The Clare Echo 20/01/22

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JAN 20 2022

‘We’ve fought for years, it’s time men act’

MUNSTER CHAMPS

Garvey speaks out as hundreds attend vigils PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

S

ENATOR Roisin Garvey (GP) insists men must “step up” in the wake of Ashling Murphy’s tragic death, who last week became the 244th

women to suffer a violent death in Ireland since 1996.

“We won’t have solutions until the men take it on, it is their problem actually, it is not a women’s problem, women are the victims,” the Inagh native said.

“99 percent of these acts of violence are coming from men, we’ve been fighting as

women’s groups for years to have supports for violence but it is not improving, it is actually getting worse, it is time for the men to step up.”

FULL STORY pg 8

St Joseph’s Tulla players celebrate after being crowned Munster Senior B camogie league champions on Sunday morning when they defeated St Flannan’s College Photgraph: Gerard O’Neill

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2 NEWS

Index NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

GRADUATIONS RESUME

2-15

GREENER CLARE

16

ENTERTAINMENT

17

RECRUITMENT

20-21

MONEY MATTERS

23-25

CARERS FEATURE

26-27

SPORT

30-34

C

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: niall@clareecho.ie or sales@clareecho.ie 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

Talty’s scoop lotto win

 IN PRSON: Alice O’Donnell, Quin, Angela Cajes, Shannon, Anthea Reidy, Ennis who were all conferred with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Limerick. Speaking at the first in-person conferring ceremony to take place at UL for two years, the President said “the importance and resilience of the Higher Education sector has never been more evident”. Around 1,700 students are graduating from the faculties of Education and Health Sciences, Kemmy Business School, Science and Engineering and Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences in five ceremonies taking place this week. Over 700 students are due to attend the live on-campus ceremonies, which have been carefully planned to minimise risk of possible infection

Photo by Sean Curtin True Media

LARE lotto players may have missed out on scooping the €19m Jackpot on Saturday but winnings were recorded across the county.

One customer of Talty’s Stores in Lissycasey purchased a Match5+ ticket worth €36,897 in Saturday’s Lotto draw.

Staff at the busy West Clare store described the win as “great news”.

“We are delighted for the winner. Come in and check your tickets, it could be you,” a spokesperson for Talty stores commented.

In May 2020, Talty’s also sold the winning ticket in a then €4m Lotto draw. Talty’s has a long running history with Lissycasey stretching over 47 years beginning when TJ and Máire first opened.

Smaller winnings were reported across Clare with some punters winning sums such to the value of €3, €5 and €10.

Clare business, Tailor&Blue coffee won €3 and added €97 to this as part of a donation to Women’s Aid.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

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4 NEWS

East Clare farmer to feature on Angelus

FILM: James Treacy and John Beston

A SCARIFF photographer will have his work viewed by the nation next week, writes Páraic McMahon.

James Treacy has made his second submission to RTÉ to feature in a segment as part of the Angelus at 6pm. Work on the video has been ongoing since July, James said.

Martin Ryan of Limerick College of Further Education has assisted the Scariff man with the submission.

Mountshannon farmer, John Beston features in the clip wrapping silage, cutting hay and baling it while a number of months on, the video will show John feeding the silage.

“My video is going to be on RTÉ again on Friday 28th January at 6 pm on RTE One,” James told The Clare Echo.

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

No new contract needed to relocate Púca say Council

P

by PÁRAIC McMAHON LANS to relocate the Púca to North Clare remain on track despite claims that a new contract would need to be signed to make this a reality.

Ennistymon was due to be the home of the Púca with the €30,000 artwork the winning entry of 19 submissions for a €500,000 scheme aimed at revitalising the North Clare town. However, local opposition prompted Clare County Council to pause plans for its installation and last week confirmed the statue would not be making Ennistymon its home and announced plans to start an expression of interest process for the Púca to reside elsewhere in North Clare.

720 persons engaged with a survey in November organised by the Council. 43.6% of respondents saying they ‘Really disliked’ the artwork compared to 34.3% who ‘Really liked’ it. While many disliked both the artwork itself and its proposed location in the town, a proportion of submissions were

BOO: The Púca sculpture divided between the two.

Aidan Harte, the artist behind the Púca told The Clare Echo that a new contract would be required if the Council wished to relocate it in another part of the county.

“I own the sculpture and have not consented to any alternative arrangement. I’ve invited Clare County Council to clarify their

plans by the end of the month.

Absent that clarification, the Púca will be going elsewhere,” the Kilkenny man stated.

As per the existing contract, Clare County Council can relocate the Púca, a spokesperson told The Clare Echo. “In keeping with the terms of the signed contract agreement between Clare County

Council and the artist, the Local Authority reserves the right to relocate the work from its original site or location”.

Community groups in North Clare will be invited to submit their expressions of interest within the next fortnight. “Expressions of Interest will be sought from community groups within this Local Electoral Area as the artwork is inspired by the folklore and equine heritage of North Clare. This process will commence in the next fortnight and will be advertised via local media and Clare County Council’s website, www.clarecoco.ie. Community groups also will be engaged through Elected Members and Clare PPN”.

Prominent members of communities such as Crusheen and Scariff voiced their wish to see the Púca considered for their area but the Council insist it will remain in the North Clare electoral area.

Corofin is among the areas expressing an interest. In a poll conducted by Corofin Tidy Towns, 60 percent of respondents wanted to see the statue in the locality.

Garvey among those objecting to wind farm

O

by GORDON DEEGAN

VER 100 objections have been lodged against a 175 metre high eight wind-turbine wind farm overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way in west Clare. The proposed development site is located 5km to the east of Miltown Malbay and 7km to the south of Ennistymon.

Those objecting to the scheme include a number of Clare Oireachtas members, Violet Anne Wynne TD (SF) Cathal Crowe TD (FF), Senator Roisin Garvey (Green Party), Senator and Timmy Dooley (FF).

A number of members of Clare County Council have also lodged objections. Others to object include the Miltown Malbay Wind Farm Opposition Group, the Cahermurphy II Opposition Group and scores of local residents.

Senator Garvey said that new wind farms should not be allowed until new Government guidelines on wind energy are published. She stated: “There are are a lot of people locally who don’t want it there because they already have enough of wind-turbines in the area.” She remarked: These are not eco-warriors that are building these wind-farms.” Senator Garvey added: “I don’t think it is fair to say that Greens are always pushing for wind farms.

We have always pushed for green energy in the right place She said: “I have never been out demanding wind farms in my life and I don’t intend to start now. I am for wind

farms if they are in the right place.”

Senator Garvey stated: “Everywhere these wind-farms go, they cause division.

One side of the family getting money and another side of the family not getting anything out of it and that is the family split.”

She said: “Communities need to come together more and more, not be divided.”

Slieveacurry Ltd has told Clare Co Council that its associated Cork firm, Enerco Energy and its associated companies have over 640 Megawatts (MW) of wind generating capacity in commercial operation and have a further 400MW of projects at various stages in its portfolio to assist in meeting Ireland’s renewable energy targets.

Enerco state that it currently has projects operating or in construction in counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare, Galway, Mayo and Donegal. Enerco state that based on its Clare scheme will have a combined output of approximately 33.6MW. The firm state that if the west Clare scheme proceeds, the local community will receive up to €3m during the lifetime of the operation of the wind-farm.

Documents lodged with the application state that the community fund “will support and facilitate projects and initiatives including youth, sport and community facilities, schools, educational and training initiatives, and wider amenity, heritage, and environmental projects”. The firm also state that 70 jobs will be created through the wind-farm. A decision is due on the application later this month.

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

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6 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Meeting held to inform locals of prospecting licence impact PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

E

AST Clare residents have spoken of their anger at the lack of public consultation for prospective licences.

Keep Tulla Untouched held an online meeting better inform the public at 7:30pm last night (Wednesday) on the potential impact of prospective licences to Tulla and Bunratty.

Meath based, Minco Ltd currently have an application before the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications for a prospecting licence for the baronies of Bunratty and Tulla. The prospecting licence allows for the exploration of mineral deposits, but does not authorise actual mining of any minerals.

Clare County Council on Monday last passed an emergency motion asking the Environment Minister, Eamon Ryan (GP) not to proceed with the awarding of the licence. Groups such as Keep Tulla Untouched and Futureproof Clare have been vocal in their calls for the plans to be scrapped.

Minister Ryan has sanctioned a twoweek extension to allow for submissions

from the public with a new deadline of January 23rd set. Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) who proposed the emergency motion alongside Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) felt a twomonth extension would have been a better approach.

Hannan Metals in their prospecting in Kilbreckan near the M18 found at least seven more target areas for mining zinc and silver in the locality.

Christine O’Brien of Keep Tulla Untouched stated that anger is growing locally at the possibility that the licence would be granted without the County Council or communities being fully briefed.

She stated, “I have farmed in Tulla and Crusheen since 2006, and my husband has farmed his whole life in the parish of Tulla. We have lands derogated as both SPA and NHA, specifically Oysterman’s Marsh. This land has been under very restricted farming practises since the original NPWS Hen Harrier Program 2007.

“It is necessary for me to request written permission for any work considered outside ‘permissible action’ which includes, for example, removal of surface stone - with minimal to no soil disturbance, or flattening and flailing scrub. It is completely ridiculous to imagine that another individual or company would be permitted to drill for prospecting, let alone consider mining this same land area”.

Demand for pedestrianisation of Ennis high among public

by PÁRAIC McMAHON OVER 70 percent of the Clare public wish to see the streets of Ennis pedestrianised while local businesses remain unconvinced on the change.

Results from a pedestrianisation survey conducted by Clare County Council were released on Tuesday.

Overall, 71.2% of all respondents would like to see some form of pedestrianisation ‘immediately’, 20.3% in the ‘medium/long term de-

pendent on provision of new infrastructure/service’ and 8.5% indicated ‘no-never’.

Of those who indicated they would like to see some form of pedestrianisation (1,643 of 1,796), 44% would prefer ‘pedestrianisation 11-6, 7 days a week’, with a further 36.5% favouring ‘full-time pedestrianisation’. Findings are similar to a survey by The Clare Echo last April which found that 69% of our readers wished to see some form

TRADE: Local businesses remain unconvinced

of pedestrianisation introduced in the county town.

From the 54 business owners who completed the survey, 37% said they never wished to see pedestrianisation, 38.9% favoured its immediate introduction with 24.1% hopeful for its introduction in the medium to long-term. 87% of the business owners that engaged with the survey said they drove to Ennis.

Participants that backed to pedestrianisation wished to see introduced in O’Connell St (1587), Parnell St (1329), Abbey St (1280) with less demand for High Street (856) and Bank Place (674).

While 77.5% of respondents stated that their primary mode of travel into Ennis was by car, an overwhelming 1520 (84.9%) outlined that their primary mode of travel around the town centre was walking.

102 respondents (5.7%) declared to have mobility issues. From this cohort, 47.1% favoured introduction of pedestrianisation immediately, 21.6% in the medium to long term, 31.4% selected No/Never.

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

‘Undeniable discrimination’ of homes excluded from redress

C

by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON ONTINUED inclusion of Clare from a remediation scheme for pyrite and mica affected homeowners equates to a “a definite, perpetuated and undeniable form of discrimination”.

Members of the Clare Pyrite Action Group have shared their concerns with Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien (FF) on the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, announced on November 30th 2021.

Chairperson of the Clare Pyrite Action Group, Dr Martina Cleary wrote to Minister O’Brien this week.

“With regard to the ongoing exclusion of County Clare from any existing grant or remediation scheme, we feel that there is a definite, perpetuated and undeniable form of discrimination being meted out to the people of this county.

“We are at a loss to understand why reports and evi-

dence submitted by our consultant engineer, are deemed insufficient to warrant immediate inclusion and assistance,” she stated.

Issues of pyrite in Clare were raised in the Seanad in 2012 and in the Dáil by Deputy Joe Carey (FG) in 2018. Dr Cleary commented, “It is very apparent to all concerned, that we as homeowners and taxpayers of this same country, are being subjected to a prolonged and even calculated form of exclusion, compromising both our human and constitutional rights as Irish and European citizens”.

Regarding the Defective Concrete Blocks Grant Scheme, the Crusheen woman said the sliding-scale “will have to be abolished”. She flagged a “considerable ambiguity” in point three on the burden of proof in the Building Condition Assessment and Damage Threshold clause, “it is not acceptable to leave people trapped indefinitely in properties that are damaged, but not damaged

PYRITE: Martina Cleary and Mary Hanley

Photo by Natasha Barton

enough to access help, while also facing a non-transparent assessment procedure”. Unaccounted costs were another concern raised.

Dr Cleary stressed that evidence was available to warrant Clare’s inclusion and had been with the Department since last July. “The regulations within this new grant scheme, will impact the lives

and livelihoods of hundreds (if not thousands) of people in County Clare for decades to come.

“The non-representative, non-accessible, non-transparent and non-consultative process, which has undoubtedly influenced the content and detail of what this new grant scheme will contain, has been deeply unjust”.

Call for re-zoning of Our Lady’s FRESH interest in acquiring part of the site formerly known as Our Lady’s Hospital has been expressed, writes Páraic McMahon.

Valued at €1.25m in 2015, the site was sold at an online auction in 2018 for €750,000.

The hospital was designed by William Fogerty, it opened as the Ennis Asylum in 1862, it became Ennis Mental Hospital in the 1920s and was renamed Our Lady’s Hospital in the 1950s, the hospital closed in March 2002 and has changed hands several times in the subsequent two decades.

For the upcoming County Development Plan, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) proposed the Ennis MD supported by all seven councillors zone the site as commercial, residential, education and recreational.

Public consultation for the County Development Plan runs until 28th March 2022 with a consultation event scheduled for 26th January at the Scout Hall beside the Parish Office on Station Rd. “This site is a huge asset to the town of Ennis,” Cllr Daly remarked. He claimed that plans for a

five-star hotel failed as did attempts to make it a private hospital.

A new owner is talking with planners at present, Daly advised.

“It is important that it is part of the County Development Plan, if it goes back another ten years it is a failure, it has to happen now”.

Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) noted there was a new party interest in purchasing the site. “It is such a shame that the site was let go into such disrepair”.

Praising her colleague for tabling the motion, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) acknowledged, “this site is hugely complicated”. She stressed, “It is within walking distance of the town centre so it ticks every box be it educational or commercial.

“I am sick of looking at the site, the building across the road is now derelict. We need to grab this one and do whatever we can to make sure the developer can do something with it.

“It is dangerous, we’ve had illegal encampments, dumping and drug taking going on in there”.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Thousands attend vigils for Ashling Murphy

‘We’ve got to step up’

by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON ASHLING Murphy’s killing must lead to change in the treatment of women across Irish society, vigils in her memory have heard.

Since her death last Wednesday evening, Ashling’s name has been mentioned in every single house across the country.

Project manager at the Clare Immigrant Support Centre, Orla Ní Éili admitted she often feels unsafe in the town of Ennis.

“Forty years ago, I can remember walking on Westmoreland Street in Dublin about ‘reclaim the night’, now we’re trying to reclaim the bloody day for God sake.

“We’ve got to step up and learn different ways of being”.

