The Clare Echo 18/03/21

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MAR 18 2021

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ABC report verifies Clare Echo as county’s most circulated newspaper

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NEW report from the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC) has verified The Clare Echo’s position as County Clare’s most circulated newspaper.

ABC figures released this week confirm The Clare Echo as the standalone leader in the local circulation race with a weekly circulation of more than 15,000 copies being independently verified by the audit bureau.

At a time when many newspapers have reported declining readerships, The Clare Echo has bucked this trend by showing strong increases. For the reporting period from July to December 2020, it was confirmed that more than 345,000 copies of The Clare Echo were circulated in total, or an average of 15,047 per week. This marked an increase from the JanJul 2020 period when The Clare Echo was certified for 14,372 weekly newspapers.

The Clare Echo now becomes the first Clare newspaper to become ABC certified since 2011 when The Clare People and The Clare Champion last underwent the circulation auditing process. Industry sources claim regional newspapers that have opted not to be certified by ABC, are anxious to conceal plummeting circulation figures in a time of

crisis for the paid-for newspaper industry.

The ABC circulation figures are the recognised indicator of accurate newspaper circulation levels. The UK-based auditor publishes reports twice yearly for newspapers in Ireland and the UK, to monitor the true levels of newspaper circulation in both paid for and free newspaper markets. An ABC certificate confirms a newspaper’s figures have been independently verified, giving comfort and confidence to the advertiser.

Launched in 2017, the family-owned Clare Echo has quickly established itself as a leading regional media company with a reputation for being modern, trust-worthy and community oriented. Recognising this as a turbulent time for readers and advertisers, Managing Director and Editor Stuart Holly says the new report was an important step to show The Clare Echo’s commitment to transparency and trust.

He said, “Last year when the pandemic changed our lives, The Clare Echo team recognised the importance of local media more than ever. While many newspapers were unfortunately forced to scale back, we saw it as the opportune time to grow our product and ultimately be there to provide the public with

l ANNOUNCEMENT: ​

Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly Photo by John Mangan

reliable, accessible information.

“By being ABC audited, we are now the only newspaper in Clare with proven circulation figures. This is a hugely important step in our growth and I would like to thank all our readers and advertisers for engaging with

The Clare Echo. Thanks to their support, we are proud to be able to call ourselves County Clare’s most read newspaper.”

The full details of the latest newspaper figures is available online at www.abc.org.uk.

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‘Wearing face mask triggers PTSD and anxiety of attack’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A l COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS: Fiona Brennan from Clarecastle was among those to be named Lockdown Hero by the Clare Echo this week

NXIETY first experienced by a Clare woman following a sexual assault 35 years ago has resurfaced due to the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Carmel Quinn has urged people to be more compassionate and considerate before berating an individual for not wearing a mask. “People are saying horrible like ‘you can’t shop if you don’t wear one’ things that they wouldn’t have dreamed of saying 13 or 14 months ago, upsetting things are being said because one person is unable to do one thing that most of the population can, a small minority can’t and they are not considered”.

She like many other victims of sexual assault and rape associate the face covering with a feeling of suppression and a sense of powerlessness.

“I knew from my experience with an attack

Photo John Mangan

that if you have your face and mouth covered it restricts your air and when you wear a mask it triggers it all over again because it restricts your breathing and all of a sudden it triggers a reminder of that incident,” she told The Clare Echo.

Before Christmas, Carmel suffered a panic attack in a Clare store while shopping and has only recently returned to large supermarkets due to the spike in anxiety she experiences while wearing the mask.

CONTINUES Page 12

Carmel Quinn.

Photograph: John Mangan

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Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or niall@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

lDESIGNER: Nine year old Molly McPhillips, a 3rd class student at St Senan’s Primary School in Shannon, has won a competition

launched by Shannon Group to design a new biodiversity garden. Shannon Group has identified an acre of land in a prominent location on the their campus near the entrance to the Shannon Free Zone and Shannon Airport on which Molly’s winning garden design will be developed over the coming months Photo by Arthur Ellis

Now go there and back by bus KILRUS

Slice of €76m plan for Clare tourism

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LARE could be set to receive millions of euro worth of funding under the Shannon Tourism Master Plan.

Developed by Waterways Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and local authorities in the Shannon region including Clare County Council, the plan was launched earlier this month. It is estimated that it will cost €76 million across 10 years to cover the proposed works. Multiple towns and villages across Clare have been named for inclusion in the project. The plan aims to develop tourism in areas within 5km of the River Shannon as part of the wider ‘Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands’ tourism campaign.

Holy Island is one of the key areas for development with the construction of a visitor centre at Mountshannon with guided access to the island recommended.

The plan highlights the immediate need for tourism development in this area saying “It is strongly recommended that the recommendations of the VMP (Validation Master Plan) for Holy Island be expedited as soon as possible.”

The plan also suggests linking in Mountshannon Arts Festival with a proposed larger Shannon wide festival called ‘The Shannon Rolling Wave Festival of Arts.’

Other areas close to Mountshannon are also expected to receive tourism development such as Killaloe and Scariff which will be included in a feasibility study for a ‘Shannon Greenway’ that would link to Limerick via Clonlara, Ardnacrusha, O’Briensbridge and Tuamgraney.

Ardnacrusha power station there could receive a visitor centre. A feasibility study is again recommended for this project.

The creation of boating routes known as ‘Blueways’ connecting towns and villages through Lough Derg is also proposed.

In total there will be 140 separate developments along the River Shannon across the next 10 years.

The hope is these new attractions will promote the ‘Irelands Hidden Heartlands’ initiative, a project set up in April 2018 to mimic the success of the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’.

It is estimated The Shannon Tourism Masterplan will bring 500,000 more visitors to the region.

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

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'Nobody listening' to residents of Ashford Court PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

RESIDENT of Ashford Court Hotel in Ennis has spoken of their concerns over fellow residents while criticising the input of Clare County Council.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the resident voiced their frustration at attempts to have a meeting with Clare County Council in light of safety concerns at Ashford Court Hotel, "I tried to go to the County Council but nobody is listening".

Up to eight families are living at Ashford Court Hotel with their children ranging in age from one year old to nineteen.

Prior to Christmas, a winter initiative project was introduced by the local authority following "many representations and to address concerns re (sic) rough sleeping in Ennis".

Extra supports were added to Ashford

Court Hotel to facilitate and accommodate rough sleepers.

"This project has been most beneficial to

the individuals as they have a safe space and supports available to help them in this pandemic and to manage the intense period

l FRUSTRATION: Ashford Court Hotel

of cold weather we have been experiencing.

Essentially it is fair to say the availability of this facility has saved lives," senior executive officer in the housing section of the Council Siobhán McNulty told the March meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.

One individual living at the Ennis hotel criticised the addition of extra residents as part of the winter initiative project and referenced their criminal past and addiction issues. “Those people should be getting help not a hotel," the individual claimed.

Insufficient assistance has been forthcoming from the local authority, elected representatives and Mid-West Simon, the resident claimed.

"There is nobody listening to us, it is mind boggling what is going on".

McNulty highlighted the winter initiative project was not a long-term solution.

"It is expected that the roll out of Housing First and the re-orientation of existing facilities will lead to vulnerable clients being facilitated in alternative settings with the appropriate wrap around supports over time".

Use of hotel to house emergency FLYING THE FLAG FOR TULLA homeless persons 'inappropriate'

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

CLARE County Council have defended the use of Ashford Court Hotel to meet the needs of emergency homeless persons and described the system as "very successful" despite growing concerns from residents and elected representatives.

A former resident of the hotel is charged with the murder of a woman following a serious assault at the end of January which has brought the hotel under increased observance.

Clarity on the agreement on the operation of Ashford Court Hotel was requested at the March meeting of the Ennis Municipal District

by Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

Rooms are purchased off the private accommodation provider "to meet the needs of emergency homeless persons" with considerable demand" for emergency accommodation in Ennis. senior executive officer Siobhán McNulty responded.

Ashford Court is staffed 24/7 by Mid-West

Simon with each client in the homeless services assigned a caseworker.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Howard commented that Ashford Court was not an appropriate site to house emergency homeless individuals. "I didn't know we were putting homeless men there, I know we have an issue with homelessness. In an ideal scenario we should have no street homeless. Residents felt it was foisted on them. We had a very unfortunate incident in the town which people connect to Ashford Court".

Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) urged the Council to improve their communication on the matter.

Cllr Ann Norton (IND) agreed, "I am finding communication very difficult in the last few years, there is so much happening in our housing department and we seem to be the last persons to hear about these things".

Gardaí should be contacted over recurring concerns, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) felt. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) added, "One person can undo all the positive efforts of the Council".

l IRISH PADDY: Caoimh Lynch from Tulla celebrated St Patrick's Day in style

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Minister Ryan urged to hold off on plans to ban burning of peat and turf A BAN on the burning of turf and peat should be reconsidered in light of the continued lockdown, Clare's first citizen has said, writes Páraic McMahon.

Proposals to ban the commercial sale of sod turf and restrict the burning of wet logs, peat products and other manufactured fuels that did not meet strict low-smoke standards emerged in February from the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications but did not appear in the Programme for Government.

Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan (GP) has been urged to hold back on any plans to ban the "burning of turf, peat products or wood for the heating of homes" by the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

"This winter, fuel poverty became a serious reality for many Irish citizens due to being 'locked down' since last Autumn," the Ennis representative outlined in a motion before the local authority's March meeting.

Elected representatives have contributed some of their General Municipal Allocation (GMA) to assist Clare's COVID-19 community response forum who had uncovered a total of 375 families and individuals that are experiencing a fuel and food shortage during the pandemic.

With more people at home as a result of the restrictions, Cllr Howard flagged that one consequence included "food and fuel poverty". She said that peat, timber and wood products are "still imported to the country" so little impact would be noticed with regard to carbon footprint.

Although the selling of smoky coal is banned in Ennis and Clarecastle, the Mayor informed the meeting that people are still buying it "for the heat".

Strong criticism of the Green Party was issued by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). "I remember years ago, the Greens wanted to get rid of everything," the Shannon representative claimed. He added, "They're making it up as they go along, I would hope Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael cop on".

Council victim of cyber attack

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

NO SENSITIVE information was compromised after an attempted hacking of Clare County Council’s exchange server last week.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for the local authority confirmed that “suspicious activity” was discovered on its exchange server last week while applying Microsoft security patches.

Email access for all Council staff was stopped from Thursday until Monday of this week on the advice of cyber security specialists appointed by IPB on their behalf to allow a forensic analysis of their email environment be performed.

A spokesperson outlined, “The activity was related to identified Microsoft exchange server vulnerabilities. Clare County Council detected probing activity but no indication that any information was compromised”.

Following the examination from the cyber security specialists it was deemed safe to resume the Council’s email service. “The analysis showed no indication of a data breach or of any further malicious activity beyond the initial probing activity”.

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Vaccination centre to open in coming weeks PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

ACCINATION centres will be ready to the general public in the coming weeks.

Centres will open at Treacy's West County Hotel, Radisson Blu Hotel and Abbey Court Hotel under the joint governance of UL Hospitals Group and HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare to vaccinate the public of Clare, Limerick and Tipperary respectively.

Healthcare workers have been vaccinated at the Radisson Blu Hotel since Wednesday (March 3rd). A number of Clare frontline workers have been administered with the jab at the Meelick facility. It holds the biggest booth capacity (30) of the three hotels followed by the West County (20) and the

Abbey Court (15).

A collective total of 6,000 doses per day will be delivered when the three centres begin to operate at maximum capacity. The official opening dates for the centres will be finalised in the context of vaccine supply, clinical prioritisation and sequencing, and recruitment for the multi-disciplinary teams required to provide the service, and which will include vaccinators, pharma-

l HISTORIC: West County Hotel

cists, administration, ICT and support staff.

Prof Paul Burke, UL Hospitals Group's Chief Academic Officer and the Group Lead for the Mid-West Vaccination Centres described the drive to vaccinate the population as "truly historic". He stated, "This has given everybody concerned great hope and added motivation to continue with the vaccination programme".

"A standard template has been developed for these centres and the space requirement is very significant to accommodate the registration desks, vaccination booths and observation areas, along with all the ancillary spaces needed to cater for the throughput that can hopefully be achieved once the vaccines become available in sufficient quantities. We also had to consider the significant traffic management issues and the availability of car parking," Joe Hoare, Assistant National Director Estates explained.

Bishop Fintan appeals for public to avoid congregating for funerals

by PÁRAIC McMAHON OUTBREAKS of COVID-19 linked to funerals has prompted the Bishop of Killaloe to appeal to the public to offer their condolences in alternative ways.

Priests, undertakers and sacristans have relayed their concerns to Bishop Fintan Monahan over the size of crowds assembling outside funeral masses and at burials in cemeteries.

At present under Level 5 restrictions, 10 people are permitted to attend a funeral in the Republic of Ireland, the figure is 30 in the United Kingdom.

Undertakers have previously told The Clare Echo that the limit on persons inside the church is increasing the risk of people congregating outside.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Bishop Monahan warned that "flashpoints" proving to be particularly problematic include people converging on a family as a coffin is put in the hearse and also as the coffin is being buried at cemeteries.

Bishop Monahan stated, "Whilst it is such a positive and deeply ingrained aspect of our culture in Ireland to gather and offer condolences to the bereaved family, unfortunately due to the highly contagious nature of the coronavirus it is still not safe to do so.

While being sensitive to the needs of mourners for care and compassion at such a difficult time, many priests have expressed deep concern for the wellbeing of parishioners gathering in such a manner and I share that concern".

He added, "Clergy, parish personnel and undertakers have undertaken Trojan work with people in the context of these difficult, stressful and sad circumstances, and I commend them for that.

However, it is in the gatherings of genuine and well-meaning people, before and after the funeral Mass, when such occasions, that raise concern, can occur. People by and large are wearing masks at these open-air gatherings, but some choose not to. I appeal to people to take whatever precautions possible to maximise the safety of all.

"I earnestly appeal to people to find alternative ways to offer condolences at this time of pandemic, and for the foreseeable future until vaccination has all of us in a better place. Perhaps a prayer, a card, a phone call, a letter, a text, a message on social media, lighting a candle at home or in your local church, would be a safer way to offer consolation with a view to offering personal support in the near future. My prayers are continually for those who have been affected through illness and bereavement since the pandemic began. Let us all look out for each other, and together we will get through this difficult time," Bishop Monahan concluded.

l PRECAUTIONS: Bishop Fintan Monahan closing the doors of Ennis Cathedral

Photo by John Mangan

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THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Sewerage issues in 52 settlements likened to Armageddon’

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by CIAN O’BROIN ERIOUS issues relating to 52 unsewered settlements in Clare has been likened to Armageddon.

Ardnacrusha, Carrigaholt.

