The Clare Echo 18/05/23

Locals willing to give an Inch

n Inch residents amenable to smaller number of asylum seekers

n Asylum seekers mean no-harm

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INCH RESIDENTS have said they are committed to holding demonstrations for the “long-haul” following the arrival of 34 male asylum seekers to Magowna House this week.

Absence of public consultation has been sharply criticised with a memo from the Department of Integration only issued on the plans to house 69 male asylum seekers in Inch last week and within five days Magowna House welcomed its newest residents.

Locals have mounted blockades at Magowna Cross, Magowna House and Magowna Hill restricting access to the property which has been

n Locals to protest for the long-haul

n Inch blockade “wrong” - Taoiseach

n 4 asylum seekers have already left

closed since 2019.

Clare County Council in an assessment last year deemed that the premises was not suitable for accommodating Ukrainian families while the manager of the facility said they first began planning to use the facility for asylum seekers three months ago yet the local community only became aware of the intentions last week.

Minister for Integration, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) told a meeting of Clare Oireachtas members on Wednesday that the twelve month contract for Magowna House would not be rescinded.

FULL STORY Pages 12-13

l Local farmer Seamie Fitzpatrick at the Magowna Cross blockade

photo by John Mangan

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Scattery Island & Vandeleur Walled Gardens to be showcased on RTÉ

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SPOTLIGHT will be shined on Co Clare when RTÉ’s Today Show broadcasts from Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre and Scattery Island on Wednesday (May 24th).

Organised in conjunction with the Tourism Department of Clare County Council and the Clare tourism industry, the outside broadcast will also profile Burren GEOfood producers and host live performances from local musicians.

Presented by Maura Derrane and Daithí Ó Sé, the programme will commence at 3.30pm with a feature on Scattery Island, the site of an early Christian settlement founded by St Senan in the sixth century.

Michele O’Dea from the OPW, which manages the island, will speak about the recently completed refurbishment of the Street, a row of settlements that were once inhabited by the families of the Kilbaha river pilots on the Shannon Estuary.

Representatives of the local community and tourism sector will be present at the Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre in Kilrush for a live broadcast

that will profile the extensive restoration works that have been underway since 2021. A new interpretative museum will open at the popular visitor attraction later this month.

ty Council Cllr. Tony O’Brien (FF) said the national exposure that Kilrush and County Clare will get from the television broadcast cannot be overstated.

Ltd, commented, “We continue to receive very positive feedback from customers and visitors to Vandeleur Walled Gardens & Visitor Centre, and we are very excited about the scheduled opening of the new Visitor Centre, later this month”. He detailed that an Open Weekend will take place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June.“Members of the local community are being invited to get a flavour of what’s new at our visitor attraction during an enlightening talk at 10.30am each day”.

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

The Brendan O'Regan Restaurant is ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

Burren GEOfood will take centre stage later in the show. Among the businesses displaying their produce and hosting a cooking demonstration for the television cameras in Kilrush will be Burren Premium Beef, Linnalla Ice Cream and Flaggy Shore Oysters.

Cathaoirleach of Clare Coun-

The Poet's Corner Bar is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

“Clare County Council is immensely proud of its ongoing investment in Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre and the development of a top-class visitor attraction that will deliver long lasting and tangible economic benefits for Kilrush, West Clare and the wider economy”.

Noel Kilkenny, Chairperson of Kilrush Civic Amenity Trust

Michele O'Dea, OPW Senior Conservation Architect for Scattery Island, stated, “We welcome RTÉ to Scattery Island and to be given the opportunity to have images of the 36-metre-high round tower, medieval church ruins, and the ‘Street’ beamed into homes across the country. A sustainable approach to tourism development lies at the heart of the OPW’s management of Scattery, and we look forward to sharing the story of the island’s multi-layered 1,500year history during the broadcast”.

The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

Vandeleur Walled Gardens in Kilrush

Gardaí expect progress on Sixmilebridge encampment by end of May

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SENIOR GARDA OFFICIALS have said there will be progress in relation to an illegal encampment in Sixmilebridge over the next fortnight.

Three Traveller families are currently living in the car park of the Sixmilebridge train station, having moved from Shannon in February 2021 where they had been on the grounds of St Senan’s RFC.

Drivers of train services have been instructed at Iarnród Éireann to proceed at caution through Sixmilebridge due to the presence the encampment. Delays of up to five minutes approximately have been experienced for all services at Sixmilebridge as a result but on some occasions the length of time has been greater.

Speaking at the end of a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee last week, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) noted, “we’ve had no discussion on the problem at Sixmilebridge train station which has been there for two years”.

Superintendent John Ryan told the meeting that Inspector Paul Slattery based in Shannon Garda Station had been “doing a lot of work” on the matter at present. “We hope to see progress in the next two weeks,” Supt Ryan outlined.

Earlier in the meeting following a presentation by the Clare Youth Service, Cllr Ryan queried. “Ye are doing wonderful work, is the facility available to Traveller families and Traveller youths, in the Shannon Municipal District, we have quite a lot of Traveller youths who seem to roam around aimless every day, they don’t seem to belong to any youth club, is there any way of reaching out to them”.

Pat McMullin of Clare Youth Service stressed, “the service is open to everyone”. His colleague, Brian McManus explained that any individual referred to them by a juvenile liaison officer “will have to have admitted to a crime”.

McManus added, “For someone to be involved, they have to have been involved in criminality, anti-social behaviour or be on the limit of it. Each worker has ten to twelve young people that they work with intensive-

ly. We have a project in Shannon where we work alongside the workers, it is not a general youth work project, if they are not involved in criminality then they will not be referred”.

Cllr Ryan responded, “Some of the youths are involved in petty crime but they are not reprimanded for their age and one thing leads on to another, as they get older the things get worse, maybe there is room for a project there that would link in to these people early on in the stage”.

Assumptions should not be made, McManus stated. “We can’t be assuming people are involved in criminality unless they are charged for it”.

Roving criminals hit parts of Clare in theft sprees for successive weeks

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CRIMINALS targeted areas of the county for successive weeks in travelling theft sprees.

Ennis, Kilkishen, Scariff and Sixmilebridge were among the areas hit by the roving criminals who carried out thefts in the county for successive Fridays (April 28th and May 5th).

Superintendent John Ryan admitted the sprees were “of concern” and marked an unusual trend. Up to five different properties were targeted in May 5th round of robberies. He outlined, “there is a similarity there and it is happening on Fridays”.

An Garda Síochána increased patrols in the impacted areas to successfully combat repeat offences occurring. “It is unusual that the same areas would be hit for two weeks in a row,” Supt Ryan noted.

Enhanced use of text alert schemes to notify impacted communities is to be considered, Supt Ryan started, “early intervention would alert people early”.

He committed to working closely with local Inspectors to get a closer look as to where crimes are happening. “We have a huge difficulty with travelling criminals as they usually come with changed number plates on their car”. Supt Ryan added, “I’m always a great believer in the nosy neighbour and the dog, it is being more proactive”.

Speaking at a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) labelled it as a “spate of burglaries”. He commented, “it is good to note that within East Clare a text message came out pretty quick, it was within an hour of stuff going on and it was shared among people, it made them smarten up and keep an eye out. It set off a trigger when it went out, I don’t think it came through Ennis or Shannon”.

lEncampment: The car park encampment located at the train station in Sixmilebridge

Photo by Joe Buckley

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Formal complaint issued to Minister as Fianna Fáil CPG members block discussion of Francis St cottages

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A FORMAL COMPLAINT has been issued to the Minister for Local Government by a Shannon councillor who claims that the Corporate Policy Group (CPG) of Clare County Council have made attempts to “muzzle democrats”.

Efforts by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND), Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) to bring a motion before a meeting of Clare County Council on the Francis St cottages was rejected by the CPG.

Members of the CPG include the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF), Cllr Pat McMahon (FF), Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr John Crowe (FG), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Shane Talty (FF) and Cllr G Flynn. Cllr Crowe was absent from the meeting whereby the Fianna Fáil dominated CPG voted 5-1 not to allow the motion be heard before a full sitting of the Council, Cllr Flynn being the only elected representative to vote for it to be passed through.

In their proposal which failed to get past the boardroom, the quartet called on the Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling to retain the Francis Street site in the local authority’s ownership “for the development of much needed accommodation in our county at a time of a serious housing crisis and to immediately put in place plans to renovate the existing vacant homes that are located on part of the property and design a further development of new homes on the remaining part of the site for many people who have a desire to live near all the necessary services within walking distance”.

They believed that the site “is primed for housing and offers the Council the opportunity to prioritise the need for homes and this has to be the focus at this time. Government Policy supports the renovation of vacant property and the delivery of housing development in areas that have all the necessary services on the doorstep”.

Last week, Director of Services at the Ennis Municipal District, Carmel Kirby confirmed that plans to demolish the Francis Street cottages as part of the Ennis 2040 strat-

of €1.1m. The plans to knock the properties drew ire from the public and led to a protest attended by over 100 people in the past month taking place.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Flynn confirmed he had lodged an official complaint with the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien (FF). “I have an official complaint gone to the Minister for Housing, I do believe the Corporate Policy Group in Clare County Council are operating outside their remit, they

representative to my brief, my brief is a mandate to the public and the public came first”.

Shannon based Flynn said that the May meeting indicated there is a strong demand for housing to be debated within the Chamber. “I’ve never heard as much debates about housing, they stopped our motion which was a legitimate motion to try address the deficit of housing in Clare, we are in the middle of a housing crisis, the proposal we put forward had cross-party support and it was to do with the Francis Street site, we wanted to put in a development there that would be appropriate to the people that want it, people with disabilities, older people and people who want step down housing”.

He added, “It was good today in a way that there was a considerable amount of motions which offered an opportunity to people who were denied having a motion on the agenda, I had no motion on the agenda and I like to have a motion on the agenda, you cannot do that, you cannot muzzle democrats. I think it was a wrong act by the Cathaoirleach, he was supported ably by his Fianna Fáil members”.

threat to democracy”.

O’Brien whose term as Mayor concludes next month explained, “There’s criteria for motions to make the agenda for Clare County Council and one of the motions is that they are of countywide relevance, the motion was very specific to a specific site and a specific area, the CPG felt and I was part of it, we felt the motion wasn’t in order for the full Council meeting, on that basis the majority of the members of the CPG felt it wasn’t relevant. It wasn’t just Gerry Flynn, there was four signatories, Donna McGettigan, Tom O’Callaghan and Johnny Flynn, this wasn’t against Gerry Flynn or Sinn Féin, it was a motion which was taken at its face value and not deemed relevant to the agenda”.

egy were paused. In October, the acquired the block of cottages on Francis Street. As part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy, it was proposed to demolish six houses on Francis Street to facilitate the construction of a temporary car park at a cost

have no job in censoring motions from elected members, the standing orders which I chair deal with the running of Council meetings, it is not for a Corporate Policy Group which is a mini-Cabinet of selected members in the boardroom to decide we won’t like the look of that motion and we don’t it to go out on the public airwaves, the fourth estate have a job to bring the message to the people, I have a job as a public

Cllr O’Brien refuted the stance that it was Fianna Fáil members who blocked the motion, this despite the fact that all five individuals that stopped it from going before the Council meeting being members of the party. “One of the co signatories to the motion was Cllr Tom O’Callaghan, a fine and respected member of this Council and of Fianna Fáil, to think we would be ganging up on one of our own (is wrong). You try find a consensus, there was six elected members at the meeting, the majority were Fianna Fáil, five of the six members were against it, they discussed it and it wasn’t in anyway personal. Two motions were rejected, a second motion was rejected which was also signed by a number of the Ennis councillors”.

He added, “I think this is an over-reaction by a number of councillors who I would say are hyper-sensitive to democratic decisions. Let me assure the people of Ennis and Clare that there is no

That housing and roads are seen as two primary functions of the local authority was acknowledged by Cllr O’Brien but he felt the Francis St cottages did not warrant debate at the May meeting. “The Director of Service in charge of the Ennis MD was very clear that they are in the process of drawing up new plans which will include I believe multiples of housing units for the Francis St site, the very least that people who are charged with the responsibility, the Ennis MD executive and councillors should be afforded the opportunity to see that through”.

During the May meeting, Cllr Flynn remarked that the county’s first citizen had censored him, the Killaloe representative rejected these remarks. “I can assure all elected members that they are afforded equal opportunity to speak, equal access to myself or any forum they want, I will defend their right to be informed and to have all knowledge and information on any decisions in good faith, that is right across the board, it is non-political or confined to any two or three councillors but all of my 27 colleagues, I disregard and take it as an awful and inappropriate comment for a councillor to make, particularly one who should know better”.

Francis Street Cottages

Photo by John Mangan

Over 100 asylum seekers back living in Knockalisheen tents

By Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

THE NUMBERS of asylum seekers being accommodated in tented accommodation at Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre in South Clare currently tops 100. New figures provided by Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman TD (GP) show that there are 102 people currently being accommodated in tented accommodation at the site.

In written Dáil replies to Clare TD, Violet Anne Wynne (IND) on the issue, Minister O’Gorman has also stated that International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) centres “are operating at full capacity across the accommodation system due to the record numbers of people arriving to Ireland seeking international protection”.

He said, “As of May 3rd, there were 593 International Protection applicants to whom unfortunately, the Department has been unable to offer accommodation”.

On the numbers being accommodated in tented accommodation, Minister O’Gorman stated

that due to the unprecedented numbers seeking accommodation assistance there has been a need for Ireland and for many administrations across Europe, to turn to movable structures such as tents and modular solutions to provide shelter and to prevent homelessness.

He said that tented accommodation was set up in three locations to provide additional emergency capacity in 2022 whilst more permanent accommodation could be sourced and contracted.

The accommodation was located in Athlone Accommodation Centre with capacity for 175, Co. Westmeath, Knockalisheen Accommodation Centre with capacity for 104, Co. Clare and, Johnston Marina Accommodation Centre with capacity for 40, Co Kerry.

