The Clare Echo 19/09/19

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Clare climate strikers get global award PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

OUR climate-conscious students from Clare have been presented with the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience 2019 Award.

Along with fellow Irish secondary school strikers for climate action, four Colaiste Muire students were acknowledged for their involvement with Fridays for Future

Ireland, School Strikes 4 Climate and Schools Climate Action Network. Eleanor Dagnell-Wise, Kate Harty, Áine Dempsey and Wiame Kanane travelled from Ennis to Dublin to accept the accolade.

Tomorrow (Friday), Fridays for Future Clare will be holding a day of demonstration in Ennis beginning at 10am in front of the Daniel O’Connell monument and concluding at 4pm as they march to Áras Contae an Chláir.

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19 Sep 2019

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THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

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ENTERTAINMENT

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CLARE RALLY PICS

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

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Coláiste student strikers honoured by Amnesty PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

OUR Clare students were among the recipients of the Amnesty International Ambassador of Conscience 2019 Award along with fellow Irish school strikers for climate action.

On Monday in Washington DC, Amnesty International presented its Ambassador of Conscience Award to Greta Thunberg and Fridays for Future in light of their movement of school strikes which has mobilised over one million young climate activists across the globe.

Amnesty International also handed out the award in various cities across the world including Dublin where four Colaiste Muire students were acknowledged for their in-

volvement with Fridays for Future Ireland, School Strikes 4 Climate and Schools Climate Action Network were also present.

Eleanor Dagnell-Wise, Kate Harty, Áine Dempsey and Wiame Kanane travelled from Ennis to Dublin to accept the accolade. Executive Director of Amnesty International, Colm O’Gorman said the award highlights “the courage and leadership of human rights defenders.

“The change that these young climate activists have made in such a short space of time is incredible and awe-inspiring,” he added.

Tomorrow (Friday), Fridays for Future Clare will be holding a day of demonstration in Ennis beginning at 10am in front of the Daniel O’Connell monument and concluding at 4pm as they march to Áras Contae an Chláir.

lCOURAGEOUS: Recipients of the award Eleanor Dagnell-Wise, Kate Harty, Áine Dempsey and Wiame Kanane

4 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

Kepak’s €6.5m Clare investment is ‘postponed’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

A PLANNED €6.5m investment in Kepak’s Tiermaclane facility is to be postponed on the back of illegal blockades at the entrance to the meat processing plant.

On Tuesday evening, Kepak confirmed it is “indefinitely” deferring a major investment to its Clare facility which it maintained had been one of the most severely affected locations due to the ongoing protests by farmers.

As reported by The Clare Echo last week, Kepak’s staff of 48 in Clare have been temporarily laid off because of the presence of demonstrating farmers at the entrance to the site since the beginning of

August. 1,400 people have been laid off by the company across the country.

“Irish beef prices are on a par with the main EU markets into which we export some 90% of Irish beef”, Kepak claimed in a statement. “It is Kepak’s conviction that the solution to these weak market prices is an EU-wide challenge and will not be resolved by illegal blockades of Irish meat processors. The short-term hardship and financial stress imposed on staff and farmers, exacerbated by an overhang of factory ready stock, arising from the illegal blockades, is extreme and indiscriminate”.

“It is critical that blockades are lifted to allow farmers and the industry to resume normal activity before it suffers irreparable damage and losses,” the statement concluded.

Miss Ireland runner-up Emma ‘on cloud nine’ and be able to talk on stage was huge for me especially”. paraic@clareecho.ie A social care student at LIT, she paid tribute to the organisers for putting toMMA Austin is “still on cloud nine” following her successful out- gether the production and was grateful of ing in the Miss Ireland competi- getting the opportunity to represent her county. “I made some of the best friends tion over the weekend.

From Shannon, Emma was named as the from it”.

Supporters from Shannon, Kilkishen first runner up in the seventy second running of the beauty pageant. Nineteen year and Limerick travelled to The Helix to old, Chelsea Farrell was crowned Miss Ire- show their backing for Emma, she said land becoming the first ever Louth winner. they made their presence known. “A masOf the 33 participants, Clare’s represena- sive thank you to everyone who was there tive was closest to snatching the crown supporting me on the night, they were the from Farrell. Twenty year old, Emma was loudest people there but it was amazing”. thrilled with her final result. “I had the most Her parents Kathy and Paul along with her younger brother Ben were among those amazing stretching their weekend vocal chords in ever, the the capital over Miss Irethe weekend. land final This wasn’t was on Satthe first time urday and in which the St I’m still on Caimins Comcloud nine, munity School I came first past pupil flew runner the county flag up which as she previously was a huge lined out at unshock, it derage level for was honClare in ladies estly amazfootball. ing, the The level of whole exwell-wishes from perience the public has was fantasincreased for her tic. The aclatest outing and tual show Austin is very itself was grateful, “It’s amazing, been so nice to to be able have everyone’s to stand in support, the supThe Helix and dance l THEIR CROWNING GLORY: Miss Ireland runner up port has been amazing”. on stage Emma Austin celebrates with parents Paul and Kathy

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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6 NEWS

Clare ace Duggan heads Down Under

PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

LL Star forward Peter Duggan will not be part of the Clare senior hurling panel in 2020.

Speaking exclusively to The Clare Echo, the 2013 All-Ireland medallist confirmed he will travel to Australia in November. Duggan, who contemplated going abroad at the end of the 2017 season, will miss next year’s championship as a result. “I might end up going over and you just don’t know, I mightn’t like it straight away and end up coming home. My initial plan would be to go over for the year”.

Making the decision was not an easy one, Peter outlined he is hopeful of gaining new experiences down under that will allow him to establish a landscaping business in Clare upon his return.

“Playing inter-county now there is a lot involved and the thought

is of being able to step away for a year and learn from experiences.

I plan on starting my own business when I come back home in landscaping straight away so being able to build up experience abroad; I’ve done a decent amount of it at home since I finished college in May and I’ve been working away in landscaping since. When I’m away I’ll be able to gain some invaluable experience that I wouldn’t be able to do at home”.

His girlfriend Aoife Murphy is also joining him on the trip and they will link up with her cousins and friends in Melbourne for what will be his first summer away from the senior hurling panel since getting the call-up from Davy Fitzgerald in 2012.

Exploring the world has been a trait of the Duggans from Spancilhill, the three-time All-Ireland U21 medallist explained. “It was always in the back of my head.

My whole family have spent most of their lives travelling, my Mam

l FAN FAVOURITE: Duggan meets fan Claire Fitzgerald from Bodyke earlier this year

Photo by Martin Connolly

and Dad lived away for 13 years, my eldest brother James is living in China, Martin that hurls with me in Clooney is living in London eight years, Paul my other brother has been galavanting all around America and he is planning on moving over. It’s some-

thing that has always been in the family”.

An LIT graduate in business and sports management, his thesis was focused on the increasing demands on inter-county hurlers and the corresponding effect that has on the average retirement age. He is hopeful the year away will extend his inter-county career into his thirties. “I decided towards the end of this year to do it rather than later. If I do it now and come back I’ll have years left in me hurling, I’ll have it out of my system and I’ll be able to hurl into my thirties but if I leave it off and do it at 29 or 30, by the time I get back it will be too hard to get back into hurling at inter-county standard, my best bet at prolonging my career is by doing it at this age”.

Further departures from the panel are not expected by Duggan. “I’ve been speaking to the majority of the lads on the panel and to be honest I don’t think anyone else will step away”.

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

McKee back in action SINN Féin’s Mike McKee made a welcome return to political office this week, attending his first meetings since before the local elections in May. In August, Cllr McKee began receiving chemotherapy and it followed months of tests for the Shannon resident. Fellow elected representatives and staff of Clare County Council were very pleased to see the Portadown born politician present at a meeting of the local authority on Monday and the Shannon Municipal District on Tuesday.

At the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon MD, Cathaoirleach Cllr Gerry Flynn welcomed Cllr McKee back to the table, “You’re very welcome back and best of luck in your battle”.

McKee congratulated Cllr Flynn on retaining the role of Cathaoirleach for a successive year, “I think it is the first time if any that someone has retained the role for a successive year”.

“Thanks for all the well-wishes, it is good to be back, for how long I’ll be back I’m not too sure,” Sinn Féin’s sole representative on the local authority said.

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8 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

Data Centre in preplanning Advocacy medal ENNIS Data Centre, which will be the largest of its kind in the west of Ireland, is in the early stages of preplanning.

Ten months on from announcing they were to lodge plans for a €400m, one million sq ft data centre, Clare County Council have confirmed, “The data centre delivery is at the early stages of preplanning”.

In March of this year, lands in the Toureen area close to the M18 Tulla Rd junction on the outskirts of Ennis were rezoned for the 126 acre site. The local authority had received seventeen submissions in relation to its proposed rezoning, one of which was from a residents group containing 40 members.

Director of Economic Development with the County Council, Liam Conneally had previously stated his belief that the Data Centre would be “a game-changer” for the county.

He predicted it would create 1,000 construction jobs over five years with 200 permanent posts to be established with an additional 150 indirect jobs.

CLARIFICATION

LAST week we ran a story about derelict buildings in Kilrush.

The Clare Echo is happy to clarify that the photo (below) that accompanied the article was used out of context. The building in question on Henry Street is currently occupied and in good condition.

named in honour of Laura Brennan

PÁRAIC McMAHON

L

paraic@clareecho.ie

AURA Brennan’s advocacy work has been acknowledged with the renaming of a medal in her honour.

Minister for Health, Simon Harris has launched the Vaccine Alliance aimed at boosting the uptake of childhood vaccines and reducing vaccine hesitancy. Healthcare professionals, policy makers, patient advocates, students, and representatives from groups most affected by vaccine hesitancy will be included in the Alliance.

Both the HSE and Department of Health credited Laura with leading a nineteen percent rise in the uptake of the HPV vaccine. She carried out such prom ot i on a l

work while dealing with a terminal diagnosis which claimed her life in March 2019.

As a result of the late Ennis woman’s work, the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland has agreed to rename its Medal for Patient Advocacy, the ‘Laura Brennan Advocacy Medal’.

Her parents, Larry and Bernie attended the launch of the Vaccine Alliance.

Since her death, both of her parents along with her brothers Kevin, Fergal and Colin have carried out her wishes of continuing to raise awareness of the HPV vaccine.

Membership of the Alliance will be open to organisations and individuals that support its principles and will be finalised between now and December. In addition to the Alliance, the Minister is to meet with social media companies to discuss their efforts in combating vaccine misinformation.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

Jim Collins' contribution to East Clare acknowledged PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

CARIFF’S Jim Collins has been included on the shortlist for the inaugural Teachers Inspire Ireland initiative.

A former teacher at Inis Cealtra NS in Mountshannon, Jim was named on the first-ever shortlist of the initiative which is focused on highlighting the enormous contribution made by teachers in Ireland. It was launched earlier this year by Dublin City University (DCU) with the support of businessman Dermot Desmond.

Jim is one of twenty teachers, five from each province selected out of over four hundred entries which were submitted from every corner of the country. None of the teachers were aware of the nominations which were received in May and June following a call from DCU to members of the public to share their stories of how a teacher transformed their lives and the surrounding community.

Past pupil Roisin Bugler of Mountshannon who attended the school in the late 1970s and

lNOMINATION: Jim Collins, former teacher at Inis Cealtra NS in Mountshannon, pictured alongside former student Roisin Bugler, who nominated him Photo by Julian Behal

early 1980s put forward Mr Collins for the accolade. She commended how he encouraged pupils to pursue science experiments, grow their own vegetables and flowers, set up savings accounts, and participate in exchanges with his former school in Dublin described

as “exchanges between the Clare culchies and the Dublin jackeens”.

Since retirement, Jim has kept very busy and has been a driving force behind Scariff Bay Community Radio.

Former President of Ireland, Mary

McAleese chaired the panel which reviewed the entries.

Announcing the shortlist earlier this week, Professor Brian MacCraith, President of DCU, said, “We received stories about teachers dealing in an inspirational way with major societal challenges. We received stories of teachers who have played – and continue to play – a key part in helping individuals and whole communities adapt to change. The nominations highlighted teachers dealing with issues such as homelessness, mental health, immigration, unplanned pregnancies, gender identity support, community regeneration, and climate change.

They were submitted by schoolchildren, parents, and people whose schooldays are long behind them but who remember their teachers with great fondness and gratitude.

What is abundantly clear from the nominations received is the extent to which so many teachers go above and beyond their ‘job description’”.

A gala event will take place at The Helix on Friday 4th October where four of the shortlisted teachers, one from each province will receive the inaugural Teachers Inspire Ireland Desmond Awards.

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

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They’ve been filming, at lots of different locations, including the Kilkee Cliffs, Spanish Point, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren.

They stayed at the Bellbridge House Hotel.