Barefield, Kilmaley, Doolin, Tubber and Moyasta are just some examples of settlements in the county with no public sewerage systems.

“This is Armageddon for rural Clare in my view. I’ve been in shock the last couple of weeks looking at all the vistas, particularly around rural Clare. I think the communication of Irish Water over what they have control of is something that needs to improve drastically. I have been contacted by people in Miltown Malbay who were out of water for two days,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) remarked at the most recent sitting of the Social Development SPC. In 2020, Irish Water announced its Small Towns and Villages Growth programme nationwide, with Clare receiving €2.754m in funding.

Senior Engineer for Clare County Council Cyril Feeney stated “One of the underlying issues with Irish Water is that they are really intent on fixing their current asset base, not building new ones. If you have an unsewered town or village, then you can’t invest this €2.75m. It has to have an existing Irish Water asset, be it a treatment plant or network, that would benefit from upgrading.”

A total of 52 settlements such as Broadford, Cree, Cooraclare, Kilbaha, Meelick and O’ Briensbridge have been identified in Clare where there are no public sewerage systems. These small towns and villages do not have a sewage network, with private settings consisting of a group of houses being an exception due to small, private sewage networks.

The Council have been unsuccessful to date in sourcing funding from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF), Irish Water and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for unsewered towns and villages. County Engineers believe that this is going to be a serious issue for planning into the future.

A discussion was held with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the hope of transferring the licence over to the Local Authority (LA) where a developer has gone bust or where the LA try to take over a non-functioning wastewater treatment plant. The hope here is for the council to assist in enabling the plant to meet its emissions values. The EPA are intent on dealing only with Irish Water.

“They don’t want to deal with 31 entities. Perhaps legislation is in their favour. We don’t have a legislative basis to deal with these underperforming or abandoned wastewater treatment plants. There are some omissions and elements that are falling through the cracks. As usual, the Local Authority being the only person standing, are left to pick up the pieces,” Feeney commented.

Killaloe representative, Cllr Tony O’ Brien (FF) believed that towing the line with Irish Water will be the demise of small towns and villages in Clare. “They have failed the Irish people”.

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THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

No third party objections were received for Parteen wind turbine PÁRAIC MCMAHON

R

paraic@clareecho.ie

lRENEWABLE: The wind turbine in Parteen

Photo by John Mangan

ENEWABLE energy developments should not be allowed proceed in the centre of villages, a South Clare representative has stated.

Clare County Council ordered for a wind turbine in Parteen to be taken down on Thursday last. They have given a deadline of April 8th for the structure to be decommissioned and removed.

Detail on the background to the awarding of planning permission "without any consultation with the local community," was sought by Cllr Pat O'Gorman (FF). He asked planning officials if they were satisfied "that set back distance guidelines of 500m

from residential property has been adhered to" and if an assessment on this took place before the green light was given.

Permission was granted for the turbine in January 2011. "At the time of assessment of the application there were no third party submissions received with respect to this development," Acting Senior Executive Planner Gareth Ruane outlined. An extension of the appropriate period of the application was permitted for an additional five years, he added. Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr O'Gorman admitted he tabled the motion before the enforcement notice was issued. "I was looking for a bit of background into reason why such a monstrosity would be built on the verge of Parteen village, beside a school".

"Why was it granted in the first place and how come the community didn't know it

was happening, it seemed to go up overnight".

The Cratloe native outlined, "I am not against renewable energy but I am against windmills and turbines in the centre of villages. I would encourage the planning department not to let it happen in the centre of Sixmilebridge, Cratloe, Shannon or Newmarket-on-Fergus".

Little detail emerged from the Council reply to O'Gorman's questions, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) observed. "There is an enforcement process in place so we might hold further comment until that has run its course". Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) added, "There is a place for these but it is not where it was, it needs to be looked at in the future".

Director of Economic Development, Liam Conneally said: "We will take on board the scale of what is proposed and its location".

‘A tragic dictatorship’ if policy passes

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE’S most experienced councillor has warned that the implementation of the new County Development Plan will be “a tragic dictatorship” unless alterations are made.

Dictionaries were cast aside by the quartet of Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), Cllr Susan Crawford (GP), Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) as they appealed to senior officials in Clare County Council to provide “a comprehensive, comprehensible and definitive explanation be given of the meaning of proper planning and sustainable development”.

Director of Service, Liam Conneally noted that no legal definition for proper planning and sustainable development is provided in the Planning and Development Act 2000 but that it stated they should be provided “in the interests of the common good”. He felt the definitions included in the Clare County Development Plan 2017-2023 were “comprehensive” although legal definitions did not exist.

Speaking at the March meeting of the local authority, Cllr Kelly offered his sympathies to the Director for “attempting to defend the indefensible”. He added, “The County Development Plan should be in the language of ordinary people” and said the High Court has used the word “comprehensible” on its guidance.

“We’ve let people down in the past and cannot do it again. If we don’t we will end up with tragic dictatorship,” the Lissycasey representative said.

Clarity and transparency has been lacking in the planning process for some time, Cllr Crawford maintained, “We are here with the deep philosophy to keep rural Clare alive, it has to be addressed with real consistency”.

Inconsistency clouded the process, Cllr Killeen felt. “The more I’ve studied proper planning and development, there’s no proper explanation for this”.

Clare will have a “bespoke solution” when it comes to sustainable development, Conneally stated. He said the NPF and “all other national guidelines” would be pushed to the limit, “we will be redefining what sustainable development is for Clare”.

“We will be taking a strong stance,” Chief Executive Pat Dowling pledged. “What we are trying to do is for the good of Clare, not to satisfy a national body.”.

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Tributes paid as Patrick O’Neill is laid to rest PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

RIBUTES have been extended to the late Patrick O’Neill, a champion athlete who later played integral roles with local charities.

From Church Drive in Clarecastle, Patrick O’Neill was the son of Paddy and Teresa. He died on Thursday last at the young age of 49 following a battle with cancer.

During his youth, Patrick excelled on the sporting field and was held in high regard by his peers. He was part of the Tony Forristal winning Mid-Clare team of 1986. He also collected minor hurling championship medals that year and in 1987. He was part of the Clare minor hurling panel which claimed provincial honours in 1989.

Patrick won a silver medal at the Community Games in 1986 in the 100m. He was Treasurer of the Munster Snooker Council up until his death and was also involved with the Clarecastle Folk Choir and the Clare Crusaders.

Through his work as an Airport Fire Police Officer, he was known and embraced by many colleagues at Shannon Airport. He joined the

Airport Fire Service in 1992. His working life began at the age of sixteen.

Speaking at Patrick’s funeral mass, Fr Pat Malone commented, “Our funerals are very different now to what they were in recent times but the sincerity, love and sense of care that people have for Patrick is still very evident”. ““All he did, he always did with perfection and tried to have it spot on. When it came

lATHLETE: Patrick O’Neill

Photo by Arthur Ellis

COVID-19 vaccinations are underway, bringing hope to our communities.

As more people are vaccinated, this should help reduce the harm caused by COVID-19.

GPs are currently vaccinating people aged 80 and over.

People aged 75 and over, and then 70 and over will be vaccinated next.

You don’t need to register in advance. As soon as your vaccine is available, your GP will let you know.

We are also making plans to vaccinate people with certain health conditions that put them at very high risk if they get COVID-19.

You do not need to register in advance or take any action at this time. Your healthcare team will contact you when it’s your turn to be vaccinated.

All vaccines are tested before they are approved for use in Ireland.

If you have questions about your COVID-19 vaccine, we have answers you can trust on hse.ie or you can call HSElive on 1850 24 1850.

Visit hse.ie

to doing anything, if it was done, it was to be done properly. He was a man of standards,” the Clarecastle parish priest added. “If you’re a Magpie you’re always a Magpie, you never give up if you’re a Magpie, of all the flags the bottom one is a Magpie one because that is what he was rooted in”.

Patrick’s smile was recalled by individuals paying their respects, Fr Malone noted. “I was looking at the RIP comments, they were one of the things I wouldn’t have seen until recently because I met the people and heard what they said. People are using them now that never did. Some beautiful comments mentioning his goodness and kindness but so many mention his smile and how it reeled them in and comforted them”.

Addressing the mass, Patrick’s son Kevin declared his admiration. “Dad’s are someone to look up to, someone to admire, someone to laugh with and someone to talk to and share everything life has to offer. I was so incredibly lucky to have shared all of this and more with my Dad Pat, I’m blessed to have a father like him. To say we loved my father is an understatement and to say we will miss him is a greater understatement.

Patrick is survived by his siblings Martin and Ann-Marie, his children Kevin, Simon and Jorrdan, extended family and friends.

NEWS 11

'Unequal development' in Killaloe

by CIAN O’BROIN UNEQUAL development in Killaloe between Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council is evident, a local representative has claimed.

Speaking at a meeting of the Social Development SPC of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) detailed that wastewater has posed serious issues within the town of Killaloe due to the treatment plant being located in Ballina. The Killaloe representative highlighted that the Ballina based wastewater treatment plant is currently at capacity. The current load estimate on this plant is for a 5,400-person equivalent, with the town of Ballina currently holding a 4,000-person capacity.

Senior engineer in the environment and water department of Clare County Council, Cyril Feeney added that upon approval, construction is not expected to commence until late 2022, resulting in an 18-month construction period.

“We work Irish Water to the best advantage that we can get for the people of county Clare. Make no mistake, we are not shy in telling them what we want.”

Subsequent to the meeting it emerged that Irish Water will apply for planning permission for an upgrade of the plant on March 28th. This will increase capacity to 8,800 for the treatment plant.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Terrifying memories evoked over mandatory face masks PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE woman who was a victim of a sexual assault in 1986 has said her anxiety from the ordeal has resurfaced due to the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Rape and sexual assault victims across the world have voiced their concerns at feeling the brunt of ‘mask rage’ in instances where they have not worn face masks during the pandemic.

At the age of 20, Carmel Quinn was the victim of a sexual assault in 1986. A keen cyclist at the time, she had left her home but her excursion on the bike was cut short when a vehicle overtook her and its driver stood in the middle of the road forcing Carmel to brake suddenly.

The driver in question sexually assaulted her in what she recalled as a “terrifying experience. When a stranger attacks you, you don’t know what they’re capable of. I thought it was the end for me, I’ve never forgotten his face, it is imprinted on my brain”.

Shocked and livid after the attack, Carmel made the decision to report the incident to the Gardaí “because I didn’t want him to do it to another woman” and they quickly apprehended him.

Her attacker managed to find out where she lived leading to months of “stalking and harassing”. She continued, “I was embarrassed to tell a lot of people, I was ashamed.

I was on high alert, the Guards tried to protect me but he always came back. There was a Court case which was an ordeal in

itself, he pleaded mental instability and got off light, I do remember the judge was raging but he couldn’t do anything”.

Weeks later, Carmel began to experience post traumatic stress disorder (PDST) for the first time including sleep paralysis. “It was a very traumatic experience, it is something you never fully recover from, it’s always part of your history and it does affect your life”.

Years passed and Carmel admitted to not having contemplated the assault for about 10 years until the mandatory wearing of face masks triggered her memories and anxiety by evoking a sense of powerlessness. “I

knew from my experience with an attack that if you have your face and mouth covered it restricts your air and when you wear a mask it triggers it all over again because it restricts your breathing and all of a sudden it triggers a reminder of that incident”.

She added, “I had to run out of Dunnes the other day because the queue was too long and I actually ripped off the mask before I got out the door”. Indeed she had been put off going to the shop because of the mandatory face coverings and flagged that many persons are reusing dirty masks including one man she witnessed putting on

lTRAUMA: Carmel Quinn Photo by John Mangan

a mask “covered in cow dung”.

Before Christmas, Carmel suffered a panic attack while in a shop, this she attributes to the fear associated with the mask. After pulling the mask below her nose, she was confronted by the store manager. “The manager approached me, confronted me and told me if I couldn’t wear the mask properly I was to leave the shop. He did it in front of other customers, they were looking. I went to the car and I cried for quite a while”.

This sense of ‘mask rage’ is inconsiderate, she told The Clare Echo. “People are saying horrible things to people like you can’t shop if you don’t wear one that they wouldn’t have dreamed of saying 13 or 14 months ago, upsetting things are being said because one person is unable to do one thing that most of the population can, a small minority can’t and they are not considered”.

Now married with two children, Carmel admitted she has no issue with keeping a social distance, using sanitiser or regular hand washing but flagged that bad memories have been conjured for many people through face masks.

She has only recently regained her passion for cycling and is wishing for a day when they will be a thing of the distant past.

“I want to be able to see people’s full faces in shops and I want people to be kinder to each other”.

If you have been affected by the contents of this article, please contact: Clare Haven Services. Helpline 065 682 9777 (24 hour helpline open 365 days a year); Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline 1800 341 900 (Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week); National Rape Crisis Helpline 1800 778 888 (operated by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

HSE must prepare for 'train coming down the track’ 94 social housing units delayed team of nurses, social worker, occupation- ral to the Community Mental Health Team.

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A WEST Clare councillor has stressed the need to improve the mental health supports on offer to young people with issues "exasperated" due to COVID-19.

Mental health services for children and adolescents run from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm prompting Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) to remark, "I understand there are constraints in every service but mental health issues are 24/7".

An Ennis based multidisciplinary team are responsible for the child and adolescent mental health services in West Clare, Chief Officer of Mid West Community Healthcare, Maria Bridgeman outlined. This team consists of a psychiatrist, junior doctor, a

al therapist, clinical psychologist plus a speech and language therapist.

Access is granted following a referral from the GP of a child or family and review by the multi-disciplinary team. "In cases where a child or young person is acutely mentally unwell and requires hospital treatment, in patient services are accessed through the CAMHS in patient unit in Galway. In this case the consultant psychiatrist from Clare would refer the child to the team in Galway who complete an assessment prior to admission," Bridegeman explained.

Cllr Murphy also sought detail on the mental health services provided by the HSE in West Clare for youths aged 18 to 24.

Individuals in this bracket "are considered adults in terms of Mental Health services and are seen as required by the General Adult Psychiatry Service specific to the person's address," Bridgeman responded.

Kilrush, Ennis, Shannon and Lisdoonvarna are the catchment areas for general adult mental health services in the county.

The services are delivered by multidisciplinary teams which consist of a consultant psychiatrist, junior doctor/s, clinical psychologist, a team of nurses including Community Mental Health Nurses who see people at home, occupational therapist and social worker. These services are also accessed through a GP who makes a refer-

Bridegman advised that lottery funding was approved for Sailing Into Wellness CLG "who provide a recovery programme named 'Sailing into Wellness' which accommodates 26 participants per course for both Adult and Young Service Users.

A portion of spaces on all funded courses are reserved for young people attending the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in West Clare".

Speaking at a meeting of the HSE Regional Forum West, Cllr Murphy queried if there was an improvement on the figure of 206 children waiting for a mental health appointment in Clare in 2019, 84 of whom were waiting for longer than a year.