He said, “The tented accommodation that was in use in the three locations was stood down for the winter period in November 2022. All residents from the three locations where temporary tented solutions were being used, were moved to more suitable IPAS accommodation at various locations. However, the tented

accommodation in Knockalisheen was re-commissioned in early January 2023 due to high arrival numbers over the Christmas period”.

Minister O’Gorman stated, “While the priority must remain on providing shelter in as far as possible and the use of tents is required, the Department will endeavour ensure that the use of the tents is kept as short term as possible”.

In a separate written Dáil reply to Deputy Wynne, Minister O’Gorman stated that Ireland has responded to the largest displacement of people on the European continent since the Second World War.

He said, “Since February 2022, my Department has worked to accommodate an unprecedented volume of persons seeking refuge following the invasion of Ukraine including 81,000 people arriving in Ireland, of which 60,000 have sought accommodation from this Department.

“Due to the urgent need to source accommodation, the Department has contracted in excess of 47,000 beds to accommodate Beneficiaries of Temporary

Protection (BOTPs) in more than 770 settings including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, hostels, commercial self-catering accommodation and certain other repurposed settings”.

He said that the priority “is to place people fleeing the war in safe and secure accommodation”.

Minister O’Gorman said that emergency centres have been opened in all parts of the country to alleviate pressure in the system.

He said, “There have been in excess of 135 emergency accommodation locations opened since January 2022. These options are necessary in order to provide shelter to IP arrivals to meet basic needs and to prevent homelessness”.

MEN'S SUMMER SUIT COLLECTION

Council will ‘only build two homes’ in 2023

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WILL only build two houses this year but remain on track to exceed social housing targets.

Last year, the County Council exceeded the social housing delivery target as set out in the Housing for All plan, by providing 256 social housing units of which 121 were from the Council’s own capital projects and 69 units were from directly acquired turnkey developments.

As the housing crisis ravages on, the Council will have “a fallow year” in terms of delivery of new properties but will still exceed targets.

Speaking at a public meeting in Ennis, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who chairs the social development strategic policy committee (SPC) which has responsibility for housing acknowledged 2023 would not be as productive in terms of bringing new houses on stream.

He stated, “This year will be a fallow year, we will only build two houses, I think there are five to be renovated in Kilrush, we’ll have about 38 houses coming in from Approved Housing Bodies. Next year, we will have 138 houses built, you have fallow years, last year was a good year and we had 150 houses built, you have good years and then bad years, this is a bad year”.

Among Flynn’s colleagues in the SPC present for the meeting were Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), William Cahir and Tommy Guilfoyle.

Plans which are currently paused to demolish six properties on Francis Street in Ennis and construct a mixed-use development as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy were referenced by the Shannon representative. “It’s funny, at the moment you will notice it’s the Director of Economic Development in partnership with DAC that wants to build 45 houses on Francis St, the site won’t take 45 houses, what they are talking about is apartments, before Christmas the housing section put out an advertisement in the media looking for expression of interests, one of the sites that came in to us was to build the type of developments that we want, step down housing, housing for people with disabilities and people who want to move back into the town, unfortunately the Chief Executive basically took the site out from under us and now the Director of Economic Development is now becoming the Director of Housing, the Director of Housing is Anne Haugh, I work with Anne and they have produced fantastic houses for this county”.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson fro the Council said they will again exceed its social housing delivery targets. This will be done via its own capital projects and by supporting approved housing bodies who are required to provide for 40% of all social housing units under Housing for All.

“Currently, Clare County Coun-

cil has received approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage (DHLGH) for a total of 19 units of proposed social housing accommodation to be delivered in 2023 through our own capital projects and directly acquired turkeys and it is currently projected that Clare County Council shall further exceed this figure by delivering more social housing units through our own capital projects and directly acquired turkeys in the current year,” the statement detailed.

“While the focus can very often be on the local authority direct build, this is but one stream of delivery in the housing programme with turnkey build, acquisitions, buy and renew, approved housing body build and acquisition, and vacant property refurbishment all additional measures which are co-ordinated, supported and delivered by the Housing team in Clare County Council to provide new homes for those on the social housing list,” the spokesperson detailed.

Under Housing for All, a target of delivering 833 new homes from 2022 to 2026 has been issued for the county. The Council emphasised that local authority direct build is just one channel as part of this.

“The progress of the Council’s construction programme is well on target to meet and indeed exceed the required direct build numbers over the period of the Housing Delivery Action Plan. Over 400 households

were allocated properties in 2022 across the various delivery streams and the Council’s pipeline over the coming years aims to ensure hous-

Clarecastle (5). The other three are at design stage, Kilkee (25), Kilrush (22) and Ennis (7).

Approval has also been granted

ing need continues to be supported through the various channels of delivery.”

Contracts have been signed and designs completed for a total of 92 proposed housing units across six direct build social housing schemes. Three of these schemes are at construction stage and comprise of Scariff (18), Sixmilebridge (15) and

by the Department of Housing for a further 89 units in Doonbeg, Ennis, Ennistymon and Kilrush.

Approved-housing bodies are working with the Council to provide for 125 units at locations in Ennis, Kilkishen, Scarriff, Tulla, Kilrush and Westbury. These figures do not include other pipeline projects yet to be approved by the Department.

Ton of activity at Toonagh Hall

THE OLD TOONAGH SCHOOL was opened in 1845 just before Ireland’s great famine and continued to be the local education centre until 1964 when the new school was built.

In 1971 the hall was built costing a few thousand pounds and this has served the local and wider community well. Toonagh Ceili Band was formed and many notable musicians began their careers under Frank Custy’s tuition. Frank continues to play in the kitchen every Wednesday from 1pm to 3.30pm

In 1983 a sports complex was built for around £25,000. Clare County Council made a grant of £9,000 available, a huge amount of voluntary labour and an excellent fund raising group contributed to this major task.

In 2021 Dysart-Toonagh Group Water Scheme took on the €100,000 renovation of the upstairs in the old school building which is now home to their office a bathroom and a meeting room.

Indoor Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Handball were some of the games played over the years. Handball was the game that was most successful. The Handballers of Toonagh proudly carried it’s name throughout the country and beyond winning numerous titles. Cumann na mBunscoil Handball first began in Toonagh and became a national competition. Most recently Toonagh Handball Club have won in the All Ireland under 14’s and under 15’s doubles championship.

A new hall committee was elected at the end of November 2022 and they are currently embarking on the enormous task of renovating the Hall which includes, new Ladies and Gents toilets, the installation of a disability toilet, rewiring and upgrading of the electrics, insulation of the walls and ceilings, new windows and main front door and finally the upgrading of the kitchen units. While there are grants available for so much, most of the works will be funded by the hall and as such there will be a lot of fundraising to do. Donations are also hugely appreciated.

We currently have number of activities available in the hall and Kitchen. Fitness with Ciara on a Monday and Wednesday, Irish Dancing lessons with Tony Smith on a Monday and Friday with one of his students, Aoife Bane currently heading to the World Championships in Montreal. Social Dancing lessons with Eva Ruh on a Tuesday night, Coffee and crafts every Wednesday morning, Music with Frank Custy on a Wednesday afternoon and our newest addition Toonagh Car Boot Sale every Sunday 10 am till 2 pm. We are available to hire for Sports training, Meetings, Parties, Fitness classes, Yoga, and many more. Please come along to any of our activities and support the Hall. Without community support places like Toonagh Hall cannot survive and we would love to still be open to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Hall/school in 2045.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD, with (L-R) Anne Haugh, Director of Social Development, Clare County Council, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien, and Pat Dowling, Chief Executive, Clare County Council

Photo by Eamon Ward

Youth Will Reign Supreme at The Fleadh Down in Ennis

OVER 300 young musicians are set to descend on the streets of Ennis to perform throughout the week of the Fleadh Nua festival from May 27th to June 5th. Youth involvement has always been an important part of Fleadh Nua, handing on the baton to the next generation, and this year as Comhaltas continues to develop its renewal and development programme, Glór will be the venue for what promises to be a very exciting concert featuring over 100 young musicians, singers and dancers with the Barefield Youth Traditional Orchestra on Friday 2nd June. During the festival week hundreds of school aged musicians will perform in the town. Barefield National School will host a musical event in the town centre on Monday afternoon followed by Ennis CBS primary on Tuesday.

On Wednesday and Thursday Ennis National and Knockanean schools will provide afternoon performances, while Ceoltóirí Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Ciosóg will provide entertainment in the town on Friday afternoon.

The Fleadh Down in Ennis will be a fleadh for everyone, the purists of Irish music and the wider audience that enjoy the more informal street events and sessions. While the programme will include all the

very successful elements of previous Fleadh Nua such as the Lunchtime Concerts, Irish Language events, Set Dancing, Sean-Nós Dancing workshop and performance, Story Telling, Singing Sessions, CD launches etc, there will be an even greater emphasis on creating a festival atmosphere with live music in the streets.

Following the success of recent All Ireland and Munster Fleadhanna and Fleadh Nua, the town of Ennis has become synonymous with the celebration of Irish music.

The craic on the streets and the informal open-air sessions contribute significantly to the ambience that labelled Ennis “The Fleadh Town”.

The Fleadh Down in Ennis concept originates from a song of the same title composed by the late Robbie McMahon celebrating the 1956 Fleadh which is generally regarded as having played a pivotal role in the renaissance of our Traditional Music, Song and Dance. This year’s event not only celebrates the music but also the town of Ennis and its significant contribution to the revival and success of Irish music.

The 2023 programme will run from May 27th to June 5th taking in the June bank holiday weekend. A particular focus on the events

programme this year will be on the concept of a fleadh for everyone. The committee plan to fill the streets with music over the week to be enjoyed by all both young and old. These informal street sessions together with the pub session trail are set to enhance the festival atmosphere of the event.

Kicking off the festival this year

on Friday May 27th is a tribute concert to the late Martin Connolly who passed away in July 2021 during Covid. Martin an All-Ireland champion accordion player was also a gifted accordion maker and photographer. The festival calendar is packed with events concerts, sessions, workshops and céilithe throughout the week culminating in a weekend of concerts in Glór fea-

turing the Barefield Youth Trad Orchestra on Friday June 2nd, Taobh na Mara the 2022 All-Ireland winning Céilí Band on Saturday June 3rd, and Martin Hayes in concert on Sunday June 4th. Full details on www.fleadhnua.com.

The Fleadh Down in Ennis will mark 50 years in the town in 2024 and plans are already a foot to celebrate this milestone in style.

Taobh na Mara

Magowna House contract for asylum seekers will remain - Minister confirms Inch locals commit to

by Páraic McMahon Paraic@clareecho.ie

MINISTER FOR Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) has said Magowna House will continue to be used to accommodate male asylum seekers despite strong local opposition.

The Clare Echo was first to report last Wednesday on plans from Minister O’Gorman’s Department to accommodate 69 male International protection applicants across the 19 rooms at Magowna House.

Only last year, Clare County Council deemed the property was not suitable to house Ukrainian refugees with particular concerns raised on the percolation and sewage system.

Presently, only three holiday homes on the property are in use with refurbishment works ongoing to the hotel which remains without a fire certificate. The Department have offered a twelve month contract to the operators. Officials in the Department expect a fire certificate will be issued in the next fortnight and that the hotel building will come into use from then.

Magowna House is is owned by Ocaolside Ltd, a lease is in place with CRM Properties Limited. This is the first time that the provider has provided accommodation to IPAS.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Salman Ahlam who is an employee of CRM Properties and is working as General Manager at Magowna House claimed that the total number of asylum seekers would be down from 69 to 63.

She said the company “decided three months ago” that Magowna House could be used for accommodating refugees. When questioned why the local community could not have been informed on plans during this time, she stated, “As far as I know it was on the newspaper last week” and added that IPAS usually communicate with the local authorities in each area. “I understand where they are coming from but they don’t have to proceed like this, here it is not fair for both sides, both sides

are suffering,” Salman added.

Since the arrival of 34 male asylum seekers on Monday evening, blockades have been mounted on both approaches to the slip road for the three star hotel which has been closed since 2019.

Clare’s Oireachtas

return bus per day from Magowna to Ennis and that the frequency of this will be increased.

Asylum seekers are currently residing in the three holiday homes on the property as the hotel itself is not able to cater for persons. The meeting heard that a fire certificate for the main hotel building at Magowna House is not presently ready but is expected to be approved in the next two weeks which would allow for a higher occupancy of men at the premises. Currently, the main hotel building can be used for recreational activities and meals but not residentially.

by Páraic McMahon Paraic@clareecho.ie

managing the rota.

members met with Minister O’Gorman to discuss the matter on Wednesday morning, a week on from receiving a briefing memo from his Department on plans to accommodate 69 male asylum seekers in Inch.

Those present included Cathal Crowe TD (FF), Michael McNamara TD (IND), Violet-Anne Wynne TD (IND), Senator Roisin Garvey (GP), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) and Senator Martin Conway (FG). Joe Carey TD (FG) who remains on sick leave was not present but was represented by his parliamentary assistant, Ger O’Halloran.

At the meeting, Minister O’Gorman committed to meet with Inch residents to listen to their concerns. He also outlined that there was no intention from the Department to close the facility or to rescind the twelve month contract offered to the CRM Properties Ltd who have a lease for the operation of the facility.

Despite this assertion, Minister O’Gorman told the meeting that he personally hasn’t been involved in any negotiations with the operators or owners of Magowna House. He acknowledged that information sharing and communication on the issue has been poor.

Access to transport has been one of the concerns flagged by Inch residents, Minister O’Gorman said it is planned to have one

On Tuesday evening, local residents met with management of Magowna House and were joined by Senator Dooley in their deliberations where the discussion of a lower quantity of asylum seekers was among the topics of conversation. No official negotiations have taken place on a reduced number to the 69 as first announced, the Minister confirmed.

Residents will be provided with a full board service that includes three meals per day and snacks. An approximate three members of staff will be on site each day attending to the needs of residents.

International protection applicants are eligible to work from six months after their arrival in Ireland, most of the residents in Inch will be new arrivals. Any individual residing in IPAS accommodation is entitled to a medical card. They can also avail of English language classes from the local Education Training Board.