An action plan to end gender-based violence must be implemented, Orla stressed. A member of the Clare Women’s Network, she told The Clare Echo, “For me at my age in my sixties, I’m telling my daughter the things she needs to be aware of, when she’s getting off the bus in Dublin that she needs to be on the phone when she’s walking home, I’m really hoping that for her children she doesn’t have to be telling them that”.

Speaking in O’Regan Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus native Vivien Grogan remarked, “Countess Markievicz, Veronica Guerin, Mary Robinson are among those whose actions led to change for Irish women, Ashling Murphy’s name will be among them in years to come as the impact and significance of her killing will hopefully pave the way for change”.

More of a Garda presence is needed to help deter these acts of violence, Ennis’ Amanda Major believed.

“It is important that us ladies don’t stop walking or going out for exercise, be conscious of the environment, if something doesn’t seem right don’t second doubt yourself just do a u-turn and stay away”.

Among the organisers for a vigil in Ennistymon was Senator Roisin Garvey (GP). “The women are the victims but we won’t have solutions until the men take it on, it is their problem actually, it is not a women’s problem, women are the victims, we need good men to step up and start organising good events and call out their own gender, 99 percent of these acts of violence are coming from men”.

“There is a missing piece for men, they learn shoulder to shoulder and need people to do things with. We need to invest more in those types of opportunities”.

She added, “the inter-generational thing is very important because some young men are brilliant at expressing themselves compared to the older generation who were never allowed have feelings,” Garvey added.

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) told Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, “As a woman, I’ve to have keys in my hands when I’m going for a walk, the only thing I should need protection from is the weather. It’s a societal issue”.

Cllr John Crowe (FG) stated, “This is a scandal, any man that would raise his hand to a woman isn’t a man”.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HOUSANDS of Clare people came out in force over the past week to pay their respect to the late Ashling Mur-

phy.

Twenty-three year old Ashling was killed on Wednesday evening on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

All over Ireland, vigils were held as the country took time to remember the primary school teacher who graduated from Mary Immaculate College in Limerick just three months ago.

Two vigils took place in Ennis on Friday evening.

Just shy of 200 people travelled to the Square in Ennistymon where music was played by the Murphy’s from Dublin with candles left in a heart shape.

People of all ages were among the 300 strong plus crowd at Shannon Town Park.

In Clarecastle, over 100 people

 SHOCK: Canon Brendan O’Donoghue with students Ailbhe and Nessa O’Grady (Photo by Joe Buckley) and (inset) a tribute to Ashling

gathered to pay their respects to Ashling. Hermitage Green’s Dermot Sheedy was among the musicians.

Music was provided by Aisling Shannon, Mary Neylon and Tom Clohessy at the Kilrush vigil with prayers led by Fr Larkin and Mary O’Donoghue.

Walks were held by groups in Corofin, Ruan and Kilmaley.

Saturday saw vigils in New-

market-on-Fergus with 300 in attendance, Ennis had upwards of 1000 attendees, Kilkishen and Kilkee.

Members of Shannon Active Retirement joined with pupils from St Caimin’s Community School on Tuesday afternoon for a special remembrance event.

Across the week, schools at primary and second level have been marking Ashling’s passing.

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NEWS 9

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Lisdoonvarna bids a fond farewell to John O'Neill

L

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

ISDOONVARNA and surrounding communities came out to bid their respects to the late John O’Neill also known as Jack at his funeral mass on Friday morning.

Seventy nine year old John was found dead at his home in Lisdoonvarna on Friday January 7th in “unexplained circumstances”. He ran a B&B O’Neill’s Town House with his late wife Christine since 1973.

Members of the local community streamed along Lisdoonvarna’s streets to pay their respects following John’s funeral at Corpus Christi Church where his coffin was draped by a St Breckans jersey.

A father to two sons, Graham and Sean and five grand-children Conor, Síofra, Cara, Odhran and Donagh, John was born in Lisdoonvarna in a house built by the Madigan cousins who were stone masons. Named the Grand Central House in memory of his fa-

ther’s time spent in New York City.

His late mother Susan worked in London during the second World War as a nurse, later becoming a constant source of medical information in Lisdoon, “her sense of duty and confidence in her ability to help people rubbed off on her only son,” Graham said.

John was the only boy in the O’Neill family who was “so fond of his sisters”, Geraldine, Philomena and Marie. Both Geraldine and Philomena died of cancer “way before their time,” Graham noted. He said that his father being the only boy “marked him out as someone with a great heart”.

Friendships with his schoolmates at St Flannan’s College remained until his death, the kindness he showed to students younger than him “marked him apart” at the Ennis secondary school.

Graham commented that his father was “a mine of information” and was the go-to source if someone was looking for a part for their Mercedes car, the best hotel to stay

in abroad or who to link in with when emigrating to London. “As one friend put it, the town of Lisdoon has lost its own talking encyclopaedia”. He added, “My father had many adventures, although he was deeply rooted in North Clare, he travelled the world over spending time in many far-flung places”.

Touching on the strong loving relationship between his parents, Graham detailed that they formed a partnership over 50 years.

“When she became ill two years ago, he took on role of her carer until her sad passing in July, it was a task he carried out with dedication and love”. Given the manner of his father’s death, Graham said he was “grateful” his mother Chris “is not here today to carry the shock and sadness we are all experiencing”.

On the sporting field, John lined out with the Clare minor footballers and was part of the panel that reached a provincial final. “He took pride in wearing cyclists lycra and boasting about cycling to Corkscrew Hill without a puff,” he

 RIP: John O’Neill

quipped. On the golfing course, he was a member of many societies and at the age of 79 “was still golfing and still showing up lads half his age in terms of fitness and skills”.

“He was also our father and a great one,” Graham said as he remembered trying to keep up with his father at Bishop’s Quarter and

their first family trip to Disneyland in 1981.

Journeys to Lahinch Golf Club to practice golf shots on Sunday were “punctuated by a history lesson on who lived in every house along the way. In this simple way, he passed on his pride in the community and a sense of place to me, it also reminds of John’s most important life skill, that of keeping and maintaining personal connections”.

Graham paid tribute to An Garda Síochána “for the professionalism in how they have dealt with the shocking events of the past week”.

He acknowledged the warmth of their neighbours and friends “for wrapping their hands around the O’Neill family”.

“We remember our John O’Neill as a legend of a man, who didn’t approach life with cynicism, fear or judgement but with an open mind,” Graham concluded.

Speaking at Friday’s mass, Fr Richard Flanagan emphasised that John’s life would not be defined “by that one senseless act”.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Application for Europe's first University town to be lodged

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

 PLANNING: The University of Limerick

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

N APPLICATION to have Europe’s first university town in South Clare is to be lodged by the end of

this week.

Plans to create up to 3,500 jobs in South Clare are envisaged to move in the right direction when the joint application of Clare County Council and the University of Limerick for a strategic development zone (SDZ) is made this week. The Government may designate certain areas of land as an SDZ where their development is considered to be of strategic national economic and social importance.

Up to 3,500 jobs have been forecast for the South Clare SDZ with the villages of Clonlara, O’Briensbridge and Castleconnell set to receive a big lift in terms of economic activity as a result.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal Dis-

Maternity Benefit

trict, Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council, Liam Conneally confirmed the local authority in tandem with UL was “in a position to make an application to Government”. He was confident this would be completed by the end of this week. “It’s really good news. It will be up to

Fuel Allowance

Pensions

the Government to designate the north campus of UL as an SDZ, we hope it will happen in the coming months,” he added.

Conneally said the foundation for the project stemmed from a proposal made by Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) and former councillor Bill Slattery (FG) before the South-

Employment Rights

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ern Regional Assembly. The relationship with UL has “blossomed” with both parties keen to make the SDZ a success.

Clonlara representative, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) noted that it was two and a half years since the idea was first discussed, “we lost a year and a half of active develop-

ment for various reasons”. He said pressure must be put on the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, Darragh O’Brien (FF) so that the rest of his tenure is not spent making a decision on the application.

Clare’s Oireachtas members need to put their full weight behind the application, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) stressed. “It is very important for our county and it is seen as a trophy project, I think our Oireachtas members should follow it up and put as much influence as they can on the Minister,” he added.

Kickback from elected representatives to the application “is still simmering,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) observed. “We’ve got to keep this alive and our Oireachtas members have a role to play,” the Shannon resident commented.

Oireachtas members can get the ear Minister O’Brien, Cllr John Crowe (FG) flagged, “we have to put pressure on them. We are so fortunate to have had Cllr McMahon and Bill Slattery on Southern Regional Assembly to get it off the ground”.

Founding member of Tidy Towns Margaret Neylon laid to rest ENNIS TIDY TOWN’s founding member, Margaret Neylon has been laid to rest, writes Páraic McMahon.

A resident of Gallows Hill in Ennis, Margaret’s funeral took place on Tuesday at Ennis Cathedral. She is survived by her loving husband Des, children Carole, Thomas and Hilary, sons-in-law David and Richard, daughter-in-law Aisling, grandchildren Donnacha, Ciara, Emily, Alannah, Sam, Aoibhe-

ann, Saoirse and Oisin, sisters Jessie, Maureen and Monica, brother Gerald and John, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Not alone was Margaret among the founders of Ennis Tidy Towns but she also opened her own business, Forefront Agency in the Market decades ago. Her success here led to Ennis Chamber hiring her as a secretary.

She also had involvements with the Ennis Community Employment Scheme and Ennis Phoenix Twinning Board.

Chairman of Ennis Tidy Towns, Cormac McCarthy said, “Margaret was a passionate advocate for Ennis and without whose dedication and vision, we would not have the wonderful town we have today”. Their win in the 2021 Tidy Towns would not have happened only for her decades of volunteering, he added.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

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11

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Zimmer Biomet raise €20,000  VITAL SERVICE: Zimmer Biomet team members present a cheque to Brian Conlan, CEO of BUMBLEance

Denis Vaughan elected Chair of Clare Labour

E

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

THE Zimmer Biomet team in Shannon and Galway have rowed and cycled the equivalent distance from Ireland to Beijing to raise over €20,000 to support sick children in Ireland, writes Elaine Tubridy.

The company’s contribution will benefit BUMBLEance, an Irish charity devoted to transporting extremely ill children or children with life limiting illnesses to their hospital appointments.

This latest fundraiser forms part of an ongoing partnership with BUMBLEance and the Zimmer Biomet team. The team decided to cycle or row approximately 15,000kms, equating to the average distance travelled by the BUMBLEance fleet in Ireland each week. Observing social distancing, the cycling and rowing activities were safely completed either at the employees’ homes

or within the company’s plants in Shannon and Galway with all funds raised matched by the company.

Brian Conlan, CEO of BUMBEance, said, “COVID has made fundraising even more difficult for charities but that did not stop the committed team at Zimmer Biomet!

“On behalf of the children and their parents, I want to say a big thank you for the team’s support over the years. Simply put, contributions like this make our service possible. For a child, it is scary enough to have to go to hospital without having to travel long distances to get there. BUMBLEance allows parents the freedom to tend to their child’s needs en-route and the state of the art entertainment systems on board are a welcome distraction and bring a smile to a child’s face.”

NNISTYMON’s Denis Vaughan (LAB) has been elected as the new Chairperson of the Clare Labour Party.

At its online AGM, the Clare Labour Party elected Vaughan to the post of Chair. The music promoter edged out ex local election candidate, Seamus Ryan of Ennis in a tight vote.

The meeting was chaired by the party’s general secretary, Billy Sparks. The party says it has a membership of 100 in the county.

A member of the Labour Party’s international committee, Vaughan campaigned to ‘fight for fairness’. He stated, “A party that believes in decency, justice, and equality must urgently fight for a home building program, the abolition of college fees and gender equality”.

Founding Chairman of Save our Shannon, a campaign aimed to fight for Shannon Air-

port and Save Ennistymon’s Heritage, Denis told The Clare Echo he is the first Ennistymon man to lead a political party in Clare.

“Few realise that women in Clare earn 13.9% less than men. Decent work deserves decent pay.

“How can we accept this? How can we accept a 14% increase in homelessness in the state at a time when the economy is booming? Just take a walk down O’Connell Street in Ennis any evening, you’ll see with your own eyes how urgent the issue is and when you do, keep in mind Clare County Council has had one home vacant since 2006.

“Let’s put a stop to this nonsense, address the issues, and get our people housed, fund education, and above all recognise the critical contributions of women to building a fairer society. Let’s fight for fairness,” he said.

Marie Dunne of Ennis, Clarecastle’s Peter Magliocco, Kilrush’s Jerry Murphy, Ally Corr of Moy and Quin woman Bridget Keane have also assumed roles within the branch.

STEPPING OUT FOR CLARE HAVEN

 DONATION: Kilkeedy Community Group organised a 5km walk/run on January 2, using the event to fundraise for Clare Haven. Proceeds from the event were formally handed over to Clare Haven on Saturday January 15 at Tubber GAA pitch. Pictured are representatives of Tubber GAA and Kilkeedy Community Group with event organiser Alan Morrissey and Manager of Services at Clare Haven Dr Siobhán O’Connor Please do not grieve alone We listen and support You are welcome to contact us by call or text

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NEWS 13

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Full-time lifeguards in June essential to reduce seasonality PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A

VAILABILITY will determine if Clare’s busiest beaches are staffed with lifeguards throughout the month of June.

Over the first weekend of June last year, local surfers performed more than fifty rescues at an unmanned Lahinch, this prompted Clare County Council to employ extra lifeguards with increasing crowds flocking to the coast during a busy staycation season.

A full-time service must now be provided for the month of June annually by Clare County Council, Cllr Liam Grant (GP) maintained. “With the increase in popularity of sea swimming and other water sports, there is now a need for lifeguards every day at the most popular beaches during the month of June,” he stated.

This deployment “will be contingent on their availability,” senior engineer Cyril Feeney admitted. Lifeguards in Clare are primarily second and third level students, he advised. A decision will be reached once the lifeguard interview and fitness assessment process is completed. Any commitment in January would be “premature”, he said “but every effort will be made to extend lifeguard cover”.

Beaches in Clare are only coming to become busier, Cllr Grant predicted and cited the increasing popularity of sea swimming.

“If we can get lifeguards, if we can’t get them it is unfortunate,” he conceded. “Places like

Lahinch are crazy when it comes to stats,” Liam commented while noting of the 403 rescues nationally, 208 of them were in Lahinch which was more than the majority of counties combined. “It is by far the busiest beach in the country. Lahinch is an incredibly popular beach, there hundreds in the water in January”.

Consideration of the starting time of 11am for lifeguards must also be reviewed, the Lahinch man believed, “if you arrive at Lahinch in 11 there will be thousands of people, we need to look at 9am for places like Spanish Point”. Increased cover would make Clare a more attractive county to visit. Between 20 to 30 personnel in the Lahinch area are involved as volunteer lifeguards.

He added, “Four times in my life I’ve been on Lahinch beach when someone has lost their life, I have seen a body pulled from the water and I don’t want to see it again”.

Reaction of Council officials last June was praised by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG). People are now in the water the “whole year round,” he said. “People have to have personal responsibility and make informed decisions when it is safe to enter water, we can’t have the State constantly wrapping its hands around you,” the Lisdoonvarna man added. Education will also play a part, Garrihy maintained, “there is no one solution to this, lifeguards on their own won’t deal with it in the positive sustainable manner”.