"Have we had any research on the impact of COVID-19 on the demand for mental health services. 18-24 deemed to be adults, they are a specific subset and especially in COVID-19 it has really exasperated the situation for them. What will be required for services to provide for them. There is a train coming down the track and the consequences are not good," the Kilkee representative added.

Work continues at a local and national level in terms of a response to adults and children whose mental health has been impacted by the pandemic, Bridgeman stated. She added, "There is work ongoing in particular relating to the psycho-social response relating to mental health issues,

by CIAN O’BROIN

A TOTAL of 94 social housing units planned for delivery by the end of 2021 will now fall over into 2022 as a result of Level 5 restrictions.

Essential designation has been confirmed on two sites, Doonbeg and the Shannon PPP project. 276 units are currently in train at various stages under the Council’s Social Housing Investment programme, as well as 30 further units in collaboration with the associated housing bodies.

New capital targets on housing delivery will follow the five year multi-annual programme for housing delivery called Housing for All which replaces Rebuilding Ireland.

Director of Service with Clare County Council, Anne Haugh explained, “It will require nationally an additional delivery of 10,000 units per year for the programme. That is separate to leasing targets and affordable housing targets. It’s quite an ambitious and onerous programme by design.”

COVID-19 was flagged as having implications on the delivery of social housing units for 2021.

Clare County Council are currently awaiting confirmation from the Department on whether the Acquisitions Programme will be opening up, in order to make up the deficit. “Local Authorities want to be able to meet their build targets,” she told a meeting of the Social Development SPC. Strong sentiments against shared equity were provided by Trade Unions Representative Tommy Guilfoyle. “The Shared Equity Scheme puts 33 per cent more into the developer’s pockets.

It’s just another means of funnelling public funds into the private sector.”

13

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

in association with

Inspection of wheelchair parking spaces in Ennis to be undertaken

by PÁRAIC McMAHON AN INSPECTION of wheelchair accessible car parking space is to be undertaken in the county town.

All wheelchair accessible car parking spaces in the Ennis Municipal District are to be examined on the back of a motion from Cllr Mark Nestor (FF). He wished to determine if all spaces were in compliance with the Irish Wheelchair Association access guidelines.

Under these guidelines, all spaces should be located as close as possible to the main entrance of a store or facility and located on firm, non-slip level ground.

There should be a minimum of one accessible parking bay, then one accessible bay for every 15 parking bays provided.

Of these accessible parking bays, one in four should be designed to accommodate large multi-purpose vehicles.

A standard accessible parking bay should be 4800mm x 6000mm, this includes a 1200mm wide access zone on both sides and to the rear.

Senior engineer in the Ennis MD, Eamon O'Dea confirmed an inspection was to be undertaken and that councillors would be briefed on its inspection and assessment.

No timeline for the inspection was detailed at the meeting.

Concerns regarding adequate space for persons getting out of cars and accessing footpaths prompted Cllr Nestor to table the motion, he outlined.

"It is an issue," Cllr Ann Norton (IND) maintained. She flagged that wheelchair spaces dip from the movement of the gravel put under the parking space making an uneven surface, "this can be very frustrating or annoying for someone with a difficulty of movement".

Norton raised her annoyance with stalls in the Market on Saturdays taking up wheelchair spaces.

l Uneven surfaces are causing frustration

Provision of Ennis town bus service remains ‘absolute priority’ for NTA PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

TOWN bus service for Ennis is “an absolute priority” of the National Transport Authority (NTA).

From a “strategic perspective”, the NTA have informed senior officials in the Ennis Municipal District that the creation of a town bus service remains “an absolute priority” according to Director of Service, Carmel Kirby.

Ongoing communication between the Ennis MD and the NTA’s public transport service planning team who are responsible for the planning and design of the town bus service in Ennis continues.

Convenient access to key destinations in Ennis and offering a viable alternative to the private car forms the primary objective of the service, senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea stated. “The physical constraints of the Ennis urban environment present significant challenges to development of a

Co Library contract to be issued in July

by CIAN O’BROIN

A NEW contract for the construction of the Clare County Library is to be issued in July.

Details of the re-tendering for the library which will be located at Causeway Link in Ennis were circulated by the Social Development Directorate in recent days. "We would be hoping to award the contract around July 14", senior planner with Clare County Council Helen Quinn told a Social Development SPC meeting last week.

In July 2020, the appointed tenders Keating Construction entered examinership resulting in the termination of its contract with Clare County Council. It was found that debts to the tune of €30m have been uncovered at the company which was started in 1987. Liquidation was granted for the company at the end of January.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) welcomed the announcement.

"This is great news. This is a very important piece of Clare cultural infrastructure.

This library is a very modern interpretation of where people come for knowledge and sharing. Particularly it is going to be very important for second and third level students attending courses elsewhere and also the local History and Genealogical groups, bringing them all under the one roof with art."

Predicted costs of the project are estimated to be €14m, with €5m set aside by the local authority for the library building on Causeway Link in Ennis. "Some people are concerned about the costs, but if you consider that you will get 40 or 50 years out of a cultural building like this, the cost per annum is very small. It is a great investment," the Ennis representative stated.

strong customer focused bus path through the town centre requiring consideration of a range of traffic management and urban design issues,” he outlined.

Preparing a detailed transport planning case would shorten the lead in time to implementation to support operational costs if budgets become available, O’Dea added. €10,000 was set aside by Ennis Town Council for a town bus but the money “was never spent because a private operator applied for the licence,” Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) recalled as he pushed for an update. “This is of huge urgency for the development of the town, we have the population, we have a flat town, we tried to get funding for electric bus service but it was turned down, our suburbs are growing and our population is ageing”.

Families living on the outskirts of the town unable to afford a car would embrace the town bus, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) remarked. “We talk about sustainable communities and an accessible town, this ticks all the boxes”.

Stronger efforts must be made, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) felt. “We need to push harder for this. People on Lahinch Rd and

l A bus service is “urgent”

Tulla Rd are calling out for increased mobility. We certainly are entitled, our town is larger than Sligo who have a bus service”.

Construction of social housing on the outskirts of Ennis and its residents’ difficulties in accessing schools and shops also strengths the cause, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) believed. Up to 50 residential estates in town would benefit from the service, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) added.

Funding for the project would come via the Department of Transport, Kirby told the meeting. She said the NTA is “working very closely with us on developing this bus service,”.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Development of forest area at Slí na Mara boreen will be pursued PÁRAIC MCMAHON

D

paraic@clareecho.ie

EVELOPMENT of the forest area behind Slí na Mara boreen in Shannon is to be considered.

It follows a proposal from Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) before Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. Human and wildlife would be served if “this area with historic stone walls could turn into a lovely walkway or picnic area,” she believed.

Under the Green Infrastructure Plan for Shannon, there is a provision “for an upgrade of the existing track through the hill to an ‘off-road’ cycle/footpath route, and the retention of an open and wide walkway through the woodland,” senior executive engineer Tom Mellett responded. “The Shannon Municipal District Office is committed to delivering on this Plan and will continue to incorporate elements for funding under appropriate schemes”.

During a recent clean-up with Shannon Tidy Towns, 97

bags of rubbish were removed from the boreen and trees, Cllr McGettigan outlined. She spoke of the history attached with the area and the potential it bestowed. Nature is regaining control in patches of the boreen, she added and urged officials to make it a family friendly location.

Establishment of a neighbourwood scheme in Tullyvarraga Hill was recalled by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). He recounted the consultants that carried out the report associated with this were later awarded the contract. “When it came to completing that scheme which would have included walkway for pedestrians it was never finished. A lesson was learned by Clare County Council at the time, when consultants do report they should never follow up by doing the job”.

Flynn added, “The wood needs enhancement, it is the only wooded hillside in the town, those people with the stiff upper lip years ago had their habitats on these hills looking down on us. It is important to find money to complete the scheme”.

Senior executive officer, Jason Murphy informed the meeting the plan referenced by Cllr Flynn unsuccessfully attempted to secure funding to complete it last year but remains an objective. “We will try and continue to pursue until we find suitable funding stream”.

Lack of speed limit signs in Drumgeely causing concern

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

LACK of signage detailing a speed reduction in Drumgeely has stoked insurance concerns in the case of an accident.

An assessment of the exit for the Drumgeely Rd focusing on speed reduction signage coming off the N19 dual carriageway was requested by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND).

He cautioned, “The speed limit on the dual carriageway is 100 kilometres and there appears to be no visible signage indicating a reduction in speed as you exit on to the local road apart from a repeater sign of 50 kilometres located some distance away from the exit off the N19”.

Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellet confirmed that signs are to be ordered and will be placed at “appropriate locations on this road”.

“A concerned member of the public brought this to my attention,” Cllr Flynn told Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

He flagged that no sign on the speed limit reduction exists from the exit of the carriageway, “if someone was knocked down at the pedestrian crossing, from an insurance point of view there could be issues,” he warned.

Flynn’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Pat McMahon (FF).

lSLOW DOWN: Drumgeely in Shannon Photo by Joe Buckley

lWILDLIFE: Sli na Mara Boreen Photo by Joe Buckley

Arts & Entertainment 15

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Lahinch drama on course to be broadcast to international audience PÁRAIC MCMAHON

L

paraic@clareecho.ie

AHINCH and surrounding areas of North West Clare are on course to be screened to an international audience.

RTÉ bosses are said to be very pleased with the ratings of new drama Smother which was handed the coveted Sunday night slot on RTÉ ONE. “New drama, Smother, has proven to be a big hit with viewers on Sunday nights,” an RTÉ spokesperson outlined.

“The consolidated number for the first episode for Smother was 481,100,” the representative confirmed.

A spokesperson for BBC Studios has con-

Sixmilebridge man self-publishes collection of short stories

by CIAN O’BROIN SIXMILEBRIDGE security officer David R. Shires is relishing in the world of self-publishing, following the recent release of a collection of eleven short stories under the working title 'Horde.'

Originally from Exeter in the United Kingdom, David utilised the lock-

lAUTHOR: David Shires

lDISTURBIA: Dervla Kirwan plays Val

firmed to The Clare Echo that plans to distribute the show in both the UK and further afield are continuing. An announcement on where in the world Smother will be broadcast is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Filming of a second series of Smother is to commence in Clare next month while the drama and suspense of the opening two episodes have left viewers guessing how Denis Ahern died.

Clare’s coastline and scenery has been one of the big strengths of the show while online commentary has questioned why there is a lack of West Clare accents featuring in the series.

Ex Clare footballer, Lawrence Healy took to social media and posted arguably the tweet of the series to date.

“Ennis is the Yabbie Creek of Smother,” he tweeted as the Ennistymon man equated the references to the county town with that of Yabbie Creek in Australian soap opera Home and Away.

down as the perfect means of getting, what he labels "a 10 year vanity project", out into the open. Despite having no discernible overarching theme, the 11 fantasy based short stories contain a number of interconnected threads across place names and events.

"My favourite story from Horde is one called Family Duty. It's a cop story set in a futuristic New York City. He goes on one last mission. It ties in with his grandfather and father, who were policemen in the same area. His police station is above the ruins of the old one," David opined.

An avid reader, David draws influence from his two favourite writers, Stephen King and David Moody, each of whom harbour very different styles of writing. He feels he embraces Stephen King's descriptive use of language on the one hand, and Moody's care and concern for characters as the solitary driving force of the narrative on the other. He also references the lat-

ter's accolade of publishing the first serial series on the internet, akin to David's decision to bypass his co-owned company Maester Press and self-publish his first work for public release.

On top of working as a security officer at the Irish Aviation Authority, David operates a design company called The Image Designs, where he focuses on brand packages, delivered in 2D. Having studied illustration in Art College in Exeter 32 years ago, David found self-publishing a more natural means of getting his work out there. He learned to format books 15 years ago, when he established the now defunct Nightwatch Press. He is currently running a brand-new Clare based publishing house called Maester Press, with friend, marketing manager and author of Delphine, Bill Bradshaw.

Horde is available through Amazon. co.uk on Kindle, or Amazon.com for paperback. RRP €5. Visit: https://www. facebook.com/DavidRShiresAuthor.

Clare top of WRAP investment list

by CIAN O’BROIN CLARE has been making headlines in the film industry following confirmation that 2018 Kilkee shot feature film Calm With Horses has received four BAFTA Nominations.

Adding to that is the recent success of Lahinch shot TV series Smother (see above).

The Western Region Audiovisual Producers (WRAP) fund is a coming together of 10 different stakeholders across six counties, from Donegal to Clare. The Audiovisual industry refers to film, television, animation and games. It employs 1200 people full-time, with 326 companies across the region and is worth €56m to the region.

Director of the WRAP fund Sarah Dillon outlined that "Clare is top of the economic investment leader board. Projects coming into

Clare have received close to €570,000 of WRAP investment, just over 32 per cent of our pot. They have generated €4.5m of direct expenditure in the region.

What that means for Clare County Council is, for every €1 invested in the WRAP fund, we have invested €70 back into the county."

Sarah informed that the WRAP Fund has invested €2m in the audio-visual sector over the last three years.

“We have had two competing productions in Clare.

One being Calm With Horses which had a spend in the region of €500,000 and the aforementioned Smother Series One which spent €3.3m directly in the region.

The great news story is that Smother will start shooting its second series on April 5th. We expect a similar spend again, estimating that the show will bring expenditure of €6m into Clare”.

16 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

MOROCCAN MEZZE MAGIC MEAL

I

Kearney Cooks

AM A huge fan of North African food, and have even worked in a couple of restaurants that specialised in this style. It is a wonderfully aromatic world cuisine that I believe pairs fantastically well with Irish Ingredients.

It’s also a style of food that I love as it is fun to eat and is great for parties (remember them?), as you can present a lot of food like this Mezze style with lots of little bowls packed full of flavour that everyone can dig into. The dish I am doing today is a simplified version of one I did years ago in a Morroccan restaurant I worked in.

chopped.

YOU WILL NEED: • 400g prawns • About 10 black olives • Three cloves of garlic • A good bunch of coriander, parsley and mint • 1 lemon • 100g cous cous • 150g hot chicken stock • A handful of raisins • 1 chilli • 100g natural yoghurt • Some flatbreads to serve • Some olive oil • Half an onion • One tomato

Step 4 Make a little salad of sliced tomato (don’t use the tomato guts), half a chilli and onion. You can put some herbs through this if you have any left.

Step 1 Marinate your prawns in the olive oil with the chopped garlic and a third of your herbs that you will have roughly

R

ebecca O’Neill

Step 2 Make your cous cous. Pour your hot stock over your cous cous and raisins.

Cover with foil and leave it for 10 minutes. Run a fork through it after about five minutes. After 10 minutes top with a third of your chopped herbs and half a chilli that’s been sliced finely.

