fault and well done to Cratloe who went on to win the county final so good luck to them.

the good start was a good help.

“I thought we played into that (Ennistymon defensive set-up), I wasn’t happy with that, we’ll see that back with the video and we played into the style the way the game was going rather than imposing ourselves, so long as we were ahead on the scoreboard at the end of the sixty three minutes we were going to be happy.

“The one thing I did say to the lads beforehand which I’m a stickler on is that there can’t be any ego in the dressing room, no team is about individuals, we have good individuals but they have to be able to play for the team, every day you bring lads on you want them to finish stronger than the lads on before them, our subs were very good when they came on.

they are driving us in training but they don’t get the credit the lads that play get, at the end of the day it was all about getting to the next game and it will be

some battle in two weeks.

“We’re very disappointed, we’re gutted after that. We were hit with a sucker punch conceding a goal early on and we never seemed to recover or find our feet. Against a team of Éire Óg’s quality you can’t afford to give them a lead like that early on and we did, they are a class outfit.

"We felt coming into today that we couldn’t take any chances, we had to be absolutely ruthless where we could be and we had to outwork Ennistymon because we knew the mantra they would come with.

"The core of what we talk about is hard work and if you get that right first you can take it on from there, so we’re pleased to be in a county final but we’ve nothing achieved.

“We won the throw-in and got a great score from it, then Éinne O’Connor did a typical Éinne O’Connor move to cut in and get

a goal, it was nervy for a while, it was very deliberate and semi-finals people are trying not to lose them, it was very cagey. We were very cross at half time that we didn’t move the ball quicker, it’s hard to break down a blocked defence like that but that being said we did a lot of good things so we would be happy with that,

“If it was 0-1 0-0 as long we had the point and they were nil I didn’t care and if there was nobody here watching only us that’s all it was about.

“You want lads to be fully understanding of their role in the group and there’s lads that don’t get games, we highlighted them in the dressing room beforehand they are the reason we are playing in big games because

“Very few people gave us a chance for this game and we needed a good start but we didn’t get that.

“It’s hard to find the words after such a defeat because we know we didn’t give a glimpse of the character that these boys have so we’re very disappointed to exit on this note and of course it’s very sore to lose like that”.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Colm Collins, Cratloe:

l Aidan McCarthy holds off Enda Boyce

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Ger Quinlan, Ennistymon:

l Mark McInerney takes on Joey Rouine

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

TUS CLARE IFC SEMI FINALS

Naomh Eoin 0-12 Clondegad 1-08

Venue: Coorcaclare

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

NAOMH EOIN

Frees for: 22 (11/11)

Wides: 4 (0/4)

Spread of scorers: 7

Scores from play: 0-6

Top scorer: Owen Lynch (0-6 5f)

Bookings: None

Own kickouts won: 12 from 15 (80%)

CLONDEGAD: Frees for: 17 (9/8) Wides: 6 (4/2)

Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 1-3

Top scorer: Barry Toner (0-6 4f)

Black Card: Cillian Gavin (60) Own kickouts won: 10 from 16 (63%)

REFEREE: Barry Kelly (St Joseph’s Miltown)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Naomh Eoin players celebrate at the ﬁnal whistle Photo by Gerard O'Neill

TUS CLARE IFC SEMI FINALS

Wolfe Tones 3-08 Kilrush Shamrocks 2-11

Venue: St Michael's Park, Kilmihil Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

WOLFE TONES

Frees for: 25 (11/14)

Wides: 8 (4/4)

Spread of scorers: 7

Scores from play: 3-6

Top scorer: Aaron Kelly (2-1)

Bookings: Joe McGauley (40), Shane Nihill (55).

Own kickouts won: 17 from 23 (74%)

KILRUSH SHAMROCKS

Frees for: 24 (9/15)

Wides: 10 (7/3)

Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 2-2

Top scorer: Conor Fennell (0-8 7f 1’45)

Bookings: Jimmy Browne (22), Evan Power (49)

Own kickouts won: 13 from 19 (68%)

REFEREE: John O’Connell (Cooraclare)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Foley ﬁxated on winning back to back

WINNING the Clare senior camogie title for the ﬁrst time last year was “huge for the parish” and Truagh/ Clonlara are anxious to replicate that, writes Seamus Hayes Centre back Laura Foley (photo by Gerard O'Neill) outlined that they are determined to win back to back titles. “We want to hold onto the title. We hadn’t looked past today’s clash with Scariff-Ogonnelloe as we needed to get this job done but now we can start focussing on next week’s ﬁnal”.

