The Clare Echo 19/12/24 by The Clare Echo

Fresh optimism for Ennis 2040 as Corrigan exits

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KEVIN Corrigan’s shock resignation as Chief Operating Officer of the Ennis 2040 Designated Active Company paves the way to bring a fresh approach to the spatial and economic strategy.

A €10m loan was approved to fund the Ennis 2040 strategy with €2.5m of this drawn down and spent since its launch in September 2021. Nine transformational sites were initially identified as part of the strategy with plans to build on car parks in Abbey Street, Parnell Street along with a proposal for The

Post Office Field receiving backlash from the public.

Corrigan’s resignation was confirmed on Monday and he will exit as COO at the end of January.

Deputy Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) revealed to The Clare Echo that she has not been introduced to Corrigan since her election in June. A post on the board of the Ennis 2040 DAC remains vacant since Ann Norton’s (IND) exit from politics.

Elected members of the Ennis MD are optimistic that an altered approach for Ennis 2040 will become vis-

ible in the New Year. “I hope that the change of direction is seen throughout Ennis 2040 DAC upon his departure and projects that were highly contested are put on the shelf especially Abbey Street and the Post Office Field,” Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) told The Clare Echo.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) said, “I believe the Ennis 2040 plan will be reaffirmed in the New Year by the County councillors at large, a project acquisition is underway which will take a positive direction for Ennis and county into the future,”

BAND OF BROTHERS

l Eoin O’Grady celebrates Scariff/Ogonnelloe’s U21 success with Patrick Crotty, Gearoid Sheedy, Keelan Hartigan, Shane Kavanagh, Sean Collins, Paul McGee and Eoghan Heffernan

Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

Ennis man to drag tire around country for charity

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

Email: denise@clareecho.ie SALES or kieran@clareecho.ie or ross@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare

Telephone: 065 671 9021

This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

CLARE man Anthony Galvin will be dressing as an elf and towing a car tyre around the country for the next two weeks, to raise funds for a charity.

Mr Galvin, whose brother John owns The Clare Champion, is training for Sightsavers. ie First Light for Sight expedition. On January 10, they will fly to

northern Scandinavia. The team will hike and ski across snow and ice, in -20°c, dragging sleds behind them. No electricity, no facilities, in a challenge to push them to the limits.

They aim to watch dawn break over the frozen tundra after six weeks of darkness, and to raise vital funds to fight preventable blind-

ness in around the world.

“As the light breaks on us, we will know that our efforts will help the light break for people in developing countries with preventable blindness,” said Mr Galvin. “The money we raise will go towards the vital work of Sightsavers Ireland in 30 countries.

Mr Galvin is a chil-

dren’s entertainer and author. He will be dressed as an elf and dragging a car tyre behind him as he travels around the country doing Christmas shows including Ennis, Bunratty and Scariff, where he will be making balloon animals for children, for donations to the cause.

“My target is to raise €5,000, which will be

enough to cover 156 cataract surgeries. But if I can exceed that, all the better.”

To donate to Anthony Galvin’s elf charity hike, follow this link: https:// sightsaversie.enthuse. com/pf/anthony-galvin-cfa3c. For more on Sightsavers Ireland, email info@sightsavers. org. Contact Anthony on 087 7504321.

Bon Voyage

Ennis Chamber in partnership with Shannon Airport Group ran its by now annual #BuyLocalFlyLocal campaign on December 7th and 8th. With over 50 participating businesses on board, customers simply had to show their support for shopping local by making a purchase from a participating business to enter a free draw for 2 pairs of tickets, to fly from Shannon Airport to Charles De Gaulle Airport in the heart to beautiful Paris. Plus, free parking at Shannon Airport and use of the Airport Lounge. Ennis Chamber will present both winners with €300 spending money. The two lucky winners for 2024 are Deirdre Tiernan and Martin Griffin. Pictured making the prize draw are Nandi O’Sullivan, Head of Communications, Shannon Airport Group and Sheila Lynch, President Ennis Chamber and Partner with Ennis law firm Cashin Clancy.

Photo by Eamon Ward

Clare not matching national growth

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’s economic growth is not matching the national picture, the Interim Chief of Clare County Council has said.

Addressing the first meeting of the Economic Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) of the current Council term, Carmel Kirby said the committee would work to explore over the next five years ways in which to increase the county’s economic growth.

She stated, “Economic growth nationally is good and it is good into 2025, we’ve full employment in the country”.

Kirby said Clare remained “a well-connected county with motorway access, rail access, the whole lot.

Shannon Industrial Estate is the largest industrial estate outside of Dublin.

“Outside of that we’ve a fantastic

county, we’re well connected, from a quality of life perspective any business would want to set up in Clare,” Carmel noted.

Carmel maintained, “The economic growth in Clare isn’t at pace with the national economic growth, that is something I’d like us to explore.

“We’ve a highly qualified and educated workforce but many of them are leaving to other economic centres like Galway or Limerick, are we doing enough to keep them in the county and provide them with opportunities which is where offshore becomes very important”.

She noted that tourism is not within the remit of the SPC “but it is important nonetheless. Tourism is sustaining the economy in the county in a lot of ways”.

Development and construction rep-

resentative, Shane Joyce who is the youngest member of the SPC commented, “A lot of people my age are leaving, we need to have equal opportunities to get people home and present Clare as a county to come to”.

On the subject of housing, the project manager with Patrickswell based Joyce Building Contractors said, “Labour gets represented as an issue, there is a wealth of civil contractors with great experience in the county, those contractors are having to leave the county to maintain their workload, make use of what ye have in Clare, the Airport is something no other counties have and a unique aspect with a very strong construction workforce, labour is not a problem for ye here, it is about opening up sites and opportunities for that”.

Where style meets the season

Ex-TD Violet Anne to use TD termination payment to pay €11,500 WRC award

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

Ex-independent Clare TD, Violet Anne Wynne has told a court that she hopes to use her Dail termination payment towards the €11,500 she owes in a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) award to a former employee.

At Ennis District Court, Ms Wynne told Judge Alec Gabbett that it is her intention to pay the €11,500 but that her “ﬁnancial circumstances” have prevented her from doing so to date.

Ms Wynne said that the non-payment of the €11,500 award “wasn’t something I had set out to do”.

Ms Wynne gave her court undertaking in response to an enforcement application from her ex-constituency ofﬁce worker, Fiona Smyth for a Determination Order from the court that Ms Wynne pay the outstanding €11,500.

Judge Gabbett said that he would grant the Determination Order for the amount of €11,500 in favour of Ms Smyth.

Judge Gabbett warned Ms Wynne that with the determination order for the €11,500 made, she will be subject to criminal sanction if it goes unpaid.

Ms Smyth told Judge Gabbett that he had discretion to apply interest to the award and she was also asking that interest be added to the €11,500 sum.

In response, Ms Wynne said: “I would be concerned about that. I don’t have current employment and I just think that if I was to account for interest, I don’t know where that would leave me and my family especially at

this point in time.”

Judge Gabbett said that out of fairness, interest should not be applied to the award as it is a short period after the WRC decision and that Ms Wynne has accepted that she must pay the €11,500.

Ms Smyth told Judge Alec Gabbett that she was making the application as Ms Wynne had failed to pay the €11,500 award within 56 days.

In August, the WRC ordered Ms Wynne to pay the €11,500 after ﬁnd-

ing that Ms Smyth was unfairly dismissed by Ms Wynne.

Ms Wynne - who received a TD’s annual salary of €113,679 - lost her seat in the recent General Election in Clare receiving only 310 ﬁrst preference votes where she stood as an independent candidate in a vote collapse from her 2020 General Election vote when she topped the poll as a Sinn Fein candidate.

In court, Judge Gabbett asked Ms Wynne how much time she required to pay.

In reply, Ms Wynne said: “I am no longer a TD.”

In response, Judge Gabbett said: “That is unfortunate.”

Ms Wynne said: “I am not 100pc certain - I have been informed by the House of the Oireachtas that I will receive a termination payment and I am hoping to be able to use that to pay.”

Mother of six, Ms Wynne said her ﬁnancial circumstances have been impacted as her partner had started a company but has not been able to partake in any work currently.

Judge Gabbett said: “You intend to pay.”

In response, Ms Wynne said: “Absolutely.”

Judge Gabbett said: “Once you are in funds you will pay?”

In reply, Ms Wynne said: “Yes.”

Ms Smyth asked as part of his order that Judge Gabbett apply an attachment order to Ms Wynne’s earnings. Judge Gabbett said that might be difﬁcult as Ms Wynne has lost her seat and is an ofﬁce holder rather than an employee.

l Violet-Anne Wynne

Photo by John Mangan

Ollie goes On The Boards to share passion for music

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A LOVE of music blossomed from a young age in Ollie Byrnes and his latest publication chronicles a history of music in Ennis and beyond from 1950 onwards.

Launched at the beginning of October, ‘On The Boards’, the book covers all genres of music, from the Big Bands of the early 1950’s, through the Showbands at Paddy Con’s in the 1960’s, on into the rock scene, right up to the present time.

His passion in music stemmed from his home which in itself was its own musical arena with the sounds echoing from the phone room. “It was traditional music mostly at home, my parents were involved in Comhaltas and we had sessions every Tuesday night without fail for about seven years in our sitting room and then as the branch grew they moved to another venue so I got to hear the cream of Irish music at a very young age and the radio was always on, the standard of music that time coming in was of a very high standard, there was fantastic records made, the production value in records was enormous. I was influenced by not just Irish music but blues, jazz, rock and roll. I started buying

records from a very young age, my brother had started off before me when he was about twelve so I was hearing the records he was that he bought when I was about eight”.

Ollie recalled that these sessions took place over seven years, from when he was aged three to ten years old, “it was in the phone room, it was when you came in the door, there was no porch, it was like a big country house by Kelly’s Corner, a big living room area with an open fire and my father got seats from Paddy Cons or someplace like that, apart from the furniture that was there, he he might have another twenty chairs he could put out and you might have you have nine musicians playing and you could have twenty people listening and I thought this was normal and even when we went to bed the music would come through the bedroom. The best musicians played there, everybody in Clare that was playing music at the time was there, it was a litany of people”.

He has been working for three years on this book which is his thirteenth publication. “Some of the material was back about twenty years, I did features for the Ad Mag, which is, magazine from North Clare, South Galway, and, also some material for the from the

County Express so I had all that stuff going back twenty years. In the last two years I was practically doing this full-time, I interviewed about 150 different personalities, local and national and I found that very enjoyable, getting to meet people from different genres of music”. He added, “I’ve got no funding, it is something that is very disappointing really but you just try fund it from turnover of previous books, it is difficult working without funding but it is what I love to do”.

Different genres of music are covered. “It is a history from mainly from 1950 when Paddy Cons opened and it includes different genres of music. The Ennis Brass Band goes back to 1910, I had spoken to Bernard McAllister about the current Brass Band which was founded in 1971 but the actual original one goes back 120 years so it’s in sections too so there’s all those sections where you have different genres from different genres which gives us more of a body. It’s like putting a long-playing album together, there has to be a mood to the songs and then with an album everybody has a favourite song like a lot of people have said to me they like to play an essay on Paddy Cons even people who are too

young to remember when it was there”.

This segment on Paddy Cons has evoked a sense of nostalgia, he noted. “I interviewed a lot of people for the Paddy Cons section so there’s a lot of different people speaking through it. Another thing I enjoyed was the Ennis Musical Society, I didn’t know a whole pile about the Musical Society but I knew the songs from the musicals which would be a strength of mine”.

was conducted in the Local Studies Building, “without facilities like that we would be lost, I gathered a lot of oral history myself but it is invaluable to be able to fall back on the printed word”.

ordinarily penned history books on hurl

ing and

great hurlers, this publication has a different subject matter but has a common denominator in that the author shares a deep passion for the subject. “It’s not too different because, I had a I had a leg in both camps, my parents would be into hurling so I was caught up in the hurling and I went to matches from a very young age, I’d have gone to college matches with my father to watch the CBS, we’d have went down to the likes of Emly

l Ollie Byrnes signing a copy of his new book.

Photograph: Tom Micks

Building

‘We

Clare Cllrs seek grant for hospitality sector to provide disability accessible toilets

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

take so many things for granted when we are able-bodied’ Paperchase sells winning Lotto ticket worth €98k

LACK OF ACCESSIBILITY at facilities across the county are depriving persons with disabilities of opportunities.

Clare County Council are to request the Taoiseach and Minister for Finance “to establish a grant scheme for the hospitality sector to upgrade toilets to provide disability access facilities, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not excluded from participating in social interactions”.

It follows a proposal from Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) at the December sitting of the County Council. He said he tabled the motion after speaking with the father who has had to continually ﬁght for his wheelchair bound daughter. “He went through her adolescence of ﬁghting continually for services”.

Changing Places Ireland (CPI) was formed in 2014 by Ann Healy who six years previously came across Changing Places UK, a website promoting toilets with a ceiling track hoist and adult sized height adjustable changing bench. Initial success of the movement saw changing places toilets installed in Trinity College, Aras an Uachtarain and Dundrum Shopping Centre.

Since January 1st 2024, legislation was introduced to provide for an include changing places toilets in the Building Regulations Part M (Access

& Use). On June 26th Anne Rabbitte (FF) during her time as Junior Minister for Disability launched the National Disability Authority (NDA) and Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) Guidelines for Changing Places Toilets. This publication is the go-to manual for anyone considering installing a Changing Places Toilet.

Cllr Lynch continued, “there is wheelchair taxi available in Kilrush or West Clare”. To celebrate securing a recent job, the woman went out to celebrate with her friends, not long after dropping her out, the father received a call to collect his daughter because “there was no facility there for a person on a wheelchair to go to the toilet. We take so many things for granted when we are able bodied. She worked hard to get her job, she went out to celebrate but it was taken away from her”.

Kilrush based Lynch acknowledged that the hospitality sector is under pressure nationwide. “Simple things make such a difference and a positive change,” he stated. Lynch added, “We need to start some place, put in a grant system in place and upgrade the facilities”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) said, “it is something that is very close to my heart, I work with many people with disabilities, they are not a minority, they are part of a family and if they can’t go somewhere then the whole family

can’t go which is wrong”.

An audit of buildings “would be worthwhile,” Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) maintained. He suggested this piece of research also include GAA facilities.

Voicing his support, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) labelled it “a vital motion”. He outlined that one member of the Sinn Féin cumann in Ennis is wheelchair bound, “the amount of organising we have to do to organise a trip or a meeting is something we shouldn’t have to do”. He added, “It is time to step up to the plate and put procedures in place”.

Recalling the foundation of Changing Places, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) noted, “at the time they were changing young people on the ﬂoor which I thought was unconscionable”. She pointed out that Elm Café is among the locations in Clare to have introduced facilities “to embrace the protocol and indeed the new library does, it should be part of planning for any business that this is facilitated”. She said that Clare Leader Forum during a previous brieﬁng before the Council detailed that “the best part of 20,000 people in the county are disabled”.

Praise for the manner in which Cllr Lynch put forward the motion was praised by Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF). “You made it very real which is what we need to hear, we had a personal story behind it”. She told the meeting, “I spoke with Sen-

ator Mark Daly (FF) this weekend, he told me the story of ﬁghting to make sure that anybody that was deaf could now get a translator in a public building, sadly we still have to ﬁght for these campaigns”.

“This is another must, this is something which has to be sanctioned, the timing is excellent with the forming of the new Government, these are points to be brought to the table,” stated Cllr John Crowe (FG). “Any new building is obliged to have wheelchair access as per planning regulations, it goes as far as new houses,” pointed out Cllr Michael Begley (IND).

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) ﬂagged, “the lack of availability for taxis in the more rural parts of the county”. She stressed, “The provision of wheelchair taxis is something we have to look at”. Red Cross “provide a fantastic service, they can help people get access to a service,” Cllr Guilfoyle replied.

Concluding the discussion, Cllr Lynch believed what was said across the Chamber “just shows the importance and that we don’t take any notice when we are able bodied”. He said, “Our own little fella has a disability but we’re lucky he doesn’t have a physical disability. I got so upset talking to the father because he has to ﬁght for everything”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

€98,954 was won by a Lotto player at Paperchase in Ennis. Satuday’s Lotto draw had two big winners with players from Clare and Dublin both matching ﬁve numbers and the bonus number to win €98,954. Paperchase located in the Dunnes Stores shopping centre on O’Connell Street in Ennis sold the winning Clare ticket. The winning numbers were: 5, 17, 22, 33, 41, 46 and the Bonus was 14. The store has congratulated its lucky customer.

Over 72,000 players won prizes across Lotto and Lotto Plus draws, including the two winners of the Match 5 + Bonus prize each receiving €98,954. All players in Clare and Dublin have been urged by the National Lottery and Paperchase to check their tickets carefully and if you’re holding the winning ticket contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie to arrange the collection of your prize.

7.30PM

Join Aindrias de Staic, Sat 21st Dec, for a magical night of storytelling, Irish folklore, and traditional mu sic at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point.

Experience timeless Irish myths brought to life wit h Aindrias’ captivating tales, paired with the enchan ting sounds of Aisling Lyons and Brian Fleming.

Súil Gallery hosts inaugural exhibition

SUIL Gallery opens at Causeway Link, Ennis

The inaugural exhibition in the new gallery, ‘The Art of Place: People and Landscape of County Clare’, taking place from November 15 to January 31, inclusive, features photography based on the book of the same name.

The Art of Place: People and Landscapes of County Clare offers a glimpse into the personal lives and creative processes of 31 artists who live in or come from County Clare. Central to the exhibition is the photography of award-winning

photographer John Kelly, who captures people and places that are vital to the cultural landscape of Clare in terms of creativity and inspiration.

Accompanying John’s photography are extracts written by the contributing artists, including writers, visual artists, musicians, composers, sculptors and filmmakers. The project is a wonderful celebration of creativity, diversity, and storytelling, of which the contributors are masters.

The Art of Place: People and Landscape of County Clare was published in

2022 and edited by Peadar King and Anne Jones. The photographs by John Kelly, featured in this exhibition, were commissioned by Clare County Council through the Per Cent for Art Scheme.

Copies of the book and selected prints from the exhibition are available from the Gallery. The exhibition runs until the end of January.

Shannon based meat plant operate convicted for €10k non-payment

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

AT ENNIS District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett made his comment when convicting Shannon based Halal meat plant operator, Asba Meats Ltd over the non-payment of €10,059 for cattle delivered to the slaughter plant by a west of Ireland farmer, Pat McGrath.

As part of the penalty against Asba Meats of Beechpark Logistics Centre, Smithstown Industrial Estate, Judge Gabbett ordered the ﬁrm to pay a hefty district court costs bill of €10,163 (incl VAT) along with a €1,000 ﬁne.

Mr Moore agreed with Judge Gabbett who said that hourly rate is transparent and has been subject to open tender.

Judge Gabbett said that Asba Meats Ltd wouldn’t have to pay such costs if the ﬁrm had paid up the debt from early on.

He told Mr Moore, “In other words, you have spent many hours on this and it could have been resolved on”.

Mr Moore said that ofﬁcials from the regulator ﬁrst visited the Asba Meats plant in October 2022 on the issue and that the regulator advanced other methods other than court to try to get the matter resolved.

Mr Moore said that “there was a good deal of chasing” in trying to get the monies repaid.

Mr Moore said that Mr McGrath has now been fully paid after the ﬁrm paid the outstanding €5,000 in the day before court.

Judge Gabbett said, “This man chose to go to the regulator in order to get paid - he is now paid in full, but by God has he had to wait a long time and that is not very comforting to the farmers of Ireland who are trying to survive”.

Accounts presented to the court showed that Asba Meats Ltd recorded revenues of €11m for 2022.

Judge Gabbett said that the ﬁrm had cost of sales of €10.79m in 2022 and commented, “someone is being paid something except for this man”.

Owner of Asba Meats, Tarequr Rahman

Khan appeared for the ﬁrst time in court in relation to the case after Judge Gabbett directed that he attend.

Mr Khan was also legal represented and on his behalf, Mr Khan’s solicitor told the court that the “debt has been fully repaid and I don’t believe that there are other outstanding debtors and Mr Khan is almost fully back on his feet”.

The solicitor added, “Mr Khan has a bit of road to travel yet but he has made signiﬁcant progress. He is a serious employer. He is a serious business individual and he is doing his best”.

He said that there have been other consequences for Mr Khan amongst other farmers. The solicitor said that Mr Khan has built his business through an aggressive expansion which put him under signiﬁcant pressure.

He said, “Mr Khan has learned a salutary lesson from being here”.

On the court outcome, CEO of the regulator, Niamh Lenehan said, “I welcome the ﬁnalisation of this case, especially as it came on the ﬁrst anniversary of the formal establishment of An Rialálaí Agraibhia”.

She said, “The outcome of this case sends out a very strong message to buyers in the agri-food supply chain and will serve to increase awareness of the Regulator’s role to enforce breaches of unfair trading law”.

Ms Lenehan reiterated that anyone who feels they may be experiencing or have been subjected to an Unfair Trading Practice should contact the Regulator immediately. Information on how to make a complaint or to make a conﬁdential tip-off is available on the Regulator’s website

She added, “I encourage all suppliers to familiarise themselves with the protections available to them under the Unfair Trading Regulations and to contact the Regulator with any questions they may have”.

l Peadar King, Editor; Aoife Byrne, Curation & Collections Assistant; Siobhán Mulcahy, County Arts Ofﬁcer; Anne Jones, Editor; John Kelly, Photographer and Muiríosa Guinan, Visual Arts Co-ordinator at the Art of Place Exhibition Opening in Suil Gallery.