“Tourism Ireland was delighted to invite editor@clareecho.ie this German TV crew to film in Clare and CREW from Hessischer along the Wild Atlantic Way this week”, said Rundfunk, a national TV Peter Nash, Tourism Ireland’s Manager for station in Germany, has Central Europe. “The episode will be seen by been filming in Clare and more than 500,000 Germans, inspiring them along the Wild Atlantic to put Ireland on their holiday ‘wish list’ for Way for a popular travel 2020. Television and film are recognised as programme called 'Service:Reisen Die Rat- strong influencers for prospective holidaygeber', which showcases different destina- makers and Tourism Ireland regularly works tions around the world and offers holiday with TV and production companies, in Gertips to German many and travellers. They elsewhere are here as around the guests of Tourworld, to faism Ireland and cilitate the Fáilte Ireland. making of The TV crew travel and will produce a lifestyle pro45-minute epgrammes isode all about and films Ireland – as around the well as a series island of Ireof five short epland.” isodes – which Germany will air in early is the third 2020 to more l ROCK ON: Bernd Goetz (cameraman); Mark Hammerl largest source than 500,000 (sound engineer); Nathaly Janho (director); and Tony Kirby, of visitors to v i e w e r s . Heart of Burren Walks, filming in the Burren Ireland.

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12

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Let go this Autumn L

IVING a life of detachment, letting things go when their season is over, brings life! To let things go when their time is up is not failure, it is not to not appreciate what has been, it is simply to acknowledge that seasons change and a new one is about to begin.

Let positive thinking be your intention this season

Autumn walking and praying Most mornings I head off for a walk and practice being absolutely fully present to the world. I listen for the ‘wisdom’ and the ‘know how’ that the seasons and in this case autumn, offer my life. Walking is a sort of pilgrimage and for me it is a beautiful spiritual practice that recognises that walking out into the world calls us to wider horizons and sets us on a course to try to achieve our dreams or deal with any worries or pain we may have in our life. My prayer walks make me in someways feel younger and more alive and wanting to help people in need as much as I can.

There’s a lot of unwelcome change in our world.

We’re painfully aware our children are growing up in a world far different from the one we knew as children. And personal changes such as children leaving home for college and university, the passing of dear friends, and in some cases the slow, steady decline in our own vitality and health. Autumn can bring to the fore in our minds these changes. But amid all the changes, one

thing, one person, never changes and that’s our eternal God.

Seize your Autumn It amazes me how the evening’s start to shorten to their shortest and how the coldness comes back into the air. For me, autumn is the symbolic season that reminds one to grab hold of all that life has to offer. Autumn is the fulfillment of a hopeful spring and glorious summer.

To make the most of autumn is, for me, to make the most of all that is good in life. Gone are thoughts of winter despair or a chilling and wet spring or an uneventful summer. Everything around us now in this autumn season is alive and vibrant and is at the end of full maturity.

If I seize an autumn day, I believe I seize life itself and find in it all that gives pleasure and meaning. But nothing is as beautiful as all the trees, flowers, shrubs and bushes that are in full colour. It is truly a beautiful, magical and wonderful time of our year. It makes me think about the many blessings that autumn gives to us, such as the coolness and freshness in the air, the soft warm sun on our skin, wonderful warm to cool breezes, singing of the birds, animals of all kinds fully emerged and matured, fresh and sea waters flowing, trees, plants and flowers fully blossomed in an array of numerous colours.

We all need to be positive and embrace abundance, love, care and joy into our

lives, treasuring each moment as it comes. We get so wrapped up at times, well I know I do, with thinking about the past, a lot of the time trying to control the future and forgetting to enjoy and be at peace in the present moment of now. In this world there is strife.

There is also abundant beauty amidst it all. And within that beauty there are reminders tucked away everywhere, encouraging us to persist, to strive, and to bring our dreams for a better world to life.

Please this autumn before the winter is upon us, try to embrace the positive in your life as it’s meant to be.

We all need to start focusing on positive thoughts and creative ideas that make us happy and content. Less negative thinking, it only brings down our spirits and serves no purpose. Let’s all try this autumn and always to make the most of all that is good in our lives.

Thought for the Week As your thought for the week, I pray that as the signs of autumn begin to show themselves all around us, that you will remember that each new day is like a cleared field after harvesting. Your thoughts, attitudes, and actions are the fruit and crops of what you planted.

This autumn choose only the fruits and crops that produced a bountiful harvest of love, joy, health, kindness, care, prosperity, mercy, compassion and peace and let that which held you back drift away.

And may you give thanksgiving not only for the autumn time around you, but also for the autumn time within you. This autumn season try to dislodge hate and replace it with love.

Happy Autumn everyone! I wish each of you as you read this thought, in this moment and on this day, much peace and joy.

Feel this autumn, own it, squeeze the autumn fruit out of it. You have arrived at your destination; this is the present autumn of your life. The autumn of life is a strange mixture of nostalgia, blessings, and potential. It yields the harvest of seeds we’ve sown throughout life and braces us for colder days to come. When life’s autumn arrives, we look back and better understand the way God led us; but we still have work to do—the best and fullest.

It’s a good transition time.

Let me finish with a Prayer I wrote about Autumn Harvest Time.

“In the setting of the Autumn sun, In the shortening of days, In the cooling of the breeze, in the flight of migrating birds, In brightness of the rays of moonlight, In the browning and decay of leaves once green and full of life, In the beauty of morning mists and wintry chills, In the beauty of the fruit that falls, In the coldness of nature’s first frost, We see the Creator’s Hand. So our God of the harvest, Our Farmer and Harvester supreme, Please place us we pray at the centre of all that is good during this Harvest time”. Amen.

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14 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

DOLLED UP: I dressed up for the Downton Abbey Premiere

Self care is so important

THE NOTEBOOK

S

EPTEMBER can be a hectic if not stressful time of year. Back to school/college/work/training can mean more traffic, less free time and with the change in weather and immunity, it’s really important to ensure you are looking after yourself, getting enough rest and checking in on your physical and mental health. I’ve been stocking up on some good supplements and tonics.

See Covet in Clare for some inspo.

We have had two incredible weekends of BEO in Limerick, Clare and Wexford over the past couple of weeks and we are off to Cork this weekend. I am particularly looking forward to chatting to Dr Doireann

O’Leary on Sunday, a young doctor who more recently experienced what it was to be a patient with a serious illness. We also welcomed the incredibly brave Brennan family who took to the stage to spread Laura’s message and remind people of the importance of the HPV Vaccine. You can see the full interview on beowellness.ie I was in the stunning Dromoland Castle for an Autumn/Winter cover

lON THE COUCH: BEO has been a huge success with plenty more to come

COVET IN

CLARE

BOOKWORM Written with heart and humour, Sophie White’s brand new book “Filter This” peels back the social media mask so many wear as a disguise and reveals the real people beneath shedding a light on what could be an ever growing social issue. Available at all good book shops.

CAILÍN DÁNA The much anticipated Joanne Hynes collection at Dunnes Stores launches today. Always tongue and cheek, her quirky stamp always adds the fun to fashion. We’re loving this collections cúpla focal with attitude!

Check out dunnesstores. com for more.

shoot last week and to say the surroundings and clothes were dreamy would be huge understatement.

While I cannot share the end result just yet, check out this ponytail (right)! Ailbhe Lynch was on hair and make up and she is amazing!

As a super Downton Abbey fan down through the years it was great to see the movie last week with another die hard, my mom! The Stella Theatre was the perfect cinema for the premier screening as it’s like stepping back in time and we had to dress up for the occasion! It didn’t disappoint! The costumes alone were a treat.

Saturday is World Beach Clean Up Day and I’m looking forward to taking to the West Clare Coast to play a small part. If you can, take three for the sea or join some local beach clean up groups on the day.

We can all play a part.

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THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

Top 5 Sit-down pizzerias in Clare

1

NUMERO UNO, ENNIS:

One of the originals and still one of the best, the institution that is Numero Uno still manages to satisfy the loyal ennis customer base, a distinct Italian influence manages to deliver great pizza with unique style and flavour.

3

COAST LODGE, SPANISH POINT:

Reportedly testing and trialing three different brands of ovens, before they found the perfect fit, their first year of pizza offering was a huge success, feeding the hungry surfer, curious tourist and familiar local alike.

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COLUMNIST 15

MILANO, ENNIS:

Right in the center of Ennis town, Milano is home to many a great get catch up or family celebration. This international brand has grown on the basis of great food and relaxed atmosphere but their Pizzas must be part of that success too. Not the cheapest place to pick up your bite, but such a wonderful treat when you do. Nobody does a thin base quite like they do.

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STORE HOUSE, LISDOONVARNA:

This place knows how to do good locally sourced food and pizza with a smile! If you want to escape the September shenanigans, then this is the place to grab and go and if it’s love you’re after, you’ll certainly find a match made in heaven fresh from their stone oven!

HASSETT’S BAR, QUIN:

Tucked away in Quinn, this hidden gem has established quite the reputation for oven baked delights amongst locals and has even become a destination stop off too! The cosy atmosphere may even lure you to stay and nestle in for the evening...You could spend it worse ways!

* next date for anti-wrinkle clinic with Dr Darren Kilmartin is October 19, 2019

Entertainment

Mick Flannery lives up to his Anam Music gig C

LARE music lovers are in for yet another great treat with renowned Ennis based singer-songwriter Mick Flannery (below) set to play in Liscannor. The family-friendly evening gig, on Sunday September 29, takes place at the Cliffs of Moher Hotel. It is part of the popular Anam Music series of concerts.

While the Cork native might be seen as outwardly reserved, Flannery’s songs are fluent in expressing layered aspects of the human condition, its flaws, triumphs, and general uncertainty. An award-winning, double-platinum selling artist, Mick Flannery has not only just released his self-titled sixth album which went straight to No. 1, but also oversaw the world premier of the stage musical, Evening Train (named after his 2007 debut album).

As musical influences from albums by the likes of Bob Dylan, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell, and Tom

Waits seeped into his creative DNA, Mick absorbed, learned and honed the craft that would send him on his way into the world.

The path was smoothed somewhat when, at the age of 19, he became the first Irish songwriter to win the Nashville-based International Songwriting Competition. By the time he turned 21, he had signed to a major label and released his debut album.

With his latest release, Mick touches on loose themes of ambition and the search for a meaningful life in the context of a musician’s sometimes feckless and dysfunctional lifestyle. Threading a line throughout is Mick’s uncanny knack for blending melody with thought-provoking lyrics.

Tickets for the Anam Music Mick Flannery gig are available on Eventbrite. Tickets: https://www. eventbrite.ie/e/mick-flannery-tickets-69399605087

l CULTURE NIGHT: Burren artist Richard Hearns will open his studio

An explosion of colour from the Burren landscape RICHARD Hearns was born in Beirut and raised in Dublin, but for the past ten years he has made his home in the enigmatic landscape of the Burren, Co. Clare. Richard is first and foremost a painter he can be found wandering the countryside to paint oil landscapes ‘en plein air,’ or at home in his studio working on observational pieces.

He is not a person to stand still for too long and his artistic endeavours in the past years have seen him move more and more towards abstraction and experimentation, while also tackling such disparate subject matter as birds of prey, wild goat skulls, and a portrait of his Emminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, presented as part of Richard’s solo show at the Sheen Centre for Thought and Culture, NY, earlier this year.

As part of Culture Night 2019, Richard will present an Open Studio Event at his home in Mountscribe, Kinvara H91 A2YX, on Friday September 20. From 5pm visitors can be sure of a warm welcome with music, wine and refreshments.

Richard has described his art work as “an obsession with colour”. This can be appreciated in the many varied colours drawn from a seemingly sparsely coloured landscape, or the liberally painted

abstract forms of his larger canvasses. Richard will have a selection of paintings on show and will be on hand to chat about his art process, inspirations and upcoming events.

Although he is currently living in Kinvara, Richard says ‘the Burren landscape continues to have a positive impact on my work and inspire further painting’. While currently working on a new series of paintings in the Burren, he is really excited to visit the Lebanon this Autumn - his first trip back in over fifteen years. “My wife Boo and I will be touching down in Beirut this October.

I can’t wait to see the countryside again, the different colours, the harsh sunlight, the smells of spices in the market.. I will definitely be bringing my sketchbooks with me!”

The artist hopes the trip will rekindle his fascination with the country of his birth, and provoke further exploration in painting upon his return home to Ireland.

Richard has a second show of art work in Kinvara this September, at Siar Design on the Quay. “I was very happy to be asked to exhibit some pieces at Siar and have been enjoying putting together an exhibition that stands alone and also complements the Culture Night show at my studio,” he adds.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

50 free Culture Ennis Actors Night events Workshop Quality Drama Training for Adults

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lare’s cultural community will come together this Friday (20 September) to showcase the very best the county has to offer.

Culture Night Clare 2019 will see 50 free, family-friendly cultural events being held throughout Clare over a 10-hour period from 1.00pm to 11.00pm.

This year’s programme, which is organised by the Clare Arts Office and funded by Clare County Council and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is filled with free events across the county from Ennis to Doolin, Kilkee to Whitegate and Shannon to Lahinch.

Arts and cultural bodies throughout Clare will throw open their doors offering members of the public a chance to enjoy unique performances and catch a glimpse inside some of the most beautiful buildings and cultural institutions in their area.

Highlights of events taking place in Clare include Leslie Dowdall and Mike Hanrahan (pictured) in Culturlann Sweeney, Kilkee, Steo Wall and Sara Ryan in glór, Ennis and Tommy Hayes and Matthew Noone in Feakle.