Cover is a must for June, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) commented. “It all comes down to the weather, we often can get better weather in June than the holiday period of July and August”.

Quantities of visitors to Lahinch and other

WATER SAFETY: Lifeguards on duty in Lahinch beaches along the western seaboard was three months of the year at a minimum to “hard to believe,” Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) noted. show places like Spanish Point and Lahinch “Their popularity will continue to increase as are not just for five months of the season. long as COVID is there”. Collaboration be- We need to be more ambitious than the retween groups such as the National Ambu- sponse”. lance Service, Civil Defence, volunteer lifeSpeaking at the January meeting of the guards and the existing service is essential, County Council, Director of Service, CarCllr Ian Lynch (IND) remarked. mel Kirby referenced the “expectations” of In order to reduce the seasonality of West councillors. She confirmed the interviews Clare, the local authority must offer “reason- and assessments would be completed in able services” such as lifeguard cover for the coming months. “We will prioritise busall of June, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) flagged. ier beaches for June, if we have lifeguards “We need to deliver permanent lifeguards for available we will use them”.

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14 SHANNON NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Aviation feature at main roundabout would create positive first impression of Shannon

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

SYMBOL to represent Shannon’s history of aviation at one of the town’s main axis points could promote the local International Airport while also enhancing the area.

Visitors to Shannon are left with a poor impression of the area thanks to the Shannon Town Roundabout, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) flagged at this week’s sitting of the Shannon Municipal District.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have been requested to enhance the roundabout which links the M18 with Shannon, the Airport, Industrial Estate, town centre and Rineanna.

“The current landscaping on the roundabout is causing considerable difficulties for road safety as it is overgrown and an eyesore to

POTENTIAL: Shannon Town Roundabout Photo by Joe Buckley

the public and does nothing for the image of Shannon Town, Shannon International Airport and the potential of Shannon’s industrial areas to attract vital employment to the county,” Flynn detailed in his proposal.

Shannon Town roundabout

for many visitors to Clare is their first impression of the county after getting on the road from Shannon Airport, Cllr Flynn noted.

He praised the efforts of Shannon Commercial Properties in trying to enhance the Industrial Estate but said it was time for TII to step

up. Several attempts to improve the aesthetics have been made, TII’s actions to date have been to “cut shrubs” which grew back, Flynn commented.

Offers have been made from personnel in the aviation centre to donate a piece of aircraft that

would be placed as a structure on the roundabout so that an immediate identification and link is made between Shannon Airport and the town, Flynn told the meeting.

Having an aviation feature at the roundabout would be a major plus, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) said while seconding the proposal.

Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) stated: “I would like the idea of a piece of air equipment mounted on the roundabout, it is very important for an indication of what is coming up.”

Cllr Michael Begley (IND) queried if the roundabout could benefit from the maintenance funding issued to Clare County Council.

Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett said the roundabout fell under TII’s responsibility.

“Its maintenance to date has been less than desirable. It is not a statement to say you are entering Shannon Town, Shannon Airport or the Industrial Estate, this as a symbol to remember Shannon is disgraceful,” Flynn said.

100 jobs to be created in €4m refurbishment

PROJECT: Mary Considine, CEO Shannon Group, David McInerney, Director JADA Projects and Gerry Dillon, Shannon Group Property Director Photo by Arthur Ellis

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A €4m refurbishment of Bays 135 and 137 is now underway in the Shannon Free Zone.

Shannon Group commenced work on its first major construction project of 2022 on Tuesday. It will see two existing buildings located to the MeiraGTx facility refurbished at a cost of €4m. July 2022 has been set as the target for completion.

One hundred jobs will be created during the construction and fit-put phase of the project with Ennis-based Jada Construction appointed as the main contractor.

With a combined square footage of 33,000 sq. ft, the refurbishment of these buildings will create high spec, fully fitted out multi-purpose office space and light engineering facilities.

The exterior aesthetics of the buildings will be finished in a similar architectural style to the MeiraGTx building which was

previously undertaken by Shannon Group.

Included in the development are the provision of 140 upgraded / new car parking spaces with seven dedicated disabled spaces and four Electric Vehicle charging spaces.

It also includes the upgrade of footpaths, public lighting and landscaping in the area around the buildings.

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine said it is “full steam ahead” for the company. “Despite the challenge our business has faced throughout the pandemic, we have continued to improve our customer facilities and offering.

“This is why it’s full steam ahead with our 2022 property development strategy for our Shannon Campus, providing quality property solutions to attract indigenous and FDI investment.

“Initiatives like this support the Government 2040 Plan and will help drive employment growth to the region”.

15

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

in association with

Town bus service for Ennis ‘a priority’ for National Transport Authority PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

REATION of a town bus service in Ennis is a “priority” of National Transport Authority (NTA), senior officials in Clare County Council have said.

Director of Service for Physical Development in the County Council, Carmel Kirby has said staff in the Ennis Municipal District are “finalising bus routes throughout the town”.

At her most recent engagement with the NTA she requested an update on the potential service and is hopeful to have further detail at the February sitting of the Ennis MD. Kirby stated, “the Ennis Town public bus service is a priori-

ty for the NTA”. She outlined that it would be part of a national public bus service rather than local link.

At the January meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) sought an update on the provision of the service.

Communication is ongoing between the Ennis MD and the NTA’s public transport service planning team, Leonore O’Neill, senior executive officer of the Ennis MD stated. Route selection will be finalised by the NTA, she said.

“Implementation is dependent on budgets being available to support the operational cost of providing the service”.

Cllr Murphy queried if the funding would be evenly split by the NTA and the County Council, O’Neill confirmed that it wouldn’t be a cost for the County Council and that the NTA would have to

apply for a budget for the running of the service from the Department of Transport.

“We are also working on a mobility plan and it is important to have this as part of that,” Murphy added.

Cllr Ann Norton (IND) seconded the motion while Cllr Pat Daly (FF) expressed his delight to hear it was a priority of the NTA’s, “there are so many roads leading into Ennis, some roads are up to four kilometres from the town centre, a bus link would be great for the future of the town”.

Work on the town bus service has been ongoing since 2007, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) previously noted in one of his many proposals on the subject. MOBILITY: Route selection will be finalised by the NTA

New infrastructure needed to protect soccer patrons

by PÁRAIC McMAHON MOVEMENT of people outside the home of Clare soccer is “a serious accident waiting to happen,” an elected representative has warned.

Current conditions outside Frank Healy Park in Doora were described as frightening by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) as she appealed for the installation of street lights and a footpath linking to the Daybreak convenience store and garage on the Quin Rd. Acting senior executive officer in the Ennis Municipal District, Barry Conway flagged that Frank Healy Park was located one kilometre east of the existing footpath network on the R469. “To construct a footpath/cycle path over this distance would require land acquisition, construction of considerable embankments and the diversion of large culverts which form an integral part of the Fergus Drainage Network”.

He added, “While the proposal certainly has merit, the constraints involved mean that it is not a project that could be undertaken by the district as part of its annual works programme.

I suggest that this project

would be considered as part of future transport planning for the town and the MD office will liaise with our colleagues in the design office in this regard”.

Over 200 adults and children use the soccer grounds each week, Cllr Howard claimed. “There is no tuck shop on site so people at the grounds have to walk down a grass verge to get to the nearest shop, I think it is a serious accident waiting to happen,” she stated.

“A footpath is absolutely needed to link in with the shop and garage, children are walking on the side of the road along the grass verge during the summer when there are cars speeding, it frightens me to see it”.

Of the existing footpath network, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) observed that it goes from the Ennis Train Station as far as Bruach Na H’abhainn and Johnno’s Bar, “Frank Healy Park is not too far on”.

He continued, “It is a great facility, all the big games go on there.

The Municipal District should apply for funding for this to go ahead,” he commented while seconding the proposal.

Although he supported the concept, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) believed “it is not as straight forward as putting down a footpath”. He suggested Fr McNamara Park, the Clare camogie county grounds also be included in the discussion highlighting a potential “dual-purpose benefit”.

SAFETY: Frank Healy Park Photo by John Mangan

16 FEATURES

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

GREEN CLARE

‘Until people pay for water they won’t respect it’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

P

paraic@clareecho.ie

EOPLE of Clare do not understand or respect water as a resource, a conservation expert has stated.

Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) community water officer, Ruairí Ó Conchúir who has been living in Co Clare for the past 20 years and is now based in The Burren outlined that a failure to invest in water infrastructure is now proving costly with relation to the management of Irish Water.

He stated, “Our understanding of water and as a resource is not at the races, water that comes out of people’s taps is a fundamental right but it is fundamentally precious resource. Of course people should pay for it, until they pay for it they won’t respect it,” Ruairí said following a query from Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF).

Contribution of Ennis Tidy Towns volunteers who scuba dive through the River Fergus taking out “tonnes of rubbish and litter” annually was referenced by Ruairí.

“We missed a trick in relation to Irish Water more than three decades ago, we are playing catch up. Investment needed now was needed 30 years ago so we have a lot of catching up, it is multi-decade investment that is required”. Ó Conchúir was addressing a sitting of the Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) where he briefed members on the draft river basin management plan for Ireland 2022-2027 which is on public consultation until 31st of March this year.

The plan was set up as part of an EU-wide directive and includes 10 priority areas for action in Clare, he informed.

Ireland’s current water quality is static, he flagged following a decline from 2013 to 2018, “The health of a river is a measure of the health of the surrounding landscape”.

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) questioned if the standard of water in rivers was affecting fishing, “I’ve been talking to some older people, they have said some areas were full with fish before but there are none there now”. Broadford is one of the 10 catchment zones, he noted, “Irish Water have a huge role to play. We know there’s raw sewage.

How much is Irish Water being pulled in to tidy up their act where systems need to be installed and upgraded”.

Meetings were held in Broadford, Ruairí responded, it along with the water quality of a lot of places in East Clare has been found to be impacted heavily by forestry, “it leads to increased silt in the river and increased if you like things that you don’t like in a river getting into the river”. Land drainage is causing an impact to fishing, he said.

“Huge obstacles” are in the way of councillors when trying to prepare the County Development Plan, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF). She asked if a different approach was needed when it came to Irish Water, “are we right in our position to take the position we take in that we don’t pay specifically for water”. Elected representatives are trying to allow for the zoning of lands “that won’t contaminate water. Our biggest obstacle to zone lands is Irish Water causing us a huge obstacle”.

Director of Service with the Council, Carmel Kirby told the meeting there is a capital  Photo by Ruairí Ó Conchúir

programme committed to deal with untreated operations across Clare.

“Water is one of our most precious and scarcest resources, it is really important that we protect and do everything to protect it, as a country we have to weigh up who can pay and can’t pay for, there does need to be

greater investment in our wastewater infrastructure”.

Cyril Feeney of the Council’s environment section said the funding model of Irish Water is governed by the Commission of Regulation of Utilities, “they don’t have the funding,” he commented.

Arts & Entertainment 17

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Clare based crime drama Hidden Assets sold to BBC

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON RIME drama, Hidden Assets which was filmed in Lahinch and Ennis has been picked up by the

BBC. A ratings hit for RTÉ, the six-episode drama concluded in December with 458,000 viewers tuning in for the finale. An audience of 482,000 watched the show each Sunday with over half a million views recorded on the RTÉ Player.

Written by Peter McKenna and Morna Regan, McKenna is also known for his work with Kin and Red Rock, the crime drama stars Angeline Ball as CAB Detective Emer Berry and Wouter Hendrickx as Belgian Chief Inspector Christian De Jong. The pair are thrown together in a heart-pounding race to halt a

horrifying terror attack in Antwerp. The story moves between the Clare settings of Lahinch and Ennis, their surrounding areas, parts of Limerick City and the Belgian capital.

Ennis actress Simone Kirby plays a key role in the show as rich businesswoman, Bibi Melnick. “I don’t get to wear very expensive costumes very often so I was loving it and I did come back with a little bit of them but that was all above board! The house my character lives in is this big, beautiful house so that was nice after being in my own four walls for a year during the pandemic,” she said of her involvement.

Producer, Siobhán Bourke noted that the strong female leads of Angeline and Simone were particularly liked by audiences.

Given the success of Hidden Assets in Ireland, BBC bosses wasted no time in snapping up

the show which will air on BBC4.

Head of programme acquisitions with BBC, Sue Deeks described it as “an easy to travel, easy to binge drama which can go anywhere”.

She added, “Hidden Assets is a satisfying blend of crime drama, political conspiracy and thriller”.

Drama development executive with RTÉ, Sam Atwell was confident the show would do well internationally.

“RTÉ is proud to be involved in such a high-rating, powerful international drama working with great talent in Ireland and overseas. It was a fantastic opportunity to work together with Acorn TV, Screen Ireland and Screen Flanders on a show that has thrilled Irish audiences and we are confident it will do the same on the international market”.

Confirmation of a second series has yet to be issued.

EMS push back latest production to 2023 ENNIS MUSICIAL SOCIETY have decided to postpone their latest production until 2023, writes Páraic McMahon.

Auditions were due to be held in January for Ennis Musical Society’s production of Legally Blonde however the organising committee have confirmed “the difficult decision” has been reached to delay its run until next year.

Prior to its cancellation, Ennis Musical Society had made an appeal for more men to partake in the show as they looked to fill parts for male characters.

Despite the setback, organisers are upbeat that

it will return on a high next year. “We are extremely hopeful that we will get to stage in 2023 with this amazing show and hopefully to sold out audiences as in times past.

“We are so thankful to everyone who showed interest in joining or rejoining our family and again hope to see you all in 2023,” the spokesperson added.

Committee members are working on a smaller project which they hope to have ready in April or May of this year.  SETBACK: EMS had to cut short their run of Seussical in 2020 due to Covid.

 LOCAL: Simone Kirby

FARMERS MARKET THE Farmers Market is on in Malachys Bar, Quin on Sunday, January 23 from 11am-1pm. There will be fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, seafood, freshly baked goods, arts & crafts. There will be live entertainment and Malachys will be serving freshly brewed coffee and crepes.

18 FEATURES

A terrible grief RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

O

N WEDNESDAY 12th of January last, news broke that 23-year-old school teacher, Ashling Murphy, had been fatally murdered while out on a run along Fiona’s Way on the canal in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Since then, Tullamore, Offaly, Ireland and many parts of our world have been in shock and all our hearts and souls have been so low. Like everybody else, I am devastated, heartbroken and deeply saddened by the horrific killing of such a beautiful young woman. Having experienced the tragic, horrific, senseless loss of my young niece Aoife in recent times I know this nightmare firsthand and not one you want visited on any person, especially parents.

Beyond Heartbreaking

It is beyond heartbreaking that a young person such as Ashling, with her whole life ahead of her, is now deceased as a result of murder. The idea that a young woman could meet such a horrific fate, is simply dreadful. However, in the aftermath of this shock, it is imperative that we all stand up for our rights and, in particular, the rights of women and girls in our society so that going for a run or a walk on an afternoon, or indeed at any time, can be done without fear or dread.