Photo by: Paul Corey

Call for lung cancer screening programme

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ELECTED representative from Ennis has led the call for the introduction of a screening programme to help detect lung cancer.

Currently, there is no national screening programme for lung cancer in Ireland. Testing for lung cancer when you have no symptoms is called screening.

More than 2,500 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in Ireland, it is the third most common type of cancer in Ireland. More than four in five cases of lung cancer are non-small-cell lung cancer.

About seven in ten people diagnosed with lung cancer in Ireland are age 65 and older while it is rarer in people younger than forty.

Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer. Seven in ten people who get lung cancer smoke or used to smoke but people can get lung cancer even if they have never smoked.

According to the HSE, early diagnosis can make a big difference to treating lung cancer. Four in ten people with lung cancer live for at least one year while one in ten live at least ten years.

Thousands of lives could be saved each year if the screening programme was introduced in Ireland and the United Kingdom, research published last year by Cancer Research UK detailed.

In a proposal before Clare County Council, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) stated, “In the circumstances where the Irish Cancer Society claim that screening could save ‘One Life a Day’ and where Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in Ireland, accounting for 1083 deaths annually between 2018 and 2020, and where the majority of cases of this type of cancer are usually at an advanced stage when diagnosed, that the Minister for Health, implement Lung Cancer screening to detect the cancer at early stage”.

She said the tabling of the motion was inspired by a neighbour. “I have an experience of an untimely death due to lung cancer,” she

admitted. “I ask the new Government that similar to breast, bowel and cervical cancer that we adopt a campaign to detect lung cancer sooner,” the Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District outlined.

Screening “does increase chances of survival, screening can save one life a day”. The Quin native said it was “the fifth biggest killer in Ireland” and among the “most common cancers” with a survival rate of fifteen percent. “I’m asking the new Minister to adopt a similar programme to what is in Scotland and the UK to detect cancer early,” she added. “It is essence to introduce a screening campaign for lung cancer and in conjunction raise awareness,” Colleran Molloy added.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr John Crowe (FG) labelled it as “an excellent motion, it is something which should have been brought in years ago”. He added, “this is most important because you can see by the figures the number of deaths caused by lung cancer every year, one a day, it should be brought to the top of the list for the jobs of the new Minister”.

Mid-West has lowest cancer survival rate

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NEW FINDINGS from the National Cancer Registry show the Mid-West has the lowest survival rate for cancer.

Covering the period from 2020 to 2022, the report examines cancer incidence and survival rates across the country. It looks at the four most common forms of the disease in Ireland: lung, bowel, breast and prostate cancers. In the timeframe covered by the study, an average of 44,000 tumours were diagnosed each year.

As per the research, the Mid-West has the lowest survival rate for cancer compared with the national average. It’s lower for four common cancers compared to ﬁve other health regions. The largest disparity was found with survival rates for

colorectal cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer, while outcomes were also worse for prostate cancer.

Quality of health services in the Mid-West have been ﬂagged since the 2009 downgrading of Ennis Hospital to a model two hospital and instead of the promised centre of excellence at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) it has continually struggled with overcrowding and patients on trolleys.

Six health regions are were examined in the study, Dublin and Northeast, Dublin and Midlands, Dublin and South East, Mid-West, South West, West and North West. The survival rate for colorectal cancer in the Mid-West was 59.4 percent. This was 4.1 percent lower than the national survival rate of 63.5 percent. The report also noted that the other ﬁve health

regions had a “similar survival rate”, with the Mid-West the outlier.

For lung cancer, the net survival was 20.8% for cases diagnosed during 2009-2018 in Ireland. However, that number drops again for the Mid-West region which has a survival rate of 16.1 percent for lung cancer patients.

For female breast cancer in Ireland overall, the net survival rate was 85 percent – but it falls back by ﬁve percent for the Mid-West (80 percent). The other common cancer examined was prostate cancer which showed nine-inten patients survived across the nine-year period used in the study. The national ﬁgure was 92.5% but this dropped slightly for the Dublin and North-East region (90.6 percent) and the Mid-West (90.4).

l Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF)

Photo by: Eamon Warsd

Niall Gilligan assault trial a ‘priority case due to age of complainant’ says judge

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has stated that he anticipates setting a trial date next March for the assault trial of former All Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler, Niall Gilligan.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford told the court that he anticipates setting a trial date on March 25th next as it is a priority case.

In the case, Mr Gilligan (47) of Rosroe, Sixmilebridge denies the assault causing harm of a 12 year old boy during an alleged ‘stick’ assault. Judge Comerford said that the case is a priority one “because of the age of the complainant”.

Counsel for the State, Sarah-Jane Comerford BL told Judge Comerford: “We are trying to move it along judge.”

If a trial date is made on March 25th next, it is likely that the case will be heard during the criminal circuit court sessions commencing April 29th or the following Summer 2025 criminal circuit court sessions.

Ms Comerford told the court that intermediaries have to be organised for the juvenile witnesses in the case.

Intermediaries are appointed to assist juvenile witnesses with the court process.

Patrick Whyms BL told Judge Comerford that he was representing Mr Gilligan and is instructed by solicitor, Daragh Hassett in the case.

Mr Gilligan denies the charge of assault causing harm of the boy at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Mt Ivers Rd, Sixmilebridge contrary to Section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Act on October 5th 2023.

Mr Gilligan was not present in court for the mention of the case and was not required to attend.

The DPP had initially directed that the case be heard in the district court but Judge Alec Gabbett declined district court jurisdiction in the case after hearing an outline of the State case against Mr Gilligan in July.

In court in July, State solicitor, Aisling Casey told the court that one of the injuries the boy was treated for in the aftermath of the alleged ‘stick assault’ by Mr Gilligan was a fractured left hand.

Solicitor for Mr Gilligan, Mr Hassett told the court that the sequence of events set out by the State is not

accepted by his client and “there is a complete dispute in relation to what is alleged to have happened here”.

As part of the State case, a medical report and photos of the boy’s injuries were handed into court in July and Judge Gabbett said at the time: “I am looking at photographs here and what I am seeing is a child with significant injuries over and above what the district court should be dealing with so I am going to refuse jurisdiction.”

Outlining the background to the

charges against Mr Gilligan, Ms Casey said the charges relate to a matter alleged to have happened on October 5th 2023 at 5.30pm.

She said that the alleged injured party, who was aged 12 at the time, was with a friend also aged 12 and they were on a disused property, the Jamaica Inn in Sixmilebridge owned by the accused.

Ms Casey said: “When the boys were on the property, it will be alleged that the accused confronted the two boys and produced a wooden stick and the boys attempted to flee.”

She said that it will be alleged that the alleged injured party “slipped on muddy ground and while lying on the ground, it will be alleged that the accused struck him several times with the wooden stick he had in his possession.”

Ms Casey stated the boy returned home on foot and was brought first to the VHI clinic and subsequently transferred to University Hospital Limerick that evening.

Ms Casey said that the injuries reported was a loss of consciousness by the boy on the occasion along with significant bruising at the top

right shoulder, the buttocks and lower back.

Ms Casey said that injuries also included a 2cm long wound was on the boy’s forearm and a 2cm long wound to the right shin which both required suturing

She stated that following orthopaedic intervention, a fracture was identified on the boy’s left hand and he made a full, uneventful recovery concerning the left hand.

In July, Ms Casey confirmed that both juvenile witnesses will give evidence by video link in the circuit court.

Mr Gilligan was a star forward for the senior Clare hurling team which defeated Tipperary to win the 1997 All-Ireland Final and was named an All-Star in 1999.

The Sixmilebridge clubman also won two Munster titles with Clare and multiple honours with his club over a long, distinguished hurling career.

Judge Comerford further remanded Mr Gilligan on bail on the same terms to March 25th and said that he is excused from attending court on that date.

Lucas Bar Presents Christmas Rock Blow Out!

BACK by popular demand, With The Lights Out, Clare’s premier tribute to Nirvana, are returning to Lucas Bar, Ennis on December 27th with the undisputed heavyweights from Tipperary, Feckin Raging, a sensational tribute to Rage Against the Machine.

Off the back of two previous jam-packed events in Lucas Bar earlier this year, With The Lights Out are returning to bring 2024 to a close with a show that deﬁnitely shouldn’t be missed. Mark this one in your Christmas night out calendar - make it one of your 12 pubs of Christmas stops!

“We’re thrilled to once again share the stage with our good friends Feckin Raging, a massively talented, high-energy Rage Against the Machine tribute band from Tipperary. After the roaring success of our last collaboration we couldn’t wait to get back on stage together. Massive thanks to Dylan and the team at Lucas for their ongoing support and the facilitation of

live rock music in Ennis”. Join both With the Lights Out and Feckin Raging for an unforgettable night of grunge and rock on December 27th from 8.30pm onward – Free Entry Event.

A word from Dylan Hayes:

“2024 has been an incredible year for Lucas Bar and it’s an absolute pleasure to run all the musical events in the back bar. Myself and the staff are incredibly grateful to all our regulars and punters for the year round business, and for picking Lucas Bar as your location of choice when out and about for a drink or two. As 2024 comes to an end I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Don’t be a stranger over the festive period - give the shopping a break and give a shout in, we’ll look after you. Keep an eye on our social media pages for upcoming events in the New Year as we hope to make 2025 as successful a year as this one! Best wishes, Dylan”.

l Lucas Bar - 74 Parnell St, Ennis, Co Clare

n Niall Gilligan Photo by John Mangan

Ennis Book Festival early bird special

Ennis Book Club Festival announces an early bird ticket offer for a selection of key events at Festival 2025, taking place from Friday 7 – Sunday 9 March

As always, the 2025 Festival will offer a vibrant programme of live events and activities for book lovers of all ages, opportunities to engage with your favourite authors and this year, a great Christmas present for the readers in your life.

Friday March 7 sees novelist Andrew O’Hagan in conversation with Wendy Erskine. O’Hagan’s ambitious novel, Caledonian Road takes us on a picaresque journey through a city and a life.

Short stories have a distinctive place in the modern Irish literary tradition and in The Art of the Short Story, writers Cathy Sweeney (Modern Times), Maggie Armstrong (Old Romantics) & David Butler (The Witch & Other Stories) will explore what makes the short story form so intriguing, in conversation with Olivia Fitz-

simons. The winner of our short story competition will also read at this event.

In a headline Friday night event in glór, Ann Cleeves will talk about her work with Brian McGilloway. Award-winning author of the Shetland, Vera and Two Rivers novels, Cleeves has written some of the most popular crime fiction of recent times. Her books have sold over 5 million copies, and she has had two crime series adapted for television; Vera and Shetland are major dramas starring Brenda Blethyn and Douglas Henshall respectively.

Ten Books You Should Read is one of the most popular events of the festival, where audiences get to probe the minds of two guests and the books that inspire them.

The 2025 -Festival guests for this firm favourite is Ennis native actor and screenwriter, Mark O’Halloran (Adam & Paul and Viva), and Oliver Callan, the creative force behind Callan’s Kicks as well as

presenter of the wide-ranging morning show Oliver Callan on RTÉ Radio One.

Debut Novelists this year features Aimée Walsh, Patrick Holloway and Cathy Sweeney. With her first novel, Exile, Aimée Walsh opens out a world of unsettling possibilities and haunted territories. In The Language of Remembering, Patrick Holloway takes on the charged subjects of home, memory and language in a tender exploration of how to remake an identity, whilst Cathy Sweeney’s debut novel Breakdown explores a woman rebelling against traditional roles and expectations.

In a very special event, the 2025 Festival will remember and celebrate the legendary Clare writer Edna O’Brien with a panel discussion featuring Andrew O’Hagan, Danielle McLaughlin and Eoin McNamee in conversation with Rachael English. O’Brien’s work provoked controversy and discussion over the years and though

sometimes vilified, she remained completely steadfast to the cause of writing, her life’s work. Her wit and knowledge, beauty and talent as a writer will be explored and celebrated in this panel discussion by writers who loved her work and cherish the inestimable contribution she made to Irish literature.

Early booking advised for this one. EBCF is delighted to welcome Ian McEwan to the festival, to explore his many books and their themes. Known for the precision and clarity of his writing, McEwan’s work explores the turmoil of human interactions, class difference, family relationships and loss. McEwan won the Booker Prize with Amsterdam whilst his next novel, Atonement, garnered acclaim and was adapted into an Oscar-winning film. He will be in conversation with arts journalist and presenter of Arena, Seán Rocks, in a wide-ranging discussion, on Saturday 8 th March in glór.

And finally, The Sunday Symposium investigates the theme of international conflict in a globalised world. Writer Sally Hayden (My Fourth Time We Drowned), photo-journalist Paulo Nunes dos Santos and professor of Middle East politics Vincent Durac will examine the charged subjects of peace & war. In Gaza and Lebanon, Syria and Yemen, Iraq & Afghanistan, and parts of the continent of Africa, conflict and territorial struggles are not just a threat to local populations but also have global impacts. In this discussion our guests will explore what this could mean for the coming years. Tickets for eight key events will be available for sale from glór Box Office and online now with 10% discount when five of the eight available events are booked. The offer closes on Saturday December 21.

System failing to fast-track medical cards slammed by breast cancer survivor

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ENNIS breast cancer survivor has made an emotional plea for the HSE to issue patients with “critical illnesses” to be allocated a medical card.

Deputy Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) in a proposal before Clare County Council called on the HSE to revise “its current policy for granting medical cards to patients diagnosed with critical illnesses. These patients should have access to a fast-track system to ensure that medical cards are issued without unnecessary delays”.

She explained, “Waiting weeks or even months for medical cards places undue stress on individuals and their families during an already challenging time. A streamlined and efficient process must be implemented to prioritise and expedite medical card approvals for critically ill patients, ensuring they receive timely access to essential medical care and support”.

Speaking at the December meeting of the Council, Cllr Baker Bashua recalled, “I had breast cancer ten years ago, I had to apply for a medical card because we couldn’t afford not to have it, it took the best part of four months to get it”. She said they were paying €127 daily for chemotherapy treatment, “I had to pay for my wig and everything, the stress alone is horrendous and when dealing with a critical illness the stress is the last

thing you need”.

Giving an emotional and inspirational address, the Hermitage woman said Sláinte an Chláir has been looking at these difficulties “for a long time. I saw recently the Irish Cancer Society put it on their manifesto for the Government, it is shocking that ten years on we haven’t something in place”.

A fast-track system needs to be introduced to allow patients with such illnesses secure a medical card over a period of six weeks.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) remarked.

“We spoke about lived experiences, here we are listening to what Antoinette Baker Bashua has gone through, we’re aware of the difficulties people have with getting diagnoses for long-term illnesses and the hoops they have gone through, you should not have to incur the expense”. Speaking to her fellow Ennis councillor, she said, “you’re a brave girl and we’re honoured to have you here with us”.

Support was also issued by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG). “The lived experience really resonates with us and gives an experience of the emotional roller coaster that people go through”. Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) congratulated Antoinette on her recovery, “it was very brave of you to come and say it”. He added, “How we treat people is unreal, every one of us is vulnerable to getting an illness. A woman told me, ‘I’m not sure can I afford to get better but I can’t afford to die’. I’m glad Antoinette Baker Bashua is okay, I hope our new Government

will listen, with €30bn coming from Apple surely to God we can sort this”.

Newly elected TDs need to be canvassed on the issue, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) maintained. “You can hear the emotion and it is very strong, the important point of the motion is to stream line this and a process must be identified. Anybody that has been diagnosed with a critical illness should have access to medical care”.

Policies are failing to think of people, Cllr David Griffin (FF) stated, “it is times like this when you realise how inhumane our public services can be. There are times you think where is the humanity with the people making the decisions and the policies behind it”. Such a request allowing with the disability allowance and carers allowance getting means tested “within reason” need to be prioritised by the next Government, he said.

Technology in the modern day where finances and revenue “is all there in black and white” should make the request manageable, commented Cllr Michael Shannon (FF) who added, “we’re in a critical time of forming a Government, a Programme for Government needs to be discussed, this should be top of the agenda”. Cllr Michael Begley (IND) suggested including “proper detail” to “avoid convoluted policies” when these negotiations are ongoing.

Centralisation of power “away from us all has done damage for

us all and the people we represent,” affirmed Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), “people at their worst time needs the support. There is no humanity in the system anymore, you are just a number”.

According to Cllr John Crowe (FG), “This is absolutely a scandal, people applying for medical cards and the slightest little thing and it is sent back, there’s appeals going on and on, people are suffering, this is crazy”. Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said, “the health system is fantastic once you get into it, the problem is getting into the system, the difficulty is the paperwork and secretarial side of it, we need to expedite approval”.

Councillors in Clare need to speak up at grassroots level, urged Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF), “These issues ye are bringing up

are as a result of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael policies, as grassroot members push harder to create change, I would implore you to create change because your parties have become stagnant to creating change so people like my comrade Antoinette Baker Bashua don’t have to go through this”.

Concluding the discussion, Antoinette said, “they have taken the human side of it, the computer says no and they send out a generic email, I’m not alone, I’m one of 3,000 or 4,000 that have been diagnosed”. She added, “A fast-track system has worked really well and was welcomed by the people coming in that need it, it is very rare that people would look for a medical card if they didn’t need it”.

l Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF)

Photo by: Eamon Ward

Corrigan resigns as 2040 COO

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER of Ennis 2040 DAC, Kevin Corrigan will leave his role at the end of January.

Mayo native Corrigan has been in situ as COO since September 2021 and will leave the role next month.

On Monday, Clare County Council confirmed that Chief Executive Pat Dowling was informed of Corrigan’s resignation.

Ennis 2040 has proven to be one of the most contentious strategies produced in the county with public marches and protests held in opposition to projects including plans to build mixed-use developments on Abbey St and Parnell St. The Clare Echo received no response from Mr Corrigan for a request to conduct an interview after his resignation was tendered.

Prior to relocating to Clare, Kevin worked as a CEO, Director and Project Manager in a variety of sectors from real estate and property development to consultancy, some of which were based in the Middle East. He has delivered several landmark property, infrastructure, energy and business projects in Ireland, UK and Middle East. He holds a master’s degree in project management from University of Limerick.

He said, “I would like to thank the Council, the Board and the talented team at Ennis 2040 for their support over the last three and a half years. While now is the right time to explore other opportunities, I look forward to watching the regeneration of Ennis into the future”.

In February of this year, he

Opposition to 2040 was ‘to

be expected’

says Dowling

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL’s departing Chief Executive has said opposition to aspects of the Ennis 2040 strategy was “to be expected”.

Pat Dowling retires as Chief Executive of the County Council this month, he has been in the role since September 2016. A wide-ranging interview with the Knockainey native will be published in the January 2nd edition of The Clare Echo

Another individual making their way to the exit door is Chief Operating Ofﬁcer of Ennis 2040 DAC, Kevin Corrigan who resigned this week and will leave his role at the end of January.

alongside Cllr Mary Howard (FG) set up a samba band in Cloughleigh. He has been a member of the Batafada Samba Band since 2006 which has given him the opportunity of performing nationally and internationally at locations including Disneyland in Florida and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise in Clare County Council has been appointed by Dowling to oversee the Ennis 2040 project pending the completion of a recruitment process to appoint a new Chief Operating Officer and this has been agreed with the Board of Ennis 2040 DAC.

Mr McElwee brings extensive experience and knowledge to the role. Aligned with his professional qualifications, background in financial services and his in-depth knowledge of the local business environment, is well placed to continue the progressive work of Ennis 2040 DAC.

Padraic said he looks forward to working closely with the Board of Ennis 2040 DAC, elected members of Clare County Council and the wider business community “to realise our shared ambition to maximise the potential of Ennis as the primary economic driver for the county and our people”.

Chair of Ennis 2040 DAC, Gerry Cahill said, “I would like to thank Kevin for his passion, steadfastness and the role he has played in laying very strong foundations for the next phase of development. As a board we will continue to work with Padraic McElwee to ensure the continued development of the Ennis 2040 DAC projects in the long-term interests of Ennis and its stakeholders”.

irrespective of who is employed to deliver, manage or drive it isn’t the issue, the issue is that we have a plan for Ennis and that we draw down funding to implement the plan, it is not about individuals”.

When asked why the economic and spatial plan hasn’t received the full backing from the Clare public, the Chief Executive stated, “That is a matter of opinion, when you say it doesn’t have the public fully behind it, are you talking about a majority of the public or are you talking about a minority of the public”.

Of the upcoming exit of the COO, Pat said, “I had indications that Kevin had decided he wanted to move on and pursue other opportunities, these things happen all of the time, Kevin has served Ennis 2040 very well, he has worked very hard and diligently, he has progressed a lot of site acquisition and master planning for some key opportunity sites with Ennis 2040, we all wish Kevin very well, he is a very professional competent individual.

“He has decided for his own reasons just like I have decided for my own reasons to retire, he has decided to move on to other pastures, it is as simple as that and nobody should read any further into that, this is about Ennis 2040 as a strategy,

It was then pointed out to Dowling that Ennis 2040 has had more signiﬁcant opposition to any strategy or project he was involved with during his time in Clare County Council, he said, “True and this was all to be expected, it was all to be expected. When you try and change the nature of a capital town or any capital town of any county in Ireland, it poses challenges, when you try and change the nature of the public realm of a town where people have been used to parking or driving through or pulling up to do their shopping or whatever for decades and decades, that creates a lot of upheaval so none of what is happening and the opposition and the critique is of any surprise to me whatsoever. If you take Navan or Portlaoise, they have all gone through the very same process as Ennis, nobody should be surprised in En-

nis that Ennis is different to anywhere else it is not, well to me it is different because it is wonderful town but we want to grow and improve it, to create jobs for people where they can live, shop and moreover I want to be able to attract people into Ennis to encourage economic activity so yes there is still which is to be expected elements of public disquiet about what is happening, we will continue to work through that process”.