An adult resident receives an allowance of €38.80 per week. Other assistance from the Department of Social Protection, such as bus fares to attend appointments, is available at the discretion of the local community welfare officer. An International protection applicant is not entitled to apply for or avail of social housing or the Housing Assistance Payment while their claim for asylum is being determined by the International Protection Office (IPO).

Across the country, more than 135 accommodation locations have been utilised in 2022 across 23 counties.

INCH LOCALS have said their blockade outside Magowna House and on the approach road to the facility which is to be used for accommodating male asylum seekers will remain in place for “as long as it takes”.

The Clare Echo first reported on Wednesday of last week that 69 male asylum seekers were to be housed at Magowna, there had been no prior communication with the local community prior to this. Strong opposition was voiced at a public meeting held at The Kilmaley Inn on Friday evening.

Shortly after 6:40pm on Monday, a bus carrying 34 male asylum seekers arrived at Magowna House with locals left shocked. In their response, they mounted a blockade at either entrance to the slip road and outside the hotel which bales of hay used to cut off access to the premises.

Since then, Inch residents have operated on four hour shifts at Magowna Cross, Magowna Hotel and Magowna Hill with a WhatsApp group

Patrick O’Malley was among one of the first locals to hear the bus arriving on Monday evening. “Myself, my parents and a few neighbours were inside in home, we heard this noise and we saw this bus outside the door, there was no warning, these men were just getting out and walking up the hill to Magowna, basically by the looks of it there was no kitchen facilities ready for them because 24 pizzas were delivered out to them after coming down to CityWest, the bus was fairly cramped with all of them and their luggage”.

The O’Malley family live directly opposite Magowna House. “It is a stone’s throw away, we’re close to Magowna House but that is not the issue, the issue is there’s nothing here for them, it is a simple matter of fact, there is no shop. The issue isn’t how close we are to them, the issue is the volume of them and there isn’t amenities to them. We’re eight kilometres and five miles from Ennis, the nearest footpath is six kilometres away”.

He said, “Magowna House isn’t capable for what IPAS and the developer has put in here, there is

had

asylum seekers tell locals

ASYLUM SEEKERS now residing in Inch have said they were not told where they were travelling and that they had “no choice” in the matter writes Páraic McMahon.

34 male asylum seekers arrived in Inch on Monday evening, five days after the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth issued a memo confirming that a twelve month contract had been issued to the operators of Magowna House to accommodate 69 men.

Of the original 34, five men departed before lunchtime on Tuesday and headed back for CityWest in Dublin. The men are from Afghanistan, Somalia, Yeman and Palestine.

One asylum seeker who wished not to be named was

angry and confused that locals had blocked off access to the facility. He was equally frustrated with the manner in which accommodation provid ers viewed them, “they do not care about us, they see us as bags of money, that is all”.

Sultan Muhammad

Nasiri, a native of Af ghanistan is among the newest res idents of Inch. “We weren’t told where we were going,” he admitted.

Prior to this, he had been living in CityWest for five months.

“I was in the

UK for about four days then I came to Ireland. I’m from Afghanistan, we had a bad life there, the situation is really difficult in Afghanistan”.

Facilities in Co Clare are much better for the asylum seekers, he said. “It is good food, a sleeping area, a room, everything is perfect, we’ve no issue, it is better than City West. The place here, they can prepare transport so we will not have an issue. It’s not a long way, if they

‘We are friendly people &

-

Sultan Muhammad

Photo by John Mangan

Salman Ahlam General Manager of Magowna House

Photo by John Mangan

no amenities here for them, 34 men inside three small bungalows is not doable, they are not in the hotel as of yet. Some of the men have said the place is too rural, they can’t go to the shop, there’s no buses or nothing here for them. We have no problem with people being housed, it is a basic need but having that many men together in a small area is not right, if it was Ukrainian families at least we could try integrate them into the community, it’s very hard to integrate 69 men from God knows how many nations”.

Eithna Hickey referred to an email she received from a senior Clare County Council official on at 2:50pm on Monday afternoon that they were “following up on the matters with the owner of the facility of Magowna House and until such time as the issues were addressed the facility should not be occupied”.

Terefore it came as a complete shock when hours later, the facility was occupied.

“It was very shocking as a community to learn that 34 people had came and we were given absolutely no consultation, the first we heard of it was in the media last week, a big part of this Direct Provision system is that the community be incorporated into the decision and consulted, that didn’t happen unfortunately. We’re a very welcoming, close-knit community and we will welcome anyone with open arms and help them when we’re consulted but we weren’t consulted, it is a very large number of people, at the moment we have 34 but they’ve said up to 69 are coming”.

She said if issues such as public transport, footpath infrastructure and public lighting was dealt with that Magowna House would be capable of accommodating a smaller scale of asylum seekers, provided public consultation is carried out.

Local farmer, Seamie Fitzpatrick agreed that a smaller number could be accommodated if dialogue commenced.

no choice in coming here’ they will cause no harm

prepare transport system so we are happy, without a transport system it is difficult”.

“It’s not crowded, we’ve six men from Afghanistan, we are happy, we know each other, we understand each other, there is no issue, we are so happy, if there was an issue I would tell you but there is none, it is better than City West truly, in City West there was not a good life, it was not good food, no system was good,” Sultan told The Clare Echo He assured the people of Inch that they did not to be fearful towards the asylum seekers. “We are very friendly people, they are really good people, we will live here, we have some good people, 99 percent are good”.

At seventeen years old, Ali Andilahi Maaci is the youngest of the men. He explained, “I have no choice, it is not my choice, here is not good because I have no school, no doctor, no PPS number or no job, I don’t have anything. I am seventeen”.

From Somalia, Ali told The Clare Echo that he was unable to sleep on Monday night

as he was fearful regarding their initial reception. “Yesterday we came here but I haven’t been able to sleep but it is good now, the Gardaí have come in. It’s a problem because I do not know what it is like here or where everything is but this is not my choice, if I had to sleep here (points to the ground) I would stay here”.

Ali added, “I don’t have another place, if I had another place to go I would but in one month I will be homeless, in July we would have nothing, no home, no hotel, I would end up sleeping on the ground but now is good”. He is living in one of the three holiday homes on the site, “It is good, the house is good, I can shower”.

Representatives of the Clare Immigration Support Centre visited Magowna House on Tuesday afternoon to assist the men in sorting through their paperwork. They were unable to get past the blockade at Magowna Cross and had to get a Garda escort onto the premises.

“We got a rude awakening to find there’s 69 men coming which frightened the life out of a lot of people when we realised the situation they were coming into, no footpaths, no lighting and as you see here it is a country area and a very scenic route for walking”. He added, “For those people to be sprung on us like that, it’s not where they come from, we’ve no issues whatsoever, if 69 people came from Cork, Kerry or Dublin we would have the same feeling. We gathered €4000 or €5000 one Sunday after mass for the Ukrainians, if the Ukrainians were com-

ing into that hotel we would be going down with biscuits and toys for them, we’re very accommodating people in this parish but we’re also very tightly knit whether it is on the hurling field or fundraising, we all stick together and we’re going to stick with this blockade for as long as it takes. We’re upset that at the press of a button from Roderic O’Gorman’s office, all these people were sprung down to a rural country area, people will be afraid to come out of their homes and they shouldn’t be”.

Photo by John Mangan

Clare TD warns Council against transferring ownership of Abbey St car park A

CLARE TD has warned the local authority of the potential implications of transferring land in its ownership to the Ennis 2040 DAC.

Business personnel within Ennis are among those to express concern that the ownership of Abbey Street car park could be transferred from Clare County Council as part of plans to progress the Ennis 2040 Strategy.

Abbey Street car park is listed as one of the transformational sites of the Ennis 2040 Strategy with a mixed-use development a future aspiration which will result in the loss of up to 75 car spaces.

Speaking at a public meeting held in the Temple Gate Hotel, William Cahir a partner of Cahir & Co. Solicitors admitted he was “really concerned that an intended motion to transfer the ownership of Abbey Street car park will happen before September”.

Cahir stated, “This land is going to be transferred to private limited company, there is an urgency to engage with all county councillors, I am appreciative to see who is see here and actively engaging. The vote of elected members will

be completed and therefore at that juncture, the lands will be trans-

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Addressing the meeting, Deputy

Young athletes take to the podium at the Clare Community Games

U10 100m 1st Mia Kelly - Miltown Malbay, 2nd Emily MoranNewmarket-on-Fergus,

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Council management to pause plans for both the Abbey St and Francis Street developments. “Of course they can’t demolish the Francis Street cottages because they have no planning permission and objections would bring it to An Bord Pleanála but they nearly succeeded in bringing them under the radar and they also planned to transfer Abbey Street as fast as possible before any furore starts”.

McNamara noted that Ennis 2040 was a private company owned by the Council. “Private business is what is great and pays for rates and services, I have a problem with the transfer of public property to enable private wealth, it is fundamentally wrong”.

Deputy McNamara said he met with COO of Ennis 2040, Kevin Corrigan and flagged concerns on the impact to a large site of public real estate. “It can be improved but to transfer in a private big company like Penneys, I have no problem with them more power to them but we don’t need them in Abbey St”. He added, “I would be very cautious about transferring anything from Clare County Council because once it’s gone, it’s gone”.

Michael McNamara (IND) noted recent comments from senior

l Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND).

Photograph: John Mangan

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Scariff Bay presenters head for the hills & a feast of traditional music

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SCARIFF BAY COMMUNITY

RADIO presenters are headed for the hills while others will get to soak up a feast of traditional music.

This Thursday evening (May 18th), Scariff GAA is joining forces with Scariff Bay Community Radio for a night of traditional music. Ceol Cóis Gréine will present the concert titles ‘East Clare Legacy’ and will feature Clí Donnellan, Brid O’Gorman, Liam Flanagan and Michael Landers.

Taking place at the Derg Active Alliance Theatre from 8pm, tickets are available for €10 from Rodger’s Centra in Scariff, from GAA officers and volunteers with the community radio station. Funds raised will go towards both the GAA club and Scariff Bay Community Radio.

On Sunday afternoon, Scariff Bay will broadcast ‘A Hike on the Hills’ which is a detailed look at the popular 12 O’Clock Hills. Pat O’Brien, David Fleming and Anthony Lenihan learn about the history of the recreational and heritage project which opened as a looped walk facility in September 2014.

They commence their journey at the

lCOMMUNITY RADIO:

12 O’Clock Hills.

Belvoir car park where they meet committee members John Lenihan and John Lyons to learn about the project’s inception, how the name came about and the history of its inhabitants.

Wind, rain and sunshine were all encountered as the trio made their way up the hill, respites were had at

Crag Bridge, the stepping stones and Fairyland along the way. They also stopped off at the Sunyata Buddhist Centre.

Sunday’s show will be broadcast on Scariff Bay Community Radio at 1pm and will then be available on all podcast platforms.

‘Dangerous overtaking’ in Drewsborough flagged

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

DRIVER BEHAVIOUR needs to be modified in Tuamgraney and Scariff, an elected representative has said while expressing caution with instances of overtaking on a 50km limit stretch on the Drewsborough Rd.

Installation of traffic calming measures on the Drewsborough Road “particularly from the entrance to Kerry Agri over to Scariff Community College was requested by Cllr Pat Burke (FG).

Acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe Municipal District, Derek Troy committed to undertaking a traffic speed survey to establish traffic volumes and the extent of vehicular speeds.

He explained, “based on the results of the survey and if it is established that excessive speeding is occurring, this information will firstly be communicated to An Garda Síochána who have responsibility for enforcement of the legal speed limits. Secondly, in consultation with Clare County Council road design section, a funding request will be submitted to the Department of Transport under Safety Improvement Works on

regional and local roads. Finally, if funding is granted, a draft traffic calming scheme will be produced in order to seek approval process under Section 38 Road Traffic Act”.

Completing a survey is a welcome development, Cllr Burke maintained. “Everyone in the room is familiar with the stretch of road. It is very unsightly coming out from Kerry Agri, a 50km/h regional road in a built-up area and to think cars overtake there, there’s cars overtaking and you come out from Kerry Agri and see two cars coming against you, it’s down to driver behaviour, we can have all the signage we want”.

Findings from the speed survey will be “interesting,” he predicted. “It is very dangerous to think cars are overtaking in a 50km/h limit,” Cllr Burke added.

“Some sort of traffic calming might help the situation but it definitely needs to be reviewed,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) commented.

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Lucy Crowley checking herself in the mirror prior to her First Communion. Lucy is a pupil of Gaelscoil Ui Choimin, Kilrush

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Anthony Lenihan, Pat O’Brien, John Lenihan, John Lyons and David Fleming at the Belvoir car park before their ascent of the

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

ONGOING FLOODING on the right-hand side of the car park in Illaunmanagh cemetery has led to staff in the burial grounds unit of Clare County Council committing to investigate the matter.

An appeal for the local authority to complete “urgent works” to address the flooding was voiced by Cllr John Crowe (FG) at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

Siobhán O’Reilly a former staff officer in the Shannon MD and now currently an administrative officer in the Council’s rural and community development directorate said an assessment would be completed.

Illaunmanagh cemetery flooding to be tackled

lONGOING FLOODING: APPEAL for the local authority to complete “urgent works”

Bus poles a priority on Drumgeely Rd

She stated, “In the event that flooding is observed, the burial grounds of the Council will request the assistance of technical staff in the design office or Municipal District to investigate the extent and source of the flooding and identify a possible solution and the cost of remediating same. I wish to confirm that the burial grounds unit will monitor the matter going forward”.

“Trojan work” has been completed on the graveyard through the extension of the car park, Cllr Crowe ac-

knowledged. He said concerns persist with the flooding. “They are requesting that it be observed and ongoing checks on it to make sure it won’t happen again,” he added of the correspondence from locals. “Graveyards are very sensitive, you would like to make sure that nothing like flooding is affecting it,” the Sixmilebridge native commented.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) told the meeting she has been issued with complaints on the flooding but also positive feedback on the appearance and serenity of the graveyard.

Families have flagged the matter with Cllr PJ Ryan (IND), “there is a huge amount of surface water pooling there,” he highlighted. “Something simple that needs to be done,” he maintained while suggesting a drain would deal with the flooding.

An optimistic Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) felt the matter would be dealt with, “I’d have confidence in people in rural directorate and overseeing graveyard, they have been responsive and have put in extra gullies”.

Support was also voiced by Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF), Cllr Michael Begley (IND) and Cllr Pat McMahon (FF).

BUS POLES are to be installed in Drumgeely in what is hoped will limit any potential disputes between bus drivers and the public.

Robert O’Mahony, Head of PSO

Contracts with Bus Éireann outlined their willingness to increase the amount of bus poles in Shannon.

An appeal had been made by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) for a pole to be installed on the Drumgeely Rd “to identify the official bus stop opposite the recently installed bus shelter”.

Addressing Cllr Flynn’s request at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District on Tuesday, O’Mahony stated, “We had a look at that this morning, our team will look at. There is no reason why bus poles will not be in place

immediately, we have prioritised that”.

Bus Éireann officials were told by Cllr Flynn that the feedback from the public was that they were running “a very good service, the drivers are very nice and helpful”. He acknowledged the importance of time keeping for bus users travelling to other connections. “A lot of different events can occur in the distance of the pick-ups which can affect time and volume of passengers, we have to be reasonable as well, time goes like the click of a finger,” Flynn said.

“We have a lot of beautiful new shelters, they are fantastic, I am looking for a couple of bus stops on the Drumgeely Rd, it can avoid a lot of disputes with drivers, they are prescribed, some drivers may know and others will not,” Shannon based Flynn added. His proposal was seconded by Cllr Michael Begley (IND).

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Photo by Joe Buckley

Gina’s art exhibition comes Out of the Blue ESB acquire land off Council in Quilty for €1

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN EXHIBITION OF paintings

by artist Gina O’Connor was officially opened in Kilkee on Saturday.

Gina who divides her time between Kilkee and Limerick has a new colourful collection of unique landscape and seascape oil paintings in semi-abstract style in the presentation titled ‘Out of the Blue’.

Clare Arts Office in conjunction with Cultúrlann Sweeney Gallery in Kilkee is presenting the exhibition which runs until June 16th 2023. Gina works mainly with brushes and palette knives. Her work is characterised by her multi-coloured marks which are sometimes thick and dramatic while at other times light and subtle.

Themes such as home, wonder, hope, nostalgia, and joy permeate her work. Gina approaches the canvas with excitement and uncertainty, and she believes this unpredicted process adds emotion and energy to her evocative

paintings. Gina said she is “often surprised by the interesting and colourful shapes, figures and features that emerge ‘Out of the Blue’ from this painting process”.

Her recent solo exhibitions, including ‘Outside In’ at the Scarriff Library Gallery and ‘A Better Place’ at the Clare Museum, Ennis, were described as “simple, soulful, honest, unpretentious and deeply captivating”. Gina has also exhibited in Draíoctht in Adare, the Bridge in Ballina/Killaloe, the People’s Museum of Limerick, and Hare’s Corner, also in Limerick.

Artist Ruth Wood officially opened the exhibition in Kilkee on Saturday. Gina stated, “While this may be a solo exhibition it is very much a team effort. I would like to thank the Clare Arts Office, Culturlann Sweeney and Kilkee Library for supporting ‘Out Of The Blue’ and giving me the opportunity to exhibit my work. It truly is an honour to exhibit here in wonderful Kilkee, my home from home”.

ESB are to acquire a piece of land off Clare County Council in Quilty for the total sum of €1 writes Páraic McMahon.

At the May meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, the disposal of a piece of land at An Cladach in Quilty was approved.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) explained, “It is essentially a piece of ground or it looks like a piece of ground for an ESB sub-station at the social houses in Quilty, it’s for a €1 and it’s to the measure of 8.68 square metres”.

“It sounds like a bargain,” Cllr Liam Grant (GP) quipped. Sentiments from Cllr Talty that the deal was “fairly straight-forward” were echoed by officials within the County Council.

Niamh Madden, a senior engineer in the social development directorate told the meeting, “It is the standard for an ESB sub-station, this is what we have to do and it is what is required of us with the ESB to try get this line”. West Clare representatives, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) and Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) proposed and seconded the disposal of land respectively.

Pictured are Ruth Wood and Gina O’Connor

Photo by Ann O’Connell

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Thought for the Week - Pray More, Worry Less!!

Spreading the word of positivity

IT IS DIFFICULT to live in and enjoy the present moment when you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future. A quote from St. Padre Pio I love to hear or pray goes as follows, “Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry.” I can’t tell you exactly how I heard this quote for the first time. I think it was part of a homily a while back by a Franciscan Friar about the life of St. Padre Pio in the Poor Clares church I like to go to, but I remember my initial thought was, “Don’t worry? It’s useless?! How?! I need to worry!” Then I realized how useless worry actually is. I’ve always known it’s useless, but I still feel it regardless. I don’t want to feel worried, but I still do. I realized this is a symptom of anxiety. I never knew I had anxiety, and never defined myself as having it. The symptoms of anxiety, like being in a constant state of worry or having restless sleep cycles, were never symptoms to me, it was just life and how I survived life.

I AM HUMAN

In today’s day and age, I think everyone has some form of anxiety. If not now from the worries of the past pandemic and the various living crises and conflicts in our world, then from how we interact and respond to societal pressures. I hated admitting I experience anxiety, because admitting it means I’m broken. Well, of course I’m a little broken after all I am only human. We are all flawed in some way or other.

PRAY

So as we start into another week, remember that the anxieties of our lives can steal away the moments of our joy, so I want to write in this week’s thoughts about ways that we can guard our hearts against anxiety no matter what it is that you or I are facing. The best way for me and you to face any worry is to pray. When we cast our cares upon the Lord, He hears and answers our prayers. He knows the deepest desires of our hearts. He knows everything about the situation that you and I are currently facing, what is overwhelming us, what is causing anxiety in our life’s, and He wants to help us with it. He wants to be present to us. So how is our Lord present to us?

Well, He’s present in the Eucharist. So go to Adoration and Mass. Pray. Sit with Him a while. Let Him bring you peace. Rest within Him. Another way, through prayer, is holy scripture. Prayer is our way of talking to our Lord, holy scripture is His way of talking to us. While at times all of my life problems were upsetting me, as each one occurred, I kept remembering the simple, short objectives and easy to remember messages from my prayers, “One Day at a Time. I have no control. Lead me God.” I keep repeating the Serenity Prayer to myself and If I cannot find the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, or the wisdom to know the difference, I will keep remembering to take it “one day at a time. I have no control. Lead me God.” If I can make it through this day, I pray that I can face whatever situations may arise.

“ONE DAY AT A TIME”

I have put together some thoughts that might help us to walk with Our Lord and to take “One Day at a Time” and relook at some of our life choices and help us refocus on this journey called life. Each day we get up from our rest is a time for giving thanks for blessings received, asking forgiveness for transgressions committed, forgiving those who have aggrieved us, and asking grace and strength for the future as we face into what we now call the “new normal”. We are aware of needing to make decisions about both our past and future. We cannot reject the past, but we can allow it to be redeemed. We cannot determine the future, but we can allow it to be permeated with the love and the mercy of God. I can look back on the first part of the year and the resolutions or new beginnings that I made and see how often I have failed to live up to those. I can look forward in hope that I can try to live my resolutions or new beginnings better, but, most of all, I can decide, here and now, to try to live today as it should be lived, because ‘today’ is all we ever really know. So, for me, let’s continue with our life journey and a renewed sense of purpose about what I am called to be and do and to try and love and pray deeply from our hearts.

TRY LOVING AND PRAYER

When trying to truly love and pray always it

will entail many hardships and costs. But you have to keep trying. I know myself for I have failed miserably at times. True love when it’s for real gets its hands dirty. It takes a chance. It goes out on a limb. It takes a gamble. Love makes a statement and leaves a legacy. It does the unexpected, surprising, and stirring. It performs acts that steal the heart and will leave an impression on our souls. Often these acts or legacies are never forgotten. I recently read a moving story about Bob Pierce, the founder of an international charity. He had advanced leukemia, but he chose to visit a colleague in Indonesia before he died. As he and others walked together through a small village, they came upon a young girl lying on a bamboo mat next to a river. She was dying of cancer and had only a short time to live. Bob was indignant. He demanded to know why she wasn’t in a clinic. But his friend explained that she was from the jungle and wished to spend her last days next to the river, where it was cool and familiar. As Bob gazed at her, he felt such compassion that he got down on his knees in the mud, took her hand, and began stroking it and started praying. Although she didn’t understand him, he prayed for her. Afterwards she looked up and said something, “What did she say? Bob asked his friend. His friend replied, “She said, ‘If I could only sleep again, if I could only sleep again.’” It seemed that her pain was too great to allow her the relief of rest. Bob began to weep. Then he reached into his pocket and took out his own sleeping pills, the ones his doctor had given him because the pain from his leukemia was too great for him to sleep at night. He handed the bottle to his friend. “You make sure this young lady gets a good night’s sleep,” he said, “as long as these pills last.” Bob was ten days away from where he could get his prescription refilled. That meant ten painful and restless nights. That day his love and prayers cost him greatly. But even in the midst of his suffering, God infused him with a supernatural sense of satisfaction that he had done the right thing. Real love and prayer inevitably carries costs and true love and prayer always costs. If there is no cost there is no love.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, don’t ever forget for even a second how very important and how very special each and every one of us are. Please try to love and pray deeply from your heart always and for the good of everyone. In the end, the goal of real life is love. The measure of our maturity is our love for God and our love for others. If we fail in our love we have missed what it means to be a truly good person. To anyone who also may be struggling like me at this moment with questions and worry right now, I offer again the simple words of St. Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Our God is massively bigger than any problem we perceive. Our God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Our God is merciful (Ephesians 2:4). Our God loves us beyond measure (Ephesians 3:18), and it is impossible for our God to lie. Unlike so many things in our world, He is truly trustworthy (Hebrews 6:18). “Pray, hope, and don’t worry” is probably Padre Pio’s most famous saying. However, we cannot forget about the second part of his prayer statement, which is: “Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.” We can be certain God knows what we need even before we ask him. I feel Padre Pio’s peacefulness as he listens to my worries now as I pray to him, as he listened to many during his life, and he reassures me daily that all my worries are in God’s hands. Let me leave you with this prayer I say everyday, “Heavenly Father, When I feel crushed by my own worries, Lift my mind and help me to see the truth. When fear grips me tight and I feel I cannot move, Free my heart and help me to take things one step or one day at a time. When I can’t express the turmoil inside, Calm me with Your quiet words of love. I choose to trust in You, each day, each hour, each moment of my life. I know deep down that I in Your grace, forgiven, restored by Your sacrifice, You have set me free. Amen.”

An Clár as Gaeilge Teo

Togra Páirtnéireachta Forbairt Teanga Pobail do Chontae an Chláir

Visit Loop Head Lighthouse where History

Meets Scenic Splendour

Venture to Loop Head Lighthouse, one of the great lighthouses of Ireland, proudly situated at the peak of the stunning Loop Head Peninsula in County Clare. This historic structure invites you on a guided tour of maritime discovery, surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.

Visit the Lightkeeper’s Cottage and the Cottage’s ‘Crows Nest’. Then, trace the steps of lighthouse keepers of yore as you ascend to the top of the lighthouse. Gaze out over the wild Atlantic, the rugged cliffs, and the scenic splendour of the peninsula stretching out beneath you. Loop Head Lighthouse, a signature discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way, is where past and present meet, and the views are always extraordinary.

Experience the Enchanting Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre

Set amidst 170 hectares of native woodland, this one-hectare botanical wonder was once the private retreat of the Vandeleur family, the landed gentry of Kilrush in the early 19th Century.

Rediscovered and revitalised in 1997, the Vandeleur Walled Garden now showcases a stunning variety of rare and exotic plants that flourish in our unique microclimate. Meander along the gracious gravel paths and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of floral beauty, showcasing everything from vibrant magnolias and acers to curious banana trees and bamboo.

The garden’s design invites exploration and play, with a unique horizontal maze leading to a charming summer house, an elegant Victorian-style working glasshouse, unusual water features, and a giant garden chess set. It is loved by all, especially families.

Visit the Woodlands Bistro for a delightful refreshment, browse the garden centre for a green souvenir, or explore the gift shop.

Dive deeper into the rich past at our new visitor centre. Uncover the complex history of the Vandeleurs, the development of Kilrush and its surroundings, and the resilience during the Famine years. This fascinating story offers a compelling backdrop to your visit.

GREEN CLARE

Shannon Foynes Port signs deal with ESB for offshore projects

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MAU) has been signed by the ESB and Shannon Foynes Port to support the transformation of the Shannon Estuary as a major centre of deployment for floating offshore wind projects in Irish and international waters.

MINISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.

In the agreement, Shannon Foynes Port and ESB have committed to working closely together to maximise the unique potential of the Shannon Estuary thanks to its mix of deepwater, development lands, low-lying shoreline, and proximity to what is one of the world’s most consistent wind resources off Ireland’s west coast.

Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.

Chairperson of the Taskforce, Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding

The MOU follows the publication late last year of Shannon Foynes Port’s Vision 2041 masterplan for the wider estuary, which set out a clear strategy to transform the estuary into one of the world’s leading green energy hubs. It identified three key growth areas for the estuary, namely delivering floating offshore wind at international scale, green industrial development tran sition, and expanded, diversified and more sustainable logistics ser-

During his time as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 per cent of the country’s energy com

ESB is currently undertaking a multi-billion-euro redevelopment project at its Moneypoint site to include significant amounts of off

ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.

shore wind coupled with the production of hydrogen and other green derivatives. As an enabler to the Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint project, an offshore wind construction hub will be developed which will facilitate the fabrication and assembly of floating offshore wind platforms.

“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.

Shannon Foynes Port’s masterplan identified the development of four core facilities at the estuary to support the delivery of floating offshore wind at scale. These included substructure assembly at Moneypoint, as well as turbine integration and pre-commissioning at Foynes port, wet storage at various locations within the estuary and an Operations & Maintenance base also at Foynes.

Offshore wind energy by Moneypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come into shore at the Shannon Estuary, that’s where we have the deep-water port.

Shannon Foynes Port’s plans centre on the development of a new deep water port at Foynes Island, which will be linked directly to the national transport network via a direct restored rail and new road link. Under this MOU, the parties will collaborate to ensure that ESB’s Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint project and the port authority’s projects will be developed in a coordinated manner in the national interest with a common goal of maximising the opportunity for the estuary and wid er Mid-West region.

Paul Lennon, Head of Offshore Wind and Hydrogen at ESB, said, “We are delighted to partner with

"If you look at what the likes of ESB are proposing and look at Moneypoint on the other side of the Estuary and similar with Tarbert on this side, you’ve all you need there, you have a really good deep water jetty so any ships can get in, you have a platform there which you could deploy turbines out but what the ESB want to do, you bring the offshore wind in there, you use the grid which we have, there’s major electricity wires

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that electricity onto that grid to power the country.

Shannon Foynes Port to help deliver on our ambitious plans for floating offshore wind. As ESB transforms its generation portfolio with projects such as Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint, this collaboration builds on our commitment to delivering renewables projects in the Mid-West region. It is an important step in ESB’s efforts to deploy the latest technologies and infrastructure as we play a crucial role in Ireland’s transition to net zero”.

Shannon Foynes Port CEO, Pat Keating stated, “As the maritime authority for the Estuary, we are focused on ensuring the unrivalled opportunity arising from one of the world’s best wind regimes and proximity of our deep waters is maximized for the national interest.

“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technology, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate power and you run the power out on the same grid, you have a continuous stable electricity source,” he explained.

The ESB through its Green Atlantic @ Moneypoint project is a key constituent in the transformation of the wider estuary and we look forward to doing whatever we can to ensure this essential project is realised”.

Ireland’s offshore wind energy potential arising from our Atlantic seaboard winds is among Europe’s leading renewable energy opportunities. With a maritime area more than seven times the size of its landmass, ideal wind conditions, and strategic location on the Atlantic Ocean’s edge, floating offshore wind generation can deliver up to 30 gigawatts of energy by 2050 –six times more than current domes-

tic electricity demand.

The MOU supports the Govern ment’s Climate Action Plan. While non-exclusive in nature, the agreement sets out both organisations’ intention to work together for the

Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using

el, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the

benefit of achieving Irish offshore renewable energy targets, in line with ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 strat egy and Shannon Foynes Port’s Vi sion 2041 masterplan.

Paul Lennon,Head of Offshore Wind and Hydrogen at ESB and Pat Keating, Chief Executive, Shannon Foynes Port Photograph: Liam Burke/Press 22

Shannon Airport’s green vision acknowledged in ACA programme

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON AIRPORT has been awarded Carbon Accreditation Level 2 by the globally recognised Airport Council International (ACI).

A commitment to green its operations and reduce the airport’s carbon footprint was set out in the Shannon Airport Group’s sustainability strategy. The accreditation from Europe’s Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) programme has acknowledged this.

Steps taken by Shannon Airport to achieve Level 2 - Reduction accreditation involved demonstrating a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over a three-year period

through energy saving projects such as active energy monitoring and management and an airport wide upgrade to more efficient LED lighting.

It also included the submission of a carbon management plan that sets out a comprehensive programme of work to achieve a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050.

Last year, Shannon Airport joined over 200 European airports engaged in one of six

available certification levels of the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, after it received cer-

tification for Level 1 – Mapping of the programme. This followed the airport’s signing up to the groundbreaking Toulouse Declaration in February 2022, which marked the first time that European Governments, the European Commission, industry, unions, and other key stakeholders formally aligned on aviation decarbonisation.

Sinéad Murphy, Head of Sustainability at the Shannon Airport Group said they were delighted with the rec-

ognition and are already working towards achieving the next level of the programme in 2024. “We have worked with experts to develop a detailed decarbonation plan for our airport and while there is more work to be done, we are excited to embark on this project that will futureproof our airport.”

The accreditation programme recognises efforts in six levels: mapping, reduction, optimization, neutrality, transformation, and transition. The programme is a voluntary carbon management certification standard for airports, that independently assesses and certifies airports for their efforts in managing and reducing their carbon emissions.

The significance of package a helathy lunch for Summer Camp

A HEALTHY LUNCH is crucial for children, providing them with the necessary nourishment to support growth, cognitive development, and long-term health. In this article, we explore the benefits of a healthy lunch and offer practical tips for creating balanced meals.

Fueling Growth and Development:

A nutritious lunch fuels children’s physical growth, supplying essential macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats. These nutrients support bone, muscle, and organ development, enhancing their energy levels and participation in physical activities.

Enhancing Cognitive Function:

A well-nourished brain is vital for children’s learning and academic performance. Nutritious lunches rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids enhance cognitive function, memory, and concentration, improving their ability to stay focused and perform well in school.

Promoting Healthy Weight Management:

A balanced lunch helps prevent excessive weight gain and promotes healthy weight management. Including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins controls calorie intake, provides essential nutrients, and reduces the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Strengthening the Immune System:

A nutritious lunch with immune-boosting foods strengthens children’s immune systems. Fruits, vegetables, and probiotics supply vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, reducing the frequency and severity of common illnesses.

Cultivating Healthy Eating Habits:

Introducing diverse, healthy foods during lunchtime expands children’s palates and establishes positive eating habits. Regularly providing well-balanced meals instills lifelong healthy eating habits, reducing the likelihood of diet-related

health issues in the future.

Practical Tips for a Healthy Lunch: Include colorful fruits and vegetables for essential nutrients and fiber. Choose whole grains for sustained energy and improved digestion. Incorporate lean proteins for muscle growth and repair. Encourage water or milk as the primary beverage and limit sugary drinks. Involve children in meal planning and preparation to foster interest in healthy eating. Use reusable containers for eco-friendly lunches.

A healthy lunch is instrumental in supporting children’s growth, development, and overall well-being. By providing nutrient-rich, balanced meals, parents and caregivers set the stage for academic success, physical health, and positive lifelong eating habits. Investing in a healthy lunch today ensures a healthier future for our children.

The importance of Summer Camps for kids

SUMMER CAMPS have long been cherished as a quintessential part of childhood, providing a unique and enriching experience for children away from the structured environment of school. Beyond the fun and adventure, summer camps offer a plethora of benefits that contribute to children’s overall development. From fostering physical well-being and mental agility to instilling essential life skills, summer camps create a nurturing environment where children can thrive and grow. In this article, we explore the multifaceted advantages of summer camps, highlighting their positive impact on children’s health, mental abilities, and beyond.

Promoting Physical Health and Well-being:

One of the primary advantages of summer camps lies in their ability to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles among children. In an era dominated by technology, camps provide a refreshing escape from sedentary routines and inspire kids to engage in outdoor activities. From swimming and hiking to team sports and adventure challenges, camps offer a diverse range of physical experiences that promote fitness, motor skills, coordination, and endurance. Regular physical activity not only helps

combat childhood obesity but also enhances cardiovascular health, bone density, and overall well-being.

Developing Social and Emotional Skills: Summer camps create a supportive and inclusive community that fosters the development of social and emotional skills. Children have the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to cultivate empathy, teamwork, and effective communication. Camps often organize group activities, team-building exercises, and cooperative games, enabling children to build friendships, resolve conflicts, and develop essential interpersonal skills. These experiences lay a strong foundation for healthy relationships, self-confidence, and resilience that extend far beyond the

camp environment.

Enhancing Mental Abilities and Cognitive Skills: Summer camps offer a rich learning environment that stimulates children’s intellectual growth and nurtures their curiosity. Through engaging activities such as arts and crafts, science experiments,

op a love for lifelong learning. The freedom to experiment and make decisions independently also enhances their decision-making abilities and promotes cognitive flexibility.

Fostering Independence and Self-Discovery:

invaluable asset that serves them well in all areas of life.

Cultivating Environmental Awareness and Appreciation:

storytelling, and problem-solving challenges, camps ignite children’s imaginations, critical thinking, and creativity. Unconstrained by academic pressures, camps encourage children to explore new subjects, discover hidden talents, and devel-

Summer camps empower children to become more independent, self-reliant, and resilient individuals. Being away from home and familiar surroundings provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Campers learn to manage their daily routines, make choices, and solve problems, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence.

As children navigate new experiences and challenges, they develop resilience, adaptability, and the ability to overcome obstacles—an

Many summer camps embrace a natural setting, allowing children to reconnect with the outdoors and develop a deep appreciation for the environment. Environmental education programs, nature hikes, and outdoor conservation projects instill in children a sense of responsibility towards nature and the world around them. By immersing themselves in nature, children not only learn about ecosystems and biodiversity but also develop a sense of wonder, mindfulness, and gratitude for the natural world.

Summer camps offer a myriad of benefits that go far beyond the traditional notions of fun and recreation. By promoting physical health, mental abilities, social skills, and more, camps create an environment where children can thrive and grow holistically. The transformative power of summer camps lies in their ability to nurture not only the body but also the mind and spirit of every child. These experiences and skills gained in camp can have a lasting impact, shaping children into confident, well-rounded individuals who are prepared to navigate the challenges of the world with resilience.

From Covid response to counting butterfliesvolunteers the beating heart of Clare

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

There are over 2,500 people in Clare registered with the Clare Volunteer Centre. It’s an organisation which has, like a great oak tree, spread its roots into places you didn’t realise it could get to.

Some 1,500 Clare Volunteers left an indelible mark when playing their part in the resounding success which was the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in 2016 and 2017. Recently, its volunteers played their part in both the community response to Covid and the response to displaced Ukrainian people arriving in Clare. Other volunteers can at times be found marshalling at events like Darkness Into Light, counting butterflies for an ecological survey, or writing Christmas cards to people living in nursing homes. Once upon a time, the Volunteer Centre helped to facilitate a huge gathering of people named Clare.

“We were trying to break

the Guiness World Record for the amount of people with the same name gathering in one place. We didn’t break the record but we had a great weekend and a lot

of events for people called Clare who came to Clare that weekend,” says Sharon Meaney, Manager at Clare Volunteer Centre.

With such a wide array of

positive seeds being sown in the community, it’s little wonder that the feel good factor comes full circle with various studies finding that volunteering can reduce stress, combat depression, increase self-confidence, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.

“Volunteering has so many positive health benefits whether that’s for mental health which has been well-documented, but also for physical health, getting out and about and moving, engaging with the local community,” explains Sharon Meaney.

Sharon has been involved since the local centre’s foundation 15 years ago, having previously worked with the historic Ennis Information Age Town Services.

A Yorkshire native with a West Clare dad, Sharon married a man from West Clare and moved here from Chicago in 1996.

On National Volunteering Week, Sharon notes the importance of celebrating volunteering - and the proud reputation that Irish people have with volunteerism.

“I’m living here over 25 years and I’ve lived in a few other countries and I think Ireland is so unique in the opportunities people have to be able to connect into their local communities, if they take the chance to find out what’s happening.

“National Volunteering Week is a great way to remind people that there are lots of ways they can get involved in their community through volunteering.”

Clare Volunteer Centre is a registered charity funded by the Department of Rural & Community Development. With three staff, it is a high-performing centre and consistently ranks in the top 3 in the country in volunteer placement rate.

Speaking about the Volunteer Centre’s response to the Ukrainian displacement, Sharon explains that they engaged with communities that were receiving people from Ukraine, putting in place volunteer management structure. However she notes that “people from Ukraine, and people who are new to our community, would come into us and look to volunteer as a way to improve their English, share their skills, and get involved and find out about Irish communities.

“There are a lot of organ-

isations who are benefitting hugely, such as Tidy Towns and charity shops from an influx of people into their communities who want to get into volunteering.”

Sharon contends that we could “fill the whole of the Clare Echo with case studies that we’ve had over the years of real-life experiences of how volunteering has changed people’s lives”.

“We’ve had people who have found themselves out of work for different reasons and finding the day long and unstructured, and volunteering gave them opportunity to get structure back into their lives.” She continues, “Contrary to public opinion, our biggest cohort of volunteers are aged 26-35, young people really do want to get involved in volunteering but they want to know the impact of what their volunteering does. They see it as an oppoiruntiy not just for their CV, an opportunity to network, to make connections, to learn new skills, and certainly we hear back on a mental health perspective, it is so beneficial, because as much as you are giving as a volunteer, you are getting something back. There is that feel good factor and i think that’s a really important part of why people volunteer.”

She is encouraging communities and organisations to get in contact with Clare Volunteer Centre to explore ways they can engage volunteers.

“The volunteer opportunities are ongoing continually, we have lots of volunteer roles we’re recruiting for at the moment from bus driver to ‘cycle without age’, a fantastic project in Kilrush in a nursing home, we’re recruiting volunteers to cycle these bicycles with two seats and you take a nursing home resident for a cycle around the Vandeluer gardens.”

Volunteering is open to all ages. To find out more visit www.volunteerclare.ie or call 065 68 45517.

New six year plan to guide Clare’s economic & community development

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A PUBLIC consultation process has commenced around the development of a new six-year plan that will guide the future economic and community development of County Clare.

The high-level goals of the new Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 20232029 are informed by the Socio-Economic Statement, which is the subject of a series of public information sessions throughout the county over the coming weeks.

This plan will consider the future development of Clare from both a community perspective and an economic perspective. In terms of local community development, the LECP aims to meet the needs of individuals, groups, and organisations by developing community infrastructure, programmes and services.

From an economic perspective the LECP will provide a framework to guide local economic growth and stability in specific geographical areas through retaining and attracting new business, creating employment, and supporting people to start their own businesses and social enterprises.

Clare Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) has overseen the development of the new LECP. LCDC has responsibility for local development and community-related funding in County Clare. The LCDC comprises 9 members from local government and agencies and 10 members from local development and community interests across Clare. The economic perspective of the LECP will be guided by Clare County Coun-

cil’s Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) which comprises 7 elected members and 6 members from various sectoral interests.

Public consultation events will take place on Monday June 12th in the Shannon Municipal District Office, Tuesday June 13th at the Ennis MD Office in Drumbiggle, Wednesday June 14th at the Killaloe MD Office in Scarriff and Thursday June 15th at the Kilrush MD offices in Kilrush and Ennistymon (all 5pm to 8pm).

Additional engagement with the business community will also take place.

Cllr. Tony O’Brien (FF), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, highlighted the importance for local communities having a plan for their future development that includes strategies for promoting economic growth, creating jobs, making communities more resilient and sustainable, and improving the quality of life for residents. “The public consultation process seeks to inform stakeholders on a number of key issues including what the LECP is and how it affects them, what’s involved in the process, how it will be planned and delivered, the Socio-Economic position of the county at present, and the proposed goals and objectives of the plan”.

He added, “The people of Clare know their respective communities best of all so their participation is vital for decision-making as such engagement has proven to produce better policies”.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said input from all stakeholders who have a keen interest in developing a vision for Clare and how it can be achieved will be a valuable resource in shaping the aims, objectives and principles of the LECP.

He added that the last LECP has had a “significant and positive impact on Clare”, completing dozens of actions with the help of communities across the county.

Dowling stated, “The previous plan contained strategic actions which have been pursued with considerable success in the intervening six years, including developing existing enterprise centres and incubation space for micro-enterprises across Clare, protecting sites of built heritage and historic importance to the benefit of communities, implementing a pro-active tourism strategy, supporting sustainable transport initiatives, developing a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and supporting place-making initiatives that enhance the county’s towns, villages and rural communities”.

He added, “This period of public consultation provides an excellent opportunity for the people of Clare to share their thoughts and to help shape the future of our county. It is particularly important that stakeholders looking to promote their area or to develop a project for their community participate in guiding the direction of this plan”.

Jason Murphy, Acting Director of Services, Rural Development, Clare County Council, said the Socio-Economic Statement outlines what the process of developing a new Local Economic and Community Plan is about. “Unlike a spatial plan which sets out where new infrastructure such as roads, houses and offices are built, the LECP seeks to attract funding to develop community and economic infrastructure and facilities such as business support hubs, training centres, community centres, play areas, parks, community gardens and sports facilities”.

Murphy outlined, “The LECP Socio -eco-

nomic Statement and High-Level Goals aims to encourage the people of Clare to start the conversation and give us their insights on topics that affect everyone who lives and works in Clare and also those who visit the county,” stated Mr. Murphy. “We want to make it an even better place in which to live, work and visit by creating new opportunities, improving connectivity and access, between rural and urban areas, and by protecting and enhancing services in the community”.

Six high-level goals are set out in the Socio-Economic Statement. They include having a county that priorities the physical, mental and social well-being of all citizens, where socio economic rights are realised, which supports and promotes education.

A vibrant retail, industry, agriculture, marine, tourism and culter sector offering employment and recreational opportunities for all is another goal along with enhancing the economic, cultural and social vibrancy of the county. Balancing urban and rural areas plus a diverse, sustainable and innovative local economy to further enhance enterprise and employment opportunities are other aspirations.

Submissions or observations can be made online via www.yoursay.clarecoco.ie, by email to lecp23@clarecoco.ie or in writing to LECP, Rural Development, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2. All submissions received on or before the consultation period deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, 23rd June will be reviewed and will influence the actions to be taken in the initial 2-year implementation plan and future iterations over the next six years.

Analog Devices announce €630m investment to result in 600 extra jobs

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ANALOG DEVICES is to triple its European wafer production capacity and create 600 jobs in a €630m investment in a research, development and manufacturing plant in Limerick.

Production capacity will be boosted at the new 45,000sq ft facility in Limerick. The Massachusetts-based firm makes chips that are used for industrial robots, 5G telecommunications equipment and automobiles. It has been located at Raheen Business Park, its European headquarters, since the mid-1970s.

An addition of 600 jobs will bring Analog’s total workforce in Ireland to over 2,000 people. The move

follows a similar €100 million investment that ADI announced last year in a facility for innovation and collaboration.

Speaking about the investment, Analog Devices Ireland chief executive and chair Vincent Roche said: “Since 1976, Ireland has been a critical innovation center for ADI, thanks to its strong academic and research organizations, business ecosystem, and progressive government leadership. This next-generation semiconductor manufacturing facility and expanded R&D team will further extend ADI Limerick’s global influence. Through organic R&D and close collaboration with our customers and ecosystem partners, we are striving to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges and enable a more efficient, safer,

and sustainable future”.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) said the announcement was “really significant”. He stated, “This massive €630 million investment is great news for local employment with lots of jobs being created during the construction phase, and 600 high-end graduate jobs. It means a significant expansion in the size and scale of ADI’s research, innovation, and development, leading to new, highly innovative products. This investment will also mean lots of spin-off jobs and contracts for local SMEs and Irishowned businesses. The future is digital. There can be no such future without microchips and it’s great that Ireland is such an important player in the supply chain”.

Leo Veradkar visits Analog Devices

Photo by Brian Arthur

Taking of Your Financial Future: Partnering with Accounting Firms to Maximise Value

What to consider when setting up a joint bank account

CAREFUL consideration should always be given to setting up a joint account, and it is essential that all parties are very clear on how and for whom the funds are to be used and what should happen any remaining funds when one of the parties passes on.

SURVIVORSHIP

Where a bank account is in joint names, the parties provided equally the funds and can withdraw without limit from the account, it passes to the survivor on passing of one of them.

CONVENIENCE

Older people are often encouraged to add the name of a family member or carer to their bank account ‘for the convenience’ of the older person, for example, when being admitted to hospital or long-term care, or they may simply be physically infirm and unable to access the funds directly, to pay their bills and expenses.

If an account is in joint names for convenience, any withdrawals should be for the care and maintenance of the original account owner only. If they become mentally incapable of managing their affairs, then operation of the account must stop, and thereafter it can only be operated by an Attorney under a registered Enduring Power of Attorney or by Court Order.

original account owner’s intentions, then no other evidence can be used to override this. If the documentation doesn’t disclose any intention, then clear evidence proving a gift is required.

PRESUMPTIONS

Also, the family relationship between the account holders may give rise to a presumption that the funds are to pass to the survivor of them. Particularly, this presumption applies to a joint account of a husband and wife so that the account passes to his wife, and to a joint account of father and child, so that the account passes to his child. However, this presumption does not apply in the case of transfer of a joint account from wife to husband or from mother to child, between other relations or third parties! In such circumstances the onus is on the survivor to prove that there was an intention that the funds were to pass to them.

RECOMMENDATION

IN TODAY’S ever-changing financial landscape, it is crucial for both business owners and individuals to actively take ownership of their financial future. In all aspects of this journey it is important to partner with the right professionals who can advise you along the way. In this article, as it is an area I am well acquainted with, I will focus on a the advantages of partnering with a reputable accounting firm.

Maximizing Financial Position Through Expert Guidance

Accounting firms play a pivotal role in helping optimise the financial position of both business owners and individuals. With their extensive knowledge and expertise, these firms provide a wide range of services tailored to meet specific needs and goals.

One area where accounting firms excel is tax planning, particularly for business owners who are approaching retirement. These professionals can assist in maximising retirement relief, entrepreneur relief, and participation relief. By leveraging their understanding of the tax landscape, accounting experts navigate complex regulations, identify opportunities to minimise tax liabilities, and ensure individuals reap the full benefits of available reliefs.

Furthermore, accounting firms offer valuable support in tax planning related to gifts and inheritances. By closely collaborating with individuals before drafting a will, these firms help beneficiaries maximise the tax reliefs available to them. Through meticulous analysis and strategic planning, accounting professionals ensure assets are distributed efficiently and implement tax-efficient solutions to safeguard beneficiaries’ financial well-being.

Moreover, accounting firms provide vital assistance to business owners in preparing for succession planning or the sale of their business. They evaluate the current value of the business, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance marketability. Through comprehensive financial analysis and guidance, these firms enable business owners to maximise the value of their business and achieve their desired outcomes.

The Value of Professional Expertise

When partnering with accounting firms, it is imperative to focus on the value they

provide rather than fixating solely on the cost of their services. Making errors in any of the abovementioned matters can prove significantly costly for individuals and businesses; significantly more costly than any fee to advise you on the matter.

Professional expertise is an investment in securing your financial future. By engaging with experienced professionals, individuals gain access to specialised knowledge and a deep understanding of complex financial matters. Accounting firms bring forth a range of skills, including tax planning, financial analysis, and strategic guidance, all of which contribute to maximising financial position and securing long-term prosperity.

Furthermore, partnering with reputable accounting firms fosters a collaborative relationship built on trust and mutual goals. These firms act as trusted advisors, working closely with individuals to develop tailored strategies that align with their unique circumstances and objectives. Through open communication and a shared commitment to financial success, individuals can forge a strong partnership that drives them towards achieving their financial goals.

Taking the First Step

I have written this article today for the Clare Echo because all too often people approach us for advice on matters when it is too late to plan an event. If you have major events in your future horizon I urge you to take the time to meet with a reputable accountant or tax advisor, walk through the proposed transaction and get advice. Where you are a business owner, to take ownership of your financial future, it is essential to partner with a reputable and capable accounting firm. By adopting this approach, individuals gain access to expert guidance, strategic planning, and specialised knowledge, empowering them to make informed decisions and maximise their financial position.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It is always recommended to consult with a qualified accounting professional for personalised guidance.

Michael Queally AMQ Accountants & Auditors

On the death of the original account owner, the remaining funds pass to their estate and not to the surviving joint account holder, unless an intention to make a gift can be proved. The first place to look for such intention is any documentation held by the financial institution. If these documents disclose the

In conclusion, preferably a written agreement should be entered into between joint account holders confirming the reasons for putting the account in joint names, the use of and passing on of the account funds, so as to avoid any uncertainties or misunderstandings. This article does not constitute legal advice and where an opinion is expressed, it is the personal opinion of the author only and not of the firm or the paper. For further information, contact Cashin Clancy Solicitors LLP, 3 Francis Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 6840060. Email: enquires@cashinclancy.ie

Credit Unions ranked as Number One in 2023 RepTrak® study

CREDIT UNIONS have been ranked as number one among the top one hundred most highly regarded organisations in Ireland, in the Ireland RepTrak® 2023 annual study.

The Ireland RepTrak® 2023 annual study is based on a survey of more than 5,500 members of the public which gathered data on the levels of trust, respect, admiration and esteem they have for organisations in Ireland.

Credit Unions took the top spot overall as the most reputable organisation in Ireland with an excellent Reputation Pulse score of 82.8. With more than 3.6 million members, credit unions were credited as being a cornerstone of local communities. The public acknowledged the trust that members place in their local credit union and their friendly people focused approach.

An Post placed in second place in the survey with a score of 80.8 with Bord Bia in third place with a score of 80.6. Speaking about the announcement, Clare

Credit Unions said “We are delighted to see the hard work, dedication and commitment of the credit union movement across the country being recognised in the RepTrak® survey. The survey emphasises attributes such as trust and respect, which are core to the ethos of credit unions”.

“Clare Credit Unions are focused on continuing to enhance the supports and services which we provide to our members and our local communities. While we will continue to adapt to meet the changing needs of our members, there will be one constant – we will always put the needs of our members at the heart of everything that we do”.

Credit unions success in the Ireland RepTrak® study follows the announcement earlier this month that credit unions have been appointed Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) champions by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications for 2023 and 2024.

'Clare stood up under pressure'

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Waterford 0-18 Clare 2-22

Venue: FBD Semple Stadium, Thurles

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE Frees For: 13 (5/8)

Wides: 8 (4/4)

Scores from Play: 2-13

Spread of Scorers: 8

Top Scorer: Tony Kelly (0-13)

Own Puck-Outs won: 21 from 31 (68%)

WATERFORD Frees For: 14 (9/5)

Wides: 15 (12/3)

Scores from Play: 0-7

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Stephen Bennett (0-7)

Own Puck-Outs won: 19 from 32 (59%)

REFEREE: John Keenan (Wicklow)

MANAGER COMMENT “

“I’m happy to get the win. We were under pressure to back up the performance against Limerick and get a win so we’re delighted to do that.

“It was hard work to beat Limerick so had we come down here and lost, it would have been a big defeat for us.

“I suppose the nature of the Munster Championship is that nearly every team has their back against the wall as you can’t really afford to lose any game or if you do, it puts you under a lot of pressure.

“It took us a bit of time to get to grips with their [Waterford’s] puck-out but

I think we got to grips with it fairly well. And obviously when they went down a man it meant we could push up and they had to go long and play the ball into our numbers and into our strength so we’re happy enough with how we dealt with it.

“[Whether it’s good to go straight into the Cork game next Sunday] depends on how the lads are after today and what injuries that we’ve picked up.

“It’s great to be going home and we’d be hoping there’ll be a good crowd there. Our crowd has got behind the team and they appreciate the work the squad

are doing and the commitments they’re making.

“It was disappointing for us not to produce it the first day out when we were at home against Tipp so I suppose we have an opportunity to try and right that.

“It’s a big game for us and big game for Cork.”

Vital outing for Clare footballers

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S SENIOR footballers will have their first run-out since the disappointing Munster final defeat to Kerry when they welcome Donegal to Ennis.

Cusack Park hosts Saturday’s tie which commences at 2pm and is an unfortunate clash with Clare’s outing in the All-Ireland minor hurling semi-final.

In what is viewed as a defining game of Clare’s All-Ireland SFC campaign, Colm Collins’ will know they have to win if they are to have aspirations of building on last year’s race for the Sam Maguire which saw them reach the quarter-finals for the second time since 2016.

Cian O’Dea who missed the wins over Cork and Limerick in the Munster SFC and was introduced as a substitute in the fourteen point loss to Kerry is back in the reckoning for a starting jersey.

O’Dea is among one of the likely changes to the Clare side. Éire Óg’s Gavin Cooney will hope to push

himself into contention for a role in the Banner attack while Brian McNamara who made his championship debut in the Munster Final is continuing to climb up the ranks.

With further ties against Monaghan and Derry, Clare will

“

“It’s disappointing. The decision in the first half was it, that was the game done and dusted so it was. If you look at the first half we had 23 shots to their 15. We were well in control of the game, we had the chances. Once the sending off came, we were in a bit of trouble. There was no comparison in the second

half. Clare outhurled us, outplayed us and were better than us in the second half 110%.

“From a Waterford point of view and I say this quite clearly, the respect I have for the [Clare] players is massive and I wish the players all the best. They are a great bunch of players so from everyone in Water-

ford, we wish them all the best.

“On our own side, we know we have one or two issues to dig deep with and sort out. We knew that after the Cork game. We know we’re going to get a bit of stick back at home and we deserve it and that’s fine but we’re not going to run from the issues. We know what they are, we’re going to deal with them and we’re going to come back fighting better than ever.

“The Clare people will relate to this greatly, in 1993 and ‘94 we got absolutely hockeyed and I mean hockeyed and we had the character.

"If you look back at that bit of history, you will see you never throw in the towel and you come back. We can do the same."

INAMONA, FEAKLE, MILLS & BLUES AMONG WINNERS

not view the task of Donegal lightly but will know their chances will be boosted if they get off to a winning start in the All-Ireland SFC series. Galway’s James Molloy has been appointed as the referee for Saturday’s fixture.

Brian Lohan, Clare:

l David Fitzgerald emerges with possession as

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Clare's Cian O'Dea

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

MANAGER COMMENT

David Fitzgerald, Waterford:

l Inagh/Kilnamona goalkeeper Éamonn Foudy Photo by John Mangan

'Nothing in it' as Cork claim Munster

MUNSTER U20 HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Clare 1-21 Cork 1-23

Venue: TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

MANAGER COMMENT “

Terence Fahy, Clare:

“That’s heartbreaking today, to be there and be so close to it, to have edged ahead and not to see it out is very disappointing.

“We weren’t happy with our performance in the first half, we weren’t up to our performance level against Tipperary in that first half and the players were keen to address that, they came out with a storming third quarter and that is usually a big shift in matches. We didn’t see it out but Cork are an exceptional team with exceptional players, they had a lot of class and they were better than us at the end but only by a fraction.

“There was nothing in the game, it was a tremendous Munster campaign. You could throw a blanket over the teams, Cork were seen to be a bit out in front but our lads upped the level in the second half, we’re very disappointed, it is heartbreaking for them, they’ve put in some effort.

“Our goalie was magnificent, our freetaker was magnificent and their freetaker was magnificent, there was nothing between the teams and that was the thing, just the few breaking balls, we went up trying to get a score, we didn’t get it and they broke down the field, there was a lot of space and they put a great ball in, they put a great ball in and that put a bit of breathing space there, they are a classy team and congratulations to them."

Clare GAA to launch new house draw for Roslevan

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

CLARE GAA are “maxed out” with requests for Sunday’s crunch Munster championship game against Cork while A Win A House in Roslevan is to be launched.

At the May meeting of the County Board which took place at Hotel Woodstock, it was also confirmed that a “specialist on pitch development” had been hired by Clare GAA to prepare a report on the work at Caherlohan.

Criticism was voiced of the GAA for the ongoing controversy with GAAGO. Feakle’s Mike Daly told the meeting, “we need to decide if we are a commercial body or a sporting body”.

Championship draws

Draws for the 2023

Clare adult hurling and football championships

will be made at the June (June 13) meeting of Clare GAA.

Sixmilebridge delegate Pat Keane asked why the draws hadn’t been made before now stating “every other county has made their draws for the past two months”.

Replying chairman Kieran Keating said “clubs have until May 31 to declare what teams they will be registering for championships. We are also working on finalising headline sponsors for the various championships”.

Concluding the discussion on this issue chairman Keating said “I don’t have an issue with doing the draws in March or April going forward”.

Win a house: Clare GAA will launch a “win a house” draw on this Friday night. The house is on the Tulla Road in Ennis and tickets

will be going out to the clubs. Similar to last year tickets will be €100 each and clubs will retain €25 for each ticket sold. The draw will take place at the end of December.

Caherlohan upgrade: Clare GAA has hired Ken Kearney, “a specialist on pitch development” to prepare a report on the work to be carried out on pitch two and three at Caherlohan.

“Because of this work there will be just one floodlit pitch available next Spring”, the chairman said.

Huge demand for tickets: Clare GAA is “maxed out at the moment with requests for tickets” for Sunday’s Munster championship game between Clare and Cork at Cusack, Deirdre Murphy told this week’s meeting. “We are doing our best and we got an extra 1,000 tickets

for the Northern terrace yesterday which we are distributing through the clubs”.

GAA/GO controversy: Whitegate delegate Pat Burke raised the issue of the televising of games by GAA/GO and asked if “Co boards have any input into these decisions”. "Their camera work is poor and they need to be told that."

Clare’s Central Cuncil representative Michael O’Neill said “it’s on the agenda for an Ard Comhairle meeting on Saturday but it’s a done deal as Noel Quinn has been appointed as the CEO of GAA/GO”.

Feakle’s Mike Daly said “we need to decide if we are a commercial body or a sporting body”.

For full County Board report, visit www.clareecho.ie.

STORY

CLARE

Frees for: 10 (5/5)

Wides: 9 (5/4)

Spread of scorers: 7

Scores from play: 1-12

OF THE GAME

CORK

Frees for: 9 (5/4)

Wides: 10 (3/7)

Spread of scorers: 9

Scores from play: 1-16

Top scorer: Keith Smyth (011 9f)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 24 from 34 (71%)

Top scorer: Ben Cunningham (0-09 6f 1’65)

Bookings: Sean Daly (23), Ben Cunningham (29), James Dwyer (60)

Own puckouts won: 17 from 31 (55%)

REFEREE: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary)

l (main) Patrick Crotty manages to get a handpass away under pressure from Ben O’Connor; (below) Aaron Shanahan watches on as Micheal Mullins’ shot hits the back of the net Photos by Gerard O'Neill

Ennis Town claim national title

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS TOWN FC came out on top in an epic to be crowned SFAI U12 champions. It took extra time for Ennis Town to claim the spoils against Dublin side St Mochta’s in the national final. The Clare outfit travelled to Wayside FC in Kilternan on Sunday.

They trailed 4-3 at half-time and didn’t equalise until three minutes from the final whistle. Ennis Town came out winners on a scoreline of 7-5.

Ben Lyons scored four goals while Robbie Lyons, Eoghan McGorey and Jack Barrett also hit the target. Lyons ended up taking the man of the match award for his exploits.

Their success sees them become the first Ennis Town FC team to win the title and the first Clare team in over thirty years.

Ennis Town FC: Graham O’Connor, Alfie Treacy, Pat Hennessy, Avery Maxwell, James Grenham, Eoghan McGorey, Cian O’Dwyer, Robbie Lyons, Ben Lyons. Subs: Micheal O’Leary, Jack Barrett, Saad Idar, Tony Barry, Daniel Doyle, David Hehir, Dominic Pacewicz, Dara Ryan.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Regional's win brings Munster Junior Cup medals back to Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NEWMARKET CELTIC may have been flying the county flag in the Munster Junior Cup but it was a quartet for Regional Utd that brought provincial medals back to Clare.

Paddy Purcell’s Newmarket side came up just short in their bid to record a historic double of FAI and Munster Junior Cup titles losing out on a penalty shootout. Within the ranks of their opponents, Dooradoyle based Regional Utd were four Clare natives.

Shannon native, Brian O’Connor has had a first season to remember with the Limerick club. A primary school teacher at St Conaire’s NS, O’Connor moved to Regional Utd after five years with Shannon Town Utd, lining out on the same team as Jack Kelly who he faced off with on Saturday.

A skilful midfielder, BOC had lined out Bridge Utd and Fairview Utd at schoolboys level before progressing to Mervue Utd. He started on the right wing for Sean Russell’s side.

Sixmilebridge’s Filip Mostowy started up front for Regional. The Polish attacking midfielder has League of Ireland experience, he joined Galway Utd in 2019 play ing with their U17s and U19s and prior to this was representing Lim erick FC at U15 and U17 level. He re-

ceived plenty of attention from the Newmarket crowd in Jackman Park but looked lively throughout the contest.

Eoin Duff was a surprise omission from Regional’s starting eleven. Currently, the top scorer in the Limerick Premier Division, Duff was sprung from the bench before the final whistle in normal time and scored one of the four penalties to secure a first ever provincial title for the club.

Duff who hails from Shannon already has Munster and FAI Junior Cup medals from his time with Fairview Rangers. He has strong links to Newmarket-on-Fergus, his mother Sinead hails from Newmarket and his grand-parents Dominic and Francis formerly ran Lemenagh Foodstore.

Newmarket-on-Fergus native Rob Shier also collected his first Munster Junior Cup medal with Regional’s breakthrough. The goalkeeper was arguably man of the match when the sides clashed in the FAI Junior Cup in February, Darragh Leahy’s extra time goal proving to be the difference in their last sixteen clash. However his availability in recent weeks led to management opting for Peter Healy between the posts.

Rob’s father Philip was part of the Celtic management team alongside Paudie Cullinan that were crowned Pre-

PENALTY HEARTBREAK FOR NEWMARKET CELTIC

mier Division champions in 2008, ending a drought of thirteen years. His brother in law, Kevin Harnett was introduced at half-time for Celtic.

Notably all four are past pupils of St Caimin’s Community School in Shannon along with the majority of the Newmarket Celtic squad.

En route to the final, Duff has hit the net on twelve occasions with Mostowy getting

his only goal in the semi-final win over Ballynanty while O’Connor was among the scorers in their fourth round win over Blarney. They beat Pike Rovers B, Athlunkard, Janesboro, Blarney, Villa fc, Avondale and Ballynanty in their seven games in the competition before overcoming Newmarket Celtic in the most dramatic way possible to claim the title.

Bridge's McInerney winner of captain's prize for inter-county hurlers golf society

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

INTERCOUNTY HURLERS SOCIETY

Ninety seven members of the inter county hurlers golf society played for their captain’s prize on Friday last.

In bright sunshine, they came to Ballyneety from all corners of the country to honour society captain Eamonn Cregan from Limerick.

Sixmilebridge man Gerry McInerney, who played at all levels for Clare, emerged as the overall winner with 38 points. Gerry is a member of Dromoland Castle Golf club and is a past captain and president of the Munster Press golf society

Dromoland Golf Club:

Darren Sherlock with 68 won the May monthly medal at Dromoland from Liam Hayes with 71 and John M. McCarthy with 72. Killian Howard won the gross with 75 while Frank Melody was the winner of the 22 and over handicap category with 75.

The 9 hole competition winner was Patrick McCoy with 20 from Ian Mulready with 19 and Brian Maloney with 18.

The ladies two day crystal 36 hole stableford competition was won by Julie Fitzgerald with 72 points from Leslie O’Flynn with a similar score. Deirdre Cooney was third with 65 points followed by Susanne McConway with 64 points. Joan Ryan won the gross with 41 points.

The day 1 18 hole cometition was won by Linda Kochhar with 33 points from Mairead Bergin with 33 and Sheila Kent with 33.

Geraldine Ryan won on day 2 with 33

points from Dorothy Brennan with 29 and Siobhan Fitzpatrick with 29.

East Clare Golf Club:

The ladies 18 hole stableford golfer of the year competition at East Clare last week was won by Rachel Whelan (17) with 36 points.

The club’s lady captain had two to spare over Noreen Doyle (21) with Pauline Nugent (30) a point further back in third spot. Siobhan Shanahan (16) won the gross with 20 points.

Oisin Donnellan won the men’s May medal competition with 69 from Tom Larkin who had a similar score as did third placed Shane Chaplin. Anthony Sweeney won the gross with 77.

The winners of the senior men’s competition last week were Danny Minogue, Seamus O Dwyer and Jimmy Nagle with 76 from Ger Shortt, Willie Roche and Jackie McHugh with 69 while third place was filled by Kevin Wallis, Kieran Gibbons and Ailbe McDonnell with 63.

Kilrush Golf Club:

The Clean Ireland men’s open at Kilrush last weekend was won by Terry O’Hare (9) with 38 points.

In category 1 Thomas Coffey (12) was the winner with 37 points from Jim Young Senior (9) with a similar score.

The category 2 winner was Cyril Kelly (15) with 37 from Sean Lyons (17) with 36 points.

Brendan Carey (19) won category 3 with 36 points from Fergal O’Connor (17) with 34 points.

The nines were won by Tony McMahon (15) with 18 points and John Stapleton (21) with 20 points.

In the ladies Kerry Agri Business stroke competition Mary Downes (42) won with 70 from Mary G. Nolan (21) with 73 with third place filled by Mary Bolton (17) with 74. Anne Brennan (11) won the gross with 89 while the nines were won by Mary Young with 33 and Geraldine Burke with 38.5.

Shannon Golf Club:

The ladies May medal, sponsored by Lyn Darcy and Brian Mc Goey, was played for at Shannon last week and resulted in victory for Jean Murphy with 71 nett, Mary Flynn was second with 73 while Michelle Pyke won the gross with 82. The category winners were Brid Walsh with 74, Pauline Nally with 76 and Anna Corry with 80.

Woodstock Golf Club:

Kathleen McEnery with 25 points, Eilis Neville with 37 points, Marianne McGough with 40 points and Eilis Neville with 31 points won the ladies 18 hole stableford competitions at Woodstock for the past four weeks.

Last week’s open singles competition was won by Adrian Kearney (14) with 44 points from Sean Myatt (2) with 40 points.

In the matchplay qualifier Cathal Clune (14) won with 40 points from Luke Duffy (29) with 39 points with Niall Reynolds (13) in third spot with 38 points. Brian Gilligan (2) won the gross with 34 points.

The category winners were Callum Hayes (9) with 38 points, Ross Kenny (16) with 38 points and Ronan Lynch (29) with 38 points.

Ennis Golf Club: Ann O'Loughlin (15) and Peig Hanrahan (17) with 41 points won the Tadhg O’Flynn

fourball at Ennis last week. In second place with a similar score were Marion Irwin and Mary Nagle while the gross was won by Della Burns (18) and Mary Lenihan (15) with 23 points. In the 9 hole stableford competition the overall winner was Ann Kelly (14) with 19 points.

Sinead Hegarty (10) with 16 points won division 1, Anna Glynn (16) with 15 points won division 2 while Sarah Connolly-Barnes (24) with 18 points won division 3.

Last week’s senior ladies competition was won by Claire Pyne, Mary Glynn and Frances O’Reilly from Mary Woulfe, Jean Moloney, Peig Cleary and Gert Finn.

The Cahercalla Cup, a golfer of the year competition for men, was played for at Ennis last weekend when David Considine (14) emerged as the winner with 68. He had a shot to spare over James Casey (11) with Matthew Kennedy (12) in third place with 69. Martin O’Neill (6) won the gross with 76 while other prizewinners were Liam Pyne (5) with 71 in division 1, Brian O’Gorman (12) with 70 in division 2 and Ciaran Coote (19) with 71 in division 3.

Late Rory Kennedy:

The sudden death of Rory Kennedy, Ballyalla, Ennis, took place on Saturday last. A past captain (2006) and president (2016/2017) of Woodstock golf club where he served as treasurer. He was an honorary life member and he was also a member of Lahinch golf club. As a mark of respect Woodstock golf course was closed on Tuesday from 10.45 to 1pm.

SCAN FOR REPORT

MUNSTER JUNIOR CUP FINAL

l Eoin Hayes collides with Regional goalkeeper Peter Healy Photos by Joe Buckley

PICTURED: Brian O'Connor Photo by Joe Buckley

'Totally outclassed' Clare must regroup

Clare have to lick their wounds, regroup and see can they pull back a bit of pride in the All-Ireland championship.

That’s according to team manager John Carmody who was speaking after the team had suffered a heavy defeat from Tipperary in the Munster senior camogie final on Saturday last in Thurles.

After losing back to back Munster finals, Carmody admitted “we were totally outclassed to be honest. We never got to the pitch of the game. Some of the scores Toperary got, particularly early on, were as a result of outstanding striking. We looked leggy, we played second fiddle, it’s as simple as that. Maybe the occasion got to us but you have got to hand it to Tipperary, they were exceptional today”.

The Kilmaley man noted, “we struggled with the Tipperary sweeper in the first half, maybe our system was wrong. We weren’t using the ball well, we needed to work the ball from midfield through the lines. The girls didn’t go out to do that. We

were under serious pressure from the Tipperary half forward line”.

The Clare manager added, “we made a positive start to the second half. We asked for a response at half time and we got it for a few minutes but once Tipperary figured out what we were at they took control again, a sign of a good team. They dominated in the last twenty minutes, picking off some outstanding scores. We have to look at that, we seemed to drop our workrate, we have to work for the full hour, we can’t do that again”.

“We suffered a couple of injury blows at the start of

the week, We were glossing over that thinking it wouldn’t affect us but maybe it did today”, the manager stated.

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie SCAN HERE

Carmody felt that Clare goalkeeper Doireann Murphy had played a big part in ensuring that the Banner side didn’t suffer a heavier defeat. “Tipperary came to bury us at the end but she stood tall with three or four outstanding saves, she is a quality goalie”.

“We have to get our heads together now and make sure this performance doesn’t define out season. Our next game is against Down, tshe Ulster champions, a huge

game away from home, We need to get a victory in that game. All our preparations now turn towards getting ready for that game”.

Greyhounds: Wins for Cooraclare & Mullagh

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

The final of the Online Race Entries A3 525 Yards Stake was the feature event at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night last.

Racing opened with an A7 garden contest over 525 yards in which Nationwide Jenny and Mounvoor Moll disputed the early lead with the latter taking command on the wide outside rounding the opening bend. Racing down the back Mounvoor Moll led the way by two lengths from Jackie’s Rosie as the pair race clear of their rivals.

Exiting the back straight Mounvoor Moll continued to lead but off the home bend the Martin & Louise Sexton of Mullagh owned Jacksies Rosie (Sonic-Ballymac Velvet) swung wide to deliver her challenge and she led close home to prevail by three parts of a length in 29.77.

Less than one length covered the field approaching the opening bend in the A4 graded contest with the James McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Gena just holding a narrow advantage as they negotiated the turn. Racing down the back Lissatouk Gena led the way to Drombeg Diego and Portumna Sapphire and as the third been loomed Lissatouk Gena (Laughill Blake-Lissatouk Dolly) was four lengths clear as she railed well around the final two bends for a four and a half length victory over Portumna Sapphire in 28.98.

In the concluding A3 graded contest Astro Podge broke well along the fence and led to age opening been ahead of Ballygarry Ruby and Brickhill Daisy. Tracking well the leader opened ups a two length advantage racing down the back as Ballygarry Ruby and Dennys Best gave chase. Beginning the swing for home the pack began to close but the Madden-Pepper Syndicate of Feakle owned Astro Podge(Ballynac Best-Dynamic Cool Sky) dug really deep to prevail by a diminishing head from Dennys Best and score for trainer Donnie Duggan of Tulla.

Friday night’s Galway eleven race programme featured the finals of both the Galway Greyhound Stadium A5 525 & A6 525 Yards stakes with other Semi Final and First Round Stake action also on the card.

As the traps rose for this final of the A5 Sweepstake all six runners were away well with Bonzo Bourke just about best away and racing towards the opening bend he led

form Lissatouk Sox and Blaze More Fire. At the bend the leader ran slightly wide and this allowed Lissatouk Sox to take over in front turning down the back and by halfway his lead was almost two lengths over Blaze More Fire. Between the final two bends the leader kept off the rails and this allowed the Kim Bennie and Tony Brigdale of Ennis owned Blaze More Fire(Ballymac Eske-Blaze Bee) to close on the rails and she struck the front close home to score by a length and a half in 29.29.

Of the twelve races on the card on Thursday night last at Limerick Greyhound stadium, 6 of them came the way of the Banner County. The first race on the card was an A7 contest and honours went to Mary Crotty form O’Briensbridge with Inislosky Isabel in a time of 30.29 – this was career win number four for this daughter of Droopys Roddick and Cailin Pol.

Tiermana Shower landed the spoils in an A4 contest for Mullagh’s Noel Moroney, in 29.11, and this was career win number 3 for this daughter of Laughil Blake and Cloneyogan Flash.

The fifth race an A7 graded contest went to Parteens’s Joe Collins with Ryans Lemon – a son of Droopys Cain and Lemon Abigail, he recorded a fifth career success in 29.86.

The performance of the evening was Amys Jack victory in the seventh race of the evening, owned by Peter Russell from Shannon and trained by Donie Duggan, this son of Skywalker Rafa and Notimetotalk ran his rivals a merry dance to cross the line in 28.64 and record career win number six.

Next in the winner’s enclosure for the banner was Quilty Horace for Seamus Burke from Ennis who had a commanding eleven length victory in a time of 29.46, a son of Droopys Cain and Klockwork Tip, this was his fourth career win.

Malbay Koda recorded a winning debut for Miltown Malbay’s Gerry Burke in the eleventh race of the evening, a son of Magical Bale and Malbay Ally, his winning time was 29.78.

From Shelbourne Park, last Saturday there was success for Ennistymon native Martin Crowe and his granddaughter Eve when Run Faster ran impressively to record his fifth career success in 30.12 for an Open 550 yards contest - a son of Droopys Cain and Sarista, he is in the professional hands of Tipperary trainer Owen McKenna.

l Niamh O'Dea loses possession Photo by Gerard O'Neill

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SEAFIELD, QUILTY, CO. CLARE

We, Eoin Hennessy and Sorcha Kenny, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission for (a) the demolition of an existing extension (b) the construction of a single and two storey extension to the rear and side of an existing dwelling (c) the construction of a single storey office and shed (d) modifications to the existing dwelling (e) widening of existing site entrance and all ancillary site works at Seafield, Quilty, Co. Clare.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONAMIRRAN, MOUNTSHANNON, CO. CLARE, V94 PW1C

Take notice that Frank O’Brien intends to apply for planning permission for development at Cloonamirran, Mountshannon, Co. Clare, V94 PW1C. The development will consist of demolition of existing single storey extension and replacement with larger single storey extension that includes a carport and all associated site works and services. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL BALLINRUAN, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE

Permission for the retention of conversion of attic space to living accommodation is being sought by M. Smyth. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submis-

sion or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NO.3, HARBOUR VIEW, MOUNTSHANNON, CO. CLARE

We, Simon Beale + Associates, are applying to Clare County Council, on behalf of Jamie & Rachel Keating, for full planning permission for the following; Renovation and extension of existing dwelling house to include

(1)Removal of existing balcony and replaced with new balcony area,

(2) Significant Alterations to North and South and West elevations and all associated site works at No.3, Harbour View, Mountshannon, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYASHEA, KILNAMONA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Richard Quinn & Rachel O’Donnell are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GORTNAVREAGHAUN, KILDYSART, CO.

CLARE

Take notice that Martin & Danielle McMahon are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that A. Gallagher is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for a change of design to the dwelling house granted under planning P22-596 along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

DEHOMAD, LISSYCASEY, CO CLARE V95 TW21

Take notice that Mary Louise Meaney intends to apply for PERMISSION to revise the boundaries

previously granted under reference P05/1090 and for RETENTION PERMISSION for:

1. the first floor development to the dwelling

2. the single door in lieu of sliding doors to the left elevation &

3. the garage & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CAHERLOGHAN, TULLA, CO CLARE

Take notice that Mark Littleton intends to apply for permission to revise the boundaries granted under reference P21/408, thus reducing the site area. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TULLIG, CROSS CO.CLARE

Take notice that M. B. Downes & V. Troy intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect proposed machinery storage area at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at

the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL O’CONNELL STREET/BALLALLEY LANE, KILKEE, CO.CLARE

Take notice that D. Hayes intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to extend existing supermarket to include revised rear elevation, proposed rear entrance and service area, ground floor rear extension to include staff area, universal toilet, liquor off licenced area, kitchen/prep area, storage area, over proposed basement area, to include office, storage and lift shaft area at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY

COUNCIL RATHLAHEEN SOUTH, NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS, CLARE, V95 V089

We, Carmel Meehan + Conor McPhillips, intend to apply to the above Planning Authority for Permission to Construct single and two storey side extensions. Modifications to existing front façade and extensive internal renovations. New wastewater treatment system and all associated site works to existing dwelling house at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, 53 IVY HILL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that P. & L. Quinn intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain their first floor rear extension along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the

date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CHURCH STREET, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that L. & A Vaughan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a single storey rear extension and to add new windows to the side elevation of their existing dwelling house along with associated site works at the above address. The development is located within an architectural conservation area. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONMOHAUN, WHITEGATE, CO. CLARE

Please take note that Edel Burke intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission to construct a dwelling house, new site entrance, wastewater treatment system and all associated site works at Cloonmohaun, Whitegate, Co. Clare

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

The Clare Echo Quiz

1Colm is a native of where?

A: Cratloe

B: Kilmihil

C: Kilshanny

2In what year did he win a Clare senior football championship as a player?

A: 1980

B: 1987

C: 1993

3His wife Kate was a teacher at which Shannon primary school?

A: St Aidan’s NS

B: St Conaire’s NS

C: St Tola’s NS

4They have three sons but which one is the eldest?

A: David

B: Pádraic

C: Sean

5Colm was manager of the Cratloe football side that claimed a historic senior championship double in 2014 but who was over the club’s senior hurling side that year?

A: Alan Neville

B: Joe McGrath

C: Mike Deegan

6Colm’s woodfloor installation service is named what?

A: Acorn Hardwood Floors

B: Oakwood Floors

C: Brickhill Urlár

7He is the longest serving inter-county manager in the GAA, what year did he become manager of the Clare senior footballers?

A: 2010

B: 2013

C: 2016

8Clare have reached two All-Ireland quarter-finals during his tenure in what years?

A: 2016 & 2022

B: 2018 & 2021

C: 2017 & 2020

9Who served as Clare manager prior to Colm?

A: Páidí Ó Sé

B: Mick O’Dwyer

C: Pat Spillane

10Clare reached a first Munster final in his tenure this season, they also suffered relegation from Division 2 of the League for the first time under his watch. How long had Clare been in Division 2?

A: Three years

B: Six years

C: Nine years

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

Last weeks answers

. c on top changed to R (left) . logo missing on top (middle) . Dog missing in background . hole in fence post missing (left)

. Object in bin different colour

Crest on top missing (left) . Rusty bolt on fence missing

Clare supporters celebrate as Clare beat Waterford

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

1. Kilmihil

2. 1980

3. St Aidan’s NS

4. Sean

5. Joe McGrath

6. Acorn Hardwood Floors

7. 2013

8. 2016 & 2022

9. Mick O’Dwyer

10. Six years

l QUESTION 1 : Colm is a native of where?

Best Daily Word Search: 15 May 2023

WORD SEARCH

HOW TO PLAY

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

The Clare Echo Crossword

2023

not too coffee

ANSWERS

ACROSS

1. Evaluation(10)

7. Milan opera house(2,5)

8. Group of three performers(4)

10. As well(4)

11. All people(8)

13. Iterate(6)

15. Gambling establishment(6)

17. Roomy(8)

18. Possesses(4)

21. Stalk(4)

22. First letter(7)

23. Thrifty(10)

DOWN

1. Donkeys(5)

2. Remain(4)

3. Die of hunger(6)

4. Motherly(8)

5. Capital of Kenya(7)

6. Large sea bird(9)

9. Edible flatfish(5,4)

12. Charm(8)

14. Malleable(7)

16. Style of art associated with Picasso (6)

19. Turn rapidly(5)

20. Bluish-white metal(4)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Picasso-