Joint captain alongside Ellen Horgan, Laura said their semi-final with Scariff/Ogonnelloe was always going to be a tough encounter. “It was always going to be a battle. Anytime we play Scariff/Ogonnelloe, it comes down to a puck of the ball. We have played them five times in the last few years and it has always come down to the last ten or fifteen minutes. It could have gone either way but, naturally I am glad it went for us”.

Laura expects “another huge challenge this week when we face Inagh/Kilnamona. It’s great to get to this stage and play the best teams in it. We are looking forward to that now, we must refocus and get our bodies right for the week. There will be sore bodies after today, it was a very physical contest, deﬁnitely a big step up from the last few matches we played but we didn’t expect anything else”.

Minor title for Clooney-Quin

Clooney/Quin have claimed the Minor A hurling title for the first time in three years after defeating St Joseph's Doora-Barefield 0-24 to 2-11 at Cusack Park, Ennis.

Led by Donnacha Mahon, who scored a fantastic 0-7 from play, Clooney-Quin rode the storm of conceding two goals to claim the ultimate prize.

Francis Browne, Clooney/ Quin minor hurling manager told The Clare Echo, “We were

in good form coming into the game, we had played well in the semi-final and momentum was with us.

"Our aim is to bring the Canon back to the parish some time soon and that is what all the work is being done for. It’s about building towards senior. We were unlucky this year and hopefully we can add a few more to the senior squad”.

Home where the heart is for Inagh/Kilnamona's Rynne

Home is where the heart is, they say and for Inagh/Kilnamona senior camogie captain, Laura Rynne that is the case, writes Seamus Hayes

Living in Melbourne for three years (2019 to 2021) she returned to her home in Inagh. “I missed everything here. I love to be at home and it’s good to be back”, she told The Clare Echo this week ahead of leading her club into Saturday’s Clare senior final.

Laura has played all grades of camogie for the club and continued to play the game when she moved to Melbourne where she lined out with the Sinn Féin club. She is already the holder of two county medals with Inagh/ Kilnamona but this is her first year captaining the side.

“We set a target of getting back to the final when we started the season as it’s been a few years since we were there. Truagh/Clonlara and Scariff/Ogonnelloe have contested the past three finals. Truagh/Clonlara will carry the favourites title into Sat-

urday’s final. They have great players but we will give it everything. There is a great tradition of camogie in the parish”, Laura explained before adding that “we have beaten them in the league final this year”.

Rynne continued, “we have great support in the parish. A lot of the girls’ brothers

play hurling and there was a lot of disappointment when they were knocked out of the hurling championship. It’s now down to us to try and bring home a cup this year”.

Midfielder Laura added, “a good start is important. We got a good start against Kilmaley in last week’s semi-final. They never gave up and there is a great rivalry between the neighbouring parishes”.

Adding to Laura’s interest in this final is the fact that her sister Tara is part of the management team along with Marie Kenneally, Flan Barry and team manager Eugene Foudy.

l Eoghan Casey offloads under pressure from Ross Cullinan Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Patrick Finnernan leads the celebrations for Clooney/Quin

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

GREYHOUNDS: Wins for Tulla & Cree in McKenna semi-ﬁnals

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

FRIDAY night’s Galway card featured the semi-finals of the Paul McKenna Memorial A5 525 yards stake which commemorates one of the great gentlemen of the game who raced his dogs at the track for many years and who won most of the leading competitions at the track throughout this career.

In the opening semi-final, Burnpark Taylor and Hinomite were both away smartly towards the wide outside and racing towards the opening bend the matched strides just ahead of Fortune Zeyno and Killanin Bono.

Turning down the back Burnpark Taylor led by a length to Hinomite as Killanin Bono tried to close along the inner as they passed halfway and raced to the exit of the back straight. Exiting the back straight the Maria Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Taylor (Newinn Taylor & Burnpark Leanne) went two lengths clear but he had to dig deep to see off the challenge of Killanin Bono by three parts of a length at the line in 29.60.

The outcome of the second semi-final was in little doubt from as early as the halfway mark as the Donie Duggan of Tulla owned and trained Rylane Master was out on splendid isolation.

