The Clare Echo 18/04/19

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18 Apr 2019

Wheels on Clare Bus go round and round?

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

news@clareecho.ie

l STRONG SUPPORT: Clare Bus supporters deliver a letter of protest to the Department of Transport in Dublin yesterday, which received more than 6,000 signatures. Pictured (l-r) is Cllr Pat Hayes, Sen Martin Conway, Clare Bus manager Laura Ward, Dr Michael Harty TD, a Clare Bus supporter, Green Party’s Grace O’Sullivan and Barry O’Donovan

GROUP of Clare Bus supporters have picketed Dáil Eireann following plans to change the transport co-ordination unit (TCU) of Clare Bus. On Friday, The Clare Echo jumped aboard a Clare Bus service from Ennis to Scariff to get the views of commuters. In March, the National Transport Authority (NTA) awarded the TCU contract for Clare Bus to Limerick Local Link which is based in Newcastle West.

Full story PAGE 16-17

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Index NEWS

2-17

AOIBHIN GARRIHY

18-19

QUAKERSTOWN

22-23

FARMING

‘Historic day’ as Doolin recognised for ‘big heart’ STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

26

PRESTIGE HITS 21

28-29

CHLOE MOLONEY

31

PROPERTY

32-33

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

D

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

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

lFOOLIN’ IN DOOLIN: Dr Dean Panter, Fáilte Ireland, Niall Hughes, Chairperson, Doolin Tourism and Miriam Kennedy, Head of the Wild Atlantic Way

Photo by Eamon Ward

OOLIN, one of Ireland’s most popular visitor destinations has been awarded Fáilte Ireland’s Destination Award for Excellence in Customer Service. To achieve the Award, tourism businesses in Doolin undertook Fáilte Ireland’s Accredited Service Excellence Programme with nearly 120 local tourism frontline staff across 41 local businesses completing a dedicated course of customer care training.

Fáilte Ireland’s Accredited Services Excellence Programme is aimed at helping tourism businesses reach the highest standards in customer care, which can result in major benefits such as business growth, additional repeat business, increased visitor spend and positive recommendations.

Speaking at the presentation of the award, Dr Dean Panter, National Development Manager Hospitality Operations at Fáilte Ireland, said, “It is a marvellous achievement for Doolin to achieve the Destination Award

from Fáilte Ireland.

“Today’s Award substantially reinforces Doolin’s reputation as a destination where visitors are at the centre of everything a business does.”

Miriam Kennedy, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of the Wild Atlantic Way said: “Tourism is our largest indigenous industry with 260,000 people employed in the sector and the importance of tourism to local communities along the Wild Atlantic Way such as Doolin cannot be underestimated. In Doolin, the support for the training from the local business community has been overwhelming with 41 businesses getting fully behind the Programme with nearly 120 front-facing staff now trained to provide excellence in customer care.”

Niall Hughes, Chairperson of Doolin Tourism added, “It is a historic day for the village of Doolin and we are thrilled that our little village has been recognized for its big heart. Today’s award for Doolin is a validation of the warmth and welcoming nature of its people, who annually host hundreds of thousand of happy visitors.”

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4

NEWS

Model three hospital ruled out for Ennis

PÁRAIC McMAHON

M

paraic@clareecho.ie

ANAGEMENT of Ennis General Hospital have quashed calls for it to become a model three hospital.

Though it had been viewed as a way of alleviating the pressure from University Hospital Limerick, the opening of a model three hospital and the reopening of the accident and emergency unit at Ennis General Hospital have been ruled out by UL Hospital Group.

On Monday, Colette Cowan and Paul Burke of the UL Hospital Group briefed elected representatives of Clare Co Council one week on from their motion of no confidence in Minister for Health, Simon Harris.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cowan confirmed that the management of Ennis General Hospital were opposed to the reopening of it’s A&E unit and the development of a model three hospital on site. “If you open an emergency department you will need a high dependency unit, a critical care unit, you will not have the specialist staff. Many reports are out there already about model three hospitals that will tell you the story, if you don’t have the right resources how safety drops and we will not do that to Ennis. They are very safe, a lovely hospital to go to and the people of Clare would say that. At this time, we’re not open to a model three hospital, it’s not safe”.

However, the CEO of UL Hospitals Group revealed the plans they do have in place for the Clare hospital.

“Ennis is the only model two hospital in the country that has a seven day medical assessment unit, we

have a design team coming in to design a new local injuries unit for them, we have E&T services being planned for their surgical area, we’re putting in a new ventilation system so we’re progressively developing Ennis and one of the big areas that staff had asked for was around outpatients because the facility was very poor so we’ve gone out and have a lease for a new outpatient department off site which will really free up the space. It will allow more consultants to come out from Limerick to do outpatient clinics so outpatients won’t have to travel out for that element of their care, Ennis is on the up and we are very proud of them, they are a great staff ”.

Last week, councillors hit out at record overcrowding in University Hospital Limerick which occurred at the beginning of the month where 81 patients were on trolleys.

With no plans to reopen an A&E in close proximity to people in rural Clare, Chief Clinical Director of UL Hospital Group, Paul Burke added, “The reality of it is if you live in any area which is remote, by definition that is what it is, remote. You can’t decide you’re going to put a very expensive hospital close to an area just because it is remote, that sounds very harsh but that’s the reality. You have to put special measures in place to make those areas safer.

"For example, there was a lot of criticisms years ago and we looked at the issue of closing the accident and emergency department but at that time we introduced the advanced paramedics and they were able to get out to West Clare quicker than anybody could get there before and with modern technology, improved transport those type of things would continue to improve as life goes on”.

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THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

90,000 expected for Irish Open l RETURN: Reigning champ Russell Knox

REIGNING Irish Open champion, Russell Knox has confirmed he will defend his title at Lahinch Golf Club this July while organisers are expecting crowds in excess of 90,000.

Last year, Knox won the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open title in dramatic fashion, holing a 45-foot birdie putt to force a play-off before sinking an almost identical one on the first extra hole to clinch a maiden Rolex Series title with a play-off victory over New Zealand’s Ryan Fox. The 33-year-old will join a star-studded field for the second Rolex Series event of the 2019 Race to Dubai, which includes 2017 Race to Dubai Champion Tommy Fleetwood, former Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen, 2016 Masters winner Danny Willett, former World No1 Lee Westwood plus home heroes Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry.

“I can’t wait to return to Ireland to defend my title,” said the USA-based player, originally from Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. “That win was a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life, just one of those great days in my career which I’ll always look back on. It will be nice to go back and enjoy my title defence and hopefully challenge for the title again. The Irish fans were so supportive of me and I’m glad I could give something back with the drama at the 18th hole. They are some of the best fans in the world and I have heard great things about Lahinch Golf Club and the surrounding area, so it should be a fantastic week in July.”

A total of 94,239 people attended the 2018 event at Ballyliffin Golf Club, organisers are expecting similar crowds this year at Lahinch.

6

NEWS

Men with chainsaw scam elderly man STUART HOLLY

A

editor@clareecho.ie

SOUTH-EAST Clare councillor is urging members of the public to be vigilant after a man fell victim to a gang of imposters who robbed his home after apparently posing as workers on behalf of the council.

Meelick native and local representative, Cllr Cathal Crowe (FF), told The Clare Echo in a statement that the incident took place on Saturday and that gardai are investigating the matter.

"On Saturday an elderly, vulnerable and much loved member of my local community was robbed at his home," said Cllr Crowe.

He continued, "His family want this awful episode highlighted so that others don’t fall prey to the same crime but they would rather that his identity be kept anonymous.

"I have spoken with this man twice in recent days and, although

l WARNING: Cllr Crowe has urged the public to be vigilant

shaken, he very much appreciates the outpouring of support from neighbours and friends."

According to reports, a team of workers arrived at the man’s door with a chainsaw and purported to be there on behalf of the Council to “cut back some trees for him”.

They showed him realistic looking documentation and insurance details to dupe him into believing that this was a legitimate operation.

Cllr Crowe continued, "They asked that he would pay a contribution towards the cost of the

works. He went to get some money and they proceeded to start up the chainsaw. They obviously kept a keen eye on where he got his money from and when the man wasn’t looking, doubled back and took even more money from him.

"Within seconds they had fled the scene."

An Garda Síochána are investigating the matter and local CCTV footage is being examined to try to identify the thugs.

Cllr Crowe is asking that the public be vigilant of such scams which involve apparent tradesmen cold calling at front doors.

"People need to know that Clare County Council, and indeed any other statutory body, do not carry out any works such as tree felling in privately owned properties. Neither do they charge for works such as described in this scam.

"If people are not expecting a tradesman, a technician or and engineer to arrive at your door then they should run them. It’s better to have them off your property and ask questions later," the primary school teacher added.

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Little Patch needs a home

A LITTLE terrier named Patch, who has lost his eyesight, is looking for a new home following the sudden passing of his owner.

Clare Animal Welfare contacted The Clare Echo as they are seeking a foster home or a forever home for Patch, after his elderly owner died suddenly in Ennis a few days ago leaving behind his little dog.

Patch, a nine year old terrier, is not used to other dogs or strangers and will need a patient and quiet person to take care of him.

If you can, or if you know of someone who can offer Patch a home, please contact Clare Animal Welfare on Facebook, by e-mailing info@ clareanimalwelfare.ie or by phone on 085 191 1369.

NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Fair Green ‘too scary’ for elderly PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

RAVELLING to the Fair Green in Ennis is no longer an option for elderly people as they find it “too scary”.

Mary Mather Leahy, who is the Clare Older People’s Council representative on the Joint Policing Committee, highlighted that the elderly are now afraid to visit Tim Smythe Park, more commonly known as the Fair Green.

“Lots of us have concerns about security and going to various venues.

Walking in the Fair Green is not an option, it is too scary. There are people approaching you in car parks asking you for money, older people have a lot of scary issues to deal with,” she stated.

A recent incident in the county town where three people were assaulted in an unprovoked attack resulted in the arrest of one Czech Republic national.

Speaking at the JPC meeting last Monday, Supt Brendan McDonagh said, “The incident that happened, they were dreadful attacks, I take this was an isolated incident, there was no one reason why it did happen. That person is now before the courts, he was not granted bail and is in prison at the mo-

ment, waiting on the charges”.

McDonagh assured JPC members that the Gardaí were attempting to increase their presence on the streets.

“We’re trying to increase the number of people we have on the beat. Every time we get a call, we go out and deal with it. My hope is that we will be able to put more people on the beat”.

Meanwhile, it emerged at that meeting that reported crimes of thefts from moved and parked vehicles has dropped across the county in 2019 but Gardaí are reminding members of the public to ensure their cars are locked at night.

In comparison with 2018 figures, MPV thefts have reduced by 63 percent (all of Clare), 59 percent (Ennis District) and 69 percent (Kilrush).

Supt Brendan McDonagh outlined that several parked cars at GAA grounds across the county were robbed in 2018. “We had problems last year of people breaking into cars at GAA clubs and people leaving items visible in their cars”.

According to McDonagh “60 per cent of cars in Ennis estates were found to be open” in cases where parked cars were targeted by thieves at night.

While large sums of money were not left in the vehicles, “change in the ashtrays” was collated by the groups conducting the robberies.

7

l INSPIRATION: Kilrush man Shane King, who undertook a charity cycle for youth mental health

SHANE’S CYCLE RAISES ALMOST €5K

O

NE Clare man has been lauded for his fundraising efforts for a mental health service in the county.

Last month, Cappa’s Shane King undertook a charity cycle on his MotoMed bike in aid of the youth mental health charity, Happy Feet Happy Minds which is based in West Clare.

Initially the 38-year-old had hoped to generate in the region of €1,000 from the cycle, however he has surpassed that figure with over €4,700 raised to date.

Describing Shane as “one in a million”, a statement from Happy Feet Happy Minds ex-

pressed their gratitude online.

“People of West Clare, we really are blessed to have this young man amongst us and who goes over and beyond for his community”. The group said they were “overwhelmed by the support he has received”.

In the days after completing the 32km cycle, King had no complaints or niggles.

In previous interviews with The Clare Echo, Shane underlined the importance of keeping a positive attitude while having cerebral palsy and how accessibility can still improve in certain sectors.