Towns like Navan and Portlaoise have also been subjected to protests, he claimed, “Oh

yes they have, if you do your research on Navan for example, they have done a major change to their town centre which predates us by about ﬁve years, they are still going through difﬁculties so yes there have been marches and protests in other towns”.

Neither of the two towns mentioned issued a petition with 3,500 signatures to the local authority. “What is wrong with any of this, there is nothing wrong with any of this, people have a right to protest, they have a right to give opposition and I have a

Councillors believe exit presents

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ELECTED memebrs of the Ennis Municipal District were left in shock following the decision of Ennis 2040 COO, Kevin Corrigan to tender his resignation.

Corrigan will leave the role at the end of January with Padraic McElwee, Head of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Clare to serve as Acting COO until a permanent successor is appointed.

The Clare Echo spoke with all seven members of the Ennis Municipal District on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week in the aftermath of Corrigan’s exit.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) noted that she worked alongside Kevin Corrigan for three and a half years since his appointment in September 2021. “He is a consummate professional, he has created a good foundation going forward for delivering on Ennis 2040 strategy adopted by Clare councillors in 2021. I understand Kevin is going on to pursue different opportunities, his ultimate replacement will continue to do the great work he has commenced”.

Deputy Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF) revealed to The Clare Echo that she has never met Corrigan since her election as a first-time candidate in June, six months ago. “It is all about finding somebody new and who will fit in and hopefully listen to the concerns of the people of Ennis. We might need to change up a few things to make Ennis 2040 a success”.

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) admitted to being “genuinely surprised” by Corrigan’s exit, adding, “I do believe Kevin didn’t have an easy three years but he did deliver a lot, he was operating in a tough job but he did well and I wish him well”.

It was only when The Clare Echo contacted Cllr Pat Daly (FF) on Tuesday night that he first heard about Corrigan’s resignation, having been released from University Hospital Limerick (UHL) the previous Friday. “I’m not surprised, he came into the job but didn’t get the momentum going because of the opposition in the town and from the organisations in the town, he didn’t get the support, the frustration came in and that was it. I spoke to him on

numerous occasions, he is a very nice man”. There is a chance to have a rethink on plans for the strategy, Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF) maintained. “As a community activist I tried to work with Mr Corrigan in relation to Francis St, I found him stern, hard but I suppose people power spoke loudest in the end, we managed to change his direction on Francis Street. I hope that the change of direction is seen throughout Ennis 2040 DAC upon his departure and projects that were highly contested are put on the shelf especially Abbey Street and the Post Office Field”.

Corrigan was described as “very genuine, very determined and very educated in his role” by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF). “I wish

l EXIT: Corrigan with outgoing CEO Pat Dowling &

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l POSITION: Kevin Corrigan

right as Chief Executive to grow my county town or else do the people of Ennis want to leave it as it is, they are the options”.

Members of the public who attended public consultation events for plans in Abbey Street car park as part of Ennis 2040 in January and February have yet to receive feedback on their submissions. “You’re making an assumption and a statement, I don’t agree with you, there has been plenty of consultation and feedback like you weren’t around when we took a unit on Abbey Street and started off on this whole

process, the public came in and met us and we ran it for a number of weeks, people are picking and choosing what suits them,” Dowling responded. When it was put to the Chief Executive why the public who went to the Temple Gate Hotel, Bareﬁeld and Clarecastle didn’t get feedback after making submissions, he pointed out that the Council ran the events and he accepted that feedback should have been issued.

In a recent Clare FM interview, Dowling said there would be an opportunity to press the ‘reset’ button on Ennis 2040 in the New Year. He explained, “We’ve got to keep going with the plan, the only major reset I meant was in the context of Kevin Corrigan deciding to move onto other opportunities he wants to pursue in his life, I am reassigning somebody else to oversee the programme until the recruitment happens, that is the reset that we continue on, we’re not stopping, nothing is stopping here. There are some key opportunity sites in the town that I think can bring huge beneﬁt to the economy of Ennis”.

Delays have been encountered with the lodging of plans for some of the key projects such as the Post Ofﬁce Field. “There are reasons around all of that, we will be proceeding with lodging planning for a number of sites and a number of developments because it has to go through the planning process and this

will take time, it is a slow burner, it is not all about to happen, it will take time and there may be appeals to the Board but when I say reset it is because there is a change of personnel at the helm I’m putting new people in to oversee the programme until the recruitment takes place in the New Year”. Critics of Ennis 2040 have said described it is a private company that is deciding the future of the county town but this is a view rejected by the Chief Executive. “The future of Ennis town is being dictated and controlled by Clare County Council, yes we set up a wholly owned designated company to do that work for us but it is a wholly owned company of Clare County Council, it is facile for people to suggest this is the private sector, it is not, the money that is funding this is provided by the elected members of Clare County Council, if we can dispel the myths that are going on, we have a DAC running tourism, we have a DAC running our cultural facilities in Ennis, they are all legal entities, we have seven or eight in Clare, there are a thousand within the local authority sector, it is a model that is used with special purposes vehicles set up, it also allows you to bring private expertise in where we may not have access to it to help us as well and it is very beneﬁcial, it is a tried and tested model and it is very facile for somebody to say you are giving over the future of Ennis to the private sector, that is not the case and they know that”.

chance to refresh plans

him the very best of luck, I acknowledge the effort he has made over the last number of years, it has to be appreciated that a vision was put forward to the town of Ennis. Let’s be clear, not everyone agreed with the vision...it was quite obvious one proposal that was extremely sensitive was the building on Abbey Street, there is nothing wrong with saying we need to relook at this”.

Since the inception of the Ennis 2040 DAC, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) has been one of three councillors acting as a Director. She said, “I wish him all the very best for the future, he had a great vision, I’m sorry to see him go but hopefully it will be onwards and upwards”.

A vacancy exists on the board following Ann Norton’s (IND) departure from the Council but this has not been filled in six months, despite this meetings of the board have been held, Cllr Howard confirmed. She added, “We need a new vision because if we don’t have that then Ennis will stagnate.

“We can see the vibrancy is back over the last couple of weeks, I want to get the

buzz back and I think it will come back.”

A need for Ennis 2040 still exists, Cllr Howard said. “I think the project in some shape or form is needed, we’ve changed the way we live our lives and shops, people say we’re a market town but I haven’t seen a banamh sold in the town for decades.

COVID has changed the way we’re making purchases, there was always going to be a move to online shopping but that was expedited due to COVID, we have to find ways to make our towns attraction, make it safe and bring whole family”.

Changes in personnel may freshen things up, Cllr Murphy noted. “You’ve the COO post temporarily filled and a position on the board hasn’t been filled since the local election, it will freshen things up.

“I wouldn’t be looking for a major overhaul in the whole concept. I’m not on the board of Ennis 2040 but I’d like to see the Roche site prioritised because it is an opportunity site, there is a bit of work to be done with it but it is a fantastic site not just for Clarecastle and Ennis but the wider region. I also believe our outer road network needs to be part of Ennis 2040.”

interim CEO Carmel Kirby

Ireland’s top GoFundMe Campaign 2024 comes from Co.Clare

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

CAMPAIGN for Clare teenager; Joe Salttery emerged as Ireland’s top GoFundMe Campaign in 2024.

Irish generosity continues to set a powerful example for the world as GoFundMe unveils its 2024 Year in Help Report, revealing that for the sixth year in a row Ireland is the world’s most generous country, with Co Clare having one of the top campaigns of 2024.

Joe Slattery, an underage hurler, suffered life-changing injuries in a freak accident on November 2, when training with the Coroﬁn/ Ruan U16 hurlers. The Clare minor football and Hurling player underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma.

A Go Fund me campaign was set up to help raise funds for Joe’s future care. His uncle Clive explained that the injuries will

necessitate lifelong care. “Joe is a big brother, a son, a friend and a team-mate. He is loved and respected by all who know him. He has represented Clare in hurling and football and was Junior Cert student of the year 2024 in his school. We, Joe’s family, ask for your help in supporting Joe in adapting to his changed life. Anything you can contribute will make a difference in Joe’s future. In addition, you can help by sharing the page and keeping Joe in your thoughts”.

The campaign was met with great generosity, raising €400,000 in 24 hours. The campaign is still ongoing and has raised €657,537 from 10.5k donations. The crowdfunding platform revealed that almost €50 million was raised for countless life-changing causes across Ireland this year. A campaign for Clare teenager Joe Slattery, who while out training with his parish

team suffered life-changing injuries, has emerged as Ireland’s top GoFundMe Campaign, based on the amount raised in 2024.

On the funds raised to date, Clive stated, “We are blown away by the generosity of response. It’s humbling”

SelfHelp Africa appeal

by Ronan Scully

SelfHelp Africa is a charity organisation whose aim is to alleviate hunger, poverty, social inequality and the impact of climate change by transitioning communities out of long-term poverty through work that gives them greater control over their futures and provides a better quality of life.

I have worked with charities, such as SelfHep Africa, endeavouring to end poverty and suffering in poorer parts of the world for most of my adult life, and we are so thankful for this support during 2024. Let me tell you how your donations are helping our work in 14 countries in Africa and specifically in Ethiopia, Kenya and in parts of East Africa.

The situation is dire, with devastating floods, droughts, and conflict in Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and beyond. The Global Hunger Index reports that 45.9 million people in East Africa are experiencing severe food insecurity, and 10.8 million children are at risk of malnutrition.

The ongoing climate crisis exacerbates the situation, with recurring droughts and floods driving mil-

lions into displacement and hunger. In response, SelfHelp Africa is implementing programs focused on improving agricultural production and adapting to climate change. We introduce drought-resistant crops, promote irrigation, and support farmers with climate-smart practices to break the cycle of poverty and hunger. While the challenges are immense, there is hope. With continued support, we can help these communities overcome their struggles and build a more sustainable future.

At Self Help Africa through the help and support of Irish Aid and the generosity of the Irish public and our partners on the ground, our long term strategy expressly identifies the changing climate and the problems it can create as the context within which we must implement our work. To make a donation you can make a credit or laser card donation by phoning ((01) 6778880 or donate through our website www.selfhelpafrica.org or simply send whatever you can afford to Self Help Africa, Westside Resource Centre, Seamus Quirke Road, Westside, Galway.

‘Tis the Season to Grow! Christmas Gardening Tips from Blossoms on the Go

MERRY Christmas hope ye are all well and getting into the festive cheer its can be such a busy time for everyone and that’s understandable.

So, the garden kind of minds itself now and we can jjust relax and admire how the lovely winter days have changed the garden. The leaves are gone the plant s are dormant and all is quiet.

But that does not stop the planning now is an ideal time to move plants, if you are thinking of relocating them, especially if we have no frost.

Keep an eye on the bird feeder to keep topping them up with assorted food and leaving access to water for them to drink.

Most people are busy o the lead up to Christmas, hoping to get that perfect gift and thinmig about what would suit people the best, so let me give you some ideas as what garden centres can offer this time of year.

We have a lot of filled planters with merry Christmas printed on the pot and we have them filled with lovely coloured flowers, including reds and assorted white. The planter ranges from baskets to ceramic pots of all shapes and colour.

Christmas arrangements for the table or some lovely gift pots with Christmas cactus. are also available.

If you like ornaments we have a range of animal themed decorations; from dogs to sheep available.

One of my favourites is the Adare stone lighthouse. It is a lovely ornament with twinkling lights, that’s just some of the few we have available and there are lots more instore.

If you need pots ﬁlled, we continue to offer this throughout the Christmas period. We have a range of graves wreath and pits available and some lovely plaques with beautiful remembrance verse on them.

I would like to thank each one for taking the time to read this column and for supporting local businesses. I want to wish you and yours a merry Christmas.

Christmas opening hours for Blossoms on the Go Garden Centre:

lSaturday December 21 9.30am to 6.00pm

lSunday December 22 11.00am to 4.00pm

lMonday December 23 9.30am to 6.00pm

lTuesday December 24 9.30am to 2.30pm

lClosed December 25 & 26

lDecember Friday 27 9.30am - 5.00pm

lDecember Saturday 28 9.30pm-5.00pm

lMonday December 30 10am-4.30pm

lTuesday December 31 10am to 4.30pm

lGOFUNDME: Joe Slattery

Brendan inspired to start Killaloe Slimming group after losing 3.5 stone

AFTER being diagnosed with an auto immune disease, Brendan Nash (52) started to struggle with his weight.

With the support of his local Slimming World group, Brendan has lost over 3 and a half stones. Brendan’s struggles started after he was prescribed a lot of painkillers and steroids to help with his symptoms and saw his weight gaining rapidly.

Brendan says: “I was concerned that I was tipping the scales at 18st 6lb and it was affecting my life in so many ways – I had no energy, was embarrassed to go out and meet people and my confidence was at an all-time low”.

Brendan joined a Slimming World group in Ennis and was nervous about getting started even know his wife was a Slimming World Consultant too.

Brendan also said: “It is easy to put off starting to lose weight, I had fears of going hungry or not being able to stick to it. I got such a warm welcome from the members in the group, and everyone is there on their own

journey. I learned how I could enjoy my favourite foods like meat, pasta and potatoes and still lose weight – the group support really makes all the difference”.

Now that Brendan has lost weight and feels more confident himself, he is taking the leap to become a Slimming World Consultant, an opportunity which is available to past and present members.

His group will be opening in Killaloe, County Clare at the Smith O Briens Astro (V94 K2R9) every Wednesday at 7pm – starting on 8 th January.

Brendan said: “I never dreamt I would end up helping other people change their mindset to lose weight, and after all my training – I can’t wait to get everyone started with their new year resolutions and healthy eating and living in 2025. If you’re local to Killaloe, come along on 8 th January – with no obligation to find out more and if you’d like more information before hand – get in touch with me on 087 433 1409.”.

Thought for the Week - Journey Towards Christmas

RONAN

SCULLY Spreading the word of positivity

AS CHRISTMAS approaches, we join together in prayer-filled reflection to look forward with hope to the coming days when we mark the coming of God as one of us. At this time of year we also reflect on our own lives, our successes and failures, joys and sorrows, challenges and blessings and unite them all with this journey towards Christmas, towards hope, towards joy, towards mercy, towards charity, towards love and towards the light of Christ.

Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is more than a Christian holiday. It is more than an occasion to decorate our houses, towns

and cities. It is an opportunity to pause, reflect, pray and give thanks for the love, hope and joy found in Jesus our Saviour and friend. As we exchange gifts with loved ones, it is out of remembrance of the gift God gave us in Jesus. The gift that we are loved, are never alone and can have hope for the future. God’s love is for everyone. You are not alone. You are loved, and you can feel hopeful and joyful. That is the true meaning of Christmas.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, let’s not give each other more stuff this Christmas and instead give each other more of our love, time and kindness. Let’s not gift products but instead gift experiences such as experiences of connection, compassion, forgiveness, acknowledgment and belonging. And if we find ourselves in a place of relative

abundance, let’s offer what we can to ease the suffering of our fellow humans.

According to St. Mother Teresa, “the greatest good we can do for someone is to turn their darkness into light”, and even in the smallest of ways, it is an ideal that still has meaning today. Not just at this time of the year, but all year around. Our lives, country and world are far from perfect.

There are always challenges and struggles we face both personally and collectively. The good news of Christmas is that even when the world or our circumstances change, the message of Christmas is timeless. Because Christmas is about the birth of God’s Son, Jesus. It is about how he came to give us love, hope and joy. That message doesn’t change from year to year. When there is so much bad news and devastation in the world, this

Réaltbhuíonta - Constellations, Glór,

Inis, 21ú Nollaig, 2024

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

IMEACHT dátheangach ar an oíche is faide den bhliain, an 21ú de Nollaig, 2024 i nGlór, Inis ag 8i.n.

Ceiliúradh na réaltbhuíonta a bheidh le feiceáil san oíche a bheidh ann, le scéalta ó mhiotaseolaíocht na Gréige agus scór ceoil nuachumtha. Réaltbhuíonta

Constellations is a musical study to celebrate the stories of the constellations in the sky over Ennis town at 8p.m. on December 21st , 2024, the longest night of the year, through a musical and spoken word immersive ex-

perience suitable for all the family.

Featuring a spoken word context for each piece (Gaeilge/English), visual representations and perfor-

mances from Emer O’Flaherty, Etain McCooey, Róisín McMullin and Rafael Marengo, this promises to be a unique evening, celebrating what lives above us.

l Na Réaltógaí faoi chabaidil i nGlór san oíche Dé Sathairn

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH ?! Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

Imeachtaí/Events:

lCILL ROIS – Preab-Ghaeltacht chuile oíche Dé Ceadaoin ag 8pm i mBuggles Bar

l LUIMNEACH – AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

lClare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

lCILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm lINIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com l LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389. l AN SCAIRBH –Lón i nGaeilge, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé An Gáirdín fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

is good news worth celebrating!

This Christmas “don’t be afraid” to do our part to be the love, kindness and peace that is deeply needed in our world for our environment, for our communities, for our families, for our hearts.

Let me leave you with this prayer that I have been praying lately, “Lord God our Father, at this time of celebration, let us bring to prayer all those who are suffering because of war, violence, persecution, homelessness or any kind of economic or social hardship. We remember especially the millions across the world who are displaced because of war and conflict and we remember all in our country who are homeless. Sharpen our awareness of how issues are interrelated. Keep our consciences alert. May our leaders develop policies and rules that are guided by humanity and vision and informed by your

love for all. Thank you for the work of the many frontline workers, people and organisations that bring your compassion and love to those most in need in our country and our world. Bring peace to the people of the troubled places of our country and our world and to those in need of mental peace. Eternal Father, as we welcome the birth of your Son, walk with your people, wherever they are, to remind them of your eternal presence, your comfort and your strength. May the peace, joy and hope of Christ be with us now and forever especially as we joyfully welcome Jesus into our cribs and into our hearts. Amen.”

Clarecastle Lights Up for Christmas in Style

CLARECASTLE lights up the River Fergus with a new addition to the Christmas lights display.

The 2024 Clarecastle Christmas lights includes a brand-new center-piece; a Christmas tree that sits on the river Fergus and floats on the water, creating beautiful reflections that sparkle you can view the new tree from both the bridge and quayside.

The village lights have come a long way since the first Christmas tree appeared in 2019. Year by year, the Christmas lights committee has added more sparkle to our festive scene. In 2020 a second tree was installed near the church, lights were added along the village streets, then last year the bridge was lit up, culminating this year with the tree lit up on the water–each addition making the village that bit more special during the festive season.

Even the rain couldn’t keep the crowds away on November 30th

KEEPING

IT IN THE FAMILY

NOTES

BLOOD DONATION CLINICS

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service will be running blood donation clinics in the West Gate Hotel throughout the Christmas period. The dates of the upcoming clinics are;

lFriday December 27

1.50pm – 5.10pm

lSunday December 29

11.50am – 3.10pm

lMonday December 30

11.50am – 3.10pm

lThursday January 2

4.50am – 8.10pm For more information visit giveblood.ie

ENNIS SUB AQUA CLUB FUNDRAISER

As part of the clubs fundraising activities, Ennis Sub Aqua will hold their annual fin swim in the River Fergus this year on St Stephens day from 2pm starting at Droichead na Gabhair near the Lees Road cross and ending at Steeles Terrace in Lifford.

This is a valued fundraiser to help with our Search and Recovery volunteer unit. If you are in a position to sponsor any of the members please do so. You can also comeout on the day and support the members by taking up a viewing point on any of the town bridges to witness the clubs endeavours.

when hundreds turned up for the big switch-on. Santa certainly knew how to make an entrance, roaring up on a fire engine to cheers from excited onlookers. Clare selector Ken Ralph and Clare All Ireland winning hurler Conor Cleary did the honors, along with young Ava Tuohy, hitting the switch to light up the village.

The newly-formed community choirs (youth and adult) showed true Irish spirit, singing their hearts out in the rain, while Christmas tunes from the DJ had everyone feeling festive. It was a proper community celebration that brought out the best in everyone.

Every year, these lights do more than just brighten up our streets – they bring out that wonderful Christmas spirit that makes Clarecastle such a special place to be during the festive season. Now that’s something worth celebrating!

GIVING SEASON

l LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: Clarecastle’s newest addition

l A FAMILY AFFAIR: Ennis Tidy Towns held it’s local “Best Kept Gardens” awards. Declan Ensko and his daughter Nolette both won awards in different categories at this year’s event. Declan and Nolette Ensko are pictured here with Ennis Tidy Towns Chairperson Mary Howard. Photo by: John O’Neill

Cahercalla Community Care are delighted to have received a very generous donation from The Clare Echo, long standing supporters of our Community owned residential nursing home in Ennis. These funds were raised during the General Election Debate in the Woodstock Hotel and will go towards our current fundraising endeavors to provide a purpose built Activities room for our residents. Cahercalla Community Care would like to take this opportunity to thank the generous people of Clare for their continued support and wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and prosperous New Year.

lCAHERCALLA: Stuart Holly and Kieran Murphy rom the Clare echo with Sheryl Knowles, Corina McCarthy, Jincy Lesley, Kate Burke from Cahercalla Community Care

Clare Art School moves to St Flannan’s

by Stuart Holly

editor@clareecho.ie

ENNIS Art School is relocating for 2025, with classes moving to the Art Department at St Flannan’s College due to growing demand.