Away smartly Rylane Master led Peteles Spirit and Uphill Climb racing towards the opening bend and tracking well around the opening bend the son of Burgess Buckss and Notimetotalk kicked five lengths clear of Lallys Legacy turning down the far side. Racing along the back Rylane Master extended his advantage as

Lisk Rapid began to make ground after being hampered early but the bird had well and truly flown as Rylane Master scored by six and three quarter lengths form Lisk Rapid in 29.28.

The Tulla handler was in the winners enclosure after the A5 graded contest where Creggane Pudgie showed pace on the wide outside as he led approaching the opening bend from Nady Des and East Clare Way.

Turning into the back straight Creggane Pudgie held a narrow advantage over Nady Des with East Clare Way and Washington Sky now far off the pace passing halfway.

Exiting the back straight Nady Des went two lengths clear but between the final two bends two bends the Vincent Sweeney owned Duggan trained Washington Sky (Slippery Robert-Clodaghs Legend) made rapid progress before leading early in the straight and drawing clear for a four and a half length success in 29.48.

In the concluding A3 graded contest Knockanoura Kate and Cragataska Black were both away well and racing towards the opening bend the Martin Williams owned Knockanoura Kate held a narrow advantage over Cragataska Black with Bumblebee Milan in third place as they entered the back straight.

Racing along the back Knockanoura Kate was making the best of her way home as Bumblebee Milan tried to bridge the gap but Knockanoura Kate(Burgess Bucks-Crokers Wish) stayed on well to score by two lengths for the Stephen Murray Kennel of Sixmilebridge in 29.23.

by Dearbhla Parry news@clareecho.ie

U10 Boys Aviva Mini’s Festival Ennis’ U10 team competed in the Aviva Mini’s Festival in Dungarvan. They played against Old Christians, Nenagh, Dungarvan, and Tramore, and even got a picture with the legendary Irish Union rugby player, Simon Zebo.

They had a great experience playing outside of their regular catchment area.

U14 Boys North Munster League: Ennis RFC 20 – 27 St. Senan’s RFC

St. Senan’s won during the North Munster League against Ennis with 20 – 17.

St. Senan’s started well after strong individual runners scored three tries. However, Ennis fought back and scored a well-worked try by Michael Meere. St. Senan’s scored again, making the halftime score 5 – 22. In the second half, Ennis remained alert and played excellent rugby. They scored tries from Jack Hall, Devin Heavy, and Cian O’Dwyer. Ennis battled to even the score after St. Senan’s scored a breakaway try. Ennis’ Conn O’Farrell displayed a blistering run, but came up just short of the try line, leaving the final score at 20 – 27.

Senior Men’s Junior League 2: Ennis RFC 26 – 6 Cobh Pirates RFC

The Ennis Senior men’s rugby team were victorious 26 – 6 over Cobh Pirates during

the Junior League 2.

Ennis started off with a strong scrum, followed by Dylan Kenny breaking through tackles to score a converted score under the posts. Ennis’ defence stood firm and soon Joey Keane managed a huge steal with the Cobh Pirates just short of the try line. At the end of the first half, the opposition scored a penalty, bringing the halftime score to 7 – 3. At the start of the second half, the Cobh Pirates scored another penalty. With the score at 7 – 6, Ennis increased their defence and attack, allowing Cian Guilfoyle to score Ennis’ second try. Brendan Keane scored their third try, converted by Kenny, after a dominant Ennis scrum. With the game almost over and the Cobh Pirates on the attack, Guilfoyle

All Ireland champs

CLARE’S handballers are the U14/15 All-Ireland champions. Clare defeated Wexford and Roscommon in the team All-Ireland handball ﬁnals in Croke Park over the weekend.

Clare had a strong win over Wexford in the opening games winning the games by 5 to 1 with a 29 point ace advantage. Wexford defeated Roscommon also by 5 games to 1 with a 41 Ace difference. Clare played Roscommon in the last of the games and continued their winning ways with a 5 to 1 games and 30 point Ace difference. Clare were then comprehensive winners with 54 aces to spare over Roscommon in second place.

The Clare team comprised Charlie Collins, Conor Littleton, Sean Daly, Darragh Casey, Cillian Cummins, Colm Whelan, Lochlainn Collins and Sean McGee. Their mentors were Kevin O’Brien and Angela Floyd Irish Collegiate Championships: Meanwhile, Sean Coughlan (Clooney/Quin) and Rory Grace of Lahorna Tipperary were crowned Men’s open champions in the Irish Collegiate doubles ﬁnals at the weekend.