Step 3 Make a yoghurt dressing simply by stirring a third of your herbs through your natural yoghurt and finishing with a squeeze of lemon juice.

I

GROW.IE This organisation involves a community of people with experiences due to mental health problems. These people have come up with certain ways to help others with their mental health problems such as creating a programme called “The Grow Programme”.

Every week there are meetings involving this programme held across the country using their 12 Step programme to recover from various forms of mental health problems. Their main goals are to create hope for others and provide education for people.

This organisation offers programs within the community and in the workplace. The idea behind this is to increase the awareness of mental health and to show how important it is to maintain it.

Enjoy

Steve K

Step 5 Time to cook the prawns. Season with some salt and pepper first. Over a medium to high heat simply feck the prawns into a hot pan and cook for a few minutes, two or three minutes on either side until they are golden brown.

Just as they are cooked add a squeeze of lemon juice over them.

Step 6 Put everything into little bowls (the daintier the better) and lob them into the middle of the table with some flatbreads. Just horse into them.

Mental health awareness THINK it is so important to highlight these organisations so people know that there is always help out there. It is also even more important to show what these organisations do and what they offer.

Whether yourself or a family member may suffer from mental health, this week’s column could be helpful for you.

The above recipe is for two people, so if you are cooking for more just up the quantities.

Also the prawns on their own with some sourdough can make a wonderful starter.

Make sure to devain your prawns before cooking as well. If you are unsure how to do this just ask the lads in your local fishmonger.

I use CS fish in Ennis and they are very helpful.

As usual if you have any questions please feel free to dm me on Instagram, just search KearneyCooks. I do respond (just not always straight away).

This week, Rebecca O'Neill highlights Irish organisations offering a big help to the public with their mental health

Founder Con Keogh came up with the idea of setting up a special group specifically on recovering from mental health problems. This idea was born because, when he had his own mental health battle, he attended Alcoholics Anonymous even though he wasn’t an alcoholic.

Grow now has online support groups for anyone that may be struggling currently. These support groups contain people talking about their personally experiences and how they feel during this pandemic.

Website: Grow.ie Support line: 1890 474 474 Email: info@grow.ie AWARE.IE This is another very supportive organisation that offers help in all areas of mental health. They help you understand and explain why you might be feeling anxious or depressed especially during the current pandemic.

They offer information about bi-polar disorder, depression and anxiety. Dr. Patrick McKeon founded Aware in 1985 along with a small team of volunteers that had personal mental health experiences. Their own volunteers share their personal battles which allows other to realise they are not alone. This could even motivate you to share yours and help others relate to you.

You can watch videos of the volunteers stories on Aware.ie. Aware also holds a Zoom support group during this time.

They also offer a support line and a support email for anyone that might need it most. All information can be found on their website.

Website: Aware.ie Support Line: 1800 80 48 48 Email: supportmail@aware.ie

COLUMNIST 17

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With

In his column this week, Joe Melody reflects on the symbiotic nature of all types of farming in Clare

S

T PATRICK’S Day is traditionally the day where a lot of pastoral farmers across the county would target to let cattle and sheep out to grass.

It is heartening this week to see that prices for both cattle and sheep are buoyant and the inclement weather has failed to dampen a strong cattle and sheep trade.

Farming is an industry that functions best when every farming enterprise is flourishing. The dairy farmer relies on the beef farmer to buy some of his calves and older cows for fattening and that relationship is reciprocal. The livestock farmer relies on the tillage farmer to produce straw and cereal for bedding and feeding respectively.

In the case of the tillage farmer he often relies upon the manure from the cattle dung mixed with the straw to return fertility to that same soil he garnered those crops from. Farming is a network of interdependence I was a member of a panel of speakers on a webinar about agriculture and the environment recently. One of the declarations made by

a professor of Agri-Environment Policy was that we need a Land Use Plan for Ireland.

In full disclosure I would be vehemently opposed to this. I operate on the understanding that the farmer knows their own land better than anyone and further more to this it is within their gift to do what they will with their land as long as it does not harm anyone else.

On our out farm, we are bounded by the Shannon Estuary. There is a lovely green healthy river bank protecting the farm from the tides of the Shannon, through managed grazing and excluding cattle from it from October through to April, we have seen the population of wading birds and wild geese continue to grow due to the way these cattle keep the herbage levels at an optimum height for nesting.

This is an example of farming in harmony with nature, in the UK similar river banks were designated for rewinding through a Land Use Plan, what were the effects? An invasion of briars and gorse bushes along with plenty of weeds, this led to dry loose soil

DAIRY HERD: Cows return for milking in Bunratty this week

under the overgrowth which led to soil erosion and banks washing away.

Needless to say the loss of biodiversity was colossal.

Adopting a Land-Use plan creates a myriad of unintended consequences.

I have only spoken of one pertaining to nature and biodiversity.

How about its signalling of the ever further reaching arm of government into the life of the individual?

The most innovative sector currently is the tech sector.

It is also the least regulated.

Business functions best when there is less government in business and more business in government.

Back home in Bunratty, we have had to bring the dairy herd in by night as with the cold wet weather, they had not been as settled so we have moved back to grazing by day where possible to keep grass in the diet.

With grazing we have to be prepared to put the cows out to graze in late January and equally prepared to bring them in in the summer as weather can be so variable and what matters is maximising productive days at grass wherever those days happen to fall in the calendar.

There is light at the end of the tunnel

“T

HE news media are, for the most part, the bringers of bad news, and it’s not entirely the media’s fault. Bad news gets higher ratings and sells more papers than good news” Peter McWilliams.

This quote has been stuck in my head these past few weeks. As the country, led by its ordinary citizenry, have hunkered down and put in a monumental effort to get Covid numbers down, yet national media continues to centre its reporting on doom and gloom.

The focus seems ever present on the negative and very little celebration of the positive. At one point, we had the worst rate of infection in Europe in terms of daily Covid cases per capita.

Now, we are in the top three best daily performers consistently. Our death rate is amongst the lowest in Europe and hospitalisations are falling daily too.

This is in stark contrast to many other European countries where infections are once again rising. This should serve as a clear warning to us, however, to remain vigilant as the numbers can shoot up all too easily if we are not careful.

That said, let us be thankful that we’ve been able to re-open schools and look set to ease a host of other restrictions in just over a fortnight’s time.

Disinformation has, correctly, been identified as another major problem throughout all of this.

Whether than by anti-vaccine nonsense, or flat out Covid deniers, people perpetuating falsehoods that have led to people throwing caution to the wind and spreading infection are directly responsible for increasing the death rate.

I am unambiguous in that belief.

A key fight though, in

dispelling this false information, is the extension of hope to masses. Many of those who turn to misinformation, are doing so on the mere hope that what they read online is true and with it, the pandemic will just go away.

That despair and weariness after a year of lockdowns and daily figures, is understandable. Nevertheless, national broadcast and print media share a lot of blame in my opinion, for perpetuating the sense of helplessness and hopelessness that has driven normal folk into the hands of conspiracy theorists.

This was particularly prevalent last Monday,

“

Media currently has an agenda, as media has always done

“

With

when the Independent ran an alarmist headline on the morning of expanded school openings. At first glance, it did look worrying. The paper reporting that thousands of school age kids had been diagnosed with the virus.

But when you drilled into it, you could see that these cases represented less than 12% of all cases in the country over the 12 moths to that date.

Seeing as this cohort represents roughly 26% of the population, this served to prove that kids were much less likely to contract Covid than the adult population.

But this was not the narrative the paper ran with.

What is worse, this article was advertised as an exclusive. But two weeks previous, as the first school kids returned to classes, RTÉ had already reported similar figures in a similar manner. Not only was this not new information, but it

also was not even the first time it had falsely been used to scaremonger.

Yes, media currently has an agenda, as media has always done. That agenda is to sell papers or generate clicks online to boost advertising revenue. You cannot chastise them for that.

At the end of the day, all people working in news media need to be able to put bread on the table too.

But this is where local media up and down the country has really excelled itself over the past year.

Rather than jump on the fear bandwagon to generate clicks and sales, local press has focused on telling people’s stories and shedding the human angle of what the pandemic has meant for our communities. Bringing home the seriousness of the situation and this illness, while also showcasing the hope and perseverance of people.

A great example of this was the story in this paper of Feakle’s Dun Purcell and his recovery from the virus.

Rather than over-react to vaccine worries, the country should persevere with the determination we have seen in so many people reported on in the papers of local press over the past 12 months. The suspension of the Astra Zenica vaccine appears, on the face of it, a complete overreaction.

It is time we took a leaf out of the British playbook, knuckle down and get the job done. Let’s get vaccinated and get back to normal.

Too many of us have sacrificed too much to this point to throw that hard work away now. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

VACCINE: AstraZeneca

18 FEATURES

Forgiveness is key

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

G

OD'S mercy is precious. But forgiveness is the key that unlocks its floodgates. In praying for his enemies from the cross, Jesus not only gives us the example of how we should regard those who may have wronged us, but also demonstrates that no person is beyond the reach of prayer. If our hearts are to be truly moved by mercy and forgiveness then we will necessarily desire to do something good and loving about it.

We Must Forgive

Have you or someone close to you ever been hurt so deeply that you or they found it almost impossible to forgive the person or the people who hurt you? Forgiveness is never easy. We all love to be forgiven ourselves, but when we are asked to forgive others, we find that quite the challenge. When people hurt us, our natural inclination would be to seek revenge, to become bitter and resentful towards them, to speak ill of them, to dream up ways of making them suffer for what they did to us. But that is not the way of Jesus. He says we must forgive and He has shown us, through His own life, that He was not about to ask us to do anything, that He was not prepared to do Himself. But how difficult! And yet, Jesus tells us very clearly today, that if we don't forgive from our hearts, God will not forgive us. Can we imagine that? What would it be like if we asked God to forgive us and He refused, because we hadn't forgiven someone? I don't think we really like to consider this too much! We like the assurance, that, when we mess up, as we so often do, God will forgive us. But this is not the case, when we don't pass on the mercy and forgiveness we receive from God to others. God's forgiveness is taken from us. A sobering thought! All of us are in need of forgiveness; we all need to experience God's mercy. The message is clear we must forgive, no matter how difficult that is for us!

But how can we forgive when we have been hurt so deeply? It just seems like too impossible a task, and it is, if we just try to do it by ourselves. But we must always remember that we have been gifted with the Holy Spirit to help and guide us. When we can't forgive, when we are deeply wounded, when we have feelings of revenge, resentment and bitterness welling up inside us, we must reach out to the Holy Spirit and invite the

Spirit to move within us, so that we can forgive. Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a decision, an act of the will and can only come about through prayer. On our own, we can do so very little.

We just react to hurt with human responses, but when we pray, we invite the Holy Spirit to help us to do what is humanly impossible and that makes all the difference.

What we need to realize is that if we know anything of God's forgiveness and mercy in our lives, then we should forgive others. Forgiven people are forgiving people.

Thomas Adams said, "He that demands mercy and forgiveness, and shows none, ruins the bridge over which he himself is to pass."

Mercy and forgiveness requires you to treat people better than they deserve. Mercy and forgiveness drives you to show compassion to people you have good reason to ignore. Mercy and forgiveness leads you to care about people's pain even when these very people have caused you pain. Mercy requires forgiving those who have wronged you. Mercy and forgiveness insists that you seek reconciliation with those who have offended you. Just try being merciful and forgiving, it takes the strength of God to show mercy and true forgiveness, trust me on that!! When we ask for God's mercy and forgiveness, we are essentially asking him to relieve us of a heart that is in misery and pain.

And our hearts can be in a state of misery and pain not just from our mistakes and I know mine has been on many occasions, but also in misery and pain from the deep hurt caused by a broken relationship with a family member or friend, from the suffering of infertility, from the pain of a physical or mental illness, from losing a job, from being betrayed or abandoned, from the loss of a loved one that has died tragically, from spiritual or physical poverty, and so on.

But as Pope Francis said recently, "Let us be renewed by God's mercy and forgiveness, let us be loved by Jesus, let us enable the power of his love to transform our lives too; and let us become agents of this mercy and forgiveness, channels through which God can water the earth, protect all creation and make justice, love, kindness, truth and peace flourish."

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, let's ask ourselves: Is there anyone I need to forgive? Am I harbouring any grudges? Have I bitterness of resentment in my heart towards

any person?

Have I ever tried asking God to help me forgive those who have hurt me so deeply? Forgiving others doesn't mean we have to forget, condone or excuse what they have done. Some hurts we will carry with us always, but if we decide to forgive, we will not let those hurts fester within us. We will free ourselves of being weighed down by resentment, bitterness, the desire for revenge, those things that can eat away at us and enslave us.

Today let's invite the Holy Spirit to work through us to bring about a desire to forgive those who have wronged us. The following favourite prayer of mine might help.

"Lord, I thank You that You are so merciful and forgiving, slow to anger and quick to forgive. I want to be able to forgive, but sometimes I just find it so difficult.

I carry the pain of the hurts inflicted upon me around with me and when I think of those who have hurt me in my life, negative thoughts about them still come to the surface, even when I believe I have forgiven them. Lord, today I want to make the decision to forgive, but I need Your Help. Send Your Spirit upon me, to help me forgive and to free me from any negative thoughts I am carrying in my heart towards those who have wronged me. I know what it is like to need forgiveness, let me have generosity of spirit in forgiving others. Lord, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us" are words I pray often.

Help me to mean those words.

Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful and forgiving, so that I will never be suspicious or judge by appearances, but always look for what is beautiful in my neighbours' souls and be of help to them; that my ears maybe merciful and forgiving, so that I will be attentive to my neighbours' needs, and not indifferent to their pains and complaints; that my tongue may be merciful and forgiving, so that I will never speak badly of others, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all; that my hands may be merciful, forgiving and full of good deeds; that my feet may be merciful and forgiving, so that I will hasten to help my neighbour, despite my own fatigue and weariness; that my heart may be merciful and forgiving, so that I myself will share in all the sufferings of my neighbour. As you have been fed, go to feed the hungry.

As you have been set free, go to set free those imprisoned by guilt and sin, brokenness and pain. As you have been received – give. As you have heard – proclaim. As you have been forgiven - forgive.

And may the blessing which you have received from the Creator be always with you. Let me forgive so that I too may be forgiven. Thank you Lord for your mercy. Amen."

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Samaritans listened for 73,000 hours during the pandemic STUART HOLLY

S

editor@clareecho.ie

AMARITANS volunteers listened for almost 73,000 hours during the Covid-19 pandemic as thousands of people contacted the helpline for emotional support.

As this past weekend marks one year since restrictions began, Samaritans' Regional Director Rory Fitzgerald paid tribute to the 1,500 plus volunteers who ensured the helpline remained open for those who needed it most during challenging times - and urged people in need to keep calling.