Led by celebrated local artist Carmel Doherty, Ennis Art School has for 15 years educated up-and-coming artists who have gone on to follow their passion in their careers. “Teaching art has always been a passion of mine, so 15 years ago I set up Ennis Art School with an emphasis on developing creativity to young minds in Clare,” Carmel tells The Clare Echo

As well as teaching all aspects of drawing and painting, Carmel teaches clay modelling as part of her programme, which “teaches the students how to work both sides of the brain together, as the students use both hands to model. It also teaches the students form.”

Many students have graduated from the Limerick School of Art, National College of Art and Crawford College of Art, to name a few. However Ennis Art School can also take credit for its many students who have gone down other routes.

lTALENTED BUNCH: Carmel with Sinead Azkorbebeitia, Winner of Division D in The Texaco Art Competition; (below) Eimear Fitzherald, Third Place

“These

runs throughout every

industrial, scientific and artistic, this is

why I believe that an education in the arts is paramount in developing creativity in all areas.”

Ennis Art School has been hugely successful throughout the years with students winning all National Awards. Each year, Ennis Art School students receive First, Second and Third in the Texaco Children’s Art Competition, a testimonial to how successful Carmel’s art teaching programme is. Portfolio application is also an area that Carmel supervises, with some students receiving the full 600 points in their portfolio submission.

“Ennis Art School is not all about awards, I believe that it is very important that art is used as a way of teaching students to observe the world through colour and form, to see beauty in all aspects of nature,” reflects Carmel.

Carmel is nurturing young talent by collaborating with local businesses to sponsor students. Carmel adds, “I am looking for companies to sponsor students to attend art classes. The term lasts for 6 weeks and costs €120, it offers a really good opportunity for companies to help budding artists. If you are interested

in supporting young artists, please let me know.”

The following companies have already sponsored a student for 2025: Alan Flynn - Old Ground Hotel; Tadhg Collins - Collins Jewellers; Gwen Culligan - County Boutique; Rosie HeaslipHeaslips Shop, O Connell St; Sinead Pyne - Cornucopia; Ciara Lynch - Brass; and Shane at the Art Shop, Merchants Quay, Ennis.

Carmel, who qualified from the University of Dundee with an M.Phil in Public Art & Design has been instrumental in bringing public art to the foreground in County Clare, creating two public art trails including the Ennis Riverwalk Sculpture Trail and the Ennis Seated Sculpture Trail, which won national accreditation.

As well as making sculpture Carmelwas also very involved in Gallery exhibitioning, with her paintings being purchased and exhibited both on public and private display all over the world.

Carmel is inviting all students, existing and new, to join her for the January 2025 term which will commence at St Flannan’s College from January 8th, 2025.

Carmel explains,

students have graduated with First Class Honours in Fine

Art, Animation, Set Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Medicine and Science.

As creativity

avenue;

lAWARDS: Sinead Azkorbebeitia with her winning entry; (below) Sinead Kennedy, winner of Category E, Texaco Children’s Art Competition; and (right) Siun McGuane, winner of Feile Luimnigh, Paint a Poem Competition

Community development group has brought new energy to Liscannor

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

LISCANNOR has experienced a new energy in 2024 with the creation of a new community development group.

Volunteers with the Liscannor Community Development Group have been working tirelessly to make the North Clare village a thriving hub of activity and community spirit this year.

As the home of the Cliffs of Moher, the village is supported by businesses that are recognised as exemplars in their sectors and a community deeply rooted in pride for their unique coastal home.

This year, the Liscannor Community Development Group was formed. According to PRO, Catriona Considine, it “has brought a new energy to the village, creating opportunities for all to connect and celebrate, and grow together. With an incredible group of dedicated volunteers and key thematic subgroups, the village has never been more vibrant or united”.

Festive celebrations have taken place and they kicked off with the Muintir na Mara ‘Healthy Agers’ group Christmas Party, a full house gathering of over 60 attendees in the Liscannor Community Centre with great food, Christmas carols, and a fantastic rafﬂe where everyone went home a winner.

Two weeks ago, the village lit up in spectacular style as Santa himself switched on the ﬁrst village Christmas lights sponsored by the local businesses and resident fund-

raising. The event, led by the Liscannor Tidy Towns group, brought the community together for an evening of festive fun. Hot chocolates organised by the parents association, face painting, wreath-making, and mulled wine in Joseph McHughs and Dolly’s, while the Parish Choir provided the perfect soundtrack. The village lights have created a magical atmosphere and unforgettable memories for all this year.

“With more activities and projects planned for 2025, this is only the beginning,” said Kieran Considine, Chairman of the Liscannor Community Development Group.

“We’re building on something truly special here in Liscannor. The strong sense of community in the village is incredible, and we are looking forward continuing the momentum next year”.

Liscannor Community Development Group’s membership by community election is:

Chairperson: Kieran Considine

Vice Chairperson: Carol Dollery

Secretary: Niamh Lucas

Treasurer: Niall Considine

Public Relations Ofﬁcer: Catriona Considine

There are four thematic groups; Enterprise, Community Development and Sustainable Growth led by Henry Adams; Public Realm, Environment, Movement and Connections led by Gerard Guerin; Sports, Culture, Youth and Community Integration led by Katie Clair and Liscannor Health Ageing Group led by Jan Godfrey.

Activities and events in 2025 will be shared on the Liscannor Community Development Group’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Ballyvaughan road closure in January to facilitate essential works

The R477 Fanroe Road will be closed temporarily from Monday January 6 2025 to Friday March 14 2025 to ensure the safe delivery of essential works to facilitate the upgrade of Ballyvaughan Sewerage Scheme.

This project will end the current practice of discharging untreated wastewater into the sea at Ballyvaughan Bay and ensure there is capacity available for future social and economic growth in the area.

This road closure had been rescheduled due to operational delays to the upgrade works. Uisce Éireann wishes to advise that this delay has not impacted on the projected timeline of this upgrade.

To deliver these works safely and efﬁciently a road closure has been granted by Clare County Council on a section of the R477 Fanore Road at Lisnanard, Ballyvaughan with works commencing approximately 700m west of the N67/ R477 junction at Ballyvaughan village. A signposted diversion route will be in place and a map of that route is attached

Describing the section of pipeline as “critical for the people of Ballyvaughan”, Uisce Éireann’s Programme Manager, Esther White, thanked the community for their patience and co-operation in advance of the works.

“I can’t overstate the im-

portance of this project for the local community. The upgrade to Ballyvaughan Sewerage Scheme is essential and will improve water quality in Ballyvaughan Bay for the local community and ensure further social and economic growth. This project will have beneﬁts for generations to come.” EPS Group is carrying out the works on behalf of Uisce Éireann. Uisce Éireann is responsible for delivering public drinking water and wastewater services for the people of Ireland. We are committed to enabling communities to thrive by continuously upgrading and developing critical infrastructure to support sustainable growth and development, providing safe drinking water, and enhancing the environment. To ﬁnd out more visit www.water.ie

lROAD CLOSURE: Essential maintenace R477 Fanroe Road

Jingle All the Way: The Ultimate Playlist of Christmas Driving Songs

FOR MANY of us the festive season also brings a lot of driving around.

What better way to make holiday driving more bearable than a Christmas driving playlist?

The Clare Echo has teamed up with Martin Daly autos to create a seasonal soundtrack for your holiday road trips. From classics to modern hits, these songs not only lift your spirits but also keep you in the festive groove while ensuring you drive safely.

“Jingle Bell Rock” by Bobby Helms: A timeless classic that keeps the energy high without distracting from the road.

“Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” by Bruce Springsteen: The Boss adds a rock ‘n’ roll ﬂair, making it a lively driving companion without compromising safety.

“Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano:

The bilingual beats of “Feliz Navidad” infuse joy without taking your

attention away from the drive.

“Driving Home for Christmas” by Chris Rea:

A soulful track perfect for those heading home, creating a heartwarming atmosphere without distraction.

“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by U2: U2’s rendition adds a rock edge, maintaining a spirited vibe while keeping your focus on the road.

“Run Rudolph Run” by Chuck Berry: Chuck Berry’s rock ‘n’ roll gem adds excitement without compromising safety.

“Winter Wonderland” by Michael Bublé: Michael Bublé’s smooth voice adds an elegant touch, creating a festive atmosphere without distractions.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey: A modern classic that brings joy without sacriﬁcing attention to the road.

“Sleigh Ride” by The Ronettes: The cheerful “Sleigh Ride” transports you to a winter wonderland without compromising safety.

“Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” by John Lennon and Yoko Ono: A meaningful addition that encourages reﬂection without distracting from safe driving.

“Fairytale of New York” by the Pogues:

What Christmas playlist would be complete without this sentimental track

“Baby It’s Cold Outside” by Tom Jones & Cerys Matthews

A beautiful duet to share with your driving buddy

“A wonderful Christmas Time” by Paul McCartney”

All though it may be thought of as one of Paul McCartney’s worst songs in terms of composition, it is one of our favourite in terms of festive feeling.

lCHRISTMAS CAROLLERS: Entertainment at the healthy agers Christmas Party

Clare farmer to host CalfCare ’25 programme event in January

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TULLA farmers will host a CalfCare roadshow next month.

Dairy farmers and dairy calf-to-beef farmers will be welcomed to the holding of Leona and Philip Hayes in Tulla (V95 W280) on Wednesday January 22nd for CalfCare ’25, the Animal Health Ireland (AHI) and Teagasc DairyBeef 500 roadshow promoting calf health and the potential of beef production from the dairy herd.

Proceedings will commence at 11am on the farm. With the support of Volac Milk Replacer Ireland Ltd (Feed For Growth) along with the region’s co-ops and meat processors, CalfCare ’25 will champion best practice husbandry and management practices and how to deliver best calf performance.

Describing the busy month ahead as “an informative introduction to the farming year,”

Alan Dillon, DairyBeef 500’s programme co-ordinator, hopes that attending farmers “will use these events to refresh their calf rearing skillsets”.

According to Michelle McGrath, Assistant CellCheck Programme Manager, AHI “For many farmers, it may have been a while since they last cared for calves, so by attending these events, farmers can refresh their knowledge on the best practices for calf feeding, managing common health issues, and optimising calf growth. It also provides an opportunity for farmers to ask questions that are relevant to their own farms.

CalfCare ’25 will address a range of pressing issues which farmers face during a critical time of their working year, including understanding dairy and beef indices to produce quality calves, achieving optimal rumen development, discussing the best means of utilising pain relief during the calving season, and the prevention of pneumonia in calves.

Joe Patton, Teagasc Head of Dairy Knowledge Transfer Department, said that the coming together of the DairyBeef 500 and AHI teams to deliver the CalfCare events emphasised the importance of the calf-rearing process to both farming systems. “It is essential that dairy farmers do all they can to produce calves that have enhanced profitability potential by suitably looking after them up to the point of transfer from the farm, thus ensuring the

success of the dairy beef farmer’s operation,” he said. “Given the success of last January’s CalfCare events, which marked the first time that DairyBeef 500 and AHI had worked together like this, we are delighted to continue this relationship to highlight how both sectors, working together, complement each other.”

With both dairy and beef farmers hosting the forthcoming events, Natascha Meunier, AHI Beef HealthCheck Programme Manager, believes that CalfCare ’25 will highlight the common skills and knowledge required by both sets of farmers. “CalfCare ’25 is not only for dairy farmers; the management and health information is relevant to all calf rearers and we look forward welcoming all with a keen interest in gaining the best outcomes for their calves”.

Open call for artists at Tulla Stable Studios

CLARE Arts Ofﬁce invites applications from professional creative practitioners to avail of a studio space in the Tulla Artist Studios.

Applications are welcome from practitioners across the spectrum of creativity, including – Architecture, Arts & Disability, Arts & Health, Arts & older people, Circus, Dance, Design, Digital arts, Film, Irish Language Arts, Literature, Multi-disciplinary, Multimedia Art, Music, Opera, Spectacle, Street Arts Theatre, Traditional arts and Visual arts, amongst others.

The Tulla Stables Studios Complex was developed by the Arts Ofﬁce of Clare County Council in response to the need for dedicated studio facilities for visual artists in County Clare.

Each studio is fully equipped with power, water, storage and wi-ﬁ with access to w/c & shower facilities, private car parking and kiln. Each artist is issued with a legal license agreement for their studio at the complex.

The cost of a studio in Tulla is €185 per month inclusive of all utilities. The license fee is due in advance monthly by standing order along with one month’s deposit. There are no shared facilities in Tulla.

Studios are licensed for an initial 9-month period which may be extended for a further period of 2 years, subject to artist meeting required conditions of their licence agreement.

Applicants must reside in the Republic of Ireland and must not have previously held a Tulla studio residency. Applicants must be professional creative practitioners, hold a degree or diploma from a recognised educational institution or have equivalent professional experience. Applicants in full time education will not be considered.

Deadline for receipt of applications is 4pm Friday January 31 2025.

lCALFCARE: Rearing healthy calves is among the major issues which will be addressed during the CalfCare ’25 event

Shannon musician to release new music in 2025

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

14-YEAR-old Shannon musician plans to release new songs in 2025.

JJ VRSE, second year student from St. Caimin’s Community School in Shannon decided to follow his dream of becoming a musician and released his first original track to the public earlier this year.

Since he started uploading his music to Spotify in April, JJ VRSE has grown a loyal fan base of over 300 monthly listeners on spotify from his home-made beats and distinctive style.

JJ’s love for music began as a means to spend some quality time with his uncle. After moving to Ireland from Poland at the age of five Born in Poland, he would spend weekend mornings listening to music on MTV with his uncle. Inspired by the stars he saw on the television, JJ would watch the music channel and think “I want to be that

kind of person.”

Using apps like BandLab and FL Studio, he started experimenting with beats and melodies teaching himself how to produce music.

“I just started making random things for example, like a base line then I could bring in a melody and it just builds from there,”

JJ explained that his par ents are his biggest support ers and credits them with giving him the confidence he needed to shrae his mu sic publically. “If it wasn’t for my girlfriend and my family, I wouldn’t be here making music,” he acknowledges.

JJ’s girlfriend, known on Spotify as Olivia VRSE, also plays a role in his creative process. “She knows how to make music, and I don’t know how. I’d say she could become an independent artist,” JJ shares. They work together and col-

laborate on songs with Olivia’s voice featuring on the maturity of JJ’s tracks.

JJ is focused on creating more music and plans on releasing a new collection of songs next year. “In January, I’m gonna make a whole bunch of songs,” he explains, planning to release throughout

Wolfe Tones na Sionna Receives a Joe McDonagh Foundation 2024 Award

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

Wolf Tones na Sionna are one of 17 Munster clubs to be honoured in Croke Park for promoting the Irish language within the GAA club.

Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha is a support service provided by Glór na nGael and the Gaelic Athletic Association to GAA clubs wishing to further the Irish Language in their community. The Foundation aims to help develop that promotion in a more measured and planned fashion. Glór na nGael offers help to the Oiﬁgeach Gaeilge to give them direction, support and ideas to build on the good work that has already been done within the club. Grants are available from the Fondúireacht to help realise

GAA clubs realise their plans and medals will be awarded to clubs for various levels of achievement in promotion of the language.

Wolf Tones na Sionna would like to thank everyone

who has contributed to this achievement – this recognition highlights the importance of fostering and promoting the Irish language for future generations.

Shannon Airport to have 115,000 passengers over Christmas

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

115,000 passengers are bound for Shannon Airport this Christmas.

Shannon Airport is to record a four percent increase on its festive traffic in 2024.

This holiday season boost coincides with a significant milestone for Shannon Airport, having surpassed two million passengers already this year, for the first time since 2009.

Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, shared her enthusiasm saying: “We are delighted to see continued growth in passenger numbers this year.

Shannon Airport’s prime location on the Wild Atlantic Way, combined with our dedication to providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, continues to attract travellers from around the world. Our dedicated staff are ready to extend a festive, warm Shannon welcome to all passengers

this Christmas season”.

As part of efforts to spread the festive spirit in Shannon Airport, the airport terminal will host a series of performances by local choirs and singers from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary over the next week. Participating choirs include Thomond Primary School, Cratloe National School, St Senan’s National School, St Flannan’s College, Barefield National School, the Shannon Gospel Choir, and singer Cleo Griffin from Nenagh, and with surprises along the way.

A life-size Santa sleigh in the arrivals hall and a stunning 12-foot Christmas tree offer the perfect backdrop for capturing memorable moments as passengers make their journey home.

To add a touch of Christmas magic, travellers heading abroad over the festive season are encouraged to leave a special wish for a loved one on a dedicated Christmas tree in the airport transit lounge.

lBUATEOIRí WTNS Irish Ofﬁcer Hazel Meaney accepting the award on behalf of the club

lJJ VRSE: 14 year old musician from Shannon

FASD Ireland launch campaign for Christmas & New Years

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS BASED, FASD Ireland which supports people and their families living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, have launched their 2024 Christmas and New Year campaign.

Current estimates from the HSE are that up 7.4 percent of the population live with FASD which is associated with a range of lifelong physical, mental, educational, social, and behavioural difficulties. FASD is Ireland’s most prevalent and only preventable, neuro-developmental disability. It has been described as “Ireland’s silent epidemic” affecting one in ten babies born today.

FASD Ireland wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season, however, please to avoid the risk of FASD to your baby, please remember that no amount of alcohol is safe to drink in the six weeks before conception or at any time during pregnancy.

Tristan Casson-Rennie, CEO of FASD Ireland said, “Ireland has a an alarmingly high prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. In the past it would have been considered acceptable to drink a glass of Stout or a Brandy – it would even have been deemed safe for Mum and Baby. However, we know today from scientific research that prenatal alcohol exposure can cause irreversible lifelong brain damage and other challenges in a developing baby.”

He continued, “Launching our Christmas and New Year campaign provides essential information to anyone who may be thinking about starting a family over the festivities. It is important that everyone knows about the risks associated with just one alcoholic drink if they are planning to have a baby. Alcohol and pregnancy never go together.”

Free and confidential help and support is available from FASD Hub Ireland Monday to Friday 10am until 4pm – 065 670 3098 or online: www.fasdhub.ie

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS 2024

Clare County Council Offices, leisure facilities and recycling centres will be CLOSED on the dates set out in the following table. Details are also on our website www.clarecoco.ie and on our facebook page www.facebook.com/clarecountycouncil

The opening arrangements for all libraries are available on the website www.clarelibrary.ie and will be on public display at all local libraries. Emergencies: In the event of an emergency the public should ring the following number (087) 2599568 during the holiday period.

Clare County Council wish the people of Clare a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year. Le gach dea-ghuí don Nollaig agus don Bhliain Nua.

lCHRSITMAS CAMPAIGN: Members of the FASD Ireland team

Fellowship snapped up by Kilmihil photographer

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

KILMIHIL native Gerard O’Neill has recently been honoured with a fellowship by the Irish Photographic Federation.

At a sitting of the Irish Photographic Federation in Thurles, Gerard received a distinction for his photography. Readers of The Clare Echo are familiar with his work as it appears in print and online on a weekly basis, the majority of which are from GAA games across the county.

Distinctions are awarded by the Irish Photographic Federation on three levels, Licentiate, Associate and Fellow, in ascending order. The Fellowship is the highest of these levels and requires a panel of twenty prints to be presented. The panel should sit together as a cohesive body of work and demonstrate the applicant’s distinguished ability and/or style in a specialist area of photography. Successful applicants are entitled to use the letters FIPF after their name.

For Gerry, the specialist area chosen was the GAA with shots included featuring Conor Cleary, David Clifford, Fidelma Marrinan, David Reidy, Daniel Walsh and Manus Doherty.

An associateship was received by Gerard in November 2021, the latest accolade is an achievement he is very proud of, he is currently the only member of the Clare Camera Club with such credentials.

He told The Clare Echo, “The process is a challenging one and it is trying to reach a standard of being a better photographer, having six judges sitting in front

of you and then reviewing your work to get a thumbs up from them is very rewarding”.

O’Neill added, “Very few photographers can put together a theme of twenty photographs, I’m privileged to go to matches to be able to get such photographs, as the famous golfer Gary Player said ‘the more practice the luckier I get’, sometimes you’re just in the right place, the shot of David Clifford is very unusual and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, when you’re shooting at 200 thousandth of a second it is too fast for the human eye to catch, most spectators wouldn’t see what you manage to catch on camera”.

Now residing in Deepark, he established O’Neill & Associates Accountants which is based on Frances Street in Kilrush, a company which has generously sponsored Coiste na nÓg Peil championships in the county.

moon with Aindrias de Staic

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

A NIGHT of traditional Irish storytelling is coming to the Armada Hotel this December.

Nationally and internationally, there is a growing interest in Irish storytelling. While academics in UK and US have long regarded the Irish tradition of storytelling as one of the finest in the world of folk art, only recently are we seeing the start of an interesting revival here at home.

Following in the footsteps of the great Irish storytellers, uncovering ancient pathways, and heralding a new era of Irish storytelling, bardic Irish storyteller Aindrias de Staic is bringing his own distinctive style of naration to Clare.

Strongly influenced by previous bards like Raifteri an Fhíle, Brian Merriman and Aindrias MacCruitín, “By the light of the silery moon” is a storytelling show with a contemporary take on the living tradition of storytelling.

Since moving back to Clare, Aindrias de Staic has been researching and developing his own style of telling stories, yarns, folktales and excerpts from mythology.

Aindrias’ style is a fast paced, lively new approach to the ancient Irish art form, yet his work is firmly rooted in the traditional storytelling styles of the west of Ireland. By the Light of the Silvery Moon is a new experience in storytelling, combining spoken word with guest musicians - harpist Aisling Lyons and percussionist Brian Fleming - collaborating live to add a sonic soundscape to the tales and performance.