Clare also had Cathal McKenna with Conor Horan in the men’s Open. David Considine and Mici Sheedy in men’s A and Ellen Collins with Finna Close in Ladies A in action over the weekend.

Ennis u10s meet Munster legend Simon Zebo

intercepted on the halfway line to score Ennis a bonus point under the posts, converted by Kenny. The game finished and Ennis won with 26 – 6.

The senior men’s team also fielded a second’s team for the first time since 2011 over the weekend in Scariff, where they came out on top again.

Senior Women’s Energia Junior Cup Quarterﬁnal: Ennis/Kilrush RFC 10 –41 MU Barnhall RFC

The ladies of Leinster managed a win over the Ennis/Kilrush team after a score of 10 –41 in the Energia Quarterfinal match. MU Barnhal opened the scoring with a converted breakaway try, but the Clare women then added the game’s second score when prop-forward Annie Lynch scored to the right of the posts. Ennis’ fullback, Orna Moynihan, contributed the next score when she obtained the ball from a ruck and ran it under the posts. The game moved up and down the pitch before MU Barnhall added an unconverted try in the corner from a wellworked back attack. It was apparent that both sides adopted aggressive defensive strategies.

The second half of the game began with numerous injury replacements for Ennis/ Kilrush, allowing the opposing team to take advantage of the fatigued defence. Despite spirited resistance, they ran in five scores, and Ennis/Kilrush manifested a variety of crucial scoring opportunities. However, they were unable to add to the score, and the MU

Barnhall team won with 10 – 41. Strong performances on the day included number eight Caoilfhionn Morrisey, hooker Maedbh O’Driscoll, and fullback Orna Moynihan.

Fixtures:

U13 Boys Munster Development League: Ennis v Nenagh

Saturday 19th October

Kick-off at 11:00am in Drumbiggle

U14 Girls League Game: Ennis v Nenagh

Saturday 19th October

Kick-off at 11:00am in Nenagh

Senior Men’s Gleeson League: Ennis v Presentation

Saturday 19th October

Kick-off at 2:30pm in Drumbiggle

U14 Boys North Munster League: Ennis v Shannon

Sunday 20th October

Kick-off at 10:00am in Drumbiggle

U16 Boys League Game: Ennis v Kilfeacle

Sunday 20th October

Kick-off at 11:00am in Kilfeacle

U18 Boys Munster League: Ennis v Fethard & District

Sunday 20th October

Kick-off at 11:30am in Drumbiggle

U15 Boys Munster League: Ennis v Waterpark

Sunday 20th October

Kick-off at 1:00pm in Drumbiggle

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

I AM just home from the US this morning after another unforgettable golf trip.

I ﬁrst travelled to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina in 2002 and I was blown away by the amount of golf courses it has to offer.

Currently Myrtle Beach boasts over 90 golf courses along its highways giving the golfer a huge variety of choice.

Green Fees range anything from $79 - $179 but if you call into the PGA Golf Superstore, they have a golf green fee counter before you enter the store for last minute offers for golf that day or for the following two days. There is such a variety of golf courses we have always been able to secure golf even in a last-minute scenario. The green fee rate also includes your buggy fee, range balls and sometimes it includes a free lunch.

The PGA Golf Superstore itself is an enormous golf store with the biggest array of choices for golf equip-

ment. I would guess it is roughly 75,000 square feet of golf equipment of all types.

In fact, it was standing in this store in 2002 is where I got the idea of opening my own P&M Golf Superstore that I managed to open in 2004 after my ﬁrst visit to Myrtle Beach. The PGA store has a huge putting green with over 500+ putters to choose from. It boasts twelve indoor simulators where you can practice your golf or even get custom ﬁtted. It has the largest clothing and shoe area I have ever seen with a huge array of brands to choose from.

When I ﬁrst travelled here prices were about 20% cheaper but when you go to the till 11% tax gets added so it was about 10% or less cheap. This time around though the prices were identical or even slightly higher than here in Ireland and that is even before they have to add on the 11% tax at the till. So be aware when in the US the prices advertised does not include the local tax sometimes.