8

NEWS

Men who physically abuse women ‘should be whipped’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

M

paraic@clareecho.ie

EN who physically abuse women “should be whipped”, Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee heard.

Members of the JPC watched a video presentation on the St Paul Minnesota blueprint to avert domestic violence incidents and fatalities.

At the February meeting of the local authority, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy proposed that Clare County Council call on the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána to approve Clare Haven Services’ request for the Garda Division in Clare to be the first in Ireland to adopt the Minnesota blueprint, for training to be provided to Gardaí to better understand the recently introduced coercive control legislation and for the Taoiseach’s office to launch an awareness campaign that would “expand

the understanding of what domestic violence actually entails”.

Two months on, there has been no approval from the Commissioner or the Taoiseach.

Speaking in the Council Chamber, JPC member Madeline McAleer highlighted the benefits of blueprint to date.

“I’m from Haven Horizons, it is a relatively new organisation that came from the realisation that there needed to be something different done for domestic abuse victims”. Domestic abuse emergency calls in St. Paul more than halved from 11,000 to 5,000 between 2009 and 2016.

McAleer confirmed they are working with senior Garda management in the county and the Garda National Protection Service Bureau in Dublin, “we’re just waiting for approval”.

So far this year, there has been an increase in domestic disputes in Co Clare. 87 incidents have been dealt with by An Garda Síochána in 2019 while for this period in 2018 it was 68. “We’re very supportive of the blueprint to try bring down these figures,”

lEMOTIONAL RESPONSE: Councillor John Crowe, pictured left alongside fellow election candidate Garret McPhillips, made the comments in reaction to a presentation by Clare PPN representatives

Supt Brendan McDonagh added.

Reacting to the presentation from the Clare PPN representative, Cllr John Crowe wanted to see consequences for those guilty of abusing their partners.

“Domestic violence is cruel, any man that would put a hand to a lady should be whipped, it is an awful state of affairs, this has to be

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ruled out and I think drugs has an awful lot to do with a lot of the incidents occurring at the minute, it is rampant in communities,” said Cllr Crowe.

The Sixmilebridge man added, “Every village in the county has a serious drug problem and as residents for villages we can see that ourselves”.

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Commemorate ‘national hero’ Laura Brennan A SUITABLE commemoration in honour of the late Laura Brennan is fully deserved, members of the Ennis Municipal District have said.

Speaking at last week’s meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly called on the local authority to recognise the contribution of “a national hero” to Irish life.

“She has made young people aware of the HPV vaccine and has done extraordinary work. I would hope the next Council would remember her with a plaque or a statue, I hope she would be acknowledged in the future,” the Fianna Fáil councillor.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy was in agreement. “That is an excellent suggestion, I fully support it”.

She sits on the Council’s Commemoration Committee and was keen to see a special meeting held to discuss Daly’s suggestion.

Hundreds of mourners attended a Mass of remembrance for the Ennis woman less than a month ago. Despite a terminal cancer diagnosis, Laura campaigned tirelessly over the past 19 months to encourage young women to get the HPV vaccine. She appeared in a number of health promotion videos using her voice and telling her story about how she, as an ordinary young woman, developed the illness. The HSE confirmed there had been an increase of 20% in the uptake of the HPV vaccine in the past two years to 80%.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

'Disgusting' boarded up houses in Ennis PÁRAIC McMAHON

"D paraic@clareecho.ie

ISGUSTING” boarded up houses at Watery Rd, Ennis have been described as “a long standing embarrassment” for Clare County Council.

At the April meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr James Breen queried what proposal the local authority had “to retain the four houses in Watery Road that are boarded up for the last two years”.

Senior executive officer, Siobhan McNulty revealed they were awaiting approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government “prior to awarding the contract for the refurbishment of three of the four properties on Watery Rd to address current housing need for traveller specific accommodation in this area”.

Disapproval was voiced from Breen with the response. He criticised the fact that “four beautiful houses” continue to be boarded up, “it is not commendable for a town like Ennis when it comes to Tidy Towns inspections”.

The Kilnamona cllr added, “The Travelling community seem to have an automatic right, I don’t have of any other community that would be guaranteed of social housing in any county, I know they’re a minority and that but people that wreck houses should not have an automatic right to go back into them when they are refurbished”.

“Those four houses have been a disgrace, the dirt and the filth, it is disgusting to watch,” Fianna Fáil’s Pat Daly said. Fine Gael’s Mary Howard noted that the issue had been a regular item over the past number of years.

“The old town council, we thought we would put it to bed but it wasn’t to be.

Any of the people on the housing list would love any of these houses to be their forever home. At one stage there were animals inside the houses and outside the houses, it was crazy. Clare County Council own the houses and it is time to exercise our ownership, I would like something done sooner rather than later”.

“People in the area have great pride in their properties but those four are privately owned and are littered with rubbish and it’s a disgrace,” Cllr Breen commented. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy added, “It is a long standing embarrassment for the Council that action hasn’t been taken”.

l RURAL OPPORTUNITY: Liz Greehy and Ailish Connolly, Kilbaha Gallery at St Patrick’s Hall, Corofin last week Photo by Eamon Ward

Minister Ring comes to Corofin

MICHAEL Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, was joined by members of rural communities from Clare at a #Rural Opportunity event in Saint Patrick’s Hall, Corofin, last Wednesday.

The event is focused on raising awareness of the wide variety of Government supports available to rural areas throughout the region. The event also provided advice on how to access Project Ireland 2040 funding for rural, or community, projects.

The audience heard from a number of individuals from the region about how funding has enabled them to deliver their successful projects, including Breda McNamara, Chairperson of the Development Committee for Cnoc na Gaoithe Cultural Centre in Tulla.

Speaking at the event, Minister Ring said, “This Government aims to support rural projects that improve the quality of life for citizens, create jobs and employment, encourage tourism, promote the Irish language and our culture. These are the areas that rural Ireland wants us to focus on and that is what we are doing...I hope that people across the country will take inspiration from the case studies presented here today and seek funding for their projects.”

To find out more visit www.gov.ie/ruralopportunity.

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THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Rural action needed on mental health STUART HOLLY

N

editor@clareecho.ie

ORTH Clare election candidate Roisin Garvey is calling for increased provision of mental health services and supports in rural communities.

The well-known community activist says the continued neglect of rural Ireland is contributing to a huge range of mental health problems that need urgent attention.

“Ireland has a well-documented shortage of adequate mental health services and supports and this is especially the case in the more rural parts of our county. Mental health is something we are all connected to. It concerns our ability to lead our lives to our fullest potential, particularly during hard times. It’s about creating a caring community that looks out for each other, and sometimes this requires having the proper supports in place,” said Ms Garvey.

Noting that the West Clare Family Resource Centre that offers affordable counseling to the public were forced to withdraw this service for the month of December due to lack of funding, Garvey continued, “The ongoing underinvestment in services cannot be allowed to continue. Clare has a very high suicide rate, especially among

young men. I’ve heard from people who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Others have children and teenagers on lengthy waiting lists to get counselling for issues such as abuse, addiction, anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders.

"So many amazing local voluntary groups have popped up to help fundraise and provide support but it’s not enough. We need the state to act and I think the council has a role to play here in helping ensure services are available in the more rural parts of the county.”

“The closures of Garda stations, shops, pubs and post offices have in recent times all added to the challenges of rural isolation. We have an epidemic of loneliness and this isn’t helped by a lack of public transport options.

The Ennistymon LEA candidate added, "I think it’s therefore vital that we all ramp up our efforts in celebrating community initiatives that bring people together, whether that be through sport, music, walking or just meeting up for conversation and connection. It’s vital we look out for people who might be particularly vulnerable and I think that’s why we need both strong social networks but also a proper services in place.”

l FANTASTIC CAUSE: Kilrush RNLI is asking the public to ‘give it some welly’ and support Mayday, the charity’s annual fundraising campaign. For the month of May, the RNLI’s Mayday campaign is asking people to ‘do their bit, to fund our kit’ with the lifesaving charity hoping to raise €780,000 to fund the crucial kit volunteer crews rely on, which includes lifejackets, helmets and the RNLI’s yellow wellies. People who want to get involved should visit RNLI.org/Mayday to register for a free Mayday pack.

The charity is also encouraging people to show support by donating online or buying a yellow welly pin badge.

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NEWS 11

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Ennis rail line is fastest growing in Ireland

by STUART HOLLY

THE latest passenger figures from Iarnród Éireann confirm that the Limerick to Galway line is the fastest growing rail route in the country.

However Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey says this growth further highlights the need to address the frequent flooding on the line at Ballycar which has resulted in the suspension of the service for extensive periods.

He said in a statement to The Clare Echo, “As Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development, I facilitated two hearings on this matter with Irish Rail, the Office of Public Works and Clare County Council in an effort to broker an agreement to benefit the thousands of people who use the service and the many more who would if it’s reliability could be assured.

“I’m hopeful that by bringing all relevant stakeholders together that a solution can now be found which will lead to even further growth on this important rail line,” Deputy Carey explained.

The growth in passenger numbers looks set to continue this year, as over 91,000 journeys were recorded on the line up to March 24. This compares with 74,000 journeys for the same period last year.

Allowing for seasonal factors, and the impact of flooding in Ballycar, the company predicts that journeys on the line will reach 420,000 this year as a result. This will continue the significant growth recorded in recent years. As recently as 2014, full year journeys on the route totalled just over 225,000.

The growth is being experienced across the route, with city to city journeys surging and a particularly strong student demand.

Great line-up for Kilfenora

F

ROM April 26-29, Kilfenora will stage its 11th annual traditional music festival, a series that commenced in 2009 with the 100th anniversary of the Kilfenora Céilí Band. With great concerts, céilís, some cracking CD launches and pub sessions, it’s a wonderful line-up.

Sessions in Kilfenora’s pubs occur from Friday to Monday, with the cream of musicians from Clare and beyond.

Details of featured players will be on www.kilfenoraclare.com.

The Singers’ night on Friday (Linnanes pub, 9.30pm) will gather together some of the finest and most humorous singers and storytellers, hosted by Noirin Lynch.

The main concert (Saturday, Kilfenora Hall, 7pm) will feature Ireland’s top fiddle maestro, Frankie Gavin, and his celebrated Roaring ‘20s Irish Orchestra. This includes Monica Brennan, a talented young singer from Connemara (one half of The Brennan Sisters). The concert will be opened by this year’s winner of an award from the Meitheal Summer School to play at the Kilfenora Trad Festival - the current All-Ireland U18 Fiddle champion, Naoise Kettle. Full details about the musicians and where to buy tickets (€20) are listed on the website.

At a Variety Concert (Kilfenora Hall, Friday evening), Kilfenora Comhaltas will also feature an array of fine musical talent, young and old. Tickets are available on the door.

Saturday will include two special free events.

First, at 1pm a ‘Riches of Clare’ event in Kilfenora’s historic cathedral with some of North Clare’s talented musicians. Then, at 2.30pm a special tribute to the late Tommy Peoples – a former member of Kilfenora Céilí Band – hosted by his daughter Siobhan, including a fiddle session (Linnanes).

There will be céilís on Saturday night with The Star of Munster Céilí Band (Vaughans Barn, 10pm) and on Sunday with the Four Courts Céilí Band (Vaughans Barn, 9pm).

There will be several CD launches – the Lisdoonvarna singer and humourist Peter Casey’s Out in the Day on Friday (8.45pm, Linnanes); red-hot banjo player Stevie Dunne’s “Live at the Crosskeys” on Saturday (6pm in Nagles pub); and renowned Clare accordionist Josephine Marsh’s “Music in the Frame” on Sunday at 1pm (Vaughans pub).

A Trad for Teens workshop takes place on Sunday (11.45) in Vaughans Barn, led by Josephine Marsh. This follows a mass with traditional music at St Fachanans Church.

And, as in previous years, on Sunday afternoon (3pm), the big event is the great Kilfenora Céilí Band playing for a free céilí in the Square – dancers and spectators welcome. They will be preceded at 2.00 pm by the current young Kilfenora Comhaltas Céilí Band.

Check www.kilfenoraclare.com and the Kilfenora festival Facebook page for further information about the festival and all the artists appearing.