This year, fifteen towns and villages are showcasing their culture with Shannon,

8 week Acting Course for Adults Always wanted to give acting a try?

Want to build confidence, have fun and meet people?

Or brush up on existing acting skills?

Starts: Wednesday 2nd October, 7 to 10pm Cloughleigh Community Hall, Ennis Cost: €250 or €235 (student/unemployed) Lahinch, Whitegate and Bunratty coming on board as the new locations this year.

Details of the full Culture Night programme for County Clare can be seen at www.culturenight/clare.

For more info call Sarah on: Tel: 087 237 3531 Email: galwayactorsworkshop@gmail.com www.galwayactorsworkshop.com

Shannon company Extreme Networks invest €3 million in Research and Development Programme

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XTREME Networks, a software-driven networking company, announced today that it will invest three million Euro to expand its Research and Development programme in Shannon, Ireland.

The investment will create 20 new jobs in engineering, data science, and software engineering over the next two years, with the Irish government providing additional funding in the form of a research, development, and innovation grant worth over 500,000 Euro.

The newly established Research and Development team will focus on developing a next-generation cloud portal for network applications and services, as well as a state-of-the-art AI-based security system for the Internet of Things (IoT).

The Shannon Research and Development base is part of a long-term strate-

gy by Extreme Networks that will result in the creation of a substantial number of highly specialised engineering jobs in the region over the next five years.

Anne-Marie Tierney-Le Roux, Regional Business Development Manager, IDA Ireland commented: “This is a great announcement from a global technology leader. The investments will add significant value to the company’s Research and Development operations in Shannon, Co Clare, enabling research of ground-breaking technology solutions which will improve overall product performance and effectiveness. Extreme Networks commitment to Ireland has been exemplary and we warmly welcome this investment”.

With the network industry currently experiencing clear shifts in spending patterns as enterprises focus more on applications and security over physi-

cal hardware, this support for the programme in Shannon is the next step in building a new ‘Cloud and AI Centre of Excellence’ for Extreme Networks.

Founded in 1996, Extreme Networks offers the full spectrum of wired and wireless software-driven networking solutions, from the enterprise edge to the data centre cloud.

Pat Breen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation said: “We’re delighted that Extreme Networks has decided to expand its Research and Development programme in Shannon.

“This commitment from a leading tech innovator is evidence that Ireland is a great country for tech companies from around the world to invest in.

“We are looking forward to seeing the pioneering work that will come as a l JOBS BOOST: Minister of State Pat Breen at the direct result of this investment.”

Extreme Networks investment launch

Avara workers ‘totally and utterly abused’ by management says Mayor of Clare Crowe PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

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taff at Avara in Shannon “are being totally and utterly abused by management” in their attempts to secure a fair redundancy package.

Talks at the Workplace Relations Commission are ongoing between SIPTU representatives and the liquidators. In July, Avara was granted permission by the High Court to appoint administrators to the Shannon company but it emerged that there was no money for the company to fund a redundancy scheme.

At Monday’s meeting of Clare County Council, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Cathal Crowe (right) requested the local authority support the employees in “their campaign to achieve a fair redundancy package” and to request UCB, the previous owners “to honour their

corporate social responsibility charter and pay its ex-workers redundancy”.

The Shannon workers were attempting to put a short plan in place for production which Cllr Crowe gave his backing to.

Dozens of workers from the pharmaceutical plant were in the Chamber for the meeting.

Crowe suggested money be drawn from the EU’s Globalisation Adjustment Fund to offer necessary financial support to the employees, he maintained Co Clare had a case for such aid given affairs in Roche and Moneypoint.

Killaloe representative Cllr Tony O’Brien felt it was “A huge inditement on us as a society that we turn our back on workers.

These companies are welcomed into Ireland, indeed they are very welcome but it shows that various Governments over the years have not put workers at the core of their policies”.

He added, “There has to be legislation put in place that any company coming into this

country to recruit skilled workers that the workers be protected into the future”.

“It goes without saying these staff are being totally and utterly abused by management. Some of the management have a chequered past but the workers have been 100 percent.

It’s a v e r y weak law t o say

these workers are not entitled to any protection.

I know well that these workers are entitled to a decent redundancy package, I would prefer to see them working than to get a redundancy package,” Shannon Cllr PJ Ryan claimed.

Cllr Pat Daly described the situation as “a disgrace”, Fine Gael’s Johnny Flynn added “It is the least this company can do, to treat their workers fairly”.

Cllr Mary Howard stated: “We can be guaranteed that this company has made plenty of money and now they have decided to bail out.

“It is heartbreaking that they will get away with this in this day and age.”

Potential environmental risks were flagged

by Cllr Paul Murphy with Independent Michael Begley demanding “Workers should be paid a proper and fair redundancy”.

The longest serving employee with Avara in Shannon has been there for 33 years.

CENTRAL WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING FACILITY, BALLYDUFF BEG, INAGH, CO CLARE

Saturday 28TH September, 2019 8.30am - 1pm

FREE disposal of hazardous waste items listed. Normal charges apply for other waste/recycling • For safety reasons, all waste containers must contain original labels/ identification • Staff will be unable to accept unknown wastes or waste not in original containers • Medical sharps (needles) will not be accepted

HAZARDOUS ITEMS ACCEPTED FREE OF CHARGE ARE: • ADHESIVES • AEROSOLS • ANTIFREEZE • BATTERIES (HOUSEHOLD, CAR & FENCE)

• HERBICIDES • HOUSEHOLD DETERGENTS • MEDICINAL WASTE (HUMAN & ANIMAL) • MIXED FUELS

• OIL (COOKING & ENGINE) • OIL FILTERS • PAINTS & VARNISHES • PESTICIDES

Waste from commercial operators WILL NOT be accepted For further details please contact: email: enviroff@clarecoco.ie | telephone: (065) 6821616

This is part of the Anti Dumping Initiative 2019 Co-ordinated by Clare County Council & WERLA Southern Region.

For further information contact Environment Section, Clare County Council on 065-6846331

CLARE RALLY STAGES

CLARE councillor Alan O’Callaghan swapped the council chamber for the cockpit as he finished as the top local driver of the Clare Rally Stages alongside co-driver Declan O’Regan in 13th position.

The 2019 Dougie Hughes Memorial Clare Stages Rally overall prize was taken by Tipperary’s Roy White, partnered by Cork’s James O’Brien in a Ford Fiesta WRC, with an overall time of 1 hour 7 minutes 21.8 seconds.

Clare’s Padraig Egan and Brian Hassett were just behind O’Callaghan and O’Regan in 14th, some 6 minutes 49.3 seconds back from the winner, while Jane Cogan partnered Limerick’s Frank Sweeney to 17th, 9 minutes 0.7 second behind.

Meanwhile, Clare’s Cathal Nolan took the Junior section in his Honda Civic eg6 with a time of 53 minutes 10.8 seconds, while brothers Jake and Aaron Lennon topped the Class 16A section in their Honda Civic with a time of 51 minutes 41.4 seconds.

l BURNING RUBBER: (this page, clockwise from above) Stage winners Roy White and James O’Brien celebrate their victory at Woodstock Hotel, Ennis; Michael Hamilton seconds before crash out; Sector marshall Derrick Cummins at the ready; Rally fan Gary Mawhinney studies the programme; Sebastian Katrych and Karal Cwietkow get a good vantage point; (opposite page, from left) Cyril Clohessy and Seamus Turbidy help out with marshalling; top Clare team Alan O’Callaghan and Declan O’Regan

Photos by John Mangan

Community 22 COMMUNITY

WEST CLARE

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

KILRUSH COMMUNITY GARDEN Wednesday 25th of September From 1-3pm Kilrush Community Garden which is located at Nagles Terrace are officially launching the recently constructed dome and tunnels. There will be a number of talks and tips on growing veg, beekeeping etc.

MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION EVENING Wednesday 25th of September West Clare Mental Health Association are holding an information evening in association with Connecting for Life Mid West. This event hopes to raise awareness about what is happening in relation to Mental Health in West Clare amongst other things. The event is on from 6-8pm in Kilrush Community Centre.

HISTORY WEEK LECTURE Clare County Library’s “Decade of Centenaries History Week” is scheduled to take place from 14 September to 20 September 2019.

To coincide with this initiative, Kilrush District and Historical Society’s Dr Paul O’Brien will be giving a lecture about the Barrett family to the Clare Roots Society this evening, Thursday September 19, 2019, at 8.00pm at the Old Ground Hotel in Ennis. Commandant Joseph Barrett (1888-1971) was part of a well-known Clare family and a member of the IRB and Irish Volunteers and served as a leader of the Mid Clare Brigade’s Flying Column during the War of Independence. KDHS recently-discovered an archive found in Moore Street in Kilrush which garnered a lot of national and international publicity this year.

The KDHS AGM will now take place before our October lecture, which will be back in the usual venue at the usual time on the usual day (Teach Ceoil, Tuesday 29 October 2019). Our October speaker will be Dr. Brendan Dunford.

Kilrush District and Historical Society Memory Lane Calendar 2020 is also available, with more never-before-seen historical photographs from Kilrush.

ENNIS CLARE COMETS BASKETBALL CLUB Clare Comets Basketball Club invites new members for basketball season 2019-2020 (September to March). See Clare Comets Facebook page for registration date. Players: U10 girls (dob: 2010-2011); U12 girls (dob: 2008-2009); U14 girls (dob: 2006-2007); U16 girls (dob: 2004-2005). Coaches/parents: volunteers, students of the game, club-team roles. Practise venue: St Flannan’s College sports hall. Practise hours: U10 and U12 girls every Wednesday 5.30pm-7pm; U14 girls every Thursday 5.30pm-7pm; U16 girls every Thursday 7pm-9pm.

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/Clare-Comets-Basketball-Club-564902806891601/

EAST-CLARE TOUR THROUGH EAST CLARE CYCLE Now in it's fifth year, the annual Tour Through East Clare cycle will take place this year on Saturday September 28. This year's event will provide a choice of 3 routes: 100km, 50km and a 10km family cycle.

All routes will start and finish at the Kilkishen Cultural Centre. This year's event sees Torpey Hurleys very kindly coming on board as our main sponsor.

Both the 100km & 50km cycles begin at 9am & the 10k cycle begins at the later time of 10.30am.

All routes will be marshalled and refreshments will be provided for all on return to the Kilkishen Cultural Centre.

Detailed maps of all routes and online registration are available on www.kilkishen.com & people can also stay up to date on developments in the countdown to this year's event by following our "Tour Through East Clare" Facebook page.

The cycle is organised by Kilkishen Development and funds raised from this cycle will support the fundraising efforts for the Kilkishen Cultural Centre and will also support the work of the Clare Crusaders Clinic in Barefield.

l REVAMP: Clare Youth Service will update programmes thanks to EI Electronics

CLARE YOUTH SERVICE Developmental Groupwork programmes, first rolled out by Clare Youth Service in the 1970s, are to be reformatted and modernised, thanks to the community support programme of EI Electronics.

The hugely popular programme, focussing on personal development and leadership, has been delivered to over 10,000 young people in every corner of Clare, helping young people in their personal journeys as well as producing community leaders across the county.

Originally developed by the late Leslie Button at the University of Swansea, the Development Groupwork Programme was introduced to Clare by Fr. Seán Sexton and has been a core part of Clare Youth Service’s work. They have since trained several hundred local volunteers to run the programme with young people in their own areas of the county.

CEO of Clare Youth Service, Margaret Slattery says that the programme’s ongoing success is that it accepts where every young person is at and gives them the tools to steer their own journey regardless of their background. Nevertheless, she and her colleagues have seen a need to refresh and modernise the programme for modern times.

“New language and forms of communications are evolving rapidly, and we identified a need to update the programme. This involves research and trialling that comes at a significant cost and until now, we have not been able to afford this. In our conversations with EI Electronics, they recognised the impact which a revamped programme will have, and we are delighted that they were in a position to support this development,” she said.

EI is a global leader in fire and CO detection products and employs over 700 people in Shannon.

Its founder and CEO, Michael Guinee, said that his company recognises the community impact of development groupwork for young people. “As a 100% Irish-owned company embedded in the communities of Clare since our foundation, EI is delighted to support this project which will ensure that the programme is modernised and offered to a new generation of Clare’s young people.”

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LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE CLARE

OCAL Enterprise Office Clare is operating a Brexit Mentor Programme in an effort to prepare local businesses for the possibility of a hard Brexit. Services include a Brexit SME Scorecard delivered as an online risk assessment tool, one to one strategic mentoring as well as an online customs insights course to assist with the additional administrative burden of customs documentation.

Padraic Mc Elwee, Head of Enterprise, Clare LEO warns of the impact of a hard Brexit, “This means potential changes for a business regardless of their size or location. Our concern from a Clare perspective is that a high percentage of our local businesses have not commenced assess-

ment of the possible Brexit impact on their profitability.” Padraic urges the vigilance of local businesses to establish a line of contact and to avail of the frameworks put in place by the Local Enterprise Office team in recent weeks.