The weather in South Carolina is slightly cool in the

morning about 18° where you might need a long sleeve light layer however from 11am it rises to 24° and by 3pm it ranges from 26° - 30°. We have always travelled there in October or November and I was informed the weather stays warm right up to December with January being their coolest month. The steakhouses in the US are deﬁnitely some of the bests in the world and I would highly recommend the Outback or Longhorn Steakhouses in particular. The variety and choice of steaks on offer is mind blowing and they are always

Shine on course to be next Clare manager

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

GRAHAM SHINE is set to be appointed as the new manager of the Clare intermediate ladies football side, The Clare Echo has learned. Listowel Emmets clubman Shine who previously managed the Kerry and Limerick ladies footballers is to receive a two year with the option of a third as he becomes the successor to Wayne Freeman. His appointment has yet to be ratified by the Clare LGFA.

One of the county’s top ladies footballers, former goalkeeper Emma O’Driscoll has been recruited as the team’s goalkeeping coach.

A member of the Clare panel to win the All-Ireland intermediate title in 2009, she was between the posts when the county contested the 2016 All-Ireland final. She has won thirteen senior championships with Banner Ladies.

Eoin Murray who was coach to the St Joseph’s Miltown side crowned county

champions in 2018 will be the team coach. The O’Currys clubman also worked at inter-county level as the coach to the Clare U20 footballers managed by Michael Neylon, both Murray and Neylon worked together during a successful stint with Miltown.

A member of that 2018 St Joseph’s Miltown panel is also part Shine’s proposed management team.

Ex Clare footballer Graham Kelly is understood to be on board as a selector. He has coached the Clare minor ladies footballers for the past two seasons and over the last six years has coached the St Joseph’s Miltown ladies footballers, guiding them back to the senior ranks.

Former Chairman of Clare LGFA, David O’Brien is another addition to the management as a selector. The Cooraclare man is currently sitting on the Clare LGFA officer’s board as Fixtures Secretary. Shine’s full backroom team is to be finalised but physio Claire Gilligan is an-

ticipated to remain in her role.

Graham was in charge of Limerick up until September 2023. During his two year term, the Treaty County reached the All-Ireland Junior final and the Division 4 League Final.

With his native Kerry, he also served for two years. In 2017, his first year in charge, Shine guided Kerry to the Munster senior championship title, while they bowed out at the All-Ireland semi-final stage to eventual winners Dublin.

He resigned midway through the second season, shortly after Kerry were relegated to Division 2 of the National League but not before the league campaign had concluded. He was also at the helm of the U16s as they won two provincial and two All-Ireland crowns in 2015 and 2016.

cooked to perfection. I would say in the US their medium steak is closer to a medium rare here but they give you a perfect description on the menu on how each steak will look from blue to well done. Anyone that has every travelled to the US also know everything over there is big especially the food portions. Be careful ordering starters because sometimes these are bigger than what we receive as a main course here. Also, the service charge is now 20% throughout the US so you have to factor this charge into the prices you see on the menu. The only

positive is the service is usually exceptionally good but it does add up at the end of your trip and they won't be shy in letting you know anything under 20% is insulting their service.

My current top courses to play in Myrtle Beach in order are True Blue, TPC Myrtle Beach, Caledonia, Kings North and Prestwich. The manicure of the courses are in pristine condition and the greens are usually lightning fast especially if you have a downhill putt. In fact, my tip is to always try and leave yourself an uphill putt. A thirty-foot uphill putt is often easier than a ﬁve-foot downhill putt because you could possibly have that thirty-foot uphill putt if you miss the ﬁve-footer downhill some of the greens are insanely quick but super fun to putt on. You have to be careful around ponds and lakes be-

cause alligators are pretty much in all of them and they come in all sizes from 2ft up to 16ft or on some rare occasions even bigger. They generally keep to themselves and can be seen basking in the hot midday sunshine lining the fairways beside and ponds that surround the course. Also, if you ball enters the trees beware large spiders and snakes are sometimes visible but again it is rare and we did not see any at all in our most recent trip but that doesn't mean they didn't see us. They can be very well hidden. So, if you need some winter sun and golf, I highly recommend ten days to two weeks in Myrtle Beach. It will roughly cost anything from $2,500 to $4,000 I would guess between flights, accommodation, car hire and all your food. The golf $1,200 x 8 rounds, $1,000 ﬂights (Shannon to Newark to Myrtle), $400 Car Hire, $100 a day food roughly. As usual it depends on what level of courses you choose and also what restaurants you pick. But it will be a golﬁng trip you will remember.