"There is no doubt Covid-19 has impacted on everyone's life in some way and will have had a profound impact on people's mental health and wellbeing," said Rory, the charity's lead volunteer in the Republic of Ireland.

"Since the start of the pandemic our callers have been talking about the same issues - isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression, relationships, employment, financial problems, bereavement and mental health - but these have all been magnified.

Particularly in the current lockdown Covid fatigue has set in and isolation is a big concern with people asking: 'when will this end?' Callers are tired and stressed and in more recent times are afraid of getting Covid.

"Callers are also missing relatives and friends and the connection we used to have meeting up with others and that crosses all generations. It is hard for callers to stay positive.

"However, the dedication of our volunteers has meant our helpline remained opened 24 hours a day, seven days a week, despite many senior volunteers having to cocoon at home. Sev-

eral volunteers took on extra shifts to ensure there was never a time when our helpline had to close.

"Our key message to anyone who is struggling to cope is not to bottle it up. We urge anyone who needs to talk to reach out to a relative or friend or call Samaritans anonymously on freephone 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie."

Coronavirus meant Samaritans had to suspend its face to face and outreach services in March 2020, but volunteers continued to support callers through its freephone helpline and email. Others sought help via the Samaritans website and its new self-help app which helps people manage their emotional wellbeing.

Loneliness and isolation remained among the top reasons why people reached out for support, as well as mental health issues including stress and anxiety, family, relationship, financial or employment issues, bereavement, chronic pain, and illness.

The Samaritans self-help app can be downloaded at selfhelp. samaritans.org/ Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won't show up on your phone bill. Or you can email jo@samaritans.ie To learn more about Samaritans Ennis and Clare or to make a donation to Samaritans Ennis and Clare visit www.samaritans.org/ireland/branches/ennis/ . A donation can be posted to Samaritans Ennis and Clare Kilrush Road Ennis V95 V004 or you can donate electronically at https://www.idonate. ie/5275_samaritans-ennis---clare.html Samaritans Ennis and Clare social media: Twitter: @SamaritansClare; Instagram: Samaritans Clare; Facebook: Samaritans Clare

THE FOUR MUSKETEERS

lDOG'S BEST FRIEND: (L to R) Jerry, Ben, Rusty and Roxy chilling at the Moloney family home in Furroor, Kilmaley

FEATURES 19

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

GREEN CLARE

Five new pollinator sites for Shannon CIAN O’BROIN

S

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

HANNON Town is set to introduce five new pollinator sites as part of a pilot grassland management initiative, in the hope of enhancing bee and insect biodiversity.

The project is led by Clare County Council, Shannon Municipal District in conjunction with elected members from Shannon Town and community groups. Three webinars have been held with groups over the past month in relation to biodiversity and the Shannon pollinator zones.

In 2015 Ireland, North and South, developed a strategy to address pollinator decline and protect pollination services, this is called the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan and it is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre. 68 governmental and non-governmental organisations agreed a shared Plan that identifies 81 actions to make Ireland pollinator friendly.

Pollinators help to provide a balanced, healthy diet. A total of 100 crops provides 90 per cent of the world’s food, of which 71 of these are pollinated by bees. Ireland currently has 99 bee species: 77 solitary bees, 21 bumblebees and one honeybee species.

Bee numbers in Ireland have been rapidly declining since the 1980s, with 30 species currently endangered. This endangerment is a direct result of the loss of pollinator sites.

Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, explained that “this is an exciting pilot proj-

ect. It is a fantastic collaboration with the local community working with elected members together with cross departmental support from across Clare County Councils service areas. This approach will not only help in the enhancement of our green spaces in Shannon but will also contribute in a positive way to enhancing biodiversity and thus as a community helping reduce the effects of climate change”.

Dawn Adams of Shannon Tidy Towns stated: “To humans, a neatly manicured lawn looks tidy, but without being dramatic, to our wildlife it must look a bit like the apocalypse. It would be like us returning to a desolate earth with almost all our food crops wiped out. To change this, we have to move away from what we’ve become accustomed to and be open to a meadow look here and there”.

Renowned ecologist Dr. Frances Giaquinto was the driving force of the initiative, following the delivery of a series of biodiversity seminars for Shannon Town. These were supported through Clare County Council’s Heritage programme and involved the Environment Department, Rural and Community Development Department and Shannon Municipal District Office.

Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Officer, Environment Section explained that “not only will this initiative assist biodiversity enhancement and reduce effects of climate change it will help raise awareness in the wider community in Shannon about the simple changes homeowners can make to prevent and reduce their garden waste, as well as pesticide use”.

lDAISY DAYS: Wildflowers are vital for pollinators to survive

Delayed cutting at the pollinator sites until after April 15th is recommended by the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Timing of cuts is critical to allow wildflowers to emerge and each site will be monitored and surveyed throughout the pilot project to ensure that these timings are suitable for the individual sites. Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) and Cllr.

Donna McGettigan (SF) recently walked the proposed sites with staff from the Shannon MD Office to brief themselves on the project.

Support from Clare County Council’s Environment Department was acknowledged, lauding their input into the initiative through the removal of grass cuttings for

composting at the Central Waste Management Facility in Inagh.

It is a vital part of the process and when the areas are cut, the grass needs to be lifted to reduce soil enrichment and allow the native flowers to bloom.

Dawn celebrated that there will be five sites containing community pollinators introduced in Shannon Town.

Signage will be placed at these locations to explain to people that these sites are being managed for biodiversity. The objective is to “provide the community with beautiful wildflowers and provide pollinators with food and rest” and she highlighted that a bee needs rest and food every 30 meters.

20 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Lockdown Heros LOCKDOWN HEROES MADE LIFE BETTER FOR EVERYONE Clare Echo THE

STUART HOLLY

“T editor@clareecho.ie

HE power of community to create health is far greater than any physician, clinic or hospital.”

You could argue that the above quote (Dr Mark Hyman) has never been more inappropriate, with public life currently on hold as we await a jab to vaccinate us all from Covid-19.

However if the last 12 months has taught us anything, it’s that when our greatest challenges arise, the power of community is the one and only thing that keeps us all safe, and checks in on our most vulnerable.

The Clare Echo is proud to honour those selfless people in

our midst who represent the heartbeat of those communities in Clare. Those who checked in on neighbours they’d never met before; the ones who delivered food to people coccooning; the ones who nursed our sick back to health while risking their own health; and the ones who helped keep our children and families connected and saved them from isolation.

This small gesture in recognising some of Clare’s best, would not have been possible without the generous assistance of the business community, who despite challenging times continue to recognise the importance of community.

Thank to you the dozens who nominated a friend or family member. Although everybody couldn’t win a prize, each and every one of you has recognised a true winner in our lives.

Fiona Brennan, Clarecastle Dear Editor, I am writing to you because I would like to nominate my daughter Fiona Brennan who lives in Clarecastle, Co Clare as a lockdown hero and here’s why......

Lockdown March 2020. Fiona, a primary school teacher, put a letter offering her services and contact number through the letter boxes of those she thought might need help. In no time, she was shopping, delivering daily lunches and bringing medication to some neighbours in need. Meanwhile she was teaching online and planning her June wedding. (later postponed to August). But, Fiona never forgot her neighbours in need and still doesn’t.

I remember one day in particular while visiting home she upped and left at 12.30 to be home to deliver lunch on time.....all done with a smile.

Kind regards Anne Liston Fiona’s prizes: • 1 night B&B for two at the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point • €50 voucher for Brass Boutique

Assumpta Hehir, Ennis

Photos by John Mangan

HI, We in Éire Óg Inis think your Lockdown Hero promotion is a great idea.We would like to nominate our PRO, Assumpta Hehir as our Lockdown Hero.

Assumpta was mainly responsible for setting up the Éire Óg Volunteers, who, from the very first lockdown have been doing shopping, delivering the paper, getting medication and generally supporting the elderly and those unable to support themselves. There are over 40 volunteers still involved, all co-ordinated by Assumpta, in co-operation with Clare Co. Council. She also undertook overall management of the club’s response to Covid safety regulations from June 2020.

Jimmy Cooney Assumpta’s prizes • 1 night + B&B for two at the Imperial Hotel Cork • Wash, Cut & Blowdry at Ash Studio Ennis

Honourable mentions Kay O’Donnell, Clooney Nominated by Niall O’Donnell

Tommy & John Ryan, Ennis Nominated by Libby Fritz & George Lee

Rachel King, Ennis

Nominated by Siobhan King

Kelly Broderick, Clarecastle Nominated by Cian Broderick

Méabh Cole, Ennis Healthcare Centre

Nominated by Rebecca Molloy

NEWS 21

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Lockdown Heros

Clare Echo THE

Bernie Donnellan, Mullagh

Tina Whelan, Ennis Dear Editor My lockdown hero nomination is Tina Whelan from Ennis.Throughout the 3 lockdowns this woman has gone out into the community with a level of kindness and generosity you don’t see often.

When Sweet n Green cafe offered to cook up the ingredients they had left over Tina got into her car and delivered them herself with Fr Ger Fitzgerald to all those in the community who were cocooning. This went on for weeks and she never missed a day of it! Recently at Christmas she personally fundraised to buy food hampers for those in need and shopped in Tesco for days, organising the food into hampers and dropping them off at people’s homes where she knew they were badly needed.

At the same time she was helping the Simon

Community with their deliveries to the needy!

This woman during the pandemic has gone to Tesco late at night and actually asked them for the food they would otherwise be throwing out and delivered it herself to the needy! She is always ready with her car to drop and collect anyone who is without transport to go to the shop the doctors the clinic or hospital and never takes a penny for herself from anywhere!

This isn’t her job. she doesn’t get paid to do any of this. I don’t know anyone else in the world like this, Tina’s prize Yours faithfully • €100 Lourdes Murphy voucher for Liddy’s Eurospar, Roslevan

I would like to nominate Bernie Donnellan from Mullagh who is a Healthcare Assistant in E.G.H & who has worked like a trojan since the start of the pandemic.

Bernie is kind, caring, hardworking & has a bubbly personality which the patients just love & she always manages to make them smile. Her hearty laugh brightens up the ward & has kept me as her colleague going during many difficult days at work.

Bernie is caring, kind, warm hearted & just a fabulous person & is so deserving of one of your great prizes.

Kind Regards Catherine Hassett Bernie’s Prizes • Spa treatment + afternoon tea for two in the Falls Hotel Ennistymon • €50 voucher for The County Boutique, Ennis

Darryl Eade, Ennis

Dear Editor, I would like to nominate Darryl Eade from Ennis as a lockdown hero.

Over the past 12 months Darryl has found innovative ways of connecting with primary schools across Clare. As a teacher in The Holy Family, when faced with lockdown, Darryl wanted to connect with his students and created ‘Progress TV’. Progess TV was such a success that by the end of lockdown it had reached primary schools across the

county and beyond. His idea brought joy to hundreds and made lockdown a lot easier for students and parents.

He has continued to connect the community and raise money for charity with his band The Circus Ponies. They raised over €2000 for Pieta House with a video which promoted the town of Ennis and brought the community together at Christmas time.

Since then, he has started another project called ‘Here Comes the Sun’

which will promote mental well-being by capturing lockdown moments which aim to bring hope to the community.

It is safe to say that Darryl Eade has earned the title of Lockdown hero for the many reasons. He is an inspiration to his class, school and wider community and is very deserving of the title ...’Lockdown Hero’.

Many thanks, Darryl’s prize €100 voucher for Moira Murrihy Patrick Bourke Menswear

AMAZING OFFERS

each

W 021 -

22 COMMUNITY

Community COROFIN

MOUNTSHANNON

LGFA DRAW

IRISH LANGUAGE INITIATIVE

Corofin Ladies Football Club are giving you a chance to win BIG with our new 50/50 CASH Prize Draw. The draw which will take place monthly, will be facilitated and overseen by the kind co-operation of Minihane’s Centra, with entries costing €2, and if you’re lucky, you could nab 50% off the takings with the rest going towards the Corofi​n Ladies Football Club. Tickets available at Minihane’s Centra.

Regeneration: Our Irish Language Heritage; An invitation to the Mountshannon and East Clare community. Mountshannon Arts, in collaboration with the local Conradh na Gaeilge branch, Craobh Oirthear an Chláir, are launching an initiative in which people are being asked to send in their favourite Irish phrases and words to Bernadette at: scairbh@cnag.ie or mountshannonfestival@gmail.com

SHANNON YOUNG FILMMAKERS

Among the finalists of Ireland’s Young Filmmaker of the Year 2021 is 18-year-old filmmaker Asha Murray Bennett from Shannon, with her film 'Toothbrush Connoisseur'.

"The film is about someone collecting toothbrushes in unhygienic places, out of gutters or outside toilets or another instance is taking the toothbrush out of a dogs mouth and brushing the tooth brush through her teeth, with the end result of making the audience feel uncomfortable and to evoke feelings of discomfort when watching it,” Asha said.

Another film through to the finals from Clare was 'In the Mirror' by 16 year Tara Lowth

who attends St. Anne's Community College and is from Killaloe, Ballina, Co Clare.

Speaking about her film,Tara commented, "The film explores how social media is shaping young people into materialism and leads to them not accepting themselves which deteriorates young people's mental health The film was challenging to make during COVID because our group couldn't get together to work and we had to work on our own at home and it was hard to edit but in the end we pulled through."

All the films shortlisted will be screened at Fresh International Film Festival 2021 taking place online from March 22 to March 28.

INCH NATIONAL SCHOOL

NOW ENROLLING for School Year 2021 - 2022

Contact us on email reception@inchns.com Or telephone 065 6839353 Follow us on Instagram @inch.ns and Facebook @ Inch National School for an insight into daily school life On site preschool –for enquires contact: inchpreschool@gmail.com

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

l GREEN: (all photos) Children from Junior Infants at Educate Together School in Ennis celebrate St Patrick’s Day

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

MOTORING

MOTORING

23

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SKODA’S ELE CTR I C EN YAQ I S A LREA DY S O L D O U T

I

RELAND’S love for Skoda seems to know few bounds.

Having opened the (virtual, natch) order books for the new electric Enyaq iV crossover back in November, Skoda Ireland has just confirmed that the model is all sold out for 2021.

280 Enyaqs — ten more than originally planned — will be coming to Irish shores this year, as Skoda starts to build up production at its Mlada Boleslav factory in the Czech Republic, and even though the first examples won’t be arriving until June, each one has already been allocated to a ready and waiting customer. Which goes to show that when you put the public appetite for Skoda together with that for electric cars, you get a bit of a sales tsunami.

John Donegan, Skoda’s Ireland’s brand director said: “Within 25 minutes of opening the online ordering system we received 100 online deposits. This achievement is even more remarkable when you consider the Enyaq iV has not begun production and hasn’t been test-driven by any customers. I would like to thank those customers for placing their trust and confidence in the Skoda brand. Our job now is to secure production to deliver these vehicles to our customers as early as possible. For prospective customers who missed out, we expect production to ramp up at the end of

this year for improved supply in 2022.”