NEWS BRIEFS 13

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Club Clare launches hurling fundraiser CLUB Clare Hurling Supporters will launch the new nationwide show ‘Who wants to be a Five Thousandaire’ as their major fundraiser for 2019 in Treacy’s West County Hotel, Ennis, on Friday 26 April at 8.00pm.

Thousandaire is run nationwide by Pallas Marketing and has raised over €15m for clubs, schools and charities since it first launched in 2001. The night will feature a prize payout of up to €40,000. Contestants will be drawn at the show and each of the 8 contestants play for a maximum of €5000. All multiple choice questions will be shown to the audience on large screens.

John Kerin, Chair of Club Clare, said, “We are delighted with the response from the local companies who have come on board as major sponsors and advertisers. All sponsors and advertisers will avail of on screen advertising the night of the show and will be promoted strongly by us on the night.”

Clare Senior Hurling Joint Managers Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor said the proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards funding the provision of identified facilities, equipment and services for Clare hurling.

“We would like to extend an open welcome to all to attend the launch,” they added.

Tickets are expected to sell out in advance and people are encouraged to purchase their tickets early from Treacys West County at (065) 686 9600. Tickets €20 or family tickets €50 (4 adults, or 2 adults and 3 children).

For more on the show ‘Who wants to be a Five Thousandaire’ visit www.thousandaire.ie.

Award for Scattery

FOLLOWING their recent award as the European Destination of excellence award for Ireland for 2017, Scattery Island has scooped a further award at this week’s annual EDEN conference in Romania.

This award was given for ‘Best Practice in Sustainable Tourism and Implementation’ and recognises the work carried out

by Scattery Island Tours in implementing and maintaining a sustainable tourism model for this EDEN destination.

Following their launch in 2017, Scattery Island Tours have built their business around a sustainable tourism model that aims to support Kilrush and the preservation of the island for future generations.

Irene Hamilton, founder of Scattery

Island Tours commented: “Developing a sustainable tourism model has been at the heart of business since our launch. The personal connection with my father being born on the island, means we can better balance the conservation of the island with the commercial side of the business. We are always looking at ways we can evolve the business in a way that will benefit the island, the town of Kilrush and the visitor experience overall and we’re delighted with the recognition this award gives.”

Cllr Ian Lynch added, “The award is a testament to the commitment of all groups (Scattery Island Tours, Clare Co. Council, OPW and the Scattery Island Heritage Group) working together.”

SNN-NY route returns

UNITED Airlines has resumed nonstop flights between Shannon and its New York hub, Newark Liberty International Airport, for the summer season.

The service will operate daily until October 26, 2019.

Shannon Airport MD Andrew Murphy said: “United Airlines’ Newark service is hugely popular among inbound and outbound passengers at Shannon. It’s a service that confirms the strength of our transatlantic market, a market that performs for our airlines and passengers year in year out...

“We are delighted to have United Airlines, a long standing and much appreciated partner at Shannon Airport, back again and look forward to another busy summer and deepening our relationship.”

14 ADVERTORIAL

Woodstock wins top European award W

OODSTOCK Hotel has been announced as winner of the prestigious Best Ascend Hotel in Europe, at the Choice Hotels European Convention in Amsterdam.

Hotel Woodstock, a family run property in Ennis is managed by Sean and Elaine Lally, who are co-owners of the hotel.

Since Sean and Elaine invested in the hotel just over three years ago, their business has gone from strength to strength.

Hotel Woodstock is a member of the Ascend Collection, which is a global brand of the Choice Hotels family. This collection of upscale and independent hotels have 260 Ascend Hotels across

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

the globe, with 60 across Europe, and growing – this soft brand allows Hotel Woodstock to connect globally with travel agents across the world and capture international tourism into Ennis.

The qualities of Ascend properties are historic, boutique and one of a kind, they are hotels that are woven into the culture and fabric of their local community.

Speaking about the brand, Sean Lally says. "We are an independent brand in our own right, but it is important that we capture the international guest flying through Shannon and visiting the West of Ireland. Being part of an Ascend Collection allows us to capture these markets, bringing more business to Ennis, and we have also become part of a bigger fam-

ily of hotels across the world."

The hotel collected their award at a Gala Dinner Awards Ceremony in Amsterdam, which was attended by over 300 hoteliers from across Europe. Sean spoke about how proud he was to receive such an award, amongst tough competition from 60 hotels across Europe. He thanked his wife Elaine, and their dedicated team in Hotel Woodstock, who are "the reason behind this award".

"They always strive to ensure our guests have a memorable experience in Ennis. It is a great reflection of what we have achieved in the hotel and we are very excited to be the Best Ascend Hotel in Europe."

l CELEBRATION: Marie Richardson, Group Sales Director, Choice Hotel Group; Sean Lally, Hotel Woodstock; Mark Pearse, Senior VP International, Pat Pacious, CEO, Choice Hotels International at the event in Amsterdam

ADVERTORIAL

New wedding photographer teams up with tour operator

S

CARRIFF pilgrimage organiser and wedding photographer James Treacy has formed an alliance as Group Leader with leading Dublin Tour Operator Joe Walsh Tours (JWT) for the 2019/20 season. As well as organising tours he will be responsible for taking group and individual photographs of pilgrims who travel with him.

James says taking the photographs is the easiest part of the job - getting to the destination is more difficult especially in the Holy Land where getting to midnight Mass in Bethlehem is a challenge. Security is very tight and sometimes it is an issue bringing a camera into these venues. "Last year we had to go through six security checkpoints before we were allowed into Mass in Bethlehem," he explains.

James says he gained a lot of experience from a course he completed in the Limerick Institute of Technology and he has worked as the group photographer on a number of pilgrimages which he has led to the Holy Land and Fatima over the years. He says people think that doing the work of a photographer is just pushing a button but "it’s much more than that".

"I think it's skill or art, or a science in being in the right place at the right time and adjusting to the set of circumstances," says James, who adds he will be bringing a photograph printer to Fatima in June.

For wedding photography a more advanced system is needed and James has printers at home in Scarriff for this purpose. His services range from family photography, groups, wedding photography and miscellaneous photography. He says his photographic printers are "world class but wouldn’t break the bank".

As regards the pilgrimages, James has a group going to Fatima in Portugal for the Feast Day of St Anthony

At the Launch of their Holy Land 2019-20 Pilgrimages is Deirdre Fitzpatrick (right) James Treacy (centre) and Fabio Santos (left)

on June 13 and has two groups going to the Holy Land, one in October and the other at Christmas. James is also running a bus to Knock for the annual Diocesan Pilgrimage which will be led this year by Bishop Fintan Monahan. “And in all these trip will be responsible for the photography side of things as well as leading the group,” James added.

"JWT are well known in Clare for their travel agency work in the annual Killaloe Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes (they have two groups going this year) but they also work with me in their middle eastern work in Israel and Palestine and have groups going there every year."

As well as offering the photography services James says he is also able to put together a honeymoon package for wedding couples to anywhere in the world at an affordable price through JWT. He says there is limited availability and if wedding couples want to avail of his services they should contact him immediately.

James can be contacted on 061921470 or 0860572216.

For more visit www.jamestreacyphotography.ie.

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Can they find Henchy's Locals upset as Clare Bus controversy rolls on PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HOUGH her reasons for using Clare Bus have changed over its 16 years, Maureen Walsh’s appreciation for the “vital” service has not.

Since 2016, she travels via Clare Bus to Raheen Community Hospital while prior to that it was the bus that provided an outlet to Ennis where she went with her now deceased husband for a day out in the county town.

“I never had a bad thing with the service and I’m using it three years. Even when my husband, and he’s dead a long time, the two of us used to go on it. We’d have our day out, do our shopping and come back in the evening again, I never had a bad day on it and they’re all so nice and friendly. You would be talking to Fran (bus driver) there about his family, we’re all friends”.

She said of the treasured trips to Ennis with her husband, “It was a day out for us, we’d do our shopping or get our eyes tested,

l AT A CROSSROADS: Clare Bus on its travels through Scariff town centre earlier this week Photo by Martin Connolly

bits and pieces then we’d stay in town, have a meal and come back again”.

Maureen’s grand daughter uses Clare Bus everyday to get to work, and she adds “'tis vital to everyone”.

On her reaction to hearing the National Transport Authority awarded the contract to Limerick Local Link, Walsh stated, “I feel terrible, we’re all signing the petition telling them we don’t want it going. I’m going to Raheen now and we all signed it to say it was a disgrace and we didn’t want it to happen. People are losing their jobs and they are lovely people over there, they know us all”.

Her biggest fear is for the employees based in Clare that may lose their job as a result. “It is for the community, people would be lost without it. I’m not too bad but there are people that have no other transport at all that might not have any families living on their own, what will they do next?”

On the treatment of rural Ireland in recent years, Maureen felt the Irish Government “want to take everything off them”.

“All the ones in the office are lovely, I was talking to one of them when I rang up today and she said ‘it would be something if we were doing something wrong’. They are all so lovely and you only have to ring up and

Clare Bus 'essential' for welfare

IN A time where public transport is being flagged as one way to deal with climate change, one Clare man will be forced to learn how to drive resulting in an extra car on the road should a contract be signed awarding Limerick Local Link a service operated by Clare Bus for the past 16 years.

Tuamgraney native, Anthony Furlong travels via Clare Bus twice a week, every Monday and Friday as he begins and ends his working week for the past two to three years.

For him the bus is the only way of getting to Ennis and from there he can reach Doolin where he is based from Monday to Thursday.

“It would be fairly essential, it’s not too bad getting from Ennis to where I need to go but it’s my only way of getting to Ennis because I’m not driving,” Furlong said of Clare Bus’ importance to his own personal situation.

Should Newcastle West-based Limerick Local Link succeed Clare Bus in co-ordinating the service from Feakle, Anthony quipped, “I’d have to sort out my drivers licence fairly quickly.” Without Clare Bus, Anthony would be unable to get to Ennis and subsequently unable to reach work in Doolin, however the former Scariff Community College also flagged the impact it would have on others who must travel to parts of East Clare for various services.

“It goes to Tulla which is where the social welfare office is for the area, for a lot of people that might be their only way of getting to sign or getting to services”.

He added, “If they’re only basing the decision on a financial thing that might have been it but there’s more criteria than that really, everyone knows the service, the service knows the customers, a lot of people might need to get to daycare. I’m not too bad, I’m working, but it’s a lot more essential for other people that need to get to Youthreach or doing FÁS courses who need to go every day”.

From his time using Clare Bus, Furlong has only praise

l ESSENTIAL SERVICE: Tuamgraney native Anthony Furlong disembarking Clare Bus earlier this week, alongside bus driver Fran. Anthony uses the service for work and will be forced to put another car on the road should the service discontinue Photo by Martin Connolly for it. “You would never hear anything negative about it. It’s sition of management services from Clare to Limerick, the always on time unless something bad happens like a break- NTA has extended its existing contract with Clare Accessidown but that’s quite rare and even then they’re on top of ble Transport to 30th June 2019. The NTA issued a recent that very quickly because they’re based nearby, repairs can invitation to the Chair and Managers of Clare Accessible be done and they’re all set up in Feakle so if something hap- Transport to a meeting to discuss the transition phase furpened between Scariff and Tulla there could be another bus ther - the Authority is awaiting a response to this invitation.

The NTA is very supportive of future proposals from Local along very quickly, it’s never a big issue”.

On how the service will be progress under Limerick Local Link Limerick that may result in additional Local Link serLink, a spokesperson for the National Transport Authority vices for Clare and looks forward to the further enhancement told The Clare Echo, “In order to plan for the orderly tran- of rural transport services generally throughout Co Clare”.

NEWS 17

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Cross? they know you and that’s it, what will they do next? Hopefully it won’t go because it’s people’s jobs and where will they get a job next, it’s hard to get a job, wouldn’t they leave us alone? There is an awful lot taken away already. The buses are essential, a lot of people don’t have a car. They’re doing everything wrong, we only have to survive, when I got as far as ninety, I’m not too bad I suppose, but they want to take the bit I have off of me”.

‘‘

I got as far as ninety, I'm not too bad I suppose, but they want to take the bit I have off me

‘‘

“Everyone in the Feakle office knows where we live,” she commented of the familiarity they have with the service operators.