Daniel in scoring form at Dromoland

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

THE men’s 18 hole stableford competition at Dromoland at the weekend was won by Daniel Lennnon with 42 points.

Conor Barry was second with 37 points followed by Jimmy McManus with a similar score with Robert Healy in fourth spot with 35 points. Michael Reen won the gross with 29 points.

The men’s 9 hole competition was won by John O’Neill with 19 points and he had two to spare over Alan O’Flanagan with Ronan McCarthy, also with 17 points in third spot. Sandra Moylan was the winner of the ladies weekly 9 hole competition with 23 points. She had four to spare over Sheila Kent with Jean Colleran, also with 19 points in third spot one ahead of Leslie O’Flynn.

Kilrush Golf Club:

The Munster Group open singles at Kilrush on Sunday last was won by Aeneas O'Connor (22) with 39 points. He had three to spare over Barry Coleman (14) with Noel Thornton (16) a further two back on 34 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

Club members Mary McNamara and Hannah O'Brien head to the home of golf in St Andrews this week, their prize for winning the All Ireland in the Granard Cup. They will play the following courses. Eden, Castle Course and the New Course. Meanwhile the club committees is running a Poker Classic to raise money to mainly fund teams at all sections of the club next year. The event is on this Friday, October 18 at 8.30pm at Hotel Woodstock.

Tickets are €25, and are available at the Pro Shop.

Last weekend’s club singles was won by Eugene Quinn (28) with 43 points and he was one ahead of Barry McNamara(13) with third spot ﬁlled by Ray Keogh (7) with 39 points. The club fourball competition was won by Tony Neville(15) and Liam O Connor(16) with 44 points. This weekend’s competition will be a singles

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

Last week’s ladies team of three scramble at East Clare was won by Loretto O'Donnell, Marie A. Kelly and Liz McMahon from Marie Donnellan, Mary Bugle and, Siobhan Mulcahy. Third place was ﬁlled by Maria Kennedy, Noreen Doyle and Carmel Lenihan and they were followed by Geraldine Finnegan, Terry Mulvihill and Breda McCarthy. The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition the previous week were Pauline Nugent, Mary Brennan, Brid Hayes and Breda McCarthy.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Nick Obolewicz, Michael Hayes and Kieran McNamara from Danny Minogue, Michael Drew and Jackie McHugh with third spot ﬁlled by Steve Symes, John Fielding and Eamon Goode. SHANNON GOLF CLUB:

Last week’s ladies competition at Shannon was won by Aine Twomey (9) with 34 points. She had one to spare over Dee O'Connell (40) with third place ﬁlled by Karen Dunne (38), also with 33 points. Susie Mwehan (22) was fourth with 32 points while the gross was won by Michelle Pyke (7) with 25 points.

PLANNING NOTICE

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Lahinch Golf Club intends to apply for modifications to previously approved planning permission (Ref No. P23/60553) for works to the existing golf club house and external carpark at Lahinch Golf Club, Liscannor Road, Lahinch, Co Clare V95 VEP8 to include:

a) Proposed re-positioning of previously approved vehicular and pedestrian entranceways to a location approx. 15m to the north of approved location;

b) Proposed increase to practice putting green area and revised carpark area to provide 117 No spaces (in lieu of 129 No spaces);

c) Proposed re-use and modification of existing storage building to provide refuse storage facili-ty.

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

€20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATIONNATURA IMPACT STATEMENT PLANNING REF: P24/234

Development Description: for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural loose house and ancillary works

Location of Development: CLOONSELHERNY TUBBER

Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, Albert & Sarah Moylan will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P24/234. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Áras

Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYKELLY, BROADFORD, CO. CLARE.

Take note that Matt Donovan is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission of a garage granted under P05/319, that was rotated 90 degrees, a rear extension to the same garage, an open storage shed and including all ancillary site works at the above address.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of

the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P24/60288

Development Description: The construction of an extension to the rear of an existing dwelling house and carry out alterations to the existing dwelling along with ancillary works.