While Irish customers haven’t yet driven the Enyaq, the Enyaq has been driven in Ireland — Skoda brought some prototype versions to Ireland early 2020 to finalise the car’s chassis and performance settings.

The Enyaq shares a chassis with the upcoming Volkswagen ID4 crossover, and will initially be sold in two variants. The Enyaq 60 comes with a 62kWh battery pack, and has a claimed WLTP range of 390km, while the more expensive Enyaq 80 gets a larger 82kWh battery and a range of 500km (although some Skoda insiders have hinted that it may manage 550km if you go gently with it).

Prices will start from €46,570 before grants and rebates for an Enyaq 60, and that includes three year’s servicing,

and replacement tyres for three years. The maximum available grants and rebates come to €7,800 so you could potentially put a new Enyaq on your driveway for €38,770.

You’ll just have to wait until 2022, is all.

THE

ALL-NEW ŠKODA

KAMIQ

FROM €22,630

Introducing the all-new KAMIQ, ŠKODA’s first crossover. You’ll instantly be drawn to the unmistakable bold design combining a practical, roomy city car with the advantages of an SUV. You will effortlessly rise above the city’s everyday hustle and bustle as you enjoy the wideranging comfort features and cutting-edge connectivity. This small, robust urban vehicle offering perfect value for money will be a great companion, whether you’re a couple or a family, or on the lookout for a second car.

Al Hayes ŠKODA, Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie Price excludes delivery & related charges. WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined fuel consumption for KAMIQ in l/100km range from 4.8 to 6.8. WLTP combined CO 2 emissions in g/km range from 116.3 to 153.7. Image for illustrative purposes only.

24

MOTORING

MOTORING

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

F-PACE Jaguar now in stock at Lyons of Limerick T HE 211 Jaguar range at Lyons of Limerick is an exciting combination of Plug in hybrid fuel economy and Jaguar Performance.

The Jaguar F-PACE is a luxury performance SUV which brings together award-winning design, Jaguar performance and intuitive technologies to make every journey feel extraordinary.

F PACE blends exhilarating performance with intelligent driver technologies. Jaguar has considered every detail of the interior to create a tranquil sanctuary for you and your passengers. Premium materials, new colourways and improved seat comfort are found throughout Jaguar F PACE and Jaguar F PACE R Dynamic’s all-new interior.

F PACE is powered by a range of new mild hybrid petrol and diesel engines, with the option of the all-new Jaguar Plug-in Hybrid, for those seek-

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MOTORING

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

MOTORING TRENDS IN THE IRISH MOTOR MARKET

W

ITH recent changes on motor tax and a renewed focus on electric cars, it is an interesting time to take a minute and explore the key motoring trends in Ireland.

Every year, the Department of Transport releases vehicle and driver statistics and the latest report has revealed a few surprises.

Prior to the the social distancing measures, you might have noticed that there were more cars on the roads across the country. In fact, there are 2,174,779 private cars registered here in Ireland – the highest number since records began.

With net inward migration increasing by 33,700 people in 2019, it is no surprise to see the number of private cars increasing.

Despite a lot of talk about clean cars and zero emissions, it is surprising to see such a small take up of electric cars. Only 3% of new cars purchased in 2019 were classified as electric.

Range anxiety still appears to be an issue and the poor recharging infrastructure is not helping matters either.

With many major car brands halting the development of new diesel engines, it is welcome to see drivers opting for petrol and hybrid/electrical cars when new car registrations are reviewed. New private cars with diesel engines accounted for 47% of all new registrations in Ireland in 2019 vs 54% in 2018.

Currently, diesel accounts for 56.8% of all private cars in Ireland and that figure is expected to drop dramatically over the next decade. The Irish government has set itself the goal of ridding Ireland of all diesel and petrol cars by 2030.

We all remember the nervous time when we were learner drivers! Currently, 7.65% of all drivers in Ireland are classified as Learners.

The driver testing service has been suspended until further notice following the public health advice in relation to Covid - 19.

When tests resume, it is expected that the waiting times will be much longer compared to last year.

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26 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Shannon Technical Services to triple workforce by 2022 PÁRAIC MCMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Technical Services have announced plans to increase its workforce by 80 within the space of two years.

With a current tally of 40 employees, Shannon Technical Services (STS) have outlined their intention to see this increase to 70 by the end of the year and then up to 120 in 2022.

Established in February 2019 by Ben Whelan and Colm Ó Ceallaigh, STS primarily provides services to the aircraft leasing market and to airlines when an aircraft is being delivered off lease and redelivered back onto lease, known as aircraft transitioning.

Whelan started his career with Shannon Aerospace before moving to other areas within the aviation sector.

Located in the Shannon Free Zone, STS are involved in the technical and physical inspection of the aircraft and the technical records and documentation associated with the transition of an aircraft off lease.

At present, the company is in the process

of obtaining Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) approval from the Irish Aviation Authority.

Having started out as transition consultants, its services now include mid-lease inspections, engine management, structures review, and materials services.

Chief Operating Officer, Don Salmon described STS as an Irish-based company with global ambitions in an industry that is heavily based on regulated and high-quality output. Partnerships with companies in Brazil, Mexico, Scandinavia, UAE, India and China have been created by STS.

l GLOBAL AMBITION: The Shannon Technical Services premesis

"We have a team of 40 based in Shannon who interface globally with a larger pool of STS consultants; we've had over 300 consultants engaged on the various lease transactions and mid-lease inspection projects over the past year. The use of indigenous consultants was, in the main, necessitated

by COVID-19 travel restrictions but doing so has enabled us to gain new contacts with new levels of experience, resulting in significant growth," Salmon outlined.

Salmon started as an apprentice in Shannon Aerospace in its embryonic days. Following stints in Germany with Lufthansa Technik and as an independent contractor, he returned to Shannon to occupy positions as interior shop manager and project manager for one of Shannon Aerospace's heavy maintenance lines, followed by further moves in the sector prior to joining STS. He detailed the significance of the aircraft leasing market. "It accounts for fifty per cent of the world's fleet, involving circa 11,000 aircraft with a current value of $325 billion.

This is projected to grow post pandemic as leasing frees up capital expenditure in the airline through passing over the management of the residual value risk back to the lessor, who are best placed to manage that risk".

Public consultation on future strategy for the Cliffs of Moher MEMBERS of the public, community organisations and tourism stakeholders across Clare are being asked for their input on the formulation of a long-term strategy for the Cliffs of Moher.

Clare County Council is working with a multi-disciplinary consultancy team led by Haley Sharpe Design to prepare the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040. The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is the most visited natural attraction in Ireland attracting 1.6m visitors during 2019. The popular visitor site is also a signature discovery point on Fáilte Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, a main Geosite of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark, a Special Protected Area for Birds and Wildlife and is a wholly owned tourism asset of Clare County Council.

Mayor of Clare, Councillor Mary Howard commented, “With the public’s support, Clare County Council aims to identify and address key challenges and opportunities for the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and the wider Clare tourism sector during the coming months. The public’s participation in the preparation process is crucial so that the proposals can address everybody’s aspirations for the Cliffs and the benefits it can bring to the county.”

The focus of the strategy development process to date has been on extensive preliminary research, on-site investigations and desktop studies to understand the challenges facing the Cliffs of Moher and to identify potential opportunities for helping to realise future aspirations.

“We now need local communities, organisations, schools, businesses, and residents, to be involved and help us,” explained Leonard Cleary, Director of Rural Development, Clare County Council. “The collective feedback that we receive will play an important role in confirming key issues for the future

development at the Cliffs.”

Mr. Cleary noted that the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience has important economic benefits for Clare and the revenue it generates also supports other tourism projects across the County’s four Municipal Districts.

“The strategy is focused on creating world-class experiences, enhancing the special qualities of the site and growing the Cliffs of Moher's contribution to the county in a sustainable way,” he explained. “The Strategy is a joint initiative between Clare County Council and Fáilte Ireland and it will inform future developments at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience. Capacity issues, a requirement for upgrade and investment sparked the necessity to set out a sustainable future for the site and to maximise the economic benefit to County Clare for the next 20 years and beyond.”

Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, described the public consultation process as “comprehensive” and added it is intended that a “wide net will be cast to enable participation in this listening process.”

Ms. Enright said the consultation will take many forms including online workshops, feedback sessions, focus groups, written submission and surveys. "There will be many opportunities for the public and interested stakeholders to have their say and these will be widely publicised throughout the county,” she stated. “This process will begin in late April or early May with display information and online question and answer sessions to ensure conversation and stimulate debate on the key issues.”

Full details of how the public can participate in the consultation process for the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040 will be published in the local media and online at www.cliffsofmoher.ie in late March.

RECRUITMENT 27

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Brexit remains 'high risk' for Clare businesses

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

B

REXIT continues to be a "high risk" situation for businesses located across the Banner County.

Staff of Clare Local Enterprise Office are continuing to advise businesses across the county on the potential impact of Britain's exit from the European Union on the running of their business.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Economic Development SPC, Head of Enterprise at Clare LEO, Padraic McElwee admitted, "Brexit remains high risk. We are picking up a lot of issues on supply and delay".

He continued, "The challenge with Brexit is there is no one big single issue, it is a composite of issues affecting businesses".

At present, Clare LEO are asking businesses where they stand and assessing their supply chains, he advised. Engineering companies have had a particular impact when it comes to getting steel, McElwee outlined.

"We don't want Brexit to become another issue when retail opens," he explained of their efforts to engage with Clare businesses on the matter.

Addressing the meeting, McElwee confirmed that applications for grant funding were approved by Clare LEO in 2020 with €652,000 awarded. So far in 2021, eight applications have been granted as small businesses launch expansion plans and look to bring in machinery, "there is no particular trend but some businesses are becoming suppliers to multi-nationals from Brexit".

Up to €965,000 was awarded last year under the trading online voucher with 401 businesses receiving financial assistance

to upscale their online operations. At the beginning of this month, 45 businesses availed of the voucher, many of whom made applications in December with "continuous interest" expressed by Clare enterprises as online capability was marked as a big trend. In total, €27.7m was issued as part of COVID supports.

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) highlighted that enterprises in Miltown Malbay did not qualify for some of the schemes. He noted the absence of the Willie Clancy summer school was a big blow, "the people in Miltown tell me they make enough in that week or ten days to keep them going for a year".

Director of Economic Development, Liam Conneally detailed that the majority of funding was channelled through to businesses under different grants, "all of that was handled by Clare County Council through the Finance Department". He added, "There was a huge amount of work involved in channelling that funding back to businesses locally, I have to acknowledge Noeleen Fitzgerald and her team".

l CHALLENGE: The community hall in Miltown Malbay

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28 PROPERTY

THURSDAY, MAR18 2021

Thinking Of Selling?

DNG O’Sullivan Hurley have sale agreed 17 out of the last 20 properties in Ennis and the Surrounding Areas.

That is 85% of the most recent sale agreed properties completed by DNG O’ Sullivan Hurley as per DAFT.ie *

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PSL No. 002295

PROPERTY 29

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

8 WOODHAVEN, ENNIS

70 LIOS ARD, ENNIS

LE D SA REE AG 47 GARDEN VIEW CLARECASTLE

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37 SHANACOON, SHANBALLA

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19 GORT NA RI , ENNIS

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LE D SA REE AG 105 WOODHAVEN, ENNIS

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11 WATERSIDE, ENNIS

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MEET YOUR

LOCAL PROPERTY

EXPERTS

DOUGLAS HURLEY

CORMAC O'SULLIVAN

JOHN CLOHESSY

30 PROPERTY

THURSDAY, MAR18 2021

Property prices have increased 88 percent from lowest point at recession

P

ROPERTY prices nationally have increased by 88 per cent from their trough in early 2013, the CSO has reported. While activity is at among its lowest levels in recent history, house prices in the Midwest have risen by 0.3 per cent in the year to January. This represents the lowest rise in house prices compared to other regions (outside Dublin), with the largest rise in house prices occurring in the West at 5.5 per cent.

The cost of buying houses and apartments increased by 2.6% nationally in the year to January. This compares to an increase of 2.2% in the year to December and an increase of 1% in the twelve months to January 2020. Outside Dublin, house prices were up by 3.8% and apartment prices up by 7.5%.

House prices have Dublin residential property prices have risen 94.8% from their February 2012 low, whilst residential property prices in the Rest of Ireland are 89.3% higher than at the trough, which was in May 2013.

Trevor Grant, Chairperson, Association of Irish Mortgage Advisors (AIMA) said: “The figures reflect the strong demand across Ireland’s property market, particularly from first time buyers.

“The slowdown in construction at the beginning of this year will compound the dearth of supply and intensify competition. Our members are advising prospective homebuyers

that planning and preparation is key if they want to ensure they give themselves the best possible chance at buying the home they desire.

“Lenders offer mortgage approval in principle to successful applicants, which is generally valid for six months. Once this is secured, a potential homebuyer is then poised and ready to make an offer whenever they find a

suitable property.”

Overall, the national index is 15.7% lower than its highest level in 2007. Dublin residential property prices are 21.3% lower than their February 2007 peak, while residential property prices in the rest of Ireland are 17.8% lower than their May 2007 highest.

Mr Grant pointed out that it is difficult in the current climate, given the restrictions around viewings and warned that as restrictions lift over the coming weeks and months, he expects to see mortgage and property market ramp up in terms of activity.

“My advice to anyone looking to buy a home in the coming months, would be to get their affairs in order ASAP," he said.

Further steep decline in activity, but confidence hits one-year high

T

HE Ulster Bank Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index® (PMI®) – a seasonally adjusted index designed to track changes in total construction activity – remained well below the 50.0 no-change mark in February, despite rising to 27.0 from 21.2 in January, signalling a softer pace of reduction. Index readings above 50 signal an increase in activity on the previous month and readings below 50 signal a decrease. Respondents indicated that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions had been behind the decline in activity.

Commenting on the survey, Simon Barry, Chief Economist Republic of Ireland at Ulster Bank, noted that: “The latest results of the Ulster Bank Construction PMI survey point to a further steep contraction in Irish construction activity in February as the headline PMI remained significantly below the 50 no-change level for a second month in a row. While the pace of decline wasn’t quite as severe last month as in January, the considerable weakness in the February results clearly indicates that the pandemic-related restrictions continued to weigh heavily on activity patterns and staffing levels across the sector.

“The New Orders index also remained firmly in contraction territory in February thus signalling that activity is likely to remain under significant pressure in the near-term amid the ongoing restrictions which will continue to depress activity in March. However, despite the extent of the current challenges facing the sector, the February results were also notable for a sizeable pick up in confidence about the

outlook further ahead. Sentiment picked up to its highest level in twelve months as almost half of surveyed firms anticipate an expansion in activity over the year ahead, with confidence bolstered by expectations for a release of pent-up demand as headwinds from the pandemic fade.”