Well known for his work as a Presenter with TG4 and his comic appearances on Hardy Bucks, Aindrias de Staic enjoys a cult following in rural Ireland for his ability to help audiences enjoy the full flavour of our traditional arts, particularly storytelling and music.

Tickets available on www.eventbrite.ie

lSTORYTELLER: Aindrais de Staic

lPICTURE PERFECT: Gerard O’Neil

Tom Chernel’s Christmas Piano Concerts

Bring Festive Magic to Nursing Homes

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

THIS December, Tom Chernel, the owner and teacher of Creative Keys Piano Studio in Crusheen, is spreading holiday cheer across Limerick, Galway, and Clare with a series of Christmas concerts at local nursing homes.

Originally from Hungary Tom moved to Ireland at the age of 18 to play and teach music. With a love for performing and Christmas music in particular which stems from his childhood, Tom is passionate about making the season special for everyone.

Starting back in the first week of December Tom has been travelling across the West of Ireland bringing his two hour long Christmas Piano Concert to nursing home residents to help them to celebrate the holiday season.

Although he had the initial idea for this series of concerts a number of years ago, this year marks the first time Tom has been able to bring his vision to life. Initially planning for just five or six concerts, Tom’s outreach to nursing homes resulted in an overwhelming response. “I got responses from places that I had not even contacted myself. I expected to do maybe five or six concerts but I was very surprised, and now my schedule is completely full until the 23rd of December.”

Tom explained to the Clare Echo; “I had planned to do these Christmas Concerts for years. These [nursing homes] can be very socially isolating places, and I want to bring some magic and celebra-

tion to their day.”

The idea of bringing Christmas Piano Concerts to nursing homes

stemmed from Tom’s personal experience of seeing his own grandmother living in a similar facility.

“My grandmother passed away in a nursing home in Hungary a few years ago. When she was living in the nursing home, they had nothing, no interaction, no one coming in to entertain them, nothing in my experience. So I decided I wanted to do this so I can give them something to celebrate.”

Tom’s love of Christmas music stems from musical childhood memories. “The first time I played in front of a big audience was at a Christmas Concert in Hungary. It was in a church, and I played ‘Silent Night’ along with a choir. It was the first time I played in front of a large audience. It was a great experience. This fondness for festive melodies encouraged the basis of Tom’s Christmas Concert initiative.

Due to his own personal connection with traditional Christmas Carols, Tom believes that music has a special way of connecting people to their memories, particularly during the holidays. “It’s amazing. When I play, I can just see the residents closing their eyes and going back into their memories from all of their years. Like us, they had families and Christmas memories too,” Tom shares.

“Like the line from ‘The Christmas Song’ says, Christmas is for children from 1 to 92. It’s important to make sure they enjoy Christmas as well.”

Feedback from nursing homes has been overwhelmingly positive. “I have received emails from nursing homes saying that the residents really enjoyed it and they can’t wait to do it again next year,” says Tom. “I even had one ask if I would be

available to come back around Valentine’s Day and play them some love songs, so they don’t even want to wait until next year.”

One particularly touching moment stood out for Tom. “I even had one older man come up to me after the concert and he said to me, ‘I have been living here for three years, and this has been my happiest day.’”

For nursing home staff like Aideen Scalon, Proprietor of Blake Manor Nursing Home in Galway, Tom’s concerts have been an invaluable addition to the holiday season. “I think it was very good; he was a very good piano player. It was great to have Tom. No matter what kind of music we get, the residents really enjoy it.”

Aideen believes that these concerts not only brighten the residents’ day but also offer something meaningful to those who may not have family or visitors. “Some people who don’t really get visitors sort of depend on events like that. It’s also really great because it brings something different to the residents. Everybody that comes into Blake Manor brings something different.”

Blake Manor has also hosted a variety of performances, from string quartets to youth choirs, adding a festive spirit that extends to the entire community.

Aideen shares. “Any of the family members of the residents are welcome to come along and enjoy the festivities with the residents. And the staff get involved as well, which is great.”

South Galway Operation Transformation 2025 promises to be bigger and better

St Colman’s Camogie Club launches its second South Galway Operation Transformation Programme, promising an even bigger and better community fitness initiative for 2025.

Building on the incredible success of last year, when over 400 participants joined the six-week programme, the 2025 edition is set to offer even more variety and excitement.

With 15 dedicated leaders, this year’s programme features 20-30 activity sessions

per week, catering to all fitness levels and interests.

Returning favorites include community walks, the Couch to 5K programme, 5-10K run progression groups, and weekend family hikes and trails.

Exciting new additions for 2025 include a community cycling group and a unique skills programme designed for parents of hurling or camogie-playing children to help them support their young athletes at home. This year’s programme is

made possible thanks to the generous support of local health and fitness providers, including Galway Sports Partnership, Powerhouse Gym, Swan Leisure Centre, Fiona McDonogh Yoga, Finnegan Fitness, and many more.

Additionally, local employers like Natus Neuro and Topform have joined the initiative, offering subsidised entry or their employees as part of their commitment to workplace wellness. The programme kicks off

on Saturday, January 4, with a community walk along the scenic Gort River Walk.

Activities will continue for six weeks, providing something for everyone in the community to get active, stay healthy, and connect with others.

Full details and registration information can be found on St Colman’s Camogie Club social media platforms. Join us in making 2025 a year of wellness, community, and fun.

lCHRISTMAS CAROLS: Tom and staff members singing some christmas songs

lOT: South Galway leaders

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

AS THE final whistle blew at Croke Park on July 6, it was confirmed that Clare’s senior hurlers would set up an All-Ireland final against Cork having defeated Kilkenny on a score of 0-24 to 2-16. It was a case of third time lucky for Clare who fell to the cats at the same hurdle in both 2022 and 2023. Clare would go on to win the All-Ireland championship later that month. The celebrations of Mayor of Clare Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) reflected the joy felt by every man, woman and child in Clare as our heroes lit up the summer and delivered an electrifying campaign to bring Liam McCarthy home across the Shannon for the first time in 11 years.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

2024 YEAR IN REVIEW

Most read online

1 #GE24 Live: General Election count in Clare

(page clicks: 282,528)

IN A year that was dominated by politics, it’s no surprise that the most read Clare Echo article online was our General Election liveblog.

A by-the-minute, blow-by-blow account kept readers in the know on the tallies, counts, trials and tribulations as Clare elected its four new Dáil representatives in November. Moments to remember on the liveblog include Irish Freedom Party candidate Michael Loughrey’s threat to deport our Head of News & Sport, Páraic McMahon, if elected. Thankfully with just 101 ﬁrst preference votes, this did not transpire.

2 #LE24 Live: Local Election county in Clare (page clicks: 185,944)

TREACY’S West County was familiar territory for politicians and media in 2024 and back in June The Clare Echo provided live coverage as a whopping 59 candidates battled it out for a seat in Clare County Council.

3 Jail warning for mum of three who walks children on daily sixmile round-trip to school

(page clicks: 61,343)

Sometimes it’s hard to quantify which articles will take the public’s interest. Coming in just ahead of our most read sports story (Clare GAA ofﬁcers walk out of County Board meeting) is this court story from Gordon Deegan which outlines the realities of a driving ban for an East Clare motherof-three (39) who was driving with no insurance.

It’s been a good year for...

Eddie Redmayne

OSCAR-winning actor Eddie Redmayne had a brilliant start to the year when it was discovered his people are from Clare. Kilrush’s links to Redmayne were uncovered with news that his great-grandfather was a former resident of Pella House.

Dr Paul O’Brien, a lecturer at Mary Immaculate College and historian from Kilrush was researching Admiral John Fitzgerald Studdert, a royal naval ofﬁcer, when he uncovered the

London-born actor’s link to the West Clare town.

Thomas Studdert ac quired Bunratty Castle and took up residence in approximately 1720. In 1778 Thomas Studdert of Bunratty married Anne Fitzgerald of Shepperton and had six sons and three daughters, Admiral John was one of their sons, he died in 1867 and is buried in the church yard in Kilrush.

Actor Redmayne is the

great-great-grandson of Sir Richard Augustine Studdert Redmayne, son of Mrs J.M. Redmayne (née Studdert) of Pella House. Redmayne is best known for his roles in movies such as The Danish Girl and The Theory of Every-

Now that the link has been made, it is hoped that a visit can be arranged for Eddie and his family. “A visit would be ideal,” O’Brien stated. “He is a multi-award winning actor, he has an OBE and an Oscar... it would be fantastic if he managed to visit us in Kilrush for a civic reception, perhaps Clare County Council or Mayor of Clare could invite him.”

The Clare Echo attempted to contact the multi-award winning actor, who may have been too excited to comment.

We’ve been wathcing you! Strange search terms that brought you to

‘HOW to pronouce Cliffs of Moher?’ ‘How did Smother Season 3 end?’ ‘Who is Darragh Lohan’s father?’ These are some of the top questions which brought Googlers to The Clare Echo website this year.

At the end of each year, The Clare Echo does a deep dive on our analytics to see what has brought people from Google to our website. Unsurprisingly, the majority of new visitors who came to www.clareecho. ie did so after searching for election results in Clare this year. The Clare Echo continues to prove itself as the Number One source for reliable election coverage and 2024 was no exception on this front. We’re obviously a nosy bunch in Clare;

among the top search terms included people looking for the net worth of Domhnal Slattery, Pat O’Donnell, Louis Fitzgerald and Back Baller.

The most searched-for businesses were Deasy’s Centra, Homestead Cottage, Doctor 365 Ennis, Supermacs Tuamgraney and ‘BEO Ennis’. Our most searched politicians were Dinny Gould (FG), Cathal Crowe (FF), and Violet-Anne Wynne (Ind).

Top search terms which brought users to our court coverage included ‘inflatable castle’ and ‘machine gun’ while the most searched journalist on Google bringing users to our site was Jim Conlon, followed

by Gordon Deegan and Páraic McMahon. Hurling fever was evident as thousands of people searched ‘Clare GAA’, ‘Clare Echo Sport’, ‘All-Ireland ﬁnal tickets’, ‘team to play Kilkenny’ and ‘Banner Roar lyrics’. The most searched sporting names which brought users to The Clare Echo included Davy Fitzgerald, Brian Lohan, Conor Leen, Darragh Lohan, and Ryan Taylor. Finally, we couldn’t help but notice that we attracted a large number of users who Googled the question, ‘Skoda Kodiaq style vs sportline’. Are you watching, Al Hayes!? 25 people clicked into The Clare Echo after searching for ‘porn’. How many pages did those users have to scroll through?!

Moments of the Year 2024

n Tommy visits Eddie

CLARE has a history of attracting big names to the West of Ireland, with Shannon Airport providing a gateway to internationally renowned destinations such as Dromoland Castle, the Cliffs of Moher and Lahinch Golf Course.

However one of Clare’s lesser-known treasures, story-teller Eddie Lenihan, proved the star attraction in October when the world’s most famous fashion designer, Tommy Hilﬁger, called to his residence in Crusheen for tea.

Eddie told The Clare Echo that Mr Hilﬁger and his daughter visited to discuss Lenihan’s book Meeting The Other Crowd. “You’re inclined to associate [famous people] with, ‘well they must be rich and sometimes riches turns people into bollocks’, idiots,” scoffed Eddie as he recounted Mr Hilﬁger’s visit to Crusheen. Softening up, Ireland’s greatest story-teller continued, “But other times it doesn’t, which is nice. As far as I could see, he’s a very nice person, just ordinary.”

TD tells Clare Echo journalist to ‘f#*k right off!’

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

THERE are some individuals who just command media attention.

In the world of politics, former Sinn Féin and Independent TD, Violet-Anne Wynne became a media magnet during her 5-year stint in Dáil Eireann.

Violet-Anne is a magnetic and personable individual who, in the flesh, is very ameniable. However her public persona has at times made a villian of the West Clare politician.

Just last week, Violet was in court where she said she hopes to use her Dail termination payment towards the €11,500 she owes in a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) award to a former employee who was unfairly dismissed, adding that her “financial circumstances” have prevented her from doing so to date.

Ms Wynne – who received a TD’s annual salary of €113,679 – lost her seat in the recent General Election in Clare receiving only 310 first preference votes where she stood as an independent candidate in a vote collapse from her 2020 General Election vote when she topped the poll as a Sinn Féin candidate.

In June, Violet-Anne was ap-

proached to appear as an analyst on an episode of The Clare Echo’s political podcast, The Electoral Chair to preview the winners and losers in the local elections.

However in a response, the Offaly native replied to The Clare Echo‘s Páraic McMahon, “With you running them? Not a hope. You have consistently targeted me. You can fuck right off”. In the words of for-

mer Dublin TD Paul Gogarty, most unparliamentary language!

Deputy Wynne did not respond when asked to give examples to back up such a claim.

Former Junior Minister, Pat Breen (FG) who was once labelled “Prat Breen” by Wynne prior to her election to Dáil Éireann in February 2020 was among the guests on the episode of The Electoral Chair.

l COMMENT: Violet-Anne Wynne taking part in The Clare Echo’s Live Political debate last month at Hotel Woodstock Photo by John Mangan

Biggest business story of 2024

Michelin star for new Doolin restaurant

DOOLIN restaurant Homestead Cottage was awarded its ﬁrst Michelin Star in February –just seven months after opening its doors.

The accolade marked a remarkable rise for the husband-and-wife team of Robbie and Sophie McCauley, who received 400 bookings within a day of receiving their award.

The unique eatery – which prides itself on using local ingredients – was announced as one of just three Irish restaurants to become new recipients of the much-coveted award, with owner Robbie telling The Clare Echo he was “delighted” with the achievement.

The story we’ll follow in 2025

All Ireland winner in court

A JUDGE has stated that he anticipates setting a trial date next March for the assault trial of former All Star and Clare All-Ireland winning hurler, Niall Gilligan.

In the case, Mr Gilligan (47) of Rosroe, Sixmilebridge denies the assault causing harm of a 12 year old boy during an alleged ‘stick’ assault at the Jamaica Inn Hostel, Mt Ivers Rd, Sixmilebridge on October 5, 2023.

As part of the State case, photos of the boy’s injuries were handed into court in July and Judge Gabbett said at the time, “I am looking at photographs here and what I am seeing is a child with signiﬁcant injuries over and above what the district court should be dealing with so I am going to refuse jurisdiction”.

Solicitor for Mr Gilligan, Mr Hassett told the court that the sequence of events set out by the State is not accepted by his client.

A Bad year for...

Ennis 2040

Is the writing on the wall for Ennis 2040’s Abbey Street Car Park multi-million euro mixed use development?

Sustained pressure from Ennis businesses and residents has culminated in the resignation of Ennis 2040 COO Kevin Corrigan this month. Having committed to seeing out the project, Corrigan parted ways with Ennis 2040 after less than ... 2,040 days in the role (about 1,180 to be precise).

The most contentious 2040 issue of a large-scale development at Abbey Street Car Park (pictured) - which was championed by interim Clare Co Co CEO Carmel Kirby – has been at the crux of resistance to the DAC.

Business owners in Ennis admitted to being “absolutely shocked” by the size and scale of the planned building when members of the public got a look at the Abbey Street car park development (pictured) for the ﬁrst time in February.

Meanwhile, the planned data centre for Roslevan was expected to be “a major pillar of the Ennis 2040 Economic Plan”.

An Bord Pleanala gave the centre the green light in April however in October at a legal challenge to the High Court, An Bord Pleanala conceded there was a flaw in the planning permission it granted for a €1.2bn data centre campus in Ennis, leaving that project up in the air also.

n Feelgood story of 2024

In Februarty, Lahinch Golf Club was praised for its royal treatment of a former Special Olympics golfer – after allowing him to use a buggy on the course for the ﬁrst time in the Old Course’s 130-year history. Starter Tony Molloy and caddie Dave O’Brien were singled out for their kindness in giving 32-year old American golfer Jamie Bérubé the VIP treatment during his visit.

n A Lidl Lookalike

IN NOVEMBER, ahead of the much-anticipated Gladiator 2 premiere, Ennis native Jack Wall O’Reilly was crowned winner of the ﬁrst ever Paul Mescal look-a-like competition.

Clare Residents encouraged to think “Circular” this Christmas

WASTE GENERATION spikes during the Christmas which has prompted Clare County Council to urge the county’s residents to embrace sustainability over the festive season.

Preventing waste, reusing resources and recycling responsibly can see the Clare public adopt a more environmentally sustainable approach.

Environmental Awareness Officer with Clare County Council, Karen Foley outlined the importance of adopting a more circular approach. “Christmas is a time when waste generation spikes. We need to transition from the traditional linear model of making, using, and disposing to a circular model that prioritises reuse, repair, upcycling, and recycling. By embracing circular living, we can reduce our carbon footprint and preserve our planet’s finite natural resources”.

For items that cannot be reused or upcycled, recycling is the next best step. Ms Foley recommending visiting www.mywaste.ie for guidance on what can and cannot be recy-

cled. Clare’s five recycling centres, located in Ballyduffbeg (Inagh), Lisdeen, Shannon, Scarriff and Ennis, offer affordable drop-off options, with a carload of recyclables costing as little as €5. Details on locations, opening hours, and costs are available at www.clarecoco.ie.

Pat Baker, Executive Engineer with the Waste Management Team in the Council encouraged use of the free bring banks for glass bottles and aluminium cans, “Please help us keep bring bank sites clean by only depositing bottles and cans. Boxes, bags, and other materials should not be left at these sites. If a bank is full, please use an alternative location. We appreciate your cooperation during this busy season”.

Maria Carey, Executive Engineer with the Waste Enforcement Team reminded those enjoying Clare’s natural amenities to ‘leave no trace’. She said, “Dispose of litter responsibly by either binning it or bringing it home. If you encounter littering or illegal dumping, please contact our Waste Enforcement Team at 1800-606706 / 065-6846331 or via email at enviroff@clarecoco.ie”.

Tips for a Sustainable and Circular Christmas

1: Shop Locally and Sustainably: Buy locally produced gifts and food to support local businesses and reduce transport miles.

Visit www.visitclare.ie for unique gift experiences available in the county.

2: Reduce Waste: Purchase second-hand items from charity shops to support good causes and reduce consumption. Avoid gifts that require batteries or opt for rechargeable ones.

3: Eco-Friendly Gifting: Consider giving upcycled decorations, native tree vouchers, or energy-saving prod-

ucts like LED bulbs.

Use alternative wrapping materials, such as newspaper, fabric, or reusable gift bags.

4: Prevent Food Waste:

Make a shopping list to avoid overbuying and wasting food.

Find tips and recipes for using leftovers at www.stopfoodwaste.ie.

5: Recycle Right:

Use your recycling and food waste collections properly. Ensure recyclables are clean, dry, and loose. Visit www.mywaste.ie to learn more.

Recycle batteries and electrical waste for free. Visit https://erp-recycling.org/ie/ for more information.

l CIRCULAR CHRISTMAS: Dreaming of a Green Christmas are Clare County Council Greener Clare team - (l-r) Norah Murphy, Environmental Patrol Warden; Kieran Burke, Community Warden; Terence McDonald, Community Warden; Maria Carey, Executive Engineer; Karen Foley, Environmental Awareness Ofﬁcer.

Photo by: Eamon Ward.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MTU Launches Digital Substation to Advance Ireland’s Energy Transition and Power Engineering Expertise

by Lisa Mullaly

MUNSTER Technological University, in collaboration with H&MV Engineering and ABB, has launched a Digital Substation in the Power Academy Lab of MTU’s Bishopstown campus.

The introduction of the Digital substation is essential for the state to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with an interim goal of reducing emissions by 51% by 2030, as outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2023. Ireland has made signiﬁcant strides in renewable energy, achieving 75% integration into its grid, and plans to increase this to 95% by 2030. To meet the growing electricity demand driven by population growth, industry expansion, and the transition to electric heating and transport, Ireland’s grid infrastructure requires substantial upgrades.

This €200,000 investment, funded by H&MV Engineering, who delivers High Voltage design, engineering and construction services with a specialised focus in data centres, renewables, utility, commercial and industrial sectors and ABB, a global technology leader

in electriﬁcation and automation, aims to support the development of Ireland’s grid infrastructure through enhanced training and research in the power engineering sector.

The new Digital Substation at MTU will provide hands-on training for engineers and professionals across power generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. H&MV Engineering’s focus on data centers, renewables, and utility sectors, combined with ABB’s leadership in electriﬁcation, will help equip future engineers with the skills necessary for modern grid design and operations. This initiative is essential in meeting Ireland’s projected electricity demand increase—from 33 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2022 to 56 TWh by 2030 and 80 TWh by 2050.

Dr. Martin Hill, Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at MTU, emphasized that the support from industry partners like ABB and H&MV Engineering comes at a crucial time when digital technologies in modern substation design demand expertise across electronic, communication, and elec-

trical engineering ﬁelds. The Digital Substation enables students to gain practical experience with cutting-edge smart grid protection technologies, preparing them for the evolving energy sector.

MTU will demonstrate the Digital Substation’s capabilities at the PowerGRID 2025 conference in January 2025. The university is also accepting applications for its “Smart Sustainable Power Engi-

neering” course, with a submission deadline of January 25th, 2025. For more information on the course, visit www.mtu.ie/courses/ cresspe9/.

lisa@clareecho.ie

l DIGITAL SUBSTATION: (L-R) Javier Romero Vivas, Katie Long, Patrick Ralph, Dr Matt Cotterell, Dr Michael O Donovan, Hemanth Soundar, Dr Martin Hill, Stephen Clancy – ABB, Dr Ibrahim Sengor, Judy Rea, Tom Neally, Rian Hayden, Niamh Tahhan

Meet the Rural & Community Development Officers of Clare County Council

THE ROLE of Clare County Council’s Rural & Community Development Officers (RCDO’s) is to build the capacity of voluntary community leaders and organisations in Co. Clare and to assist with identifying projects which will provide communities and the county with an identifiable comparative advantage in terms of securing national funding for projects.