“The office outside in Feakle know all of us, who’s going to give them (Limerick

Local Links) d i r e c t i o n s , w o u l d they know where Henchy’s Cross is”.

As she spoke with The Clare Echo, Maureen was headed towards Tuamgraney, something she would not do were it not for Clare Bus. “I wouldn’t go at all if I hadn’t the bus and what would I be doing only sitting down at home only talking to the dog or myself or talking to Joe Duffy or someone,” she said with a smile.

Not alone does the bus provide a way of getting from A to B but for the Clooney woman it has restored long lost relationships. “It is surprising all the people I’ve met, people that get married and go off. I had a neighbour that I didn’t see for years till I started going to Raheen and I met there, it’s a great way of meeting people that you haven’t met for a long time”.

According to a spokesperson for the National Transport Authority, the impact of the awarding of the TCU contract from Clare Accessible Transport to Limerick Local Link will be minimal.

“There will be no reduction/change in existing transport services provided by Clare Accessible Transport. The key change is that the management of these services will now happen from Newcastle West in Limerick. Clare Accessible Transport will continue to provide transport services from its base in Feakle”.

VOTE #1

Cllr. Pat

HAYES

Keep Clare Bus locally operated Killaloe District

Maghera, Caher, Feakle, Co. Clare  hayespatrick@eircom.net  087 682 0167

Bus changes 'taking routine from disabled children and users'

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A PROPOSED change to the transport co-ordination unit (TCU) of Clare Bus has been slammed by users of the service in East Clare.

On Friday, The Clare Echo jumped aboard a Clare Bus service from Ennis to Scariff to get the views of commuters. In March, the National Transport Authority (NTA) awarded the TCU contract for Clare Bus to Limerick Local Link which is based in Newcastle West. Management of the Feakle-based service have said such a decision will result in the definite loss of seven jobs.

All existing TCU agreements nationally expired on December 31, 2018. A spokesperson for the NTA told The Clare Echo, “Due to a change in the legal procurement framework (2014 EU Directives), and following lengthy analysis, the Authority concluded that new TCU Agreements must be awarded pursuant to a competitive contract process. This procurement process commenced in 2018 and the resulting outcome has meant a reduction in the number of Transport Co-ordination Units from 17 to 15 with Clare being one of the unsuccessful tenderers”. They say there will be no alterations to the service provided by Clare Accessible Transport.

Oria Fitzgerald uses the service to travel to Ennis with her daughter Clare every weekday morning and returns home on her own on the 10:30am bus.

“It is so economical, trying to run a car, we haven’t got a great car, you need a brand new car to be able to bring my daughter everyday into Ennis which isn’t viable. It is fantastic for the cost to bring her in, drop her off at her school and she’s picked up outside the school again. Is another bus going to do that, I don’t think so, it’s fantastic, I can come in with her in the morning, she’s only just started so she’s learning the ropes”.

According to Oria, the decision to award the contract to Limerick Local l CRUCIAL: Link is “absolutely disgraceful”. “What Clare Bus are we going to lose, what services am is a great I going to have, will there be an 8:30am resource to bus in the morning to bring Clare in the people of for 10am? No there won’t. There’s peoScariff ple less off, I have a car but I won’t be Photo by Martin Connolly able to do it everyday so she’s going to have to her hours cut so therefore she’s at a disadvantage as well.”

Her daughter Clare has Down syndrome and “loves the service” provided by Clare Bus. “For parents that have children with disabilities it’s a bloody shame, a lot of them are picked up outside their doors and that’s fantastic, is the Limerick service going to continue that, they’re not. How many jobs are going to go from East Clare and that’s putting another disadvantage on to Feakle area, it’s disgraceful and politicians should be standing up and shouting”.

Should the organisation of the bus be done from Newcastle West as opposed to Feakle, Fitzgerald feels she and her daughter would “only be a number”. “I can ring up the office in Feakle, I know them, if Clare isn’t going in because she’s sick I can tell them that and they know then that she’s not travelling that week or that day, we have that communication to be able to ring at the last minute to say if she is travelling or not and it’s no problem to them which is fantastic. Take that into Limerick, who have we to contact, it could be just a recording”.

She is of the view that such a change to the operation would mark the beginning of the end for Clare Bus. “They’re not going to do pickups from houses to pick up children with disabilities or elderly people with no means of travel who have to come in to collect their pension or do a bit of shopping, there’s no local shops as such around, they have to rely on the bus. You can shop in Tulla or Scariff but what about the ones outside that this bus gives a service to, it goes into O’Callaghans Mills and Kilkishen but is that going to be continuing, no, they’re going to go straight onto the main road and not any back road.

It’s a crying shame”.

A full-time carer to her daughter, the Bodyke woman is worried of the affect it will have on her daughter. “It would be a big worry, I’d have to try come in the morning and go out to do my work to look after my family and back again, that’s four runs in the day. Are they going to provide the cost of petrol, the wear and tear of a car, tax, insurance, the whole works, add all that up. Okay maybe I’m lucky that I have a car but there’s a lot of parents that haven’t a car and have a child with a disability, they are house-bound and the kids are losing their schooling and they are going to be held back as well which is a terrible shame. We’re fighting to get different services and we’re not getting them, this is absolutely disgraceful and the politicians up in Dublin don’t give two hoots, they don’t care.

If they come around looking for votes, they’re going to get very few if this goes ahead”.

18 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

Never meet your heroes?

THE NOTEBOOK

T

HEY say never meet your heroes but not when your hero is the powerhouse Vicky Phelan. We were honoured and privileged to welcome her to the BEO stage at the weekend in the Armada Hotel and she is everything you expect her to be and more. She’s as good as local in West Clare these days as she spends a lot of time in her “favourite place in the world” as she describes it, that 2km stretch of beach in Doonbeg and now walks it frequently having not been well enough before. We spoke about the importance of listening to your gut instinct and your body and also remembered the amazing Laura Brennan. To say it will go down as a BEO

highlight for me is an understate- and you should catch it in the comment. Thank you Vicky. ing weeks so watch this space! It’ll It’s now less than 7 weeks to go be my first time climbing it since before the VHI Women’s Mini MarHanorah arathon and rived (climbSaturd ay’s ing mounPark Run in tains was Lees Road the furthest Ennis was a thing from good meamy mind this sure of how past while!) things are and I’m reprogressing ally looking fitness wise! forward to it If you havtoday. en’t signed It’s looking up already like it will be a now is your sunny Easter chance. The VHI: The Mini Marathon Ambassadors Bank Holiday atmosphere Weekend and on the day is just electric and you won’t regret when the sun shines there’s no better place to be than Co Clare so get it!

Today, I’m hoping to climb Car- out there and enjoy! Happy Easter rauntoohil for a fun project for RTÉ everyone.

HAPPENINGS QUAKERSTOWN POINT TO POINT AND EASTER COUNTRY FESTIVAL

Quakerstown Point-to-Point and Easter Country Festival, under the auspices of the Co Clare Hunt will take place in Quakerstown, Boston, Co Clare on Easter Sunday, the 21st April 2019. The track at Quakerstown is set against the backdrop of the majestic Burren, and promises to be one of the highlights of the season.

KILFENORA TRADITIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

From April 26-29, Kilfenora will stage its 11th annual traditional music festival, a series that commenced in 2009 with the 100th anniversary of the Kilfenora Céilí Band. With great concerts, céilís, some cracking CD launches and pub sessions, it’s a wonderful line-up.

COVET IN

CLARE

JUST ME AND MY TEE Joanne Hynes has just dropped part 2 of her collection at Dunnes Stores and I’m swooning. A denim dress that says “I’ll do me, you do you” and this Tee is my favourite. Check it out in Dunnes Stores now.

ROCK ME MOMMA Back by popular demand, the Ava pink velvet rocking chair returns to Meadows and Byrne, Bunratty and if it’s a nursery accessory or just a feature piece for your living room, this is a firm favourite of mine. €395

ON TOP OF THE WORLD: (top) Aoibhín on top of Carrauntoohil. (bottom) Vicky Phelan on the BEO stage at the Armada Hotel.

SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES Let your trainers do the talking with these flirty, French fashion forward beauties! Ooh La La is right! Available in Nozomi, Ennis.

GO BARE Just in time for summer, Vogue William’s has launched a brand new Self Tanning range with three formulas to choose from...Foam, Lotion and Instant and if it’s good enough for Vogue...I’m in! Available in Dunnes Stores and selected pharmacies.

SNUGGLE UP Is there anything more luxurious than a super soft cashmere and wool throw? This classic 3 colour block check from Foxford is just gorgeous an the perfect gift or treat your self item! €160 available in Kilkenny Shop now.

COLUMNIST 19

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Top 5

1

Easter Sunday Lunch Options

It’s only fitting that we celebrate Easter in true Banner style and how else would you do that, than enjoy a hearty and wholesome Sunday Roast at some of the county’s finest establishments. Here are some of my favourites.

ARMADA HOTEL, SPANISH POINT

The Armada Hotel’s carvery is a firm favourite with locals all year round but if you are looking for a special Sunday drive on top of a delicious Sunday roast look no further than Spanish Point this Easter. With stunning views of the ocean from the restaurant it’s the perfect setting.

3

2

PEPPERMILL, ENNIS

Nobody does convenient dining that doesn’t compromise on taste or service quite like the Peppermill. No longer a hidden gem (it’s become a destination in its own right) the Peppermill’s roast is as satisfying as it is scrumptious!

ROADSIDE TAVERN, LISDOONVARNA

4

One of Clare’s best loved Award Winning Gastro Pubs offers all the traditional dishes with some unique twists. For that Sunday comfort grub, look no further than Kieran’s Kitchen in the Roadside.

5

MONKS, BALLYVAUGHAN

Nestled in the heart of the Burren, Monks is another destination spot that sings Sunday like no other. The drive there is picturesque and if you are lucky enough to have a designated driver, a glass of vino with a bowl of delicious mussels will kick off proceedings nicely!

BUNRATTY MANOR

Don the Sunday best and hit for Bunratty Manor this Easter for a little taste of old world service in a beautiful Manor house setting. The menu, a scrumptious banquet, is ever changing and always second to none. The perfect Easter treat!

20 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

RISE UP THIS EASTER

T

he phrase Holy Week, refers to the seven full days of reflection, meditation, confession, silence, contemplation, forgiveness, love and spiritual activities that capture the feelings of devotion and love for our Lord and in someway what He went through during those few days. Remembering these events strengthen our souls of which at times have become weakened by life’s trials and tribulations. This Holy Week, for those of us who are followers of Christ, we look back on these events not to relive the grief, sadness and morbidity, but to renew our commitment to living on a higher plane, the one Jesus challenged us to live on. We recognise that the cross which was made from a tree holds the hope of our humanity. During Holy Week we focus more and more on Christ’s inner life. Now and then we get glimpses of what fidelity to God the Father costs: the misunderstanding of those he held most dear, their abandonment of him in his loneliest hour, the physical torment of his passion and death.

Was he afraid that he might not be strong enough to bear it all?

Did he fear ultimate failure? We don’t know but we do know this.

Whatever we are called upon to bear or whatever crosses we are asked to carry, we bear it in union with him or we carry it with him; and because we bear it or carry our crosses in union with him, it is not pointless. Christ did not fail, and provided we hold fast to him, we shall not fail, either. So as we pray the Stations of the Cross over this Holy Week, let us pray for all those who are suffering in our world and more importantly in our country - the poor, the vulnerable, the neglected, the abused, the homeless, the abandoned, the hopeless, those on the edges of our societies, the forgotten, those in direct provision, those who suffer from inequality, those who live in conditions of poverty and deprivation in our own counties

and in our country and throughout the world. We pray that as we enter into the sufferings of Christ during this Holy Week or whatever we believe in we will see Him in those suffering in our country and our world around us and that we too will rise up and help those most in need in our country and world. This Holy week in prayer I will be keeping all of these and you the reader and also keeping in mind some family members and a very dear friend down home suffering this Holy Week.

“Carry Your Cross” I was at a talk many moons ago

by KA Phinney and he told the following story about Carrying your Cross in these often difficult times and it goes as follows. “There once was a man who was feeling very, very overwhelmed with his life and his division of burdens. He was consumed by the thoughts that his burdens were too heavy, too large, and too difficult for him to carry, and he was very upset with God for giving him a cross that he just couldn’t possibly bear.

