The Clare Echo 20/02/20

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Well, that’s just swell

20 FEB 2020

Olympic dream for Clare man PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

l ROOM WITH A VIEW: Storm Denis bashed numerous areas of County Clare during the weekend, captured by this photograph taken between Doolin and the Cliffs of Moher which shows the scale of the raw power of the Atlantic Ocean Photo by John Mangan

Sport

Full story Page 38

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EAM Ireland’s first confirmed athlete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is from Co Clare.

Ballyvaughan’s Liam Jegou will compete in Kasai Canoe Salom in Tokyo and become only the second ever Irish athlete to participate in the event, the other being Mike Corcoran in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Liam comes into the Olympic Games off the back of winning bronze in the U23 World Championships last July. “Being an Olympian has always been one of my biggest dreams. I started training when I was 11 or 12, the past month has been unbelievable knowing that I am going to compete for Team Ireland in the Olympics,” the France based athlete said.

Previous Clare Olympians include Doonbeg’s Pat McDonald, who won gold at the 1912 Olympics representing the US, and Kilnaboy’s Michael ‘Sonny’ Murphy who ran in the men’s 3000m steeplechase at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.

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2 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

Index NEWS

2,000 HOMES WITHOUT WATER

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2-12

GREENER CLARE

13

SCULLY

14

SHANNON

15

COMMUNITY

18-19

MONEY MATTERS

21-26

SPORT

36-43

CLASSIFIEDS

44-45

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

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l NOT A DROP TO DRINK: Agnes O’Malley fills bottles of drinking water from drums outside Kilmaley church Photo by John Mangan

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On Thursday evening, residents in the Inagh/Kilmaley Group Water were first advised not to drink any of their water supply due to elevated aluminium and turbidity levels.

“Boiling the water will not remove the aluminium”, was the correspondence which was sent via text and email to households affected.

Nine parishes are supplied by the scheme with water tankers now in place at Connolly, Inch, Inagh and Kilmaley.

Operational for over four decades, the water scheme will be impacted for the next week.

Tests are to be carried out following necessary repairs but in the interval consumers are being cautioned not to drink anything from their water supply.

The water is not to be used for cooking of food and vegetables, brushing of teeth or gargling following the declaration of a ‘do not drink notice’

by Clare County Council and the HSE.

Pat Breen retires after losing his Dáil seat PÁRAIC McMAHON

We provide you with a comprehensive Support package that includes:

ORE than 2,000 Clare homes are under a ‘do not drink’ water

FORMER Clare TD Pat Breen (inset) has announced he will be retiring from political life.

After more than 20 years of public service, the Minister of State with special responsibility for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection will pursue other opportunities when the next Government is formed.

First elected to the Dáil in 2002, Pat was appointed as Chairman of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee in 2011.

He also served as the Party’s Deputy Spokesperson on Transport and Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for small business.

He has been on a number of Dáil Committees including the European Affairs Committee, the Oireachtas Transport Committee, the Privileges and Procedures Committee, the House Services Committee and the Committee on Enterprise and Small Business.

Pat was also appointed to lead the Fine Gael Delegation on

the Council of Europe and served as Deputy Leader of the Irish Delegation.

Prior to Breen’s election to Dáil Eireann, he was a member of Clare County Council and the Vocational Educational Committee from June 1999 to 2002.

Speaking on Tuesday, the Ballynacally native outlined, “I have taken some time to reflect and have decided to retire from political life.

“I will be continuing with my duties as Minister of State until the next Government is formed. I have informed the Taoiseach of my decision and he thanked me for my loyal years of service to the party at both local and national level and wished me well in the future.

“I have enjoyed politics and its many challenges. It has been an honour and privilege to represent the people of Clare and the Fine Gael party as a county councillor, TD in Dáil Éireann and then as a Minister of State over the last 20 years.

“Most recently, it was tremendous for myself and the three Ministers I served under to see that the unemployment rate fell to 4.8% during my time in the Department.”

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4 NEWS

Puzzle over long lost photograph PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

WEST Clare man has enlisted the help of The Clare Echo's readers to help identify mysterious personnel in a photograph dating back to the 1930s.

Taken in the summer time, the photograph is of 10 people who are believed to be heading off on their travels.

They are well-dressed and appear to vary in age from teenager to 40.

The photograph was taken by the parents of the man who visited The Clare Echo's newsroom but wished to remain anonymous.

He was of the view that they were heading off to an event such as a coursing.

"I don't know anybody in the photograph, absolutely nobody," he confessed.

When cleaning belongings in the attic recently, he came across the photograph and was struck by the fact that he knew nothing about anyone in the image.

"It is a complete unknown, a puzzle and I want to solve it".

He added, "It is a long lost photo with unknown people".

If you recognise any of the individuals in the picture, please contact The Clare Echo on 065 671 9021 or email paraic@clareecho.ie.

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

Dooley yet to decide on Seanad bid FORMER TD Timmy Dooley (FF) has stated he is considering whether or not to run in the upcoming Seanad elections with party insiders outlining that he is already preparing for his second election of the year, writes Páraic McMahon.

Sources within the Fianna Fáil party have informed The Clare Echo that Dooley will be contesting the 2020 Seanad Elections. Martin Conway (FG) has already expressed his intention to remain on the Administrative Panel of the Seanad.

From 2002 to 2007, Timmy served on the Administrative Panel in Seanad Éireann. For the following thirteen years he was a member of Dáil Éireann having been elected in the 2007, 2011 and 2016 General Elections. He lost his seat earlier this month with Joe Carey (FG) the only sitting Clare TD returned.

When speaking to The Clare Echo on Wednesday, the Mountshannon native stated that he was “considering” putting his name forward for the Seanad and that he expected to make a decision within the next week.

However, The Clare Echo understands that Dooley is said to be in the running for a nomination on the Industrial and Commercial Panel of Seanad Éireann. This panel elects nine senators, at least three of whom must be the nominees of Oireachtas members and at least three must be nominees of the nominating bodies.

Ennis’ Michael Howard (FG) was previously a Senator on this panel from 1977 to 1983 and again from 1989 to 1997.

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6 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

New speed camera Caroline shed four stone zones come into and wants to help others effect across Clare

ADVERTORIAL

ALEX CRAKER

S

OME 900 new speed zones have been rolled out across the country with the amount in Clare increasing by half.

Clare will have 36 roads marked as speed zones across national, regional and local roads. Existing signs that alerted motorists of the presence of speed vans are to be removed. Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) called for the signs to be left as they were, “they encourage compliance”.

Garda officials

highlighted in response that drivers were becoming familiar with the location of speed vans and subsequently only slowing down along certain stretches of road.

Since 2010, enforcement has been carried out by the GoSafe operator using vans marked with high-visibility ref lective material and

displaying a safety camera symbol. It provides a minimum of 7,400 enforcement hours per month.

Supt Brendan McDonagh speaking at the JPC meeting advised that twenty five of the thirty six locations in Clare “have been changed to new” with four on the motorway, twelve on national roads, seventeen on regional roads plus two on local and urban roads. “They are determined by using the most recent fatal and injury locations”, data which has been compiled from January 2016 to December 2018.

A SLIMMER who lost four stone is using her success to shape a new career helping other people change their life’s and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

Caroline Rynne (pictured before and after) joined her Slimming World group in October 2016 and has dropped four stone in weight since. Now she has trained as a consultant for Slimming World and runs a successful group at Treacys West County Hotel. She says when I first joined Slimming World as a member I never dreamed that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started.

Support is really the most important thing, it all starts with feeling you are not alone. I couldn’t have lost four stone without the weekly help, encouragement and understanding of my own Consultant and my group. As someone who has lost weight myself I know the challenges people can face, which is why, along with the group I will be there to support every one of my members along the way to their chosen target weight.

Setting targets, sharing recipes, other ideas and working together as a group to overcome challenges and celebrate success is so important to a successful journey.

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That’s why at my Slimming World group there is lots of support encouragement and fun.

Like lots of people I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I ate. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life, but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of tasty, filling foods like pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat and fish, you are never hungry and no foods are banned so there’s no deprivation.

I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself, while having my favourite fry up on a Sunday morning followed by Sunday roast for dinner without feeling the guilt.

Caroline was amazed by the buzz in her group each week.

She never felt judged or ridiculed if she had a gain as she has had them along her journey Caroline’s has been supporting members reach their targets for over two years.

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lBRILLIANT RESULTS: Caroline’s before (top) and after (above) pics after losing four stone with Slimming World, with whom she now operates as a consultant

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NEWS 7

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

New visitor Windfarm sells for €35m experience for Kilrush

THE proposal to renovate, enhance and upgrade the visitor experience at the Vandeleur Walled Garden Kilrush received formal endorsement by the Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Mr. Pat Dowling, when he met with the appointed consultants in the historic grounds of the walled garden last Friday. ‘’The investment in Vandeleur will have wider benefits to the area and town of Kilrush offering more amenity and recreational options and opportunities for economic growth and employment in the region’’ commented Pat Dowling Chief Executive Clare County Council.

The works include the renovation of the derelict stables into a new visitor experience comprising of museum, interpretation, retail opportunities and general enhancement of access to the centre. The project is funded by the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (€1.72m), Project Ireland 2040 under the Department of Rural and Community Development with additional match funding

by Clare County Council.

The Walled Gardens and stables are nestled in Coilte woodland and form part of what was known as ‘Kilrush House’ which was destroyed by fire in the 1890s. The redevelopment of the gardens in 1997 has led to the growth of the attraction with the walled gardens and café currently forming the core features. The development is due to go to tender in the summer with works commencing shortly thereafter. The centre will remain open during the works.

Noel Kilkenny (Chairperson of Kilrush Amenity Trust Ltd.) noted that "the project reflects the ongoing commitment from Clare County Council to seeking investment in key tourism and rural based projects in Clare. The development of Kilrush in tandem with the investment in Loop Head keeps West Clare firmly on the map for visitors.

The Gardens have continued to develop over the years and thanks to staff dedication and support from Board members of the Trust are primed and ready for this exciting expansion”.

The Council have taken a considered step to put the ‘visitor experience’ to the forefront in this model. The proposed works will be an initial phase allowing for future phases and growth to address the needs and requirements of visitors to the centre.

Ruth Hurley, Senior Executive Architect and Project Manager said "we would not be at this stage without the input, commitment and investment of all the stakeholders who have supported the progress of this project development from a concept idea, to planning stage and then to securing funding. I look forward to seeing the realization of the project through the appointed design team’’.

The design team appointed consists of Paddy Coleman & Associates, Moloney Fox Consulting, Rogerson Reddan and John Ruddle Consulting who is managing the development of the visitor experience aspects.

A KILMALEY windfarm has been purchased for €35.4m Renewable energy investor, Greencoat Renewables acquired Letteragh Wind Farm which brings its wind assets portfolio to 476MW. The purchase is being funded from an existing €380m credit facility.

Operational since last December, the

14.1MW windfarm consists of six Enercon E92 turbines. Its revenues are guaranteed by the State’s Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff 2 scheme which provides long term guaranteed minimum floor price for the electricity generated until 2032.

Paul O'Donnell, Greencoat's Investment Manager, said the Letteragh Wind

Farm will add another high-quality wind asset with long-term contracted revenues to its portfolio. "We will continue to work with both international and local developers, providing them with an opportunity to recycle capital into new projects, while enabling us to drive long-term value for our shareholders”.

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8 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

Fears of Trump exit due to planning delay PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

OLLOWING further storm damage at Doughmore, locals have expressed frustration at the ongoing wait for a decision from An Bord Pleanála on coastal protection works with some fearful the Trump family could decide to offload the West Clare resort.

A decision on coastal protection works in Doonbeg was due to be made in October 2018 but no announcement has been forthcoming from the planning board.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, PRO of the Doughmore Coastal Protection Group, Liam Ryan declared there was “massive damage” caused at the location during Storm Dennis. “In the last two weeks we’ve had two major storms and over the last couple of years quite a lot of damage has been done on the dunes. The sea is coming in with strong winds blowing the sand down, the sea is washing it away and making a ledge of the topsoil and grass growing on top, you could have two foot or more of the topsoil hanging down, that eventually falls down.

“There is roughly a metre and a half of sand ready to be washed away, there is no defences in front of the clubhouse or the other side of the beach. I measured exactly last weekend, 1.8m disappeared in one area, I walk it five days a week... there is no protection between the sea and the clubhouse, that is where the bulk of the damage is happening”.

He described the 16-month delay from An Bord Pleanála as “an absolute disgrace”. “The new owners want to put in defences which will protect all the land as far as the N67 because it is all lower that the dunes and it is vulnerable.

He (Donald Trump) is willing to do this job and will put €6 or €7million to finish it, that is money the people won’t have to give, it is money the Council can spare on putting into roads and other things. The Council have a fee of €300,000 on him as a contribution plus they have to repair the roads, it’s a no-brainer”.

Ryan warned, “If this isn’t done and he turns the key on that place which he is likely to do they’re looking at their asset being washed away and the possibility of no business - if they move there is 300 jobs gone which is extremely serious for the people in the area, the schools, the sports, the jobs, the families, the whole lot.”

lSTORM DAMAGE: The dunes at Doughmore Photo c/o Liam Ryan

‘Caroline Flack’s death highlights need to tackle keyboard warriors’ CAROLINE Flack’s tragic and untimely death has highlighted the need for immediate measures to clamp down on online abuse, an elected member of Clare County Council has declared, writes Páraic McMahon.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC), Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) called for “keyboard warriors” to be dealt with and for An Garda Síochána to deal with such abusive behaviour.

During the General Election campaign, the Kilmurry councillor noted there was an increase in the amount of “online abuse” directed at public representatives. “Unfortunately An Garda Síochána get a lot of abuse online when carrying out daily duties. Someone needs to take a stance on keyboard warriors, they feel they can say what they want, they can write a message or post a video calling them a C U Next Tuesday, it is bullying and it needs to be addressed”.

He questioned if An Garda Síochána would consider “taking on some of these comments”. Cllr O’Callaghan referred to videos from Sixmilebridge “of other gangs taking on other gangs” and he maintained the call-outs lCONCERNS: “are fuelling the problems”. He added, Cllr Alan “We saw in the last few days Caroline O’Callaghan Flack and the abuse she was receivraised the ing, it is something that needs to be adissue this week dressed”.