Projects supported by the RCDO’s are aligned to the objectives of the LECP 2024-2030 (Local Economic and Community Plan) and the Clare Rural Development Strategy 2030. This work is underpinned by community engagement that is based on established community development principles and practices.

The RCDO Team works with community and voluntary groups to provide additional sustainable community development supports, including group

restructuring, inclusivity and governance training, succession planning and project development. The RCDO’s current work program has a county wide focus across the four MD’s in terms of project development and funding.

lKillaloe Municipal DistrictDarren Carroll, Rural and Community Development Officer

Email:dcarroll@clarecoco.ie Tel: 0872784391

lShannon Municipal DistrictConor Leyden, Rural and Community Development Officer

Email: cleyden@clarecoco.ie Tel: (087) 1868433

lEnnis Municipal District and North Clare - Niamh Wiley, Rural and Community Development Officer

Email: nwiley@clarecoco.ie Tel: 0870611943

lWest Clare Municipal DistrictSeamus Murrihy, Rural and Community Development Officer

Email: smurrihy@clarecoco.ie Tel: 353873834382

For more information go to https:// www.clarecoco.ie/your-council/ contact-the-council/directory/ rural-and-community-dev-dept/ rural-dev-officers/

lRCDO: Rural and Community Development Ofﬁcers Seamus Murrihy, Niamh Wiley, Conor Leyden [inset image: Darren Carrol and Conor Leyden]

Double Triumph for AAG at 2024 Aviation Industry Awards

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON BASED ATLANTIC Aviation Group (AAG) has achieved a double victory at the 2024 Aviation Industry Awards.

AAG’s Training Academy scooped the Aviation Professional Training Award and the Aviation Academic Education Award, both awarded for AAG’s dedication to shaping the future of the aviation workforce, by focusing on professional growth and education.

Held in the Crowne Plaza in Santry, Dublin, the Aviation Industry Awards are seen as a benchmark for recognising outstanding contributions to the industry. The double win solidifies the AAG Training Academy’s position as a leader in its field, especially given the

competitive nature of the categories.

Offering EASA Part 147-approved courses, traineeships, and a Bachelor’s programme in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, AAG’s Academy in Shannon blends theoretical and practical learning in stateof-the-art facilities. With over 4,500 graduates, it remains a cornerstone of aviation training excellence.

Eva O’Keeffe, Chief Aviation Services Officer at AAG, shared her pride in the achievement and AAG’s continued development of talent and excellence in Ireland’s aviation sector.

“The Atlantic Aviation Group Training Academy are thrilled and honoured to have won the award in both categories in which we were nominated. This achievement reflects the

immense dedication and hard work of our entire team, whose commitment to fostering growth and advancing skills within the aviation industry has always been our top priority. With the current global skill’s shortage for qualified aircraft mechanics and engineers, developing a talent pipeline for the future is more important than ever”. She added, “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the event organisers and the judges for making this such a memorable and exciting night. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and look forward to continuing to support the development of aviation careers”.

lFLYING HIGH: (Left to right) Eva O’Keeffe, Patrick Fitzgerald, Edward McInerney, Aileen Cherry, Tony Maher, Aidan Dooley, pictured with the Aviation Academic Education Award and the Aviation Professional Training Award won by Atlantic Aviation Group.

Blarney Woolen Mills repay €1.13m to Revenue over COVID-19 overclaim

by Gordon Deegan

Profits at the Blarney Woollen Mills Group - which operates the Bunratty Castle Hotel - were hit last year after the group had to repay €1.13m to the Revenue Commissioners concerning an over-claim by the group in the Government’s COVID-19 Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS).

That is according to new accounts for the Blarney headquartered retail and hotel group which show that a strong performance in retail and hospitality contributed to revenues rising at the group by 11 percent to €55.66m in the twelve months to the end of January 31st this year.

The group operates the Blarney Woollen Mills and Meadows & Byrne chain of retail outlets and profits were hit by the €1.13m repaid to Revenue concerning prior years COVID-19 wage subsidy payments received.

Prior year accounts for Blarney Woollen Mills Group Ltd and subsidiaries show that the group received a cumulative €7.1m in Covid-19 EWSS payments from the State across 2022 and 2021 financial years.

A note attached to the new accounts concerning the repaid €1.13m states that “during the current year, the group were notified that there was an over-claim of the EWSS in previous years which led to a repayment of €1,134,796”.

Separate accounts filed by subsidiary, Meadows & Byrne Ltd show that €624,080 of the €1.3m over claim concerned that part of the business.

In their report, the directors for Blarney Woollen Mills Group state that demand for the company’s products remains strong however the cost of doing business has continued to increase.

They state this has resulted in a marginal increase in profit after tax to €3.76m in the year ended January 31st 2024.

MHP Sellors merge with Limerick firm

Limerick and Clare based legal firm MHP Sellors this week announced details of their continued expansion with a merger with long established Limerick firm of solicitors Breen Geary McCarthy and Shee. The merger unites two firms with similar values and culture and together they create a larger firm with even greater resources and expertise.

Speaking at the announcement

Stephen Keogh, managing partner of MHP Sellors said “I extend a warm welcome to the Breen Geary McCarthy & Shee team, this strategic move will see all clients beneﬁt from a strengthened team and a wealth of professional knowledge and expertise.” Colman O’Donovan of Breen Geary McCarthy and Shee said that, “40 years of client service would be continued with extra resources and the culture where clients would be given the service and professional advice they have come to depend on. We are delighted to be joining the team at MHP Sellors.”

MHP Sellors have ofﬁces in Ennis and Limerick, providing a full suite of legal services.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS

GENERAL OPERATIVE BAND 3 (RURAL) (SEASONAL, FIXED TERM AND PERMANENT POSITIONS) IN THE SOUTH WEST REGION ARTERIAL DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES DIVISION

Competition Reference: 2025/002

Applications are invited for the above positions. Competition details and application forms are available at www.gov.ie/opw

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is not later than 5:30pm on Monday 13th January 2025.

The Office of Public Works is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.

The accounts also show that the group received an insurance payout of €226,320 concerning flooding causing extensive damage to its retail store in Clarinbridge, Co Galway in November 2023.

However, the accounts show that there were associated costs of €135,181 from dealing with the extensive damage with the group recording a net gain of €91,139 on the insurance claim.

A note attached to the accounts states “that the gain is the excess of the insurance proceeds received over the net book value of the relevant assets at that date and the direct costs incurred plus amounts received to cover business interruption”.

The principal activities of the group include the retailing of clothes, crystal, china, homewares and other household goods through The Blarney Woollen Mills and Meadows & Byrne shops and the operation of hotels & restaurants situated in Blarney, Cork, Dove Hill, Co. Tipperary and Bunratty, Co. Clare.

The group’s operating profits increased by five percent to €5.04m but higher interest costs of €693,419 resulted in pre-tax profits remaining flat at €4.35m.

The company recorded the post tax profits of €3.76m after recording a corporation tax charge of €590,579. Numbers employed by the group increased from 500 to 508 and staff costs rose from €13.5m to €14.49m. Directors’ emoluments rose from €873,798 to €936,718 made up of €660,000 in remuneration and €276,718 in pension contributions.

Pay to key management personnel made up of directors and members of the executive team increased to €1.54m.

Shareholder funds at the end of January totalled €32.7m that included €8.76m in accumulated profits. The group’s cash funds reduced from €13.67m to €6.6m.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS

GENERAL OPERATIVE BAND 2 / 360° EXCAVATOR DRIVER (SEASONAL, FIXED TERM & PERMANENT POSITIONS) IN THE SOUTH WEST REGION ARTERIAL DRAINAGE MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION SERVICES DIVISION

Competition Reference: 2025/001

Applications are invited for the above positions. Competition details and application forms are available at www.gov.ie/opw

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is not later than 5:30pm on Monday 13th January 2025

The Office of Public Works is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.

lREPAY OVERCLAIM: Blarney Woolen Mills

lTEAMING UP: Stephen Keogh MHP and Colman O’Donovan of Breen Geary McCarthy and She

Ennis blossoms with opening of Flowers by Luis in Lifford

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

THE iconic Kelly’s Corner in Ennis is blossoming again thanks to the arrival of Flowers By Luis.

For decades, the retail unit in Lifford was home to Kelly’s Newsagents. Following a brief period of vacancy, master florist Luis da Silva has planted the seeds of renewal on Friday, November 15, hoping to unearth a loyal customer base in Ennis for decades to come.

Luis (54) has spent his entire adult life perfecting his craft. Having developed a love for flowers in his teenage years in his native land, the garden island of Madeira, Portugal, Luis now possesses almost four decades of international experience.

Luis qualified as a master florist in Chapel Manor College in the UK. He was a director of London’s McQueens Flower School and has a wealth of experience in all aspects of bespoke floristry having worked in New York, Brazil and China.

In County Clare, Luis built his reputation at Angel Flowers in Shannon before heading up the Flower Room by Vaughan’s Garden Centre in Ennis, where he worked as head florist for the last four years before deciding to establish his own business.

Luis has recruited the expertise of his friend, experienced florist Cathy Fitzsimon, who brings with her a flair for flowers and a great love and knowledge of plants.

He tells The Clare Echo that his new business venture wasn’t planned, rather a leap of faith as his instincts took over as he passed a

‘to let’ sign at Kelly’s Corner earlier this year. “I passed here so many times and I used to

think, that corner would make a wonderful flower shop. Once I viewed the premises, I fell in love with it straight away.”

Luis is grateful to his existing clientelle from Vaughan’s who continue to support him in his

new location, which he notes is in a central, convenient location with free parking. “The feedback to Flowers by Luis has been amazing,” Luis admits. “Ennis is a bit like Madeira, everyone is connected and word spreads that way.”

Flowers by Luis caters to all customers, offering flower arrangements, plants, outdoor pots, pots for graves, wedding flower arrangements, candles and more.

When asked what sets Flowers by Luis apart, the Portuguese native is somwhat bashful, offering, “My floristry is different - maybe because I have so much experience, I’m flexible to change things and I can pull from my experience. I believe as well, we give value for money.”

A passing customer interjects, “I can contribute to that as well, definitely. He’s in a league of his own. I’ve never been in a flower shop like this. The minute I walked in, it’s like walking into a boutique florist in the middle of London. It’s a step above.”

Asked about his aspirations for Flowers by Luis, he explains, “I believe when you expand, you dilute the quality of what you’re doing. I want to do this well and I think that’s enough for me.”

Luis and Cathy are inviting customers to “visit, have a look, just come in for a chat. You don’t have to buy and it doesn’t matter if you’re spending 5 or 50, we cater to everybody.”

l COMMENT: Luis da Silva and Cathy Fitzsimons of Flowers by Luis in Ennis

KILRUSH ROAD, ENNIS

20 years of smiles at Ennis Orthodontic

by Lisa Mullaly lisa@clareecho.ie

ENNIS Orthodontic Practice celebrated 20 years in business this week.

The practice at Westgate was bursting with energy and celebration on Tuesday, with green and white balloons decorating the ofﬁce, cupcakes on offer to patients and a massive prize draw.

The rafﬂe was annouced on social media and the 20 lucky winners were picked during Tuesday’s celebrations.

Reﬂecting on his two decades in business Dr. Jeeves said “the past

20 years have gone by in a ﬂash, I’d say the highlights are just the feedback from patients and the smiles as they walk out the door”

Dr.Jeeves attributes the success of Ennis Orthodontics Practice to a dedication to patient care and investment in the most modern equipment. Looking to the future he plans to continue this commitment to advancing the technology used within the practice.

“I am trying to push the realms of technology within the practice.” “We have taken it as far as we can up until this point and I’m excited to see what else we can implement and introduce into the practice”

lCELEBRATING 20 YEARS: Dr.Jeeves and his team at the Westgate practice celebrating 20 years in business.

Photos by: Tom Micks

Regions and seasons to benefit from Tourism Ireland’s increased tourism targets to 2030

THE eight million people who visited the island of Ireland in 2023, spending €6.4 billion during their stay, may have spent as long as five hours in research mode, visiting 277 web pages in the process, prior to selecting Ireland as their preferred holiday destination.

This was just one of the many interesting nuggets of information imparted by the chief executive of Tourism Ireland, Alice Mansergh, when she delivered the keynote address at the Shannon Chamber President’s lunch in Dromoland Castle Hotel last week.

Describing herself as a ‘staycation nerd,’ Ms Mansergh is ideally placed to lead the team charged with promoting the island of Ireland overseas. With the tourism sector supporting 300,000 jobs, seven out of ten outside Dublin and Belfast and two out of three depending on overseas tourism, it is little wonder that Tourism Ireland’s focus is on delivering a 5.6% annual increase in overseas visitor numbers to 2030, including a 6.5% yearon-year increase across regions and seasons.

Ms Mansergh said that this will be achieved through inspiring visitors and strengthening partnerships, through co-operative marketing with industry stakeholders, and through supporting airlines

with strategic route marketing.

“Tourism is a great act of teamwork,” she stated, adding that while Tourism Ireland can ‘tell the story’, it does not own ‘brand Ireland’, the commercial transaction, or the

tourism’ campaign generated 11.8 million ‘opportunities to see’ in Germany.

Seasonal tourism also offers potential, given the payback from campaigns centred on festivals,

customer interaction, and relies on air and sea carriers, hotels, activity providers, partner agencies and cultural players, among others, to deliver on the ground.

Referring to the latest trends in tourism, she pointed to low-carbon itineraries, sustainable experiences and accommodation as offering potential, given that a recent ‘slow

such as St Patrick’s Day (230 million reach and 100,000 visitors), Halloween (200 million reach and 14 million campaign video views on YouTube).

With a social media following of seven million fans, Tourism Ireland is tuned into the benefits this medium offers and, while aware that interaction drives broader aware-

ness, the team is also conscious that time away from the screen while on holiday is slowly becoming the new luxury, with in-destination real-life experiences essential.

Experiences on this nature are ever present in the Shannon region, as outlined by Stephen Hanley, general manager, Clare Tourism Development (East).

Speaking at the luncheon, he gave an overview of the improvements made at key tourism products in the company’s portfolio – Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen Castle and Crannog, Knappogue Castle and Gardens and Inis Cealtra, Ireland’s Holy Island. He also gave some insights into what is yet to come, such as a restaurant development and a new museum dedicated to Dr Brendan O’Regan at Bunratty; a playground development and a range of new events at Craggaunowen; the opening of a five-star residence and the reopening of the formal gardens and a castle courtyard project in Knappogue; and some amazing plans for Inis Cealtra including a rectory with café and interactive museum and island tours commencing in 2025.

“Our seven visitor attractions welcomed two million visitors in 2024; that is quite a statistic,” he added.

Shannon Chamber President Eoin Gavin was fulsome in his praise for the tourism sector in the region.

“We have an amazing product range here in this region, and an international airport on our doorstep. We want visitors to fly Shannon, stay in the region to absorb its beauty and culture and then visit other parts of Ireland.

“All players in the entire tourism sector work tirelessly to ensure their products are continuously upgraded and marketed aggressively. That’s why we need to encourage visitors to stay in the regions they visit rather than make day trips with a resultant insignificant injection into the local economy,” he added.

Shannon Chamber President’s lunch, sponsored by Clare Tourism East and supported by Visit Clare and Griffith College, was the concluding event in Shannon Chamber’s busy calendar for 2024, which included the delivery of 32 events, as well as 10 events and a conference during Sustainability Week, via its Mid-West Sustainability Network, and 3 workshops and a conference via its Mid-West Lean Network. The Chamber also delivered 97 training programmes via its Skillnet business network, part-funded by Skillnet Ireland.

Five Clare STEM students receive scholarships

Eoin Gavin, president, Shannon Chamber (left) pictured at Dromoland Castle Hotel with Alice Mansergh, chief executive, Tourism Ireland; Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber; and Stephen Hanley, general manager, Clare Tourism Development (East). Photograph by Eamon Ward

Five students from Clare were amongst 82 students from across seven Irish universities who have been awarded scholarships as part of Johnson & Johnson’s prestigious Women in STEM2D (WiSTEM2D) Undergraduate Awards at its national event held in Thomond Park Stadium, Limerick. Among them was Emer Finucane, Biomedical Science, Kilrush pictured above.

Sports Year in Review 2024

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

WITH highs and lows aplenty throughout the sporting year, it’s been twelve months to remember on and off the field with plenty of competition for the sought-after Clare Echo sporting awards.

In what is year five of The Clare Echo sporting awards, the coveted accolades are as keenly contested as major derby battles.

Not everyone can be a winner, if it was that easy then everyone would be a champion but we must applaud the commitment of all sportspeople in the county, their coaches, mentors, supporters plus the volunteers, officials and administrators who make our games what they are.

So, The Clare Echo sporting awards for 2024 go to….

Team of the year

Clare’s senior hurlers

Sporting venue of the year

Currently construction work is ongoing to the clubhouse of Lahinch Golf Club but the North-West Clare venue is an attraction for golfers all over the world for a reason. At the beginning of July, Lahinch Golf Club staged the 2024 Arnold Palmer Cup which enjoyed the biggest crowds in its twenty seven years and of course the scenic setting had something to do with that, there was some excellent golf too as the historic Old Course on Ireland’s Atlantic coast was shown in its

best possible light. Lahinch’s constant is the annual South of Ireland Championship which took place at the end of July. A bigger spectacle awaits in 2025 with the hosting of the Walker Cup which will see daily crowds of 10,000 when Great Britain and Ireland host the United States in the biennial men’s matches. In 2019, Lahinch gleamed when hosting the DDF Irish Open and it hasn’t looked back since.

Celebration of the year

Bridge Utd’s Jack Daly not only produced the most acrobatic celebration by a Clare sportsperson in 2024 but he also had the distinction of appearing on the front page of The Clare Echo after his mid-air somersault was captured to perfection by the one and only Joe Buckley. After scoring the winning goal in the FAI U17 Cup quarter-ﬁnal, Jack had a celebration to match to

chronicle a truly special moment for the Sixmilebridge club. Jack lined out with Limerick FC at U15 level after representing Clare in the Kennedy Cup along with their U14 and U15 sides. The challenge for Jack will be to reproduce such celebrations when he lines out in Astro games beyond his forties.

All-Ireland champions and winners of the Allianz National Hurling League, the Clare senior hurlers of 2024 became the first team from the county to win both titles in the same year. Unbeaten in the league, Clare defeated Kilkenny 3-16 1-20 in the final to get their first taste of silverware in front of 12,307 in Semple Stadium in April. When it came to the Munster championship, Limerick came from nine points down to beat Clare by three in the first round but the season was saved when Clare produced a comeback of their own in round two, they trailed by seven points versus Cork in Páirc Uí Chaoimh but hit three

goals to record a two point win. A one point win over Davy Fitzgerald’s Waterford in Ennis and a routine 1-24 0-24 final round victory against Tipperary set up a Munster final rematch with Limerick in Thurles where the attendance was 45,148, it was an outing where the Banner County never got motoring and Limerick eased to a 1-26 1-20 win to be crowned provincial champions for the sixth year in a row. After such a below par display from Clare, the doubters were out in force but they rallied and showed the resilience which manager Brian Lohan has so often spoken about. In the All-Ireland quarter-final,

they eased beyond a fourteen man Wexford on a score of 2-28 1-19 to set up a third successive All-Ireland semi-final with Kilkenny and here it was third time lucky as Clare prevailed 0-24 2-16. Then it was time to reach the Holy Grail as for the second time in eleven years, Clare defeated Cork in an epic to renew acquaintances as a full-house of 82,300 flocked to Croke Park to savour a titanic tussle which went all the way to extra time and finished 3-29 1-34. Oh how that famous day of 21st July 2024 has shortened the winter for the people of Clare and all thanks to our heroic hurlers who we are only proud to salute.

Moment of the year

Roald Dahl once said, “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it” but the wizardry of the All-Ireland winning captain is clear to see in a thirty six second clip featuring Clare’s third goal scored on the fifty first minute of the All-Ireland final. Tony Kelly has his share of believers and detractors but he produced his greatest magic trick in the biggest arena when scoring one of the greatest goals ever seen against Cork on All-Ireland final day (July 21st). David Fitzgerald dropped and popped the sliotar to Tony who had eight Cork defenders within 20m as he flicked the sliotar over the head of Seán O’Donoghue and with immense power in the wrists shortened his grip and struck the sliotar beyond Patrick Collins in a tight space on the biggest of days. Never has a goal that resulted in such cheers among a crowd of 82,300 been able to silence the uneducated that fall into the category of TK detractors.

Multi-tasker of the year

Brian Reilly

Proud Banner GAA club man, Brian Reilly had a personal best in 2024 when it came to acting as an umpire. He was on duty in the white coat for a total of nineteen ﬁnals throughout the calendar year. On top of this, Brian is an active steward on match days in Cusack Park where he has been responsible for increasing the waist-lines of the sporting media in the county through his constant supply of confectionary. Away from sporting matters, he is settling into the comfortable new surrounds of the €17m de Valera library where he works as a library attendant. For 2025, he’ll be hoping his beloved Banner get inspiration from his previous entries in the Christmas tree throwing competition and take ﬂight in their quest to get out of the Junior A hurling ranks.