At night, he’d tell God, “God, I can’t possible carry this cross anymore! My burdens are too much, too heavy, too large. It’s just too difficult for me, God. And I’m tired.” And then he would wait and wait, but God just didn’t answer. So the next day, the man was grumbling and waiting for his bus on the park bench when he overheard a woman explaining to her friend that there was a cross shop that specialized in burden replacement just around the corner.

The man couldn’t believe his ears.

“Finally!” he thought. “If God doesn’t want to free me from my burdens, then I will.” So off to the cross shop he trekked, leaving the two chatting woman and the bus stop behind. When he entered the shop, a friendly elderly man greeted him. “Hello, Son. Can I help you?” “Well, yes,” the burdened man replied. “This here cross I am carrying is too much for me to handle. It’s too heavy and too

large. I hear you can help me with replacing it...” “Well, of course I can. Just turn in your cross up here at the return counter, and then take a look around to find a new cross that you feel is just right for you. When you find it, bring it on up to the check out, and I’ll get you on your way.” “That’s all?” the man thought to himself. So he left his cross with the elderly man and ventured through the aisles of the shop. Here and there, he would pause to closely examine a cross that caught his eye. One was flashy but much heavier than his last cross. Others felt lighter but were much too large, while others were both larger and heavier than the one he brought in to be rid of.

So on and on it went like this until he noticed a cross hanging on the front wall he hadn’t noticed before. He approached the cross and took it down from the wall. Compared to the others, it seemed lighter and smaller, although he couldn’t be sure. He inspected it carefully, practiced carrying around the burden in the shop, and finally determined it would do. At the counter, the old man watched and waited patiently. “Do you think you found the cross for you?” “Yes, I think I have. Of all the crosses in your store, I think I can deal with this one best.” “Are you sure?” the old man asked.

“Why, yes. It’s the only one that seems to fit with what I can handle.” The old man gave a knowing nod and smiled. He leaned over the counter and looked his patron in the eyes. “Son,” he said, “the cross in your hands now is the very one you came in with.” The conclusion of the story rang in my ears as my friend explained its moral. The cross God gives you to bear is the very one He knows you can handle. It’s designed just for you, and you will be the one that becomes a better person because of it. Like coal under intense pressure, you will become diamonds.

There isn’t another cross more perfect for you, and no one else’s cross can replace it. So since then,

when I am challenged and am feeling weak, I remember this story, and I know that I need to give it to God. He knows I can handle it, and if I get tired He is the one that will help me continue on.

And in the end, it’s not about the burden at all; what’s important is how you bear your cross and what you learn from the journey.

Is Your Cross too Heavy to Bear?

The following is a beautiful prayer poem I found in my Nana Scully’s prayer book that compliments the last story. “Complainingly I told myself, “this cross is too heavy to wear” And I wondered discontentedly why God gave it to me to bear. And I looked with envy at others, whose crosses seemed lighter than mine. And wished that I could change my cross for one of a lighter design - And then, in a dream, I beheld the cross. I impulsively wanted to wear, It was fashioned of pearls and diamonds and gems that were precious and rare. And when I hung it around my neck the weight of the jewels and the gold, Was much too heavy and cumbersome for my small, slender neck to hold - So I tossed it aside and before my eyes was a cross of rose-red flowers And I said with delight as I put it on, “this cross I can wear for hours” - For it was so dainty and fragile, so lovely and light and thin, But I had forgotten about the thorns that started to pierce my skin - And then in my dream I saw “my cross,”rugged and old and plain, That clumsy old cross I had looked upon with discontented disdain - And at last I knew that God had made this “special cross for me,”For God in His great wisdom knew what I before could not see, That often the loveliest crosses are the heaviest crosses to bear, For only God is wise enough to choose the cross we can wear - So never complain about your cross, for your cross has been blessed, God made it just for you to wear and remem-

ber, God knows best!”

Thought for Holy week As you thought for the week, rise up and never give up on yourself or on others because life is short and we all need a bit of a resurrection experience in our life no matter who we are now and then and when it happens everything falls into place. So rise up and give your faith a chance this Easter whatever you believe that to be. In finishing let me leave you with a famous prayer written

by Charles de Foucauld called the Prayer of Abandonment which I love to pray each morning. “Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.

Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all.

Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul: I offer it to you with all the love of my heart, for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into your hands without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.

Amen”

Entertainment

CLARE’S FLOWER POWER

T

HE Clare Garden Festival on Sunday, 28th April at Ennis Showgrounds will this year be having some new highlights and come with some great surprises. Of the total of 79 plant, garden and food exhibitors from all over Ireland, there will be nearly 20 new stallholders. The festival will see fantastic garden expert talks with an advanced Masterclass by Clare Garden guru Jim Cronin starting off the day. Clare Garden Festival will also be continuing on with its greening efforts and messaging by bringing in new rules for stallholders on waste and supporting visitors to compost after enjoying a great meal in the great food area expanded last year.

Joe Lillis, Chairman of Clare Agricultural Show Society said: “We are hugely looking forward to welcoming ‘the Gardeners’ again at Ennis Showgrounds. Its fantastic to see this event thrive year after year and gardeners, families and friends visibly enjoying themselves, the stalls, the talks and all that the day has to offer. At Clare Garden Festival huge visitor numbers and a great amount of stalls come from all over Ireland.

Over half of the exhibitors will be located in our large indoor arena with many others on our tarmac courtyard. As usual, we hope to be blessed with good weather, but are prepared for all conditions with our huge indoor arena. We are delighted to see Clare Garden Festival grow and expand at Ennis Showgrounds year-on-year a nd we hope that visitors will stay with us the whole Sunday enjoying varied and healthy lunch options and making use of our free car parking.”

Festival manager Carmen Cronin said: “We will have some great garden experts this year again in addition to our new workshops and demonstrations. One of them is even travelling all the way from Australia where she runs her own garden festival in Clare called ‘SA Clare Garden Festival’ – a wonderful coincidence.” She continued by saying: “This year we really have a fantastic team of people involved both from the Show Society as well as from the gardening community as demonstrators, expert speakers and volunteers – never forgetting our great stallholders of course. I d like to already thank everyone for their dedication and wish us all a

wonderful day!”

There will also be a Fringe event this year at Ennis library on Tuesday, 23rd April at 6.30pm when Philip Marie Moreaux will look at ‘Gardening – Today and Yesterday’. Other Fringe elements can be found at the festival itself again including Jim’s Masterclass on Permanent Cropping, Upcycling and Pop-Up Gardening Workshops, New exciting stalls from far and Very near and much more.

Returning for its 8th year, Clare Garden Festival at Ennis Showgrounds, Co Clare will this year focus on demonstrations with a new dedicated demonstrations area, where garden skills will be shown all day. These demonstrations will be running in addition to the expert stage, workshops and a masterclass for old and young. With its over 70 quality garden, plant and food stalls, the festival is a treat for Gardeners and provides a wonderful day out for all the family with great entertainment and sumptuous food. Clare Garden Festival will take place again on the last Sunday of April, the 28th April - For further details visit www. claregardenfestival.com and www. facebook.com/claregardenfestival.

22 FESTIVAL FEATURE

Quakerstown Points the way for family fun

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

2,000 revellers expected for bumper Easter festival STUART HOLLY

I

editor@clareecho.ie

N RECENT years, point to point has become the training ground for national hunt racing. One doesn’t have to look far for evidence of this, with our own Derek O’Connor a record-breaking legend on the curcuit.

O’Connor is an ambassador for the Quakerstown Point To Point, which takes place on Easter Sunday every year. Hosted by the Co Clare Hunt, this marks the seventh year the event will take place in Quakerstown, against the backdrop of the glorious Burren.

With 2,000 people expected in Boston this Sunday, one could be forgiven for overlooking the hard work put in by the Clare Hunt committee to bring the event to its current

guise, as Paul O’Neill, Point to Point secretary Secretary, tells The Clare Echo.

Paul has been involved in running the point to points for 20-plus years, and just ahead of the society’s biggest event of the year he says it wasn’t always the way.

“Quakerstown would be the biggest event that we would run every year,” says Mr O’Neill. “Point to point had been on a downward spiral but we put a lot of effort into different activities which is boosting the crowds for us hugely and provides great entertainment,” says Paul, adding its obvious benefit to the local economy.

“Going back, it had gone to a point where it was just solely six races on the day but people weren’t coming, families weren’t bringing their children because there was nothing to do for them so we embarked on changing that to make it a more family orientated day.”

With that in mind, a festival atmosphere has been created for this Sunday’s event. Face

painting, pony rides and a bouncy castle will keep the kids entertained, while a heated marquee, the ‘Connolly’s RED MILLS Pavilion’ will allow patrons to enjoy all the thrills of Point to Point racing with added comfort, refreshments, live racing from Fairyhouse.

This year it will also feature a Jive dancing session with Tom Jive, which will encourage people to show off their dancing skills and win some fantastic spot prizes.

There are also a number of competitions to be presided over by the guest judges, Mandy Maher of Catwalk Modelling agency; Mary Lee, model and Chez Lee Beauty; and local milliner Margaret O’Connor who happens to be a Tubber native.

With great prizes on offer, competitions include appropriately dressed lady and man, a bonny baby contest and a dog show. For the browsers, there will be a pavilion with about a dozen local enterprises displaying and selling local produce along with a food stall.

Speaking about the dancing element of the day, Paul continues, “It has nothing to do with racing, but jiving has been big in the county and surrounding counties so we’re having jiving in the heated marquee.

So it’s just pushing the boat out in things like that to make it more ameniable for families and people to go to it.”

Paul also commended all sponsors of the event along with main sponsors Con-

nolly’s RED MILLS, the committee and club members along with people and businesses in the locality for their support of the event, which continues to grow in popularity.

“The organising, we would do all of but on the day we would have a good lot of local support as well to help out with various aspects of it - that would be driven primarily by Gerry Lee and John and Jack Neylon.

They really round the troops up there.

“We would be hoping that between parents and children we would be someplace in the region of 2,000 people at the event.”

At the event in Bellharbour, a race was ran in aid of breastcancer where €10,040 was donated to breast cancer research. And while there are six official races on the card this Sunday, the day will be finished with a pony race for local members of the hunt.

However Paul admits, “Horse racing is the main event,” adding that the continued support of jockey Derek O’Connor (who will be saddling up) has been “hugely” beneficial to the Quakerstown Point To Point. “With all the associations he has with different trainers he would be always highlighting the efficiency of the Clare point to points and the way they’re run, which is crucial.”

€10 admittance per person at the gate and children go free. All activities once inside are free of cost.

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

FESTIVAL FEATURE 23

lREADY TO RACE: At the Quakerstown launch event is compére Ger Hannon chatting to Jane Davis of Main Sponsors Connolly’s Red Mills; Karina Fitzpatrick from Cooraclare enjoying the craic with Louise Fitzpatrick from Doonbeg; Admiring the Ladies Members Perpetual Cup won in Bellharbour 2019 were its winner Aisling Wixted (Sixmilebridge), Jennifer Lynch (Newmarket on Fergus) and Susanne O’Brien (Adare)

Photos by Martin Connolly

24 COMMUNITY

Community MEET THE CANDIDATES AND REGISTER TO VOTE

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

CLARE PPN is delighted to be hosting a ‘Meet the Candidates & Voter Registration’ event in each Municipal District in County Clare in the run up to the 2019 Local Elections.

Candidates are invited to address the voters of their Municipal District and voters will be given the opportunity to have their questions answered by candidates. Please check the register www.checktheregister.ie to ensure that you are registered to vote. If not, you can get registered before the main event, thanks to An Garda Siochana.

So come along, inform and be informed.