Our community and our country must stand up for freedom of movement, sanctity of life and safety for all and especially for all women and girls. We must not retreat into teaching women and girls that they should moderate their behaviour for their own safety. We must not retreat into telling women and girls to download safety apps.

We must not retreat into telling women and girls to change their routines and routes, to never walk alone, to keep their keys between their knuckles, to do this or that or any of the other stuff that they have been doing and have had to do to try and keep safe over the years.

Women or girls shouldn’t have to walk in groups, or need someone to chaperone them, or look over their shoulder while alone, or have to take self defence classes, or feel afraid while alone.

Women and girls should feel safe no matter what they are doing and no matter what time of the day or night it is. To say that this is a problem for just the female population is to miss the point entirely.

Men, we need to do better!!

Men and boys need to listen to women and girls. There needs to

be an awareness of inappropriate behaviours. Men and boys need to stop commenting on women’s and girl’s appearances. Men and boys need to stop making sexist jokes. Men and boys need to stop cat-calling and whistling. Men and boys need to stop attacking women and girls. Men and boys need to stop hurting women and girls. Men and boys need to stop killing women and girls. Ashling Murphy was only going for a run. Women and girls should feel safe walking the streets day or night. They deserve to feel safe and everyone deserves to feel safe. Male violence towards women and girls is the problem as is male violence towards men and boys.

As men I feel we need to understand that our presence alone may sometimes be intimidating or scary towards women and girls. I and most men want women and girls to be able to enjoy the environment they are in without having the burden and stress of considering their own safety. We as men need to have the courage to critique negative behaviour in each other.

If we all speak to one other man about this we can change mindsets to make all environments more inclusive and safe for everyone.

244 women have died violently in Ireland since 1996. The number of near murders in that time are not counted. We are looking at thousands, probably many more unreported. Women are not scared to walk home because of women, they are scared to walk home because of men. Women are not scared in the home because of women, they are scared in the home because of men.

Our community is filled with so many women and girls who want to enjoy the indoors and outdoors everyday. It upsets me to think that they feel frightened and intimidated to do so. It’s not fair and it’s not right! It’s so important that as a society we go to the root of the problem here and we discuss misogyny, sexism and much more with all the people in our lives. We, as men, need to stop taking it personally, and just listen to the women and girls in our lives. Men and boys, we need to do better!

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, always remember and know that women and girls have every right to be safe on our streets and in our homes, in daylight or darkness.

Violence, or the fear of it, blights the lives of everyone. Violence took Ashling Murphy’s life and brought unbearable heartbreak to her family.

This must be a seminal watershed moment in our country. But like a lot of things in life it takes the unimaginable to happen and, all too many times, the horrific death of someone like Ashling Murphy before we speak up and speak out.

My deepest condolences to all the Murphy family, friends, colleagues and to everyone who knew Ashling.

Please know this much, that we are all with you and your loved ones in prayer and hopefully in action to make real change for the safety of women and children in our country. The following is a heartfelt prayer poem I wrote for Ashling; “You went for a run, like you have always done. After school in the middle of the day. In a place that we all thought was safe and sound, for a peaceful experience, All along Fiona’s Tullamore Canal Way. You went for a run like you have always done. To lots of us it was holy ground, Where many people would walk, cycle, run or play.

Delving deep into their thoughts, worries, dreams and prayers. You went for a run, like you have always done. With your thoughts, hopes and dreams with much joy, love and music in your heart, mind and soul. After a day at your dream job in Durrow with the little angels of your first class.

“You went for a run, like you have always done. The big world was your oyster ahead of you, Full of youth, hope, life, beauty and love. Your life was like a rare diamond, Your light shining brightly for all to see, an example of goodness and kindness to so many. You went for a run like you have always done. May heaven be a place where you can now run free and be safe like you should have been allowed here on earth.

“It’s long overdue for something to be done before other hearts break. You went for a run like you have always done. A musician, sportswoman and teacher extraordinaire. An even better daughter, sister, colleague and friend.

Millions of tears have been shed for you, Thousands of candles have been lit for you, Hundreds of vigils have been organised for you, Many more prayers have been said for you. You went for a run like you have always done. Your life was an amazing blessing. Your memory is a true real treasure. You were so well thought of and loved beyond words. And you will be sorely missed beyond measure. You went for a run like you have always done.

The thoughts of the unbearable heartbreak for your Mammy, Daddy and family at the famous Blueball, Beyond what words can describe. We all mourn beside you and hold you in prayer. May eternal peace be always yours Ashling. We make this prayer through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Rest In Peace Ashling Murphy and may your beautiful soul always live on. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.”

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Promoting Clare is key EOIN NEYLON

I

news@clareecho.ie

T APPEARS that 2022 has opened with a tentative level of hope that last year was conspicuously lacking. As predicted previously in this column, the NPHET modelling has proven a bit pessimistic once again, now that there is sufficient evidence that the Omicron wave has peaked. Back in November, NPHET had claimed our best-case scenario was that 230 people at one point would fill our ICUs, putting unbearable pressure on the health service.

In the end, we didn’t reach half that number.

With case numbers apparently peaking on January 8th, it is clear that the worst is over as numbers of new cases and people in hospital with Covid continues to fall. This is now a crucial time for Clare businesses. The mood music from Government, and even NPHET themselves, is that restrictions are going to be lifted quickly this time, with more information to come following the cabinet meeting this Friday. With the opening of the economy soon to come, and an additional bank holiday scheduled for some time around St. Patrick’s Day, Clare hoteliers, bars, restaurants and tourist attractions need to strike while the iron is hot and pitch the county as the place to be to celebrate the re-opening and the return to normality.

Or perhaps, what ever version of normality we’re likely to see into the future. The local tourist board and County Council will have to act fast and coordinate such a campaign before the usual suspects like Killarney and Galway beat the Banner to the punch. The past 2 years have been bumpy, but Clare’s entrepreneurs have proven innovative.

As I write, the Visit Clare website lists just 3 upcoming events. Two of these are cycles taking place in North Clare in June and September, with the other being National Heritage Week. Although no official announcement has yet been made, plans need to be formed now so that as soon as Government re-opening has been confirmed, a large campaign, centred around a festival of what Clare has to offer, should be ready to go.

Between the Irish Open in Lahinch and the Fleadh Cheoil in Ennis, the county has proven time and again that

if people want to experience the best of Ireland, it’s to Clare they should come. We should be shameless in our self-promotion and shameless in heralding the supposed end of the pandemic as it transitions to being an endemic virus. Pitch a post-Covid festival and invite the people of Ireland to head to Clare to let their hair down properly for the first time in two years.

Last April, the Clare-Tourism Strategy 2030 was launched with much fanfare including a photoshoot with Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly at the Bridges of Ross. The 29 strategic priorities from that report need to be kicked into action and the supporting infrastructure put in place as a priority. For far too long Clare has failed to live up to its amazing potential, instead living in the shadow of Galway and having our unique attractions subject to the smash and grab coach tour industry that brings little bar traffic to Clare itself.

Clare should be the base for which people can explore all of Ireland’s west. This is the point the promotion of Shannon Airport consistently misses time and again. Not once on the airport’s website main page does it rightfully claim to be the entry point from which people can explore the Wild Atlantic Way. In fact, it takes two clicks through unassuming banner links to even get to the first mention of the highly successful tourist initiative. Why an airport in the mid-west of Ireland puts these area’s on a supposed equal footing to the one it itself is situated in is perplexing to say the least and yet another example of a lack of any joined up thinking.

Equally the website for the Wild Atlantic Way makes no mention of Shannon or Knock airports.

Tourism has been a wonderful economic success story for Clare despite all the obvious errors we’ve allowed along the way. Sitting back and expecting crowds to flow back to the Banner once things are open again would be another error, but so too would be fighting to get back to normal levels of promotions and visits. It’s the perfect time to hit reset and make Clare destination number one for those looking to experience the real, unspoiled Ireland. I for one, can’t wait to spend an evening back in the restaurants and pubs of my hometown. Roll on February.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 PUBLIC CONSULTATION EVENTS The Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 is on public display from the 10th December 2021 until the 28th March 2022.

A series of public consultation events will take place throughout the County, subject to public health advice, in order to provide an opportunity for members of the public to find out more about the draft plan, how to have your say and how to make a submission. These events will be informal in nature and will also provide an opportunity to discuss the draft plan with planning staff. Details of the events are as follows:

VENUE

DATE

TIME

Lisdoonvarna Pavillion, Lisdoonvarna

Tuesday 25th January 2022

Ennis Scout Hall (beside Parish Office), Station Road, Ennis Clonlara Community Sports & Leisure Centre, Clonlara

Wednesday 26 January 2022 Thursday 27th January 2022

Kilkee Community Hall, Kilkee

Tuesday 1st February 2022

4.00-8.00pm

Killaloe Hotel & Spa, Killaloe

Wednesday 2nd February 2022

4.00-8.00pm

Clarecastle Community Hall, Clarecastle

Thursday 3rd February 2022

4.00-8.00pm

Kilmihil Community Hall, Kilmihil

Tuesday 8th February 2022 Wednesday 9th February 2022

4.00-8.00pm

Thursday 10th February 2022

4.00-8.00pm

Tulla Cultural Centre, Tulla Newmarket on Fergus Community Hall, Newmarket on Fergus

th

4.00-8.00pm 4.00-8.00pm 4.00-8.00pm

4.00-8.00pm

Submissions/Observations Submissions and observations with respect to Volumes 1-10 of the Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029 can be made as follows: - Online:

https://clarecdp2023-2029.clarecoco.ie/make-a-submission/

- In writing to:

Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029, Planning Department, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare. V95 DXP2

- By Email to:

devplan@clarecoco.ie Subject headline should read ‘Submission to Draft Clare County Development Plan 2023-2029’

The deadline for receipt of submissions/observations is 4pm on Monday 28th March 2022. Please note late submissions will not be considered. Please make your submission by one medium only NB: As this is a public consultation process, submissions may be made available for public viewing and consequently personal details such as address, e-mail address or phone number should be submitted on a separate sheet accompanying any submission or observation.

If you have any queries or require more detail, please contact the Forward Planning Section by email at: forwardplan@clarecoco.ie or by phone at 065-6846407/6846451.

19

20 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT LEO clients created 278 jobs in 2021

LEO AND BEHOLD: Pictured (left to right) with Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD, are Leo Clancy, Enterprise Ireland CEO, Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise Clare and Chair of Local Enterprise Office Network, and Ann Marie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council and Chair of the CCMA Business Committee

T

by ELAINE TUBRIDY ÁNAISTE Leo Varadkar TD has announced the annual results of the Local

Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2021, which showed that Local Enterprise Office Clare supported companies created 278 jobs in 2021. This figure was up significantly from the 179

PANEL OF COVER INSTRUCTORS Colleges of Further Education and Training at Raheen and Shannon Campuses Ref. No. 010981 Subject areas, online application form and job description are available on www.lcetb.ie/recruitment Closing time and date for receipt of online applications is 12 noon Monday 31st January 2022 Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Canvassing will disqualify.

Provision co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union.

Có-mhaoinithe ag an

AONTAS EORPACH Co-funded by the

EUROPEAN UNION

learning works

that were created by LEO CLARE in 2020.

The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Clare supported clients in 2021 was 153, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland. In 2021 there were 3 transfers by Local Enterprise Office Clare to Enterprise Ireland.

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise Clare and Chair of the LEO Network said “The results announced today are a testament to Ireland’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled, and did whatever it took to sustain themselves. The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced.

This year we will continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible support as we emerge from the pandemic.”

LEO Clare financially supported 230 small businesses in their portfolio across the county. These companies in turn employ 1,330 people.

RECRUITMENT 21

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

Green Hospitality Skills qualification the first certification of its kind

by STUART HOLLY

F

IFTY Shades Greener (FSG) and the Confederation of Tourism & Hospitality (CTH) have joined forces to create the first Level 4 certificate in environmental sustainability management in hospitality. This is the first qualification of its kind to be regulated as an official qualification on the Ofqual framework.

FSG is an environmental education company working with hospitality businesses worldwide through their online programmes: The Green Business and The Green Manager. Founded in 2018

by Raquel Noboa, FSG students have achieved a reduction of 30% in energy & water use and 40% in waste by upskilling all members of an organisation on how to change their behaviour to become resource efficient.

FSG was born out of the hospitality sector, with all employees having come from a background in hospitality, and has responded to an urgent need to address the sector’s environmental impact, attract

new talent and to reduce cost.

“Reducing carbon emissions should be something that becomes paramount in our daily routines if we really want to provoke a mindset change. Environmental education is key to driving this transformation and the general education system has a responsibility to not only prepare learners for the world of work, but provide them with the skills to influence employers, politicians and wider society. This can be achieved through teaching learners how to manage, measure and monitor carbon emissions.

When you do not measure something, you cannot manage it” explains Raquel.

This fully funded Green Business programme https://kwetbmarinehouse.ie/sustainability/ helps businesses realise significant savings on their energy, water and waste costs and with this new qualification their appointed Green Manager can avail of this important recognition and qualification.

For further information get in touch with info@fiftyshadesgreener.ie

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition.

Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• ASSISTANT SCIENTIST PANEL, 2022 (OPEN COMPETITION) Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 3rd February 2022.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846251, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition.

Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• EXECUTIVE ENGINEER PANEL, 2022 (OPEN COMPETITION) Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 3rd February 2022.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846251, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

RETAINED FIRE-FIGHTER PANELS (PART-TIME) Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is currently recruiting staff for inclusion on panels for the following stations: • • • •

Ennistymon Killaloe Scarriff Shannon

Candidates must live and work within 2.4 km of the Fire Station and be available to attend drills and fire alerts.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846251, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie.

Garda vetting will apply prior to any appointment(s) that are made.

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 17th February 2022.

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

EDUCATION: Fifty Shades Greener founder Raquel Noboa

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition.

Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• FITTER PLUMBER PANEL, 2022 (OPEN COMPETITION) Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 3rd February 2022.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846251, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition.

Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• SENIOR EXECUTIVE TECHNICIAN (INITIAL VACANCY ENVIRONMENT SECTION) (OPEN COMPETITION) Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 3rd February 2022.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846251, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

22 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

HEARTY BEEF AND GUINNESS STEW Kearney Cooks

W

HEN people think of comfort food they usually think of fast food or convenience foods such as pizza, burgers or a taco chip and cheese. But for me, comfort food is anything that makes you feel warm and nourished, and one of my absolute favourite comfort foods is Beef and Guinness stew.

Truth be told, there’s about 20 minutes of actual work in this dish but it’s so worth it. And if you’re smart about it you could make extra and pop it into the freezer for the next time you need comforting.

YOU WILL NEED • 30ml vegetable oil • 600g stewing beef, cut into large chunks • 1 onion, roughly chopped • 2 carrots, cut into slices or chunks • 4 large potatoes cut into thick slices • 100g mushrooms • 3 cloves of garlic • 2 tbsp plain flour • 500ml can Guinness • 1 beef stock pot • Sprig of rosemary • Sprig of thyme • 3 bay leaves • 1tbsp tomato puree • Lots of salt and pepper for seasoning

R

ebecca O’Neill

H

Step One Preheat the oven to 160 Celsius. Heat the oil in large casserole dish or pan, brown the meat really well in batches, then set aside. Add the onion, carrots and garlic to the dish, and brown them off, then scatter over the flour and stir. Tip the meat and any juices back into the dish and give it a good mix through. Pour in your Guinness and add your stock pot. Add in your mushrooms and season the stew with plenty of salt and pepper. Have a taste at this point and if the Guinness is too strong tasting then add a pinch of sugar. Cover the stew with your sliced potatoes so that they are sitting on top of the gravy and completely covering the stew.