Specialist knowledge provided on a one to one basis is the backbone of the Brexit Mentor Programme. “We have a free mentor service designed to assess the Brexit impact to each individual business. We will sit down with that company, chat to them, assess their supply chain, currency risk, potential impact of customs. Then we will work out a plan to help that company work through Brexit. It’s a free service and we think it’s hugely important at the very least to make that assessment.”

Additional paperwork is an inevitability in the face of Brexit. Whether products arrive directly or indirectly through the UK, Padraic feels that “this will be an administrative headache. One of the issues we are seeing at a customs level is that this area of expertise is gone out of Ireland. Companies need to be able to do the basic level of documentation.”

For any business looking to avail of these services provided by the Local Enterprise Office, check out their website where the 9 key steps to identify whether your business is at risk from unspecified stipulations could help avoid any adverse financial consequences.

24 BUSINESS PROFILE

Moloneys Clare for

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

OLONEY Fuels are preparing to warm thousands of Clare homes as they head into their 20th winter as one of the county’s most popular fuel suppliers. Once a family of grocers, Clarecastle native Seán carried on the Moloney family business by diversifying into the fuel supply business two decades ago aged just 18. It would prove to be a wise decision and one he would never look back from.

“I would have joined the family business after I finished school. Dad and Mam would have had different grocery stores in Ennis,” Seán tells The Clare Echo, recounting Andy and the late Noreen’s ventures on the Kilrush

Road and College Green respectively. “Eventually they settled and bought a premises in Drumbiggle.”

Here is where Seán’s dad Andy began selling fuel in the grocery store. “When I joined the business, I spent a year in the grocery trade and I was always more interested in the fuel side than the grocery side. Dad would have seen this and he would have encouraged me to grow the fuel side of the business and I took over the fuel side fairly quickly and grew it from there on to what it is now.”

It would prove to be Sean’s first job and “I would imagine my last”, he says with a laugh.

With the business operating Monday to Saturday, 9-6pm on the Drumbiggle Road, customers can visit to see the different products available in store or make delivery orders. Seán (38) says he is thankful of family support when it comes to running the sixdays-a-week delivery service.

“My father is retired now from the business.

He retired last year but would always be there

heating up 20 years...

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

for advice and would always help out when we need it. We always had a good relationship.

With a family business we would always have felt that you would have to have a good relationship and get on well.”

Reflecting on 20 years of continuous growth, Seán says, “We’ve been lucky enough that it has grown each year over lCONTINUED LEGACY: Seán Moloney, proprietor of Moloney Fuels with his father that time, we Andy, who started the business in Drumbiggle as a grocery store

Photo by John Mangan have built up a fairly strong with his now wife. customer base, some who have been with us from “It was a particularly busy summer, I got married the beginning. The solid fuel business is a challeng- at the end of July to Síle Ní Dheargáin from Kerry ing business with the focus on climate change and and we’ve a little baby girl Síoda, she’s 10 months old increased carbon taxes on fuel in recent years, we’ve now so it’s been a busy year but a very positive one. been lucky that our business has continued to grow It’s been a great year for us. in those challenging times.”

Seán adds with a laugh, “I though last year was However, Seán admits that he’s been forced to busy but I’ve a feeling this one could be just as bad.”

Looking back on his 20 years, Seán is quick to diversified the business for that very reason, along with an increased usage in fire stoves in people’s thank his loyal customer base, adding, “It’s hard to believe, it flies. Looking back, we’re very happy with homes.

“There’s been a huge increase in stoves in the last how the business has gone. It’s tough work and it’s couple of years and the efficiency of stoves would physically challenging and business is tough, there’s lead to more timber being burnt than coal and the long hours but also can be very rewarding and we’re kiln-dried timber is a cleaner timber for the stove. very proud as a family as to where the business has We work with Fairgreen Stoves and they recom- gone. We hope to keep moving it forward and conmend kiln-dried timber and our wood pallets be- tinue being a success and obviously I’d like to thank all our customers over the years for supporting us.” cause they know the quality, when they fit a stove.

“We’ve seen a huge increase in the sale of kiln-dry timber and we’d be one of the biggest suppliers in Clare. We sell birch, oak and ash in 40l net bags and This Saturday, Moloney Fuels will celebrate 20 1.2m crates which sell very well. We cover the county. We’ve seen a shift towards woodpellets as well in years by giving back to their customers with a range the last few years, which we source directly from the of offers on the day, so just pop in and say hello. mill and they’re of A1 quality. We buy in bulk so it’s at a very competitive price.”

“They would be a cleaner fuel but we still have a strong demand for coal and there’s been a shift to smokeless coal obviously and we cater for this in a big way. We’d always put an emphasis on quality more than anything and we feel that’s why our business has grown from strength to strength.”

While the winter time is when you’re most likely to see Seán out and about in the Moloney Fuels van, the former senior Clarecastle hurler also enjoyed a productive summer by tying the knot

BUSINESS PROFILE 25

26 BUSINESS PROFILE

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

Cheers to five years at Taylor’s STUART HOLLY

W

editor@clareecho.ie

HEN you walk into Taylor’s Bar in Ennis, on most winter nights a few things can be taken for granted. You’ll walk underneath a ‘fáilte’ sign at the front door before being warmly greeted by a blazing open fire to your right and the face of a Taylor to your left. You’ll be served a perfect pint of the stout or a generous, goblet-sized glass of premium G&T with all the bells and whistles - just some of the hallmarks that have made Taylor’s a cosy, welcoming, family-run pub.

With Taylor’s preparing to celebrate five years in business, The Clare Echo sits down with proprietors Susan and Patrick to reflect on their whirlwind introduction to the world of public houses because - amazingly - neither had a background in the industry.

Taking turns to speak while recounting the five-year history, the Taylors tell me that the Clooney-Quin hurlers were in celebrating last night after their exploits on the hurling pitch. That Clooney-Quin connection has been a strong presence at Taylor’s since opening its doors. Numbered among the ranks of the GAA team is their son Ryan, an intercounty hurler who currently also works in the family business. He’s one of the five Taylor children you’re likely to see behind the bar, alongside Mark, Jane, Kate and Ella, ranging in age from 26 down to 15, while four part-time staff are also employed.

“All of them, even Ella – as it’s a family-run bar – has worked here on occasions and helped us out with the recycling, clearing tables and she loves it. They’ve all done their time here and are still helping us which is great,” begins Susan. “We try always to have a Taylor here. Except on Sunday evening, we all have dinner together.”

While Patrick admits that sometimes over the breakfast table there can be groans at mention of the the bar, Susan says, “You’d be bumping off each other behind that bar, it’s so small, but we do love it.”

Today, the Taylors laugh when recounting their success

story as publicans. Whether they knew it or not, the seed of an idea to run a bar formed when Susan and Patrick were regulars at what was then The Usual Place.

Patrick goes on, “When we opened, we had no idea what it would entail. Briefly I worked in a bar in Australia 30 years ago for six months, so it was a bit daunting.

This used to be our local when Mary and Aidan Galvin had the Usual Place and we had fond memories here.”

As chance would have it years later, the premises came to the market. “We wanted to start a business together and it seemed to tick all the boxes so we just went for it.” With the help of Donagh Vaughan of The Grove and readily available advice from Charlie O’Meara, formerly of The Usual Place, they were on their way. “We got the keys at Christmas 2014 and after a two-month refurbishment, we opened in March,” says Susan.

It was that lack of experience which Patrick believes was a blessing in disguise. While Susan had a business background having owned a beauty salon at Merchant’s Square, they were entering new territory. Patrick assesses, “Because we weren’t in the trade before, we came with fresh ideas.” This included being a trend-setter for serving gin in style - big glasses, filtered ice, 22 gin options and setting themselves out as a ‘talking bar’. Patrick adds, “If people are going to pay top money for a premium gin, it should be served nicely in a comfortable setting.”

Following a successful opening year, Taylor’s were happy to benefit from two bumper summers as the Fleadh brought with it thousands of pub-goers to Ennis.

“The real eye-opener for us, the following year, was the home hurling games. It carried on the Fleadh fever.”

As they approach five years in business, Patrick jokes that in his hips it feels like 10 years. “It’s hard work physically but it’s very rewarding, with the amount of people we meet. It’s also a huge education for our kids, to work in Taylor’s Pub.” Susan adds, “We’ve a lovely customer base, it’s such a mix of all ages, people come in and always seem to meet someone they know which creates a fantastic atmosphere.”

While success has come the way of the Taylors, the risk they took can’t be underestimated in establishing the business when they did. Drinking trends have changed in recent years and more than 80 pubs have closed in Clare over the last 15 years. The area they moved into, at the time, wasn’t the hive of activity it once was when pubs like the Porter Stall, Henry Js and Grace McCarthys were in their Celtic Tiger pomp.

But Susan insists, “No, that didn’t come into [our minds] at all. No-one can deter you if you’re determined enough, you make it work and work hard enough; you create the right product that people are looking for.” Patrick continues, “The Market, we felt, was ready for a new business and I think we’ve helped to contribute to the area. Other businesses have opened there in the intervening years and that has also helped - I would love to see more businesses open here.”

Susan, who Patrick admits is the real boss of Taylor’s Pub, adds that they are very proud of what they’ve achieved to this point. Patrick says, “You would stand outside and look over at the bar and say, ‘did we really do it?’”

Susan adds, “We’re delighted. It’s like when I opened my beauty salon, you have to take a chance on yourself and not be afraid to try.”

Patrick says that “quality of product” is what defines Taylor’s Bar. “It was absolutely number one when we came in.” Susan continues, “And my thing was cosy, girly touches, candles, cushions, and nice glasses.”

Thanking those who have socialised in their establishment over the years, and continue to do so, Patrick adds, “It doesn’t matter how hard we work or what we’ve done, we wouldn’t be here but for our loyal customers.”

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

lFAMILY RUN BUSINESS: Proprietors of Taylor’s Bar Patrick and Susan Taylor (centre) celebrate five years in business with their children (L-R) Ryan, Mark, Jane, Kate and Ella; (pictured left) Patrick and Susan toast their success while thanking their loyal customers for support

Photos by John Mangan

BUSINESS PROFILE 27

28 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, SEPT 19 2019

BUSINESS

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

Upskill your career at the Mid West Regional Skills Roadshow

F

OLLOWING the success of two previous upskilling events in Dell EMC and Ei Electronics, the MWRSF in collaboration with Ennis Chamber is co-hosting an upskilling information event for employers and employees in Ennis on Wednesday September 25.

All colleges and training providers operating in the MidWest will be on hand to outline the wide range of part-time, online and flexible learning course available in the region.

The event, being held in Civic Rooms, Drumbiggle Road, will run from 9am until 1pm.

Local education training providers including the University of Limerick, Limerick Institute of Technology, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board, Griffith College and Shannon Chamber Skillnet, who offer part-time flexible learning courses that are funded or part-funded by Government, will be in attendance.

Announcing the event, Margaret O’Brien, CEO Ennis Chamber said: “This event, in partnership with the MidWest Regional Skills Forum is about creating awareness of

the many ways employees can upskill to ensure that we have a highly skilled and talented workforce in the Mid-West region. It’s a timely event given that businesses and employees are planning their training options for the year ahead.

Mid-West Regional Skills Forum manager Joe Leddin commenting on the value of an event of this nature added: “Talent is now the determining factor for companies to maintain competitiveness.

Bringing the Education and Training providers off campus to meet industry as demonstrated in our two previous events is delivering benefits for those looking to upskill or reskill.

Lifelong learning is not new; however, what is new is the rapid pace of change in technology with career pathways less defined. The purpose of this upskilling event is to showcase to employers and employees the range of Government-funded part-time flexible learning courses available.

This event, which is free of charge, is open to everyone working in local companies and we would encourage companies to give their employees the time off to attend.

l OPPORTUNITY: Pictured at the announcement of the Mid West Upskilling Roadshow in Ennis L-R; Joe Leddin Regional Skills Mid West; Eimear Brophy LCETB; Jim Lynch Regional Manager DEASP and Padraic McElwee LEO Clare and Mid West Regional Skills Forum chairman

EBS Ennis supports Volunteers in Sport EVERY year over 450,000 volunteers work with 78 national sport and physical activity governing bodies to ensure that sport happens across each and every county in Ireland.

EBS, the Mortgage Masters, is proudly partnering with The Federation of Irish Sport to bring support to this army of volunteers throughout Ireland.

The first activity under this partnership will be the Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by EBS. It takes place in November 2019 and will see volunteers in sport from around Ireland recognised officially at an event in Dublin hosted by the Federation of Irish Sport and representatives of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.

Speaking on the benefits of the partner-

ship, Emer O’Reilly from EBS Ennis said: “volunteers mobilise every day on their own time, with little recognition or reward. There is no glory, but they are there when it matters, because it is the right thing to do; for the team, for their family, for their friends, for their community, for their country.

“EBS and The Federation of Irish Sport want to recognise these people, and we would love if you could put your favourite volunteer(s) up for a Volunteers in Sport Award.”

To nominate the volunteer(s) that you think deserves to be recognised for their work just log on to www.volunteersinsport.com before the September 29.

Drop into EBS Ennis if you want more information.

OPINION/ADVICE

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

29

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

How hypocritical we’ve become

I

RELAND has long played on the mantra of being the place of a thousand welcomes.