The dates are as follows: - Killaloe Municipal District: 23rd April @ 7pm, Kilkishen Cultural Centre - Kilrush Municipal District: 24th April @ 7pm, An Teach Cheoil, Kilrush - Shannon Municipal District: 25th April @ 7pm, Shannon Oakwood Hotel - Ennis Municipal District: 26th April @ 8pm, Cloughleigh Community Centre - Ennistymon Municipal District: 30th April @ 7pm, The Falls Hotel If you have any questions/comments please do not hesitate to email: admin@clareppn.ie

WEST / NORTH CLARE BEACH CLEAN UPS Kilrush Tidy Towns is organising two beach clean-ups in the coming days. Good Friday (April 19): Ballymacrinnan/Moneypoint Bay, Killimer Road @11am; Easter Saturday (April 20): Aylevaroo/Moyne Bay, beside the caravan park @ 11am.

Please wear suitable clothing and footwear. Bags supplied.

Remember, every piece of litter removed from the coast is a piece of litter that won’t pollute our oceans or harm our wildlife.

ENNISTYMON CHORAL SOCIETY Ennistymon Choral Society presents the musical comedy Sister Act from Wednesday 1st - Sunday 5th May in Ennistymon Community Centre at 8.15pm nightly. Tickets available on-line at www.gr8events. ie/ennistymonchoral or ring 0851928882. Book early for a great night of entertainment.

STELLA MARIS DONATION The Stella Maris Day Centre, Lisdoonvarna would like to thank the ‘Knockaskeheen / Ardeamush / Poulnagun Group Water Scheme’ for the very generous donation in the amount of €742.59. This donation will help in no small way in the provision of services to the attendees of the Day Centre.

KILLIMER BARN DANCE AS part of National Community Weekend which will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend (4-6 May), Killimer Parish are holding a BARN DANCE in Knockerra Hall on Saturday, May 4.

There is a History of Dances being held in Knockerra Hall in days gone by. Music on the night is by P J Murrihy and His Band. To Book call 089 241 2943.

FERN CELTIC FUN RUN Fern Celtic School Boys & Girls Soccer Club extends an open invitation to the public to their 5th Annual Easter Monday Fun Run which takes place on April 22 at 11am from Ballyea Community Centre.

Registration takes place at 10.30am. Fee €10 per person/€20 per family. Complimentary refreshments provided afterward’s. Raffle and spot prizes on the day. 5km and 2km routes available to suit all ages and levels of fitness. Walkers, runners, cyclists welcome.

More details on www.fernceltic.ie.

ENNIS EASTER RISING EVENT Clare Sinn Féin will hold its Annual Easter Rising Commemoration at Drumcliffe Cemetery in Ennis on Easter Sunday at the plot of Volunteers Patrick O’Mahony, Christopher Quinn and William O’Shaughnessy who were the last 3 to be executed in the Civil War. The guest speaker will be Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan. The Commemoration begins at 3pm and all Sinn Féin local election candidates will participate.

CLARE BURREN MARATHON CHALLENGE The CBS Senior Boys’ Team have won the National Sportshall Title in Athlone and the Girls’ Team finished in the Bronze Medal position. The competition was in association with Clare Sports Partnership. This is the fourth year in a row that a team from the school has claimed a national title in the competition.

Pictured above are the Boys’ and Girls’ Teams.

Back Row: Rhys Flynn, Pádraig O’Donovan, Dario Fernandes, Leo Johnson, Niall McMahon, Ben O’Halloran, Conor Nash, John Touhy.

Third Row: Brian Spring (Teacher), Cillian Hayes, Niall Doyle, Caleb Walsh, Darren Moroney, David Cahill, Justin Norvaisis, Jack Dunleavy, Samuel Akinsola, Liam McGuane (Teacher).

Second Row: Sarah Scahill, Grace O’Halloran, Ella Kearney, Ruth Walsh, Kate Moran, Sophie Torpey, Ciara Hegarty, Eimear Lavelle.

Front Row: Ellen McGrath, Amy Ryan, Lily Keane, Aoibhinn Mc Grath, Lucy Shannon, Sarah Dunleavy, Deborah Nijimbere, Lauren Shannon.

Missing from photo is Charlie O’Doherty and Aisling Kelly (Teacher).

COMMUNITY 25

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

Community

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

EAST CLARE

CULLAUN SAILING CLUB UNVEILS NEW CLUBHOUSE Cullaun Sailing Club has been a hive of activity over the last number of weeks as they put the finishing touches on

their new clubhouse which is opening on Saturday April 27 at 2pm. Based in East Clare between Tulla and Kilkishen this small dinghy sailing club has been in operation for 40 years and has an active mixed fleet of Wayfarer, Enterprise and Gp14 sailing boats.

This new development is a fantastic facility and it is a huge improvement from the porta cabin they were using for the last few years. The club has been actively fundraising for the last number of years and were lucky to secure grant aid from the Department of Tourism and Sport in the form of a sports capital grant and funding from Clare Local Development Company in the form of a leader grant. Community Finance Ireland have helped the club with a bridging and a term loan.

“Our members have also been instrumental in helping us to get this far and without their donations and fundraising ideas we wouldn’t have such a great facility,” said a statement from the club.

Tulla Pipe band will play at the opening ceremony followed by blessing of the boats and the new clubhouse and with speakers from the Irish Sailing Assocation, Clare Sports Partnership and Clare Local Development Company.The club caters for adults and junior sailing with Easter and summer camps for the juniors and racing and training for the adults. Racing is every Thursday evening with beginners on Tuesday and open sailing at the weekends.

There will be a demo of sailors on the lake before the event and after the opening there will be TRY sailing which is an open event for all sailors or people who are interested in learning to sail. If you bring your wetsuit or an old change of clothes, then you can be taken out for a sail on the lake and try it for yourself. Two weeks after the official opening Cullaun Sailing Club will host the GP14 Munster championship two day event where there could be up to 30 travelling boats descending on the club racing for line honours.

ENNIS ENNIS FREEDOM FESTIVAL ON MAY 18 The Clare International Brigades Commemorative Collective invite you to the Ennis Freedom Festival on May 18, 2019. The Ennis Freedom Festival will be commemorating Ennis born International Brigade Volunteer Michael Russell. We will be unveiling a plaque on Simms Lane in Ennis where Michael Russell was born in 1909.

Following the unveiling of the plaque the Festival will continue in Lucas Bar, Parnell Street, with an evening of Music and anti-fascist speakers and good Guinness!

Ennis native Michael Russell was killed in action fighting with the International Brigades and the democratically elected Government forces of the Spanish 2nd Republic against the Fascist Forces of General Franco in the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939.

All are welcome to attend the Ennis Freedom Festival.

Music: Paddy De Las Pampas (Los Paddys) & friends.

Speakers: Harry Owens - Friends of the International Brigades In Ireland - ‘Spanish Civil War’.

Manus O’Riordan - Ireland Secretary International Brigades Memorial Trust - ‘ The Connolly Column / A Diversity of Volunteers’.

Pádraig Óg Ó Ruairc - Historian - ‘Republican-Socialist links in Clare 1918-1934’.

The Clare International Brigades Commemorative Collective (CIBCC) would like to thank the Energy Services Union, the INTO, the CWU and Forsa trade unions for their support as without them this event could not take place.

We would also like to thank the Clare Council of Trade Unions, the Limerick International Brigades Memorial Trust and the Clare County Council for their cooperation and assistance. Lastly huge thanks to all the members of the CIBCC who have worked hard to see this day come to fruition and Jim McDonald RIP who started this project and is remembered forever on the plaque we will unveil to open the festival on May 18th.

Back in 2017 a Plaque we presented to the friends of the International Brigades in Spain (AABI) on the Jarama Battlefield were Michael Russell lost his life fighting for democracy and freedom.

JP PRO-AM PRE-QUALIFIER As part of their fundraising efforts this year, the Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic are holding a Pre-Qualifier Golf Competition for the JP McManus Pro-Am 2020 on Saturday 4th May 2019 in Ennis Golf Club.

Clare Crusaders Voluntary Manager Ann Norton stated; “We are delighted to be involved with the JP McManus Pro-Am. There is great excitement around this event. Not only is it the first time we have been involved with the JP McManus charitable fund but also to be backed by Ennis Golf Club in our first ever Golf competition, they have been instrumental in the event organisation, showing Great Spirit from all involved, it has been a very enjoyable process”. We are now looking forward to the event itself, 3 players will be chosen from the day to go forward to play in a Grand Qualifier in May 2020 with the hope of competing in the ProAm in July 2020. All players will receive a Entrance Cap which will give them entry to the Pro-am free of charge for the two days.

We are thrilled to have Jason from Cummins Car Centre, Our local Toyota Dealer, come on board as our main sponsor. The New Camry Hybrid will be on display throughout the tournament.

Anyone wishing to take part please contact Fiona on 0656896015 or email: theclarecrusaders@ gmail.com Photograph: Pat Rutherford, organising committee, Joe Carmody, Ennis Golf Club President, Ann Norton, Clare Crusaders Children’s Clinic, Dave Pender, Ennis Golf Club Captain.

EAST CLARE SCARIFF HOSTS ART EXHIBITION SCARIFF Library Gallery will host a brand new visual art exhibition by Jean Ryan Hakizimana from April 29. The artist operates his own studio in his native Limerick City. His paintings have sold worldwide, from exhibitions in his studio and across the country. “Reflections” by Jean Ryan Hakizimana is being hosted at Scariff Library Gallery and supported by the Clare County Council Arts Office from 29th April to 25th May. Jean Ryan will also present other exhibitions at Clare County Museum and Cultúrlann Sweeney later this summer.

For more see www.jeanryan-art.com/about.

Farming DR HARTY HITS OUT AT ‘WRONG MESSAGE’ STUART HOLLY

D

news@clareecho.ie

OCTOR Michael Harty TD has criticised dietary advice in relation to meat consumption in An Taisce’s Green Schools resource pack.

In a Leaders Questions discussion with Tánaiste Simon Coveney on challenges facing agriculture, Dr. Harty identified Brexit, CAP Reform and Climate Action as the three most pressing issues facing farmers.

He rejected the narrative that farming damages our planet and provides food that can damage our health.

In relation to the Green Schools pack, the Kilmihil doctor said, “An educational guide recently issued to schools by An Taisce recommends a reduction in meat and dairy consumption, equating such consumption with contributing to environmental damage.

“I believe this is the wrong message to give to our children, who are very impressionable. Excessive intakes of sugar, processed carbohydrates and salt are all contributing to obesity, which is now reaching epidemic proportions.

“This is the message which should

be given to our children and their parents regarding diet while at the same time promoting exercise and sport.”

The independent TD continued, “We all know that a balanced diet is very important for health and well-being, and the manner in which we process and cook our food is as important as the content of that food.

“The message should go out that farm families are custodians of our environment and are not contributing to its destruction.

“The uncertainty in the farming sector regarding Brexit and the CAP budget is being compounded by the narrative that farming damages our planet and provides food that can damage our health. We should ensure educational material does not do that.”

‘Deal will threaten small family farms’

I

FA President Joe Healy said the Government has abandoned farm families by failing to implement the three-year cap on farm assets under the financial assessment of the Fair Deal scheme. The Government has been promising IFA that this would be introduced since last July.

Addressing farmers at the Dept of Health on Tuesday, he said it is now nearly nine months since Cabinet approved the proposal to introduce a three-year cap on farm and small businesses assets, where a family successor commits to continue to farm the asset for a period of six years.

The IFA President said, “Farm families are beyond frustrated with the delays. When Minister Daly announced last July that he had Cabinet approval to introduce a cap and that he would be progressing the matter in the Oireachtas in the autumn session, we thought we had reached the finish line. Unfortunately, that was not the case and we find ourselves here today.”

IFA Farm Family & Social Affairs

Chair Caroline Farrell said the ongoing delays are causing huge uncertainty and distress for farm families and are jeopardising the viability of the farms affected for future generations.

“In the time since Cabinet approved the proposal, it has cost individual farm families an estimated €40,000 in nursing home costs,” she said.

She said what is most upsetting is that the delays are having the greatest impact on the most vulnerable of farm families, whose farms will be unviable unless the Minister acts now.

IFA is calling for the: - The changes to be introduced without any further delay and retrospectively applied to July when the Cabinet approved proposal for new and existing farmers availing of the Fair Deal scheme.

- The three-year cap must also be applied to farms that are currently leased, but where a family successor gives a verified commitment that they would continue to farm the asset for a period of six years.