Step Two Pop your stew into the oven for about 2 hrs until the meat is really tender. Leave the stew to settle for a few minutes and

then serve that bad boy up with some crusty bread and maybe a creamy pint.

Years ago I ran a pub kitchen, and I used to puck this stew out to tourists and locals all day. It always went down a treat and I haven’t really changed the recipe in the near 20 years since (sometimes I add paprika, or even parsnips).

This is a timeless classic and I would love to see it more often in Irish pubs.

As usual if you have any questions to about this recipe or others please feel free to message me on Instagram. Also keep an eye on The Clare Echo Facebook page or my Instagram @stevekearney37 for the instructional video that goes with this recipe.

Enjoy

Steve K

Travel bucket-list

Clare Echo columnist Rebecca O’Neill shares her must see highlights on a whistlestop tour of Ireland

AVING a travel bucket list is talked about by so many people. I love the idea of creating a list of once in a lifetime opportunities. We can all relate to the desire to travel. Rather than staying in your home country your whole life, it is good to see what the world has to offer. Learning about different cultures and being aware of other places, would help grow knowledge and understanding of others. Some people prefer to travel to certain countries more than others. This is what makes everyone’s bucket list unique.

TRAVELLING CLARE & IRELAND It is also good to understand that you can tour your own county and country first before exploring the world. Ireland has countless landmarks, history and beautiful scenic views across the island. Let’s talk about hot spots that I would personally love to visit, that are just on our doorstep.

KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK AND MUCKROSS HOUSE & GARDENS When visiting Kerry this should definitely be on your list. The beautiful 19th century Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional farms set in Killarney National Park give the most spectacular views and represents Kerry

place, but is one of Ireland’s must see destinations.

HISTORIC: Rock of Cashel

in the best way. You can be brought around the park in style with Killarney’s famous horse and traps. This place offers views of the outstanding lakes and mountains after mountains.

Another thing to highlight showing off its natural heritage is Ross Castle. There are some cycle paths and winding lanes which are the best ways to see the castle.

KILMAINHAM GAOL Located in Dublin, this place should be the top of your list if you want to learn about Ireland’s rich history, particularly the 1916 Easter Rising. Kilmainham dates back to 1796 and became a symbol for oppression and prosecution. It can be described as a spine-chilling

GLENDALOUGH Situated in the beautiful Co. Wicklow is a very historic and mysterious monastic site, that is Glendalough. Visitors have come here to soak up the magnificent views and rich history on offer. There have been some very fascinating archaeological finds that are so interesting to see. The incredibly preserved round tower is a great spot to explore along with the beautiful woodlands and lakes that surround it. There is a visitor centre that offers all you need to know along with marked walking trails.

THE ROCK OF CASHEL This place has been in countless pictures to represent our country for it has the most beautiful and historic view. Located in Co. Tipperary, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain even visited by helicopter during her 2011 tour of Ireland. This group of medieval buildings consist of a high cross and Romanesque chapel, the 12th century round tower, a 15th century castle, and a 13th century Gothic cathedral. It is said that this place was seat of the High Kings of Munster before the Norman invasions.

MONEY MATTERS

Protect your money incase you fall ill

DARACH HONAN IF you have a young family, life is full of joy but also full of responsibility and costs.

It’s likely you have to pay a mortgage or rent on a family sized home. You have a family to feed, dress and send to school.

And you have numerous utility bills. If something unexpected were to happen, would you have enough savings to continue to provide for your family?

Imagine for a minute that you were seriously injured or suddenly fell ill. Generally, there is a considerable physical and psychological impact on the person who is diagnosed with a serious illness, which naturally impacts their family. But equally there is a considerable financial burden that must be shouldered at the same time as managing the medical and psychological issues.

The Irish Cancer Society carried out research into the financial burden patients and families find themselves in when diagnosed with cancer and when undergoing treatment. The research entitled ‘The Real Cost of Cancer’ found that the average cost to the patient and their family per month is approximately €756, rising to €1,000 a month in some cases, even for patients with a medical card or private health insurance*. This does not consider that those who can’t work or are forced to work less, face a considerable drop in in-

come.

So in addition to the medical and psychological strain of having a serious illness, patients are often expected to carry the financial burden too. Although none of us want to think about it, it is worth considering whether you have enough savings to fall back on should something happen. You could be faced with an extended period out of the workforce as well as significant out of pocket medical expenses. If the unthinkable happened and you were no longer there to provide for your family, how would they cope financially? Would they need to sell the house, move and change schools?

Thankfully, with serious illness cover, a little goes a long way. Think about it like this, if you needed €2,500 a month to live off, that would mean you’d need €30,000 a year to cover bills and household expenses. The good news is that cover is not expensive, and premiums start from as little as €10 per month.

The important thing is that you don’t put getting life cover on the long finger.

The longer you leave it the more it may cost you. The table below shows how far even a small amount of cover could go and the monthly cost.

A life insurance plan can cost considerably less than you think. You could be surprised at how cheap life protection can be. When choosing a plan there is a wide variety of options. Whether its cancer cover, serious illness protection or life insurance, there is a plan there to suit you. Talk to your financial advisor in order to find a suitable plan.

23

s

m

24 MONEY MATTERS

What to do with an old employer pension DARACH HONAN

N

EW YEAR, new you which often includes a new job. January is the most popular month for a career change or just a change of employer. Our workforce is far more mobile now than 30 years ago. Previously, it was the norm to start work with a company in your early 20s and continue to retirement age befoare drawing down your company pension. In more recent years, the trend has been to switch jobs more regularly; be that for better pay, better work conditions or a better work life balance. However, a too often overlooked element of leaving your job is what to do about retained pension benefits with your former employer.

There are a number of options available to you, let’s weigh up your choices.

DO NOTHING

This can be the most common approach, but it is usually not the best.

There are a couple of things to consider: Firstly, how much control will you have over your pension? Will you be able to make investment choices, usually as a deferred member this is difficult? There are cases

where deferred members benefits are moved out of investment and sit in cash once they leave. Once you account for fees and inflation these such cases are certain to lose money on their pension.

Your former can also move the pension to a new provider without consulting with you. As a deferred member you will have no input into how it is invested at this point. It is commonplace for employees to receive financial advice on their pensions when they are employed but once they leave, they will usually lose this benefit.

Now is a great time to review the quality of the pension in the job you’re leaving. Has it performed well? Are the charges reasonable? Is the provider responsive, informative, and transparent?

If the answer to any of those questions is no, it may be time to take your pension funds with you.

MOVE THE PENSION TO YOUR CURRENT SCHEME

This is not always an option as some schemes will not allow it but moving pensions from previous employment to your current scheme has the advantage of keeping everything together and ease of administration.

This can be a good option for someone who has built up a small pension fund with a previous employer. You have less pension pots to keep track of and you have full visibility of exactly what your pension is worth,

helping you calculate what it will be worth at retirement.

The cons are that you are missing an opportunity to move the pension into your own name. The same arguments around control, charges and investment choices persist. You are bound by scheme rules around access which are usually more stringent than a pension which is owned exclusively by you.

MOVE YOUR FUND TO A PENSION IN YOUR OWN NAME

This is usually done using a personal retirement bond (PRB) but there is also the option of a personal retirement savings account (these are usually more expensive).

This option allows you to cut the chord with your previous employment and have the pension in your own name. You have full autonomy over where your fund is invested (with the help of your financial advisor) and you can choose from a vast range of different PRB providers to ensure you get the most suitable product. Company pension schemes are often limited in their fund selection options, however, through a PRB you will have a vast range of possibilities to choose from.

The biggest advantage to moving the pension to an account in your own name is around access. When part of a company pension scheme you are bound by scheme rules which in most cases will not allow you to access your pension until age 65.

When you invest in a PRB you can access

your 25% tax free lump sum from age 50.

This flexibility of access is a huge draw to using a PRB. By keeping it separate from your current pension this also means that you could decide to cash in a smaller portion of your pension without having to crack open your entire pension portfolio.

The PRB is a great option for many who have left a pension with a previous employer, however, each person’s circumstances will differ and the most important thing to do is get good financial advice around your options. A good financial advisor will point you in the right direction and develop a plan specific to your needs.

MONEY MATTERS

25

To Switch or not to Switch?

I

Tips about switching mortgages

MAGINE walking past a €100 note and refusing to pick it up because it seems like too much effort. That might sound ridiculous but that’s effectively what many mortgage holders in Ireland are doing every month.

Switching mortgages is not for everyone and circumstances will obviously vary but Central Bank of Ireland research estimates that 21% of borrowers could save money by switching their mortgage. It could be a great option for you. Emer O’Reilly, Manager of EBS Ennis, offers some helpful advice for anyone thinking of making the change.

YOU COULD BE MAKING SERIOUS SAVINGS

Shopping around is the key to getting the best deal but there can still be a reluctance to do so when it comes to your major financial commitments. “People tend to shop around for car insurance each year, because they’re used to it and they might only save themselves €50,” says Emer. “But switching your mortgage is one task that could make a massive difference to your pocket every month.

It’s your biggest financial commitment.”

WHO SHOULD THINK ABOUT SWITCHING?

So who is the most likely to benefit from switching?

“When you work out the mechanics of interest and capital repayments, the mortgages that benefit most from a switch are mortgages with a long term still outstanding,” says Emer.

The biggest potential savers are mortgage holders on standard variable rates with an average term of 10 years or more remaining on their mortgage. These borrowers can save a lot in interest payments by moving to a lower rate.

EBS offers a number of interest rate options starting with options for 1,2,3,4 or 5 years. You can see the full range of interest rate options at www.ebs.ie. When you combine the rates available with the up to 3% back in cash offer from EBS, this can really make a compelling reason to switch.

Switching is unlikely to benefit anyone on a tracker mortgage as switching will result in customers losing their tracke r rate. People on an existing fixed rate mortgage should check first if they may be subject to a fixed rate breakage penalty if they move.

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO CHANGE

You can get approval in principle at no cost but there will be some legal and administrative fees if you decide to go ahead and switch. This includes a valuation on your house and solicitor fees to complete the transaction. An EBS valuation will cost you €150 and solicitor fees can vary, depending on the solicitor.

However, EBS’s up to 3% Back in Cash deal could potentially help you cover those costs. So if you switch your €200,000 mortgage to EBS, we will pay you €6,000 back in cash, €4,000 just after you switch and the re-

maining €2,000 in year 5 (subject to conditions of your mortgage).

Emer points out that this would go a long way to covering the costs of switching and will most likely leave you with some cash left over for yourself. In addition, at a lower rate, you’ll be making long term savings on your mortgage repayments every month as well.

What’s not to like?

TALK IS CHEAP

Talk may be cheap but, in this case, it’s actually free. You can call into your local EBS office to chat about switching your mortgage and get an approval in principle without spending a cent.

Emer says that a mortgage advisor can walk you through the process and advise you if a switch would be financially beneficial. More importantly, they can also say if your mortgage circumstances mean that it doesn’t make sense to switch.

law.

For more information on EBS mortgages, please visit the key features of an EBS mortgage and go here for regulatory in-

formation.

Some of the links above bring you to external websites. Your use of an external website is subject to the terms of that site.

SWITCHING IS A LOT FASTER THAN GETTING A NEW MORTGAGE

Some people might be put off by the thought of renegotiating another mortgage but switching your mortgage can be a relatively quick process. Because you’re not moving properties, the biggest delay is applicants arranging their paperwork.

“We have turned these around in 30 to 40 days,” explains Emer. “That’s the real advantage.

We’re not on the property chain, where you’re waiting for people to buy before they move out. It can be as quick as the customer wants it to happen. The timing is largely in the hands of the new borrower and their solicitor retrieving their deeds from the old lender etc.”

UP TO

START HERE

THINKING OF SWITCHING YOUR MORTGAGE?

If you’re doing the maths and realise that you’ve been ignoring €100 notes for far too long, it’s easy to rectify your mortgage situation. You can find out more about our up to 3% back in cash offer here.

It’s also easy to book a mortgage meeting to suit you to see whether you could tap into savings on your mortgage. Contact Emer or Ann Marie at EBS Ennis.

The content of this article is expressed in broad terms and is limited to general information purposes only. Readers should always seek professional advice to address issues arising in specific contexts and not seek to rely on the information in this article which does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by EBS d.a.c. or Emer O’Reilly Financial Services Ltd. EBS d.a.c. and Emer O’Reilly Financial Services Ltd. are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. EBS d.a.c. or Emer O’Reilly Financial Services Ltd. neither accepts nor assumes any responsibility in relation to the contents of this article and excludes all warranties, undertakings and representations (either express or implied) to the fullest extent permitted under applicable

BACK IN CASH

ON YOUR NEW MORTGAGE OR WHEN YOU SWITCH TO EBS EBS Ennis are ready to help.

Drop in, call 065 - 6899600 or email ennis@mail.ebs.ie EBS MORTGAGE MASTERS IMPORTANT INFORMATION Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home.

Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. For eligible customers, 2% will be paid back into your account. Additional 1% paid on the 5th anniversary of the EBS mortgage. Emer O'Reilly Financial Services Limited. is a tied mortgage agent acting solely on behalf of EBS d.a.c. EBS d.a.c is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Offer valid until 31st December 2022.

26

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

caring for the elderly

2022

Receive funding towards nursing home with the Fair Deal Scheme

Y

OU can apply for financial support to help pay for the cost of care in a nursing home through the Fair Deal scheme.

You need to be approved for Fair Deal before you can receive funding for a nursing home.

You can choose to pay privately for care while you wait for funding.

Fair Deal funding can’t be backdated and will only be paid from the date of approval.

Researching different nursing homes

It’s important to look at different nursing homes before choosing one. You should make an appointment to visit the nursing home before making a decision.

Contact your preferred nursing home as soon as possible. You will need to see if they have a place available and can meet your care needs. They may have a waiting list.

If the nursing home you want does not have space, you can go to a different one temporarily. You can then apply for a transfer when space becomes available in your preferred nursing home.

If you are assisting someone to apply for nursing home care, involve them as much as you can in the decision. Consider their preferences and personal values before choosing a nursing home.

Cost of nursing home care The Fair Deal financial assessment will tell you how much you will pay towards the total cost of nursing home care. Your payment will be the same for voluntary, private or a public nursing home. Find out how much you will need to pay towards nursing home care.

The National Treatment Fund has agreed on maximum prices with registered nursing homes.

• Voluntary and private nursing homes costs • Public nursing homes costs

Fair Deal does not cover: • •

Short-term care such as respite, convalescent or day-care Extra fees charged by the nursing home for services like hairdressing, therapies or activities Ask your nursing home what extra fees will need to be paid. These will need to be agreed and included in your contract with the nursing home.