Location: Keevagh, Quin, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Shane & Kay Broderick have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/60288. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of

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

ANNIVERSARY ANNIVERSARY

ANNEMARIE JOYCE (MC TEGGART)

55 TRADAREE COURT, SHANNON, CO.CLARE FIRST ANNIVERSARY

The 1st Anniversary mass for Annemarie Joyce (Mc Teggart ) 55 Tradaree Court, Shannon, Co. Clare. Who died on 24th of October 2023

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, Or sat quietly in a chair, Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, If so, we saw it there, Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, As any friend could say, Perhaps you were not there at all, Just thought of us that day, Whatever you did to console our hearts, We thank you so very much, whatever the part.

There is a corner of our hearts that you visit everyday. It’s a place for you alone and there you will stay.

Your smile was made of sunshine,

Your heart was made of gold. Thank you for the precious moment, and the memories that we hold.

Will be celebrated on Saturday the 26th of October in St John and Paul’s Church Shannon at 6.30 pm.

MCMAHON ALPHONUS (AL JNR)

COOLMEEN, CO.CLARE FIRST ANNIVERSARY

In loving memory of Alphonsus, Al jnr, who died on the 21st October 2023. Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be, A resting place along the road, To sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, Different paths along the way, We all were meant to learn some things, But never meant to stay. Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know, For some the journey’s quicker, For some the journey’s slow. But when the journey finally ends, We’ll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace, Together with the Lord. Sadly missed by mam and dad, sisters AnnMarie and Louise and brother Seamus. Will those who think of Al today, a little prayer to Jesus say. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace. Anniversary mass in St. Benedict’s Church, Coolmeen on Friday 18th October 8pm.

PRAYER

Recent Deaths

O’Connell, Michael Ennis

Conneally (née Needham), Breda Killaloe

EL BABA JONES, OISÍN

Scariff

Clare

Linnane, Joseph (Dickie) Kilkee

Lyons, Michael (Micky) Kilbaha

Lyons, Michael (Micky) Kilkee

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you This special favour. (Mention Favour) Take it and place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 times a day for 3 days and favour will be grateful. Promise publication, never known ot fail TOR

Reidy(née O’Loughlin), Mary Ennistymon

Ryan, Bernadette (Ber) Broadford

Grue (née Riordan), Mary Shannon

Long (née Hoare), Kitty Scariff

O’BRIEN (née Hourigan), Kathleen Kilrush

O’Neill (née Flanagan), Kathleen Kilrush

Smyth, Barry Ennis

Conway, Christopher (Chris) Carron

Coughlan, Michael Francis Ennis

Jarvis (née Fitzgerald), Noreen Killaloe

Maguire, Paul Ennis

The Clare Echo Quiz

What Clare town is Micheal Cusack from?

Carron

Ennis

Miltown malbay

Where is the highest point in Clare?

Slieve Callan

Cragnamurragh

Moylussa

Who is the mayor of Ennis?

Tommy Guilfoyle

Cllr Clare Colleran-Molloy

Mary Howard

How far does the cliffs of moher stretch ?

8km 5km

2km

What is the oldest GAA club in Clare? Tulla

Inagh Kilamona

Miltown Malbay

When was loop head lighthouse built ? 1710 1730

What is the average amount of people that visit the cliffs of moher each year?

2.5 million 1.5 million 500,000

Where does county clare rank in the largest counties in Ireland by area? 12th 2nd 7th

What year was Bunratty castle built? 1445 1425 1465

How far does the Burren span?

150 square miles

50 square miles

200 square miles

What is the largest lake in County Clare?

Lough Bunny Doo lough Lough Derg

ANSWERS

Spot the Difference

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

Last weeks Answers

Aoife Garrahy (Teacher), Jack Casey (6th class Toonagh NS), Norma Foley, Gearóid Roughan (Principal) and Ellie Carroll (6th class Toonagh NS)

What year was Bunratty castle built?

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Carron

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Oct 17

WORD SEARCH

Addams

Atlas

Aznavour

Baudelaire Boyer

Bronson

Darwin

De Gaulle Dickens

Eames Ives

Laughton Lindbergh Mingus Perrault

Schulz Scribner Wesley

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.

ACROSS

1 Mark made by folding (6) 4 Herald’s tunic (6) 8 Less common (5)

Altered (7)

Eight-sided figure (7)

Spooky (5)

Riddle (9)

Franz ---, Hungarian composer (5)

Hush (7)

Disregarded (7)

-- Polo, Venetian traveller (5)

Lugger (anagram) (6)

Declared (6)

(7)

(5)