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

BUSINESS

BUSINESS 27

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

LIT & Lufthansa offer unique programme

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IMERICK Institute of Technology (LIT) and Lufthansa Technik Shannon Ltd (LTSL) have announced the launch of a unique, threeyear undergraduate degree programme in aircraft maintenance engineering.

The collaboration is based on bringing together the professional and academic expertise of both organisations in developing the Bachelor of Science Degree in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

The degree is fully accredited and will be internationally recognised. Once live, it will help address the need to provide 750,000 graduates to the global aviation industry in the immediate future, includ-

ing the provision of 135,000 graduates in aircraft maintenance required in the European region alone between 2018 and 2035.

The degree programme is the fulfilment of a shared set of values, goals, and priorities between LIT and LTSL. Welcoming the partnership between the world renowned aviation training school and the Higher Education Institute, LIT President Professor Vincent Cunnane said, “We are very proud of our collaboration with LTSL, it is a win for both organisations, for students, the industry and this region. LIT and Lufthansa Technik Shannon share a common goal to educate and train people to the highest academic and industry stan-

l TOP TEAM: David Ward, Aviation Training Business Development Manager, Lufthansa Technik Shannon; Assistant Registrar LIT, Frances O’Connell; LIT President Professor Vincent Cunnane; Acting CEO Lufthansa Technik Shannon, Tom Caffrey & Maria Kyne, Dean of Applied Science, Engineering & Technology

dards. The fact that we share a set of values and have a common goal has enabled us to develop what is a unique programme, another pioneering move from Shannon in global aviation.

“Both institutions are focussed on producing graduates that are workplace ready.

Through this programme, they will be learning in possibly the largest classroom in the world LTSL’s hangar in Shannon - and from there they will be entering a truly global workplace.”

Assistant Registrar LIT, Frances O’Connell added, “Successful graduates will have their academic qualification recognised globally and also qualify for licensed qualifications from the European Aviation Safety Agency to complete aircraft maintenance.”

28 BUSINESS PROFILE

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

A business of great Prestige

Prestige Motors toast 21 years of business in Clare STUART HOLLY

W

editor@clareecho.ie

and parts, and more.

A motto which Prestige Motors abides by is ‘Your car, your choice’. Liam develops on this by explaining that in the current market, insurance companies are attempting to dictate to motorists where they should have their repair work carried out. Across the pond in Britain, it led to a crisis in the skilled industry with many smaller business forced to close their doors after being ultimately eliminated from the market. However there is no onus on the customer when it comes to choosing a business to carry out their crash repairs, or any motor body repairs.

While the insurance industry is adding to the challenge of running a small, specialised crash repair company, Liam gives assurances that the whole process - from your repair estimate to processing payment - is seamless with Prestige Motors. “It’s the customer’s choice where they want their car repaired, you’re under no obligation [to be influenced by insurance companies],” Liam explains.

“We do everything, we deal with the estimate onward, and we deal directly with the insurance company then... We try and make it as easy as we can for the customer.”

With his strong local client base in mind, Liam adds his gratitude for those who have helped his business to grow while also giving a nod to his team of staff, which includes a specialist team of spraypainters and panel beaters.

“I want to thank all those who have given us custom and support over the 21 years,” says Liam, adding, “It’s also so important to have good staff and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

HILE one panel beater in County Meath celebrated Grand National success this month when his son Gordon Elliot’s Tiger Roll made it two-in-a-row at Aintree, another panel beater in Clare is toasting success for a very different reason. In trading conditions where thriving in business can be difficult across the board, Prestige Motors this year proudly celebrates 21 years in operation.

Local businessman Liam Hickey established Prestige Motors in 1998 at the Doora Industrial Estate on the Quin Road, Ennis, where today you’ll still find Liam and his team of skilled workers carrying out motor body repairs. While the team has grown in number from two to five, much remains the same for Liam and co including an emphisis on customer satisfaction and exceptional workmanship.

With a 21-year body of work under his bonnet, Liam and the Prestige Motors team specialise in all types of motor body repairs.

They offer free estimates and deal with all insurance companies directly. They provide customers with a fast, reliable and competitively priced service while using the best equipment available to ensure top class results.

All vehicle makes and models can be repaired and resprayed with Prestige. They use a USI Italia Spraybake oven, which is a state of the art spray booth that will give you better paint adhesion and a smoother finish.

To get in contact with Prestige Motors, Their services include; crash repairs, scratch repairs, dent repairs, panel beating, contact Liam Hickey on 065 684 4077 or 085 structural repairs, respray of damaged panels 153 9001. Unit 1J, Doora Ind Estate, Quin and parts, replacement of damaged panels Rd, Ennis, Co Clare.

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

lBEST MEN FOR THE JOB: Prestige Motors owner Liam Hickey (right) and his team of experts pictured at their premises on the Doora Industrial Estate in Ennis

BUSINESS PROFILE 29

30 BUSINESS FEATURE

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

BUSINESS

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

Keep it Country in Broadford The Country Store owner Karen O’Connor on serving vibrant East Clare village

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T’S hard not to be intrigued by what’s behind the red door as you pass The Country Store in Broadford.

Once you cross the threshold of the quaint-looking, well-cared for shop front, great surprises lay in store inside the retail store, café and bakery.

The Clare Echo visited The Country Store to meet proprietor Karen O’Connor, who purchased the premises last August. In eight months, she’s transformed it into a hive of activity to serve the community on a broad basis. Catering to a variety of needs is the name of the game at The Country Store and on the list of services include Lotto, solid fuels, diesel, green diesel and kerosene, Payzone, parcel connect drop-off, sit-down meals in the café, freshly baked goods are made daily, homemade tarts and cakes to name a few, or even wine if it takes your fancy.

Karen explains the importance of growing her business as a community focul point, particularly following the closure of the other shop in the village last month.

“There’s 1,411 people in Broadford according to the last census. People

say, ‘Broadford, Co Clare, sure there’s nothing happening there’. I’m living here 14 years and it’s a lovely little place. There’s a huge amount happening at present to bring about improvements to make Broadford a better place for parents to raise their family.”

Improvements already achieved include a new school, refurbished community hall, and state-of-the-art GAA faciliteies all located in the centre of the village. Karen continues, “There are also plans to build a community playground, develop walking trails that begin in the village and take in the beautiful scenery of the mountains and lakes on our doorstep. That’s along with the opening of a crèche/after school facility and the development of public spaces. The community is ambitious and enthusiastic and there is a great community spirit as a result.”

An active member of the fundraising committee for the camogie team, the mum of two adds, “It’s so vibrant here. You have people passing through the village going in the direction of Ennis, Galway, and Nenagh.”

The location serves as a great base for visitors such as those hiking the 12

O’Clock Hills, cycling groups, fishing enthusiasts, and golfers to Bodyke.

Add to this the heaving GAA crowds, Karen is concious of the passing trade that needs serving in Broadford. The Limerick native adds that she takes great pleasure in returning local trade.

“Even the older generation, they can get a hot dinner, whether it’s a stew or shepherd’s pie or beef lasagne, we make everything here.”

Karen was able to call on her experience in the catering and service industry to help develop her new business, having worked as an area sales manager with Bewley’s, and an employee at Nestor’s Bar in Limerick early in her career (where she met husband David, a Clonlara native).

“I never thought I’d have my own business, especially on my own doorstep, it’s great,” says Karen, who has grown her staff-base from six to 14 since taking the reins. “It’s constant but I just love it.”

l TOP CLASS: The Country Store shop front and (inset) its owner Karen O’Connor; (bottom L-R) the lovely café which buzzes with business; the menu and fresh produce available at the Broadford shop

Contact The Country Store on (061) 473 977. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-8pm (café 9am-6pm) Saturday 8am-6pm (café 9am-4pm) Sunday 9am-3pm (café 9am-2pm)

Drop into our office for a chat between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday: Unit 16 First Floor, Roslevan Shopping Centre, Ennis

We’re looking for compassionate and caring people to light up the lives of local seniors

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SPORT

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

31

‘Women will always be the first to take cuts’

In the fifth of our series focusing on figures in female sport, we speak to soccer starlet Chloe Moloney, who discusses how female athletes are the ones likely to suffer first in the fallout to recent FAI financial controversies

with PÁRAIC McMAHON

I

N A fortnight where positive stories about soccer in Ireland have been few and far between, Chloe Moloney has predicted that if anyone is to suffer from the suspension of Sport Ireland funding to the FAI, it will be the women while she’s also optimistic of progressing her own career.

As The Clare Echo’s 20x20 Can’t See Can’t Be series continues, this week we put the spotlight on one of the county’s rising stars in the beautiful game which over the past week has been pretty ugly when it comes to the financial activity and lack of honesty provided by high power figures within the FAI. For the past two years, Chloe has been a permanent fixture in the defence of Peamount United, prior to that she lined out with Galway WFC for 16 months while Connolly Celtic was the first port of a call for a then 13year old Moloney where she honed her craft under the watchful eyes of Sean Cregan and Irene Hehir having been spotted by Denis Hynes. Before that, sporting memories were consigned to Ladies Football with Kilmurry Ibrickane and a beloved memory of being the mascot for the 2002 Bricks when they won the Jack Daly with her father, Aidan ‘Horse’ Moloney as captain.

His support together with her mother Martina and siblings has been invaluable assisting with transportation to training and trials. “I used to drag him out onto the lawn when I was younger, he pushed me a lot back then but as I got older I got the trials to go to Dublin and both my parents, my brothers and sisters drove me to get buses when I needed to. Every trial I had Dad came with me and it was up and down the same day, he had to take work off and it was very tough but it was all worth it in the end, he’s been a huge part of it. I live here for the summer so I’ve to get the bus up for the summer. Without any of them I wouldn’t be where I am today”.

Currently a sports coaching and business

l RISING TALENT: Chloe Moloney in competitive action

management student at IT Carlow, Chloe is hoping to venture into coaching in the future and has already completed a UEFA C licence and will soon add the B equivalent.

Having made international appearances at U16, U17 and U19 level, receiving a callup to the senior side from Colin Bell is one the former St Joseph’s Spanish Point student is eager to get. “That’s what you want, everyone is trying to get a call off Colin Bell but it’s tough. I play centre back so we have Louise Quinn and Niamh Fahey, they’re playing for Arsenal and Liverpool, it’s always going to be tough to take their places but I’m still only 20 so I’ve plenty more time, that’s the aim I want to play for my country”.

The Scorecard in association with

ENNIS GOLF CLUB Senior Ladies April 9 Straight Scramble 1ST Carmel Verling, Liz Kelly & Mary Glynn 51.2 2ND Claire Ruane, Mary MacMahon, Mary Rowe & Mary Woulfe 51.7 3RD Phil Butler, Mary Leahy & Deirdre Molyneaux 52.3 Ladies 18 Hole V Par 1ST Rose Enright 4up

2ND Sinead Hegarty 1up GROSS Suzanne Deane 3RD Patrice Ryan 2dn Seniors Thursday Comp April 11 1ST Terry Hughes, Kevin Murray, Seamus Hanrahan 52 Points 2ND Jim Felle, John R Ryan, Joe Dilleen 48 Points 3RD Liam Barry, PJ Garry, Matt Flynn 48

Bell has been in the role for over two years and Moloney praised the ex Leicester City player’s attendance at domestic games and subsequent rewards dished out to players impressing plus his strong advocating for English clubs to sign the best of the Irish talent.

Two years ago, the Irish women’s team spoke out about their similarities to “fifth class citizens” as they were forced to share tracksuits and tog off in toilets. Chloe is thankful to the players before her for taking a stand on the issue. “When the girls had to fight to get paid, I think that says a lot when you have to go through so much of a process to even get what they’re getting. The men on the seniors are professionals so they’re getting a couple of grand a week and it was an effort to give the girls €50 a week or €300 on a matchday and God knows what the men get. They weren’t allowed keep their tracksuits and that just says a lot when you compare them to the men, they sorted it out and fair play to the girls that were there because it needed to happen”.

Although from March to November, she lines out in the top flight of the National Women’s League, Chloe receives no expenses and is instead forced to ask for money to cover her costs. “We have to get our own sponsorship at the start of the season and give it to the club, it’s hard going out asking people for money, that’s the difficult part but in fairness when I have gone I’ve got it, there is a lot of supportive people especially around Clare.