For more information visit www2.hse.ie.

2022

caring for the elderly

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

27

Moving from home to long-term care

T

HE issue of moving from home to long-stay institutional care usually arises when people are older.

A small number of younger people may also face the problem of being unable to continue to live at home because of the onset of disability or the progression of a chronic illness.

The vast majority of older people are able to live in their own homes with some support from their families, neighbours and the health and community care services. A number of people every year however find they cannot continue to live at home and need to go into long-term care.

Here we outline some information that may help you to continue to live at home or make that transition to long stay care, should it become necessary or desirable. This information is a broad overview of the services and supports available and your entitlements. More detailed information on these issues is available through the links below.

Supports to help you continue to live at home The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a range of community care services to enable you to continue to live at home. These may include public health nursing or a Home Support Service.

Your carer may qualify for Carer’s Benefit or Carer’s Allowance and/or a Carer’s Support Grant.

If you employ a carer, you may qualify for tax relief to help with the costs.

You may be able to access services provided in day centres.

These services may include medical services as well as social and recreational activities.

If you are becoming incapacitated or simply wish to make long-term plans, you may want to consider reading further information on Advance Healthcare Directives and legal ar-

rangements for incapacity.

Housing options There are a number of schemes to improve the housing conditions for older people.

If your home needs to be adapted to enable you to continue to live there, you may qualify for a Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability. Local authorities have a Housing Aid for Older Persons Scheme which is aimed at improving the condition of an older person’s home.

If your own home is unsuitable to continue living there, you may be able to get a specially adapted local authority home for older people and people with disabilities or an adapted home provided by a voluntary housing organisation.

Long-term care You may get long-term institutional care in public longterm care facilities or in private nursing homes.

Public long-stay care is provided in a number of different institutions including HSE nursing homes, geriatric hospitals and community nursing units. Private long-stay care is provided by private nursing homes. All nursing homes are regulated by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, also known as the “Fair Deal”, provides financial support to people who need long-term nursing home care.

There is tax relief on nursing home fees.

HIQA provides a webpage to help you find a nursing home in your area and the HSE has a guide to choosing a nursing home.

When you have chosen a nursing home, you will be asked to sign a contract for care. This sets out the rights and re-

sponsibilities for you and for the nursing home.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission provides information about what you are entitled to expect in a nursing home contract for care. It also has information about what you can do if you think that a contract for care is unfair.

28

MOTORING

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

MOTORING WHAT W E R E T H E BES T SELLING

P L U G A N D F MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

CAR S I N I RELA N D I N 2 0 21 IGURES from motorstats, the official statistics of 1: Hyundai Tucson 5: Toyota C-HR the Irish Motor Industry, have revealed the cars that topped the charts as the best selling car in Ire2: Toyota Corolla 6: Toyota Rav 4 land in 2021.

RENAULT ZOE 3: Toyota Yaris 7: Skoda Octavia After two years at the top of the sales charts, the Toyota Corolla has been replaced at the top by the Hyundai R135 Volkswagen making it better every4:time, and for 2020Tiguan sa-e — the Zoe 8: canVolkswagen squeeze out anGolf extra Tucson. The Tucson was also the best selling car in 2018. there’s this, the all-new model.

45km of claimed one-charge range. With a However while ToyotaGT-LINE may have lost the top spot, the Well,cars I say all-new... Actually, under the fully-topped-off battery, the Zoe should be manufacturer has four cars in the top ten best selling skin, the list basic structure and chassis of the good for as much as 395km. In fact, you’ll in Ireland in 2021. The Toyota Corolla is second on the T was never this easythebefore.

Zoeand are the much as they were, but the body, probably do better than that if you’re drivwith the Toyota Yaris third, ToyotaWhen C-HR fifth cars first launched, a decade although familiar, looks a little sharper, ing mostly around town, where the regenToyotaelectric Rav 4 in sixth. those early models came withlist after and Renault Theago, Volkswagen Tiguan is fourth on the being has managed to carve out a erative braking system helps to scavenge built-in hassle.

Short ranges, inconsismore space inside, so that you no extra charge as you go, but if you’re mixthird last year while the Skoda Octavia remainslittle the seventh tent charging opportunities, pric- longer have to constantly rub elbows with ing in some motorway miles, the realistic best selling car in Ireland with the high Volkswagen Golf rees, and a in sense that you were driving some- your front-seat passenger. range drops to around 250-280km. Which maining eighth. thing wasiscloser to a out fridge a car.Focus inMuch The that top ten rounded by than the Ford ninth more importantly, the Zoe’s is still pretty decent.

Well, thatSportage has all changed this new Better still, the Zoe charges up quickly. and the Kia in tenth. and The Ford Focus battery was the and electric motor are new. The Renaultmost Zoepopular is an exemplar of that change.

52kWh battery fourth car in 2020 while the Kia Sportage is a in Zoe is far, far larger than Plug it into a 50kWh rapid charger and When the into Zoethe originally new entry top ten. launched, it suf- the pair of AA Duracells you got in the it’ll go from empty to 80 per cent charged fered from most, not quite all, show of those original.

In fact, with only an extra 2kWh in around 30-45mins. The Zoe has a neat Meanwhile, latestifofficial figures the number of new earlyregistered electric last car year shortcomings.

Renault to play with relative to the Zoe’s closest ri- trick, though — it has a clever charging cars soared by more than a fifth. kept refining therevealed Zoe, though, vals101,853 — the Peugeot e-208 and Opel Cor- system built-in, called the Chameleon Theupdating Central and Statistics Office there were new cars registered in 2021 – which is 17,544 more (a 21% increase) on the 84,309 cars registered in 2020.

The most popular colour in 2021 was grey (34.8%), which has been the top choice every year since 2017; followed by black (19%), blue (16.3%), white (14.3%), red (10.4%), with other colours making up the remaining 5.2%.

9: Ford Focus

10: Kia Sportage

RENAULT’S ALL-ELECTRIC ZOE PROVES HOW

I

charger, that allows it to make the most of lower-powered chargers. Hook a Zoe up to one of the ESB’s 22kW on-street chargers (the boxy white and green ones, located on pavements) and it’ll add 125km worth of range in just one hour of charging, while you nip to the shops or have some lunch. At home, with a 7.4kWh home-charger wall-box, it will fill the battery from empty to the brim in around nine hours while you snooze.

The fact that this model is called the Zoe R135 also reveals another improvement — the electric motor, which has been beefed up to deliver — guess what — 135hp and 245Nm of torque (although the extra power does strip a little range away — 386km compared to the full 395km of the cheaper R110 version). That makes the Zoe feel very zippy indeed, and even when you’re

Fully charged, unplugged Skoda toyou.launch and ready for

electric coupé version of Enyaq SUV Renault is offering:

A

COUPE version of Skoda’s popular SUV, the Enyaq, is due to be unveiled at the end of this month. With the new ENYAQ COUPÉ iV, ŠKODA is adding an emotive variant to its first all-electric model series based on the Volkswagen Group’s Modular Electrification Toolkit (MEB). It will have the same powertrains and equipment as the Enyaq and is expected to + 2.11% APR have two battery options - both currently in use in the Volkswagen group. These would be the 58 kWh battery delivering 177 horse power + 3 Months Deferred Payments and a claimed range of some 420 kilometres and the 77kWh battery delivering 201 horse power and a claimed range of just over 500 kilometres.

Side skirts painted in the body colour and large wheels give the Megane - Plug-in Hybrid new, four-door flagship model a powerful appearance. The redesigned Zoe - 100% Electric Captur - Plug-in Hybrid roofline enhances the elegance of the ENYAQ COUPÉ iV. The coupe’s sloping roofline is its most distinctive feature Clio - Hybrid Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the new version is the sloping roofline that gives it its coupe identity and it’s a style that you can expect to see a lot more of from other manufacturers in the next couple of years. It’s also a style that affects boot capacity to some degree and Enyaq coupe iVCaptur is reported to have about less boot capacModels shown: Mégane Sport Tourer Iconic E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid 160 – RRP €30,356; ZOE GT Line Z.E.50 R135 – RRP €32,427; Clio RS Line E-TECHthe Hybrid 140 – RRP €29,307; S-Edition E-TECH Plug-in Hybrid15 160litres – RRP €30,037 (ZOE, Captur and Mégane RRPs include €5,000 SEAI grant for private buyers, prices valid in November 2020). Finance example ZOE Play R110 Z.E.50. RRP €27,728. Deposit €11,534.

Term standard 48 monthly payments of €339. APRit 2.11%.

Total cost of credit €659 inc fee of €75. Offer is ity than the car.

However, still manages a very generous made under a hire purchase agreement. Payment deferral available on request. First payment will be taken 90 days after activation of finance agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these capacity of 570 litres. by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes. goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised Skoda says the coupe will have best in class aerodynamics for improved range.

The front is dominated by a large grille and thin LED headlights.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Inside, the car is said to look just like the standard Enyaq with a 13” infotainment screen and a multi-function steering wheel.

Gort Road, Ennis, Co Clare Contact Al Hayes Skoda on (065) 682 2400.

€1,000 Green Grant

Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

THE ALL-NEW ŠKODA FABIA. FOLLOW YOUR DIFFERENT. With sculpted lines and sporty proportions, the all-new Fabia is designed to make an impact. From its sharply cut LED headlights which extend into its wide ŠKODA grille, to its elongated roof spoiler and sizeable wheels, no detail has been spared.

Starting from only €19,150, contact us today to find out more.

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

Tel: 065 682 2400 • www.alhayesskoda.ie WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) combined fuel consumption for FABIA in l/100km range from 6.1 to 5.0. WLTP combined CO2 emissions in g/km range from 138 to 113.

MOTORING

29

20-01-22

Clare Echo THE

pg 30

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

Home advantage for Clare hurlers PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

Money raised by Dromoland Golf Club members during the summer months was presented to Mary Moloney for Cahercalla Hospice

Ryan wins Kilrush singles

by SEAMUS HAYES

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: At a function at Dromoland Castle golf club last week, a cheque was presented to Mary Moloney for Cahercalla Hospice. The money was raised by the members during the summer months.

Meanwhile last week’s winter league 9 hole singles stableford competition was won by Siobhan Fitzpatrick with 22 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB John K. Ryan (10) was the winner of the weekly singles at Kilrush Golf Club with 30 points from Sean Lyons (11) who returned a similar score.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Last week’s 14 hole ladies singles stableford competition at Ennis was won by Rose Enright (28) with 28 points from Suzanne Deane (15) with 25 points. In third spot, also with 25 points was Monica Finnerty (23) followed by Ann Pyne Gallery (29) with 25 points, Kathleen Frehill (39) with 25 points and Ann A. Gallery (17) with 24 points.

OUR NEW CUSTOM FITTING

ROOM IS NOW OPEN

Patricia Kerwin (40) won the 9 hole competition with 18 points from Claire Ruane (19) with 16 points, Anne Kelly (29) with 16 points and Flor Coffee (24) with 14 points The senior ladies team event last week was won by Nuala D’Auria, Patrice Ryan and Mary Lenihan with 33 points. They had three points to spare over Eileen Corry (T), Alice D’Arcy and Claire Ruane. In third spot with 29 points were Carmel Cummins, Geraldine O’Mahoney and Brid Cunningham followed by Kathleen Pyne, Margaret Flanagan and Carmel Verling, also with 29 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB: Martin Callanan (11) was the winner of category 1 in the men’s 18 hole singles stableford competition at Gort last weekend.

Colin Whelan (15) won category 2 with 39 points. The category 3 winner was Oliver Curtin (17) with 46 points while John O’Connor (30) won category 4 with 39 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Woodstock seniors had their first outing of 2022 on Tuesday of this week when the winners of the team event were Tony Coote, Pat Barry and Matt Power with 46 points.

CLARE’S senior hurlers will have home advantage as they aim to win pre-season silverware.

Munster GAA have confirmed that Clare won the toss and have secured home advantage for the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling Cup final.

Provisionally fixed for Saturday, the final against John Kiely’s Limerick will now take place on Sunday at 2pm in Cusack Park. If the tie finishes level after normal time, penalties will determine the winner.

Brian Lohan’s side advanced to the final following a deserved 2-24 1-22 win over Waterford, Mark Rodgers and Shane Meehan netting the all-important goals for the Banner County. Reigning All-Ireland champions, Limerick defeated Kerry 4-29 0-11 on Sunday, a tie which was officiated by Éire Óg’s Niall Malone.

Malone will be back in action this weekend for the Harty Cup semi-final between Ardscoil Rís and Thurles CBS in Nenagh on Saturday at 1pm.

Of greater Clare interest is St Joseph’s Tulla’s first appearance in a Harty Cup semi-final.

They face De La Salle at 1pm in Mallow with Limerick referee Eamonn Stapleton taking charge of proceedings.

Both Clare and Tulla’s outings will be streamed on the Munster GAA website, tickets for the two games have been on sale since Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, Brian Lohan (pictured) says long-term injuries to Tony Kelly and Aidan McCarthy have offered a new opportunity for Clare panellists to grab a chance.

Clare GAA relegation dispute over... for now

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

EIGHTEEN teams will compete in the 2022 Clare senior hurling championship as voted for in December, however the discontent with the decision still lingers for some clubs.

In what was the first big test for newly elected Clare GAA Chairman, Kieran Keating, the controversy on whether teams would be relegated from last year’s championship appears to have a reached a conclusion, for now at least.

Clubs returned to Treacy’s West County Hotel for a special meeting on Tuesday where relegation from the Clare SHC was the sole item on the agenda. The hosting of the meeting was requested by Broadford, Scariff, Smith O’Briens and Whitegate.

Clarecastle, Crusheen, Clooney/Quin and O’Callaghans Mills contested the 2021 relegation round-robin series. Noticeably at Tuesday’s meeting, representatives from three of the clubs, Niall Tuohy (Clarecastle), Michael O’Connor (Crusheen), Tony O’Donnell (Crusheen) and Robert Frost (O’Callaghans Mills) were all seated beside each other.

Broadford’s Danny Chaplin was among the first speakers from the floor, reading aloud a letter from his club he questioned if the rules of a competition could be changed twice in the one year, if proper

procedure was followed on the taking of votes at the December meeting, if tellers should have been appointed and whether Clare GAA had permission to relegate two teams over the space of two years.

Croke Park confirmed on Tuesday that Clare GAA would get a derogation to allow two teams be relegated from the Clare SHC in 2022 and two more in 2023, secretary Pat Fitzgerald outlined.

Keating said clubs had three days to appeal from when the decision was made following a vote at the December 21 meeting, he said no clubs questioned the procedure followed on the night or appealed the outcome within the three day window.

Winners of the Clare SHC may miss out on participating in the 2022 Munster club campaign if 18 teams are in the race for the Canon Hamilton which will take at least eight weeks to run off, delegates warned. This year’s club championship will start earlier if Clare are out of both All-Ireland campaigns, Keating responded. Concerns on the implications to dual-clubs were also raised.

Repeated attempts to ascertain if the December vote was done legally were voiced by Clonlara’s Flan Mullane. He was fearful of further trouble next November when teams were relegated due to the potential legality or not of the vote.

For full report, visit www.clareecho.ie.

pg 31

20-01-22

Lohan rotates squad in Déise win CLARE 2-24 WATERFORD 1-22 Venue: Cusack Park Ennis | Munster Hurling Cup

BRIAN LOHAN, CLARE MANAGER: “It was a typical first game of the season, a lot of mistakes but happy enough to win it. The obvious thing is we’re trying to get a few players from this competition, we’ll have another day out to see and give those guys a chance again, we’ll go hard at it against Limerick.

“In a set-up where there is so much commitment there’s no point doing all this training if you’re not getting this opportunity on the field, everyone except the goalkeepers that was available to play did play.

“It was a decent enough score, the standard that has been set by a lot of teams is that you have to get up on those 2-24, back in the day it would have won two games but at the moment it is the standard you have to be hitting.

“We’re carrying a panel of 38-39, every one of them want to play, they can’t all play in the championship

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

matches, we’ve five games coming up in the League, this is an important competition for us”.

LIAM CAHILL, WATERFORD MANAGER: “A great workout, I’m really happy with it, it’s our first real competitive outing, a few areas will always pop up this time of year that we have to address. We had a lot of fellas who came into our squad today, it was a fairly big baptism for them to come into Cusack Park. Clare came fairly well loaded today with a lot of established players, as the game went on they showed that extra bit of class.

“It is a big year, we need to see proper progress, these players have done great over the last two years, they’ve put themselves into the latter stages of the championship each time. Obviously it is time to start delivering silverware and hopefully a Munster championship, we’d all love to be able to get up the steps of the Hogan Stand,

Austin Gleeson scores Waterford’s only goal Photo by Gerard O’Neill

that is the whole idea but silverware is the main aim for this year.

REFEREE: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary)

CLARE: Frees for: 12 (6/6) Wides: 15 (8/7) Scores from play: 2-17 Spread of scorers: 11 Top scorer: David Reidy (0-09 5f 1’65) Bookings: Mike Gough (45), Paddy Donnellan (52), Own puckouts won: 24 from 35 (69%) WATERFORD: Frees for: 15 (7/8) Wides: 12 (8/4) Scores from play: 1-14 Spread of SCAN HERE FOR scorers: 8 MATCH REPORT Top scorer: Patrick Curran (0-09 8f) Bookings: Shane Bennett (35), Own puckouts won: 26 from 41 (63%)

MUNSTER INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SCARIFF 1-12 NA GAEIL (KERRY) 6-15 VENUE: Mallow

‘No complaints’ for defeated Corofin Compiled by Eoin Brennan

MARK BOURKE, NA GAEIL MANAGER “I just don’t think that Corofin came out of the dressing-room, mentally, in the second half. I mean Jamie Malone was causing a lot of trouble in the first half, he scored three fantastic points in fairness so we moved Stefan [Okunbor] on him.

We brought Diarmuid [O’Connor] out to midfield and Eoin Doody out as more of a third midfielder really.

“That really helped our cause as the first four kick-outs went straight to Diarmuid, and Jack Sheehan scored 1-2 in the first few minutes of the second half, and that just set the tone then. It was very hard for Corofin to get their heads up after that.

Sometimes it takes 15 or 20 minutes to work out a team, we were a small bit slack as well, and I’d be happy enough that we learned from it, and we progressed as the game went on.

“Playing against Corofin, no disrespect to them, but we needed to be at a higher level coming out for that second half. We needed to be operating with a proper high level of intensity. Even in the county final, the Drom and Inch game, and today, we didn’t play for 60 minutes in any of them.

Maybe that’s something that might happen at some stage”.

Corofin’s Jamie Malone bounces off Eoin Doody; (below l-r) Cilléin Mullins bursts past Stefan Okunbar; Ross Hayes under pressure from Niall DOUGLAS HURLEY, COROFIN O’Mahony Photos (main and right) by Gerard O’Neill / Photo below left by Burren Eye Photography MANAGER a score so we were three points down at that “I suppose Na Gaeil were a level above stage but overall, you can’t give away six what we’ve played all year so it was disapgoals. pointing for us in that we were hoping to “We never dropped our heads though. perform to our best. We scored 1-12 and That’s been our character all year in fairness could have got a few more scores but they not to give up and we probably could have were a super team and we can have no comhad another goal or two before the finish. plaints as they just blew us apart in that ten Listen, we need to learn from it as what minute period after half-time. doesn’t kill us, can only make us stronger.

“The final scoreline was very harsh on the “Hopefully this run sets us up well for selads but that’s the quality of the team we nior as provided that the lads don’t take towere against. We kind of went to sleep for day too much to heart and can move on, we the first ten minutes of the second half and definitely feel that we’ve something to offer were blown away. At half-time we were only the senior championship next summer.” three points down and could have possibly been up as we were well up in the game.

Robin Mounsey was very unlucky for a goal REFEREE: Jonathan Hayes (Limerick) and then they broke down the field and got

NA GAEIL Frees For: 11 (4/7) Wides: 6 (3/3) Scores from Play: 5-13 Spread of Scorers: 9 Top Scorer: Darragh Carmody (2-5 1’Pen 2f) Own Kick-Outs won: 10 from 18 (56%) COROFIN Frees For: 8 (6/2) Wides: 5 (3/2) Scores from Play: 0-6 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Gearoid Cahill (0-5 4f 1m) Own Kick-Outs won: 14 from 27 (52%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

20-01-22

pg 32

MUNSTER SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SCARIFF-OGONNELLOE VS DROM & INCH, 3PM SATURDAY IN MALLOW

SWITCH TO OUTFIELD IS PAYING OFF FOR CORBETT

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE’S run to a Munster Final has not only shortened the winter for its panellists but also their dedicated supporters across East Clare.

Aisling Corbett has been a pivotal figure in their crusade. Eyebrows would have been raised 12 months ago if it was suggested she would have done this in attack as opposed to between the posts.

But, the decision to move Aisling to the full-forward line has reaped the rewards.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Aisling admitted the adjustment was “much harder than I expected” after 10 years in goals. “To be honest fitness was never a strong point of mine, I think it’s why I was put into the goals initially, I was never really athletic. Strength and power was my strength. This year David approached me and said we want to try something different with Rachel in goals and bring some strength out the field.

We had a lost a couple of forwards to injury at the start of this year so I could see where he was coming from.

“It was a massive adjustment, I felt like I had to put in a lot of extra work to get up to the level, when you’ve 19-year olds running around you and you are 31

years of age then it is not as easy as you would think. With the coaching and extra work that the lads have given me it has all come into place now at last.”

Any doubts were duly answered when the need was greatest with Aisling steering Scariff/Ogonnelloe to glory over Inniscarra in the county final against Truagh/Clonlara and again in the provincial semi-final. With a return of 0-14 from placed balls in their last three games, it’s clear to see Corbett’s influence.

Known affectionately as ‘Bob’, Aisling is the perfect link to the amalgamation with her father from Scariff and her mother an Ogonnelloe native. A personal assistant at St John’s Hospital, she believed that their return to the Munster final was “testament to the work we’ve put in over the last 13 months”.

Another help has been the quality of games they faced in Clare, citing the stern tests of both Inagh/Kilnamona and Truagh/Clonlara who brought the East Clare women to a replay.

Corbett admits that her side made “a lot of sacrafices” over Christmas, turning down opportunities to socialise with family and friends to ensure a clean bill of health for Scariff-Ogon-

Aisling Corbett

Burren Eye Photography

nelloe. And now, passing the flags and bunting around East Clare has given the Scariff woman and her teammates a pep in their step. “It is not every year that a club gets to a Munster or county final, it is nice to see it and light up the town, it’s the middle of January and we’re in a pandemic so why not spread a bit of positivity and enjoy the build-up.”

Their hope is to now provide an even bigger lift to their communities by claiming Munster glory in Mallow.

“We’re not going to go down there without the desire to win back that cup, we did it two years ago. I feel like it takes a great team to do it a second time.

“We have a totally different team to 2019, we’ve a lot of 16 to 17-year old girls which is absolutely brilliant. I think camogie has changed so much in the last ten years, when I was playing outfield at 16 and 17 it was much more direct, now there’s an awful lot more skill involved in camogie, those girls are bringing it and showcasing it.

“We’ve a younger team but we’re capable of doing it if we bring our A-game”.

Tipp of the hat to Sullivan FEW ACTS will top the bravery shown by David Sullivan in Scariff on Sunday morning, writes Páraic McMahon.

Lorrha native, Sullivan guided Scariff/ Ogonnelloe to a second ever Clare senior camogie championship in his first season in charge. The feat could be topped this Saturday if they claim provincial honours again.

As he stood in the hurling heartland of East Clare on Sunday, Sullivan sported a Tipperary hat. Some would call it brave, others foolish but luckily for the manager, hurling giants in the vicinity such as Mike McNamara, Mark McKenna or Dan Treacy didn’t clasp eyes on the bobble hat.

In a way, the hat summed up the determination that has set this camogie team apart.

“No matter where I go I always remember where I come from, I’m a proud Lorrha and Tipperary man,” he said.

With an ‘outside’ management, it was back to square one for players, said David, noting the “excellent job” done by the previous management. “The girls know I’ve no connections to this club so when they come to the field they have to work extremely hard to make the team, so gone are the days that she’s on the team because she knows someone in the management. All of us are travelling to East Clare from Portumna, Lorrha, Nenagh and various places, you have to work hard to make this team, the players have bought into that hugely. You can see the competitiveness in the training game we had in Ogonnelloe this morning, it was just frightening, every girl was bursting to make an impression to try and get up the ladder to play in the Munster final.”

He added, “The county finals in Clare epitomised what this team was about, when things were going against us we never gave up, we kept battling till the very end. If we’re not hurling well against Drom & Inch we’ll

stay battling till the very end and keep ourselves in the game, we won’t give up until the final whistle.”

Of his 14 years involved in coaching, 13 of them have been with camogie teams. Davitt’s in Galway, Tullamore, Silvermine, Lorrha and Clooney/Quin are among the clubs he has coached. Noting that taking over at Scariff-Ogonnelloe was “a big gamble” for him “because the club had huge success and there was no guarantee I would come in and recapture that”, David adds that he “never regretted it for one day”.

“Sometimes in life you just fall upon a gem and you’re very lucky to be with them. It is a privilege and honour the way they conduct themselves, the professionalism, how they train and look after themselves. The sacrifices they made over Christmas to not catch COVID and keep themselves locked away to play Inniscarra, they are an incredible group of players, the talent they have is unbelievable. They are such natural hurlers, they’ve worked hard for this, the club has grown from a small junior club to two-time senior champions in a short space of time, it is testament to those girls.”

Saturday’s opponents, Drom & Inch are familiar to Sullivan. “They’ll have Aoife McGrath, Eimear McGrath, Niamh Treacy and girls with huge experience of playing with Tipperary. They will be a formidable opponent.

“It is going to come down to small margins and who wants it the most with five minutes to go. I would like to think that the group of players that I train, I don’t think anybody wants it more than them, their ability to throw their body on the line, to hook and block is second to none. I hope it comes to pass on Saturday that if it comes down to who wants it the most that nobody will be able to match our desire to get over the line”.

pg 33

20-01-22

MUNSTER SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SCARIFF-OGONNELLOE VS DROM & INCH, 3PM SATURDAY IN MALLOW

McGee soaking up the occasion

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

MUNSTER FINAL days don’t come around every year and it is why Alison McGee and her Scariff/Ogonnelloe teammates are fully absorbing the occasion.

Saturday may represent Alison’s second provincial final appearance but she is embracing the build-up and the occasion.

“We’re all quite excited, days like this don’t come around too often, mostly everyone is getting themselves set, getting the minds and bodies right, everyone is happy and looking forward to it”.

Few if any members of the panel are best placed to gauge how to savour the occasion without getting carried than the UCC second year applied psychology student. “I think we all took a step back after 2019 because once COVID came it severed our momentum, we said we had to take it back to basics and try take each day as it comes and not focus on the fact that there is a Munster Final but another opportunity to play our game”.

A survivor from the 2019 Munster winning side, Alison is expected to maintain her

spot in the starting fifteen but her sister Holly misses out. “I was starting corner back so I’m in the same position, it’s a bit different this year, two years ago my sister was the other corner back so it was the two of us, this year she is on her Erasmus but I’m in the same place”.

On the other differences between the 2019 and 2021 championship winning sides, the daughter of Scariff-based GP Conor observed, “We’ve a new management, there was a shake-up of the team, we lost players and got new girls, we changed our attitude especially after COVID and what happened us in 2020 where we felt flat and didn’t make it out of the county, this year we’ve taken a step back and gone back to the things that worked, taking it one step at a time and not getting ahead ourselves”.

When it comes to preparing for a Munster final, Alison does not shy away from revealing her priorities to The Clare Echo. “I think the major thing we do is the tan, it has to be put on the night before, that is my major preparation then drinking water and eating right for the week, I won’t do anything too different”.

Alison McGee attempts to block Becky Foley Photo by Aidan Ryan

Potential rule changes which would forbid fake nails and hair extensions are not warmly welcomed by the Ogonnelloe student. “We wouldn’t be happy about it, I don’t know how they would enforce it, hopefully nothing comes of the tan, I don’t think referees would understand or be able to decipher who has real or fake nails”.

Members of the panel have had to minimise their contacts over the past month to avoid catching COVID-19, it has been a sacrifice but Alison is hopeful it will be worth it come

Wishing Scariff-Ogonnelloe the best of luck this weekend

Michael McNamara TD Constituency Office, Lysaght's Lane, Lower Market Street Car Park, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95YD40 T: 065 – 6893639 E: michael.mcnamara@oireachtas.ie Opening Hours 9/5 and lunch 1/2

Saturday evening. “It is so good that we get on so well as teammates and friends because you do miss out on things, it’s Freshers this week in Cork and I obviously won’t be going out because I have to minimise contacts and won’t be drinking the week of a Munster final but you come back to training and you’re happy to do it because I’m surrounded by people that feel the same way that I do about camogie and everything, it’s worth it”.

Young cohort not burdened by expectation AFTER a prodigious underage career, Abby Walsh is now making her mark at the senior grade, writes Páraic McMahon.

With championship medals won at U13, U14 and U16, Abby this year secured minor and senior honours in what she admitted was turning into “a nice collection” of silverware in the Walsh Ogonnelloe home. In her first year on the senior panel, the 17-year old has featured in most lines of the pitch and played midfield in their county final replay success.

Of their run to date, Abby reflected, “It’s a dream come true really...The older guys would have said to me that this doesn’t come around very often, you have to savour every moment.”

Of those more senior colleagues, she adds that their experience has been vital in helping the fifth year St Anne’s Community College student, along with the four other 17-year olds who feature on the team. “I do what I’m told pretty much, the older girls say sit back and move forward, they’re always talking to me, it takes a lot of pressure off me which is great.

“We’re not weighed down by expectations, we’re free to go out and play. If you mess up then you mess up but everyone is going to cheer you on, you’ll get back up and try again”.

She added, “People talk about us being Munster champions from two years ago, obviously there’s a big crossover of players but it’s a completely new team to be honest, there’s so many of us young ones that have come in and really changed the face of the team.