We’ve long justified the slogan with tourists often reporting the immense “céad mile fáilte” they’ve received on their tours throughout the Emerald Isle. International surveys also give us high marks for our famous welcome. This was reflected well in our county town on the awarding of the Purple Flag to Ennis, the first town in Ireland to receive the accolade, with much fanfare and the slogan, “Ireland’s friendliest town”.

It’s a great trait we have and one we should be proud of.

Therefore, the emerging trend of far right and downright racist opinions concerning immigration in the country is all the more worrying. Are we just a people that are okay with foreigners coming here to spend their money and leave again? Are we that shallow? This writer doesn’t think so. But why is the emergence of far-right agitation happening here and why are so many politicians fanning those same flames?

Our neighbours in Galway set the scene for the latest of these controversies. Veteran TD, Independent Noel Grealish, was caught saying some very unsavoury things at a meeting in Oughterard about migrants. However, the subject of the meeting was that of a Direct Provision centre in the town. For those not in the know, Direct Provision centres have nothing to do with economic migration but the Government’s way of ‘housing’ asylum seekers as their refugee application is being processed, often in disused hotels or series of mobile homes in a compound.

This is a basic distinction that someone of the stature of Grealish should be aware of. What we are talking about here are people, generally, fleeing war torn parts of the world where whole towns have been levelled. Human rights abuses are all too common in these scenarios and people fleeing these conditions should be given every help available.

The vast majority of these refugees are being housed in camps in neighbouring countries. For example, Lebanon currently houses 1.5 million Syrian refuges in a country who’s population is only 6

million. This despite having a land area of less than an eight the size of the island of Ireland. We are currently in the midst of the greatest refugee crisis the world has seen since World War II and it’s fair to say that we in the Western World are not pulling our weight. Just 6% of the world’s refugees are in Europe even though we have 12% of the world’s landmass, almost all of it habitable. The European Union is also home to roughly a quarter of the World’s Economic resources. Like it or not, a lot of current conflicts can trace their origins back to interference in that region

by Western countries, of which we, as a collective, have seen the benefits. Yet, here in Ireland we have seen 3,673 asylum applications in 2018.

At the end of the year almost 6,000 such people were still awaiting a decision on their application in one of 39, largely for profit, Direct Provision centres. The State is paying almost €1.2m per week to the companies that run these centres. The asylum seekers themselves have their meals provided for and a roof over their head. Everything else, including transport, prescription charges, children’s school tour costs, etc., must be met from the weekly allowance of €38.80 for an adult and €29.80 per child. This was an increased rate just last March from €21.60 per person. Imagine having less than €40 per person per week to meet all expenses outside of domestic bills, rent and food.

This system was started by then Fianna Fáil Government in 2000 as a measure to last no greater than 6 months per person. Fast forward to 2019 and this Government has overseen a regime where some people have spent over 10 years in Direct Provision.

What’s more depressing is the fact that roughly a fifth of the 6,000 people are children with no proper facilities to study, let alone play.

Some 88km from Oughterard where Grealish made the horrifically inaccurate slur of asylum seekers being “spongers”, is Lisdoonvarna.

The Spa town was the scene of controversy when its residents voted overwhelmingly against a Direct Provision Centre. The concerns of the locals were well founded. North Clare has seen a lack of Government in-

vestment and a huge shortage of services; the reason sighted for their objections. The plan to bring an extra few hundred people wasn’t accompanied with any plan to improve on this poor investment. Fast forward almost 2 and a half years and the “céad mile fáilte” attitude has won out with new residents of the town getting a great reception. The LINKS programme has done sterling work to promote integration but even they have been critical of the lack of Government supports for their works.

However, at the time, far right agitators were on the ground spreading completely made up “stats” about attacks on locals by asylum seekers elsewhere in Ireland.

The people of Lisdoonvarna ignored these fabrications but were correct to oppose a Direct Provision centre for the right reasons. As highlighted by many Lisdoon people, Direct Provision is no way for a person to live. People fleeing war zones should not be institutionalised as a bureaucracy bungles to deal with their application. The area should see investment rise in line with the addition to the population.

Direct Provision is not fit for purpose at best. At worst, it’s cruel. Yet, this Government is set to spend another €65m for four new Direct Provision centres in Leinster. Is this the kind of thing we want our taxes going towards? Irish people were overwhelmingly critical of the Trump administration when pictures of caged migrant children on the US – Mexican border emerged. But we must ask ourselves, are we really much better institutionalising asylum seekers as we do? I fear we will look back at this shameful practise in decades to come and realise it is the Magdalene Laundries of our time. All this in a country for whom the image of our brethren fleeing these shores in times of famine are still seared into the national psyche. How hypocritical we’ve become in such a relatively short time.

065 6828 383

www.cahirsolicitors.com

36 Abbey Street, Ennis

Top tips when buying a house or apartment

B

UYING a family home is one of the most momentous decisions that a lot of people will make.

So, naturally you want it to be an enjoyable experience and that means understanding the process, and knowing what’s required of you and your professional team including your solicitor, your mortgage broker/bank and your surveyor. Understanding will ensure that you will be opening the door of your home stressfree in no time.

Here are some of the top tips to ensure that buying a house is a memorable and enjoyable event.

DO YOUR SUMS / FINANCES

Talk to a mortgage broker and to your bank to find out what are your borrowing limits. In recent years the central bank has imposed strict conditions on the amount of money that individuals can borrow for their family home. Don’t make assumptions! Being mortgage approved before putting an offer on a property can very often be the difference between a seller accepting the offer or not.

INSPECT THE PROPERTY THOROUGHLY

When viewing a property don’t be afraid to check the boiler system, flush toilets, turn on taps, and open or close windows. If the property has a septic tank ask where is it and where is the soak pit. Negotiate in relation to the contents, look for specifics with regards to what is or isn’t included.

TALK TO YOUR SOLICITOR

It is never too early to talk to your solicitor. Let them know what your plans are, the type of property you are looking for. Their expertise in dealing with property transactions is one of the greatest strengths that you have on your side.

Ultimately the contract for sale will be the singularly most important document governing the transaction. It is of great importance that this is scrutinised by your solicitor and that any special conditions put into the contract by the vendor are limited to only those that are strictly necessary and that equally any special conditions required by you, the purchaser, are properly set out and inserted.

A purchase is only binding when the contracts signed by both parties and deposit paid. It is therefore crucial that your solicitor acts fast with all of the queries and has a full consultation with you to go through all issues. Delays in the process can be expensive and can result in you having additional accommodation costs.

GET A STRUCTURAL SURVEY

A structural survey is recommended as the vendor is under no duty to disclose any physical defects with the property!

Therefore the principle of caveat emptor or “buyer beware” applies and a survey

will identify any issues such as dampness, loose roof tiles, poor insulation or flood prone area. Also ask your engineer to comment on quality of extensions or home improvements and if they required planning permission. A detailed house survey is worth the price because it will give peace of mind. If the survey turns up little wrong with the home, you will move in worry free. However, if the survey finds serious problems, then the few hundred euros invested in your survey could end up saving you thousands.

PLANNING SEARCH

It is worthwhile to have a planning search carried out by your solicitor or you can visit the Local Authority to see what plans are there for the area you are proposing to buy in. Is there a new road being planned or a large housing development nearby? You might decide that the proposed developments will negatively impact on your enjoyment of the property or decrease the value. Be informed before signing contracts.

POST COMPLETION

Once the sale is completed it is advisable that you update or make your Will.

You have purchased a new asset and it is important that you make adequate provision in your Will. Talk to your solicitor about making a Will or updating your Will and updating your address etc.

The steps of the home buying process are as follows: 1 Have offer accepted and pay booking deposit to the auctioneer. This is refundable if the transaction does not proceed.

2 Contracts issue to your solicitor, who should meet you to go through them and raise precontract enquiries.

3 Contracts signed and a 10% deposit less the booking deposit is payable.

4 You should insure the house from the date contracts are exchanged. You now have a legal interest in the property and what happens to it from that date is very much of your concern.

5 A further series of enquiries about the property known as requisitions on the title, to be raised by your solicitor.

6 Your mortgage pack is completed by your solicitor, transfer document drafted and monies requested for your bank.

7 Closing of the sale takes place where the title is exchanged in return for the purchase price.

8 Your solicitor pays the revenue stamp duty and submits deeds and the mortgage documents for registration in the land registry. Depending on the title of the house registration can take a number of months.

Call Cahir Solicitors on 065 6828383 with any questions in relation to the property purchase process.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

FORD’S HYBRID MONDEO IS FRUGAL AND FUN PART-ELECTRIC MONDEO ESTATE SIPS GENTLY AT THE FUEL PUMPS

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FORD MONDEO HEV ESTATE TITANIUM

OR many of us, an electric car is just not quite right yet. Either we don’t have off-street parking for charging up at night, or we have to travel regular long distances which aren’t possible with many, even most, electric cars right now, or we just don’t have faith in the pretty-sparse numbers of public charging points.

And do you know what? That’s OK. The whole you-must-buy-electric-cars-and-only-electric-cars thing is really a timetable that’s going to take some years to play out.

Right now, there are other eco-friendly, fuel-saving options, and they’re readily available and generally speaking pretty affordable.

Take this Mondeo HEV Estate. HEV is Ford-Speak for Hybrid Electric Vehicle, and that’s exactly what this is. It uses a combination of a 2.0-litre, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, and a stack of batteries and an electric motor, to achieve some pretty impressive economy and emissions figures. It is a pretty close rival to the likes of a Toyota Prius, or even the new Camry, and yet it’s still a Mondeo underneath.

The fact that it is a Mondeo underneath presents both advantages and problems. The biggest advantage is that, being a Mondeo, this is a pretty fabulous car to drive. In fact, I think it might just be the best-driving hybrid around, or at least the best-driving one this side of the new (and much more expensive) BMW 330e.

The steering is both soothing and sharp, with gorgeous weighting and delicious accuracy. The extra weight of the batteries means that the suspension has been beefed

up to cope, so the ride quality is a little firmer than on a standard Mondeo, but this estate still flows down the road with delightful precision, and no little sense of fun.

It’s also tremendously refined. Although not a fully electric car, the Mondeo’s trick electronics will try and use the battery power available as much as possible, so when you’re driving around town, you actually spend a surprising amount of time running on only electrical power. Even when it does kick in, the petrol engine is smooth, so other than when you put your foot right down and ask for maximum acceleration, the overriding experience of driving this Mondeo is of its silence.

The downsides to it still being a Mondeo underneath? Well, there’s a packaging issue. Because this generation of Mondeo wasn’t originally designed to have batteries, Ford has had to make space for them, and that means that the boot floor has been raised up to allow some extra room.

That means that boot space has fallen by quite a bit — down from 525-litres in a standard Mondeo estate, to just 400-litres here. It’s still a practical space, overall, but definitely reduced from standard.

On the outside, aside from the Hybrid badges on the front wings, you’d simply never realise. This is still a hugely handsome car, although I do think that the tweaks made recently to the grille at the front, to make it look a little more Focus-y, aren’t as handsome as the styling that this generation Mondeo had when it was first launched in 2014.

The cabin is still pretty good, though.

The instrument panel — a mix of analogue and digital — looks nice, and certainly packs the information in. The eight-inch touchscreen for the SYNC3 infotainment system is big, bright, clear, and easy to navigate your way around. Best of all though are the senses of both space and

comfort — there’s leg-stretching room in the back seats, and the front seats are exceptionally comfortable. Overall quality seems good too, and certainly the cabin creaks and squeaks that afflicted early versions of this generation Mondeo seem to have been banished.

What about the economy, though? Well, it seems good, to be honest. We managed to get an average economy figure of 5.5-litres per 100km out of the Mondeo HEV in our time with it, which included some long motorway runs, and lots of city mileage. That’s easily comparable with the likes of the Toyota Corolla or Camry hybrids, or indeed the new RAV4, which has very similar pricing to the Mondeo HEV. Emissions are kept low, too, with a WLTP (the newer, more strict, economy and emissions test) rating of 126g/ km, which means that the Mondeo HEV should still be a very tax-efficient car even if the Government fiddles with the tax bands in October.

Overall, the Mondeo HEV Estate feels (and I guess looks) like a bit of an old-fashioned car. In a world where everyone is buying an SUV, a simple, practical, family estate such as this seems to stand out much more, and its comfort and refinement levels are simply off-the-scale good. For anyone wanting to take a tentative first step into the world of electric motoring, it seems like a very good choice.