“Travel expenses are not given to us which is a pity, it would make it a lot easier.

“It’s the highest league in Ireland for women, I’m pretty sure if a man from Clare was playing with Cork City or Dundalk and playing in the FAI Cup Final there would be a big deal made out of him. I’m not saying there isn’t a big deal made out of me, I do get support but I just think if there was a man from Clare playing at that level there would defi-

Friday Open Singles April 12 1ST Martin O Neill (7) 35pts 2ND Andrew Hester (17) 35pts GROSS Sean Myatt (1) 30pts 3RD Joseph Griffin (14) 33pts 9 Hole Singles Leo Herbert (11) 15pts Gents Singles 18 hole stroke April 13-14 1ST Martin O’Neill(6) 72nett 2ND Ken Morrissey(12) 72nett 3RD Senan Ryan(8) 74nett EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Ladies Singles 1ST Noreen Doyle 38pts 2ND Helen Downey 36pts Men’s Seniors 1ST Dan Minogue, J.J Barton Paddy Moloney 2ND Jim Greene, John Fielding, Michael

nitely be a few people trying to sponsor him”.

Despite this work, she is of the view trying to secure sponsors has not put women off staying in the Irish league. However, recent furore surrounding their governing body, the FAI may make life more difficult when it comes to trying to get sponsors on board in the future. “I know a lot of people are confused and you’re going to hear so many stories and I’m sure it will all come out eventually. The likes of Sport Ireland are giving millions, if they lose that it’s a lot of money and it could affect like the wages of Colin Bell because I can guarantee you if they are cutting anything it will be the women’s side of it before the men’s which is an awful thing to say, but I think that will probably happen.” the Quilty woman predicted.

On why she feels the women would be first to suffer cutbacks and if that general perception can change, Chloe said, “I can’t really see it changing at the minute because the men are going to come first at the minute either way, which is wrong.

“It will cause world war if they cut the women’s side of it again which would be justified because it doesn’t deserve to be cut. They’ve European Qualifiers starting in September and they will need support from the FAI...

The U19 or U21 boys are getting a lot more than what the women are getting which says a lot for the senior women’s team, they’re still representing their country, they go to camp for ten days, they’re still training as hard as everyone else and they go back to their clubs and train everyday like the men but the girls here are either in college or doing their own extra training, it’s no different”.

Peamount Utd fans will be delighted to read the club is her sole focus and seeing them qualify for the Champions League is the best way to progress her own career, though getting to play professionally in the Premier League is understandably the dream.

Heffernan 3RD Tom Larkin, Paddy Carney, G Shortt Ladies Wednesday 1ST Brid Hayes,Nancy Starr, Patsy King 2ND Eileen Donnellan, Joan Kinsella,Pat King 3RD Connie McKenna ,Bridget Minogue, Pauline Nugent Friday Scramble 1ST Mary Hogan ,Mary Jo Minogue, Marie Donnellan, Pat McNamara 2ND JackBrennan,Willie Hayes,John Fahy 3RDMary Brennan, Eileen Donnellan, Willie Roche,Brian Tirpey KILRUSH Senior Ladies Scramble 09/04/2019.

1. Clare Pyne, Kathleen Haugh, Pauline Kirk, 40.89 2. Marion Brennan, Ann McMahon,

Colette Glynn, 41.67 3. Marie Bartlett, Margaret Clune, Mary McCarthy, 42.00 Senior Men’s Team Competition 10/04/2019.

1.Denis Nagle, Pat Shannon Kilrush, Tom McGrath 62 pts 2.Finbar McMahon, Tom Cleary, Gerry Duffy 60.5 pts 3. John Saunders, Matt Fitzpatrick, Bill O’Reilly 55 pts KGC Pat Geaney 18 Holes Open Singles April 13–14 1ST George Nolan 37 pts 2ND Brian Scanlon 36 pts (Back 3) WOODSTOCK Club Singles 13th & 14th April 2019 1ST Ronan O Looney (16) 40 pts 2ND John McBride (13) 35 pts (B9)

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

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OCATION Location are delighted to present 103 Abbeycourt to the market, extending to 122.58 sqm (1320q ft), this home offers modern living quarters and presents an ideal opportunity for anyone seeking a home or investment property.

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4 VICTORIA COURT, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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P.S.L No: 002433

ICTORIA Court is an exclusive development of detached homes just off the Cusack Road in one of the most sought after areas in Ennis town. Cusack Road is a superb location within minutes walk of Ennis town centre, Ennis Mid Western Hospital, Ennis Swimming and Leisure Complex, Colaiste Muire Secondary School, Maoin Cheoil an Chlair Music School and all amenities afforded to the town. There is quick access onto the Ennis bypass from the Lahinch Road onto the M17 & M18 to Shannon, Limerick and Galway.

This fine home is ideally located to the rear of the development in a quiet cul de sac overlooking the river to the rear.

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MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

CIVIC’S LESSON IN HOW TO MAKE THE BEST ENGINES HONDA’S 1.0-LITRE THREE-CYLINDER TURBO MOTOR IS ONE OF THE BEST YOU CAN BUY

HONDA CIVIC 1.0 TURBO

I

CAN remember a time when family cars were just good enough. When you bought an average five-door family hatchback and that’s exactly what it was — average. Average space. Average quality. Average to look at. Average fun.

God, those were dreary days…

The catalyst for change was the moment when premium-badge car makers — the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Audi — realised that they could make even more money by building cars that were, more or less, family hatchbacks and selling them for only slightly inflated prices. A combination of tempting finance deals and solid residual values balanced buyers’ books, and suddenly the ‘mainstream’ brands, the ones our mums, dads, grandparents had always bought because they were cheap, sensible, and average, were under attack from the posh boys.

The results have been startling. The mainstream boys have upped their game considerably, to a point where, for instance, a €19k Skoda is every bit as objectively good as a €30k BMW. Honestly.

The Honda Civic is further proof of the fact that, if it’s sophistication and quality you’re after, there’s no need to spend the extra on a glossy German badge — the average has moved above average these days.

Of course, Honda had a major head start on quality. If you think German cars are reliable (and by and large they are…) you’ve seen nothing until you’ve seen a Honda.

Even over and above its major Japanese ri-

vals, Honda has enviable reliability. Its only recent solidity upset has been a scandal involving airbags, and Honda was itself not at fault in that. As a reminder of its quality levels, ask how many of its VTEC petrol engines (first introduced in the 1980s) have been replaced under warranty? The answer is none…

This Civic has a VTEC petrol engine, but not as those of us who grew up in the eighties would know it. Honda is abandoning its old high-rpm screamers and embracing the world of the downsized turbocharged petrol engine, albeit doing it with a typically Honda twist. This 1.0-litre three-cylinder keeps its VTEC system (which alters the way the engine breathes, to give it more power at the top end but better efficiency when driven gently) and the result is more horsepower than any equivalent rival engine.

It’s also very, very smooth. All three cylinder engines give off a little growl when you put the throttle pedal down, and this Honda unit is no exception, but when you back off and cruise, it’s remarkably refined and quiet, properly hushed. The six-speed manual gearbox has a lovely, tactile, mechanical action, almost always a Honda trait, but it’s a touch long in the throw for true entertainment. That doesn’t really matter though as almost anywhere in the rev range, this little engine is eager and willing and pulls well.

It is a touch thirsty though. Honda reckons you’ll squeeze 58mpg from the Civic on average, but we struggled to do much better than 41mpg overall.

Then again, that could have been due to an excess of enthusiasm on our part. You see, the Civic clings close to another great Honda tradition — it’s fun to drive. Most

Japanese car firms, you see, grew out of bigger industrial concerns. Toyota started by making looms for spinning cotton. Honda, though, grew because Soichiro Honda, the man who founded the company, loved cars and motorbikes and wanted to build ones that were fun to drive and ride. His spirit, trite though it may sound, genuinely can be found in this Civic. Humble family car it may be (and early Hondas were nothing if not humble) it is terrific fun to drive. The steering is a touch light, perhaps, but it’s accurate and genuinely engaging and the balance of the chassis is actually quite brilliant. Turn into a series of fast corners and instead of just bumbling on with understeer and reluctance, the Civic feels properly sporty and agile, plugged into the road surface. Only an occasionally over-firm ride quality spoils the effect, but that’s only noticeable on particular surfaces.

You can firm up the suspension a little with the optional adaptive dampers, but to be honest we wouldn’t bother — the standard setting feels about right.

Honda hasn’t forgotten to make the Civic practical as well as entertaining. It’s a shame that the flip-up ‘Magic Seats’ of the old model have gone (sacrificed in favour of a re-positioned fuel tank, but the boot (478-litres) is considerably bigger than you’d get in a Focus or a Golf, and the back seats are roomy too.

Cabin quality is exactly as you’d expect it to be; excellent. There are a few hardedged plastics in there, certainly compared to what you get in a Golf, but overall the Civic’s interior looks and feels very well built. The Honda Connect touch screen is a little flaky, and the graphics look distinctly old-fashioned compared to some others, but it does have Apple CarPlay and

FACTS & FIGURES Model tested: Honda Civic 1.0 VTEC Turbo Premium Pricing: from €24,250, €30,650 as tested Engine: 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive Body style: family hatchback CO2 emissions: 110g/km (Band A4, €200 per year) Combined economy: 58.8mpg (4.8 litres/100km) Top speed: 203km/h 0-100km/h: 11.2 seconds Power: 129hp at 5,500rpm Torque: 200Nm at 2,250rpm Boot space: 478 to 1,267-litres Safety: EuroNCAP rating for Honda Civic: Five-stars: Adult 92 per cent; Child 75 per cent; pedestrian 75 per cent; safety assist 88 per cent

Android Auto, so if you’re using your smartphone, you won’t notice that as much.

The previous generations of Civic struggled to gain much traction with Irish buyers, largely because many didn’t warm to their somewhat avant-garde styling. This model looks a little more conventional (albeit still a bit over-styled) so should chime better with Irish buyers.

What this Civic’s lesson proves, though is that you don’t need diesel, and you definitely don’t need to spend extra on a ritzy brand, if what you want is a practical, well-made, funto-drive, family hatch.

36 CLASSIFIEDS

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CONTACT SALES

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Best Daily Word Search

38 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES APR 18

Best Daily Word Search: 11 April 2019

WORD SEARCH

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, APR 18 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

2

Mooghaun Hill-Fort is the site of a prehistoric walled village and is regarded as the oldest ring fort of its kind in Europe. Is it in:

ish Point

St Peter & St Paul Cathedral 7 The in Ennis is the 11th tallest spire in

Tulla, Newmarket on Fergus, Carron

Ireland. But how tall is it?

3

226ft, 326ft, 426ft

Who said of The Burren: “It is a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him.”

Oliver Cromwell, Edmund Ludlow, Boris Johnson

4

Michael “Sonnie” Murphy, who competed in the 3,000m Steeplechase at the 1932 Olympics was from

Ennis, Clarecastle, Kilnaboy

Patrick Joseph “Pat” McDonald 5 who won a gold medal in the 1920 Olympics for shotput and worked as a traffic cop in Times Square, was born in:

power station chim8 Moneypoint neys are 715ft tall. Where does it rank in terms of Ireland’s tallest structures?

First, Third, Fifth

Shannon hydroelectric 9 The scheme cost the equivalent to

l QUESTION 1: What was the population of Clare pre-famine?

one fifth of the Irish state’s annual budget, which was

ANSWERS

£5.2m, £15.2m, £25.2m

Doonbeg, Killaloe, Tuamgraney

10

Olympic 800m winner and world 6 record holder David Rushida was pictured wearing a Clare jersey at

Doonbeg dunes, The Burren, Shannon Estuary

Which area in Clare is home to the Slow Worm, one of Ireland’s only two reptiles.

6. Ennistymon Vocational School 7. 226ft 8. Fifth 9. £5.2m 10. The Burren

94,000, 192,000, 212,000

which school? Ennistymon Vocational School, St Caimin’s or St Joseph’s, Span-

1. 212,000 2. Newmarket-on-Fergus 3. Edmund Ludlow 4. Kilnaboy 5. Doonbeg

population of Clare pre-fam1The ine was:

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Bell Bridge, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare [

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection