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JUNE 18 2020

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â€˜Shannon Group Board must goâ€™

THREE GENERATIONS OF FAMILY JEWELLERS

Clare TD takes aim following United Airlines blow PĂ RAIC McMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

HE entire board of Shannon Group should resign from their positions, according to Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara. Deputy McNamara namechecked the Chairperson of Shannon Group, Rose Hynes, insisting that the Bellharbour woman should now resign from the post due to inaction on balanced aviation policy in Ireland. It follows news this week that United Airlines have confirmed they are bringing to an end their 22 years of operating out of Shannon Airport.

l As the retail industry finds its feet following lockdown restrictions, The Clare Echo meets businesses across the county as part of our Buy Into Clare series. This week we meet three generations of jewellers in Ennis (from l-r) Tadg, Tim and Christy Collins.

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2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

Index NEWS

PROGRESS MADE AT BLAKE’S CORNER

2-13

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17-28

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33-35

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l CONTROVERSIAL: Blake’s Corner has been a source of frustration for locals and visitors alike due to heavy traffic congestion in recent years

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COMPULSORY purchase order for Blake’s Corner is to be published in the very near future, writes Páraic McMahon. Head of Finance with Clare Co Council, Noeleen Fitzgerald informed the June meeting of the local authority that a CPO (compulsory purchase order) for Blake’s Corner will be published and appear in the planning notices of local or national newspapers. Two years ago, the Council was granted planning permission for works with an estimated cost of €7m which intend to improve access to Ennistymon, the construction of a new bridge over the Inagh River and pedestrianising Michael Conway bridge which is currently listed as a protected structure. It is expected that the CPO will detail the Council’s intention to purchase properties close to the notorious traffic hub. Two former shops, Blake’s and Linnane’s which date back to the 19th century are to be preserved as part of the upgrade. Unlike the two listed buildings, two other buildings on the western side of the river are to be demolished and the local authority will issue CPOs for both structures. No elected member of the County Council made comment following on from Ms Fitzgerald’s announcement at the June meeting. Blake’s Corner has been a source of frustration for decades with the traffic congestion at the location leading to regular tailbacks during the height of the tourist season as motorists make their way to Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher.

Miltown group dispute findings over DP centre

A COMMUNITY group in Miltown Malbay have rejected the findings of investigations by the Department of Justice into the Central Hostel which currently acts a Direct Provision Centre, writes Páraic McMahon. Members of the Miltown Malbay Welcome Group have claimed the findings of the investigation by the Department of Justice are “untrue”. They maintain that water is running down the walls of bedrooms and that rodents have been spotted in the facility. Other concerns relating to the health and safety have also been raised by the group. Minister for Justice, Charlie Flanagan last week stated, “I am advised that there was no evidence of any rodent activity or water leaking on the day my official visit. When questioned by my official on these matters, the owner confirmed that a resident had reported mice in his room in February. The owner engaged a pest control company who could not find any evidence of rodents. They subsequently monitored the room for three weeks and could not find any evidence of rodents. Regarding the water, I am advised that the owner confirmed that an incident occurred some months ago where water was leaking from a bath/shower on the second floor into a bedroom on the first floor. It was reported to him by the residents in the room and he sought to engage a plumber,” the letter continued. In a statement to The Clare Echo, the Miltown Malbay Welcome Group claimed that

the Central Hostel is “not fit for purpose”. The letter went on to say that through “direct, first-hand and ongoing daily experience with the men living there and those who have lived there over the last year” has led to question marks over the provision of basic essentials in the accommodation. “As a community that welcomed and benefited greatly from the arrival of a vibrant group of young men last year, we are not prepared to stay silent and have them mistreated”. They described the investigation from the Department as a “white-washing response”. “Our group has nothing to gain and no agenda other than the wellbeing of the men involved and the desire to see them treated properly by our state, our community and those paid handsomely to accommodate them”. Mixed views have been expressed by locals on the treatment of Direct Provision residents with a sizeable amount of Miltown Malbay residents welcoming the findings from the Department investigation. However, members of the Welcome Group have said it has been “extremely stressful” to highlight their concerns with The Central Hostel. Individuals involved have said they have received “personal abuse” and anonymous letters to their homes. “We stand by all of the concerns that we raised”.

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

Council Covid bill hits half a million

COVID-19 CONFIRMED CASES IN CLARE Over the last 7 Days TOTAL No. of CASES

PÁRAIC McMAHON

NEW CASES

paraic@clareecho.ie

400 368

369 +1

369

9th

10th

369

300

200

100

10 8th

11th

12th

13th

14th

15th

JUNE

CLARE County Council has racked up a bill in the region of €500,000 to date as part of its response to dealing with COVID-19. Local authorities all over the country have been asked to provide details on their spend associated with informing the public throughout the health crisis. Head of Finance with Clare County Council, Noeleen Fitzgerald confirmed, “We’ve been asked to capture those costs,” such findings will form a case study to be made to the Government “to outline those costs that have been incurred”. Speaking at the June meeting of the County Council, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) quizzed officials on “the extra cost” placed on their shoulders “because of the extra effort”. He questioned what was the cost to date, if the Government would compensate the Council, “who pays for the signs on the roads and the advertisements in the newspapers? Is it extra expenditure and is it recoupable,” the Lissycasey representative asked. Ms Fitzgerald revealed that close to half a million euros has been the bill to date for Clare County Council. Cllr Kelly acknowledged the local authority was “dealing with a very difficult situation” and queried if such a spend was in compliance with statutory provisions and the Budget passed by councillors but Noeleen said that there is

a provision for a public health emergency. “We are keeping a very close tab,” Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling assured Councillors. “There is a very strong national case, our job will be to make sure the net impact on finances are as small as possible”. Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) admitted to being “very concerned”. “Do we as an elected body need to give statutory approval”. He questioned if the Council required a statutory resolution to allow them seek compensation from the Government. Dowling responded, “We will have to deal with the Government as best we can”. He stressed the strategic importance of looking beyond this year so far as their finances were concerned but admitted the hit in 2020 was a “juggernaut”. Pressure needs to be put on Clare’s five Oireachtas members to ensure the Council is reimbursed, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) maintained. “We have five Oireachtas members in Clare, they should be brought into your office with regard to getting payment,” he told the Chief Executive. “There should be no cost factor with COVID-19, they should be able to reclaim this money”. Members will be kept informed on efforts to recoup the money, Dowling stated. “Local Government is the agent of state closest to the citizen. Our ongoing development of services is crucial. I am confident we will make a very strong case to be compensated adequately”.

Traveller families living in ‘deplorable’ conditions

LARE Traveller families have struggled to access additional supports during COVID-19 while an increase in deaths by suicides has been reported across

the country, writes Páraic McMahon. All elected members of Dáil Éireann have been written to by the Irish Traveller Movement during the COVID-19 restrictions prior to the start of Phase 2 in the roadmap for

reopening the country. A “steep increase” in deaths by suicide has been recorded among Irish travellers during the pandemic and over the course of the last five years, the correspondence highlighted. The letter also notes that the risk of community transmission of the virus among Irish Travellers is higher than other groups due to the crowded accommodation and difficulty to self-isolate. More than 2,000 Traveller families live in “inadequate, unsafe and impermanent conditions”, the ITM stated. 1,045 families live on official local authority halting sites with “257 sharing in overcrowded basic site facilities with extended family”. There are 174 families with only a portable water supply, toilet and washing facilities, waste collection service and a hard stand for caravans. 927 families are sharing housing with grandparents, parents, siblings and other grandchildren. Across the country, 11 local authorities have sought approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government for 55 mobile homes while 9 local authorities have requested 80 temporary toilets. “Despite governmental support, measures

suggested and budgets available, and representations by local based Traveller groups to local authorities, supports have not been comprehensively applied,” since a circular from Minister of State for Housing, Damien English (FG) on March 18th, a spokesperson for ITM outlined. Traveller families in Clare are living “on roadsides in deplorable conditions, many with illnesses and no additional support offered including by way of electricity,” the letter to TDs highlighted. Up to 1,000 families are sharing housing.

lSTRUGGLE: A Traveller halting site

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6 NEWS

Murphy elected Ennis Mayor a second time PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

OR the second time in his political career, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) has been elected Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District. An elected representative on Clare County Council since 2007 when he was co-opted to fill the seat vacated by Joe Carey (FG). This term will mark his second as Mayor of the Ennis MD, he last filled the role in 2017. In proposing Cllr Murphy for the post, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) expressed the view that he would be a positive Mayor. "Paul is extremely genuine, he is an extremely caring person and he will be a huge asset". She believed his work as a councillor has been "huge" and pledged to give him her full support during his year-long term. The

Barefield resident noted that COVID-19 meant the public gallery could not be filled with his supporters. Director of Service, Carmel Kirby formally welcomed Paul's wife, Siobhan and two sons, Cathal and Johnny to the AGM. His election was seconded by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF). She acknowledged the "wealth of experience" he would bring

l CONGRATS, DAD: Newly elected Mayor of Ennis Paul Murphy with his wife Siobhan and sons, Cathal and Johnny Photo by Eamon Ward

‘This isn’t the North Korean state’ - Crowe AS CIVIL War politics look to be ending, tensions are rising within Fianna Fáil in Clare as party members have disputed the findings of a survey carried out by the county's CDC Chairman, writes Páraic McMahon. Chairman of Fianna Fáil's Clare Comhairle Dáil Ceanntair, Mike Enright polled the party's membership within the county on the prospect of entering coalition with Fine Gael and the Green Party. He claimed that 24.8% of members were in favour, 7.1% wishes to see a Programme for Government before deciding and said the remaining 68.1% "made it very clear they want to go into government with Fine Gael and moreover there was a very strong response in opposition to the Greens". According to the Newmarket-on-Fergus man, the response to the survey was "enormous". He urged members to reject any deal on entering Government and declared that it was time for party leader Micheál Martin and general secretary, Sean

to the role. "It is hard to believe it is only a few years ago that he took up the mantle," she reflected. Cllr Mary Howard (FG) also voiced her congratulations. A novel suggestion was put forward by Cllr Pat Daly, "Paul is an outstanding councillor. One thing I'd say to Paul, he is very active on the bicycle, instead of bringing the car, I suggest he use his bicycle to travel

Dorgan to step aside. Some members have since told The Clare Echo that the findings were not accurate and they questioned the motivations of commissioning such a survey. Membership officer of the Clare branch of Fianna Fáil, Angela Coll disputed the findings of the internal survey. She said she was among "a sizeable amount of members" waiting to see the Programme for Government before coming to a decision. Fianna Fáil TD, Cathal Crowe commented, "The survey is in countenance to what I feel is the mood on the ground. “That survey was unofficial, it wasn't approved by the Clare Fianna Fáil organisation or by headquarters". Deputy Crowe was confident members that disagreed with the coalition would not become disillusioned. "They won't. We are a very exclusive and respectful party, this isn't the North Korean State". Says nobody in the party in Clare will become disenfranchised".

to functions during the year as Mayor". His predecessor, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) observed, "he would have two chains to deal with then." Addressing the meeting, Cllr Murphy announced that it was an honour to become Mayor but "surreal not to be able to shake hands with the staff and my colleagues. I personally miss the warmth, the handshake or the embrace of friends in happy and tough times," he admitted. He acknowledged the adaptation of the Municipal District during COVID-19. "We have been talking for the last number of years about mobility plans and within weeks it became real and it had to be done". Promotion of Ennis and improving accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists at the Clareabbey Roundabout were listed by Cllr Murphy as key aims for the year ahead. He paid tribute to his wife Siobhan and two sons, Cathal and Johnny for their unwavering support.

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

‘An honour to become Deputy Mayor’ CLARE'S youngest elected representative on the local authority has become the new Deputy Mayor of Ennis, writes Páraic McMahon. With Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) being elected as Mayor, Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) was backed by fellow members of the Ennis Municipal District to become Deputy Mayor. It comes just over 12 months after the Cloughleigh native became one of the stories of the 2019 local election winning out in his first run for political office. He was proposed to the role by the longest serving member of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) who described his colleague as "an excellent customer". "It gives me great pleasure to nominate Mark Nestor as Deputy Mayor.

“He is an outstanding new councillor making great representations for people in Ennis". Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) seconded the proposal. "He is a fine person, I've watched you go from being a party colleague through the ranks and pass all the tests to get on the ballot paper, it is a testament to your personality. “To be Deputy Mayor within a year of election is very impressive. You have the best intentions and you will do a great job". Addressing the meeting, Cllr Nestor thanked his colleagues. "To have been given the honour of being Deputy Mayor of the town I was born and reared in is huge".

Make Kilrush a centre for skills PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

ANDELEUR Walled Garden has been earmarked as a key site in ensuring West Clare is no longer heavily dependent on tourism. As reported in The Clare Echo last week, councillors in the West Clare Municipal District have spoken out on the need to have a broader range of industries to show people that they can have a sustainable future if they live in West Clare. With the second quarter of this year and potentially the third being a wipeout for anyone working in the tourism and hospitality sector, elected representatives have been stressing the need for a wider focus so that the area is not entirely reliant on the traffic and spend associated with tourism. At the June meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) put forward the case for attracting a new type of clientele to the area on a year-long basis. “We need to change the economy of West Clare,” he

stressed. “Don’t reduce the importance of tourism but bolster it with other things,” the tourism consultant stated. Among the potential other things, Cllr Murphy suggested a centre of excellence for building traditional skills. Already, he has discussed the idea with Clare Heritage Officer Congella McGuire, stonemason Eoin Madigan and archaeologist Neil Jackman. There is no training facility in the country for workers in this sector, he said and stressed that West Clare

needed to capitalise on this. “Businesses are looking for high quality training in all aspects, they are looking to send staff on training for 2-3 day blocks, they are willing to pay appropriately for high quality training”. Murphy pinpointed Vandeleur Walled Garden as “the absolute place to deliver” such training. He elaborated, “If we can start delivering training out of Vandeleur Walled Garden we are going to connect it to Kilrush and West Clare”.

l POTENTIAL: The Vandeleur Walled Gardens in Kilrush has been identified as a possible site for traditional skills training

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

‘It is time for the Board of Shannon Group to go’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

Clare TD has called for the entire board of Shannon Group led by Rose Hynes to resign from their positions. Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) has said that the position of Rose Hynes as Chairperson of Shannon Group is no longer tenable and that the Belharbour woman needs to resign from the post. Other representatives on the Board of Shannon Group include CEO, Mary Considine, Tom Kelly the CEO of AerCap Ireland, Dublin based Ambrose Loughlin, public policy consultant Kathryn O’Leary Higgins, Liam O’Shea the Managing Director of Clare FM and Tipp FM, Doncasters Group CEO Mike Quinn, Stephen Rae ex Group Editor in Chief of INM plus employee representatives Linda Tynne and Kevin McCarthy. Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Scariff native outlined that he expressed this viewpoint prior to the General Election in February and that the operations of Shannon Group in the intervening four months have not changed his stance. “I have not changed my view that

it is time for the Board of Shannon Group to go including Rose Hynes as Chair, she has very extensive access to senior figures in Fine Gael and has had for some time, it is a pity that access hasn’t been used to persuade them of the merits of a balanced aviation policy,” he stated. This week, United Airlines have confirmed they are bringing to an end their 22 years of operating out of Shannon Airport. In correspondence from Ms Hynes issued to Deputy Joe Carey (FG) and members of the all-party Oireachtas group for Shannon on Saturday, which has been viewed by The Clare Echo, she requested a stronger stance from the Irish Government on Shannon Airport. “The action on the Irish Government side should be that airlines can use our state owned facilities on the terms that we stipulate, especially at this time of national crisis. “Our Government needs to take a stronger line and allocate access on a regional basis, not just what the airlines determine is profitable for them. This policy exists in the UK and elsewhere. For example the UK has a rule which allows them to require airlines who wish to fly in and out of London to also provide flights to and from other airports in the UK. We need something similar to re- level the playing pitch

with Dublin,” Hynes stated. Her request for balanced regional development at this juncture has irked Deputy McNamara. “Shannon Airport is now solely utilised by private jets and American military flights. I appreciate the Board of Shannon and Rose Hynes are not responsible for COVID-19 but the aviation sector’s reaction to it has again shown that we need a balanced aviation policy, balanced regional development and it’s been clear we needed that since the separation of Shannon but it hasn’t happened. “I note that Rose Hynes is calling for it now but I just reiterate that she has had very extensive access to Fine Gael ministers over the years and it is a pity that she hasn’t used that access to persuade them to have a balanced aviation policy by now”. Speaking to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Shannon Group flagged that the first National Aviation Policy was introduced in 2015 and “is only now due for its first review this year by Government”. Shannon Group and its Board have sought alterations to reflect “the critical importance of Shannon Airport and the vital air connectivity it provides”. The policy they believe aviation policy should be aligned with balanced regional

development and Project Ireland 2040 to stimulate growth outside of Dublin. “We now have the additional challenge of the collapse in aviation and tourism arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and we have already requested a strong Government support package to help the Group recover”. Investment and the economic impact of Shannon Group since its formation in 2014 was referenced

by the spokesperson. “The Group will continue to work with the newly established all-party Regional Oireachtas group to support Shannon Airport in this endeavour and welcome their support in helping the airport and the region grow. It is incorrect to say that the Shannon Group, including its Board, hasn’t sought to change aviation policy. The Group has in fact worked tirelessly on this. Only Government can change policy”.

l TIME OUT: Shannon Group Board members Ambrose O’Loughlin,

Stephen Rae, Chairperson Rose Hynes, CEO Mary Considine, Liam O’Shea, Tom Kelly, Linda Tynne, Kevin McCarthy and Kathryn O’Leary Higgins Source: Shannongroup.ie

United Airlines scrap Shannon to Newark route after 22 years PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

UNITED Airlines have informed management of Shannon Airport that it has ended its Shannon to Newark route. On Saturday evening, United Airlines informed Shannon Group management that they would not be reopening their April to October daily service from Shannon Airport to Newark and were subsequently bringing to an end their 22 year history with the International Airport. The airline previously described billed the route as one which "offers our customers from the West of Ireland direct access to New York City". A spokesperson for United Airlines has confirmed that they will reinstate their service from Dublin Airport to Newark on July 7th this year with four weekly flights. Customers with existing reservations on

the route from Shannon will be offered alternative flight options or a refund. "Due to the decrease in demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, United will not resume its seasonal daily service between Shannon and New York/Newark," a representative added. The airline recently suspended flights from Glasgow. In a statement, Shannon Group expressed their disappointment with the decision. "The strong passenger numbers that used the airlines New York/Newark service at Shannon, proves the vibrant market there is for transatlantic flights in and out of this region. We will continue to work with them and all our airline partners as they work to re-establish their broader route network and would be hopeful of seeing a return of United's

Newark service as soon as possible." They have said the rebuilding of the MidWest region in the aftermath of COVID-19 "is reliant on having a strong airport and it once again highlights the vital need for a strong Government support package to kickstart recovery." Minister for Transport, Shane Ross (IND) assured management of Shannon Group that he would contact United Airlines in the wake of their decision. Deputy Joe Carey (FG) has brought the matter to the attention of the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (FG) "and expressed my view that we need to take a

stronger line when it comes to allocating access to our airports". Carey who is the Chair of the all-party Oireachtas group aimed at supporting Shannon has requested a briefing with Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Group in relation to the decision and to see the level of contact they have had with United Airlines to keep the service. "There is a policy in the UK which requires airlines who want to fly into London to also provide services elsewhere in Britain. This was one of the key findings identified in the Limerick Chamber sponsored Copenhagen Economics Report. Aviation Policy must be amended to address the dominance of Dublin ensuring that Shannon is not left behind," he said.

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

Davyâ€™s Fittest Family to air on Swedish TV A TELEVISION format created by two Clare men has been snapped up by a Swedish broadcaster. Co-creators of Ireland's Fittest Family, James Sexton and Davy Fitzgerald (inset) have already benefited from international equivalents of the show being produced in Chile, Croatia, Germany, Hungary and Slovenia. They now have another country added to the list following confirmation that Swedish broadcaster, SVT would premiere eight 60 minute episodes of the show in the third quarter of 2020. The deal was secured by distributor, Magnify Media. TV and film production has resumed in Sweden so it is expected that the latest version of Fittest Family will

include a re-devised set which 'specially adapted tasks'. Swedish Olympic sprinter, Susanna Kallur and sports host AndrĂŠ Pops will present the show as seven families compete for the title of 'Sweden's Strongest Family'. Since its Irish premiere in January 2014, Fittest Family has since aired on Chilevision in what was the first international version of the show since early 2019. Germany's Sat 1, Hungary's TV2, Croatia's RTL Croatia and Slovenia's Planet TV have all followed suit with their own version of the popular family TV show. Slovenia's Planet TV has also optioned the rights to the Balkan region.

Chronicling Kilkee of old in new project PĂ RAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

PROJECT is to be produced based on the people's memories from Kilkee of old. As of yet it is unknown if this piece of work will materialise into a play or a book but for now the focus is on collating the recollections of life in Kilkee from both permanent residents and those who have spent their summers there. During a recent interview on Limerick Today with Joe Nash, the plans to put together something to commemorate and preserve old memories from the coastal town were outlined by Fergal Deegan and Dave O'Hora, "we're beginning to lose the memories and old stories". Their quest will include documenting a time when mobile phones didn't

exist. "Time and idle hands" plus a desire to ensure memories are not lost from the motivation for the project. They want to document the sayings and the recollections from decades past plus the places such as Wally's Amusement, Pongo, and the Pollock Holes that individuals will be able to recall distinct occasions from. O'Hora explained, "Kilkee has been such a central

part in people's lives, the old, young and in the middle". Depending on a person's age, he flagged that they will associate a different song with a particular summer during their time in Kilkee. "It has been home to people's first love, their first swim and for some, their first Chinese". Noted as a fond spot for the people of Co Limerick, Deegan has appealed for old photographs and memories to be

lNOSTALGIA: The Pollock Holes are one of Kilkeeâ€™s many beauty spots Photo by Elaine Tubridy

sent on to assist with the project. This will include reference to establishments that have since closed which the younger generation won't even know existed. "We're going to compile all of this," he said and admitted that they are contemplating doing something on stage or video to bring the memories to life. In a documentary by Live95 FM about Kilkee produced in the past decade, a comment was passed, "If you had the weather here, you wouldn't need to go to Spain," by one woman. Dave remarked that there seemed to be a different weather belt and joked, "they only got two bad days in the summer but they were never the same days, it never rained in Kilkee, never mind California". To submit your memories, old sayings and photographs from Kilkee, email kilkeememories@gmail.com.

Cromwellian cannon ball found in Ballycar This week Clare has reopened and we are all presented with a powerful opportunity to breathe life back into our rural towns and villages. Lets all focus on doing exactly that through supporting our local shops and businesses. They are owned and operated by our neighbours, our friends and by people who support our communities year in year out.

Phone: 065 689 1199 Email: joe.carey@oir.ie

CIAN Oâ€™BROIN

cian@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Museum announced its latest acquisition at the end of May, a cannonball (inset) found at Ballycar, Newmarket on Fergus, believed to be dating back to a Cromwellian garrison that took place at the now defunct Ballycar Castle, in retaliation for the 1641 Catholic Rebellion. The cannonball was discovered a mere six inches from the surface by Nathan Maxwell on May 12th, as he was digging a fence post in his garden. The find was subsequently reported to the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin who contacted Clare Museumâ€™s curator, John Rattigan, whom under the National Monuments Act, is permitted to collect archaeological objects belonging to the state. The absence of a medieval archaeological site in Ballycar puzzled Mr. Rattigan, who sought out local Historian and a specialist in the area of Clare Tower Houses, Martin Breen. In 2014, Mr. Breen along with his colleague Dick Cronin, submitted a comprehensive study on Tower Houses and Castle in County Clare. The study comprises of detailed sketches, mappings and an in depth look at two hundred and twenty cas-

tles within the county. Following a rigorous examination of online maps, Martin concluded that the cannonball came from a once prominent tower house called Ballycar Castle, posited 610 metres away from the site of the cannonball. Mr. Breen maps out the elaborate and expansive history of the tower house, â€œA tower house was the typical building of a medieval landowner, similar to a little village or extended farm. The castle was built in around the 1500â€™s by Conor McNamara. There were about 80 castles built by the McNamaraâ€™s in South-East Clare. â€œIn 1563, the castle was demolished by Conor Oâ€™ Brien III, Earl of Thomond at the time. The Oâ€™ Brienâ€™s abided to be bound by English law in 1543. It was during this Oâ€™ Brien in-fighting for succession of the kingship that Ballycar was demolished. â€œIt was subsequently rebuilt and we know that it existed up until the 1800â€™s. Donough Oâ€™Brien, a truly Anglicised ruler, planted his lands with English settlers as they were better to pay rent. In 1641, during the Catholic Rebellion, Ballycar Castle was attacked. The Cromwellian retaliation then took place after this and there is a reference to Ballycar being used for a Cromwellian Garrison in 1654. The cannonball was more than likely found in a Cromwelian Gun Emplacementâ€?.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

Teaching Council Developer identifies appoints McMahon issues in Newmarket

MULLAGH native, Sean McMahon has been appointed as the Teaching Council’s new Chairperson, writes Páraic McMahon. Deputy President of the Irish Teaching Council since 2016, Sean was elected as Chairperson at a meeting on Monday and now swaps roles with outgoing Chair, Noelle Moran. High-profile roles are not new to the Clareman, he served as President of the INTO from January 2014 to August 2015. He previously chaired the Teaching Council’s Investigating Committee in relation to Fitness to Teach during his time as Deputy President. A past pupil of Coore NS and CBS Ennistymon, Sean studied at Mary Immaculate College later graduating as a primary school teacher in 1979. For the past six years, he has been on the college’s Board of Governors and also sits on Governing Authority of the Limerick Institute of Technology. Married to Geraldine with five children, his teaching career began at Rathdowney Boys NS in Laois followed by an eleven year stint at Annagh NS. In 1990, McMahon was appointed teaching principal of Mullagh NS. He completed a Master’s degree in Rural and Community Development from University College Galway in 1989.

McMahon said it was an honour to become Chair of the Teaching Council. He takes on the post during a challenging time for education as schools begin preparing to reopen with COVID-19 proving to be a tense period for relations between the Department of Education and principals. “In Ireland, we have a proud and powerful record in education which, as a nation, we have always treasured and nurtured. Building on that proud tradition, teachers almost instinctively know that we must embrace the innovations of technology, old and new, to ensure that all learners receive an education that stretches all and breaks none. Never has this been more obvious than in the current climate where the teaching profession is continuing to rise to the challenges of these unprecedented times to connect with pupils,” Sean said.

lYES SIR: New Teaching Council Chairperson Sean McMahon

PÁRAIC McMAHON

“M paraic@clareecho.ie

AJOR infrastruct u r a l deficits” will prevent future housing projects in Newmarket-on-Fergus, a Clare developer who has a housing development before An Bord Pleanála has warned. An update on housing projects in Clare is to be provided at this week’s meeting of the Social Development Strategic Policy Committee. The impact of Covid-19 on the construction of social housing remains unclear. When last briefed, members of the SPC were informed that five social housing projects were currently under construction. Eight units in Roslevan were envisaged to be completed in Q2 of 2020 while units in Quilty (18), Sixmilebridge (2) and Kilmihil (2) were all earmarked to be finished in Q3 of this year. Work on the delivery of 51 houses in Shannon which started at the end of last year was scheduled to be con-

cluded in early 2021. Larry Brennan who is the construction representative on the SPC requested that Irish Water be invited to brief the SPC on their treatments plants and supplies within Clare. “Irish Water do not tend to line out at public meetings, we do have a section in Clare County Council,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who Chairs the SPC responded. Brennan flagged that they attend briefings of the Construction Industry Federation. “You can’t build in Newmarket-on-Fergus because of the treatment plant there,” he stated. “There are major problems in Newmarket-on-Fergus,” Larry said. Woodhaven Developments which is owned by Mr Brennan lodged plans last February to construct a 51 housing development in Ballynacragga in Newmarket. Residents have objected to the plans and cited that the proposed land as per the County Development Plan is zoned as low density residential. Subject to the an interpretation of the area as woodland, the site has the potential for 13 dwellings yet the plans from Woodhaven are for almost four times that amount.

Concerns on sewerage and the pressure the existing water infrastructure is under have also been flagged. Plans for the delivery of 18 social housing units in a separate area of Newmarket-on-Fergus are on track, senior executive officer Siobhan Mulcahy told the meeting while senior executive engineer Adrian Headd told the meeting Irish Water “have an agreement to bring the Newmarket-on-Fergus infrastructure up to standard”. “They haven’t a clue when they will upgrade Newmarket-on-Fergus,” Larry replied as he called for a timeline to know water and sewerage capacity in the county. “It would concern me if there are places with infrastructural deficits in the county,” Cllr Flynn commented and stressed, “Irish Water will not come to a public meeting”. It was then suggested by Mr Brennan that the media could be asked not to attend a meeting to encourage Irish Water to brief the SPC. “They either refuse or they come,” trade union representative Tommy Guilfoyle said as he brushed aside such a request to accommodate Irish Water.

cal o L y a #St

Wishing the Clare Echo every success in the future

Billy

Kelleher M.E.P.

Keeping Ireland at the heart of Europe constituency@billykelleher.ie

087 336 6421

Town is â€˜losing a communityâ€™ PĂ RAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON is â€œlosing a communityâ€? because of the lack of housing options. Such sentiments were expressed by elected representatives at the May meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. For the second meeting in succession, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) highlighted the development of private housing in Shannon. He urged Clare County Council to be more considerate to the need for â€œmixed accommodation choicesâ€? in the town. The local authority

took over responsibility for the town from Shannon Development in 2004, he flagged that it has been over a decade since the last private residential development was built there. Means of â€œactivating and proactively facilitating the delivery of private residential development on a number of potential sites in Shannon,â€? has commenced, senior executive planner Helen Quinn confirmed. A number of privately owned residential zoned sites have been added to the Vacant Sites Register for 2020 and will be subject to a levy next year. A review of the existing residential profile also forms part of the upcoming Shannon Town Masterplan. Reflecting on the era of Shannon

Development, Cllr Flynn recalled that they were â€œinnovativeâ€? in how they went about managing the town. â€œYoung people are having to move out of Shannon because of the lack of housing options, we are losing a community. We are catering for social housing and the elderly who are looking for stepdown housing,â€? he stated. In seconding the motion, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) agreed, â€œWe are losing out on a type of client who wants to live in Shannonâ€?. He maintained the onus was on the Council to invest in the sites throughout the town. â€œPeople who came working for Jaguar Land Rover wanted to settle in Shannon and wanted to build a house close enough to the Airport but they couldnâ€™t find a

site,â€? Cllr Ryan commented. â€œShannon is an industrial town whether we like it or not, people need to be served by that whether it is social or affordable housing,â€? Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) remarked. Cllr John Crowe (FG) praised the investment made by

Shannon Commercial Properties in the area and declared, â€œnow is the time to start looking at it and be seriousâ€?. Plans need to be put in place for the countyâ€™s second largest town, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) believed. â€œThere is a huge vacuum there.â€?

l LIMITED: Drumgeely Flats were among the first to be built in Shannon in the 1960s

Pay as you go rubbish collection could tackle illegal dumping

PĂ RAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

MIXED views were voiced on the prospect of skips being placed around Shannon Town as pay as you go rubbish bins in an attempt to tackle illegal dumping. As reported by The Clare Echo, instances of illegal dumping has increased across Co Clare during restrictions on the movement of the public during COVID-19. â€œConsiderable time, money and staffing resourcesâ€? are being exercised by staff of Clare County Council on illegal dumping in recent weeks, senior executive engineer Brendan Flynn stated. Making skips available across the town to allow â€œpeople to bring their rubbish to,â€? came a request from Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) at the May meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

â€œIf possible make use of a company that can be permanently established as pay as you go rubbish bin,â€? she stated. Flynn in response to the motion said that â€œmost recyclable materialâ€? can be accepted at the recycling centre in Shannon. He confirmed that four kerbside waste collection operators were serving Shannon at present. Travelling to the Smithstown Recycling Centre was â€œphysically dangerousâ€? for pedestrians, Sinn FĂŠinâ€™s sole member of the local authority maintained. She said that pay as you go rubbish systems used to exist in the town. Although he acknowledged illegal dumping was a problem in the county, Cllr Pat Oâ€™Gorman (FF) was of the view the skips

were not the solution. â€œIf you have a certain amount of residents paying for their waste to be collected, Iâ€™m not sure how long that would continue if there are skips at the end of the roadâ€?. He believed the recycling centre in Shannon needed more promotion and suggested advertising it once a week on Clare FM, an idea that was rejected by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). â€œI donâ€™t believe there is any need for the advertising, when you look at the use and the need, it is always full.â€? He also highlighted that the recycling centre has permission to act as a transfer centre. Similar to Cllr Oâ€™Gorman,

Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) also questioned how beneficial skips would be in tackling illegal dumping. â€œI would have a problem with open skips around the Shannon area, open skips tend to get abused, coin operated skips may be of valueâ€?. He agreed with Cllr Flynn on the use of the recycling centre, â€œthe amount you could dispose of for â‚Ź5 is unrealâ€?. A Corbally coin operated rubbish bin was referenced by Cllr Michael Begley (IND), â€œthey work very well, they are completely clean and closed off. You have to be selective with the locationâ€?. Donna believed two petrol stations in Shannon would have room for an equivalent, â€œthe recycling centre doesnâ€™t take household waste which is what I and the Tidy Towns have been picking upâ€?. l CONCERNED: Sinn FĂŠin Councillor Donna McGettigan (left)

14 Arts & Entertainment

Song for Saoírse IN DECEMBER last year Saoírse Ruane from Galway was diagnosed with a rare Osteosarcoma tumour in her tibia, at just seven years old. This is a life threatening tumour which will require Saoírse to have months of intense chemotherapy in Crumlin Children’s Hospital. She also underwent life changing surgery last month for an amputation to her right leg. Her family have set up a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the expensive prostheses Saoírse will need as she grows. Saoírse will require a new prosthesis every 6-12 months until she stops growing, which for girls is between 12-16 yrs of age. The cost of a trans tibial prosthesis ranges from €5,000 up to €35,000 per prosthetic depending on the prosthesis Saoírse requires each year. In response to the call for funds, the Virtual Voices choir have recorded their own version of Sing by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gary Barlow. The choir was established by Operation Transformation leader and Ennis Musical Society MD Shane Farrell at the beginning of the Covid-19 restrictions as a way to bring people together virtually. The Virtual Voices choir hope their song will encourage people to donate to Saoírse’s cause and help her family raise the funds she needs to live a full life.

Listen to Sing by the Virtual Voices choir on YouTube: https://youtu. be/864ZRIr8e-A To donate to Saoírse’s GoFundMe page, visit www.gofundme.com and search for “SOS - Support Our Saoírse”.

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

Young Annagh actor stars in Calm With Horses MANY sectors of the arts are clouded by uncertainty as a result of COVID-19, cinema closures have impacted on the releases of new films including one starring a young Clare actor, writes Paraic McMahon. Released in cinemas in mid-March, Calm With Horses has been available to view on a range of VOD platforms since the end of April. Barry Keoghan, David Wilmot, Ned Dennehy, Niamh Algar and Cosmo Jarvis are among the cast for the crime drama which also includes Michael Fassbender as an Executive Producer. Ennis' Simone Kirby stars as June while five year old Kiljan Moroney from Annagh is identified as a rising star in the film. Moroney plays the role of Jack who is the son of Jarvis and Algar's characters. Jack has autism and the five year old's equine therapy sessions inspired the film's title. A student at Annagh NS, the role is hoped to be the start of a special career for Kiljan. He had been lined up for several auditions in the wake of the film, however many projects have been put on ice as a result of COVID-19. Parts of Calm With Horses were also shot in Kilkee adding to the Clare connections to the film. Critics have noted that there is a "West Country Western" feel to the drama which is Nick Rowland's first feature.

lRISING STAR: Kiljan Moroney from Annagh with co-star Barry Keoghan

Summer Stars 2020

NJOY choosing books that you might like and read as many as you wish during school summer holidays at your own pace. Summer Stars is all about reading for pleasure." That's the message from Clare County Library as it announces that the annual summer reading programme, Summer Stars, gets underway for children on 15th June, with additional online activities for all who sign up. The summer months provide an ideal opportunity for children to take time to find books they really enjoy and to experience reading as an activity that is fun and a source of entertainment. Helen Walsh, Clare County Librarian, says: "Access to books and reading for pleasure is well known to have many important long-term

benefits. Children who develop an interest in reading have been found to have greater self-esteem and wellbeing, greater creativity, better social and health outcomes, and an overall better quality of life as they get older. "With younger children, just talking about the story, the pictures in a book and the characters, and making connections from these to the child's own life, can particularly improve their emotional development, confidence and understanding of the world. “The advantages that children get from regular exposure to reading material in their early years have been

found to last throughout their lives." Summer Stars at your local library provides the whole family with an opportunity to include regular reading and associated activities in your summer holiday entertainment. As a 'Contact and Collect' service at many public library branches in Clare is now in operation, Summer Stars will be managed in the same way until libraries re-open their doors in July. Children can ask a parent/ guardian to phone or email the local library to order their summer reads and a collection of six books for each child registered will be ready at a designated time at the library door. Children will receive a Summer Stars log card to track their reading. Library staff will need to know the age of participants so that they can choose the most

suitable books. Irish books and children's non-fiction books can also be included. This year, library staff are delighted to offer readers the option to include e-books and e-audio books downloadable for free from the library website to add to the Summer Stars reading experience. "Remember to keep a lookout for the latest posts on Clare Library's social media channels as there will be fun learning activities in the coming weeks for you to join” This year, Summer Stars is running a short story competition. Public libraries are calling on all six-to-18-year-olds to write a story, no more than 500 words, on An Unexpected Adventure. There are three age categories: 6-9, 10-14 and 15-18. Each winner will receive a tablet and each finalist will receive a €50 voucher.

GREEN CLARE

Shannon Wetlands Restoration Project â€˜inclusive of all of the communityâ€™ CIAN O BROIN

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

HE Shannon Wetlands Restoration Project is an all-inclusive community driven project dedicated to restoring and further developing a five-acre wetland walkway that predates the town itself. Although drained in the 1960â€™s and relatively untouched since, the public amenity has seen an exorbitant increase in footfall throughout the pandemic, highlighting its necessity as a public wetland amenity. Plans to develop the site have been led by Olive Carey, Secretary of DĂşchas na Sionna, who has successfully implemented a pond network, upgraded signage and has proposed the development of a nature classroom that looks to incorporate the rich educational utility provided by the wetlands to local students in Shannon. As with any large-scale environmental project, funding is imperative. The community aspect of the Shannon Wetlands Restoration project meant that securing funding was far from circumspect. In 2016, Olive notes a new committee that was put together for the restoration, comprising of a number of committee members from DĂşchas na Sionna as well as drawing on some wide ranging local expertise found within Shannon Tidy Towns, The Menâ€™s Shed, and Shannon Archaeological and Historical Society. The idea was then presented to Clare County Council who provided funding towards the development. Additional funding was also secured from the Flag West Fund and LAWPRO as well as

from local businesses including mass manufacturer E.I. Public opinion and input were paramount in the build up to the project. Olive details the structures that were put in place as a result of community response, â€œWe wanted it to be inclusive of all of the community, we wanted everybody to have an input into what could be developed there. We held various community events on site, especially during Heritage Week and World Wetlands Day, in August and February, respectively. We outlined what we had envisioned for the wetlands but welcomed the community to suggest ideas as well. â€œThese were all taken on board in the development of a design plan for the wetland. Firstly, we took a lot of conifers out of the area, most of which had already seen their best days. We then created a network of ponds and upgraded the original footpaths also. We hope to put up a bird hide and info display boards too.â€? Local Community Water Officer for Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, RuairĂ Ă“ ConchĂşir, was brought on board the project as a guiding hand. Ruairiâ€™s principal purpose was to connect local groups with local water bodies and further the all-encompassing Shannon Community Wetlands Restoration project. RuairĂ notes a significant decline in wetland areas throughout the country and along with it a plethora of unique species. Various plant and animal life have been spotted within the Shannon Wetlands site. Dragonflies, overwintering birds, foxes, owls and bats have so far been identified by members of the public. RuairĂ believes that the Shannon Wetlands Restoration project allows for an immediate reconnection with nature and a re-evaluation of the importance of such sites. An appraisal of the value

of local environment and the connection with nature is something which the site certainly generates, in his opinion. RuairĂ is also an ardent advocate of citizen science and highlights the significance of additional expertise. An advisory group was established at the national and local level, sourcing credible input form the EPA and the local Heritage Officer at the Clare County Council. The purpose of this group was to adopt a holistic approach to the wellbeing of the Shannon Wetlands. RuairĂ is currently delivering a webi-

nar series, operating via a live interactive Zoom conference call, which is targeted at community and voluntary groups. Olive Carey will accompany RuairĂ in an upcoming webinar due to take place on Thursday 18th June at 4pm. The Webinar is entitled â€˜Wetlands-Helping Communities Reconnect With Natureâ€™ and will examine the case study of the Shannon Wetlands Restoration project in a bid to further upskill the local community. Register for the upcoming webinar series by emailing RuairĂ at: roconchuir@lawaters.ie or phoning 085 808 3715.

Beware of Bogus waste ColleCtors

You are responsible for your waste If your household or business waste is dumped you could face a fine of â‚Ź5,000 Remember: ď Ź ď Ź ď Ź ď Ź

ď Ź

Never use unauthorised waste collectors; Authorised waste collectors are required by law to have a National Waste Collection Permit and will clearly display the waste permit number on the vehicle; Do not avail of a waste collection service if this permit (16-25 pages long) cannot be produced; Any unauthorised waste collectors or suspicious activity should be brought to the attention of our Waste Enforcement Team. Providing a vehicle registration number will assist us in our investigations; Under the Waste Management Byelaws 2018 all householders and businesses may be requested to produce evidence on how waste is managed.

For more information on how to manage your waste responsibly visit www.mywaste.ie

Clare County Council Promoting a Greener Clare lAMENITY: The Shannon Wetlands Restoration project took on development suggestions from the local community

@GreenerClare Antilitter Hotline No.: 1800 606 706 Email: enviroff@clarecoco.ie | www.clarecoco.ie

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

FATHER is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way. In case you don't know, it's Father's Day this coming Sunday (June 21st). Father's Day is always a day of reflection for me. Father's Day is a day to honor fathers and father figures alike. It is a day to celebrate fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of the many good fathers in society today. As such, I'd like to dedicate this thought for the week to all fathers around Ireland and the world this weekend

A guiding light

Celebrate Father's Day

For our dads, we will always remain a small child, but this is the day to visit our daddy, spend time with him, hold his hands and reassure him of our love and care. Father's Day holds great significance for most of us. It's that time of the year to let your father know that no one loves him more than his own children and grandchildren. It's a time to be grateful to your father who in most cases can be one of the most loving, kind-hearted, understanding and caring people in your life. So this weekend, celebrate Father's Day with non-stop surprises. Father's Day poses as a great opportunity to pamper your father for all that he has done for you over the years. You can never repay the debts, but on Father's Day, you can create a magical place for your father to be delighted and fly high on love and life. In writing about Fathers' Day, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on what has inspired me to become the type of father that I am. It's only natural to think of my own Daddy, Ricey. I do not think I have been a perfect son at times, but I know for certain that he has never stopped loving me, he has always forgiven me and he has alway given me another chance, indeed many chances if truth be told! You see my daddy takes great pride in being a guide to all of his children and grandchildren. He gave us the greatest gift ever in that he believed in us! He is a hard working man who has found some success in different aspects of his life. He made a gigantic effort to teach us everything that he knew; and he encouraged us to learn even more about real life as we set-out on our own unique journey's. You see being a father means that you are one of the most important guides to your children. They will follow your lead, consider your opinions and learn from your example. Knowing this, I must be an example today that will

help prepare my children for tomorrow. I might not always get it right but I must try for their sake.

Father Figures

I also believe that the father-figures in my life, like uncles, teachers, colleagues, neighbours, friends and sport trainers have helped me to understand that one of the most important things that I must strive to be is a good role model and put selfish interests aside and make a sincere effort to do the right thing. To make intelligent and thoughtful decisions that will benefit all who may be affected. Being a father has helped me to learn how to care for the less fortunate and those who need assistance at times. And I have learned that fathers unconditionally love those who need the strong support of someone who sincerely cares. You see, just as many of the men in my family have been an example for me, I see my job as a father to be a strong role model for my two daughters, Mia and Sophie.

A Father's Day Prayer

A lovely prayer by Kirk Loadman that I like to pray now and then goes as follows, "Let us praise those fathers who have striven to balance the demands of work, marriage, and children with an honest awareness of both joy and sacrifice. Let us praise those fathers who, lacking a good model for a father, have worked to become a good father. Let us praise those fathers who by their own

account were not always there for their children, but who continue to offer those children, now grown, their love and support. Let us pray for those fathers who have been wounded by the neglect and hostility of their children. Let us praise those fathers who, despite divorce, have remained in their children's lives. Let us praise those fathers whose children are adopted, and whose love and support has offered healing. Let us praise those fathers who, as stepfathers, freely chose the obligation of fatherhood and earned their step children's love and respect. Let us praise those fathers who have lost a child to death, and continue to hold the child with even greater love in their heart and soul. Let us praise those men who have no children, but cherish the next generation as if they were their own. Let us praise those men who have "fathered" us in their role as mentors, teachers and guides. Let us praise those men who are about to become fathers; may they openly delight in their children. And let us praise those fathers who have died, but live on in our memory and whose love continues to nurture us."

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, make your Father feel the most special man in the world by showing your care, love and affection especially now as we come out of "Lockdown" after dealing with the

worries of the Coronavirus. To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors. We all know how our parents cared for us over the years and gave us every little thing that we ever needed. Love them, respect them, and care for them. Most of all let your father know how much you love him not just for Father's Day but for all time. In being a father to Mia and Sophie I have learned how to be a better listener, to be more compassionate, tender and patient. However, the most important thing that I may have learned from being a father is to be respectful. I believe being a father has helped me to better respect the gift of life, the people and friends in my life and the people around me whom I come into contact with. Writing this thought for the week has helped me to realise that Fatherâ€™s Day is so much more than a celebration of fathers. It's a celebration of all of the people in our lives like our parents, our wives, our friends, and the father figures who help fathers carry out their important role each and every day. To my Dad, Ricey, for all the things you've led me and my siblings through and taught us and continue to do. And for promising me that you will never leave me. Through and through you've shown me the ropes, Helping me in anything and everything I face. Every day you're there for me by simply calling your name. Daddy, if you end up reading this at some

point, I love you. With all of your amazingness and imperfections, you are a man I look up to, a man I am proud to call my father, a man I look forward to learning more about as the years progress, a man with heart and soul that I love dearly. Unconditionally! Rarely do I get to thank you enough. So on this special day, I do exactly that. Thank you Ricey for being my Daddy and to all fathers...Happy Father's Day. Have a wondrous, beautiful, enlightening day teaming full of joy, peace, faith and love. May you understand as you helped create your children, you helped create miracles, as life itself is a miracle. No matter if your children think you are the most amazing soul on earth or if they think you are the worst person alive, may they remember that you, their father, gave them a chance to play in this world however they choose. Fathers are stereotyped, and rightfully so, as protectors, pillars of strength, always watching out for their child, and always guiding their children to be the best they can be. A great father is all that. They do the best they can with the knowledge they have and love and faith in their hearts. I applaud the great fathers of this world. They have accomplished a most amazing job. And I thank my own father Ricey for the love, wisdom, passion, and support he gave me to encourage me to always be the best person I could be. I love you Daddy!

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Ennis Chamber ensuring our town will thrive again A message from Ennis Chamber

tee within Chambers Ireland with towns including Kilkenny, Drogheda, Dundalk, Ballina, Westport, Portlaoise coming on board, sharNNIS Chamber has ing knowledge and learning from actively supported its one in these changing times. members through the Chambers Ireland has lobbied the COVID-19 crisis to date. representatives of the three political From the get go, we did parties negotiating a Programme the groundwork and offered advice for Government requesting a taskon the permutations of the different force be assembled through the ofpandemic payment options, liaised fice of An Taoiseach to address the with the Local DEASP office and revival and future of towns in Irehelped our members to achieve a land. Ennis Chamber has been very speedy resolutions for themselves supportive of this initiative. and their staff. Chambers Ireland has also been Ennis Camber became activeto the forefront of lobbying to sely involved in Chambers Ireland cure cash grants for businesses as with strong input to lobbying 'asks'. they start to re-open. While welChambers Ireland together with coming the Re-Start Grant Scheme, IBEC, CIF and ICTU are the four they point out that it addresses bodies regularly consulted by the the cash needs of relatively few businesses, and in many cases it doesn't meet cash requirements of re-opening. The organisation has also lobbied strongly for the continuation of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, which continues to be O'Connell Square, Ennis a lifeline for so many businesses. During the COVID-19 Crisis â€“ 065 68 48 635 Locally, Ennis Chamber President Allen Flyď Ź nn (Flynn Hoď Ź tel Group/ Old ď Ź Ground Hotel) and Ennis Chamď Ź ber CEO Margaret ď Ź

department of An Taoiseach and several senior ministries. The CEO of Ennis Chamber joined CEOs from other Chambers around Ireland in meetings with Minister for Business Heather Humphreys TD and separately with Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe. The reason these high level discussions were made possible is because unlike other representative groups the 40-strong Chambers Network is on the ground and embedded in local communities across Ireland and ministers appreciate they can access local and sometimes very specific issues by reaching out to the Chamber's CEO Forum. In recent weeks, Ennis Chamber, together with Tralee Chamber Alliance was instrumental in the formation of a 'Towns' commit-

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O'Brien are both on the multi-agency taskforce for re-opening Ennis, led by Ennis Municipal District. With a Temporary 'living' Mobility Plan now in place and regularly reviewed, the taskforce is moving on to address areas such as aesthetics, vibrancy and also to assess potential problem areas such as anti-social behaviour and we strive to ensure that Ennis survives and thrives into the future. Local lobbying issues for Ennis Chamber have included the waiving of the licence fee for street furniture, which has been granted, following a workshop on 'Guidelines for Street Furniture', held last week and led by Clare County Council Planning Department and Ennis Municipal District, attended by a Garda representative. Ennis Chamber is also negotiating further parking opportunities to help replace the parking spaces lost to pedestrianisation and longterm the issue of an electric town bus service for Ennis is high on its agenda to ensure town centre staff, shoppers and students of LIT can safely access the town. Ennis Chamber has provided a raft of practical supports, including information and guidelines since the start of the pandemic. It has organised webinars on cashflow, grants, loans and other vital supports. It has supported members applying for the 'Re-Start Grant' scheme and has kept members informed about grants and appropriate free training for various sectors represented by the chamber. Extensive media coverage both locally and nationally has been

achieved for Ennis and Ennis Chamber members over recent months with several appearances on RTE flagship shows including Drivetime and Morning Ireland. Perhaps most importantly, regular communication has been maintained with our membership throughout this crisis. We listen to requests for support and assistance from our members and we tailor our responses accordingly. Throughout these weeks we have worked with consultants to develop a niche destination plan for Ennis. Ennis Chamber as a partner in Promote Ennis (a public private partnership between Ennis Chamber and Ennis Municipal District) successfully applied for LEADER funding last year and topped it up with funding from the Promote Ennis 2019 budget to recruit Repucon Consulting in association with Terry Stevens & Associates to create an exciting Niche Destination Plan for Ennis, and while the tourism landscape has changed, the plan was amended to suit this changed world, leaving Ennis well placed to pitch for identified sections of the domestic tourism market. The role of Ennis Chamber is as varied as its membership, but at its core it is fundamentally a membership organisation that listens to, lobbies for and represents its business community members, while also seeking appropriate training opportunities and creating valuable networking events. As a partner in Promote Ennis it sees itself as an organisation deeply rooted in making Ennis a great place to visit, live and work.

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Club Dangan bounce back with cut prices STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

ITH the retail sector up and running for its second week, clothes retailers are welcoming shoppers who in need of stocking up their wardrobe. Club Dangan, like most local businesses lost out on three months of sales and is currently working behind the scenes to develop its website to safeguard for the future. While online shopping saw a surge during the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, it proved a tricky experience for some due to getting a fit right and dealing with returns over the post. And Liam Meaney, manager at Club Dangan in Ennis, says that men who were cautious with online purchases are now being rewarded with great deals on offer in their high street stores. “Everything has an offer on it now so there’s plenty of good offers and deals in the store. Different customers are coming in and restocking their wardrobe to go home with which is good because we have great stock available at great value. Obviously with Father’s Day at the weekend that will give us a good boost because fathers need new outfits as well,” quips Liam, adding that vouchers will be very popular with shoppers in the coming days. Liam tells The Clare Echo that Club Dangan staff continued throughout the crisis to

be on hand for any wedding or communion day emergencies, as people were dealing with changed dates and uncertainty on a regular basis. "That kept us busy throughout it all trying to keep on top of it and make sure cutomers are satisfied by helping them any way we can. "What it will probably mean is that instead of mainly Friday and Saturday weddings next year there’ll be a lot of midweek weddings, you’ll see a spike in that as well so hopefully we’ll pick up from that what was lost this year." Club Dangan has introduced the appropriate safety measures, such as steaming clothes after each handling, to allow customers to try on clothes as normal. Liam says that the future outlook for the business remains to be one of optimism, adding that the public has shown great support to the industry and that the camaraderie among businesses in Ennis has been noticeable as they attempt to kick-start the local economy. “We thank all the customers for shopping locally in Ennis. In one sense because the restrictions are there from travelling to other counties it could help the town. Definitely people have to stay and shop locally and hopefully it will keep people shopping locally in Ennis. We’re a small town, it’s a great town. Between all the businesses, everyone is wishing everyone the best of luck in reopening so even though there’s competition, everyone has each other’s back because we’re all trying to come out with the same outcome. We have enough of everything for every customer.”

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Three generations bring customer service to fore Christy, son Tadg and grandson Tim Collins in their showroom and (below left) Christy in the worshop

STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

‘BLACK swan’ event is described as a set of circumstances so unlikely that businesses can’t factor them into forward planning. With the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic came a black swan that has impacted on every industry in this county, and indeed on a global scale. While we can only use hindsight in emerging from these disruptive set of economic circumstances, one local jeweller says the age-old methods of quality customer service must be at the forefront if retail businesses are to flourish following this black swan event. Collins Jewellers of O’Connell Street in Ennis is a unique proposition in that three generations of jewellers are working under one roof – Tadg (52), his son Tim (18) and father Christy (80). Speaking to The Clare Echo, Tadg describes how ‘bricks and

mortar’ retail businesses must use the one great advantage they offer over the world of online shopping – face to face interaction. Collins Jewellers has indeed flourished over its 46-year existence in the county town and stands as a sparkling example in Ennis’ reputation as a boutique shopping destination. Started by Tadg’s dad Christy and mam Liola on Parnell Street in 1974, they relocated to No62 O’Connell Street in 1976 before finally settling next door in 1978 where they can still be found to this very day. Tadg has been at the reigns for the last two decades but Liola and Christy are still involved. “My son Tim is involved too. We’re in the unique situation where we have three generations of jewellers in the same business which is certainly unique to our industry, to have three generations practicing jewellery under the one roof,” explains Tadg, a native of Clarecastle where his grandfather was stationed as a garda many years ago. Eighty-year-old Christy “still keeps his hand in too and does a bit most days” adds Tadg, “except on fine days when he prefers to be

in the garden”. Tadg admits that it will be difficult to evaluate the full impact of Covid-19 on his business until 2020 comes to its end, with a third of his business income generated in the six-week lead-in to Christmas. However he says that the three months of enforced closure will never be clawed back. “From Patrick's Day on you tend to see things gradually get better, more footfall, more tourists, but obviously that then was totally finished on the 13th or 14th of March.” Having moved their valuable stock to time-locked safes, the Collins family continued to work behind closed doors through March, April and May, designing and manufacturing new product lines however the retail side of the business was “virtually dead”. “We were doing bits and pieces. Birthdays, anniversaries, still occurred and happened but people weren’t tending to celebrate them. People weren’t in the mood for celebrating.” Collins Jewellers do have a digital presence which is a growing part of the industry, however Tadg argues that the advantage of having a high street presence comes

in the form of unbeatable customer service. “People come and design their own piece of jewellery, we manufacture it here in-house, that’s a big part of our business as well as the standard retail and that is something you can’t do online, that customer service. “The big benefit for bricks and mortar retail business is the customer service they can give. If your customer service isn’t top class in a bricks and mortar outlet you’re going to be in trouble because that’s the only thing that can distinguish you from online. Even if your price comparisons are the same or even better, the convenience of online is going to beat you because it’s too convenient for people - especially for standard items when you know what exactly it is you need.” Since reopening to the public on June 8, Collins have experienced the benefits of the return of busy thoroughfare in Ennis. “Obviously you’re never going to reclaim three months of trading but there certainly has been a nice pick-up since we came back,” says the Clarecastle man, adding that due to wedding postponements and number revisions, some brides

and grooms are upping their jewellery budget. He also feels that a boost in domestic tourism will be a factor in salvaging projections, with his beautiful storefront just a stones-throw from the famous Old Ground Hotel. With screens, sanitisers and social distancing in place, the Collins family say their basic business philosophy will remain the same and how they interact with customers will be familiar to the pre-Covid world (with the exception of social distancing measures). Praising the Government for their handling of the situation, Tadg believes the way to fuel recovery and pay back the measures implemented by the Government is to spend locally. “The €350 payment and the wage subsidy arrangement was extremely helpful to people and I think an awful lot of people didn’t suffer that would most certainly have suffered if those steps weren’t taken. I think the way to reward that if people are spending is to spend locally. And if they can, avoid online. If they do spend online, buy locally online. At least that money will be regenerated into the local community.”

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Virtual car tours to become norm

Hogan Motors offer €1k back on Renault car sales in July STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

IRTUAL car tours are “rapidly” becoming the new normal for people looking to purchase a new vehicle. That’s according to County Clare’s official Renault and Dacia garage dealer Paul Hogan, who believes the Government must quickly come up with an incentive to accelerate car sales in the 202 sales period beginning in July. The impact of Covid-19 on car sales continued to be felt last month nationwide with new figures from SIMI showing the number of new cars registered for the first time in May slumped to 1,751 compared to 6,320 in May 2019. For the year to the end of May, that has helped to contribute to a 34.6 per cent drop in new car sales

compared to 2019. However, the figures for May were favourable compared to April (344 new car sales registered) when Ireland was under complete lockdown. Speaking about the future of car sales, Paul Hogan told The Clare Echo that Hogan Motors Ennis has begun implementing virtual tours of cars prior to prospective buyers visiting the showroom for a closer look. “There’s still customers looking for cars at the moment,” Paul explains. “Trying to meet supply and demand is going to the tricky part. There will be no shortage of new cars and there’s a lot of very, very good offers for new cars out there at the moment. Renault are offering a three-month payment holiday, 2.02 per cent APR and e1,000 cash back for every new Renault sold in July. “The whole sales aspect is something that is changing very rapidly in that we’re sending customers remote videos of the cars before they even come in so that

they have seen the car. We give them a virtual appointment if that’s what they want so they can look at the car, they can apply for finance remotely and then come in and collect the car if that’s what they want to do. Finance companies are still open for business and doing business with people, obviously the usual credit checks apply.” Paul explained that every car is sanitised prior to being used by another customer in the case of test drives, which are carried out unaccompanied, adding that the face-toface element of car sales continues albeit with social distancing in place so customers can still arrive at the door without an appointment. He did,

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however warn that the Government must act to incentivise purchasers to get the market moving again. “What needs to happen is the government need to have some kind of stimulus, either a VRT stimulus, scrappage scheme or a green scheme to get the July market moving fairly fast. That would definitely give people an incentive to change cars in this period and if they don’t, very soon July will be here and gone.” One grant that does still exist is the €5,000 rebate on electrical

vehicle registration and the CSO’s latest figures noted that electric and hybrid cars continue to grow in popularity and accounted for 18.9 per cent of new private cars licensed in the first five months of 2020, compared with 11.9 per cent in the same time last year. “There’s a lot more interest in the electric versions of cars at the moment and that’s beginning to take off. Percentage wise it’s small but it’s rising every day.” For more information, call Hogan Motors on (065) 682 1704.

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#buyintoclare Family Store take measures to keep shoppers safe ELAINE TUBRIDY elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

FTER 32 years in business, Paul and Anita Edson of The Family Store in Kilrush have seen a lot of changes in the town. Easily the biggest change though has come with the Covid-19 pandemic. Social distancing and the ‘new normal’ are phrases Paul and his customers are taking in their stride however, as The Family Store aims to give people the outstanding customer experience they have become accustomed to. Paul, Anita and their dedicated team have changed the layout of the shop with more space between rails and a one-way system to allow for social distancing. Contemplating the fitting room dilemma faced by all clothing retailers, Paul and Anita have decided to allow their customers to try on clothes. “We would rather them try something on in the shop and decide that it didn’t fit or whatever rather than them taking it home, taking it out of the shop environment and

bringing it back. But nine times out of ten if somebody tries it on they will buy it anyway. If they don’t, we just take it out of stock and we have a steamer. “All indications are that fabrics are not a major cause of concern in transmitting Covid-19. It’s more hard surfaces that the virus likes to attach itself to. But we are still wary and taking precautions. You have to have some degree of normality. You can’t expect people to just buy something and then keep it if it’s not right,” Paul said. The Family Store reopened their doors on June 8 following the Government announcement that it was safe to do so. Paul confirmed that trade has been good. “We opened a bit in trepidation not knowing what it would be like but we have been pleasantly surprised about how much business is around and how much people were anticipating and looking forward to being able to get out and shop again. “What we found is, it’s great to see people heeding the call to shop local as well and to support local businesses and I think that’s very evident as well. People understood and accepted that the shop-

ping environment has changed, that there are restrictions in the amount of people that are in the shop and how close they can get to people and staff. It all worked out very well,” he said. Paul and Anita are also working on a website which will enable customers to shop online. Paul hopes thefamilystore.ie will be live within a month. The Family Store have developed a great reputation as a cross between a traditional drapers and a mini department store. From baby wear to children’s clothes, men’s and ladies’ casual wear, as well as school wear and work wear, Paul and Anita have it covered. They also carry a range of uniforms, one of their biggest sources of income in the run up to September. “How we cope with the back to school rush that we have is something that we are still mulling over. It’s likely that we are going to have to somehow spread out the big rush at the end. We may have to go to an appointment system just so that the shop doesn’t get overrun with people. Trying to fit uniforms on children who have grown over the previous year, it takes time and we just don’t have the

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Paul and Anita Edson at The Family Store space to be able to cope with everyone coming as it used to be, so that’s going to be interesting. We will cope. There’s always a way around these things,” Paul said. The Covid-19 emergency has thrown the world economy into great uncertainty. The Family Store is a stable Kilrush institution however and Paul is both confident and hopeful that they will be able to withstand whatever is coming their

way, having survived the Celtic Tiger crash a decade ago. “We’re heading into unknown territory. We do have a very good customer base and in a changing world we are pretty much unchanged. We don’t envisage too much change to the business going forward but what we have found is we are able to adapt and we will adapt to whatever needs to be done,” he commented.

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#buyintoclare Munster Tech Centre expands customer support due to Covid disruption

UNSTER Technology Centre Ennis is celebrating almost ten years of business in the Clare capital and continues to dominate the tech retail industry within the county. The O'Connell Street establishment has seen a significant increase to its website (www.munstertechcentre.ie) due to current circumstances. You can now go online and get the same excellent shopping experience as in-store, where Munster Tech has developed a reputation for stress-free and customer focused service. Munster Tech is renowned for the ease of transferring contacts, photos, apps etc from old to new phones and relishes taking the stress out of upgrading and repairs. Munster Technology Centre specialises in sim free phones, tablets, phone accessories, device repair and phone unlocking. An impetus is put on decorating the store with the latest phones from retail giants within the phone industry. The MCT experience is grounded in flexibility, with each and every phone sold sim free, allowing for personal preferences to take precedence in terms of network selection and pricing plans. The people of Clare will also be familiar with the stores twelve months warranty system on all products. Customer feedback is at the heart of Munster Technologyâ€™s business model, in which the company affirms that, â€œWe have cultivated a reputation for excellent customer service and prices, receiving a phenomenal amount of 5 star reviews across multiple online user-generated social reviews since 2012. The domain expertise of staff members has repeatedly been cited, while the repair turnaround time for submitted repairs is unprecedented.â€?

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Moher Cottage finds friends on either side of the Atlantic PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

OHER Cottage Coffee and Craft Shop first opened in March 2017, as with every business in the country and indeed many across the world, Covid-19 plunged them into a sense of uncertainty, the clouds of which still remain for many that have not reopened their doors. Situated 2.4km from The Cliffs of Moher, restrictions on the movement of the public have totally diluted the regular amount of traffic on the stretch of road from the world renown tourist attraction to Moher Cottage. “I’m just looking at that road now because our house is on it, there are no cars on it on a beautifully glorious sunny day in Liscannor and the road is empty,” owner Caitriona Considine detailed. “Myself and the dog would walk up there on the same road where there is normally all the coaches, it was quite an experience and will hopefully be a once in a lifetime experience to have the Cliffs and the road to yourself. It just seemed that the birds were louder, nature seemed to thrive in the quietness and to be able to experience that was amazing. We’re looking forward to getting the visitors back, it may take a good few years if ever for it to be as busy as it was, we have to adapt to that and learn how to manage in that, we expect it to be significantly quieter. A lot of seasonal businesses here are very concerned about the winter, we won’t have had a strong summer to take us through a quiet winter”. On Thursday last, Caitriona reopened the coffee shop for the first time in three months. Fortunately, she had targeted the development of their online sales as one of her goals at the beginning of the year, by having it in place Moher Cottage were able to continue trading and did so rather successfully with huge demand for their products. In fact, their first batch of fudge sold out in two days with orders placed from Co Clare and the other side of the Atlantic. A silver lining in the form of a post by Facebook Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg promoted Moher Cottage and Craft Shop to her combined over a million followers on Instagram and Facebook. It arose due to Caitriona being a member of the Facebook Leader Network which shares tips on how to get the best out of social media, the amount of advice given increased during COVID-19 and they asked members to share how they adapted which led to the story of Moher Cottage being spread globally on the online community. “We had no warning, she tagged me in the post and that was the first I saw, it was quite amazing for us, a tiny rural business in the West of Ireland to be picked when she has the whole world to choose from and

Caitriona Considine at Moher Cottage

she spoke of the millions of businesses on Facebook everyday so it was mind boggling to think our little business here was worthy to talk about. It was a great boost not just in terms of business, the lockdown has been hard for businesses, I still worry a lot, the post came and it gave me a lift that was very timely and I’m very grateful for it,” Caitriona admitted to The Clare Echo. People all over the world read what Sheryl had to say about the Liscannor based business including a certain actress by the name of Jennifer Aniston. “To have an A-list celebrity reading about Moher Cottage gave me and my friends a bit of excitement especially if you are a Friends follower, it was quite the buzz to think that Jennifer Aniston has heard of Moher Cottage. We’ve all been talking about when she is going to call in for coffee with her crew”. So no one told you business was going to be this way! Factoring in a global pandemic and being known to Jennifer Aniston didn’t feature in the plans for Moher Cottage pri-

or to its opening three years ago. Caitriona was working in corporate roles in IT and wind energy in Dublin, after tying the knot with Kevin, she continued to commute to the capital. “I got tired of that lifestyle. You live in this beautiful place but you’re gone in the morning when the sun is rising and you come back in the dark, you’re not really living properly or settling in a place because you’re on the move the whole time spending hours in a car. “We were trying to see what we could to do change that, job hunting in Clare there isn’t as many multinational opportunities that you would have in Dublin, I wasn’t seeing roles that I could apply for or that I was interested in, I knew I was at a bit of a crossroads and had to make a change. We had this cow shed on the Wild Atlantic Way beside St Brigid’s Well just before the Cliffs of Moher, that sparked an idea,” one which intertwined with her love of coffee. More Clare businesses have now realised the value of being online. The Galway City

native is glad their website had already been in place with products available to purchase from there and noted it “took a greater sense of importance” during COVID-19. “We reviewed the product we had online, we created new care packages that people could send to people they were missing or that were away, it took off from there and people who hadn’t heard of us began to hear of us and it brought a whole new set of customers to us”. She also praised Ryan Tubridy of RTÉ, Newstalk’s Ciara Kelly, The Farmers Journal and The Clare Echo for sharing their story. “We are pretty unknown apart from our corner here and you’re competing with the big guys that are able to spend big money, we don’t have a marketing budget, it is just me online trying to get the name out there, all the little mentions while they may be little they mean a lot to small businesses and they really make a difference”.

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B&B operators vital to economy and 'must not be forgotten'

The Ennis Bookshop is delighted to be back welcoming our existing and new customers! A big THANK YOU to customers, old and new, local and national for all the support when we were closed. Thanks to all our young customers, who gave us marvellous entries for our colouring competitions. If you have any vouchers, enjoy redeeming them!!

B&B operators must be equipped with support measures to aid them in recovery, a Clare TD has maintained. Although the Government have rolled out the Business Restart Grant which is providing help to many Clare small businesses. Among the stipulations for eligibility is that the business owners must be commercial rate payers, which as Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) highlighted may not include many B&B owners in the county. "Though they may not be rate payers, B&B owners in rural parts of Clare are vital to our economy,” he stated. It's businesses like these that a large number of tourists seek out when they want to immerse themselves in that true Irish experience that so many international visitors yearn for”. Close to 1000 applications for Business Restart Grants have been received by Clare County Council, 675 of which have been processed with 278 drafts. Crowe added, "I want to see similar measures rolled out for the like of B&Bs, or for the criteria to be re-examined so that B&B owners might be able to avail of it. Right now, it's all about supporting local and I think it would be prudent to ensure that we keep as many businesses afloat as possible while we weather this storm”.

We are all adjusting to new ways of doing things. Our customers have really taken to our new spacious layout throughout the shop. Come in and take a look at the new location for KIDSWORLD and extended Gift & Card areas. And remember: Opening times: 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday (will advise if any change). We will continue to take orders by phone or e-mail and provide local delivery especially to those who are self -isolating or cocooning. Thanks to An Post, we are still able to offer customers a reduced standard postal charge of €2.95 for all packages up to 10kg. Our staff will be wearing face visors when helping you choose a book, gift or card. This will help keep us all safe. A hand sanitiser will be available at various positions in the shop We will limit numbers as required. Any suggestions as to how we can help you, please e-mail us and we will do our best!

Thanks everybody!! Stay happy, healthy and reading!! From all the team at The Ennis Bookshop. E-mail us at: books@ennisbookshop.ie

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Turnpike vibrancy more evident than ever before Clare Fruit & Veg set up phone and collect CIAN Oâ€™BROIN cian@clareecho.ie

ATT Waters Fruit and Veg is easily one of the most recognisable shopfronts throughout the town. Established twenty-five years ago following a niche within the marketplace, Mattâ€™s Turnpike business is one of the most widely known fruit and veg retail stores in Ennis. Deciding not to shut up shop throughout the lockdown, Matt took it upon himself to execute business with the utmost caution in regards to customers needs. A swift change facilitated itself under the guise of various customer delivery needs and requirements. A phone and collect system was set up, whereby customers could have fresh produce brought out to their car. A hatch system was also evinced, which had customers greeted with a

box full of fresh fruit and vegetables. Topping off the three-way system was a phone delivery service provided for especially vulnerable and elderly customers. Now with the gentle ease of restrictions, customers may once again access the shop through a dedicated one-way system to assist congestion and respect social distancing measures. Matt mentions the beauty of the reintroduction of valued and loyal customers into the store, noting the joy experienced by customers in recognising one another after a short, intense, reclusive period, particularly for the elderly cocooners. Matt annotates nothing short of courage in these customers, finding that once the right safety measures are put in place within businesses, then people are happy. A touch of nostalgia takes Matt back to 1994, when his fruit and veg shop was the only busi-

ness on the row. Since then, a warm welcoming hand has been extended to Champion Meats, The Health Connection and CS Fish. The communal aspect of life at Turnpike keeps spirits running high and Matt finishes off with a comment on the relationship between his employees and local shoppers who continue to augment a uniquely shared experience: â€œSome of our workers have been there since day one. Most of them are pretty experienced. They know all the customers and there is always great banter and chat, which I love to see. In fairness, the customers do comment on our staff. The local community support us and the loyalty of our customers is something that certainly stands out. We want to thank all the customers for their business during Covid-19 and we wish that everyone stays as healthy as possible.â€?

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Customers turned to Health Connection as pandemic loomed CIAN O’BROIN cian@clareecho.ie

HE Health Connection at Turnpike has been trading in nutrient dense wholefoods and quality supplements since its establishment in 2007. Manager Olivia Cahalane notes the shop's fastidiousness in lending a helping hand to its loyal customers, whether that be high quality recommendations or simply listening to customers queries and sourcing a solution. A sharp increase in footfall was noticed at the beginning of the pandemic as customers looked to strengthen their immune systems through Vitamin C, D and Zinc. The staff’s sincerity in adjusting to the needs of their loyal and extended customer base is steeped in both a love of general health and wellbeing as well as academic accreditation. Taking over as Store Manager in 2011, Olivia is now undertaking a course in Nutritional Therapy. Grainne, Aine and Claire also hold relevant qualifications and a collective effort to expand on quality food within the store is at the heart of The Health Connection’s philosophy. The pandemic has brought with it a newfound appreciation for health and

Olivia feels that the store is a utopia for anyone looking to fortify a healthy immune system through natural whole foods. Olivia recommends eating whole foods and disregarding any overly processed items. Brown rice, various seeds such as pumpkin seeds and fermented meats all contribute to a healthy and balanced body and mind, in Olivia’s opinion. Olivia makes a point of the shop’s earnestness in sourcing local foods to as-

sist its loyal customer base. Touching on the continued success at Turnpike, Olivia admits, “We try to source locally as much as possible and we really highlight the value of food here and we like to complement that with high quality supplements. "It’s all about leaving our customers happy and satisfied. People do come back because we don’t just sell for the sake of it, we are passionate about what we do.”

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O'Keeffe's link to locals of Turnpike unbreakable

RECORD SALES AT C.S FISH THROUGH COVID-19

ONIE Oâ€™Keeffe operates Champion Meats, a small family business with a strong commitment to the local Turnpike area of Ennis. Donie credits the support of business neighbours who have played a pivotal role in the Turnpike, providing an unbreakable link with the residents belonging to the vibrant and historical part of town. Mid-March saw the implementation of swift and drastic measures of compliance, in accordance with national health and safety regulations. Shop layout and full adherence to HACCP protocols were the first maneuvers made. An option to pre-order and collect as well as a dedicated delivery number used for collection were some of the changes implemented. A limited delivery service for the elderly and vulnerable was also established. Champions Meats heartily welcomes all those who were forced to cocoon to the Turnpike store once again. Champions Meats prides itself on the competence and affability of those providing an essential service behind the counter, â€œMy staff are the backbone of this business - some of the staff are here since we opened in 1996. I would be lost without them and their loyalty was particularly evident during this recent pandemic. We have amazing customers also who were patient with us over the past three months as we implemented some necessary measures to ensure everyoneâ€™s safety during Covid-19 and for this we are very grateful.â€? Donie maintains the tradition of offering grass fed beef, enriched with flavour, tenderness and guaranteed quality. Also available in store is premium quality pork, bacon and poultry products along with a huge selection of ready to cook meals. Donie contends that quality cannot be compromised and therefore all his products are of the highest quality. Champion Meats offer a large selection of ready to cook BBQ products, which haven't seen a surge in demand due to a break in the weather. Donie explains, â€œThere is no doubt that some positives have come from this. We have seen changes in shopping habits in the past few months. Now more than ever, people are more aware of the importance of supporting local businesses. Life as we know it has changed and as both consumers and businesses, we have had to change how we operate. It has been great to see our fellow retailers in the town reopen over the past few weeks. We look forward to seeing more businesses opening soon and returning to this new form of normality in the future." The popular butcher adds, "We consider ourselves very lucky to be part of this vibrant trading community in Turnpike. We have fantastic support from our neighbours in this bustling corner of town and this was particularly evident over the past three months."

Pre-order for next day collection â€“ text your order to 083 0106228 We encourage you to pay by card/contactless where possible

1-2 Turnpike, Ennis, Co.Clare ď Ź 065 6823906 Â Â? Â? Â? Â? Â Â Â€ Â‚ Â?

The Champion Meats team (l-r) Donie, Brian, Maeve, Renata, Pat and Darren

HE latest addition to the Turnpike strip, C.S Fish has seen a large increase in the demand for seafood as owner Cathal Sexton observes record sales in recent weeks. The family run seafood business which started out in Doonbeg in 2011, later opening a second store in Ennis, sources fresh fish locally, arriving from the factory each and every morning. Bolstering a wide array of products, Cathal argues that the shop contains one of the finest selections in Ireland. Despite the closure of the factory during the lockdown, C.S Fish has continued to go from strength to strength. Cathal concedes that the necessary adaptations made within the store proved costly, however; both customer and staff wellbeing greatly overshadow any financial suffrage. Perspex screens were fitted within the shop, along with strategic emplacement of hand sanitizers as well as a maximum capacity order of three customers within the shop at any one time. An emphasis has also been placed on the needs of the elderly and vulnerable customers looking to top up on seafood. Cathal commends the brilliance of his staff, holding Mario, the Manager of the Store, in high esteem, â€œHeâ€™s my main man in there, heâ€™s the manager. Heâ€™s the man pushing all the parts inside there. The staff are an integral part to the whole operation, there would be nothing without them. Iâ€™m always busy and so they run the shop day to day for me. There are four members of staff here within the Ennis store. Mario has everyone on their toes and is always making new products, whether itâ€™s special Stir Fryâ€™s or Fish Cakes, there is always something new and exciting.â€? The symbiotic relationship between businesses at Turnpike is strongly felt, in Cathals opinion, whereby strong support is offered at all times. Operating hours are aligned amongst the four stores so that customers can make a timesaving â€˜one stop shopâ€™ on the outskirts of the town. Cathal also remarks a loyalty invoked from West Clare as commuters make their way back home from the Clare Capital, they never fail to pop in and show their support and loyalty. Cathal would like to thank the local Turnpike community for their unwavering support in such times of uncertainty.

COLUMNISTS 29

THURSDAY, JUN 18 2020

Eoin Neylon

OPINION: LIFE IN DIRECT PROVISION

Innocent Iroaganachi

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Opening a bank What does 'Our account is 'impossible' Shared Future' mean?

O CLEAR procedure exists for Direct Provision residents in setting up a bank account. It has proved to be a financial difficulty for many, including myself. "You ought to have a reason for opening an account," said a bank official to an asylum seeker requesting to open an account. Is the official forgetting that some asylum seekers, especially the unemployed are capable of saving a little, from the weekly stipend of €38.80 which the State offers? Saving is a very important part of human life. Most asylum seekers in Ireland live in accommodation (Direct Provision – DP) where they share rooms, and many would not tolerate being accused of stealing the money of a fellow roommate, when it can be avoided by saving same in the bank. Many asylum seekers who have to make essential cross-county travels continuously face the situation of paying more, because they have no bank account to enable online booking of bus or train tickets, which are usually cheaper. Meanwhile, online purchases, booking travel tickets, paying/subscribing for online services like news outlets, topping-up phones and internet data subscriptions, include among the many reasons which justify why asylum seekers need a bank account, especially in Ireland, a European nation that has largely gone digital. More than ever, having a bank account is important, especially in this era of Covid-19 pandemic, where health experts are strongly advising people to avoid direct contact with surfaces, like cash. In other words, having a bank card which comes with an account, is a way of minimising coming in contact with infected surfaces. Inquiries have shown that there is no clear procedure, particular to asylum seekers opening an account, especially if they are not employed. Some have been told by bank officials to get a job first before opening an account. On one hand, some (unemployed) asylum seekers who have succeeded in opening an account, make reference to the compassion of certain bank officials that were approached, who assisted without reservation. On the other hand, a number of bank officials diplomatically and systematically dismiss them. Such inconsistent approach prompt a feeling that having a bank account by asylum seekers in Ireland is somewhat unlawful. Particular among the demands made of asylum seekers by banks for account opening include provision of the following documentations: a work permit, birth certificate, public

services card (PPS), temporary residence card (TRC), age card, a self-addressed letter from any government agency; as well as letters from the social welfare office, the management of the accommodation centre, and the employer (if employed), and even utility bills (those in DP do not pay for utilities). In a personal conversation, a bank official went further to suggest the provision of a photo identification from country of origin (of which the original of this document is usually in the custody of the International Protection Office – IPO). It might interest you to know that even after providing originals and copies of most of the requested documentations, many asylum seekers still do not succeed. Could it be that the policy makers of banking institutions in Ireland are not aware of these unfair treatment? A bank official once suggested to an asylum seeker to approach the Social Welfare Office and request that the welfare payment be moved from the post office to the bank. Are bank officials not aware that asylum seekers must on stipulated days, claim their welfare payment from the post office, and failure to do so, the unclaimed payment will be reverted to the State? Even some have also complained that similar demands were also made of them when they wanted to open an account with An Post. On one occasion, an asylum seeker residing in Miltown Malbay said to me he politely told the bank official, "You are asking me for the impossible." As a result of some exceptions, it may not be entirely right to categorise as discriminatory or racist, the systematic dismissal of asylum seekers requesting to open an account by some bank officials, through multitudes of hard-toget documentations. This is because there have been situations where unemployed asylum seekers have succeeded in opening accounts, although not without each person having to recount series of rejections they had to endure. Giving the banks and their officials the benefit of doubt, maybe there is yet to be a consistent policy guideline on particular identifications they ought to admit from asylum seekers. They should not make it look as if some sort of legislation is needed from the Houses of the Oireachtas before they can allow asylum seekers open a bank account.

POLICY: The Direct Provision Centre in Ennis, where Innocent Iroaganachi lives

FTER 128 days of posturing and talking, we were finally gifted with a document entitled, ‘Our Shared Future’. As cringey as the title may be, this document, a historic programme for government, represents the longest ever written in the state’s history. The length of the talks, inflated somewhat by Covid-19 restrictions, coupled with the length of the document reflect the difficulty involved in getting the three constituent parties of the deal onto the same page. But drilling into the 126-page final copy, what does it mean for the people of Clare and what can people expect over the next 5 years should it all come to pass? The first notable point is the Town Centre First initiative; a policy successfully trialled by the Scottish Government. This would see unused properties in rural town being brought back into use and seed capital given to local authorities in order to bring serviced sites into being to promote home ownership in these towns also. These areas would also benefit from a new Sustainable Rural Mobility Plan. This will introduce a public transport service under which settlements will have a service connecting them to the national public transport system. There is also a commitment to the Local Link project and a commitment to increase passenger numbers on it three-fold. This will be a timely boost for towns and villages across the country, as well as the Clare Bus service. On healthcare, there’s a commitment to “Strengthening general practice – implementing the contract with GPs, sustaining out-of-hours and rural services, and increasing GP training places, including for GPs with Special Interest qualifications.” This is a little light on detail; however, it is an acknowledgement of what needs to be done to bolster community healthcare across Ireland. This has been a huge pressing issue in County Clare. Another major issue in Clare has been Shannon airport. The document makes a commitment of greatly increased capital investment in all airports, both national and regional. This will be welcome news as Shannon needs modernisation, especially in the

area of baggage screening and increasing turnaround time. A bone of contention for Clare people will be the absence of Moneypoint from the document. Although one paragraph could refer to the coal station and its hinterland, there are no specifics. It reads; “We will support a just transition for the workers and regions impacted, as peat and coal-fired power generation is phased out.” Perhaps this may be an issue that Michael McNamara could leverage his potential support for the Government upon? All in all, the three parties concerned have positives and negatives to reflect on. The Green party are possibly the happiest with what they have achieved. Getting a 7% annual reduction in emissions was vital for the country to meet our legal commitments but doing that without needing to touch the national herd numbers is impressive. Huge increase in public transport, a carbon tax increase, commitments to massive investment in community led micro generation schemes and, fossil fuel divestment are all a plus. These negotiation wins have seen the party’s latest poll rating rise to 12%. Fianna Fáil secured its contentious pension commitments which will see no change to the pension age which was due to increase this coming year. The party can also celebrate massive strides in rural development grants, big commitments on social and affordable housing programmes, healthcare investment, especially the national treatment purchase fund, transport infrastructure projects, additional agriculture funding, a united Ireland division in the Taoiseach’s department and, increase in home carers tax credits.

NEXT TAOISEACH?: FF leader Míchéal Martin

Fine Gael will be most pleased with the commitment to no income tax or USC hikes for the duration of the Government. They have also secured tax breaks for the self-employed, a speed up of the national broadband plan, Help to Buy scheme being extended, and a commitment to balanced budgets although with a distinct caveat that austerity measures would not be allowed. The party also got the other two to drop their demand to pass the Occupied Territories Bill. At the end of the day, politics is the art of the possible. After months of talks, the deal on the table is the best each of the three could hope and represents healthy, equal compromise. It’s not perfect but no deal ever will be. Reaction in Clare has been mixed but generally positive amongst the different parties. Clare’s sole Green party elected representative Róisín Garvey, who was involved in the rural development section of the talks, has confirmed she will support the deal. If it passes, she’s well in line to possibly gain promotion to the Seanad as one of two Greens to do so under the deal. Fine Gael members seem largely on board but have concerns about agriculture. In Fianna Fáil, an unofficial, unilateral survey undertaken by the chairman of the party in Clare last week has been widely disputed within FF ranks locally. Many members this column spoke to revealed they did not take part in the survey and were waiting publication of the details before making their mind up. FF TD Cathal Crowe is backing the deal as are several local Councillors. A campaign within FF has been launched against the deal, claiming to have the support of 10% of public reps nationally from the outset. Among these, according to the campaign website, is East Clare Councillor Alan O’Callaghan. There may be more. FF leader Míchéal Martin has a job on his hands to convince his own party members to sign off on him becoming Taoiseach. Timmy Dooley’s chances of a Seanad return though are not helped in that FF currently have three constituencies without an Oireachtas representative, leaving just one other Seanad appointment position theoretically up for grabs.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SKODA KODIAQ RS — INTO THE WIDE, BLUE, YONDER SKODA’S OVER-POWERED, OVER-PRICED SUV SHOULDN’T WORK. BUT, OH BOY, IT REALLY DOES…

SKODA KODIAQ RS

RITING the lead on the way to the ballpark. It’s a phrase that’s common currency among writers, and it basically means coming into a story with your pre-conceptions firmly in place. To ignore the possibility that things might turn out differently from your expectation. In the case of the Skoda Kodiaq RS, I had not only written the lead on the way to the ballpark, I had filled in the middle section of the story, and pre-typed my concluding paragraphs long before I had even roused myself from bed to go and collect the actual, physical, car. Because of course I had. I mean, it’s obvious, right? High performance SUVs are an aberration, a final, desperate swing of the marketing bat before common sense and Greta Thunberg shuts all this silliness down. Cars such as the BMW X5M or Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG. Cars with tall postures, big engines, and bad attitudes. And carbon emissions with big numbers. And Skoda? Skoda, making a pricey, high-performance SUV? C’mon, lads — we’ve seriously lost the run of ourselves here. My cynicism was not dispelled walking up to the car in question. Big and very, very blue (the colour is officially Race Blue Metallic) the RS version of the familiar Kodaiq cuts an imposing figure. Quite apart from the massive 20-inch wheels, there is a bodykit (which even has little race-car like flicks on the front air dam!) to help the Kodiaq bludgeon its way through the air. There is a massive, black-finished grille, clearly inspired by BMW’s recent M-Sport models. There are huge red brake calipers, tightly spooning around 17-inch front discs. Inside, there are gorgeous, and sumptu-

ously comfortable high-backed bucket seats. There are digital instruments which, on the upside can be configured in a wide variety of styles to suit your taste, and on the downside, manage to look mostly tasteless and a bit chintzy. There are even broad swathes of mock-carbon-fibre trim in the cabin, a fake use of a material designed in reality to save weight, in a vehicle weighing in at a chunky 1,880kg at the kerb. You can have your hi-po Kodiaq in either five or seven-seat form. Choose seven seats, and the boot space shrinks from 630-litres with the third row folded away, to 270-litres when all the seats are occupied. The standard mid-size SUV warning about that third row being only useful for the under-12s applies, of course. The price for all this? A colossal €66,896 as tested, including €3,500 worth of extras. That’s ludicrous, right? I mean, that’s a lot of money for any car, not to mind a Skoda, a brand built on providing more bang for your buck than you would get elsewhere. It’s not even as if the engine is all that powerful. As if to complete the anti-Thunberg stance of such a vehicle, the Kodiaq RS uses diesel power. It’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder engine is basically the same one you’ll find in the VW Tiguan BiTurbo, and its not quite able to cash the power output cheques that the bodywork is frantically scribbling. 240hp, backed up by 500Nm of torque. It’s not exactly an AMG, is it? So, I hate it then? It’s daft, right? I mean, what’s the point — seriously? Well…Here’s the thing. And here’s why you never, ever, ever write the lead on the way to the ballpark. Sometimes the most unexpected player smacks a home run right out over left field… The seduction starts with those seats. The are great to look at and hugely comfortable (although I’m still puzzled as to why their red stitching isn’t blue to match the exterior). The RS still has the usual Kodiaq interior space and air of gener-

ally high quality too (although that air is somewhat polluted by the way some of the cabin parts squeak and rattle over bumps). Then you fire up the engine. And you start to involuntarily giggle. Skoda has added an sound synthesiser to the system, which helps to cover up the unlovely gargle of a four-cylinder diesel, but which also tries to fool your ears into thinking that there might be a big V8 under the bonnet. Not the bonnet of your car — it’s too quiet for that, so maybe the bonnet of another car. In the next county, but even so the sound is beguiling, and laugh-outloud funny at times. Then you start to notice, as the first wheels swoosh by under those huge Continental tyres, that the Kodiaq RS has been exceptionally well engineered, in chassis terms. The four-wheel drive system has been uprated, with a new clutch, and it can send as much as 85 per cent of its power to any one wheel, depending on the situation. There are also electronic differentials between each set of wheels, helping to quell any unwanted wheelspin. On top of that, there’s Dynamic Chassis Control, which allows you to choose between Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport, Individual, and Snow modes, plus an Off-Road mode on the laughably slim off-chance that anyone’s going to risk those 20-inch rims amid the mud and rocks. The Kodiaq RS’ straightline performance doesn’t look all that brilliant on paper — 7.0secs to 100km/h is nothing special — but it builds speed with more alacrity than you might expect. And bugger me if it can’t hold onto that speed through the bends. This is a seriously well-balanced, surprisingly agile, surprisingly fun car to drive. Almost all of your big-fast-SUV prejudices are blown away after a couple of corners. Yes, there’s inherent understeer, and it rolls a good bit, but then those foibles just make it seem more engaging — they give the driver something to do. You’ve got to get your cornering lines right, be judicious about how

FACTS & FIGURES Model tested: Skoda Kodiaq RS sevenseat Pricing: €66,896 as tested; Kodiaq starts at €32,495 Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged fourcylinder diesel Transmission: seven-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Body style: five-door, seven-seat SUV CO2 emissions: 167g/km (Band D €570 per annum) Combined economy: 44.1mpg (6.4 litres/100km) Top speed: 220km/h (221km/h for fiveseat version) 0-100km/h: 7.0 seconds (6.9 seconds for five-seat version) Power: 240hp at 4,000rpm Torque: 500Nm at 1,750-2,500rpm Boot space: 894-1,795 litres Safety Euro NCAP rating for Skoda Kodiaq: Five-stars: 92 per cent adult; 77 per cent child; 71 per cent pedestrian; 54 per cent safety assist

you apply power, and then the rewards, with that chatty, talkative steering constantly tugging away at your fingers, are really, really there. It’s actually kinda brilliant. It even rides far more comfortably than any vehicle on 20-inch wheels has a right to. The only dynamic flaw is a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox that’s been given a dose of Dozy Sleepy Snoozy Nighty Night and just won’t wake up and party. OK, the whole thing is still daft. €66,000 is silly money for a Skoda. You’ll have more fun, and save a fortune, and be hardly any the worse off in a practical sense, if you get the brilliant Octavia RS estate. And there is definitely a whiff of the partying-as -the-world-burns about the whole thing, in spite of surprisingly gentle fuel consumption. There’s no option, in a strictly objective, common-sense sense, than to give it two stars out of five, when we turn to the stunningly blunt instrument of our star rating. Be in no doubt though — I love this car. I even deleted the closing paragraph that I’d written for it…

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

Showhouse now open at Ballymacaula View

. Fitzgibbon Contractors is delighted to present the showhouse at “Ballymacaula View, Cahercalla” (Radharc Baile Mhic Amhlaoibh). Ballymacaula View is an exciting new development of just 42 elegant homes which are superbly located in a small haven just off the Kilmaley Road within minutes walk from Ennis town and beside the link road to the M17 and M18. This development is ideal for commuters to Shannon, Limerick and Galway cities. Ballymacaula View has a charm all of its own, with its attractive use of stonework on the front facades throughout the development. Once completed, the homes will be centred around a lovely open green landscaped area - the ideal location for young families. Finished to a very high standard, they offer an intelligent use of space, a keen eye for style and a true commitment to quality. These fabulous new houses will immediately impress you with the exceptional finish that has become synon-

ymous with M. Fitzgibbon Contractors. Sales in the first phase of the development are strong but there still is a number of three bedroomed homes available from €252,500. All detached homes are now sold out. All homes qualify for the Help to Buy Scheme for first time buyers. Location, design, well-proportioned rooms and high specification throughout with custom designed fitted kitchens, generously tiled kitchens and bathrooms, quality-controlled energy saving features are some of the reasons why these 'A'-rated homes are proving to be so popular with astute buyers. Call Helen Gallery to set up your appointment. 065 682 9481 or 086 250 4671. 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, Co Clare. email: info@helengallery.ie

House & Lands For Sale by Private Treaty at Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Total a rea circa 91.39 acres can be sold in lots as follows Lot 1: Cloghaun, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Folio No. CE28957 Plan 4 & Folio No. 17177F

5.27 Hectares (13 acres) grazing lands in two plots, set by the main roadside. 13.54 hectares (33.45 acres) of agricultural land with derelict cottage, cattle crush, stone outbuildings and haybarn.

Lot 3: Ballynahown, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Folio No. CE27693 Plan 36

Lot 4: Ballynahown, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Folio No. CE28957 Plan 37

3.48 Hectares (8.6 acres) grazing lands set by the main roadside with planning potential subject to the necessary planning consents.

2.1 Hectares (5.2 acres) grazing lands set by the main roadside with planning potential subject to the necessary planning consents.

Lot 2: Ballynahown, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Folio No. CE28957 Plans 24 and 25

Guide Price: €35,000

Guide Price: €20,000

Guide Price: €25,000

Guide Price: €150,000

Lot 5: Kilmoon West, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Folio No. CE28957 Plan 4A

Lot 6: Ballygastell, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. Folio No. CE28862 Plan 2.

0.67 Hectares (1.66 acres) with a

11.93 Hectares (29.48 acres) good quality grazing land set by the main roadside with cattle crush. There is an old ruin on the site which indicates that there may be planning potential subject to the necessary planning consents.

Guide Price of €3,000

COMMONAGE Cahermaclanchy, Corcomroe, Doolin, Co. Clare. Folio No. CE28957 Plan 12. circa 17.10 Hectares (42.25 acres) being 50% of commonage Guide Price : €50,000

Guide Price: €150,000

Further information maps and details with Sole Selling Agent: Niall Gilligan Auctioneers PSRA Licence No. 002750

Sport Clare Echo THE

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GOLF CLUBS COUNT COST AT LACK OF COMPETITION CIAN O’BROIN

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

OLF clubs across Co Clare are aggrieved at the failure to reinstate competitive golf when courses reopened in May with some expecting a financial loss of thousands of euros. The decision was reached on June 3rd, following a meeting chaired by the Expert Group on the Return to Sport, justifying that competitive golf fails to meet criteria with regards to public health and safety requirements. The governing body has opted to reinstate competitive golf into Phase 3 of the state’s roadmap, taking place on June 29th, despite the fact that casual four balls at 14-minute intervals can now take place under Phase 2. The GUI and ILGU’s failure to stand up to the Expert Group could potentially decimate smaller clubs within the country, many of whom rely solely on the revenue that local competitions generate. Under strict guidelines, clubhouses must remain shut and visitors are not permitted on to the course, meaning that club memberships provide a solitary stream of support. Colm Mullen, Competition Secretary of Woodstock Golf Course two years running, concedes that the implications of the postponement of local competitions has a detrimental effect on the committee, members and the club as a collective unit. “We are very disappointed due to the amount of work the committee and I have put in, in order to get the course

and competitions ready. We were under the impression that they could take place on June 10th. The revenue that any club gets from competitions is huge. This keeps the day to day runnings of the committee going. At Woodstock here, we have lost well into a four-figure sum due to this decision. Woodstock has accrued 200 new members in the last three weeks. These are all guys that were keen to get to know members of the club through competitions. This is a poor start to give new guys in the club as well, greatly effecting their experience. The Handicap Committee has been processing these new members within the club system, detailing handicaps and the amount of work they have been doing recently is incredible. That’s all gone to waste now and we really have no alternative means of financing ourselves here.” Clubs around Clare have come together to attest to the socially distanced nature of golf, opining that it defies logic to even consider collating rugby, soccer or GAA in the same category as golf in terms of personal health and safety during this pandemic. Pronouncing that the decision fails to stand up to scrutiny, clubs have been implementing a number of alternatives to minimise close contact on the course. Technological innovation has enabled scores to be entered electronically via an app and money deducted from the golfers personal account in a matter of seconds. For those unable to accommodate this app, scorecards are being left untouched for forty-eight hours to adhere to social distance and possible decontamination of infected surfaces. Colm notes a com-

lSAFETY FIRST: Golfers on the 1st fairway at Woodstock Golf Course Photo by Martin Connolly

prehensive two-page report put together ahead of the competitions, to ensure player safety. Clubs around the country have also appointed COVID-19 officers responsible for logging all essential data within the club. Several local cups are due to take place in August. The upcoming Senior Cup, Barton Shield, Junior Cup and Bruen and Pierce Purcell shields mean that club members are losing out on practice time, as they will have to wait until June 29th to participate in local

competitions. Clubs are calling on an official update from the government as to an advancement in the date. Colm highlights the importance of golf as both a physical and social outlet in the aftermath of a nationwide quarantine. This is strongly reflected in a surplus of club memberships already, as Woodstock tally roughly 500 members already this year, as opposed to 240 in 2019. Martin Morrissey of Kilrush Golf Club closely allies with the sentiments

shared by Colm and countless officials within clubs across the county, exclaiming, “It defies logic, the golf courses are open, all members are playing regularly, everyone was led to believe that in phase two we would have closed club competition, it is one of the safest sports and very simple to social distance, if there’s a logical explanation for the GUI not to allow closed competition, I would really love if they could forward it to all golfers”.

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Hope for adult and underage camogie

AMOGIE chiefs in Clare are confident both adult and underage championships will go ahead this summer. Reigning Munster champions, Scariff/Ogonnelloe will be aiming to retain their crown as county winners when the championship commences later this summer. Despite reports that August 1st had been identified as the start date for the Clare senior camogie championship, this has been rejected by members of the Clare Camogie Executive. It is expected that the adult championships will start in August and may reach the knockout stages by the end of the month. Draws have yet to take place and a fixture schedule is tipped to be released once the draws have been completed. The Clare Echo understands that the current format of two groups of four will be maintained for the senior championship in Clare. A member of the County Board stressed that the draws had yet to take place and further detail would be made available when it was known. “We are hoping that we will be able to accommodate championships for both adult and underage,” a spokesperson for the Camogie Board commented.

Zi Yan Spillane closely marked by Ciara Grogan

LADIES football club action will proceed this summer. Officers on the Clare ladies football county board are currently compiling a fixtures calendar that will outline the dates, times and venues for championship games. This will also include the underage ranks. The form in which underage games will be played remains uncertain, the amount of referees and suitable venues may prohibit the running of championships. Reigning senior champions Kilmihil will be looking forward to beginning their title defence. Having missed out on their bid to win nine championships in a row, Banner Ladies will be edging to return to the playing fields with renewed vengeance.

End of July start for club games in Clare PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

REFERRED formats have been identified by Clare GAA’s master fixtures plan committee for the running of the adult championships this summer. Clubs will have an eight week window to compete in the Clare senior hurling championship (SHC), senior football championship (SFC), intermediate hurling championship (IHC) and intermediate football championship (IFC). Action in the Clare SHC is to commence on Friday July 31st. It will have a new format along with the Clare IHC for 2020. The Clare Echo understands that the preferred format of the committee behind the master fixtures plan will see an unseeded draw for the first round pitting eight teams against each other, in the second round the eight winners from round one will play the eight losers and the winner of the second round tie will advance to the quarter-finals. Another potential structure for the hurling will see four groups of four with two

Work underway on ladies football fixtures calendar

games played by each side in the group stages with the top two teams emerging into the last eight. Both the Clare SFC and IFC will follow the same format to each other but a different one to the hurling. The master fixtures plan committee have recommended a format that would see an open draw for the first round that pits six teams against each other. For the second round, the winners would face off with the three teams that secure back to back victories advancing to the semi-finals. On the other side of the draw, the six defeated first round teams will face off, the three teams that win will progress to a three-way play-off. The play-off will take place over the course of one weekend, a draw will take place to see who gets a bye with the first tie expected to be played on a Friday evening, the winner of which will then play on Monday against the club that receives a bye, the side to progress from the play-off will then qualify for the final semi-final spot. A more flexible time-frame is to be considered for the Junior hurling championships. The same cannot apply to Junior football as Meelick’s Kevin Harnett will be returning to Clare football training when

Ennistymon and Kilmurry Ibrickane in the heat of club football action in Photo by Martin Connolly

Colm Collins’ men resume their preparations for the deferred inter-county season. The Clare Echo understands that no teams will be relegated from the 2020 Clare SHC or Clare SFC. Winners of the Clare IHC and Clare IFC will still secure promotion to the senior ranks for 2021, it may lead to double the amount of teams being relegated next year. A Senior B competition will also be held

this summer. Clubs are to be briefed on proposed structures in the coming days before anything is set in stone. A meeting of the County Board and club delegates is to be held online next Friday, some clubs have already been consulted in the preparation of the master fixtures plan.

pg35

18-06-20

Clare Echo THE

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

IGB welcome programme for Government PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

HE Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has welcomed the provisions regarding greyhound racing in the proposed Programme for Government. The focus on welfare reflects the objective in the IGB’s Strategic Plan 2018-2022 to place animal welfare at the centre of the greyhound industry. It estimates a spend of €3.2m on integrity and welfare this year. Initiatives introduced by the Board include a greyhound injury support scheme; additional financial incentives for domestic rehomings; the establishing of its first Care Centre and a confidential phone line/email to enable reports of welfare breaches to be fully investigated. The Board has also entered into a partnership with Greyhound Pets

of America for an international rehoming programme. Frank Nyhan, Chairman of IGB stated, “The Board has long sought the introduction of updated legislation to replace outdated 1958 provisions. We welcome the commitment in the programme for government to implement the Greyhound Racing Act 2019. In anticipation of its commencement, the Board has already progressed a tender process for a new traceability system for racing greyhounds. The contract was awarded to Event Log Ltd in March 2020 and the new system will be in place in quarter 4 of 2020. “This will enable full traceability for each racing greyhound until the greyhound retires to its forever home. The Board commitment to care and welfare is underlined by its introduction of a Covid 19 Greyhound Care Payment Scheme during the period of suspension of racing activity. The scheme, costing €1.2m, provided for a payment in respect of each racing greyhound to

lBACK IN ACTION: Limerick Greyhound Stadium

assist in meeting its care and welfare needs. “The extensive range of measures and initiatives put in place by the Board positions us well to ensure the highest of standards within the industry. The provisions of the 2019

Return of CDSL leagues expected to be brought forward SOCCER clubs in Clare have resumed collective training with the returning of leagues in Co Clare expected to be brought forward. On Monday last, the FAI’s return to safer training protocol was circulated to clubs all over Ireland. The FAI is to review its cessation of football deadline around matches. It currently runs until July 20th. August 28th had been earmarked as the date in which the Clare District Soccer Leagues (CDSL) could resume. A spokesperson for the CDSL told The Clare Echo, “I expect this will be brought forward in line with changes made last week”. At least one COVID-19 compliance officer is to be appointed within every club. Clubs with multiple training venues will be required to have a compliance officer for each venue. Appropriate signage will have to be on display across facilities. Before teams resume training on Monday, a COVID-19 risk assessment must be conducted by each club. Dressing rooms and shower facilities will be off limits. Sanitary facilities are to be accessible with equipment to be sanitised before and after each session. Players and coaches are to bring their own sanitiser, the protocol recommends. Groups of fifteen are permitted to train at adult level while in the underage ranks two coaches must be present alongside up to thirteen players. “Only essential personnel are permitted access onto the training pitch” according to the protocol. The minimum size of a training area is 75x50m. lCOMPETITIVE ACTION: Avenue and Shannon Contact at sessions is in action earlier this year Photo by John Mangan to be kept to a minimum. Only the goalkeeper will be allowed to handle the ball while corners, throw-ins, free kicks, hand contact and spitting must not take place, the document outlines. Individuals experiencing symptoms of the virus or who have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case are prohibited from training.

Act will further enhance our capability to maintain a robust system for integrity and welfare throughout the sport”. In September 2019, the Board established a dedicated Care Fund for further supporting the overall care

programme. Income to the Fund is derived from 50% of all sponsorship, 10% from admissions and restaurant packages and 5% of nett Tote profits with an overall targeted income of €1m in the first year.

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PLANNING 37

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The Clare Echo Planning Contact 065 671 9021

CLARE CO. COUNCIL consists of (A) 16.5m2 Co Clare Construction bedroom with a (B) 4.2m2 of new Detached dwelling GARRAUN, en-suite bathroom, (C) A house ,installation of a ENNISTYMON

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL 71 RIVERDALE, WESTBURY, CORBALLY, CO CLARE.

“Tony Smith seeks planning permission for a loft extension to an attic at 71 Riverdale, Westbury, Corbally, Co Clare. The proposed development

new stairs & landing over existing stair (D) removal of existing bathroom (E) Moving the water tank (F) and other ancillary works. 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, New Rd, Cappahard, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 DXP2 during it’s public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application mat 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”

Biocycle Treatment unit with percolation area and construction of boundary walls/fences and new entrance. 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 planning authority of the application,and such submissions or observations will be CLARE COUNTY considered by the planning COUNCIL authority in making a BLACKWATER decision on the application. ARDNACRUSHA The planning authority may CO.CLARE grant permission subject Take notice that Sam Mc to or without conditions,or Carthy intends to apply to may refuse to grant Clare County Council for permission. planning permission the following development at CLARE COUNTY Blackwater Ardnacrusha COUNCIL

ARDNACRAA TLD., LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE

Take notice that ; Teresa + Kieran Considine Intend to apply to the Planning Authority for Permission a. to demolish an existing substandard dwelling house / bed and breakfast and garage, b. to construct a new dwelling house with 1 no. studio guest bedroom for short term letting, c. to remove and reconstruct the existing road boundary and entrance to a new layout d. to decommission the existing septic tank and to construct a new proprietary wastewater treatment system and associated site works at Ardnacraa tld., Liscannor, 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

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

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 conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BOGBERE STREET, ARDNACULLA, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that North West Clare Family Resource Centre intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council for planning permission for development at An Grianan, Bogbere Street, Ardnaculla, Ennistymon. The development will consist of the permanent change of use of the existing Family Resource Centre building, from community support facility to Creche and Preschool, with retention of the following: changes to fencing to external play area; additional fencing around main entrance; new fire escape door; replacement of door with window; and 3No storage sheds and a Polytunnel. 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 KNOCKHOGAN QUINN ROAD ENNIS CO. CLARE.

Permission sought to construct an agricultural slatted shed including all associated site works and services at the above address. Applicant: Mr Michael Neylon. 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 planning 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, KILDEEMA NORTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that M. Hennessy & J. Madigan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission consequent on the grant of outline permission (Ref. No. P20/46) to construct a dwelling house, garage and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYSALLAGH WEST, NEWMARKETON-FERGUS, CO. CLARE

Take Notice that I, Robert Lynch intend to apply to Clare County Council for Permission for the construction of an extension to existing dwelling house to comprise of Livingroom, two bedrooms and bathroom. I am also applying for permission to refurbish existing dwelling and convert existing bedroom to utility including ancillary site works at 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A

submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing 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 CARNANE, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Paul Conway Architects, Knockbrack, Ennistymon intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council on behalf of Seamus & Kathleen Malone for planning permission for development at Carnane, Doolin. The development will consist of alteration of a 38sqM dwelling house, part demolition of 5sqM, and extension by 63sqM, Total 96sqM, and the demolition and replacement of a second 52sqM unfinished dwelling house with extension of 9sqM as a detached domestic garage, Total 61sqM, with sewage treatment plant, site works and services. 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

make your experience even better. 38 PUZZLEPAGE

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THURSDAY, JUNE 18 2020

The Clare Echo

CLARE RANDOM FACTS

many kilometres is Clare’s 1How coastline? . 125 . 366 . 525

many nature reserves are 2How there in Clare? .2 .4 .6

The Cliffs of Moher are home to 3 the largest colony of ____ in Ireland? . Hummingbirds . Puffins . Finches

What percentage is Clare’s coast6 line of the overall coastline of Ireland? . 5% . 10% . 15%

what year was Shannon given 7InTown status? . 1976 . 1979 . 1982

of the following is Shannon’s 8Which Eircode? . V11 . V14 . V18

Which of the following plants can In what year did the Shannon Col4 not be seen side by side in the 9 lege of Hotel Management open its Burren region? doors? . 1951 . 1961 . 1971

. 8 people per km . 16 people per km . 32 people per km

. LIT . NUIG . UL

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. 5% 7. 1982 8. V14 9. 1951 10. NUIG

is the population density of The Shannon College of Hotel 5What County Clare? 10 Management is an official college of?.

ANSWERS

1. 366 2. 4 3. Puffins 4. South American 5. 32 people per km

. Arctic . Medierranean . South American

Last weeks Answers . Gap/Grout in the wall missing (Centre/left) . Small circle missing in a larger circle in the background over centre mans left shoulder . Socks of girl (right) different colour . Crest missing on girls top (right)

. Object missing in background (right) . Part of background missing (centre left) . Crest missing on man (center)

Frank Melody on the family farm in Bunratty. Photograph: John Mangan