FACTS & FIGURES Model tested: Ford Mondeo HEV Estate Titanium Pricing: €35,997 as tested; Mondeo starts at €22,513 Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with hybrid assistance Transmission: CVT automatic, fourwheel drive Body style: Family estate CO2 emissions: 126g/km (Band B1 €270 per annum) Claimed economy: 4.4-litres per 100km (64.2mpg) Top speed: 187km/h 0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds Power: 187hp at 6,000rpm Torque: 173Nm at 4,000rpm Boot space: 400-1,605 litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for Ford Mondeo: Five stars: 86 per cent adult; 82 per cent child; 66 per cent pedestrian; 66 per cent safety assist

TIME, PASSION & CARE GOES INTO EVERY USED ŠKODA AT AL HAYES CAR SALES. 191 ŠKODA FABIA AMBITION

1.0L PETROL

191 ŠKODA OCTAVIA

€14,500

191 KODIAQ STYLE 7 SEATER

2.0TDI

€42,000

1.6TDI

€15,950

€15,950

1.6TDI

€29,500

€21,000

1.6TDI

€14,500

1.6TDI

€24,000

2.0TDI

€33,500

1.2 PETROL

€16,000

11 SUPERB AMBITION

€18,500

161 YETI OUTDOOR

€16,500

2.0TDI

162 OCTAVIA AMBITION

171 OCTAVIA STYLE

161 OCTAVIA ESTATE AMBITION

1.6TDI

1.0L Petrol

191 ŠKODA SUPERB BUSINESS EDITION

191 OCTAVIA ESTATE AMBITION

151 SUPERB FULL LEATHER

161 OCTAVIA AMBITION *EXTRAS*

1.6TDI

€19,950

191 KAROQ AMBITION

162 OCTAVIA AMBITION

1.6TDI

1.6TDI

192 ŠKODA SCALA AMBITION

2.0TDI DSG

€7,000

172 FABIA AMBITION

€16,500

1.0 PETROL

€11,450

Please be advised this is a finance offer requiring a deposit greater than the loan amount. Minimum finance amount is €3,000. Maximum finance amount is €5,000 over 12 or 24 months only. Finance Example. 2017 Fabia Ambition 1.2 TSI, 90bhp on the road at €13,950.00. Deposit / Part Exchange €8,950.00. 24 monthly payments of €208.33. Total cost of credit €0.00. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. ŠKODA Finance is a trading style of Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland, authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Each ŠKODA Approved Used Car receives a minimum warranty of 1-year. Selected ŠKODA models have up to 2 years warranty. For further details please contact your local participating ŠKODA dealer. Offer available on all orders taken before 30th September 2019 & registered before 30th September 2019.

Al Hayes ŠKODA Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

065 682 2400 www.alhayesskoda.ie

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

RENAULT AND DACIA TO OFFER USED CAR PCP

R

BUY A THREE-YEAR OLD CAR ON 4.9 PER CENT APR FINANCE

ENAULT Group Ireland has announced unmissable offers on used Renault and Dacia cars for September and October, available exclusively across its network of approved Renault Selection dealers.

The Group is introducing a Used PCP finance offer on three-year-old Renault and Dacia cars bringing lower repayments over a three-year term. For example, you could get a 2016 Renault Clio from €29 per week; a 2016 Renault Captur from €39 per week; or a 2016 Renault Kadjar from €49 per week.

These unmissable offers are available with a low 4.9 per cent APR and a cash deposit or trade-in from only 7 per cent. The PCP product comes with a guaranteed minimum future value (GMFV), guaranteeing the future value of the car at the end of the three years, providing re-assurance and certainty for customers.

In addition to the PCP offer, Renault Selection offers a highly attractive 4.9 per cent APR HP offer over five years, saving customers up to €1,500 in interest compared to

high street banks.

Through the Renault Selection programme Renault Bank have lent over €40 million to used car customers this year alone. This is an increase of 12 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Launched just over two years ago, Renault Selection continues to be the best used car programme in the market, providing industry-leading peace of mind to customers. The Renault Selection programme is the only used car programme that has a minimum of two years’ warranty and two years’ roadside assistance and now with PCP available.

All Renault Selection cars come with a full certified vehicle history check with every used car prepared to a unique “Buy Today – Drive Today” standard. This ensures customers receive only the highest-quality product, and when a customer purchases a used car, it’s ready to go to its new home the same day.

To demonstrate Renault Group’s confidence in the vehicles it sells, dealerships will exchange a vehicle purchased under the

programme for one of a similar value (within 30 days or 1,000 kilometres from date of delivery) should an irreparable fault occur.

Renault Selection sales events will be held

around the country at approved dealerships from Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th October.

These offers are available from now until 31st October 2019.

Renault SELECTION – A new standard in used cars

Renault CLIO From €29 per week

Renault CAPTUR From €39 per week

Renault KADJAR From €49 per week

THE ONLY USED CAR PROGRAMME WITH: Flexible PCP Payment options • 2 Year Warranty • 2 Years’ Roadside Assistance Model shown: CAPTUR GT Line TCe, RRP €24,240. CLIO IV Dynamique S Nav TCe 90, RRP €19,840. KADJAR PH1 Signature Nav TCe 130, RRP €31,490. Finance example 2016 Kadjar Dynamique Nav 1.5 DCI. RRP €16,995. Deposit €3,925. Term 36 monthly payment of €212. Weekly equivalent €49. APR 4.9%. Total cost of credit €1,471 inc fees of €150. Optional final payment €6,747. Payments drawn monthly. Excess mileage plus excess wear & tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer made under hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms & conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 682 1704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

PEUGEOT 208 TO GET STARRING ROLE AT PLOUGHING

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ITH over 300,000 visitors expected, Gowan Distributors Limited, Peugeot Importer in Ireland, will host a preview of the futuristic new 208 hatchback at the National Ploughing Championships, 17th to 19th September at Fenagh, Co. Carlow, along with the full range of Peugeot passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Available with a choice of petrol, diesel or 100 per cent electric powertrains, the all-new 208 boasts Peugeot’s latest-generation i-Cockpit and 3D head-up display, along with a host of technology and comfort features. It is expected to arrive in Dealer showrooms in late 2019, ahead of the first customer registrations in early 2020.

Prices and equipment will be announced closer to launch.

Colin Sheridan, Sales and Marketing Director at Gowan Distributors said prior to the Ploughing: “We are very much looking forward to the National Ploughing Championships this year again. We anticipate strong attendance on the Peugeot stand, attracted by a guest appearance from the highly anticipated new 208, together with continued

strong demand for our award-winning 2008, 3008 and 5008 SUV ranges and indeed new models, including the radical new 508, the rugged new Rifter and Partner, International Van of the Year 2019. We truly have something on offer, for everyone, no matter their motoring needs.”

He continued: “Indeed, the Peugeot brand is a true success story, recording the highest volume sales increase in the Irish market once again in 2019, with a n extra 378 units in August year to date, representing a 5.7 per cent increase, for cars and vans combined.

The National Ploughing Championships prove every year to be the perfect platform for a Peugeot display and we look forward to seeing our customers – present and future – in Co. Carlow.”

Whether a customer chooses petrol, diesel or all-electric, the new Peugeot 208 retains the same dimensions, the same look, the same unique character. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new 208’s wide shaped wings, body curves and sculpted bonnet create a distinctive, sporty look.

Mirroring the 3008, 5008 and new 508, the rear of the new 208 stands out, with a black

band running the width of the boot lid, link-

ing the 3-claw daytime running lights.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

VW FULLY REVEALS IS ID3 ELECTRIC HATCHBACK

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550KM RANGE FOR VW’S LONG-PROMISED ELECTRIC HATCHBACK

HE launch of the Volkswagen ID3 at the Frankfurt motor show is no ordinary launch. As far as Volkswagen itself is concerned, it is potentially the third-most important car in the history of the company, following on from the original Beetle and the first-generation Golf. It could be that epochal, a major turning point for a company that grew from the literal ashes of war to dominate the global car industry.

It is also, of course, a massive multi-billion-Euro mea culpa for the diesel scandal, the terrible admission that VW was forced to admit; that it had sold the world a pup when it came to how clean its diesel engines were, and that they were in fact pumping out vast amounts of potentially lethal gases.

Arguably, it’s done more to propel the world towards electric power for cars than anything short of legislation.

The ID3 is both of those things, and yet it’s also now a car. A family-sized hatchback, with a conspicuously spacious interior, and a one-charge range of 550km. That is a truly impressive range, but it will be available only if you buy the most expensive version of the ID3, the one with a 77kWh battery.

The mid-spec version uses a 58kWh battery, and can go for around 420km on a charge, which is similar to rivals such as the Kia eNiro and Nissan Leaf, but with a slightly smaller battery, underscoring the efficiencies of VW’s new MEB electric car platform.

A basic model, which will be priced at less than €30,000 in Europe, will have a 45kWh battery and a still-reasonable range of 330km. That sub-€30,000 price will be about right for Ireland, once you take into account the €5,000 VRT rebate and the €5,000 SEAI grant (assuming that both are retained in the October budget). Supply will be very limited in 2020, though. For many Irish buyers, this is likely to be a 2021 model, really.

The ID3 has been designed around fastcharging, and assuming you can find a charging point capable of outputting 100kW at a time, you can charge your ID3 for up to 290km of range in 30-minutes. Sadly for Irish customers, the majority of our fastcharging network (when it works at all) is limited to 50kW for the moment.

The electric motor outputs 204hp, and has 310Nm of torque. The only performance figure that VW is quoting so far is the top speed; 160km/h.

According to VW’s head of sales and marketing, Jurgen Stackmann, the ID3 is already a major success. Although VW had previously only shown the car in striking rainbow camouflage, it has garnered something like 30,000 pre-sales from customers across Europe. “This is a huge success – and shows that the ID.3 is coming at the right time. Most pre-bookers come from Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden and Great Britain” said Stackmann. That’s 30,000 orders for a car that won’t actually start to filter onto dealer forecourts until next year.

The ID3 will have to sustain that success, though, if it is to repay the many billions of Euro VW has sunk into its development. The MEB platform that underpins it will spread out to several other VW models, from SUVs to a luxury saloon to a wild beach-buggy recreation. VW has also offered the MEB platform under licence to other car makers, and Ford is expected to take up that offer.

The next-generation Focus could, potentially, be based around the MEB. Not surprisingly, VW is using the ID3’s launch to push back against doubts expressed in recent months over just how clean electric cars really are. “With a share of

14 percent of all global greenhouse gas emissions, the transport sector is particularly in question here – and with it the automotive industry. Volkswagen Group is committed to the goals of the Paris Climate Protection Agreement, which provides for a climate-neutral society by 2050. From today’s perspective, the best and most efficient way to clean, Co2-neutral mobility is e-mobility” said a VW spokesperson. VW has also vowed to make production of the ID3 both sustainable and Co2-neutral.

“With the ID3, Volkswagen is heading towards the future,” said Klaus Bischoff, VW’s head of design: “The natural style and absolutely intuitive driver experience demonstrate a new, electric way of thinking.”

It looks very similar to the original ID concept hatchback — clean, simple lines and a sense of being a Golf-sized car without actually looking much like a Golf (a distinction VW is keen to keep — the launch of the eighth generation Golf has been delayed to give the ID3 its motor show moment in the sun). The cabin is strikingly minimal — a big central display, a smaller digital instrument pack behind the wheel, and that’s it.

The Tesla-style all-screen dash has come to the mainstream market. The gear selector is, BMW i3-style, up on the side of the instrument panel, freeing up storage space in the centre console. Only the electric windows and hazard warning lights are still operated using tactile switches, and VW expects users to make broad use of the car’s voice control systems.

The fact that the battery pack is under the floor, and that the single electric motor is under the boot (yes, the ID is, Beetle-style, both rear-engined and rear-wheel drive!) means that the cabin is hugely spacious. VW claims Passat-style interior space in a Golfsized package.

As well as this striking new electric car, VW has also revealed a new logo, with which to help market itself. Don’t worry — it’s still basically the same superimposed V and W in a circle (no return to the original Wolfsburg city crest badge, sadly) but it does away with the 3D-style blue-and-chrome badge used recently. Instead, it’s a slimmed-down, flattened badge, much more in keeping with the original logo from the 1950s. “The brand design and the logo aim for high flexibility and are intended for digital applications” says VW. “The new brand design marks the start of the new era for Volkswagen,” said Jürgen Stackmann. “By formulating new content and with new products, the brand is undergoing a fundamental transformation towards a future with a neutral emission balance for everyone. Now is the right time to make the new attitude of our brand visible to the outside world.”

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

12 MCSWEENEY TERRACE KILKEE, CO CLARE V15 R793 €145,000

HENRY STREET, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

T

HIS fine 6 bedroom residence is ideally located on Henry street, within walking distance of all amenities. It is also complete with a commercial unit on the ground floor with its own door access.

The residence is deceivingly spacious and comprises 255 sq.m. (2,753 sq.ft.) and includes a living room, drawing room, kitchen, dining room, bathroom, 6 bedrooms (1 ensuite), an office, toilet and a utility room. Heating is by way of Oil fired central heating and two solid fuel fireplaces. There is on street parking and a small yard to the rear with pedestrian access.

Contact: Danielle Kavanagh, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

€175,000

The commercial unit comprises 36 sq.m. (388 sq.ft. approx) and would suit many uses. It is finished to a very good standard and includes a front section with a large display window fronting onto Henry street, a back office, a kitchenette and a toilet. The commerical unit has electric storage heating and separate ESB meter to the residence. This is an ideal opportunity for anyone wishing to live in the town centre while running a local business. It would also be very suitable for an Air B and B. BER D2. BER Number 106896848.

A

CNOC ARD, BREAFFA WEST LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95 X265 €269,000

A

fine semi-detached, three bedroom property ideally located in a quiet development on the Doonbeg road in Kilkee.