“The players who played in the 2019 Munster Final are carrying us through and helping the younger girls step up.”

20-01-22

Ennis u16s too strong for Kilrush U16 Pan Munster Cup Ennis 32 - Kilrush 0 ENNIS RFC came out on top in this Clare rugby derby on Sunday, the home side proving too strong for their West Clare visitors.

Perfect conditions meant that open rugby was expected in this Phase 2, Round 3 clash, however the early exchanges were both teams share territory and possession. It was Ennis who capitalised on the calm conditions as two Odhrán Flynn penalties saw the hosts push out to a six-point lead with close to 20 minutes gone.

Both teams contested the breakdown with ferocity which made building phases difficult. Andrew Purcell for the visitors and Jacob Cassen Reinne for Ennis were very strong in this area causing most of the problems for the team in possession.

However after building a little pressure through four phases inside the Kilrush 10-metre line, it was Jacob that found a gap in the Kilrush defense and went under the posts after beating three defenders on his way. The conversion was slotted and Ennis pulled out to a 13 point lead.

Another penalty conversion for Odhrán Flynn saw the half end 16-0 in favour of Ennis.

The second half was more of the same from both sides. Strong defensive play saw the majority of the game played in the middle third of the field with occasional forays into either 22 coming up short. The only score of the half came from one of these visits.

Good hands from the forwards in midfield set Aaron Malone through a gap. His strong

run brought play within 10 metres of the Kilrush line. A strong clean-out from Andrew Cahir Whelan saw Odhrán Flynn send David Moses through on the narrow side, powering his way past two defenders to dot down in the corner.

One of the moments of the game came from the boot of Odhrán Flynn, Ennis’s man of the match, who converted the try with a top class kick from the touchline. The game ended Ennis 23 - 0 Kilrush.

pg 34

Camogie titles for Tulla and St Caimins

Next up for the Ennis side is Kanturk on January 29 at the Showgrounds.

ENNIS RFC: 15 Andrew Cahir Whelan, 14 Kaden Deegan Herlihy, 13 AARON MALONE, 12 Jack Dillon,11 David Moses,10 Odhran Flynn, 9 Sean Queally,1 Michael Sweeney, 2 Conall O’Donovan, 3 Nicolis Roos, 4 Adrian Moloney, 5 Cillian Mcinerney, 6 Jacob Casson-Rennie, 7 Matthew Jordan-Allen, 8 John Sweeney; replacements: Daniil Kolesnikov; Darren Halpin; Ben Smith; Daniel Humphries; Diarmuid Boyle, Owen O ‘Gorman, Oisin O’Donoghue, Killian Boland

ST JOSEPHS’s Tulla were crowned Munster Senior B camogie league champions, writes Páraic McMahon.

A stirring second half from the East Clare side saw them overcome St Flannan’s College at an early Sunday morning fixture at the grounds of Éire Óg in Ennis winning 3-12 2-02. Despite holding a 2-02 0-05 half-time lead, St Flannan’s failed to score in the entire second half with Éabha McInerney’s goal giving Tulla the lead for the first time which they refused to let go of. The school will be hoping to remain on a high when their Harty Cup hurlers face off with De La Salle in Mallow on Saturday.

There was also silverware for St Caimin’s of Shannon in the Munster Senior D final. The Kaci Toomey captained side prevailed against Coachford College on a score of 3-08 2-04.

Coláiste Muire will be hoping to record some provincial success of their own this Thursday evening when they welcome Nenagh to Caherlohan for a 7pm start.

They’ll be looking to Clooney/Quin’s Orna Moynihan, Clíodhna Queally of Inagh/Kilnamona and Newmarket-on-Fergus senior player Ellen Casey to lead them in their pursuit of glory.

Meanwhile, Clooney/Quin’s involvement in the Munster intermediate club championship ended with a 4-12 1-08 defeat to Kerry champions Clanmaurice on Saturday.

Winning ways continue for Clare greyhounds

by MICHAEL MAHER CLARE greyhounds were in winning form at Limerick on Monday last.

Breda Casey from Newmarket-on-Fergus was to the fore again with her Snuggie Rosie who broke smartly and led from trap to line to record a personal best of 29.40 in an A5 graded contest. Rosie is a daughter of Australian import Paddys Magic and Miles Girl.

Rachel Murray from Sixmilebridge in partnership with her partner Sean Riordan presented their prolific sprinter Derra Misty for a S4 contest. Misty didn’t disappoint and displayed good early pace to cross the line in pole position in 19.23, this was win number nine for this daughter of Laughil Blake and Playmistyforme who is under the stewardship of Rachel’s dad Stephen.

Last Thursday night proved an excellent evening at the same venue for the Clare brigade, six of the 12 races on the card coming to the Banner county. Getting the Banner going was Rockalong Mikado for Donnacha McNamara from Tulla who matched his personal best at 29.20 for an A3 graded contest, this was career win number three for this son of Droopys Cain and Sues Stout.

Fanore publican, Patrick O’Donoghue saw his John Boy Jack record his fourth career success and justified his 9/4 favourite tag to lead from the off to record 29.41. Jack is a son of Skywalker Puma and Ballistic Nina and is trained by O’Callaghan Mills stalwart Donal Cooney.

Upland Glen (son of Good News and Star Princess), a very consistent performer for Cratloe’s Harry Galvin, held on to win a

graded A7 contest in 29.63 and in doing so recorded career win number five.

2021 proved to be an excellent year at Limerick for Ennistymon’s Tom Flanagan and 2022 looks to be as prolific, Tom recorded a quick-fire double with litter comrades Turn The Page and Dromoher Alice on the night to collect their sixth and third career wins respectively. These siblings are by Droopys Buick and Flandys Hawkeye and are owned by the Clareabbey trio of Paul Keating, John Keane, and Jim McEnery.

Portdrine Kennels for Cratloe’s Liam Carroll were in the winner’s enclosure once again with Portdrine Champ who for the seventh time in his career beat off his competitors in a time of 29.33 in an A4 graded contest. Champ is a homebred son of Droopys Cain and Portdrine Queen.

It was Friday night racing only in Galway.

The Martin Griffin of Lissycasey-owned Room To Stop kept the Clare flag flying as he recorded his second career success in this S5 contest by a length in 19.34.

Clare owners and trainers feature prominently in the roll of honour at the end of the 2021 season and special mention must go to Finnure Storm owned by the Kelly Family from Mullagh who received the accolade of the top dog at Limerick with 11 race wins in 2021 – Tom Flanagan from Ennistymon was the top private trainer with 22 wins.

And from the Galway report – Kilmihil native John Collins who runs his dogs under the Brickhill prefix was the top owner with a remarkable 35 win in the calendar year and Stephen Murray from Sixmilebridge had the honour of top public trainer with 38 winners.

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PLANNING 35

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CAHERBANNAGH, FOUNTAIN, ENNIS, CO.CLARE Take notice that Jada Projects Ltd intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council for planning permission for development at Caherbannagh, Fountain, Ennis, Co Clare. The development will consist of the Construction of a 49.0sqM single storey extension to the rear/north + west of the existing office, and for the Retention as constructed of 38.0 sqM extension to the rear/ north of the existing office at the existing office building.

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 TEERGONEAN, DOOLIN, CO CLARE Take notice that Anne Hughes and Conor McGrath intend to apply for permission to erect 6 no. Shepherd’s Huts for the purpose of overnight accommodation along with a Service Building, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works, using the existing entrance 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 COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKSAGGART, BALLYNACALLY, ENNIS, CO.CLARE Take notice that Niamh Crowe & Stephen Glacken intend 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 FURROOR, LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Matthew Kelly & Georgina Board intend to apply to the planning author-

ity 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 MOYASTA, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Robert & Margaret Thackaberry intend 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

CALL 065 671 9021 EMAIL SALES@CLAREECHO.IE

planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RATHVERGIN, CARROWKEEL MORE, RUAN, CO. CLARE Take notice Damian Corry and Teresa Roseingrave intend to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a dwelling house, with a waste water treatment system and percolation area at Rathvergin, Carrowkeel More, Ruan, 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 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 50 KINCORA PARK, LIFFORD, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that Denis Lynch intends to apply for Planning Permission to a) dismantle and remove the existing lean-to shed/garage roof, b) to extend the width of the dropped kerb and provide offstreet parking, c) to construct a detached annexe including all site services and ancillary site 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, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL GORTLURKAUN, CRUSHEEN, CO CLARE Permission is sought to construct a dwelling house, domestic garage, entrance, effluent treatment system including all ancillary site works and services at above address. Applicant: Janette O’Donnell 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 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 BALLYKELLY, BROADFORD, CO. CLARE Permission is sought to construct a detached domestic garage, including all ancillary site works and services at above address. Applicant Ronan Smith The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the rea-

sonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BEARNAFUNSHIN, BAREFIELD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that NS Masonry Ltd are applying for planning permission for 2 single storey dwelling houses with private garages, new entrance and access road, erection of fencing along rail line, installation of water and sewerage treatment facilities along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOHANINCHY, QUILTY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Paul & Egina McCarthy are applying for retention permission for the part conversion and change of use of a shed to a dwelling house and planning permission to complete the work and

redesign the dwelling including an extension, elevational changes, installation of new sewerage treatment system and percolation area, creation of new entrance and all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOUGH, KILKEE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Mairead Boland is applying for retention permission for construction of shed within the curtilage of the existing site of the dwelling house along with all associated 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 Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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SUDOKU

1/13/22, 3:01 PM

Blips

Slipknot

Caliph

Slippy

2

9 9

Cowslips

8

Eclipse

5 5

Fillip

1 2

6

4

7

2

1/1

9

2

3

Flipflop

7

1

3

Ellipse

Flipchart

6

3

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

ANSWERS 4

7

8

3

8

4

5

6

2

9

1

7 5 2

7 9

5

7

1 5

6

2

9 4

1

3

6

7

8

4

9

3

3 4 6

1

8

4 3 6 7 1 8 2 9 5

8 4 2 9 3 6 5 1 7

9

7

5

6

1

3 1

2 4

8

7

5

8

1/1

9

3

2 4

6

1/13/22, 3:01 PM

Slipcase

8

Millipede

2

Lollipop

2

Lipstick

5

Heliport

9

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.

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HOW TO PLAY

Flipper

1

Flippant

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Clipper

Tulips

3

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How to play

Clipboard

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6

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Slippage

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.

Caliper

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5

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The Clare Echo Crossword

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L

O

B O L

A R S O N

cal imitation (5)

A

B

-necked animal (7) pillow (7)

17

18

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aising (5)

U

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A N T A R C T

12

13

H

region (9)

A

C O N K E R S

d (5)

E

A

N

V E R

E

from a horse chestnut 7)

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tent (7) g eel (5)

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nd sign of the zodiac (6) er (6)

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N

1

L

R

I

A

F A S 2

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Y T

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E R

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T

I E R

U I

S

I 9

D S

C

D

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14

I

Y

D E D N

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M A R Q U E E B 4

O

T

T A U R U S 5

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Daily Quick Crossword: 13 January 2022 ,1/13/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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PM

Phone 065 6820914

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#supermacs heart of Ennis

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(065) 682 0914

plums (6)

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O'Connell Street, Ennis

l wave (6)

W

(5)

S P O O F

quid (5)

E

sett (6)

E

Introducing our extended delivery service available from 1pm daily Order through Supermac’s app

F

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bling (6)

R A F

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I

)

G

(6)

ean language (6)

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P R U N E S

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24

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E

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L

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U

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P P

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(7)

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS

's nest (5)

hestnut

1 European language (6) 2 African grassland (7) 3 Eagle’s nest (5) 5 Side by side (7) 6 Circular (5) 7 Not tottering or wobbling (6) 9 Wretched (9) 13 Melodious (7) 14 Felled (3,4) 15 Animal at home in a sett (6) 16 Moves aimlessly (6) 18 Thick sweet sticky liquid (5) 20 Defeated contestant (5)

n grassland (7)

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DOWN

by side (7)

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1 Quicker (6) 4 Second sign of the zodiac (6) 8 Young eel (5) 9 Large tent (7) 10 Nuts from a horse chestnut tree (7) 11 Helped (5) 12 Polar region (9) 17 Fire-raising (5) 19 Long pillow (7) 21 Long-necked animal (7) 22 Satirical imitation (5) 23 Small wave (6) 24 Dried plums (6)

ttering or wobbling (6)

odiac (6)

ACROSS

lar (5)

7

hed (9)

6

al at home in a sett (6)

5

d (3,4)

4

dious (7)

3

ted contestant (5)

2

sweet sticky liquid (5)

1

1/1

s aimlessly (6)

Daily Quick Crossword: 13 January 2022 ,1/13/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

Opening Hours Mon - Sat 10am - 10pm Sun 12 noon - 10pm

QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JAN 20 2022

The Clare Echo Quiz CLARE SOCCER NICKNAMES PART ONE

Which officer of the Clare Schoolboys/ Who is the Premier Division manager 1known Schoolgirls Soccer League (CSSL) is 6 nicknamed ‘Roosky’? as Stoney?

A: Derek Byrne

Spoony is the nickname of one of 3 Moher Celtic’s co-founders. What is his name?

A: John Vaughan B: Johnny Daly C: Conn O’Donnell

Bunda is the nickname of which 7 Bridge Utd footballer?

A: Kieran Quinlan B: Brian Corry C: Conor Deasy

Avenue Utd reached the final of the 8 FAI Junior Cup in 1990. Which player was also known as Mannix?

A: John O’Malley B: Noel Purtill C: Gearoid Mannion

Crock, Monty, Nabs, Duck and Ginga Sparky is the nickname shared by 4 both the Newmarket Celtic A manager 9 have all lined out for which team?

A: Shannon Olympic and Avenue Utd A winger. They are also known as what?

A: Mark O’Malley and Mark Roche B: Mike O’Malley and Gary Roche C: Damien O’Malley and Alan Roche

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Name the Connolly Celtic footballer known as Breaker?

A: Aidan Kennedy B: Kieran Dillon C: Brendan Dillon

l FAI FDO Denis Hynes and CSSL Chairman, Brendan Wall.

Photograph: Joe Buckley

B: Newmarket Celtic C: Sporting Ennistymon

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What Shannon Town footballer is also known as Chippy?

A: Brian Monaghan B: Brian O’Connor C: Chris Dunning

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ANSWERS 6. David Russell 7. Kieran Quinlan 8. Gearoid Mannion 9. Newmarket Celtic 10. Chris Dunning

2

Who is the former Clare Oscar Traynor manager called ‘Crusher’?

A: Donie Garrihy B: Mick Shiel C: Liam Murphy

B: David Russell C: Tony Downes

1. Brendan Wall 2. Liam Murphy 3. John Vaughan 4. Mark O’Malley and Mark Roche 5. Brendan Dillon

A: Tommy Molloy B: Brendan Wall C: Cathal Jones

Last weeks Answers . L missing on sign . Ball missing . POD logo missing on player (right) . Stripe missing on Cork players shorts (left)

. Crest missing on Clare player top . O’Neills missing on Clare players shorts . Stripes missing on Cork players shoulder

Tulla Photograph: Sport Action Photography

AND GUTTERING CLARE