Lahinch Golf Club

Tony Kelly

Take a bow award

Eimear Considine

From the period of April 2022 to August 2024 when she came on as a substitute for Muster in their Vodafone Women’s Interprovincial Series match against Connacht, there was a lot packed into the life of Eimear Considine. In January 2023, she and her hus band Dean Ryan welcomed their son Caolan into the world. A cruciate ligament injury in the 2022 6 Nations in April was followed by a second ACL inju ry and a hamstring injury which kept her out of the international scene. Yet she bounced back to earn a 27th Irish Cap, she scored on her ﬁrst international ap pearance in more than two years as Ireland shocked Australia in Belfast and she played a key role when Scott Be mand’s side then stunned New Zealand in WXV1

Unsung hero award

Oisin O’Grady

On February 17th, Oisin O’Grady broke two Irish records when competing in the National Pool Lifesaving Championships. First, the Kilmurry teenager broke the Irish record for the junior 100m Mankin Carry with a time of 48.47 at Water Safety Ireland’s National Pool Lifesaving Championships, he is the first person in Ireland to have a sub 50 time. Within twenty four hours, he smashed another record, this time in the junior 100m tow with fins, he finished in a time of 57.91. His exploits may not be known by many but what Oisin achieved is certainly worthy of recognition.

Coach of the year

Paul Talty

Team Ireland enjoyed its most successful Olympics in Paris collecting a record haul of seven medals. In the swimming pool, Ireland made a splash with Daniel Wiffen winning gold in the 800m and bronze in the 1500m while Mona McSharry won bronze in the 100m breast stroke ﬁnal. Playing a big part in the success was Lahinch’s very own Paul Talty who was Head of Physical Preparation with Swim Ireland. After graduating with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from UL, he worked at Coventry University, before going to the Northern Ireland Sports Institute as a Strength & Conditioning coach. Talty’s involvement success was even referby All-Ireland winning ager from Armagh, an McGeeney. The Clare man has since role with Swim Ireland is now the Head of Athletic Performance with Monaghan GAA.

later that month. Considine’s final Ireland try came in her penultimate match against Canada, and she lined out in green for the 29th and final time against the USA in October. The former Clare dual star announced her retirement from rugby in November, weeks after watching her husband Dean win a first Clare SFC title with Éire Óg. Glory Kilmihil is the proud line from her native village in West Clare but few have brought more glory to it in a sporting sense than Eimear. Notably, she is the second award winner to use the Outlier Nordic T-Bar invented by Ennis’ Damien McMahon, the other of course being Tony

Breakthrough of the year

Fantastic Feakle

Achievement of the year

Liam

Jegou and Erin Riordan Clare’s Olympians

To reach the pinnacle of one’s sport is a feat worth applauding and becoming an Olympian certainly represents this. Ballyvaughan native Liam Jegou became an Olympian for the second time when taking to the waters of Paris in the canoe slalom, the twenty eight year old made his Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2020. He previously became the first Irish C1 slalom paddler to win gold at a World Cup event when he was victorious at the 2020 event in Pau, France. For the Paris Olympics, he agonosingly missed out on a silver medal in the canoe slalom, he was hav ing one of the best runs of his life at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium when he hit the final of 23 gates on the course. He was given a two-second penalty, taking him from what would have been a leading position to third. By the time all 12 finalists had

completed their runs, Jegou was in seventh. Whitegate’s Erin Riordan part of the 4x100m freestyle relay team. The twenty five year old has a biomedical degree from UCD and a Masters in science from DCU. She was part of the 400m freestyle relay team alongside Victoria Catterson, Grace Davison and Danielle Hill, the first women’s relay team to represent Ireland at the Olympics since Munich 1972. Earlier in 2024, they finished tenth at the World Championships in Doha, when it came to the Olympics, the quartet were just outside the Irish Record of 3:41.75 in 3:42.67, for eighth in their heat, after a great battle with Hong Kong in the next lane who touched just ahead in 3:42.42. Both of Erin’s parents are Irish but she was born in Japan and there has been spent time living in Switzerland, Hong Kong and the UK. Her first time experiencing daily life in Ireland came in 2017 when she started college here.

Sports person of the year

Adam

Hogan

Several of the victorious Clare hurling side were in contention for the this gong but nobody can match Adam Hogan when it comes to sporting suc cess in 2024. It began on a high when he won a Fitzgibbon Cup with Mary Immaculate College who were trained by Cratloe’s Podge Col lins, his showings earned him a Rising Star award and he was also named as player of the championship. Fresh from this, the tigerish corner back gave an outstanding display as Clare won the Allianz Na tional Hurling League for the ﬁrst time since 2016 when overcoming Kilk enny, his showing in this ﬁnal was arguably his greatest in a Clare jer sey. He didn’t rest on his laurels in the champi onship it must mentioned and the number two jersey for the remainder of the year with Clare as they capped it off the season by win ning the All-Ireland, his parents Michael and Ruth

were among the star performers as Up For The Match broadcast from Feakle. He was rewarded for his displays with an All Star at corner back and he was also named as Young Hurler of the Year, the second East Clare man to win the accolade in as many years following in the footsteps of Mark Rodgers. It didn’t end there for the student who was to the fore in Feakle winning a ﬁrst Clare SHC title since 1988 when they powered past Sixmilebridge. His feats didn’t end there as his interview with Ross O’Donoghue proved to be one of the most popular videos on The Clare Echo’s TikTok but presumably this is near the bottom of his many highlights for 2024, here’s hoping he is given adequate time to rest before returning to action with county and college for 2025.

Feakle powered to a seventh Clare SHC title in October with a fully merited 1-17 0-13 win over Sixmilebridge. Captain Oisin Donnellan lifted the Canon Hamilton as the East Clare village celebrated senior championship glory for the first time since 1988. It was typical of this tight and united bunch of players who have also demonstrated their abilities as a hard-working side with plenty of skill and this, their greatest day in front of an attendance of 6,557 against Sixmilebridge was no different. There were tears of joy on the field and celebrations to behold as one of the smallest villages in the county claimed the top prize in one of the most competitive club championships in the country. Proud son of Feakle, Fr Harry Bohan described hurling as a religion in the village when speaking to The Clare Echo in advance of the county final while pointing out that its people are always proud of their roots, “There was a story about a Feakle man going to work in London, the Cockneys were making fun of him so he put down his bag and said ‘Feakle whilst I live and Feakle while I die, I’ll take on the whole lot of ye’”. The Feakle hurlers took on the lot of Clare and apart from Kilmaley in the second round of the championship where they lost by a single point, they came up trumps in every other outing on their way to raising the Canon.

Rising star of the year

Seán Considine

World champion Seán Considine has been lighting up the handball courts in 2024. The Clooney/Quin teenager in November won the U15 boys singles world champion ships, he won his place on the Irish team by winning the U15 Junior title in February. Last year, he captured the All Ireland U14 singles title last year in 40x20 and 60x30 which was a fabulous dou ble achieve ment. The St Flannan’s College student says his left-hand kill is his best shot. Handball is continuing to flourish in the county, in

the month of February alone seventeen Munster Junior titles were won by young handballers in the county while Diarmaid Nash and Colin Crehan remain among the top handballers at adult level. Prior to heading to the Worlds, Seán listed Declan Nerney’s ‘Stop the world and let me off’ as his favourite song, for his age-group he has taken over the world in a handballing sense but the taste in music might improve with age.

Deserved pat on the back award

Marie Crowe

Sixmilebridge’s Marie Crowe was joint winner of the journalist of the year award alongside Mark Tighe for their groundbreaking two-year joint investigation into abuses in women’s soccer. They also won the investigative journalism award at The Irish Journalism Award In a 15,000-word report published by this newspaper in July, and an RTÉ Investigates documentary broadcast on the same Sunday, multiple female footballers revealed how they were the subject of alleged unwanted or inappropriate sexual advances from FAI coaches in the 1990s. The Football Association of Ireland subsequently apologised to former international players and trainees on a Fás training course who spoke about their experiences and described how their lives were profoundly affected. This was proper journalism and is worthy of ever plaudit that goes their way.

Setting a trail award

Laura O’Connell

Broadford’s Laura O’Connell in December qualified for the first-ever Formula Woman Nations Cup. She was one of only two Irish women on the starting grid at the global event which was broadcast to 120 countries from Dubai. Qualifiers will proceed to the Formula Woman Nations Cup Finals, part of the Formula Woman Festival in May 2025. The event will broadcast to over 120 countries with an expected attendance of over 60,000. Her father Patrick introduced her to motorsport and she has followed the fortunes of Formula One icons Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher from a young age. She has already competed in numerous races in the UK, including the MSVR all-comers in Brands Hatch and Donnington Park; the Miata Trophy in Brands Hatch, and drove the Jaguar Project 8 in the Sprint Series in Blyton Park, all of which contributed to her attaining a place in the Formula Woman qualifiers.

Setting the way award

Laurie Ryan

Yet another exceptional female dual-star, Laurie Ryan shows it’s capable to do a lot and not drop your standards. A former captain of the Clare ladies footballers, Laurie joined Athlone Town’s senior WNL side in 2021 and made her debut against Shelbourne on 27 March. She went on to make 21 league and cup appearances that year and captained the team in 2022 when

Sporting role model of the year

Gordon Kelly

One of the longest playing defenders of his generation, Gordon Kelly made his debut for the Clare senior footballers in 2006 and stayed lining out with the county until he was aged thirty seven. He’s still one of the standout players for St Joseph’s Miltown in the Clare SFC and got the better of players many years his junior in this year’s championship alone. It is his activism off the ﬁeld that was noteworthy in 2024. He is behind the Clare Gaels For Gaza and has been an almost ever-present

at marches and rallies held in the county to show solidarity with the people of Palestine. He organised peace vigils outside Cusack Park and in advance of the Munster SFC ﬁnal held at the same venue between Clare and Kerry, he led the way as ex county footballers including Gary Brennan, Ger Quinlan, Lawrence Healy, Podge Collins, Cathal O’Connor and Sean Collins stood in solidarity at Ennis Courthouse to highlight the ongoing war.

Manager of the year

Brian Lohan

“In Clare hurling like a religion and Brian Lohan is like our God,” said Tony Kelly from the steps of the Hogan Stand as he captained the county to All-Ireland glory. Since he was appointed Clare manager on October 31st2019, Lohan has managed to reignite a strong base of support for the county’s hurlers. During his ﬁve years in the hot seat, there has been good and bad days but a level of consistency certainly devel-

they ﬁnished runners-up in both the League and the FAIW Cup. Laurie made up for that disappointment by lifting the trophy the following season though, captaining the Athlone side that beat Shelbourne on penalties in the 2023 ﬁnal at

oped as Clare returned to the top table and were arguably the closest team to Limerick in 2022 and 2023 before going all the way to win the ultimate honour in 2024. A two-time All-Ireland winner himself, Brian appears to have the complete backing of the players which is testament to the job he has done. Over the course of his tenure, there have been costly mistakes and poor calls but he has got a lot right

including decisions to improve his coaching ticket via the addition of Brendan Bugler and constantly searching for ways to bolster up the people around him. On the biggest day, Clare produced their greatest performance and the management got all the calls correct, it’s why for 2024 there can be no other winner of this accolade than Mr Brian Lohan.

Tallaght Stadium. This season, she played her 100th game for Athlone Town and captained the side as they conﬁrmed an historic maiden Premier Division success with a 2-0 win against Bohemians. Not alone is she one of the top female soccer players in the country but Laurie also lines out with the Banner Ladies and Clare in ladies football, she was wing back on the Clare team to win this year’s Division 3 National League. On top of it all, the Ennis woman also manages to hold down a full-time job as an Assistant Lecturer at TUS Midlands Department of Sport and Health.

Mic drop of the year

Anne Hayes

Inclusion in this year’s list means Anne Hayes is a back to back winner in The Clare Echo sporting awards. She took the quick-thinking award last year after she grabbed the microphone to sing Amhrán na bhFiann in Cusack Park when a technical glitch meant the recording wouldn’t play. This year, she takes the award for the mic drop moment of the year. In what was the ﬁrst County Board meeting of Clare GAA following the All-Ireland success, the gathering ended on a sour note when Anne along with Asst Treasurer walked out following a bust-up with the top table. She exited her role as PRO of Clare GAA following the meeting after her “skillset” was questioned by Chairman, Kieran Keating. Indeed the matter was front page news and wasn’t so much a storming of the Capitol but more a stormy affair in Caherlohan. Many clubs and ex ofﬁcers have praised the work of the Lissycasey woman following her exit, prior to this she had been on the County Board since 1984.

Fashion accessory of the year

Ronan Lanigan and the boot

Statistics highlighted by The Clare Echo in advance of Éire Óg winning a third title in four seasons may have jinxed county defender, Ronan Lanigan. It was noted in a county final preview that he played every single minute in league and championship this year for Mark Fitzgerald’s sole season in charge of the Clare footballers. He also lined out from start to finish for Éire Óg in their six outings on their way to winning back the Jack Daly. When it comes to county finals, players tend to factor in the post-match attire but in the aftermath of Éire Óg’s 1-10 0-6 win over Kilmurry Ibrickane, Lanigan had a protective boot on before they left the dressing room, a piece of footwear which is becoming increasingly common for top sports stars as they leave the grounds. The physiotherapist had the style to match the boot with what could be a daring pair of white pants, the choice of which led to slagging within Townie circles but received the thumbs up from the fashion correspondents of The Clare Echo.

Doing it the hard way award

Truagh/Clonlara

It took three hours in the middle of November to separate Truagh/Clonlara and Gailltir in an extraordinary Munster final replay. In pitch darkness, after double extra time, a sudden death 45 from Róisín Begley saw the Clare side celebrate their first Munster senior title. It was far from easy for the South-East Clare side who a month earlier collected their second senior championship. They would go on to be the first team from the county to line out in the All-Ireland senior camogie club final.

MOREY CALLS TIME ON CLARE

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TWO-TIME All-Ireland winner

Séadna Morey has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

Clare GAA confirmed the retirement of the Sixmilebridge man on Thursday night. He becomes the second member of the All-Ireland winning 2024 panel to go out on a high, following in the footsteps of Ballyea’s Paul Flanagan.

He first to prominence on the county scene as a star corner back on the Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor managed Clare minor sides which won provincial titles in 2010 and 2011. He would also win three U21 All-Ireland and Munster minor championships under the same management from 2012 to 2014.

Séadna made his senior championship debut against Waterford in the 2012 Munster SHC, coming on as a substitute at wing-back. This outing was Davy Fitzgerald’s first as Clare senior manager. He made his starting debut that summer against an Anthony Daly managed Dublin in Cusack Park in a tie that also marked Tony Kelly’s first Clare senior start.

A year later, Clare climbed the summit and Séadna was introduced

as a substitute and his turnover and subsequent burst from defence saw him find Darach Honan who went on his way to seal the All-Ireland win. He added further silverware in 2016 when winning his first National League medal.

During Brian Lohan’s first year as Clare manager, Séadna featured for every minute of championship action in their 2020 campaign which saw them eliminated in the quar-

ter-finals by Waterford.

Morey opted out for the 2021 season but returned at the beginning of 2022 and remained part of the panel for the last three campaigns including the epic All-Ireland win over Cork this July when he was introduced for Cathal Malone with eighty seven minutes played.

In total, he made 44 championship appearances at senior level for Clare, scoring 1-8 along the way

while playing in a multitude of positions.

This year, Séadna and his partner Orlaith Duggan an excellent camogie player herself, welcomed the arrival of their daughter Fiadhna.

At club level, Séadna has won five Clare senior hurling championships, for their 2019 success over Cratloe he was joint captain alongside Noel Purcell.

Morey was described as “one of Clare’s most versatile and decorated players” in a statement by Clare GAA confirming his retirement.

“We sincerely thank Séadna for everything he has done to represent Clare at the highest level since his

debut 12 years ago. His speed, versatility and consistency have been key ingredients in both Clare’s All-Ireland success this year and over the past decade, and more in setting the standards and culture required for inter-county success”.

PRO of Sixmilebridge GAA club, Ian Chaplin said Séadna was “an inspiration to most of our younger boys”. He stated, “It was a privilege to have watched Séadna down through the years following the Clare team and we had great days out in Croke Park and beyond”.

Alongside his cousin Chloe, Séadna opened ‘Morey Movement’ in November 2021. Located in Sixmilebridge, it has proven to be a successful enterprise with the gym used by a hosts of sporting teams across the county. He will continue to line out with his native Sixmilebridge.

Munster GAA induct Dalo into Hall of Fame and name Lohan manager of the year

by Páraic McMahon

TWO-TIME All-Ireland winners Anthony Daly and Brian Lohan have been honoured by Munster GAA.

Lohan who became only the second Clare man to win All-Ireland senior hurling championships as a player and manager has been selected as the Munster GAA Manager of the Year for 2024.

Shannon native Brian steered Clare to both All-Ireland and National Hurling League glory this season in what was the ﬁrst time the county achieved such a feat.

As a player, Lohan was one of the most iconic full-backs to play the game and won four All Stars.

He has brought the same determination to his role as Clare manager, the county had been best able to match the utterly dominant Limerick side of this era but this year they ﬁnally claimed silverware on his watch, beating Kilkenny in the League decider and Cork in the All-Ireland ﬁnal.

In his five years as Clare manager, the senior hurlers have reached three successive Munster finals and All-Ireland semi-finals. Also honoured at the Munster GAA awards held on Saturday was Lohan’s former teammate and close friend, Anthony Daly. Dalo was inducted into the Munster GAA

Hall of Fame alongside Cork’s Larry Tompkins. Clare’s charismatic All-Ireland winning captain of 1995 and 1997 first rose to prominence as part of the St Flannan’s College Harty Cup and All-Ireland winning side of 1987. He won his first Clare SHC with Clarecastle in 1987 and finished his career with five club championships along with a Munster club in 1997.

A three-time All Star, the proud Magpie moved into management and was in charge of Clare’s senior hurlers in 2004, 2005 and 2006 where they reached an All-Ireland quarter-final and two back to back All-Ireland semi-finals. He managed Dublin’s hurlers to a first Allianz Hurling League title in 72 years in 2011 and their first Leinster title in 52 years in 2013.

Anthony is one of the more popular hurling analysts, he is part of The Sunday Game team while both his podcast and column for The Irish Examiner are well received. Clare referees, Niall Malone of Éire Óg and St Joseph Miltown’s Niall Quinn were also recognised for ofﬁciating provincial ﬁnals this year.

l Anthony Daly and (inset) Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan accepting their awards

l Seadna at the All Ireland banquet this year with Orlaith Duggan and (right) in action for Clare earlier this year

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

ALL-IRELAND SNR CLUB CAMOGIE FINAL

Truagh-Clonlara 0-06 SARSFIELDS (GALWAY) 1-17

Venue: Croke Park, Dublin

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

SARSFIELDS

Frees For: 14 (7/7)

Wides: 4 (2/2)

Scores from Play: 1-11

Spread of Scorers: 6

Top Scorer: Siobhan

McGrath (1-7)

Yellow Cards: Laura Ward (30+4), Niamh McGrath (44), Siobhan McGrath (45)

Puck-outs won: 12 from 22 (55%)

TRUAGH/CLONLARA

Frees For: 15 (7/8)

Wides: 9 (3/6)

Scores from Play: 0-4

Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Aine O’Loughlin (0-2)

Yellow Card: Laura Foley (41)

Puck-outs won: 11 from 14 (79%)

REFEREE: Justin Heffernan (Wexford)

AN ALL-IRELAND crown

just proved a leap too far for Truagh Clonlara as national kingpins Sarsfields bounced back in style from last year’s defeat to garner a fourth title since 2019 in Croke Park.

There would be no hiding place in GAA Headquarters as the Galway champions, contesting their sixth ever final in Croker, utilised all their vast experience to see off the newcomers who had gathered serious momentum throughout their eleven match run.

Unfortunately for Truagh, their poorest performance was saved for last as a combination of nerves and the magnitude of the occasion seemed to affect the back-toback Clare champions more than ever before.

Reflecting on the Clare champions' year, Truagh/ Clonlara mentor Eoin Powell said, "We’ve ended up being one of the top two teams in the country and were the first Clare club to contest an All-Ireland Senior Final. But we also have to admit that we

U21s will lay foundations for Scariff & Ogonnelloe

WINNING A second U21A hurling title “will lay the foundations” for Scariff and Ogonnelloe.

Victorious mentor, Henry Vaughan admitted there was a sense of concern within their dressing room at half time. They trailed 0-4 0-3 at this stage while only a single score from point was converted in the opening thirty minutes.

Henry told The Clare Echo, “We were concerned as we felt that you need to be taking all of your chances. Fair play to Ben (Sweeney). He had missed a few frees in the ﬁrst half but he came out in the second half and he was a different player. For a young lad, he was excellent”.

He added, “We were a bit tense in the ﬁrst half. In fact both teams took a while to settle in to it. It was all about workrate and thankfully it worked for us in the end”.

How his charges responded to Feakle/ Killanena’s second

Defeat for Truagh-Clonlara in Croker

came up with against a serious Sarsfields side."

Powell admitted that Truagh/Clonlara didn't show up on the day which was "the hardest aspect to deal with".

"We’ll just have to learn from this now but it has been a brilliant experience overall. I don’t know how many people in Clonlara have dreamed of playing in Croke Park so now these girls have, so that’s a massive honour really."

“It was nip and tuck early on but as the game wore on, it just kind of got away from us and before we knew it we we going in at half-time seven or eight points down and it was tough to come back from that.

“As one of the girls just said inside, we don’t tend to do things at the first time of asking, it has to be at the second or third attempt so fingers crossed we can get the opportunity again to come back here."

SECOND U21 TITLE FOR SCARIFF-OGONNELLOE

half start impressed the Ogonnelloe man. “Keith Smyth got two points and maybe could have had a third before we knew what was happening. Thankfully we responded with the goals and at this time of year in particular goals win games. Luckily we got the breaks and got

the goals”.

According to Vaughan, “our win two years ago laid the foundation for this victory. We had six or seven who already had winners medals and they were the driving force for this team. They organised most of the things and those senior

players really drove the thing this year”.

The fact that they were up against the holders and their neighbours meant “there was great craic during the week on WhatsApp groups. The crowd today was unbelievable. This is great for East Clare and great for Tulla who have such excellent facilities here”.

Vaughan believes “this win will lay foundations for both clubs. Scariff have great young lads coming through and we (Ogonnelloe) had four or ﬁve involved today. We are struggling for numbers in Ogonnelloe but, hopefully, this win will encourage the younger generation to come through and if we can pick two or three every year it will keep us in line”.

As he watched the joint captains Patrick Crotty and Gearoid Sheedy, two of the survivors from the 2022 win, accept the cup, he concluded “it will be a great couple of days and a great Christmas in Scariff and Ogonnelloe”.

U21A HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE 3-10

FEAKLE/KILLANENA 0-11

Venue: Dr Daly Park, Tully Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE

Frees For: 15 (12/3)

Wides: 16 (12/4)

Scores from play: 3-6

Spread of scorers: 5

Own puckouts won: 16 out of 23

Bookings: Sean Collins (40) Scott Cairns (41)

FEAKLE/KILLANENA

Frees For: 14 (6/8)

Wides: 12 (6/6)

Scores from play: 0-8

Spread of scorers: 5 Own puckouts won: 21 out of 29

Bookings: Oisin Clune (18); Patrick Daly (26)

REFEREE: John Bugler (Whitegate)

Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

l Scariff/Ogonnelloe mentor Henry Vaughan celebrates with his family Photo by Ruth Griffin

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

l Róisín Begley comes under pressure from a Sarsﬁelds player

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Scariff-Ogonnelloe celebrate their win

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Top 5 Christmas gift ideas for golfers

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

I WOULD like to wish a very Merry Christmas to all our readers and thanks for your ongoing interest in our golf articles.

This week I discuss the top ﬁve gift ideas for the golfers in your life. I chose these gifts because ﬁrstly I believe they are incredible value at the moment and secondly, they are ideas that are always welcome into every golfer's bag.

1) GOLF CLOTHING IS NOT JUST FOR GOLFERS :

Golf clothing has completely changed over the years for the better. The modern-day ranges are smart looking and the brands have done an incredible job in designing their clothing, making it suitable for all occasions and multiple sporting events such as tennis, hiking, hurling, cycling along with any outdoor or indoor activities.

The materials used are lightweight often with a stretch

that is ideal for any sport that requires movement, while some pieces have a warm layer on the inside along with a water-repellent fabric ﬁnish to the outer layer which will keep you warm and dry in the Irish climate all year round.

Brands such as Adidas, Under Armour, Ping, Stubert, Galvin Green and Calvin Klein can be worn in the workplace, on a night out, going to church or even on a flight. One of the biggest sellers is the winter fleece lined water-repellent pants. These look like a normal sport pair of pants however they have a very warm fleece inner lining as well as a water-repellent outer lining. Every person in the country should have a pair of these in their wardrobe. Adding accessories like golf gloves, neck warmers or hats will keep you warm regardless of the temperature.

2) GOLF BUDDY AIM W11 GPS WATCH :

The Golf Buddy Aim W11 GPS watch is a cutting-edge tool that brings technology

to the course. It features an easy-to-read touchscreen display and over 40,000 preloaded courses worldwide. This watch provides accurate

Twomey wins festive competition in Dromoland

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

The ladies festive 9 hole competition last week was won by Mairéad Twomey with 17 points. She won on a countback from Julie Fitzgerald with Marie Meaney a point in third place.

Meanwhile the winner of the men’s competition for the combined dates of December 7, 14 and 15 was David McNamara with 15.39 from Brian Maloney with 15 38 with third spot ﬁlled by Edward Egan with 12 38. The gross was won by Seamus Cusack (3) with 37 points while the winner in the 20 plus handicap category was Daniel Lennon with 29 36.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

The ladies mince pie scramble at Ennis was won by Ann A Gallery, Helen Gallery and Anne Pyne Gallery from Mary Curley, Carmel Verling and Sinéad O'Sullivan with third spot ﬁllled by Carmel Cummins, Elaine Kelly and Anne Kelly. The prize for the best decorated golf bag was won by Phil Butler with Marie Connolly in second place and Carmel Verling in third spot.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

Former club captain Finbar McMahon (13) was the week 5 turkey competition winner at Kilrush at the weekend with 30 points. He had one to spare over Tommy Clancy (12).

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

The winner of the men’s Christmas turkey open singles competition at East Clare on Sunday was Teddy O’Hanlon (14) with 40 points. Paul Hayes (10) was second with a similar score.

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition were Breda McCarthy, Brid Hayes and Helen Conway from Noreen Doyle, Breda O'Loghlin and Siobhan Mulcahy with third spot ﬁlled by Pauline Nugent, Evelyn Skehan and Mary Collins.

Last Friday’s mixed scramble winner were Kevin Grimes, Jonathan Walsh and Breda O'Loughlin from Mary Farrell, Kieran McNamara and Dave Condren with third spot ﬁlled by Pat McNamara, Brid Hayes and Siobhan Mulcahy.

The winners of the ladies 9 hole re-entry competition for December were Siobhan Shanahan, Trish Nash and Margaret. Lynch. In second place were Ann C. Harte, Connie McKenna and

Ursula Hogan and they were followed by Pauline Nugent, Mary Brennan and Bernie Cox.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

The winners of the Texas scramble Ozone Health nnd Fitness Winter league at Woodstock at the weekend were John McGrath and Tommy Flynn with 40 points.

In second place with 39 points were Vinny McInerney and Ross Kenny and they were followed by Henry and Nelius Butler, also with 39 points

The league continues this weekend when the format will be a modiﬁed betterball stableford.

Last week’s club singles was won by Dickie Pyne (14) with 35 points with second place ﬁlled by Paddy Meehan (10) who had a similar score.

Kenneth Fieldung (17) was third and he also returned 35 points.

There will be another club singles this weekend.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

Pat McNamara (19) was the weekend winner of the 18 holes singles stableford competition at Gort with 42 points.

The gross was won by Alan Minogue (9) with 31 points.

distance measurements to the green, hazards, and targets, improving course management and shot precision. With a stylish design and

long battery life, it’s perfect for golfers of all skill levels. The built-in green view and slope-adjusted distances make it especially valuable. RRP was €329 but it is now only €199 due to the new W12 watch launching.

3) GOLF LESSONS :

Golf coaching lessons are a transformative gift for golfers of all levels who are striving to improve. Whether they’re beginners learning the basics or experienced players reﬁning their technique, professional instruction provides valuable insights into swing mechanics, putting, and course strategy. Local PGA Golf Professionals offer one-on-one or group sessions tailored to individual goals. Lessons often include video analysis and drills. This gift is more than a service — it’s an investment in their passion, showing you care about their growth and enjoyment of the sport.

4) WEDGES :

Every golfer has wedges in their bag however wedge grooves wear down after two seasons so the majority of golfers are using wedges that have well-worn grooves. There are three main types of wedges Gap, Sand and Lob wedges and a good idea could be to take multiple images of the face and details on the back of the wedges of the loft and bounce and your local golf shop can advise you whether the golfer in your life could do with a new wedge from those images. Branded wedges range on average from €129 - €239 depending on the model you choose.

5) BUSHNELL WINGMAN MINI SPEAKER : The Bushnell Wingman Mini Speaker is a unique gift that combines music and golf. It delivers high-quality audio to keep spirits high on the course but it’s more than just a speaker — it doubles as a GPS device, providing distances to the green and hazards via voice commands when paired with the Bushnell Golf app. This is super value, RRP €129 NOW €99.

l Pictured; golf trousers which can be worn on any occassion; (inset left) the Golf Buddy GPS watch;

Avenue & Bridge Utd discover opponents in FAI & Munster Cups NEW KITS FOR CLARE

CLARE sides Avenue Utd and Bridge Utd are the last two clubs from the county standing in the FAI Junior Cup and Munster Junior Cup, they have discovered their opponents for their upcoming games in the competition, writes Páraic McMahon.

On Monday, the draw took place for the fifth round of the Munster Junior Cup. The last sixteen ties are to be held on the weekend of January 11th/12th with the Clare clubs in action on the Sunday (January 12th)

Both Clare clubs received home draws. Bridge Utd will welcome Dungarvan Utd to Sixmilebridge while Avenue Utd have Cork side Coachford AFC as visitors to Roslevan. In the last round, Bridge Utd beat Clonmel Celtic 3-0 in Tipperary while Avenue Utd had a 5-1 over Askeaton/Kilcornan in Roslevan.

In the fourth round, Coachford AFC defeated fellow Cork side Douglas Hall after extra time3-1 with goals from Luke Casey, Mark Murphy and Adam Murphy. They reached the semi-finals of the competition in 2022 but suffered an extra time defeat to St Michael’s 1-0.

Dungarvan sealed their progression to the last sixteen with a home win against Riverstown of Cork, a late goal from Sam Uniacke seeing the Waterford side prevail.

For the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup, reigning champions Cockhill Celtic will make the long trip from Donegal to Roslevan where they face Avenue Utd while Bridge Utd will also have home advantage when they meet Evergreen FC, a side that reached the semi-finals in 1999 and 2017. Cockill Celtic won the national title for the first time in their history last April when overcoming Gorey Rangers on penalties 3-1.

Having defeated St Francis 7-0, Avenue’s reward is a home tie with one of the favourites to win the competition, reigning champions Cockhill Celtic but David Russell’s side will fancy their chances. Success on penalties over Crumlin saw Bridge Utd progress to the last thirty two where they will face an Evergreen outfit, the Kilkenny side have former professional footballer Michael Drennan in their side. Both Clare clubs are in action on January 19th for the FAI.

David Hedigan & Robert Ryan of ECOLECT Technical Services Ltd presents new sets of Clare

to the

for all their inter league teams and is also sponsor of the womens league. A CDSL spokesperson said, "We would like to thank David and Robert of Ecolect for their support and sponsorship. Ecolect Technical Services Ltd recently upgraded the flood lights at Frank Healy Park which have been a big success."

Hattrick for Gavin's Ballyea Buck

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

ONE of the main events at Limerick Track last Saturday night were the semi-finals of the Wheeler Auctioneers A2 525 Stake.

In the second semi, Ballyea Buck madeall to bring up a hat-trick of wins and indeed, his fifth victory. Trained by Declan McDonagh of Liscannor for Noel Gavin of Ballyea, ‘Buck’ went to traps as a 2/1 chance and he pinged the lids from four to take his rivals into the opening bend. In doing so, the son of Burgess Bucks and Coolavanny Spice stuck to his task well as he saw off the determined finish of Lahort Lady, by one length, in 28.64.10.

Limerick and Clare GOBA are hard at work on and off the track and it should be noted that they are running a Christmas Draw with some great prizes on offer. The fundraising draw is due to be held during racing on this Saturday, 21st December, and the prizes includes two festive meat hampers, as well as a variety of vouchers and much more. Anyone wishing to avail of a ticket can reach out to any member of the Limerick & Clare GOBA.

The Four Opening Round Heats of the Paddy O’Gorman A1 525 formed the spine of Friday night’s action at Galway Greyhound Stadium. The €2250 to the winner event name in honour of long standing starter and racing steward Paddy O’Gorman is sponsored by the W.G.O.B.A. The heats produced some excellent racing with Colossal Venture on the clock and Rinnwood Gem both running out impressive winners.

In the second heat Donies Wood trapped well and led his rivals towards the opening bend where Colossal Venture closed right upon on the leader's outer before taking over in front entering the back straight. Colossal Syndicate of Rockmount, Ennis and Kilmaley owned Colossal Venture (Droopys Sydney & Droopys Lulllaby) was home and hosed scoring by five and a half lengths form Springwell Eddy and Rinnwood Leo in 28.82.

Racing towards the opening bend in the third heat Brickhill Fayla showed her usual

burst of early pace to lead round by over two lengths from Laois Lighting. Racing down the back the Cyril Collins and Kate Comerford of Gort-owned Brickhill Fayla quickly set sail for home as Laois Lightening emerged as the only threat. Out front though it was a case of how far for Brickhill Fayla as the daughter of Good News and Twentylittletoes scored by three lengths from Laois Lightening in 29.30.

Saturday night’s card featured two semi-finals of the Kilcolgan Castle Guys and Dolls 525 Stake. In the first semi-final Burnpark Taylor trapped well from his trap five berth and racing towards the opening bend he led Springwell Denny by over two lengths with Confused Kiely in third place as they raced into the back straight. Passing halfway Springwell Denny closed to within half a length but as the third bend loomed the Maria Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Taylor (Newinn Taylor & Burnpark Leanne) kicked again and stayed on well to score by two lengths in 29.49.

In race three, all six runners came away as one for this A7 graded affair but as the opening bend loomed the red jacketed Pronto Bucks just shaded the issue along the rails from Bumblebee Lottie and Nivea Blue. Turning down the back the Frank Casey of Newmarket-on-Fergus owned Pronto Bucks extended his advantage to two lengths over Bumblebee Lottie and the son of Burgess Bucks and Churchtown Mimea stayed on well to score by a length in 30.00.

There was an exciting finish to the A6 graded 525 yards contest as the Seamus McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Suzy just lasted home by a head from Fortune Sydney in 29.71. Racing towards the opening bend Lissatouk Suzy showed pace in the centre to lead from Fortune Sydney and Fast Fit Fergie. Turning down the back Fortune Sydney moved through on the leader's inner to join issue and the pair then set off down the back stride for stride. Leaving the back straight Fortune Sydney briefly struck the front but Lissatouk Suzy (Laughill Blake & Lissatouk Dolly) rallied off the home turn to regain the upper hand close home.

6-0 WIN NOT ENOUGH TO KEEP CLARE IN OSCAR TRAYNOR CUP

Clare captain Conor Mullen delivers a long throw into the box

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

SOCCER: CDSL ROUND-UP

Jerseys

CDSL

Photo by Natasha Barton

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

POULAWILLIN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Elaine Sexton intends to apply to the planning authority for permission consequent on the grant of outline permission (Ref: 24/60472) to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYBROUGHAN, KILLALOE, CO CLARE

Take notice that Gillian Gibson and Andy Irwin intend to apply for permission to renovate the existing derelict dwelling on site, demolishing and reconstructing the section to the right gable, creating a first floor area over the main footprint, installing a wastewater treatment system and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SEAPARK, LAHINCH, CO

CLARE

Take notice that Micheal Glynn intends to apply for permission to extend the existing dwelling, build a garage, relocate the entrance & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P24/233

Development Description: proposed construction of a dwelling house, garage, a waste water treatment system with a percolation area, new entrance onto public road & associated site works.

Location: Clenagh, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Noel Frawley & Brid O Dwyer has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/233. This information and planning application maybe inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding

the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, MUCKINISH WEST, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE

Take notice that M. Hutchison & K. Noone-Hutchison intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for the following; a) to alter and extend their existing house b) construct a new shed) c) install a new proprietary wastewater system along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ARDNAGLA, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Stephen Clohessy intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and

garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION & REVISED PLANS

Jim Bolton sand & Gravel Limited applied for planning permission under planning reference number P24/60230 for development consisting of the phased extraction of 2.9 hectares of sand and gravel over a period of 7 years, on land located in the townlands of Ballymaloney and Ballyquin More at Kilbane, Co. Clare. The proposed development includes for the provision of a new site entrance and vehicular access road; on site wheel wash facility; new drainage channel, silt fence and settlement pond; landscaping and buffer planting on the eastern site boundary including a 3m high embankment with hawthorn hedging adjoining the public road and site restoration works. One passing bay is being developed for vehicular traffic on the public road leading to the site (L3022-8) in the townland of Ballyquin More.

Significant Further Information and Revised Plans have been fur-

nished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development and are available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information and/or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION & REVISED PLANS

Kevin & Sue Durkin applied for planning permission under planning reference number P24/60336 for development consisting of the regeneration and redevelopment of existing buildings and land, for tourism and recreational purposes in the townland of Drumman East at Williamstown Harbour, Whitegate, Co. Clare. The development consists of (i) Demolition of existing toilet block, office and ancillary buildings; (ii) development of 4 no. residential lodges for short term letting; (iii) reuse and development of existing workshop building including a change of use from workshop to café and retail unit at ground floor level with the provision for 2 no. apartments at first floor level; (iv) proposed decking area and outdoor seating to café with lower level floating jetty; (v) pumping station, wastewater treatment facility, sand polishing filter and infiltration area; (vi) and all associated site

development works including (a) car parking and bicycle stands; (b) bin stores; (c) solar panels on roof of structures and signage; (d) rainwater harvesting tank; and (e) attenuation tank and surface water outfall to the lake. The proposed development is located within the curtilage of Williamstown Harbour a protected structure RPS 350. A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and accompanies the planning application. Significant Further Information and Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development and are available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information and/or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority not later than 5 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOINEAR NA DARACH, MAIGH DARA AND BALLYHANNON NORTH, QUIN, CO. CLARE Abbey View Quin Property Development Ltd., intend to apply for permission for i) the construction of 4 no. two-storey dwelling houses, ii) the repositioning of 4 no dwelling houses previously approved for construction – relevant planning permission reference no.’s: P22/1039

and P24/60359 relates and iii) ancillary site works within the curtilage of the application site all located at Moinear na Darach, Maigh Dara and Ballyhannon North, Quin, Co. Clare.

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

WINDERS

. Domestic & Commercial . Only top quality paints used, giving a high quality nish . Thorough and reliable service guaranteed. . C2 & VAT Reg. All areas Covered Call Mark on (086)-0561995 winderspaintinganddecorating.ie/ Follow us on Facebook

Collins, Sr Francis Ballyea

Trickett (née Burke), Marie Mullagh

Tubridy (née kelly), Bridie Cree

Connellan, Barry Ennis

Hayes, Michael (Mike) Feakle

O’Callaghan(née Mullins), Mary Clarecastle

O’Callaghan (née Mullins), Mary Shannon

O Halloran (née Pilkington), Mary Carron

Recent Deaths

Thynne (née Bell), Monica Liscannor

McGrath (née Kelly), Jennifer Doolin

Scanlan, Thomas (Tommy) Kildysart

Clancy, Patrick (better known as Paddy) Ballynacally

Cutting, Wendy Ogonnelloe

McCann, Noel (Christopher) Connolly

Murphy (née Nugent), Angela Scariff

O’Doherty (née McCarthy), Philomena Mullagh

Ward (née O’ Neill), Theresa Sixmilebridge

GROGAN (née Corry), Mary Kilrush

FAHY, MARY B. Whitegate

Hardiman (Paddy the Thatcher) Paddy New Quay

KEOGH, Michael Sixmilebridge

Langan, James (Seamus) Ennis

MCNamara (née McGee), Catherine Carron

1 Where was GAA founder Michael Cusack from?

A. Kilfenora

B. Carran

C. Ruan

2 Daniel O’Connell famously won the Clare by-election, which paved the way for Catholic Emancipation. What year did this election take place?

A. 1827

B.1826

C.1828

3 Bunratty castle and folk park is one of the top tourist attractions in Clare, displaying the history and culture of Ireland in the 15 th Century. How many people visit the castle each year?

A.400,000

B. 250,000

C. 300,000

4 O’Connell street is a very interesting and historic street in the heart of Ennis. It was once known as Jail street as one of the buildings used to be a jail. Which building was it?

A. Dunnes Stores

B. Town hall Bistro

C. Shoe Rack

5 Clare is well known for its love of hurling, how many times have the Clare team won the All Ireland Senior Hurling Championships?

A. 3

B.5

C.4

6 The Burren Geopark and the Cliffs of Moher, became UNESCO world heritage sites in what year?

A. 2011 B. 2009 C.2010

7 Shannon Airport is Irelands second largest airport, providing many benefits to the local people and economy. What year was the airport opened?

A.1939

B.1945

C.1947

8 The Wild Atlantic Way is a well known costal route along the west of Ireland. How many discovery points are there in Clare?

A.18

B. 16

C. 17

9 Clare is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the country. How many blue flags beaches are in Clare.

A. 8

B.10 C. 6

10 Traditional Irish music is a big part of culture in Clare. When was the first All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann held in Ennis?

A. 1956

B. 1957 C.1954

Quiz by Caoimhe Fitzgerald

Spot the Difference

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

you spot the 7 differences

Last weeks Answers

Photo by

O’Neill

Shannon Golf CLub Men’s Captain Kevin Stanford and Ladies Captain Suzanne McMahon joined by Junior Boys Captain Georgie Pyke and Junior Girls Captain Lucy Twomey at Shannon Golf Club

Photo by Joe Buckley

l QUESTION 3: Bunratty castle and folk park is one of the top tourist attractions in Clare, displaying the history and culture of Ireland in the 15 th Century. How many people visit the castle each year?

WORD SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

Adagio

Agitato

Allegro

Amoroso

Assai

Cantabile

Con Brio

Crescendo

Da Capo

Dolce

Facile

Forte

Largo

Legato

Lento

Maestoso

Mesto

Molto

Moto

Nobile

Piano

Segno

Soave

Tenuto

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

1 Bicycle (4) 2 Walk with long steps (6) 3 Spanish music (8) 4 Arm or leg (4) 5 Underground room (6) 6 Assailant (8) 11 Padre (8) 12 Broad-brimmed Mexican hat (8) 15 Turn upside down (6) 17 Pay heed (6) 19 Wander (5) 21 Regular (4)