Internally the property comprises an entrance hall, living room, kitchen/dining area (with new kitchen), three bedrooms and a bathroom. Externally to the front there is a gravelled driveway with ample parking, an extremely large lawn to the side and there is a newly paved patio area to the rear. There is also a utility room to the rear plumbed for washing machine and a storage shed.

Viewing of this superb property is highly recommended.

70sq.m (753.20 sq.ft) approx.

superb 4/5 bedroom detached home located 2km approx. from the village of Lissycasey, approximately a 15 minute drive from the town of Ennis.

Accommodation is spacious and well laid out, it comprises an entrance hall, hall, openplan kitchen/dining area, living room, 4 double bedrooms (one with en-suite), a sitting room (that could also be used as a fifth bedroom) and a bathroom.

Externally this fine property has been finished exceptionally with a tarmac driveway that wraps around the house from the front to the back of the house, To the rear of the property there is a low maintenance back garden that is part paved, part gravelled with some semi-mature trees, shrubbery and a block built garage.

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

Contact: Tiernan O’Malley, Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Tel: 065 686 7866 PSL 001212

Charming new development launch by Fitzgibbon Contractors

ENNIS OPENING VIEWINGS SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER

. New Development Now Released

7 WOODHAVEN 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 A.M.

COLLEGE ROAD 10:45 A.M. - 11:15 A.M.

Ballymacaula View, Cahercalla, Ennis Co Clare.

Another Quality Development by M Fitzgibbon Contractors Ltd. BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKING. Contact Helen Gallery at 065 682 9481 or 086 250 4671 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

8 COLLEGE PARK 12:15 A.M. – 12:45 A.M.

34 BRAMBLE LANE 10:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.

Contact Helen Gallery at 065 682 9481 or 086 250 4671

184 ACHA BHILE, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 K409

€119,000

Positioned on the first floor and boasting a corner site position is this bright and spacious two bedroom (doubles) first floor apartment with private access in the Acha Bhile Housing Development.

Excellent opportunity to get on the property ladder in Ennis.

47 HAZELWOOD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 NH2Y

€169,000

APT 67 MILL HOUSE, MILL ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 RW83

€95,000

Number 67 Mill House is a two-bedroom penthouse apartment located in the heart of Ennis Town Centre. Offered to the market in good order throughout, the bright spacious apartment has panoramic views over the River Fergus and Ennis Town.

41 THE HAWTHORNS, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95 C5H0

€169,950

Conveniently located in the Hazelwood Development just 300 meters from St. Flannan's College, 700 meters from the Ennis Bus and Rail and just 1,200 meters to Ennis Town Centre, this bright and spacious 3 bedroomed semidetached family home is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout.

The Hawthorns is a three bedroom family home conveniently located on the Limerick Road, within walking distance of all local and town amenities and offering excellent access to transport links via the M18 linking Shannon, Galway and Limerick.

5 BALLYMONEEN, CAPPAHARD, €169,000 ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 N2K5

2 SHANACLOON, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 Y2D9

Fronting on to the green area of Cappahard and linked at the single storey section of the property, No. 5 Ballymoneen makes for an ideal family or first-time buyer home. The property offers well-proportioned accommodation throughout with a rare feature of all 4 bedrooms as double rooms with the Master Bedroom being en suite with walk-in wardrobe.

Located in the popular Shanballa Housing Development, just off the Lahinch Road, and within a cul de sac of just 8 private family homes, fronting onto an approximately 0.5 acre green area, this three bedroom semidetached home offers accommodation normally reserved for countryside living with all amenities on your doorstep.

€195,000

77 CAHERCALLA ESTATE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 NWK7

€169,000

Fronting on to the vast green area of Cahercalla Estate and onto the main Kilrush Road, No 77 is a bright and spacious three-bedroom semidetached family home presented for sale in excellent condition throughout.

7 ROS AN OIR,ENNIS , CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 TFN0

€189,000

Located in the popular and much sought-after town centre housing development of Ros an Oir, No. 7 is a three-bedroom, 2-bathroom semidetached home tastefully decorated throughout with all amenities on your doorstep.

12 GLENSHEEN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 C5P2

€199,000

Positioned on an extended corner site in the Glensheen housing development, conveniently located within walking distance of all local and town amenities and just 800 metres to the Lees Road Sports Complex No 12 is a four-bedroom semidetached property presented in excellent condition throughout.

39 DERRYMORE, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 K3CE

€199,000

Located in the much sought after exclusive development of Derrymore, No 39 is a three bedroom semidetached home presented for sale in excellent condition throughout boasting spacious and well-proportioned living accommodation with each room finished to a high specification.

26 CREGAUN, TOBARTEASCAIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 DHD6

€199,000

Located in the much sought after and popular residential area of Tobarteascain, within walking distance of all town centre amenities, Number 26 is a bright, spacious and well-proportioned 4-bedroom semi-detached family home presented for sale in very good condition throughout.

20 LISSANISKA, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 A2T3

€199,000

Positioned on an extended corner site and fronting onto the green area, boasting extensive rear gardens which are not overlooked, No. 20 Lissaniska is a bright and spacious 3 bedroomed semidetached family home presented for sale in excellent condition throughout boasting many features.

3 GLENINA, HAZEL LANE, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 V6HD

€209,000

Number 3 is a bright, spacious, well-proportioned and nicely presented detached four-bedroom home boasting a fantastic location just a short stroll to all local and town amenities and set on a stunning private site with private access off Hazel Lane.

8 WOODLANDS, KILRUSH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 AK2K

€199,000

Located in the much sought after residential estate of Woodlands, No. 8 is a four bedroom linked home in immaculate condition throughout. Just 10 minutes walk to Ennis town centre, 2 minutes drive to the west link to the Ennis by-pass, 10 minutes walk to the Ennis National School.

1 AHERNES TERRACE, CARMODY STREET, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 TVH2

€145,000

Not often does a house on Aherne's Terrace come to the market and in particular one that boasts a corner site with private gated side access providing ample off-street parking and leading to extensive gardens that are normally reserved for countryside living. This four-bedroom home is a must view.

Auction Reminder September 20th 12pm Old Ground Hotel, Ennis

€220,000

THE BILLOWS ANNEX, €425,000 SPANISH POINT, CO CLARE V95R8X7

PEBBLE VIEW, SPANCILL HILL, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95RK4W

• Traditional Stone Cottage • C. 8.35 hectares (20.45 acres) • Excellent Atlantic Ocean Views • Easy access to Spanish Point and Lahinch • 200 m from Rineen National School • Host of outbuildings • Traditional boundaries

• Unique site overlooking Atlantic Ocean and Spanish Point Beach • Views of Mutton Island • Pillared gated entrance • Manicured lawns to side and rear • Wrap around driveway • Extensive cut-stone walls

• Excellent residential suburb • Positioned on quiet cul de sac road • Mature site of approximately 0.5 acres • Entrance hallway • Main Reception • Kitchen/Dining • 3 Bedrooms

RINEEN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE V95ND39

€115,000

85/85A PARNELL STREET, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95YN32

€50,000

• 17% Gross Yield* based on AMV • Mixed use commercial and residential investment • Ground Floor Commercial with access to private rear courtyard/ garden • First floor 1 bedroom apartment • Separate access to ground and first floors

28 THE MAPLES, OAKLEIGH WOOD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 DDF7

€295,000

17 GORT LEAMHAN, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 E39E

€260,000

CAHERCALLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 DT1W

€370,000

Located in the popular Oakleigh Wood Development in the much sought after Tulla Road, No. 28 is a very well presented five bedroomed detached home positioned on a corner site and within walking distance of all local amenities. The property is impeccably maintained and tastefully finished to modern standards.

Located in the much sought after Tulla Road and the equally sought after cul de sac estate of Gort Leamhan, Number 17 is a five-bedroom semidetached home and benefits from an excellent position within the development on a near corner site.

Located in the very much sought after and affluent suburb known as Cahercalla Road, this substantial 4 bedroom detached two storey residence is a rare gem to come to the market in this very exclusive area. On a site extending to approx. 0.4 acres, the mature tree bound site features the mature trees, raised decking, lawn areas to front and side.

RINEEN HOUSE, BALLYHANNON, QUIN, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 W298

€575,000

Private detached seven-bedroom home set on a large two-acre site approached by long meandering driveway with fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The outside grounds are approached by a pea gravel drive way with manicured gardens to either side and mature hedging to the front and to the side with post and rail fencing.

19 CLOVER HILL, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 W65F

€275,000

14 LAGHTAGOONA, COROFIN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 PH99

€279,950

10 ORCHARD WOOD, DROMOLAND, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 EK71

€445,000

Stunning 5 Bedroom linked property in an enviable location overlooking a large communal green area to the front in the small popular development of Clover Hill. The property benefits from tarmac drive with off street parking to the front with lawn area and gated side access to private rear landscaped south facing garden.

No. 14 is a four bedroom, detached, executive style home with immaculately manicured gardens on large corner site finished to an exceptional standard throughout. This stunning property is situated in an award-winning development on the edge of Corofin Village, just 15 minutes from Ennis and thirty minutes from Shannon.

No. 10 Orchard Wood is a detached three bedroom luxury home located within the grounds of the 5 Star Dromoland Castle Estate & Country Club. Watch our video walkthrough on http://www.dngosullivanhurley.com/

11 SILVERGROVE, BALLYBEG, ENNIS, CO. CLARE EIRCODE: V95 A2CE

€500,000

Positioned on a stunning corner site and boundaries on three sides by mature forestry this stunning property is located to the rear of the Silvergrove exclusive development of detached homes. Set on a site of approximately 0.75 acre this stunning 5-bedroom detached family has bright, spacious and well proportioned living accommodation.

EchoSport Bridge secure semi spot at Éire Óg’s expense SNR HURLING CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP QF

I

SIXMILEBRIDGE 3-16 ÉIRE ÓG 1-19, CUSACK PARK

T WAS far from their finest hour but Sixmilebridge managed to hold off a defiant Éire Óg and keep their aspirations of winning a fourteenth Clare SHC title alive, Páraic McMahon reports.

En route to the quarter-final stage, Éire Óg have faced off with tough opposition following bouts with Kilmaley, Clonlara and Newmarket-on-Fergus. It was evident from their gutsy display but like their second round loss to Clonlara, they once again conceded three goals which gave their opponents a constant upperhand.

Telling by their display, Sixmilebridge have been without a championship in four weeks. The task at hand was to win and they did but weaknesses were highlighted that had never been so apparent in their lineup before.

As underdogs, Éire Óg needed to get a break early on.

The opposite occurred as Aaron Fitzgerald was forced off with injury. Two minutes after the county footballer left the field, Sixmilebridge struck for their first goal via Brian Corry, two more followed in the space of three minutes as Evan McInerney and Alex Morey hit the net. In between Corry and McInerney, Shane O’Donnell finished a brilliant individual effort past Derek Fahy. Despite shipping three goals in a short window, the Ennis side regrouped well and outscored The Bridge six points to three in the second quarter to trail by a goal at the interval.

Dara Walsh and Danny Russell reduced the gap to the minimum two minutes into the second half. The reliable Morey kept Sixmilebridge’s account ticking over. Everytime Éire Óg mainly through Russell would add a score, they conceded at the other end and never managed to put more two points together back to back.

Goal chances were spurned by the Townies, Nathan Murray and Tom Downes missed opportunities that needed to have been taken if they were to reach the semi-finals. As the pressure mounted, their coach Matt Shannon was sent to the stands by Damien Fox with the tie entering the final ten minutes. Both sides added four points each during this period to guarantee The Bridge did just enough to qualify to the last four.

For the fourth year in succession, Éire Óg have been eliminated in the quarter-finals. Some factors for their defeat have already been mentioned, their reactions were that bit off the pace required to be progressing to the last four. Brian Corry and Alex Morey goaled following fine saves from Philly Walsh, the blame here not resting with the netminder but rather his defenders.

They will undoubtedly rue this loss as they may never get as good a chance of knocking out Sixmilebridge. Russell once again wreaked havoc up front while O’Donnell, Reidy, Kevin Brennan and Aidan McGrath stood out.

Winning is the not the only positive to come from this result for Sixmilebridge, it was a wake-up call that came without costing them their place in the championship.

Alex Morey was their star player as he contributed 68 percent of their scores, surprisingly they managed just seven points from play, a figure which definitely will have to increase. Crucially, they raised the green flags and possess the danger men capable of pouncing for goal when the opportunity arises. Along with Morey, Evan McInerney impressed and is becoming their main man-marker.

Scorers Sixmilebridge: A Morey (1-12 9f), E McInerney (1-01), B Corry (1-00), J Loughnane (0-01), C Malone (0-01), J Shanahan (0-01). Éire Óg: D Russell (0-13 7f 2’65), S O’Donnell (1-03), D Reidy (0-02 2f), D Walsh (0-01).

l ON THE MARCH: Shane Golden stretches his legs as Sixmilebridge

Photo courtesy Gerard O’Neill

Cratloe claim spoils S SNR HURLING CHAMPSHIP’ QF

CRATLOE 0-18 CLONLARA 2-11, CUSACK PK

HANE Gleeson scored the all-important winner of sixty minutes to send Cratloe into the last four at the expense of Clonlara who once again fell short when it mattered most.