Widespread reductions in activity

The three monitored categories of construction all continued to record sharp contractions in activity, albeit with housing and commercial work falling at softer rates than at the start of the year.

New work down sharply again

In line with the picture for construction activity, new orders continued to fall sharply during February due to the COVID-19 lockdown. More than half of all respondents sig-

nalled a reduction in new business.

Business confidence at 12-month high

While activity and new orders decreased substantially again, there was growing confidence that the coming year would see an expansion in activity amid the release of pentup demand once the pandemic comes to an end. In fact, optimism strengthened to the highest since February last year. Around 48% of companies predicted an expansion of activity.

Despite confidence in the year-ahead outlook, current restrictions meant that firms required fewer inputs and staff members midway through the first quarter. Employment decreased for the second month running and at a broadly similar pace to that seen in January. This was also the case with input buying, which fell substantially.

Those firms that did purchase inputs during the month were faced with delivery delays and rising prices. Suppliers' delivery times lengthened to a slightly lesser extent than January's survey record, but one that was considerable nonetheless. Brexit was the principal factor for delivery delays, according to panellists, while there were also some mentions of supply-chain disruption due to the pandemic.

Supply issues and Brexit combined to cause a sharper increase in input costs, with the rate of inflation the fastest in 23 months. A number of firms highlighted rising metal prices. Overall, 43% of respondents signalled an increase in input costs during the month.

PROPERTY 31

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

Quin Co. Clare

Asking price: Residential Development Site €850,0000 For Sale by Tender  1.91 Hectare (4.72 acre) Residential development site in the

heart of Quin Village.  The site is located on the left hand side of the road to the

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northern boundary of the site and there is an access road running along the eastern boundary to an existing residential development.  The site is made up of Folio CE10484F The land is zoned R1 Residential in the Ennis Municipal area development plan 2017 to 2023. Services are adjacent

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It’s not just about property. It’s about people

PSRA No. 001212

Sport Clare Echo THE

18-03-21

pg 32

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

Clare GAA urged to explain supporters club expenditure PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE GAA have been urged to “address the story” questioning the manner in which funds were raised and spent by the Hurling Supporters Club between 2012 and 2015.

Both The Sunday Times and The Sunday Independent reported that Clare GAA had no oversight of the funds raised by the Clare hurling supporters club during its four year existence while Davy Fitzgerald was manager of the county senior hurlers.

Fitzgerald has said “every single cent raised was accounted for, every detail presented to the audit committee” of the workings of the supporters club. Between 2012 and 2013, €65,000 was raised by the group according to a document it circulated to potential donors.

Clare hurling fans attend the All-Ireland semi-final against Galway in 2018 Photo by Martin Connolly

A statement from Clare GAA PRO Michael O’Connor on Friday

detailed that the financial activity of the supporters club “has noth-

ing to do with the County Board”.

The Crusheen man noted that the intention of the supporters club was to raise funds in Ireland and the US “to help defray the costs for the Clare senior hurling team” and that it remained in existence from 2012 to 2015.

O’Connor highlighted that supporters clubs have been involved with Clare GAA for many years and always operated independently. “Each supporters’ club would have its own independent committee and would have nothing to do with the county board or with the clubs,” he stated. He said that these clubs “do their own accounting.

Each year, or most years, they often present a cheque to the county board before the county final”.

Subsequent to the Hurling Supporters Club, Club Clare was established. Noeleen Fitzgerald during her tenure as Treasurer gave a detailed breakdown of its financial year at previous County

Conventions when Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor were joint managers of the senior hurling team.

Speaking at the Monday’s meeting of the Clare County Board, Tulla delegate Brian Torpey urged Clare GAA to avail of the services of its auditors who are Fitzpatrick O’Dwyer & Co located in Limerick “to investigate this terrible story in the media about the supporters fund, the money where it is gathered and spent”.

Torpey expressed his confidence that nothing untoward occurred.

“I have no reason to see it was spent inappropriately”. The former primary school principal added, “The only way to kill rumour is through fact. Let’s address this story and not wait for this committee, let’s bite the bullet”.

No other delegate or any member of the County Executive commented on the contribution of the East Clare man.

Group tasked with Clare GAA strategic plan ratified

By PÁRAIC McMAHON A MUCH publicised project group tasked with producing a five year strategic plan for Clare GAA has been officially ratified.

Founder of Repucon Consulting Mark O’Connell, CEO of Gyrogy Colin Kelly, CEO of Roadbridge Conor Gilligan, Senior Business Manger with AIB Róisín Glynn, CEO of Titan Experience Eoin Conroy, Managing Director of DFP Group Eoin Doohan, Enda Connolly Managing Director of CMP, Enda O’Flaherty of Shannonside Building Supplies and Clare GAA Vice Chairman Kieran Keating have been agreed as the personnel involved in the committee.

Ex CEO of Davy stockbrokers Tony Garry had been recruited to join the committee following the drafting of Éire Óg’s proposal but ongoing controversy with the firm prompted his decision to withdraw.

Speaking at the March meeting of the County Board, Éire Óg Chairman Jimmy Cooney (pictured) outlined that the club were in agreement with the decision to contact clubs for additional suggestions after the February sitting. No response was forthcoming from any club regarding extra additions while football clubs in West Clare later pushed for the addition of O’Flaherty.

A “strong position” has since been taken by the Ennis club not to add more members.

He encouraged the County Board to forward the agreed terms of reference for the group to all clubs, “It is important that it is fully transparent”. O’Connell, Kelly, Gilligan, Conroy and Glynn introduced themselves to the Board at a meeting held via Microsoft Teams last week. A presentation from O’Connell gave “a broad outline” of their plan and he called for this to be presented to delegates at the April meeting.

Cooney said it was now time for Éire Óg to stand aside and that their only role from here on would be as “guardians of the process in the unlikely event that the group has difficulties doing their work”. He continued, “It is a chance for us to move forward positively together and to leave behind the past and to focus on this project.”

Doonbeg’s John Keane seconded the proposal of the nine individuals. “There is a big challenge in front of them, there is no doubt about that”. He commended the role of Éire Óg and sought a close working relationship between the committee and the clubs of Clare, “the clubs should have a big input in this”. Keane concluded, “Leave the negativity behind, there is a lot of bad press out there and it needs to be cut out”.

Every success was wished upon the committee by Kilrush native Colm Browne as he praised the “broad remit” detailed by Éire Óg. He warned, “If social media and print media commentary continues it could jeopardise the work of the committee. Give them the time and oportunity to do the work”.

“It is time to move on,” Munster Council delegate Bernard Keane stated. He attended the virtual presentation from the committee and lauded the “level of expertise” shown to date. “It is incumbent on us to let them give that presentation to clubs. It will be very helpful and make it very easy to understand for every club in the county”.

Vice Chairman Keating backed the “good plan of action” showcased by O’Connell to Board members. “Everybody that is involved in the county and has an interest in Clare GAA will be canvassed and have their views

sought”. He was hopeful the group would have held their first meeting by the next sitting of the Co Board.

Tulla’s Brian Torpey told the meeting he was “very upset” and “angered” reading national media “particularly broadsheets who had a go at us”. He commented, “It is our responsibility as delegates to ask questions, we have to challenge not just for the sake of challenging but the sake of improvement”.

He added, “I am frightened by the term five year, I would love to hear back from them in five weeks”.

Torpey questioned what input delegates would play as the work on the plan commenced. “Will we just be coming in and sitting on our hands. Our club had a motion two years ago to possibly sell Clareabbey to raise funds, could we appoint an auctioneer to investigate that or is that completely out of our remit and is it over to this committee,” he asked.

Aspects of selling will be examined by the finance sub-committee of Clare GAA, Chairman Jack Chaplin outlined in response.

Cooney concluded, “It will be open to anybody and all members of Association to make submissions and representations to this group. Their first function will be to listen”.

pg 33

18-03-21

Clare Echo THE

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

flying You’ll never walk Athlone - Jets with €5k Laurie signs for WNL side in funding EOIN BRENNAN

A

THLONE Town’s latest signing Laurie Ryan is relishing the prospect of competing in the Women’s National League for the first time after a chance encounter saw the Ennis native rekindle her zeal for soccer in a whirlwind few weeks.

“It’s like a big challenge for me personally to push myself in something that I haven’t played for so long. I haven’t participated at this kind of level really since representing Munster at U-16 so that’s over 10 years ago. I would have played a bit of soccer with the college [UL] and the club [Lifford] but the level of training they’re doing here in Athlone and the standard is definitely a huge challenge for me. But it’s definitely something I’m really looking forward to.”

Captain of the Clare Ladies Footballers for five years including an All-Ireland Intermediate Final appearance in Croke Park in 2016, a debilitating concussion injury in 2019 halted a near decade long stint for the county’s flagship side.

However, after starting a new job in Athlone Institute of Technology as an Assistant Lecturer in General Science last September, a subsequent recruitment request from her home town of Ennis led to Ryan signing for Athlone Town.

“I got a call from Ashling Hughes about going back playing with Lifford but having mentioned that I was now living in Athlone, Ashling [a former international and Women’s National League player] had contacts in Athlone Town and asked the management if they’d be interested in having me for training.”

With Town manager Tommy Hewitt

THE CUTTING EDGE

craving experience to aid his young side’s progression in the club’s second season in the League of Ireland, the club jumped at the chance. And following a two week trial, the midfielder was asked to sign for the upcoming season which commences on Saturday week away to perennial title chasers Shelbourne.

“It is a big commitment and it’s wasn’t something that I jumped straight into after only getting out of the inter-county ladies football scene. But here I am now I suppose and I really want to make the most of it. It’s so exciting and there’s an increasing amount of buy-in to the league year-on-year as I think we’re really starting to see the benefits of the 20x20 campaign now across all codes. Even with the club in Athlone, we’re treated just the same as the men and that’s a hugely significant factor in enticing more and more girls and growing the club further.

“It’s a very competitive league so it will be a good challenge for us as a team and being only our second year at adult level, it will be about driving on and improving upon last year. The girls that I’m playing with are all a good bit younger than me so even some of the skills

I would have picked up from being in with Clare and UL in terms of approach and application will definitely stand to me and hopefully help the younger girls along their way. Perhaps even driving them on at training that little bit because most of them are still only teenagers.”

Eager to put her much-publicised concussion issues behind her, the eight month long season - in which the nine clubs play each other three times - along with the ongoing COVID restrictions do mean that Ryan won’t be able to commit to the Clare Ladies Footballers for 2021. However, she is determined to maintain her central role for the Banner Ladies who wrestled back their county senior crown last September for what was an unparalleled eleventh title in just 13 seasons.

“I’ve explained that to the Athlone management that I plan to play club football with the Banner.

When I finish up this semester [in AIT], I’ll have a bit of time in the summer to see me through the club season so hopefully it can all work out. But for the moment, I’m just looking forward to beginning this new challenge”.

By CIAN O’BROIN

SHANNON Jets Basketball Club have been awarded €5,000 in funding which will go towards provisions and player development.

The Shannon Town club were one of 26 named winners nationally, as part of the 2020 Texaco Support for Sport Award. The initiative provides €130,000 in funding, with one team from each county being selected. Shannon Jets are one of only two basketball clubs to receive the bursary. The aptly named Shannon Jets decided to submit their entry through a 30 second video clip. Filmed by video director and producer, Stephen O’ Malley, the video features chalk drawings in the town court, footage of the local Texaco and a jet soaring through the sky. The art was provided by Shannon Byrnes and Mike Buckley. Max O’Malley provided vocals for the video and Scott Holmes provided music in the form of stomps and claps.

With the absence of a home and the rental of the local leisure centre for court space, Club Development Coach Nick Kirby welcomes the funding, which would have been a “hard slog” otherwise in a difficult time to fundraise.

WITH MARK O’DONNELL

A case study of the STEPR approach

G week.

AA Games Development Officer with LIT, Mark O’Donnell breaks down the STEPR approach this

Two weeks ago, we explored a recent phenomenon to surface in the GAA – Games Based Coaching. It was my intention to highlight the benefits of this approach, in order to facilitate holistic player development, by comparison to outdated drill (linear) practices.

We should respect the need to nurture all facets of the modern day athlete – technical proficiency (skill), teamplay, tactical prowess (decision making), physical fitness, psychological focus and player feedback (communication). With that in mind, I’d like to introduce STEPR – the “coaching bible” for game evolvement, progression and regression.

CASE STUDY: Set-up a 5v5

possession game (Game X) in a 20mx20m grid. Blues vs Reds.

5 consecutive passes earns a point. Normal rules of GAA (code specific) apply. First team to 5 points, or the leading team at the 3 minute interval wins the round.

Now let’s apply STEPR. S – Space. If we want to allow players additional time on the ball, or greater freedom to experiment with a newly learned skill, implement a regression with a more open playing area. When we believe the activity is too comfortable, we can decrease the space afforded to players. This progression will challenge decision making, teamplay and communication as a result of having less space and time

in possession. Consequently, Game X evolves from very passive to very frantic, by applying S from STEPR. T – Task/Time. Task refers to the skills we can alter during a game, whilst the use of our stopwatch adds a further time constraint. Game X transforms from a frantic handpassing possession game, to a more expansive, kicking/striking orientated game by a simple change of task. Initially this game concentrates on maintaining possession, but coaches may further evolve the activity to a more game-like scenario incorporating shooting and scoring after a specific number of passes. Using T of STEPR dictates the overall concept

of any game.

E – Equipment. Altering the number of balls or goals are examples of equipment modifications which can help coaches to evolve a game. If we’re seeking a regression or progression, additional balls/sliotars create different challenges for players depending on the coaching objective. It may become easier to gain possession in terms of game involvement, but it also increases difficulty to defend more than one ball! Adding extra goalposts raises spatial awareness, off-theball movement and psychological focus. This is achievable for all coaches using E as part of STEPR. P – Personnel. Coaches seeking to foster problem solving and coping skills may often adjust personnel. Game X presents the ideal scenario featuring two bal-

anced teams. However creating a mismatch (6v4), overload (5v2) or mimicking an injury/sending off/playing vs. sweeper (5v4) are practices suitable to evolve games, and push players outside the comfort zone. There is further scope to improve physical fitness in this manner, therefore P is a vital cog within STEPR. R – Rules. Similar to Task, rule variations determine the flow and pattern of games. We can challenge the bi-lateral coordination of our players by implementing right foot/hand ONLY, and vice versa leis an citóg. Alternatives include new receiver for each pass (no returns), every second pass must be a kick/strike, or turnover for receiving the ball whilst standing.

A subtle dash of R from STEPR opens the door for coaching exploration, whilst maximising player development.

18-03-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 34

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

Carrigaholt clan answer call of keeping retired dogs as pets PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST Clare family were among those to answer the call to promote the use of greyhounds as pets.