Trailing for the majority of the contest, Cratloe scored the final four points of the contest in the last six minutes plus additional time to ensure they are the first name in the semi-finals of the 2019 Clare SHC. Billy Connors got Cratloe off to a steady start with two points in as many minutes. Conor Bourke, a late addition to the Clonlara side swung the momentum in their favour, his effort firing off both posts before nestling in the net.

Dave Cuddy’s Clonlara although they fell behind for a three minute spell in the second quarter of the half, managed to dominate for the most part with Cathal ‘Tots’ O’Connell and Ian Galvin adding white flags to give them a two point advantage at half-time.

John Conlon hit his first score of the day on thirty five minutes. Less than thirty seconds later, he ended up in possession on the resulting puckout, his shot

had such power that netminder Gearoid Ryan had no chance of getting a touch to it.

With a five point lead at their backs, Clonlara just had to keep the scoreboard ticking and limit the influence of their opponents’ key men. Cratloe responded with the next three points, immediately cancelling out Conlon’s green flag. The South East Clare men would hit three of the next four scores but crucially Mícheál O’Loughlin’s point on the fifty first minute would be their last.

Alan Neville’s Cratloe on the other hand showed character in abundance and added points through Conor McGrath, Cathal McInerney and Shane Gleeson to win out.

Far from Cratloe’s best outing, it was still enough to get over the line and progress to the last four. Liam Markham was outstanding at wing back for the winners with Conor McGrath as usual playing a key role.

They could have easily won and the subsequent narrative would subside but once again when the pressure was on, Clonlara did not complete the task at hand. Unquestionably, some of the most talented hurlers in the county are on their panel but year on year they

are failing to get over the line when it matters most. Remedying such a problem can not be done overnight but the problems have been flagged on several occasions, coming up with a solution is urgently needed before many of their excellent players call it a day.

Scorers Cratloe: S Gleeson (0-07 6f), B Connors (0-03 2f), C McInerney (0-03), C McGrath (0-02), D Ryan (0-02), P Collins (0-01) Clonlara: Tots (0-05 3f), J Conlon (1-02), C Bourke (1-01), M O’Loughlin (0-02), I Galvin (0-01).

l RELIEF: Oige Murphy at the final Photo byGerard O’Neill whistle

SPORT

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

43

Hurling SFs decided Clare SHC PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

HE semi-final pairings have been announced for the Clare SHC and IHC. Following their success over the weekend, Cratloe, Sixmilebrigde, Inagh/Kilnamona and Crusheen are the last four teams standing in the race to lift the Canon Hamilton. Likewise in the intermediate championship, St Josephs Doora/Barefield, Smith O’Briens, Scariff and Broadford still have their as-

pirations of promotion fully intact.

At 4pm on Sunday, Cusack Park was the venue as clubs discovered their semi-final opponents. There will be a repeat of the 2014 county final when Cratloe and Crusheen cross swords while Sixmilebridge and Inagh/Kilnamona will meet in the championship for the first time since 2011, The Bridge were victorious in that quarter-final clash 0-17 0-15.

St Josephs Doora/Barefield had an excellent extra time win over a resilient Tubber on Saturday, their next challenge will be to overcome a Scariff side who dispatched of Inagh/Kilnamona by ten points.

Broadford who became the first Clare hurling club to win a game on penalties when they edged past Sixmilebridge face Smith O’Briens who sealed their spot in the semi-finals beating Killanena 3-14 0-09.

GAA FIXTURES

CLARE SHC SEMI FINALS

CRATLOE V CRUSHEEN SIXMILEBRIDGE V INAGH/KILNAMONA

CLARE IHC SEMI-FINALS SCARIFF V ST JOSEPHS DOORA/ BAREFIELD SMITH O’BRIENS V BROADFORD

CAMOGIE INTERMEDIATE

FRI SEP 20TH, GURTEEN: ST JOSEPHS V INAGH KILNAMONA SAT SEP 21, FEAKLE GAA: FEAKLE/ KILLANENA V WHITEGATE, 6.00PM

EIRE OG GAA: EIRE OG V CLARECASTLE/BALLYEA, 6.00PM

CAMOGIE SENIOR CHMPSHIP’ SAT 21ST SEPTEMBER FR MCNAMARA PARK: TRUAGH CLONLARA V KILMALEY, 2.00PM FR MCNAMARA PARK: KILKISHEN/BODYKE V INAGH KILNAMONA, 4.00PM FR MCNAMARA PARK: CLOONEY QUIN V NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, 6.00PM SCARIFF OGONNELLOE V SIXMILEBRIDGE, 3.45PM

l TOP SCORER: Congratulations to Spanish Point Golf Club’s Mervin, Micheal & Thomas Hehir, winners of the Kenmare GC 42nd 3-Brothers Classic 2019

Optimum tee height...

C

HOOSING the correct tee height sounds simple but in fact many of us don’t realise how much of an impact the tee height has on the overall ball flight.

The first step to understanding the difference it can make is to alter the height of your tee the next time you are playing a practice round. Generally when we tee the ball lower we are going to hit more down on the ball and strike the bottom of the clubface, this is ideal for when your are hitting your irons because the sweet spot is generally lower on the face of the irons.

Striking high on the face of your irons will lead to a loss of launch and distance on your ball flight. With your hybrids and fairway woods however you need to strike the ball higher up the face closer to the centre of the clubface, therefore

I personally tee these clubs slightly higher than I would with my irons (as shown in the image attached).

However with the driver, especially the modern 460cc heads, the sweet spot is situated slightly above the centre of the face therefore to strike

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

the sweet spot on these large drivers a longer tee is needed to tee the ball up nice and high (as seen in the second image).

The face on the modern 460cc drivers are much higher than any other golf club in your bag and in order to strike it’s sweet spot, the golf ball needs to be positioned much higher above the ground compared to every other club.

Also when you tee the ball up high your golf swing will be shallower and it will help you to achieve an upward strike on the ball which is more preferable to achieve the maximum distance with the modern driver heads.

In fact with my driver I personally find I achieve the maximum distance and consistency when I tee it high and hover my driver behind the ball before I start my backswing.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different tee heights next time you are playing a practice round and see if you are currently using the optimum tee height to achieve the maximum distance with the club you are using.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Sept 14/15: Captains’ Classic Team of 4 1 M McNamara, P Justice, G Justice & M Smyth 113 pts 2 M. Studdert, D McMahon, A Shannon & C Pyne 112 pts 3 J Linnane, A Gilmartin, M Miniter & B Coleman 111 pts 4 T Coffey, P Shannon, M McNamara, F McMahon 110 pts Members Cup Summer Matchplay 1 Noel Kilkenny 2 C Cosgrave 3 Martin Morrissey / David McMahon Sept 10: Senior Lady Captain’s Day 1. Marion Brennan (22) 31 pts 2. Mary McCarthy (29) 27pts 3. Marie Bartlett (19) 26 pts 4. Agnes Shannon (21) 25 pts Back 6 5. Clare Pyne (21) 25 pts Sept 12: Gypsy Girl Ladies’ Singles 1 A M Donnellan (16) 34 pts B.9 2 Agnes Shannon (21) 34 pts 3 Anne Brennan (13) 33 pts 4 Annie Gallagher ((11) 33 pts SPANISH POINT GOLF CLUB Sep 15, Ladies’ Masters 18-Hole S/F 1st Karen White 42 pts 2nd Fiona O’Boyle 35 pts 3rd Yvonne O’Keeffe 35 pts Sep 15 - Men’s Monthly Medal 18-Hole 1st Seamus McMahon 66 nett

2nd Fergus O’Brien 68 nett 3rd Dave O’Brien 69 nett Sep 10, Seniors’ Open 18-Hole S/F 1st John O’Brien 41 pts 2nd Michael A Hennessy 41 pts 3rd Bernie O’Halloran 39 pts EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB Ladies Sunday Winner Margaret Lynch 71 Cat 1Peg Hanrahan 73 Cat 2 Noreen Skehan 73 Cat 3 Helen Downey 77 Presidents Prize to Senior Men 1st Willie Roche (19) 42 pts 2nd Jerry O Brien 42 pts 3rd Danny Minogue (17) 40pts Friday Scramble Winners Dave Condren,Margaret Lynch, Sean Putt ENNIS GOLF CLUB Sep 10 Tuesday Evening Fourball 1st Michael Carmody & Joe O’ Brien 31pts 2nd Garry Cunningham & Peter Lyons 29pts 3rd Walter O’ Brien & Fintan Mc Evoy 29pts Sep 13, Friday Open Singles 1st Oisin McCarthy (16) 41pts 2nd Ian Myatt (10) 41pts Gross Andrew Whelan (5) 35pts 3rd Frank Gormley (15) 40pts 9 Hole open singles 1st Andrew McGloin 14pts

44

CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

Months Mind Mass

Laura Webb Late of Pinewood, Shannon, Co. Clare.

Laura’s month’s mind mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 29th September at 11am in Mary Immaculate Church, Drumgeely, Shannon. All are welcome.

We wish to thank Father Arnie for a lovely service, Gus and Annette for their inspiring music and all our family, friends and neighbours who have been helping us through this difficult time.

There comes a time for all of us When we must say goodbye, But memories of those we love Live on and never die.

ACCOUNTANCY

BUSINESS FROM HOME OPPORTUNITY WORK FROM HOME. computer laptop mobile. l HIGH END COMMISSION, up to 1000per sale l NO SELLING, company employs sales team to sell for you l NO RECRUITING not MLM l NO STOCK HANDLING digital products only. l TRAINING PROGRAMME teaches you everything to succeed l SUPPORT back office team always on hand. l GUARANTEED EARNINGS. 20K first 6 months min.

“CERTIFIED BUSINESS PARTNERS” REQUIRED NOW. TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST EMAIL CONTACT DETAILS TO WEALTHTRADINGPARTNERS@ GMAIL.COM

UK BASED HEAD OFFICE WILL CONTACT YOU.

CHIMNEY REPAIRS

CLEANING

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EDUCATION

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

Classifieds GARDENING

PAINTING

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

SECRETARIAL SERVICES Secretarial Services: Reports, Letters, Theses, Safety Statements, CVs, Essays, etc.

Professional presentation on print or digital media. Confidentiality guaranteed. Collection/delivery can be arranged in Ennis area.

Call 087-7630024 for further details.

085 110 2001

PAINTING & DECORATING PAINTING DECORATING

- Indoor and exterior painting services - high quality only - spraying and traditional painting

LANDSCAPING

- Garden Maintenance - We offer a range of gardening services

KIA CEED Estate 2010 - 160,000 mls NCT’d 8/20 Taxed 3/20 Price €2800 Phone 0868552820

SALES

RUBBISH REMOVAL

- NO MESS NO STRESS -

FOR SALE

CONTACT

PAINTING

FRESH LOOK SERVICE Residential & Commercial

GERMAN GRINDS AVAILABLE Qualified Tutor All levels including Junior and Leaving Cert Exam Papers covered and notes provided CONTACT 086 3203497

CLASSIFIEDS 45

STORAGE

POWER WASHING

- Patio and walkway cleaning - Hard to reach gutters - Exterior house washing and more..

Fully insured. vat reg. All areas Covered www.freshlookpaintinglandscaping.com

ROOFING

› Word › Best Daily Word Se… (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/category/word/)

46 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES SEP 19

Best Daily Word Search: 16 September 2019

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The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS DOWN 1 Cinderella’s friend (7) 12019 Shelf support (7) 5 Hits with an open 2 Implements (5)

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, SEP 19 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz

what year did the first girls Which of the following is known 1Inclass enter St. Flannan’s College? 7 as the only all boys school in Clare? a. 1992 b. 2002 c. 2008

In what year did the boarding 2 school close at St. Flannan’s College? a. 1995 b. 2000 c. 2005

a. Ennis Community College b. C.B.S Ennistymon c. St. John Bosco Community College

many secondary schools 8How were in Clare in the early 1700’s? a. 1 b. 5 c. 8

what year was free education many Harty Cup wins has St. 9Inintroduced to Clare?

3How Flannan’s College enjoyed? a. 12 b. 18 c. 21

a. 1958 b. 1967 c. 1979

4

many secondary schools 10How are there in County Clare?

Which of the following Clare hurl5 ers did not attend St. Flannan’s College? a. Anthony Daly b. Brian Lohan c. Davy Fitgerald

a. 12 b. 15 c. 19

l QUESTION 1 : In what year did the first girls class enter St. Flannan’s Col-

lege?

ANSWERS

By Cian O’Broin

Clare School performed 6Which the best in Ireland in 2017?

a. St. Joseph’s Tulla b. St. Caimin’s Comprehensive Shannon c. Rice College Ennis

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. St. Joseph’s Tulla 7. C.B.S Ennistymon 8. 1 9. 1967 10. 19

a. Young Scientist of the year award b. Flooding c. Highest leaving certificate results

1. 2002 2. 2005 3. 21 4. Flooding 5. Brian Lohan

St. Flannan’s gained national media attention for ____ in 2009?

Last weeks Answers . Runners have changed from red to blue . Exclamation mark missing . Guy middle left. His thumb is missing . Guy middle left. His watch is missing

. Guy middle right. Adidas logo missing on t shirt . Light missing from ceiling . Square light missing from right wall near steps