Earlier this year, the Irish Retired Greyhound Trust put a call out to the greyhound community across the country asking for their help to promote the organisation and greyhounds as pets to the general public.

IRGT said the response

received was “fantastic” with trainers and owners all over Ireland volunteering to have their vans branded with the IRGT logo and message.

In Carrigaholt, the Troy family are glad to have retired racer Lismadine Lady as a family pet. Her daughter, Lismadine Dido is about to embark on her racing career and after retirement will enjoy her remaining days as a pet.

“We already know that retired racing greyhounds make the best pets, and now the racing community are

helping us to tell everyone else!”, she continued, “The greyhound community are on the road every day for trials, racing, getting supplies, visiting the vet and much more and offer us a great opportunity to encourage households to consider adopting an ex-racing greyhound as their family pet,” Joanne Murray of the IRGT stated.

To find out more about the IRGT and how to adopt an ex-racing greyhounds find us on Facebook or call us on 061-448089.

Buttys Bengal shows real talent in Shelbourne BUTTSYS Bengal’s talent has been evident for many to see over recent years and it was demonstrated in style in his latest outing.

Race 10 in Shelbourne on Saturday saw the son of Pinpoint Maxi and Killeacle Tammy hold off an illustrious field. Trained by Gerry Holian for the Buttsys Buckos Syndicate of Shannon, the distinctive brindle and white tracker shot from trap three and was soon in complete control. Deadly Samuri emerged in second but was never going to get to the leader. Despite the wet conditions, Buttsys Bengal galloped right to the line to score by four lengths in 28.90.

Fast times were the order of the Saturday night card in Limerick, the final greyhound to dip under the 29 second barrier on the night was Grangeview Buck in race 10, the talking dogs A2 525. Owned by Gary Pepper of Feakle and trained by Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge, Grangeview Buck broke smartly to take a narrow lead into the back straight before he extended his advantage all the way to the finish. A convincing four length winner in the end, the time was 28.98.

On a night of torrential rain in Galway, the twin features on Friday nights card were the A2 tenth contest over 525 yards and the A2 twelfth over 575 yards.

As the traps rose for the tenth contest all six runners were away as one with Mollrose Prince and Crokers Light just about heading the charge as the opening bend loomed.

Rounding the bend though the Siobhan Garraghy of Lahinch owned Cloneyogan Blaze slipped through to take command of the contest entering the back straight. Racing down the back Cloneyogan Blaze led Mollrose Prince by over a length with Mr Logan in third place and although Mollrose Prince closed to within half a length at the crown of the home bend Cloneyogan Blaze responded well off the home bend as he drew clear to defeat Mr Logan by two and a half lengths in 30.09.

Racing towards the opening bend in the A6 graded third contest Burnpark Rankin

and Drombeg Mandy disputed the lead but they drifted with at the bend allowing Mackie Blackie through to lead along in the inner racing down the back. Racing towards the halfway mark the Pat Hogan of Ennis owned Aulton Ken eased through along the leaders inside to take command of the contest.

Leaving the back straight the Seamus Fahy trained son of Kinloch Brae and Heathlawn Molly looked home and hosed but he was all out to see off Mackie Blackie’s renewed effort by a length and three parts in 30.25.

The double was completed in the S6 graded fifth contest when Aulton Zero led on the crown of the home bend as he saw off the challenge of his rivals headed by Brickhill Paulio by three lengths in 20.01. From traps Brickhill Paulio, Dynamic Squirt and Kilkeale Snow were all prominent with Brickhill Paulio just a fractional leader at the turn. Rounding the bend though the leader drifted off the fence and Aulton Zero needed no second invitation as the son of Zero Ten and Heathlawn Gold short through along the rails and kicked clear off the home bend to score in style.

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CLASSIFIEDS 35

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL Ballyhannan North, Co. Clare Take note that GCTS, Goodison Construction Technical Services, Gort na Rí, Gort, Galway, 086 0314468, intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of W & B Keane, for permission to construct a new single storey dwelling together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above location.

The planning application may be inspected online or purchased at the offices of the planning authority and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks during it’s public opening hours, beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Note that these provisions may change due to Covid-19 Clare County Council New Quay, Finnavara, Burren, Co. Clare.

Permission is sought on behalf of Seághan Brosnan for the construction of a single dwelling house, proprietary effluent treatment system with associated percolation area with tertiary treatment, site access roadway and all associated site services at New Quay, Finnavara, Burren, Co. Clare.

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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 Rine, Quin.

Take notice that Garrett Kelly intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of an agricultural loose house and associated site works at the above address.

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

Clare County Council Back Road, Kilrush Take notice that A. & M. Tubridy intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to convert & extend

existing Convent structures, to upgrade existing stairways, relocate part of internal partitions, install 2No lifts, revise floor levels, revise part elevations, to include 30No apartments, to demolish part of existing outbuilding, reduce part of ground levels, to construct 20No semi-detached dwellings, service road, new entrance and to upgrade/extend existing ancillary services at the above address.

The Convent is a protected structure (RPS 861).

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 Clonteen, Ballyalla, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Michael Keating Dip. Arch. (phone 085-8421780), on behalf of Maura McNamara and David Bourke, intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission to retain and complete alterations to the dwelling house. The retention of alterations are: (1.) Windows as installed to front of dwelling house; (2.) New entrance door and glazed side panels. As well to retain new site entrance and to close off existing site entrance at Clonteen, Ballyalla, Ennis, Co. Clare.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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, Well Road, Kilkee Lower, Kilkee, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (0659083667, www.diarmuidkeane. ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Cunningham’s Holiday Park for planning permission to extend the existing holiday park by way of the provision of an

additional twenty no. serviced mobile home sites along with associated roads and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Clare County Council, Rockmount, Coolmeen, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (0659083667, www.diarmuidkeane. ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of James Moreton for retention permission to retain extension to the existing dwelling house along with all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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. The Clare Echo Issue: Thursday 18th March 2021 Clare County Council, Powerstown House, Clounlaheen, Mullagh, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (0659083667, www.diarmuidkeane. ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Fiona Sexton and Alan Mangan for planning permission for the following development; a) alter, renovate and extend the existing dwelling house; b) provide new on-site wastewater treatment system; c) construct new private garage; and d) all other associated site works and services at the above address.

The planning application may

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

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Clare County Council, Dromelihy, Cree, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (0659083667, www.diarmuidkeane. ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Francis O’Dea for retention permission to retain extension to the existing dwelling house along with all associated site works at the above address The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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. The Clare Echo Issue: Thursday 18th March 2021 Clare County Council, Moore Bay, Carrigaholt Road, Kilkee, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (0659083667, www.diarmuidkeane. ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Gregory McNamara for planning permission to change the use of the clubhouse building from commercial use to holiday home use in accordance with the rest of the Moore Bay development along with all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening

hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made 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 Co. Council Clooneteen Td, Ballyallia Permission for the retention of a dwelling house with attached garage, treatment unit, access road and all associated site works previously granted under P09/252 on revised site boundaries is being sought by Aine Malone. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Grealish Glynn & Associates, 1 The Punchbowl, Ennis Road, Gort, Co. Galway.

Clare Co. Council Ballaghafadda, Clarecastle Permission for the construction of a dwelling house, garage, treatment unit and all associated site works is being sought by Brian Murphy. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Grealish Glynn & Associates, 1 The Punchbowl, Ennis Road, Gort, Co. Galway.

Clare County Council Limerick Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Michael Keating Dip. Arch. (phone 0858421780), on behalf of Lorna and Kelly Guerin, intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission to construct 2 no. Dwelling Houses (variation to design on planning application previously granted

under P17/254). Demolition of existing sheds, relocation of existing site entrances, connect to public services and carry out all ancillary site works at Limerick Road, Ennis.

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

Clare County Council, Ballyfaudeen, Liscannor, Co. Clare.

Take notice that R. & J. McCarthy intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a private garage/shed along with 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, Ennistymon Road, Lahinch, Co. Clare Take notice that P. & E. Chambers intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter and extend their existing dwelling house.

The works consist of a) a first floor extension over their existing sunroom area b) a single storey extension with a balcony overhead along with associated site works at the above address.

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

36

CLASSIFIEDS

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37

LICENCE APPLICATIONS No. 68.3 LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, Sections 9 and 10 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, Sections 6, 7 and 8 Notice Of Application For A Certificate For A New Wine Retailer’s Off-Licence District Court Area of Killaloe District No. 12 FAIRGREEN RETAIL LIMITED Applicant TAKE NOTICE that BRIAN KENNY as nominee of FAIRGREEN RETAIL LIMITED, of The Green, Killaloe, Co. Clare intends to apply to the Court at Ennis, Co. Clare on the 14th day of April 2021 at 10.30am. for a certificate to hold a WINE RETAILER’S OFFLICENCE in respect of the premises situate at The Green, Killaloe, Co. Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Dated this 16th day of March 2021 Signed Gwen Bowen Solicitor Solicitor for the Applicant Bowen & Co Solicitors Pound Street Sixmilebridge Co. Clare.

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court S.I. No. 174 of 2009 No. 68.2 BEER HOUSES (IRELAND) ACT 1864, Section 3 LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, Sections 10 and 37 BEER LICENCES (IRELAND ) ACT 1877, Section 2 BEER RETAILERS’ AND SPIRIT GROCERS’ RETAIL LICENCES (IRELAND) ACT 1900 LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1902 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, Section 7 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW BEER RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Flora Crowe as Nominee Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Flora Crowe as nominee of Crowes Ministers Cross Limited of The Green , Sixmilebridge, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the Court at Ennis District Court on the 07 Apr 2021 at 10:30 for a certificate to hold a BEER RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE in respect of the premises situate at The Ministers Cross, Sixmilebridge, Clare incour t area and district aforesaid.

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court S.I. No. 174 of 2009 No. 68.3 LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, Sections 9 and 10 INTO XICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, Sections 6, 7 and 8 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW WINE RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Flora Crowe as Nominee Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Flora Crowe as nominee of Crowes Ministers Cross Limited of The Green, Sixmilebridge, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the Court at Ennis District Court on the 07 Apr 2021 at 10:30 for a certificate to hold a WINE RETAILER’S OFF-L.ICENCE in respect of the premises situate at The Ministers Cross, Sixmilebridge, Clare in court area and district aforesaid.

TO

the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To

the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

To:

The Superintendent of the Garda Síochána, Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Dated 16 Mar 2021

To:

The District Court Clerk at The Court Services Office The Courthouse, Ennis, Co. Clare.

TO

the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To

the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge, Clare

  

   

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Call James 0872394954 | 0656710107

Dated this 16 Mar 2021 Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge, Clare

The Clare Echo Planning Contact 065 671 9021

PHONE: 0894945628

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court S.I. No. 174 of 2009 No. 68.1 LICENSING ACT 1872, Section 82 LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, Section 9 BEER RETAILERS’ AND SPIRIT GROCERS’ RETAIL LICENCES (IRELAND) ACT 1900 LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1902 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, Section 7 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW SPIRIT RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12 Flora Crowe as Nominee Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Flora Crowe as nominee of Crowes Ministers Cross Limited of The Green, Sixmilebridge, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the Court at Ennis District Court on the 07 Apr 2021 at 10:30 for a certificate to hold a SPIRIT RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE in respect of the premises situate at The Ministers Cross, Sixmilebridge, Clare in court area and district aforesaid.

Dated this 16 Mar 2021 Signed Stiofan Fitzpatrick Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, The Square, Sixmilebridge, Clare TO

the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To

the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

38 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES MAR 18 Best Daily Word Search: 15 March 2021

WORD SEARCH Dog Show

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Solution

ACROSS

1 Dairy product (6) 4 Day nursery (6) 8 Regretting (5) 9 Insanity (7) 10 Female ruler (7) 11 Copious, abundant (5) 12 True to life (9) 17 Small flock of game birds (5) 19 Dishonourable (7) 21 Taken for granted (7) 22 “Aida” composer (5) 23 Small (6) 24 Method (6)

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS 1/3

1 Gents’ hairdresser (6) 2 Away-day tourist (7) 3 Large bird of prey (5) 5 Glowing (7) 6 Move furtively (5) 7 Less burdensome (6) 9 Bewildered (9) 13 Appalling (7) 14 Floor show (7) 15 Scribble (6) 16 Gas used in balloons (6) 18 Call upon (5) 20 Manual worker (5)

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ALL WEEK SPECIAL ANY LARGE PIZZA €13.99 COLLECTION/DELIVERED *From the menu or create your own up to 4 toppings. Extra charge for premium bases and extra toppings

OFFER ENDS MARCH 31st 2021

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The Clare Echo Crossword

https://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/best-daily-word-search

21

Basenji Basenji Beagle Beagle Borzoi Borzoi

O Z R O B O S Y A E

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H Y T P

SUDOKU

3/15/2021

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, MAR 18 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz THE COVID-19 QUIZ FIRST WAVE

Clare’s first COVID-19 case be: Who introduced a National Stay 1 :came known on what date?

7 at Home Message on March 27th 2020?

: Which public health mes: When did the first meeting of 10 sage became a slogan for Joe 5 the Coronavirus Expert Advisory Duffy’s Liveline during the pandemGroup take place?

Stay two metres apart Wash your hands Hold firm

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. National Public Health Emergency Team

Now Please Help Everyone Tune-In National Public Health Emergency Team Novel Pandemic Health Emergency Team

ANSWERS 1. March 4th 2020

6

: NPHET was created to co-ordinate the national response to the pandemic on January 31st 2019, what does NPHET stand for?

location?

ic?

7. Leo Varadkar

December 28th 2019 January 18th 2020 February 5th 2020

lQUESTION 8: A drive-thru testing centre was set up at which iconic Clare

8. Cusack Park

Swine Flu Spanish Flu

Level Five lockdown restrictions Pedestrianisation of the town centre Health Minister Stephen Donnelly saying trampolines were as risky as going to school in a pandemic

2. NORTH CLARE

What was the last pandemic 4 :before COVID-19 to hit Ireland?

: Which measure introduced 9 because of COVID-19 led to a protest in Ennis?

3. NINE

Nine Fifteen Twenty One

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park Sixmilebridge Mart Cusack Park

9. Pedestrianisation of the town centre

: How many cases had been 3 known on the island of Ireland before Clare’s first case?

: A drive-thru testing centre was 8 set up at which iconic Clare location?

10 Wash your hands

South Clare East Clare North Clare

4. Swine Flu

part of the county was 2 :thisWhich case located in?

Tony Holohan Leo Varadkar Linda Martin

5. February 5th 2020

February 19st 2020 January 31st 2020 March 4th 2020

Last weeks Answers . Clock missing . Silver Lock for door missing . Black lock for door missing . Stick missing (right)

. Spiral design on chair missing (left) . Line on wall missing (right) . Watch/Bracelet missing

Burren Ecotourism Launch