Photo by Eamon Forty year old Flack was found dead in Ward her London home on Friday. She was due to stand trial on charges of assaulting her boyfriend Lewis Burton. She pleaded not guilty to the alleged assault at a court hearing in December and was released on bail.

An inquest into her death began yesterday (Wednesday). An Instagram post from the Love Island presenter from December which read “In a world where you can be anything, be kind” has gone viral since her death.

If you have been affected by any of the contents in this article, please contact Pieta House (1800 247 247), Samaritans (116 123), AnyMan (01-5543811), Childline (1800 66 66 66) or Women’s Aid (1800 341 900).

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

Wynne stands by support for alleged IRA bomber PÁRAIC McMAHON

N

paraic@clareecho.ie

EWLY elected Clare TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (SF) has stood by her remarks supporting the release of alleged IRA bomber John Downey on bail almost two months ago.

Donegal native John Downey was in December 2019 named as an “active participant” in the 1982 IRA bombings in London’s Hyde Park that killed four people and injured 31 others.

In a tweet on December 20th, Violet-Anne Wynne posted, “John Downey out on bail, about time too. Enjoy your Christmas comrade”.

Elected off the back of 8,987 first preference votes in the General Election, the Kilrush woman stood by her comments when contacted

by The Clare Echo.

“John Downey has been a supporter of the peace process over many years.

“I welcomed the fact that he got bail after numerous attempts in December because he is 67 and in ill health.

“He should be at home with his family in Donegal, not facing trial for charges that have been dealt

lRELEASED: Violet-Anne Wynne tweeted about John Downey last December

with in the courts previously,” Wynne stated.

On July 20, 1982, a car bomb left in South Carriage Drive ultimately killed four soldiers as they paraded from their barracks to Buckingham Palace.

Lieutenant Dennis Daly, 23, and Trooper Simon Tipper, 19, died at the scene.

Squadron Quartermaster Corporal Roy Bright, 36, and Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young, 19, died within days after the attack.

Seven horses had to be put down subsequently.

Downey was originally charged in 2013 for his involvement with the incident, but the case fell apart the following year when it was revealed that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) had issued Downey a letter in 2007 as part of the ‘On The Run Scheme’ that assured Downey he would not be prosecuted.

The letter was issued in error, but the judge at the time said the case

could not proceed.

This prompted Sarah-Jane Young, daughter of Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young to bring civil action against the 67 year old.

Speaking on December 18th in London, presiding Justice Yip stated, “This was a deliberate, carefully planned attack on members of the military.

“I have found that the defendant was an active participant in the concerted plan to detonate the bomb, with the intent to kill or at least to cause serious harm to members of the Household Cavalry.”

Two days later, bail was granted for Downey by Mr Justice McAlinden who confirmed that a £225,000 cash surety was to be lodged before he is released.

Mr Downey is to live at a Belfast property under curfew and is banned from leaving Northern Ireland.

He must also surrender any passports and report regularly to police as part of the conditions.

lRELEASED: Newly elected Sinn Féin TD Violet Anne Wynne Photo

by John Mangan

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

Colleran Molloy elected as County’s first citizen PÁRAIC McMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE Colleran Molloy (FF) has become the third woman to wear the Mayoral chains as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council following her election on Monday.

She will serve as Cathaoirleach for the next four months and had been Leas-Cathaoirleach since June. "You have been in the Council six years, during that time you have been Mayor of Ennis and now Mayor of Clare, it is a great success story," Cllr Pat Daly (FF) commented as he proposed Cllr Colleran-Molloy for the Chair.

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) said it was "a great pleasure" to second her nomination. "I compliment you on the way in which you have carried out your duties since you

were elected to the Council. I believe you are an ideal candidate for the position for the next four months". Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), stated, "You have shown over the last number of years your ability to deliver for your constituents".

Colleran-Molloy was praised by Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) for the "kind and supportive" manner in which she helped him adjust to life on the Council.

Pressure was put on the 33rd Dáil to restore the title of Mayor and not Cathaoirleach by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) was keen that the title of Cathaoirleach be maintained to promote the use of the Irish language. "You worked extremely hard this year and to get Cathal up to Dublin," Cllr Ann Nortin (IND) remarked, "You have a fantastic way about you. It's an extremely proud moment for yourself and Tony".

"It couldn't have happened to a better person, you will do the peo-

ple of Clare very proud," Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) believed. He recalled, "I was at a function with Cllr McMahon organised by the Mayor of New York, he didn't have half the crowd you have". Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) was of the view Colleran-Molloy's elevation would encourage more women to enter political life.

Through her Leas-Cathaoirleach position, Clare was already in the Chair and stated, "Assuming there are no further nominations, I believe I can deem myself elected".

During her four months in the role, Clare has pledged to call for "the ending of neglect" at Shannon Airport, the "upgrade of Ennis General to a model three hospital", "new approaches to address rural depopulation" and the establishment of "just transition funding to address job losses at Moneypoint".

Kilmurry representative, Cllr Alan O'Callaghan (FF) was elected to the role of Leas-Cathaoirleach, a role he was first elected to in 2018.

lELECTED: Newly appointed Cahtaoirleach Clare Colleran Molloy and Leas Cathaoirleach Alan O’Callaghan Photo by Eamon Ward

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SHANNON'S Donna McGettigan (SF) (inset) is officially an elected representative on Clare County Council following her co-option on Monday evening, writes Paraic McMahon.

McGettigan will fill the role vacated following the death of her close friend and long-serving councillor, Mike McKee. She was selected by Sinn Féin members in mid January and was ratified by Clare councillors at their February meeting.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) proposed McGettigan's co-option. He spoke of how he was mindful of the presence of Mike's wife Eileen in the public gallery and that they were all thinking about Eileen, her children David and Jeanette and extended family. "I know Donna will do fantastic things for the people of Clare and Shannon".

"She has big boots to fill but I'm delighted to welcome Donna," Cllr John Crowe (FG) stated as he seconded the proposal.

In her first address as a councillor, Donna said, "Thank you very much for the warm welcome".

The Belfast native continued, "I have big boots to fill, Mike had great respect in this room and had great respect for a lot of people in this room".

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

TULLA GOES BACK IN TIME 20-year-old could

replace Cllr Crowe

lEXCITEMENT: Sister Eileen Callinan, former teacher of Convent of Mercy NS, Tulla, surrounded by former students at St Mochulla’s National School, where she opened a time capsule locked in a safe since February 1996 as part of the 20-20 Vision project. Among those to find old treasured possessions was Tara Cleary (left) who was reunited with her grass from the goalmouth of Croke Park which she pulled at Photos by John Mangan the 1995 All Ireland final

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FIVE individuals are seeking the Fianna Fáil nomination to fill the Clare County Council seat vacated by newly elected TD, Cathal Crowe (FF), including a 20 year old from Clonlara, writes Páraic McMahon.

It is expected that the successful individual will be co-opted at a special meeting of Clare County Council on Monday. Fianna Fáil headquarters have yet to decide if the seat will be filled following an interview with each nominee or by a local convention.

Former Mayor of Clare, Pat O’Gorman is one of the five seeking the party’s backing. The Cratloe man was a County Councillor in the Killaloe Municipal District from 1999 to 2004, he has unsuccessfully contested local elections in 2004, 2009 and 2014. During his five year stint on the local authority, he was the county’s first citizen and was one of the high-profile casualties during the 2004 local election.

Having previously attempted to become President of the GAA, Robert Frost is now vying to take a seat on Clare County Council. An ex Chairman of Clare GAA and the Munster Council, the O’Callaghans Mills man would become the oldest first time councillor in Clare if he were to succeed Crowe.

Louise McNamara was a candidate in the 2014 local elections where she polled 344 first preference votes in the Shannon Municipal District. She had been touted as a potential runner in last year’s local elections. Now living in Stonehall, she is a mother to three sons including former Georgian Rugby S&C lead, Ged. Meelick native Noel Broggy is also in the running, a man whose family has a colourful relationship with the Crowe family. A dispute between the Crowes and the Broggys goes back to 1979 when the Crowes bought a 1.5-acre plot for a family home beside the Broggys in Meelick to which Noel Snr objected.

Emma Begley is the youngest seeking to replace Crowe.

The twenty year old from Clonlara is the grand-daughter of Cllr Michael Begley (IND). Were she to be successful, it would be the first time in Clare that a grandfather and grand-daughter both sat on the County Council at the same time. She is a past pupil of Clonlara NS and Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh.

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12 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

CAN’T HELP FALL-ING IN LOVE WITH YOU...

Clare County Council is pleased to announce that it will host a series of ‘Housing Options’ information evenings over the coming weeks. If you are currently looking to buy, build, lease or rent or if you are seeking information on tenant/landlord rights, responsibilities and obligations then this event is for you.

Information and advice on all the various housing options open to you will be available at the events which will be attended by the following service providers:  Banks including AIB, BOI, Ulster Bank, Permanent TSB, EBS, KBC  Local Auctioneers  Mortgage brokers  MABS  The Residential Tenancies Board  The Local Property Tax unit of Revenue  The Housing Agency  Threshold In addition our Housing team will be available to give advice and information on:  HAP  RAS  Leasing – long term and short term  Housing Adaptation Grants  Rebuilding Ireland Home Loan  Minimum Rented Standards for Rented Dwellings  Qualification criteria for social housing support We are also inviting those who may have an interest in contributing to housing supply such as property owners, landlords and prospective landlords. To this end we will have information on the Buy and Renew and the Repair to Lease schemes which are available to bring properties back into use for social housing.

The information evenings run over a 5 week period between 6pm and 8pm commencing on the 27th February in the Oakwood Arms in Shannon.

The full list of venues is as follows: • Ennis – 5th March – Civic Room, Buttermarket • Ennistymon – 12th March – Digital Hub • Kilrush – 19th March – Digital Hub • Killaloe – 26th March – Clarecare meeting room

065 6846429 housing@clarecoco.ie www.clarecoco.ie

l WEDDING SHOWCASE: ​Sharon Malone, Falls Hotel with Mandy Maher of Catwalk Modeling Agency and her models, wearing bridal gowns from The Bridal Emporium and suit from Patrick Bourke’s Menswear The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, which hosted a wedding showcase last Sunday

Revenue hits €10m at Cliffs of Moher PÁRAIC McMAHON

“A

paraic@clareecho.ie

COUNTYWIDE lure” needs to be gained off the Cliffs of Moher, the Chairperson of its Board has stated.

Businessman Bobby Kerr since November 2018 has been Chairperson of the Board of Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd. On Monday, both he and Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience Director, Geraldine Enright addressed elected representatives of Clare County Council reports Páraic McMahon.

Kerr’s links to Clare were alluded to by Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling. Bobby’s grandad Fred Kerr was a bank manager for AIB in Kilkee and gave Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) his first ever loan. “We want the attraction and lure of Cliffs of Moher to be spread out countywide”. He added, “This is the most visited natural attraction in the country and it’s very important to us that Fáilte Ireland are interested in it”.

When the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience opened in 2007, it welcomed 927,841 visitors. The figure last year had risen to its highest of 1,605,131. “It brings its challenges but it is also something other counties would give their right arm for it,” the Newstalk broadcaster acknowledged.

2007 visitors resulted in an income of €2m for the visitor centre while in 2019 it reached €10m for the first time. Revenue has grown year on year since 2010. North America accounts for 30 percent of tourists to the Cliffs, 11 percent from Ireland, 10 percent are from Asia with the remainder from UK (11%), Germany (8%), France

(6%), Europe (18%), Australia (5%) and South America (5%). 56 percent of visitors are classified as fully independent travellers (FIT) with 44 percent in groups.

“It is up to us to make it pleasant and sustainable economically and from an environmental point of view. The numbers don’t lie, this is a graph going uphill, more and more people will want to visit the Cliffs of Moher in times and years to come. The fact the Cliffs of Moher is such an asset, it does need to be given prominence. This is a huge international asset, it gives tourists a very compelling reason to visit Clare. It is seen as a leader in the tourism attraction market.

We’re about spreading the love and making sure the whole county of Clare develops in tandem with the Cliffs of Moher”.

Collaboration between the Cliffs, Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Airport is ongoing, Monday’s meeting heard. Kerr confirmed that their shuttle bus will be extended this year from May to September having only operated in June, July and August in 2019.

Visitor split with 56% of FIT was “the most encouraging data”, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) maintained. “There is a narrative that we’re just accommodating day trips from Dublin. We are going in the right direction.

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) said, “It’s upwards and onwards. It’s so important to get the people into Clare and keep them in Clare”.

With 1.6m visitors heading to the Cliffs, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) called for improvements to the surrounding North Clare road network. “We need to see a spin off of the tourism to support the communities in the wider area. The shuttle bus is a really good initiative. It has to be about North Clare, not just about the Cliffs of Moher, we can all gain as a community and county from the Cliffs of Moher experience”.

GREEN CLARE

My Waste My Impact CIAN O BROIN cianobroin@clareecho.ie

T

HE My Waste My Impact app is a tool developed by the regional waste management offices that looks at effecting positive environmental change. This new form of accountability gives individuals the leisure of tracking their waste reduction week by week and even offers the opportunity for the environmentally conscious to share their journey of sustainability with others. The app is available for download on all android devices. Pauline McDonagh of the Regional Waste Management office in Limerick tells of the necessity of the app in the wake of what she feels has been some very positive reporting around climate action.

Speaking on the development of the app, “Why the Regional Management or the Government get involved in projects like this is that for a lot of people, citizens in general, we can feel overwhelmed around the choices we are making. The My Waste My Impact app is a small tool, a citizen led tool that allows people to track their change and by picking four or five simple items to track their change on, it serves as a building block to take it to the next level. You can start of by looking at non-reusable cups you are using for take away coffees and set your goal for that item then. You can set a goal for more sustainable transport and other consumables then also.�

Technological innovation has spearheaded climate action movements such as the Fridays For Future school strikes initiated

by Greta Thunberg, allowing for mass protests to take place simultaneously across the world, with fluidity of movement and pinpoint accuracy. Modern technology can be daunting for the less tech savvy in the twenty-first century, however; Pauline professes that the development stage stressed the importance of a user-friendly interface. “We are marketing it for everybody, whether you are eight or eighty, if you have a smartphone, you will be able to download it now. It is available now only for android phones but the ios version is being developed and will be available shortly. The app isn’t aimed at a particular genre but it is aimed at people who are consuming these items. We have looked at targeting the public sector platform as there is a green government initiative and these are people that are coming to work every day and consuming these items.�

The app serves both as a communal and an individual project with notifications popping up to remind the user of their waste

reduction goals. Pauline and the Regional Waste Management office aspire for this goal tracking and recording to become a community based recording of what activities people are engaging in, with knock on effects for environmental groups based around the county, such as Ennis Tidy Towns, Pauline

notes. Going forward, Pauline and her team hope to arrive at concrete figures in terms of waste management and reduction, with the aim of branching out into several other key areas concerning the environment. To conclude, Pauline asserts that, “We would like to look at those bigger things, such as

how sustainable our transport system is, but this is just a starting point around single use items. We would love for people to get in touch with us via the My Waste social platforms, so that we can constantly refine our services.�

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14 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

Letter to our daughters

D

EAREST Mia and Sophie, We love you both so much.

This thought for the week starts with such because it is why this is written. We want to start off by saying how much we love you and always will. You are both the most special gift we have ever been given and we will remember that always. From the moment we knew you both were on the way, we felt the love that is so overwhelming.

We never knew a love so fierce as the love we felt for you the moment you were both placed on our chests. We heard there is nothing like a parent’s love, but we never understood what it meant until that moment. We know we are far from perfect, and can only hope to be half the parents that we were blessed and fortunate to have, but we can promise you one thing, we couldn’t love you more.

We will always try our best but there are times when we will fail, times when we will let you both down and we hope you can forgive us. We will try to give you everything you both need and some of the things you both would like.

We will put your needs as much as we possibly can before ours always Writing these honest words give us a sense of purpose and joy that cannot be explained. In that moment when we first held you both we knew that we wanted to protect you both from the evils of the world and teach you how to be strong independent women.

We know that some of these words may be hard for you to understand now, but we

are still writing them anyway. We are hoping that these words in time and especially when we are gone will help you along the way of your journey of life. Learn to love with all your heart and soul. Love is the greatest feeling anyone could ever have, give, receive or experience.

It is free to give or receive. Always remember it is important to love yourself too. Fall in love with every single piece of yourself. The great, the bad, the good, the beautiful and the ugly. The majority of your happiness will come from self love. You’ll never be happy in life if you don’t accept and love yourself.

So start this moment by loving yourself so you can spread that love and more to others, especially those most in need in our world. We want you to remember that love is worth it when it’s real, but love is not the same thing as affection, gifts, or other romantic movie type stuff. Love is sacrifice and hard work.

Love is being more concerned about the wellbeing of your other half than you are for your own. Love also means sometimes having your heart broken, and that’s okay too. Broken hearts heal, and loving deeply and truly is worth it. We want you to fall in love, and fall hard, but also let yourself– your true self–be loved deeply in return.

Don’t hold back when you find your love, sweethearts. Love is always worth the risk and love is always kind, passionate and caring. Speak your mind but always as much as possible consider other people’s feelings and emotions.

Finally, think of us. We always tell you

that when you are happy, we are the happiest. When you cry, we cry harder. Our beautiful daughters, when all else fails in your life, where things get rough and you don’t have any glimpse of hope, keep in mind that very moment when Mammy and Daddy are holding your hands and telling you that everything is going to be alright.

Life is too short to be hanging around people who keep you down. Be as confident as you both can be and speak up for yourselves, for one another and for what is right.

Remember this: What you have to say and offer this world matters. You are both inquisitive, gentle, loving, caring, kind, generous and beautiful young women. Don’t let the world rob you of that. When you see something wrong, do something about it.

Stand up for what you believe in. Challenge the status quo.

Don’t accept an inferior status for yourself or those around you. May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time in each day to see the beauty and love in the world around you.

May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience. May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on others judgments of your accomplishments.

Our dreams for you both is that you walk your journey in life with humility and a strong sense of right and wrong. Pursue your dreams with gusto and always know

that even in your weakest moments, we are so proud, blessed and honoured to be your Mammy and Daddy.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, always remember that both of you are the greatest joy and miracles in our world.

When you both arrived into our lives we were so blessed, honoured and grateful beyond words. All our prayers were answered.

Love you Mia and Sophie to infinity and beyond and more.

You are our lives and all we live for. Remember these words. You. Are. Enough.

There will be many days when you feel like everything is going wrong, and that you cannot do it. Push those words out of your head.

You are more than enough, and you can do anything. You will have to fight against the glass ceiling, the glass walls, and the glass slipper syndrome, but you are built to shatter ceilings.

There will be times when giving your best will drain everything out of you. You will feel lifeless, you will feel worthless, but that is the moment where you will show the world what you are made of. You will show them the power that comes from inside.

You will show them the good and the God that is inside of you. Enjoy your life as much as you can.

Always choose you! You are no good to anyone else until you take care of you!

So put yourself first and then go and love and help the world, especially those most in need! Love Mammy and Daddy.

Twice the good news at SNN PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

news@clareecho.ie

HANNON Airport has received positive news on the double with a new aircraft launched and the early return of its New York JFK service while management declared 2020 will see the biggest percentage increase in Aer Lingus seats there in over three decades.

On Thursday morning, the Shannon to New York service recommenced, a month earlier than previous years. It will operate six days a week, rising to seven days a week in the peak summer months, all the way through to the end of the year.

Passengers will also now avail of the new state-of-the-art A321neo LR aircraft on this route, which comes complete with additional business class capacity. This is the second such Aer Lingus aircraft to arrive at Shannon, the first was delivered last October and

has been operating on its Boston service, Thursday marked the first day in which the two aircraft were both positioned on the ground at Shannon.

Aer Lingus has already announced new routes from Shannon Airport to Paris and Barcelona, subsequently their capacity will grow by twenty percent. As a result, 2020 will see the largest percentage increase in the number of Aer Lingus seats in over 30 years at Shannon Airport.

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine described it is “a significant day”. She stated, “This is a major investment and vote of confidence by Aer Lingus in Shannon Airport and the transatlantic connectivity it provides between New York and the West of Ireland is very important for our region.

“It is a major contribution to the business community as it gives them onward connections to the global marketplace. In addition, it supports inbound tourism, giving US visitors access to the Wild Atlantic Way through the Shannon Airport gateway. We are de-

POPCORN AT THE READY

lighted that Aer Lingus is also commencing new services to two hugely important European airports, Paris Charles de Gaulle and

lAER MILES: (L-R) Donal Moriarty, Aer Lingus, Andrew Murphy, MD Shannon Airport, Rose Hynes, Chairman Shannon Group and Mary Considine, CEO Shannon Group Photo by Arthur Ellis

Room for everyone in Hope Café’s new Ark news@clareecho.ie

& Tots group currently runs Tuesday and Thursday mornings, with a wide variety of activities on offer.

The warm and relaxed café setting provides an ideal venue for parents and kids alike to chat and make new friends”.

THERE was room for everyone at the Hope Café in Shannon as their parent and toddler group, Hope Tea and Tots celebrated the opening of their new soft-play area nicknamed ‘The Ark’.

Deirdre Power of Clare County Council and Eileen McKee, wife of the late Cllr. Mike McKee and a regular volunteer at Tea & Tots were on hand to cut the ribbon. The play frame was co-funded by the LCDC through the Community Enhancement Scheme and Shannon Christian Church, the operators of Hope Café.

Community worker Elton Good told The Clare Echo, “It is hoped that the new play-frame will be of great benefit to local tots and their parents, grandparents/guardians and childminders, The Tea

lJUMP AROUND: Youngsters get to grips with the new soft play area Photo by Joe Buckley

PÁRAIC McMAHON

lSONIC BOOM: Pictured are twins Olivia and Clodagh Lambert (11) from Sixmilebridge at a a special preview screening of Sonic the Hedgehog at Omniplex Shannon Photo by Arthur Ellis

Barcelona. This brings the airlines network at Shannon Airport up to nine routes for summer 2020.”

16 Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

TAKE OFF YOUR CORNFLAKES CIAN O’BROIN

G

cian@clareecho.ie

LÓR Theatre Ennis will host Rose Henderson’s humorous yet heartfelt ‘Take Off Your Cornflakes’ on Friday the 21st of February at 8pm.

The former Fair City and Father Ted actress co-stars alongside Pat Nolan in a play which highlights her fathers struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Written a year after the passing of her father, Rose touches softly on

the sentimental, whereby she fully immerses the audience in her father’s world as his short-term memory slowly subsides.

“The immediacy is gorgeous because you get a very direct response from an audience, especially a performance like Cornflakes with comedy and sadness in it where you can feel them coming with you, getting sucked in. A pin could drop in the whole theatre of two hundred people and when you can hear them breathing together, you know you’ve got them. Then the joy of everyone laughing together is wonderful.”

Choosing the title of the performance required Rose to offer a brief snapshot into the

Metamorphosis: Characters In Collision EBCF COMMISSIONED writer Mia Gallagher (inset) to curate a special show from the Arts Council Collection to show at glór from Friday 7th February and running until Saturday 21st March, and to write a short story inspired by the artwork.

Metamorphosis: Characters in Collision, is the title of the show she has created which includes work by Alice Maher, Dorothy Cross and Brian Maguire.

In two related events, Mia will chat to Festival Director Paul Perry on Friday 6th March at 2pm on the project, from its genesis, to its curation, to the writing of Mia’s story.

Audiences will have the opportunity to see artwork by some of the country’s best artists and to follow the creative journey of the project.

Mia will also read her short story in three special durational performances on Saturday evening from 5pm to 7pm in glór where audience members are free to come and go as they please.

Mia says, “The Metamorphosis: Art & Writing has been a terrific experience for me.

“I’ve been curating what I think will be a really impressive new show of visual art from some of Ireland’s finest artists (held in the Arts Council’s collection) for glór’s unique gallery space and also composing a new work of fiction in response to the exhibition.

“The works I’ve chosen for the space are from a mix of contemporary and longer-established artists, embracing a range of media, voices and styles.

“They hit off themes that are both universal and timely – isolation, ecology, relationships.

“This week I’ve finished a draft of my own work, a new story around doubt, envy

and grief which – surprisingly to me – has ended up reimagining an Irish myth in a contemporary context. It’s been exhilarating making this story while keeping the visual artworks in mind.”

Mia Gallagher was born in Dublin, where she lives and works.

Her debut novel, Hell Fire, was widely acclaimed and she received the Irish Tatler Women of the Year Literature Award in 2007, whilst her award-winning short fiction has been widely published, anthologised, and collected in her collection Shift.

Mia works as a professional actor, performing in theatre, radio and occasionally film. Beautiful Pictures of the Lost Homeland is her second novel.

The Arts Council Collection began in 1962 and is now one of the most important in Ireland.

Because the Arts Council aims to support artists as well as engage the public, all the pieces are collected while the artists are still alive and working.

life of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, with Take Off Your Cornflakes being the perfect pitch.

“He’s got the wrong word. It’s learning how to get inside of his world, to help him to feel that that’s not a stupid thing to say. My dad couldn’t figure why his friend wasn’t his friend anymore. We had to learn to talk to him in a way that didn’t make him feel stupid. Because he was bright, he could hear if I used a patient tone.”

Take Off Your Cornflakes takes place in Glor Theatre on Friday 21st of February at 8pm. Tickets are available at www.glor.ie from €16.

lPOIGNANT: Rose Henderson and Pat Nolan

Aisling returns to Ennis SARAH Breen's first and last trip to Clare was a life-changing one, she is returning alongside co-author and best friend Emer McLysaght next month for the 2020 Ennis Book Club Festival, writes Paraic McMahon.

Published in August 2017, Oh My God What a Complete Aisling was an instant hit for best friends Sarah Breen and Emer McLysaght who created the character and wrote the books. They followed it up with The Importance of Being Aisling and Once, Twice, Three Times an Aisling and are currently working on a film adaptation of the first book.

Aisling was not brought

to life in a book until four years ago but she has existed for some time. What started as a Facebook group for their circle of friends later spawned into the creation of the series.

"When we set it up there was no such thing as WhatsApp or group messaging of any form, we set it up as a place for our group of five or six friends could share our Aislingisms.

"We didn't expect anyone outside of ourselves to ever join it, slowly a new person would join or someone would say it to their friend, it wasn't an overnight success but it just grew and grew. It was not monetised, it was just something we did

lPOPULAR: Authors Sarah Breen and Emer McLysaght

to have a laugh, we never intended to make money off it or turn it into a job, it just grew and grew and was how we were offered our book deal," Sarah told The Clare Echo.

Common comparisons have been made that Aisling is the culchie version of Bridget Jones. It's a label both Breen and McLysaght are quite content with. "Real writers" regard the writing routine of the successful duo as "chaotic".

From Borris in Co Carlow, Sarah has only visited Clare once. That was 28 years ago for a family wedding in Ennis. "On the way down to Ennis we stopped somewhere for food, I got food poisoning from a chicken sandwich and I was really sick at the wedding. I haven't eaten meat since, I have been a vegetarian since then. That was 28 years ago, that was my experience of Ennis, a lot of vomiting".

On Friday 6th March, she will return to Clare alongside Emer as they form part of an impressive lineup in glór for the Ennis Book Club Festival, "I hope there will be less vomiting, more sightseeing and meeting lovely Clare people".

Arts & Entertainment 17

STATE OF EXCEPTION

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

CIAN O’BROIN

G

cian@clareecho.ie

LOR Ennis will host Catherine Young Dance’s, State of Exception on February 23rd at 7:30pm. A powerful and raw multi-cultural interplay of dance, live music and text, Catherine offers an honest, unseen and gruelling look into the darker recesses of the direct provision system in Ireland.

State of Exception evolved from the highly appraised community project, ‘Welcoming the Stranger’, which worked with local people and asylum seekers in a joyous, world music, song and dance format.

Following the success of this project, Catherine was approached by two ladies from a refugee centre in Kerry who praised her high-spirited efforts but warned of a darker, more malevolent side to the direct provision system. State of Exception is that lens through which those suffering any injustices within a compromised system can tell their stories with absolute anonymity. Catherine tells of the voice she has offered to the vulnerable through the medium of song and dance.

State of Exception is a concept developed

by Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben and Catherine feels that this title perfectly denotes the direct provision system in Ireland. “It’s this idea that happens in wars

and during times of crisis, that the state of emergency or state of exception law comes in temporarily, it happened with the patriot act in America.

“The government can temporarily change or suspend the law, which is supposed to be temporary but most of the time it becomes permanent. Like State of Exception, the centres were only ever supposed to be a sixmonth project and 20 years later they are still operating.

Acting as director and choreographer, Catherine’s mission was to capture the state of those imprisoned by the direct provision system.

Opting for this form of expression as opposed to a regimented literary narrative, each story within the piece is inspired by an individual in the system, with voiceovers and testimonials complementing an eclectic

ensemble of song and dance.

The opening scene tells of the true story of one man who escaped from Afghanistan, managing to walk from the camps and find refuge at the bottom of a juggernaut truck until finally making it safely to the United Kingdom.

The honesty of the body remains central to Catherine’s artistic expression.

“With fake news its easy to lie, manipulate and misinform but it’s much harder to do that through the body and through music.

The body doesn’t lie and you can see when it’s not being authentic.

Sometimes you are looking at topics that are beyond words and it’s hard for people to talk about them. The human body shows the impact in a

State of Exception takes its February tour to glór theatre on February 23rd at 7:30pm.

Tickets available for purchase at glor.ie

Ennis Branch CCÉ Annual Shrove Tuesday Céilí with

The Five Counties Céilí Band Tuesday, February 25th 2020 9pm - 12am Cois na hAbhna Galway Road, Ennis Tel: 065 68 24276 www.coisnahabhna.ie

lPOWERFUL: State of Exception offers and honest look into the Irish direct provision system

European Culture Week FROM the 27th of July 2020 Ennis will play host to a five day festival celebrating European cultures with eight groups participating from seven European countries.

The participating groups are travelling to Shannon Airport from France, Spain, Sardinia, South Tyrol in Italy, Romania, Lithuania and Hungary.

Ireland will be represented at the festival by Clanna Mileadha- a group of musicians, dancers and singers based predominantly in County Clare.

The European Culture Week is biannual festival which returns this summer to Ennis for the first time since 2002.

way that words cannot. Music and dance are part of a universal language.”

This festival’s history is particularly special as it was founded in 1986 to promote friendships across cultures and regions within Europe.

These groups are coming together to celebrate their individuality. There is no competition or competitive element involved. Each country is showcasing their culture through the medium of music and dance.

Clanna Mileadha this year welcomes the opportunity to promote County Clare and Ireland as a tourist destination.

Throughout the week there will be concerts, street performances and a European Artisan Market.

Engagement and interac-

tions are central to the core of this festival whose objective is to create friendships through a shared love of music, song and dance.

To this end each group performs at every event and each group will also be very keen to chat with locals.

There are opportunities for the groups to learn music, songs and dances from each other and also for spectators to participate.

The performances are vibrant celebrations of music, song and dance.

A sample programme is available to view on www. enniseuropeancultureweek.com. Follow their Facebook and Instagram accounts for updates.

Concerts at 8pm at the Teach Ceoil Wednesday 4th, Thursday 5th, Friday 6th, and Saturday 7th of March SAT 7th MARCH Masterclass: Liam O'Connor Venue: Corofin Community Hall Time: 10am – 1 pm Adm: €25 Lecture: Aoife Kelly Venue: Corofin Community Hall Time: 2pm – 3pm Adm: €25 SUN 8th MARCH Masterclass: Siobhán Peoples Venue: Corofin Community Hall Time: 10am – 1 pm Adm: €25

lHERITAGE: European Culture Week returns to Ennis in July for the first time since 2002

COMHALTAS

Community 18 COMMUNITY

ENNIS

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ For those who have an interest there is now and will be conversation and chat in Irish every week in these following locations: Luan at Zest, 11 am; Ceádain at Sweet + Green, 11 am; Diardaoin at Temple gate, 8 pm; Aoine at Sweet + Green, 11am; Satharn at glór, 11 am. All are welcome.

MID CLARE KOALA FUNDRAISER Five 10-year-old girls from 4th class in Barfield National School are organising a fundraiser to help the animals affected by the Australian wildfires, especially koalas. The five girls - Holly Sheerin, Cliodhna O’Loughlin, Faye Mannion, Rachel Kerins and Leah O’Connor- are organising a cake sale and a raffle on Tuesday the 25th of February.

There will be two raffles - one for each class and one for the whole school. The prizes for the class raffle is a night off homework. The prize for the raffle for the whole school is a €25 gift voucher for the school-book fair. Raffle tickets will cost €1 each. Parents are asked to donate baked goods and each student is asked to donate €2. All the money raised will be donated to the Macquarie Koala Hospital and other animal hospitals and wildlife funds. Please help save the koalas and donate some money to the koala hospitals. Billions of animals have died this year because of wildfires so please try and help.

CHESS FESTIVAL The 27th Bunratty International Chess Festival returns this coming weekend - February 21st to 23rd – at the Bunratty Castle Hotel.

The tournament has for the last number of years enjoyed the coveted position of being the No. 1 weekend chess tournament in the world.

More than 400 visitors and competitors from over a dozen countries will compete across all four sections.

The tournament starts at 5pm this Friday. All welcome.

l QUEEN BEE: Rice College TY students Carla Griffin, Caitlin McAllister and Eunice Boateng entered Junk Kouture 2020 with their creation “Do your own sting”. They picked this theme to try raise awareness of the decline of bees due to scarce food sources. After months of work the girls have made regionals.

Community THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

ENNIS

FUNDRAISER PARTY NIGHT A fundraiser party in aid of kidney research will be held in the Woodstock Hotel, Ennis on February 29, starting at 9.30pm. The party is in memory of Seán Hickey, Kilmaley and London. DJ and raffle on the night. €5 entry fee at the door. Sean became ill with kidney issues in his 40s, leading to a kidney transplant in 2012 (donated by his wife). The transplant improved Sean’s health significantly and he had a new least of life. Unfortunately, in November 2016, Sean became ill and passed away in February 2017 aged 53. Sean received exceptional medical care, his proactive Doctors used leading kidney research, to genetically test his close relatives for the defective gene which caused Sean’s kidney problems. Some of the family have inherited it, however, kidney research has already benefited the Hickey family. All monies raised will go to Kidney Research to aid ongoing work to prevent and manage kidney issues.

Sean’s daughter, Melissa, is running the London marathon in Sean’s memory and hoping to raise lots of money for this brilliant charity close to her heart.

SHANNON €20K DROP On Friday next, St Tola's NS will be bringing the €20k drop to Shannon. Drawn from ticket sales, each contestant will be vying to win €2500. They will be asked eight questions and must place their cash on the correct answers. If some cash is placed on an incorrect answer it is lost and contestants go onto the next question with the remaining money. The aim is to reach question 8 and have some cash left. The show is fully computerised with lifelines to help contestants along the way. Technology is central to the show and funds earned will be going towards IT equipment for pupils as well as yard improvements. Earlier this month, X Factor contestant Adam Moloney launched the fundraiser at St Tola's.Treacys Oakwood Hotel, SES, Sean Hillery Pharmacy, Shannon School of Hotel Management, Solatrex/Calcul, Muscle Baller, MC Auto, Boru Sports and Shannon Springs Hotel are the main exhibitors for the €20k drop. Tickets available from the school by emailing office@tolasns.com or calling 061 362894.

COUNTYWIDE NATIONAL TREE WEEK National Tree Week will take place this year from the 21st March 2020 to the 27th March. To celebrate this week Clare County Council, in conjunction with the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte, are making young native trees available to community groups for free to be planted in public open spaces. Any interested group must undertake to plant these native trees in a suitable public location, in their own locality during National Tree Week.

To express your interest in availing of these free native trees, groups should contact Sinead Armstrong Lynch by email at greenerclare@clarecoco.ie or telephone 065 6846386 by 4pm Friday 13th March 2020. Trees will be available to allocated groups at the Gardening Section, Cois na hAbhna on Monday 23rd March 2020 and Tuesday 24th March 2020 between the hours of 9.00am to 1.00pm and 1.45pm to 4.00pm. It will be necessary to have a trailer to transport trees. For more information on National Tree Week and to register your local tree week event visit www.treecouncil.ie.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sir, Housing and homelessness became major themes of the general election and was one of the important issues for voters at the ballot box.

There are few people in Ireland who have not been affected by rapidly rising rents, a shortage of affordable housing and lengthy social housing lists. However, in all the election discussion over the last few weeks, it can be too easy to lose sight of the fact that this national crisis is having serious local consequences.

There are four times more people in emergency accommodation in Clare now than there were just four years ago. We have 1,065 Clare households currently waiting for social houses. Average rents have increased by one third across the county since 2016.

The ESRI have said that up to 35,000 new homes need to be built every year in Ireland just to keep up with demand. Focus Ireland have stated that at least 10,000 of these need

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

RED CROSS TABLE QUIZ The Irish Red Cross Clare will hold their annual Fun table quiz in Saturday 29th February 2020 in aid of our Community Transport – Supporting the people of Co. Clare. The Grove Bar & Restaurant – Tulla Road, Ennis, table of 4 €40.00 – spot prizes - Raffle.

LOCAL HOMELESSNESS CRISIS

COMMUNITY 19

to be social houses. 15 social homes were built in Clare in the first 9 months of 2019.

Focus Ireland works closely in partnership with Clare County Council to tackle the problem, but we need policies at a national level which are effective and ambitious. If housing and homelessness are priorities for you, I would urge you to make that clear to your newly elected TDs. Ask your TDs clearly and repeatedly how they will fix this crisis. How many houses they will build? What actions will they take to help our homeless young people and families?

We need to make it known that we will not accept an Ireland where almost 4,000 children have no stable home to grow up in. As a country, we can do better. Locally, we need to make our voices heard.

We can do so much better.

Gerard Spillane, Services Manager for Mid & South West Focus Ireland

CLARE ROOTS SOCIETY There will be a Clare Roots Society meeting at the Old Ground Hotel, 8 pm Thursday, 20 February 2020. Larry Brennan will give a talk on the The Lane Ways and Bow Ways of Ennis.

Larry has been researching the topic since 2014 and is presently preparing a book on The Lane Ways and Bow Ways of Ennis to be published later this year.

Larry will show the sources that he has used: Newspapers, Church Records, Census Records, Photographs etc., To trace the names of people and characters associated with the Lane Ways and attempt to describe the conditions they lived in.

The laneways contain an architectural heritage with a unique collection of vernacular building types, styles and diversity of uses from all periods of our history along with notable personalities who are associated with the history of the town.

Growing up in Ennis one takes it for granted about the number of lanes in the town but do we all know the correct names?.

Many towns' people call the lanes by their adopted names such as Quinn's Lane, Enzo's Lane, Supermac's Lane but it's always a source of discussion especially in pub quizzes as to their correct names.

Larry will attempt to revitalise some long-forgotten lane and bow-ways and alleys and review the laneways that have been privatised, closed off, neglected or simply disappeared.

In addition, he will show the sources that he has used to trace the names of people and characters on the laneways.

He will also describe some of the conditions the people lived in on the laneways.

By using resources of Newspapers, Church Records, Census, Photographs etc. we will gain an insight into an Ennis long forgotten.

COUNTYWIDE SEAI ONE GOOD IDEA Students from Bodyke N.S, Colaiste Muire, and St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School in Shannon will compete in the SEAI One Good Idea Regional Finals, which will take place on 25 February in Omniplex Cinema Limerick.

Finalists have created a one-minute film and campaign to inspire people to save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.

They will see their film on the big screen and present their campaign to a panel of judges.

This year, four regional finals will be held in Omniplex cinemas around the country. Regional winners from each event will then compete at the National Final in Dublin in on Thursday, 23 April.

The SEAI One Good Idea Competition encourages students, their families and communities to take individual and collective responsibility for tackling climate change.

Students learn important skills in communication, film-making and creating change at a community level. This year, over 180 campaigns were developed by young people all over Ireland. In the last decade, over one and a half million people in Ireland have been reached by the projects put together by 7,500 inspiring schoolchildren.

Congratulating all participants, Emer Barry, Education Programme Executive, said: “Our young people have some of the best and most creative ideas for bringing about positive change in society. SEAI’s One Good Idea competition taps into that creativity and gives students the opportunity to become active energy citizens.

We are delighted to introduce four regional finals for this year’s One Good Idea school competition, which give more student’s the opportunity to showcase their ideas for taking climate action. Film is an incredibly powerful way to communicate and increasingly important for raising awareness in social and digital media.

It’s fantastic to see the passion and enthusiasm these students have shown in raising awareness of the critical issues facing this generation.”

Some of the Good Ideas this year include: ‘Bee Kind’, from Bodyke N.S, want to raise awareness of the importance of the Bee in maintaining our food supply.

‘The Green Grocers’, from Colaiste Muire, are encouraging people to buy more local produce.

‘CompGoesGreen’, from St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School, aim to reduce the use of single-use plastic in schools and promote stainless steel water bottles, handmade beeswax wraps, and fundraise for installation of a hydration station For more information on the SEAI One Good Idea Competition visit, www. seai.ie.

20

FOOD & TRAVEL

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

Slieve Russell Hotel Golf and Country Club 4* luxury hotel set in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan

Shane Gilligan news@clareecho.ie

L

OCATED in the beautiful countryside of Cavan, the Slieve Russell Hotel surrounds itself with 300 acres of world-class golf course and 50 acres of lakes.

The Slieve Russell is very accessible and surprisingly, you’re looking at just over two and a half hours’ drive from Ennis – and for what’s on offer it’s well worth the short trip. When driving toward the hotel the first thing that strikes you is the sheer size of the hotel and expansive surrounding grounds.

The impressive hotel front faces a large fountain which acts as the roundabout to the entrance.

This is a four-star luxury hotel however the accommodation is of five-star quality. The view onto the lakelands can be observed from your balcony and although I’m not a golfer, the lush parklands course was an inviting proposition from our viewpoint.

Golf course Slieve Russell is one of only 8 PGA National designated resorts in the world and its highly acclaimed 18-hole ‘PGA National’ Academy course forms part of the magnificent 300acre Slieve Russell Estate.

Spa

However, if golfing is not your thing then perhaps a spa treatment would entice you.

Not only does the hotel provide a world-class golf course but also a world-class spa. While one partner is enjoying the day covering the golf course the other can choose from an array of massages from 25-minute facials to a 1 hr 50-minute body and facial combination.

We were treated to a relaxing facial treatment which left us both beaming. There are also leisure facilities to escape from the world for an hour and with a games room on site, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained.

Surrounding activities This is my 4th trip to Cavan and every time I visit I have something new on my to-do list.

With so much to do, I have broken down my top 3 places to visit.

Burren I first discovered four years ago that just like County Clare, Cavan has its own Burren.

With a similar rugged landscape, the Burren’s visitor centre shows several walking trails you can trek to take in the amazing scenery.

Distance 45 mins from hotel Stairway to heaven (Cuilcagh trail) If you have the time it is well worth a trip to Cuilcagh where the unique stairway to heaven is based. The 33km walking route encapsulates Cuilcagh Mountain and the surrounding area.

This trail can take up to 3.5 hours however, the trek is worth it with such stunning views from the top.

Distance 35 mins from hotel Marble Arch Caves The Marble Arch Caves are located in Fermanagh but only a 35 minute drive from the hotel. The Global Geopark contains some of the finest landscapes in the North including the Marble Arch Caves. What was unique to me about these caves were the underground lakes which require you to board a small boat in order to cross.

In my opinion, the caves and its surroundings are well worth a visit.

Distance 35 mins from hotel

lStairway to heaven: Cuilagh trail

Dinner For dinner, we made our way to the Setanta restaurant located within the hotel just off the reception. A difficult choice to make with so many delicious options on the menu we settled on one starter, two main courses and the same dessert.

Starter Grilled Italian Bruschetta Toasted Artisan Ciabatta, Olive Tapenade, Tomato and Basil Salsa, Goats’ Cheese and Red Onion Jam Always a favourite of mine, Bruschetta (Italian for toast or toasted bread) is typically a simple Italian dish made with olive oil, fresh basil and tomatoes.

Setanta had their version of this dish which was every bit as good as it sounds.

Main Rack of Slaney Valley Lamb Roasted Heritage Beetroot with Madeira Glaze The lamb was seasoned and glazed beau-

tifully. Extremely tender, it was eaten without using a knife even. The two dishes were accompanied by mashed potatoes, garlic/ cheese potatoes and mixed vegetables each as delicious as the next.

The second main course was Roast Thornhill Duck Breast Confit Leg Red Cabbage Puree and Candied Baby Vegetable Crisps and Jus With the fat rendered beautifully on the duck breast the meat became extremely tender. The vegetable crisps were thinly chopped adding an extra crunch to the dish.

The confit duck leg was my favourite. Meat falling off the bone is always a winner for me and the duck leg was exactly that.

Dessert Warm Chocolate and Hazelnut Brownie Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Ice cream There really is nothing like a warm chocolate brownie. Especially when it’s as good as this. Breaking the lightly crusted surface of the brownie revealed a light and oozing centre to die for.

I cannot recommend the Slieve Russell Hotel enough. The staff were extremely helpful and polite, the location is great and so close to top attractions and the hotel itself is pure luxury. This is definitely a hotel I will revisit.

l Delicious

desserts: An amazing range of desserts freshly made.

22 YOUR MONEY

10 Mortgage Master Tips that haven’t changed since 1935

W

E chatted to Mortgage Master Emer O’Reilly from EBS in Ennis, who has been helping people get into their dream homes for a long time. She has shared some of her Mortgage Wisdom right here, for Clare buyers who just need some honest advice.

TIP 1. GET MORTGAGE READY, BEFORE YOU FIND THE HOME “It may be tempting to jump straight in and plan the colour of your dream kitchen before you apply for your mortgage. The first thing to do when you’re thinking of buying a home, is to chat to your mortgage advisor. They will look at your finances, and give you all the advice you need to find your target house price.

That way, when you do go house hunting, you can be confident of your budget, and you’ll know how far you are willing to go if other bids come in on the house you want.”

TIP 2. A MORTGAGE IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

“The best advice I can give customers, is that they shouldn’t just take out a mortgage and let it tick over month by month. Because of the way an annuity mortgage is structured, you pay more interest as a proportion of the mortgage repayment in the early years, and pay back more capital later on. As your lifestyle changes you may be able to afford to pay more, and maybe reduce your term – so keep this in mind in the early days. Buyers should keep in mind that they can always just stay in touch with their mortgage adviser.”

TIP 3. KEEP IT FACE TO FACE

“Remember that this is the most important purchase of your life (well, it’s up there, at least!). Having a face-toface chat with a mortgage expert is the best way to iron out any uncertainties, and to get the best advice on all stages of the buy. The internet is a handy tool for research – but face-to-face contact is still as important today for a big transaction like this.”

TIP 4. KNOW THE PROS AND CONS OF A FIXED RATE VS. VARIABLE

“With a fixed rate, your repayments will not change for the time that your rate is fixed. This offers you a large degree of security and enables you to manage your finances. If you’re on a variable rate, the rate can rise and fall over time, but you have more flexibility to pay off part of, or your entire mortgage (if the chance arises).”

TIP 5. DON’T GET STRESSED ABOUT THE STRESS TEST

“A stress test is an assessment with an extra percentage amount on top of your mortgage repayments, which lenders will use to test your repayment capacity. It’s a safety threshold, which takes into ac-

count the possibility of rates rising down the line. Some buyers think that online mortgage calculators will give them a true estimate of their future repayments, but these calculators don’t usually take this stress test into account. It’s one thing paying your mortgage at the level it is at now, but what if the rate changed?

When you’re deciding on your budget, make sure to check what the repayments would be if this happened.”

TIP 6. CHOOSE YOUR LENDER CAREFULLY

We know rate is important, but it’s not the be all and end all. Some first time buyers will choose their mortgage provider based on rate and current offerings, and may not give much thought to customer service and advice.

Honest advice and support is important throughout the mortgage, and that could be for up to 35 years.

TIP 7. STAY IN CONTACT

Your lender should love talking about mortgages. So don’t hesitate to book a chat with them at any stage throughout the process. If you’re worried you’re not on track with your deposit or home buying timeline, give your local EBS Mortgage Master a call for a relaxed chat, and some free advice.

TIP 8. CASH IS NOT KING

Your current account can be used to establish your repayment capacity and it’s good to show proven activity. If you are paying rent or saving, do it electronically, so there is an obvious proven trail. Withdrawing cash to pay for large regular payments should be avoided.

TIP 9. DON’T MISS BILLS OR DIRECT DEBITS

How you behave in the management of your day to day finances is a good predictor of how you will behave in the future, and perhaps how you will manage your mortgage. Keep an eye on the balances in your accounts, and make sure there are sufficient funds available for any direct debits that are going out.

TIP 10. ENJOY THE PROCESS

Don’t get overwhelmed and try to rush the purchase. This is one of the biggest buys of your life, so you want to make sure you slow down and enjoy. Getting it right is more important than moving in as soon as possible.

Your Mortgage Master can help you through the saving and house hunting stage, and advise on the best price range for your needs. We’ve been through it all before, so use our well of knowledge whenever you need. These are just some general tips, for real advice book an appointment today.

Book an appointment with us today by calling 065 68 99600. EBS Ennis is located at Abbey Street Car Park in Ennis, beside YOLO.

UP TO

3%

BACK IN CASH ON YOUR NEW MORTGAGE EBS MORTGAGE MASTERS If you’re looking to buy a new home EBS Ennis are ready to help

Drop in, call us on (065) 689 9600 or email ennis@mail.ebs.ie 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 current account. Additional 1% paid on the 5th anniversary of the EBS mortgage.

Offer valid until 31st December 2020.

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.

WARNING: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. A typical €100,000, 20 year mortgage for an Owner Occupier Residential Property with Loan to value greater than 80% will have a variable interest rate of 3.7% and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 3.8%, and 240 monthly repayments of €590.29. If the APR does not vary during the term of the mortgage, the total cost of credit i.e. the total amount repayable less than the amount of the loan would be €41,884.48 (inclusive of valuation report fees of €215.00). The total amount repayable would be €141,884.48. The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates for such a mortgage will add €53.21 to the monthly repayments.

Note: The above notice in respect of adjustments to repayment rates will not apply during any period when the loan is at a fixed rate. If you or your dependants intend to use the property as a principal place of residence, you must show evidence of mortgage protection insurance, unless you are exempt under the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Maximum loan to value of Owner Occupier Residential Properties - 90% of purchase price or valuation whichever is lower and 80% loan to value on one bedroom properties. Lending levels are subject to monthly repayment burden, typically not exceeding c. 35% of borrower’s disposable income and will vary according to individual circumstances. Mortgage loan requests are considered on the basis of proof of income, financial status and demonstrated repayment capacity (including capacity to repay at higher interest rates). Loans not available to people under 18. Mortgage loans are secured by a first legal mortgage/charge over your property. The property must be within the Republic of Ireland.

LM016 Ext PressA4 01.20

24 YOUR MONEY

Business plans for Start-ups

T

HE profitability and future of any business will often depend on its ability to plan and organise its tax affairs in the most efficient manner.

A detailed knowledge of current regulations and the intricacies of tax law, combined with experience of dealing with the Inspector of Taxes, allows us to give invaluable advice on minimising client’s liabilities and ensure statutory compliance with all relevant legislation.

We have an established relationship with the tax office and our knowledge can be of invaluable benefit in determining the most effective course of action to suit your requirements.

Care needs to be taken with filing Income Tax, PAYE and VAT returns on time to avoid heavy penalties and interest charges. Most of the clients require us to prepare year-end accounts for submission to the Inspector of Taxes in order to agree taxation liabilities.

BUSINESS START UP’S

New business ventures must be supported by well-thought out business plans

in order to succeed. We are particularly skilled in assisting new start-up businesses as well as those who are already established.

We can advise on the most suitable form of business structure, be it Sole trader, Limited company or Partnership.

We can prepare business plans for presentation to your bank and provide a break-even analysis. We take care of all administrative work in registering for tax and registering a trade name.

As a sole practitioner, I can provide a highly personalised and professional service to clients in a friendly and informal manner to assist them in the financial development of their business.

I believe that every client is important irrespective of their size and has the right to prompt personal attention.

I have a practical and constructive attitude to dealing with client’s affairs and use the latest computer technology for preparing accounts and filing tax returns online with the Revenue.

YOUR MONEY

25

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 income.

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?

Money and Budgeting Advice from MABS

M

ABS is the State’s money advice service, guiding people through dealing with problem debt for more than twenty years.

It is a free, confidential and independent service.

We have been helping the people of County Clare for over 25 years in areas of general budgeting advice and also intervention and assistance in dealing with debts like credit cards, utility bills, loans and mortgages.

The best starting point for managing your budget is working out how much money is coming into the household, and then how much money you need to cover all the expenditure.

You can use a budget sheet available on the MABS website or from our office in Ennis and use this to write down all the income and all the expenses.

MABS can help you to do this and don’t forget that some expenditure may only come up once a year, or a couple of

times a year, and you need to make sure you include that in your weekly/monthly budget.

The priorities for any household are rent/mortgage, utility bills and groceries.

Make sure you have enough income to cover the priorities.

MABS can also help you to check if there is any additional income you are missing out on such as social welfare benefits or tax relief.

If you can get on top of your finances it will help you plan for the future and may help you start to tackle credit card debts and loans if you are in control of your budget.

The MABS advisors in Clare are available to meet with people in Ennis, Shannon, Kilrush, Ennistymon and Miltown Malbay.

The office can be contacted on 0761 072 430 or email ennis@mabs.ie The MABS website also has a lot of information and budgeting tools that you can download or complete online.

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.

Age Next

Premium for €100k Life Cover (per month)

Premium for €100k Life Cover + €10k Cancer Cover (per month)

Premium for €30k Serious Illness Cover (per month)

35

€9.90

€10.96

€13.56

40

€11.87

€14.61

€18.54

45

€16.99

€21.29

€26.20

50

€26.07

€32.82

€37.95

Source: Zurich Life November 2019. Premiums quoted for non-smoker rates over a 20 year term. Subject to underwri�ng. Insurance Levy: A government insurance levy (currently 1% as at November 2019 and may change in the future) applies to this policy. These sample premiums do not include the levy.

NEW House Renovation Loan Rate Our Dedication to YOUR Renovation

NEW%

8B.9 orrow €25,000 & €50, 00 RATE

BE T WEEN

Amount Borrowed €25,000 €35,000 €50,000

Term

10 years

WEEKLY REPAYMENTS €72.55 €101.57 €145.09

www.stfranciscu.ie  loans@stfranciscu.ie  065 682 8305

Ennis, Clarecastle, Kildysart, Kilmihil, Lissycasey, Newmarket-On-Fergus, Sixmilebridge and Tulla

All loans subject to approval . T&Cs apply. 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. Credit Unions in the Republic of Ireland are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Borrow up to 10 APR

9.30% Variable

0

Years

Cost of Credit €12,721.80 €17,810.52 €25,446.76

26 YOUR MONEY

Do You Have a UK Pension Account?

M

ANY Irish residents who have worked in the UK in the past still hold UK pension funds. Even though they are now living in Ireland, many of these accounts remain in the UK pending maturity. For most, maturity is at age 60 or 65.

With the UK set to leave the EU at the end of 2020, more and more people are considering their options. Today we find most people are looking to bring these pension funds back to Ireland. Once the UK leaves the EU at the end of the year, or at least until the details of any negotiations are made clear, it is not possible to say if new restrictions might apply to subsequent cross border pension transfers.

It is important to note, once a fund is brought back to Ireland and depending on the structure, maturity options can differ.

Depending on the size of the transfer, up to 25% of the final value will be available to you in cash as a tax free lump sum. Maturity is available to you from age 55, regardless of what the original UK maturity date might have been. In Ireland if there is an early death before maturity, the full value of your pension can be paid to your Estate in cash.

Defined Benefit (DB) schemes are an example of one pension structure common to both countries. At maturity these pay an annual income which is dependent on how many years you worked for the former employer and what your final salary was on the day you left. An example might be a deferred pension of stg£4,000 per annum from age 65.

The transfer value for such DB schemes is often linked to the price of UK Gilts (government bonds). With the price of Gilts at an all time low, pension transfer values increase. As Gilts fall in value, transfer values increase, sometimes quite significantly.

It is not uncommon to see a DB transfer

value equaling 35 times the annual pension.

In the example above, you could wait until 65 to get a pension of stg£4,000 per annum.

If there is an early death in retirement, any remaining fund could be lost to you and your family. If however before retirement that pension is brought back to Ireland, the alternative transfer value could equal as much as stg£140,000. Up to 25% of this is available to you in cash at maturity and you have more control over how much you drawdown each year. On death in retirement, any unused part of the fund can form part of your Estate and is not lost.

UK Defined Contribution (DC) schemes and UK Personal Pensions can also be taken back to Ireland. Again, maturity is available to you at any time from age 55 to a maximum age of 75 – you choose. Similarly, up to 25% of the final value may be available to you in cash tax free. The balance or remaining 75% can normally be structured in different ways to give you an income in retirement.

At Insight Life Pensions & Investments, we give a detailed explanation of your choices if the account is brought back to Ireland. Initial consultations are free and without any obligation.

Former Employer Company Pension Schemes – Know Your Options

I

F you were a member of an Employer Pension Scheme and no longer work for that company, you have a number of options including the following: 1. You can leave the pension in place until normal retirement and mature it from there within the scheme. Maturity options vary depending on whether the scheme was Defined Benefit (DB) or Defined Contribution (DC); 2. If you have joined another pension scheme with a new employer, subject to their agreement, you can bring the old pension into the new scheme to keep everything together as one; 3. If you are over 50 and no longer working for the old employer, that pension can be matured at any time. As a general rule, best advice will suggest you do not mature any pension until normal retirement. In some instances however, circumstances might dictate an early maturity might be needed and this can be facilitated; 4. You can take control of your old employer scheme and transfer the pension into your own name in the form of a Personal Retirement Bond (PRB). It is still a pension however, the account is now owned by you to give you greater control

over how and where it invests. It can be matured at any time from age 50, whether you continue to work or not. We have seen instances where someone chooses to work part time and will mature a PRB at 60, while still contributing to a current employer scheme.

An issue we deal with from time to time is where a member has little or no communication with a former employer or scheme manager. Change of address or change of name through marriage add further complications. Think of a situation where you worked for a company up to the age of 30 but now in our 50s or even 60s you try to resurrect an old pension. The former employer might have been bought out, changed name or have even closed down altogether. While the pension will still exist, occasionally it has been impossible to find the old scheme and benefits are lost to the individual.

For this and any other number of reasons, best advise will often suggest if you have a pension with an old employer, transferring the benefits into a PRB in your own name can have many benefits as in option number 4 above.

For additional information or if you would like to know more, we would be delighted to hear from you. As with any inquiry, initial consultations are free and without any obligation.

Conor Smith Insight Life Pensions & Investments Francis Street, Ennis, Co Clare (beside Cusack Park) 065 6840422 info@insightlpi.ie www.insightlpi.ie Insight Financial Solutions Ltd t/a Insight Life Pensions & Investment is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland

DARACH HONAN

STARTING A PENSION

HERE are choices you make in life that will have a huge impact on your future. Starting a pension for your retirement is one of those choices because the earlier you start the brighter your future. It doesn’t cost as much as you think.

Tax relief is by far the greatest advantage of saving in a pension.

If you’re paying tax on your salary at the highest rate, then you’re entitled to get a 40% saving on any pension contributions you make.

If you are a higher rate taxpayer a contribution of €120 from you, plus €80 tax relief from the government will give you a gross contribution of €200 to your pension. While this tax incentive is really appealing, incredibly only 1 in 3 private sector workers in Ireland are contributing to a pension. So, while your friends

in the public sector: teachers, nurses or doctors, automatically pay into a pension to provide for their future, those in the private sector are lagging.

In Ireland, pensions are a ticking time bomb and all across the political spectrum we see those who wish to kick the can down the road. The ‘pension time bomb’ refers to the major issue that the state will have in providing people with state pensions in the years ahead. The pension reserve fund was used to bailout the banks in 2010 leaving reserves depleted. Currently, there are five people working in Ireland for every one who is drawing the state pension.

By 2055, it is projected that there will be only two workers for every one who is drawing the pension.

State pension payments and age of qualification as it currently stands

T

is completely unsustainable into the future. It makes it more concerning that there seems to be competition amongst politicians as to who can offer to reduce the pension age the furthest and increase the payments the most.

This sort of short-term thinking is what should concern people of a younger generation as to what will be available to them when it comes to claiming a state pension. It will be the case that if you wish to retire in your 60s you will have to build up your own pension fund as you may not be able to rely on the state. The earlier you begin this the better.

Over a 40-year period, a 25-year-old will generate a 60% larger pension than someone who starts 10 years later. Over the same period, they will generate 180% larger fund than someone who waits until they are

45. *Take the example of someone who contributes €200 per month to their pension. If they begin at age 25, they will finish with a pension fund of €190,990 at age 65. The 35-year-old who makes the same contributions will have a fund worth €119,239.

The 45-year-old who contributes €200 per month will have to make do with a pension fund of €66,985. These significant variances will play a huge part in

how early an individual will be able to retire.

Talk to your financial advisor in order to plan your retirement.

As demonstrated, how fast you take this first step will have a major impact on your options later in life. *Assumptions: These figures assume a Gross investment return of 4.2%, 100% Allocation rate. 1% AMC. Level premium of €200 per month

Property

Beautiful homes all over the County

APT 5 SUAN, QUIN, CO. CLARE

AMV €85,000

VANDELEUR STREET, KILRUSH, CO.CLARE

AMV €95,000

Located in the popular village of Quin, this two bedroom apartment is offered for sale by public auction at the Old Ground Hotel on Friday 28th February at 12 pm. Presented in immaculate decorative order with two double bedrooms, main bathroom and an open plan kitchen/ living/dining room. The property is one of only two apartments in a small development of only 7 units with communal parking area to the rear. There is currently no management company in place but the development and property is presented in very good condition. All amenities of Quin Village are on your doorstep with easy access to Ennis, Shannon and the M18 Limerick/Galway Motorway.

Property comprises of ground floor commercial with apartment overhead and 3 town houses. Located via separate doorway access from the front of the street. The property is currently set out over 2 floors with the ground floor currently in use of a podiatrist and a residential element on the first floor.

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

1 & 2 FRANCES STREET, KILRUSH CO. CLARE

AMV €100,000

Mixed use commercial/residential property located just off the Main Square fronting onto the main street of Kilrush. Property comprises of a retail unit and 2x three bedroom apartments with separate front door access. The property is currently set out over 3 floors accommodating extensive offices, and a residential element on the first and second floor.

Contact: DNG O'Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

For Sale by Public Auction Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Co Clare 28th FEBRUARY 2020, 12pm

2 ABBEYLAWN, CLARECASTLE

€300,000

34 BRAMBLE LANE, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS

€190,000

Abbeylawn is a mature, private development ideally located just off the Kildysart Road, within easy access of the village of Clarecastle and within a two minute drive of the M17 & M18 for those commuting to Shannon, Limerick & Galway. No 2 stands on a large private landscaped garden of over half an acre of mature gardens with an abundance of trees and shrubs, driveway and patio area. The accommodation is bright and very spacious with extensive living accommodation and includes five bedrooms one of which is en-suite. The property is finished to a very high standard with all top quality finishes and also has a garage. Viewing of this most appealing family home, designed around family lifestyle, is highly recommended.

Bramble Lane is a development of semi-detached properties ideally located on the Limerick Road just minutes from the By-Pass interchange and beside St Flannan's College, Treacy’s West County Hotel and Ennis Town Centre. Bramble Lane is a very popular development for families due to its proximity to the new Ennis National School and St. Flannan's College. There are lots of generous green open areas giving the development a spacious, open feeling. No. 34 is a modern four bedroomed home with top quality finishes including modern fitted kitchen, timber flooring in dining and living rooms, Tiled bathrooms, floored attic and much more. The accommodation is bright and spacious with four generous bedrooms. The property has a good sized rear garden with patio and shed and is not overlooked and overlooks a large green area to the front.

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

28 ROS NA RI, SHANAWAY ROAD, ENNIS

€365,000

Ros na Ri is an exclusive development of detached homes, ideally located close to many local facilities including Woodstock Golf Club & Leisure Centre, supermarkets, shops, schools, recreational facilities including Lees Road. Built in 2004, No.28 stands on a private site not overlooked to the rear in the popular development. The property is a bright spacious, detached family home which is beautifully finished to show house standards. The home has been beautifully maintained to provide light filled accommodation. Features include designer custom made kitchen, feature fireplace in the living room, tiled bathrooms, top quality flooring throughout, walk in wardrobes in main bedrooms, fully alarmed and landscaped gardens with a variety of shrubs. This is indeed a unique opportunity to acquire a most impressive family home in a much sought-after area. Fully fitted custom made kitchen including all appliances.

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 002433

DIARMUID McMAHON

DANIELLE O’ CONNOR

JASON PYNE

OPEN VIEWING Saturday Feb 22nd 10.30am - 11.00am

48 The Old Forge

Derrynaneal

TULLA

 Exceptional  Set 

OPEN VIEWING Saturday Feb 22nd 12.00am to 12.30am

Clare Road

FEAKLE

3 bedroom detached family home

on a private corner site approx .20 acre

The Old Forge is an attractive development of 50 detached homes

 Located

just 250 metres south of the Main Street Tulla

 BER

C3 No. 108224403 128.5 sq.m (1,382.6 sq.ft) approx



ENNIS

Spacious 5 bedroom detached family home



A delightfully appointed 5 bedroom semi-detached home



An abundance of living space



Set on a 1.32 acre approx. site



Located in the heart of Ennis

Ideally located a seven minute drive of Tulla village



Situated on a private corner site





BER B1 No. 111125128 227.8 sq.m (2,450 sq.ft) approx

Call Jason Pyne 065 6867866



Within walking distance of all town centre amenities



Ideal investment property



BER G No. 109530980 198 sq.m (2,035 sq.ft) approx

Call Jason Pyne 065 6867866

Call Jason Pyne 065 6867866

ennis@sherryfitzmcmahon.ie

SHERRYFITZ.IE

/SHERRYFITZGERALDGROUP @SHERRY_FITZ

It’s not just about property. It’s about people

PSRA No. 001212

T: 065 6840200

PSL - 002295

GALVIN CONSTRUCTION

*Finance provided by AIB – Green Mortgage, 90% L.T.V, First Time Buyer, 35year mortgage (Green Mortgage Rate of 2.5% fixed for 5 years) based on a purchase price of €230,000

T: 065 6840200

PSL - 002295

*Finance provided by Bank of Ireland– Green Mortgage, 90% L.T.V, First Time Buyer, 35year mortgage based on a purchase price of €266,000

30 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

BUSINESS

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

Old Ground Hotel appoint new manager STUART HOLLY

F

editor@clareecho.ie

LYNN Hotels has announced the appointment of Imelda Lineen as General Manager of the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis.

Imelda joins the team with an extensive background in the hospitality sector, having spent over 21 years working with some of Dublin’s leading hotels including the Ashling Hotel.

Most recently, Imelda spent the last three years as Deputy General Manager of the Limerick Strand Hotel.

Imelda holds a degree in Hotel Management from Technological University Dublin, as well as additional qualifications in Human Resource Management from the National College of Ireland.

Commenting on her appointment to the Old Ground Hotel, Imelda said, “I’m delighted to join the team at Flynn Hotels and to take up my new role as General Manager of the Old Ground Hotel.

“This is a magnificent hotel, steeped in history and full of character which makes it so special.

“As well as this, the Old Ground Hotel is right on the doorstep of some of Ireland’s most treasured gems including the Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way. “I look forward to working with the team here at the Old Ground Hotel, continuing to build on its fantastic reputation and re-

specting the grand feel that it is synonymous with.”

As well as the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, Flynn Hotels’ other properties include the Imperial Hotel, Cork; Newpark Hotel, Kilkenny; and The Park Hotel, Dungarvan.

For more information, please visit www. flynnhotels.com.

River leisure club opens THE long-awaited reopening of the leisure club in Castleconnell took place this Friday (February 14th).

It follows on from a commitment by the owner of the Castle Oaks House, Pat McDonagh, that the leisure centre would be opened soon after the purchase of the premises late last year.

“We know that the leisure centre is a very important part of the community and an important amenity for local people and clubs in the same way that the Castle Oaks Hotel is,” he said.

“When we took control of the premises last year it was clear that we had a lot of work to do to bring it up to the standard that would be required by members. So, after a lot of effort from Áine who manages the centre and the team at the Castle Oaks, led by Barry Kennedy, I am delighted to announce that the leisure centre is now open again with state-ofthe-art facilities and equipment which is no more than

the local community deserve. I would like to invite people to come and have a look at the facilities for themselves over the coming days,” he said.

The new and upgraded facilities include a 17- metre swimming pool, a kid’s pool, a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. The pool area has had a full mechanical upgrade including replacement of the air handling unit, boilers and filtration system.

The gym now boasts the top of the range Precor and Concept II brands to the range of equipment available which an assault bike, ski erg, spin bikes, treadmills, cross trainers, recumbent bike. There is now a squat rack with a full-size Olympic barbell kit, cable crossover machine, leg press, dual lat pull down & seated row as well as increased weight selections on dumbbells and an extra bench area for free weights. There is a studio area that will facilitate classes such as - spinning,

circuits, strength & conditioning, active ageing, injury rehabilitation and prevention and there will be aqua aerobics and swimming lessons in the pool area.

The changing rooms have been fully refurbished. The men’s and ladies changing rooms are spacious with ample seating areas, lockers and vanity areas. There are family changing cubicles and upgraded shower facilities. Membership will cater for singles, couples, families, students, and over 55's.

The Castle Oaks Hotel was purchased by Pat McDonagh in early 2019. The leisure centre became part of the property several months after that. The hotel and leisure centre are part of the 4* Só Hotels Group. Pat & Una McDonagh are the owners of the Castle Oaks House Hotel and it forms part of the Só Hotels Group. They are also the owners of the Supermac’s family restaurants group and currently employ over 4,000 people.

Businesses urged to take advantage of LEO week l DELIGHTED: Newly appointed Old

Ground Hotel General Manager Imelda Lineen

Vacancy for full time Motor Technician Must have suitable qualifications and current experience of repair/service requirements on Modern Vehicles CV applications to be sent to

service@mcenery.ie

THE first week in March will see small businesses and budding entrepreneurs gather across the country for Local Enterprise Week 2020.

An initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, thousands of attendees are expected at over 300 events across the country during the week aimed at supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurship.

The programme events being run by Local Enterprise Office Clare for Local Enterprise Week 2020 has been launched and with a range of events taking place from the 2nd – 6th March, there is something for everyone.

Some of our highlight events include the Clare final of the Student Enterprise Programme.

This programme aims to educate and encourage our entrepreneurs of tomorrow.

The week will conclude with a gala event to celebrate our many successful enterprises and to select an enterprise to represent Clare at the showcase National Enterprise Awards to be held in the Mansion House Dublin in May 2020.

The week is an opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to sample the range of supports that are on offer from their Local Enterprise Office related to a whole host of areas.

This will include financial supports, selling, networking, Brexit support, social media workshops, LEAN programmes and sessions dealing with how to make your

business more sustainable.

Head of Enterprise Padraic McElwee said; "Local Enterprise Week is a chance for small businesses and for those possible future start-ups to see the full range of supports out there for them.

“No matter what their business challenge or sector the Local Enterprise Offices will be putting on events for everyone, be it LEAN workshops, PR training, trading online, food programmes, mastering social media, or simply, how to start a business, then it will be covered.

“It is also a great chance to network and broaden your connections in business so use it to the advantage of your business, or business idea."

For more information on Local Enterprise Week and how to find events in Clare go to www.localenterprise.ie /clare and join the conversation on social media using #MakingItHappen The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support over 7,000 small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.

Since their establishment in 2014 they have helped create over 18,000 jobs and provide a range of supports to small businesses including mentoring, training and sector specific expert to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.

All information on www.localenterprise. ie/clare

To book visit www.localenterprise.ie/clare

RECRUITMENT

32

RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

2020 Dromoland Resort Recruitment

We invite applicants who are interested in the following areas

• • • • •

Part Time Seasonal Night Porter.

Part Time Seasonal Accommodation Assistants.

Full Time Food & Beverage Server for Shannigans Gastro Pub Part Time Kitchen Porters.

Part Time Seasonal Canteen Assistants.

Candidates need to meet the following criteria Must have good knowledge of the job role - have previous experience, preferably within the hotel industry.

Must be chatty, guest focused and friendly. Must be well organised and be able to manage busy service periods.

A variety of shifts available, however, due to nature of our business, flexibility is required.

Full Training is provided.

• • • • • • • • • • •

Full/Part Time Accommodation Assistants.

Full Time Seasonal Minibar Attendant.

Full Time Seasonal Linen Porter.

Full Time Golf Club Bar/Restaurant Supervisor.

Full/Part Time Golf Club Bar/ Restaurant Servers.

Full Time Golf Services Assistant.

Full Time Golf Club Locker Room Attendant.

Full Time Seasonal Golf Retail Assistant.

Full Time Seasonal Greenkeeper.

Chef Apprentices – Full Time.

Kitchen Porters – Full Time.

Contact our HR Department, Dromoland Castle Hotel & The INN at Dromoland, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co Clare Direct Dial: - 061 700695 Direct Dial: - 061 700631 Email: - Agreda.Lyons@dromoland.ie Email: - Theresa.Flynn@dromoland.ie An ICT Service Provider is currently recruiting for the role of

To fill a vacancy in their offices in Ennis for both permanent \ part-time job roles A communications network savvy engineer, with general working knowledge of wireless networking concepts, telecommunications , WAN networking with very strong IT skills and who is also prepared to work as part of a small team of Telecoms\IT and Software Engineers to design, implement, monitor and maintain bespoke customer solutions.

Riverlodge Health & Fitness Club

The job role involves the following ďƒ˜ Supporting Customer Technical Support Process within the company ďƒ˜ Office-based Engineering Support to field engineers. ďƒ˜ Multi-vendor Networking Product support via email \ telephone. ďƒ˜ Engineering support role – network design, configuration, validation and bench-test, commissioning ďƒ˜ Day to Day management of the cloud based data analytics tools and management portals as part of the NOC ( Network Operations Centre )

We are currently recruiting for the position of Leisure Club Manager, if you have the following skills we would like to hear from you. • A nationally recognized Fitness Instructors qualification or ITEC

Work Role Requirements ďƒ˜ 4 to 6 years’ experience in a similar role in WAN communications network design

• IWS Pool Lifeguard or equivalent qualification

ďƒ˜ Relevant experience will be taken into account and a qualification would be a

• Class teaching experience – Spin, Aqua,Tone

ďƒ˜ As the role will require some on-site work, an interest in meeting and dealing with customers

• Occupational First Aid

ďƒ˜ Successful candidate would ideally have

• Minimum 2/3 Years Leisure Centre Experience in a Management / Supervisory level

or telecoms\ICT industry is essential. distinct advantage

and experience in IT and wireless survey work is desirable.

experience in Wireless radio technologies Radio & IP technologies, Helpdesk PSA applications

ďƒ˜ Must be well motivated, must show good initiative and ability to work build rapport with other

• In depth knowledge of Pool Plant management

members of the Ability to self-manage is also an important aspect of the role.

Salary \ remuneration negotiable Any interested applicants should respond with an up-to-date CV to the following email

NCR20200213@gmail.com

Apply in confidence with C.V. to

manager@auburnlodge.com

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

REVISED TOYOTA C-HR RE-IGNITES THE HYBRID DEBATE SLEEKER, BETTER, C-HR PROVES THAT THERE’ STILL LIFE IN PETROL POWER

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TOYOTA C-HR 1.8 HYBRID

OW that the Government has officially named 2030 as the cutoff date for the sale of anything other than electric cars, you can sense the panic settling in. In just ten years’ time, we’re going to have to stop the sale of anything that burns petrol or diesel? Blimey…

Doubtless there will be many debates in the coming decade over how far and how fast we need to go, and equally doubtless the switch to electric motoring is a noble goal.

However, there’s just the possibility that we’re rushing ahead of ourselves a little, and that a more immediate, and effective, solution (or at least partial solution) is staring us in the face, yet being passed over.

You see, hybrids could still have a role to play. Not plugin-hybrids, but the conventional, no-plug-no-cable hybrids as essayed by the likes of Ford, Toyota, and others. A petrol engine backed up by a compact battery and a small electric motor. The thing is, while that sounds old-hat in a world where people now buy Teslas, there’s still a

lot of good that hybrids can do. A recent study by UCD, for instance, showed that even these relatively simple hybrids spend somewhere between 60 and 80 per cent of their driving life running on battery alone.

So does that mean that this C-HR is somewhere between 60 and 80 per cent of an electric car? Kind of, yeah. Certainly it’s more affordable and generally easier on the stress levels than many electric cars. You just drive it like a normal car, and when it runs low on fuel, you just pump some more in. Except, you’ll probably be pumping in a little less than you’re used to. We easily managed to do better than 5.3-litres per 100km (53mpg) and with a little care you could probably beat that in daily driving. The C-HR’s Co2 emissions (even under the tougher WLTP test) are just 110g/km, and as if that wasn’t enough, Toyota points out that its NOX emissions (the nasty gases at the heart of the diesel scandal) are just 3.6mg/km, against a legal limit of 80mg/km.

There are drawbacks, of course. The biggest one is that when you accelerate hard, the CVT gearbox lets the engine rev high and long, holding on to high rpms until you reach your desired speed. ’Twas ever thus with a Toyota hybrid, and it remains an annoyance, but at least extra sound-deadening panels have helped

to keep some of the noise at bay. Actually, aside from a bit too much road-roar at times, the C-HR’s cabin is a very quiet and comfortable place.

The rest of the C-HR is pretty impressive too. When it was first launched in 2016, the C-HR gave notice that Toyota was serious about making mainstream cars that are fun to drive. Its then-new TNGA platform has since spread out to almost every other model in the Toyota lineup, but the C-HR remains a genuinely pleasant car to drive.

It must be said that its stablemate, the Corolla, is actually a little more rewarding to steer, but the C-HR still has nicely weighted steering, and a sense of balance and adjustability to the chassis that can paint a smile on your face through the corners. It’s really quite delightful.

The updates to the C-HR include the fact that the base-model 1.2 turbo petrol engine has been dropped (it’s now an all-hybrid range, which includes the new 2.0-litre 184hp version) while the styling has been mildly revised. The headlights are new, as are the tail-lights, which are now connected by a slim strip of a boot spoiler. Inside, there are no dramatic changes, but that’s a good thing. The C-HR’s interior was always one of the best in the game, with intriguing diamond-shaped patterns everywhere, and great quality. Neither of

FACTS & FIGURES Model tested: Toyota C-HR 1.8 Hybrid Sol Pricing: €34,950 as tested; C-HR starts at, €30,620 Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder hybrid Transmission: CVT automatic, frontwheel drive Body style: crossover CO2 emissions: 110g/km (Band A4, €200 per annum) Combined economy: 58.9mpg (4.8 litres/100km) Top speed: 170km/h 0-100km/h: 11.0 seconds Power: 122hp (engine), 72hp (electric motor) Torque: 142Nm (engine), 163NM (electric motor) Boot space: 377 litres Safety: EuroNCAP rating: five stars; 95 per cent adult, 77 per cent child, 76 per cent pedestrian, 78 per cent safety assist

those has changed, but the one useful addition is that the clunky infotainment system is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a big improvement.

While that’s good, the C-HR is still coming up a little short on interior space and practicality.

For a car that’s priced against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson, a 377-litre boot is rather small. Meanwhile, the back seats are also tight, and the sharply-rising window line means that they’re also rather claustrophobic. If you regularly carry tall people and large bags, you might be better off going for a Corolla Touring Sports estate with the same frugal hybrid engine.

Still, the C-HR’s crossover shape has obvious appeal over and above a more traditional Corolla, so you would be hard-pressed to assume anything other than continued success for the C-HR. If nothing else, it might help ease that transition to 2030…

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SEAT LAUNCHES NEW LEON

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EAT has shown off the new Leon hatchback and estate, a vehicle aiming to enliven the compact segment.

The company has invested €1.1 billion in order to bring vehicles with more efficient engines, next levels of connectivity and driving assistance, great dynamism and more eye-catching aesthetics to the market.

The SEAT Leon has always been a core pillar in the brand’s vehicle line-up, and a reference point for the segment, proven by its more than 2.2 million unit sales over its three-generation life. The fourth-generation has been designed and developed to continue this huge accomplishment and take it to the next level in terms of connectivity, efficiency, dynamism, and safety.

The all-new SEAT Leon is designed, developed and produced in Barcelona, at the brand’s Martorell facilities.

“The SEAT Leon is our best-selling model and we want to continue its great track.

Therefore SEAT has invested more than 1.1 billion euros in the all-new SEAT Leon, mainly in the vehicle development and in the improvement of the production facil-

ities.” said Carsten Isensee, SEAT’s Acting President and Vice-President for Finance and IT. “2019 has been a record year for the company. We have sold more than 570,000 cars, the highest volume in our 70 years of history and we have achieved one of the best production figures ever, as we produced more than 500,000 cars in Martorell. A great basis to start this 2020” added Isensee.

Niall Phillips, Brand Director at SEAT Ireland commented, “The Leon is a firm favourite amongst Irish customers and we are confident that they will love the fourth-generation Leon even more. This model will bring a new level of technology, design and safety to this segment and we are excited to see the all-new Leon on Irish roads from May onwards. The Leon is hugely important to the brand, not only because it represents SEAT’s core DNA and values, but it will open up the brand to an even wider audience with the introduction of the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.”

In spite of the rise of SUVs and crossovers, the SEAT Leon remains a core model for the brand in the Irish market. Since the first Leon was sold in Ireland in 2000, over

13,300 SEAT Leon’s have been sold in Ireland from the first three generations.

The all-new SEAT Leon’s interior is the pinnacle of functionality, minimalism, and sleekness. Its smooth-surfaced, slim yet wide dashboard gives the impression of lightness, and a degree of “floatability”. Everything in the cabin has been designed to be ergonomically precise, increasing interior comfort for occupants, whether sitting in the driver’s seat, as a passenger or in the rear.

The interior’s main protagonist is its central 10” infotainment screen, which includes gesture recognition, delivering precise interaction with the occupants and reducing the number of physical buttons required.

Although functions that are more critical to use remain controlled by more conventional interaction systems.

And the all-new SEAT Leon mixes it appealing design with practicality too. The 5-door SEAT Leon offers a boot capacity of 380 litres (identical to the previous generation), while the Sportstourer offers 617 litres of boot capacity, 30 litres more than the previous generation The new Leon’s offer of standard petrol en-

gines are all direct-injection, turbocharged units and provide power outputs between 110hp and 190hp. The lower output engine which produces 110hp of power is a 1.0 litre TSI three-cylinder units, which is used in the SEAT Leon for the first time. Available with 150hp, the larger 1.5 litre petrol engine offers a level of performance that will bring a smile to the face of the driver but with the reassurance of optimised efficiency. At the top of the tree is the 190hp 2.0 litre TSI unit linked to the dual-clutch transmission.

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For the first time, the all-new SEAT Leon also encompasses 48V mild hybrid technology (eTSI), allowing the compact car to provide even greater efficiency levels (1.0 TSI 110hp and 1.5 TSI 150hp, both offered exclusively with the DSG transmission). And as SEAT expands its use of electrification, the fourth-generation Leon also includes an advanced plug-in hybrid variant.

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Hurlers weather the storm

lSTORM TROOPERS: Clare’s Domhnall McMahon competes with Laois defender Ciaran McEvoy during Sunday’s League encounter at Cusack Park

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Huge disruptions in the sporting calander didn’t stop Clare’s hurlers taking to the field on Sunday

Wet & windy in the Park

Clare athlete for Olympics

Ennis dog is pipped in Tipp

Double for Clare trainer

Brian Lohan had no concerns for player safety following Clare’s win over Laois in stormy conditions, which kept his side’s 100 per cent League record in tact

We learn about Ballyvaughan man, canoeist Liam Jegou who has become the first Irish athlete to be formally selected for the Tokyo Olympics this summer

Ennis dog, Netflixandchill agonisingly missed out on first place in the ninety fifth national coursing meeting at Clonmel on Sunday

Horse trainer, Kilmaley’s Brian McMahon scored his first double in Navan on Sunday with his horse, Se Mo Laoch also earning a spot in Cheltenham

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SCAN QR CODE USING PHONE CAMERA FOR CLARE V LAOIS MATCH REPORT

Eddie never saw ‘anything’ like conditions PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE’S “hurling cuteness” was the difference as Laois suffered an eight point defeat in Ennis on Sunday.

Laois manager, Eddie Brennan was disappointed his charges failed to build on their first half showing with a second-half return of five points with the wind.

“When you put in the shift that we did in the first thirty five minutes you would have said we were in a good position to go after that match. I’ve played a good few matches but I’ve never experienced anything as bad. At halftime there was lads inside shaking with the cold such was the elements. Ultimately it’s about getting stuck in, I think we ran out of steam, more than anything the difference was Clare’s bit of hurl-

ing cuteness, they had a lot of experienced players.”

Brennan continued, “In fairness to Clare they came out and fought very hard in the second half.

When you needed to get the scores on the board quickly, it was Clare who got them, that’s the killer in weather like that.”

During the course of the contest, they had to substitute three players due to various injuries. A setback that their medical team will look to remedy as they prepare for a crunch tie with Carlow this weekend.

Such were the conditions that eagle-eyed spectators would have noticed that Éire Óg attacker David Reidy wore different bodywarmers in either half. It wasn’t to do with sponsorship deals and more rather trying to stay warm.

“I was fully prepared, change of shorts, change of jersey, change of socks, I had all the second gear in the bag,” he told The Clare Echo.

Players didn’t pay too much attention to the weather forecast in

anticipation of the game, the LIT Marketing Officer said. “Once the big shower of hail and rain fell it was complete cold, it was hard to get warm again. Any stoppage in play in the second half, I just kept moving to keep warm, the worse thing you could do was get cold because if the ball came you would drop it”.

“We knew there was going to be wind and rain, driving here there was a bit of thunder and lightning but you have to prepare yourself to be game focused, if you’re not doing that before the game you will be coming to it in the wrong mindset”.

Sitting in the cold of the stand didn’t deter substitutes who did well on their introduction. Reidy maintained their impact was “massive”. “Domhnall McMahon got a point, Aron Shanagher got three points, it gives you a new lease of life when those lads come on. Once you have the jersey you do not want to give it away, it pushes you on”.

lBACK IN ACTION: David Reidy packed two sets of gear to contend with the elements

MATCH STATS PLAYER WATCH

Clare 0-17

Eibhear Quilligan

1

Laois 0-09

2

(6 in first half, 5 in second half)

Clean Distributions: 8 (4 in each half)

Wasted Possessions:

Stephen O’Halloran

10 13

3 (2 in first half, 1 in second half)

Shots: 1 Scores: 0-00 Wides: 1 Passes: 6 (4 in first half, 2 in second half)

Short passes: 3 Long passes: 3 Fouls: 2 Frees won: 1 Frees lost: 1 Tackles: 4 Minutes Played: 79

Ryan Taylor

7

6 8

Cathal Malone

David McInerney

David Reidy

Jack Browne

Shane Golden

5 Sunday, Feb 16 Cusack Park, Ennis

4

3

Liam Corry

Possessions: 11

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

11

Aidan McCarthy

9 Tony Kelly

David Fitzgerald

14

12

Seadna Morey

15 Aaron Cunningham

Shane O’Donnell

24: Domhnall McMahon (Tubber) for Fitzgerald (31) (Inj); 17: Aron Shanagher (Wolfe Tones) for Cunningham (46); 18: Ian Galvin (Clonlara) for Morey (47); 26: Podge Collins (Cratloe) for O’Donnell (55); 25: Niall Deasy (Ballyea) for Taylor (65)

CLARE STATS PUCKOUTS: WON: 11/15 LOST: 4/15 SHORT PUCKOUTS: 3/15

FREES: 17 FREE CONVERSION: TONY KELLY: 5/6 WIDES: 11

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GETTING JEGOU WITH IT Clare man becomes first member of Team Ireland for Tokyo 2020 Olympics

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LARE-born canoeist Liam Jegou has become the first Irish athlete to be formally selected for the Tokyo Olympics this summer, writes Páraic McMahon.

Born in Ballyvaughan, Liam is based in France. The twenty four year old will compete in the C1 category at the Kasai Canoe Slalom Centre in Tokyo on July 26th/27th. He will become only the second ever Irish athlete to compete in the event at the Olympics, Mike Corcoran competed in the 1996 Olympics at Atlanta, the same year Jegou was born.

A winner of a silver medal at the 2014 Junior World Championships and a bronze at the 2019 U-23 World Championships, Liam was nominated for the Olympics slot after finishing on top in the three-race selection criteria, which included the World Championships in Spain, the event in which Ireland secured the coveted Olympic berth courtesy of Robert Hendrick, another talented Irish racer.

His World bronze medal last July saw Liam produce the finest run of his career and clocked the fastest time of the day in 88.97 seconds. However two penalty seconds brought his time up to 91.97.

Speaking following his selection, Liam outlined, “Being an Olympian has always been one of my biggest dreams. I started training when I was 11 or 12, the past month has been unbelievable knowing that I am going to compete for Team Ireland in the Olympics.

"In my sport the Olympics is everything, it’s what everyone works for in their sport. It’s such a select thing; there’s only one athlete per nation that gets to go and when you get to go, you just want to give it your all. Most people only get to go to the Games once or twice in their lives, and I’m certainly not going to let the opportunity pass me."

Expected humid conditions in Japan won’t bother the Clare athlete. “I’m not too worried. I think we’ve got the perfect sport for it, we’re in the water all the time.

We’re used to warm conditions as well. In 2018, the world championships were in Rio, so you can’t get any worse than that. We came second at the Junior World Championships in 2014 in Australia, so I’m well used to the heat.

That won’t bother me.”

Canoeing Ireland Performance Director Jon Mackey felt Liam’s section would reap great benefits for the sport. “It’s big for any sport to qualify for an Olympic Games. For canoeing, it’s great for the exposure of the sport, we are relatively small, and it’s great to tap into the proud tradition of Irish canoeing at the Olympic Games”.

Photo c/o Sportsfile

Clare players star in UL success Clare Hehir lifts the trophy INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK were crowned Ashbourne Cup champions for the fifth year in succession on Sunday with six Clare members of their panel.

Inagh/Kilnamona’s Clare Hehir was joint captain of the side from centre back while Clarecastle/Ballyea’s Doireann Mur-

phy was in goals, Ciara Grogan of Clooney/Quin and Alannah Ryan from Kilkishen were both playing at corner back. Hehir’s clubmate Andrea O’Keeffe and Tulla’s Sinead Conlon were introduced from the bench as UL recorded a 3-14 0-12 win over UCC in Waterford.

Managed by former Éire Óg coach, Adrian O’Sullivan, UL became the seventh team and fourth college to complete the UPMC Ashbourne Cup five-ina-row. Ten of the panel collected their first medal while nine players picked up their fourth.

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THE GAME CENTRE HURLING

FAI U17 Cup Quarter-Final Mervue Utd v Tulla Utd in Mervue at 14:00

Sunday February 23rd Allianz National Hurling League Div 1 Rnd 4 Clare v Kilkenny in Nowlan Park at 14:00. Referee: Liam Gordon

Martin Donnelly MyClubShop.ie Clare & District Soccer League Fixtures CSGL Electrical Youths League B Division Newmarket Celtic v Kilrush Rangers in McDonough Park at 13:00. Referee: Museliu Bashua Kildysart Celtic v Ennis Town in Kildysart at 11:00.

Referee: Caoilfhionn O’Dea

GAELIC FOOTBALL Thursday February 20th Munster U20 Football Championship Quarter Final Clare v Waterford in Hennessey Memorial Park, Miltown Malbay at 19:00 Sunday February 23rd Allianz National Football League Div 2 Rnd 4 Clare v Laois in Cusack Park at 14:00. Referee: Liam Devenney

CAMOGIE Sunday February 23rd Littlewoods Ireland National Camogie League Div 1 Rnd 2 Clare v Kilkenny in Nowlan Park (12 noon)

LADIES FOOTBALL Sunday February 23rd Lidl Ireland National Football League Div 2 Rnd 4 Clare v Meath at 12:00 (Doonbeg)

SOCCER Saturday February 22nd Oscar Traynor Quarter-Final Clare v Wexford in Frank Healy Park at 16:30. Referee: Shane Hayes Munster Youths Cup Quarter-Final Bridge Utd v Charleville in Sixmilebridge at 14:00.

Referee: Michael Rock

Jim Casey Trophies U17 League Group B Moher Celtic v Burren Utd in Lahinch at 11:00. Referee: Sean Kenneally Sunday February 23rd Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup Round 2 Sporting Ennistymon v Kilrush Rangers in Lahinch at 11:00. Referee: Julian Sandford Corofin Harps v Tulla Utd in Corofin at 14:30. Referee: Dylan Shannon Turnpike Rovers v Shannon Town B in Lees Rd Astro at 12:15. Referee: Michael Rock T Sheils & Company First Division League Newmarket Celtic B v Lifford B in McDonough Park at 11:00. Referee: Martin O’Brien Ennis Town v Kildysart Celtic in Lees Rd Astro at 14: 30.

Referee: Pa Gleeson Hermitage A v Avenue Utd B in Fairgreen at 13:30.

Referee: Brian Punch Campion Insurance Second Division League Bridge Utd B v Kilkishen Celtic in Sixmilebridge at 14:00.

Referee: Sean Kenneally Rhine Rovers v Coole FC in Lees Rd at 11:00. Referee: Shane Hayes Manus Celtic A v Moher Celtic B in Lees Rd at 14:30.

Referee: Frankie Coote Suttons Lighting Third Division League Ennis Dons v Manus Celtic B in Lees Rd Astro at 10:30.

Referee: Brian Punch Shannon Town C v Cloughleigh Celtic in Corrib Drive at 14:00. Referee: Museliu Bashua Inch Crusaders v Shannon Hibs B in Lees Rd Astro at 16:00. Referee: Paudie Hayes

Girls U18A Cup Kilrush v Carrick-Waterpark in Carrick-on-Suir at 12:00.

Referee: Jack Jacob Girls U18A Cup Ennis v Mallow in Mallow at 12:00.

Munster Club U16 Plate Ennis Red v Carrigaline/Dolphin/Douglas in Dolphin at 12:30. Referee: Denis Collins Munster Club U18 Bowl Ennis White v Killorglin in Killorglin at 13:00.

Munster Club U16 Cup Kilrush v Kinsale in Kinsale at 14:00 Girls U16 Cup Kilrush v Carrick-onSuir in Kilrush at 12:00. Referee: Dermot Hallahan Sunday February 23rd Munster Club U16 Bowl Ennis White v Bandon RFC in Ennis at 12:00. Referee: John D Adams Munster Club U18 Development Plate St Senans v Fermoy in UL 4G at 12:30. Referee: Brian Roche Munster Club U18 Cup Ennis Red v Skibbereen in Ennis at 14:00.

Munster Junior League Division 3 Scariff v Ennis in Scariff at 13:00. Referee: Bertie Assia Youths U15 Conference North Ballina/Killaloe v Newport in Murroe at 11:30.

St Senans v Nenagh Ormond in Tyone Nenagh at 11:45 Youths U14 Conference North Ennis Black v Kilrush in Lees Rd at 10:30.

St Senans v Newcastle West Estuary in Newcastle West at 11:30 Girls U14 Cup Ennis v Ballina/Killaloe in Ennis at 12:00. Referee: Gearoid Folan Youths U13 Section 2 North Ennis Red v Bruff in Ennis at 11:30.

Ballina/Killaloe/Scariff v Ennis Black in Clarisford at 12:30. Referee: Adrian Ó Donnabháin

RUGBY Saturday February 22nd Munster U16 Development Cup St Senans v Cork Constitution in UL 4G at 11:30. Referee: Michael Reidy

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Clonmel heartbreak for Netflixandchill

E

NNIS dog, Netflixandchill agonisingly missed out on first place in the ninety fifth national coursing meeting at Clonmel on Sunday.

Spectators noted that some of the finals were the best seen at the venue for a long time with common agreement that there were six outstanding winners.

Loyal Derby sponsor John Boyle took the Kevin Smith Champion Stakes with his own Boylesportsmagic. Having won the Oaks here 12 months ago Magic was the favourite from everyone including the bookies to land the spoils again.

Such a narrative didn’t fester into Rockmount in Ennis where Shane Flanagan Kennels had handled Netflixandchill over recent weeks with wins at Killimer/Kilrush, Limerick City & Castleisland earlier in the season.

The Clare supporters who travelled to Clonmel were quietly confident and had their money on at long odds.

Weather conditions in Clonmel were poor, Storm Dennis didn’t help matters either.

With two wins under his belt by midday on Sunday morning, there was huge confidence behind the Ennis dog as they went to slips for the final.

Coming away well from slips Netflixandchill was ahead at the halfway mark and in control by three quarters way, however Boylesportsmagic found another gear to just get the judges flag.

Such a result was heartbreak of course for Shane Flanagan and the Hey You Sir Syndi-

cate as their triple Cup winner looked to be on his way to success for most of the final.

Career best for Kilmaley owned Ballyvoe Ace

Storm Dennis didn’t help matters in Clonmel where Ennis dog Netflixandchill just missed out on the judge’s flag

Meanwhile, a career best performance from the Kilmaley owned Ballyvoe Ace was recorded in Galway Greyhound Track on Friday night.

Saturday night’s rugby game meant it was Friday night racing only in Galway last weekend. The concluding A2 graded 525 yards contest was the feature event on the card which saw patrons including plenty of Cardiff Blues Rugby Supporters enjoy some excellent racing.

Owned by Kilmaley duo, John Maher and Richard Pyne, Ballyvoe Ace put up a superb performance in the A7 graded fourth contest. He routed his rivals by upwards of seven and a half lengths in a career best 29.28.

Away well on the wide outside the winner outpaced Balroebuck Cindy and Beslow Emilykate on the run towards the opening bend and cutting to the rails at the turn he extended his advantage to over three lengths turning down the back.

Striding out well Ballyvoe Ace had his counterpart well and truly on the stretch passing halfway and gradually extending that advantage he was home and hosed rounding the home bend.

‘Fairytale’ Navan double for Kilmaley’s McMahon

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KILMALEY’S Brian McMahon (below) scored his first double in Navan on Sunday with his horse, Se Mo Laoch also earning a spot in Cheltenham.

His 149-1 double has been described as “a fairytale” outing. Fourteen year old Seskinane belied his age to take the navanadventurecentre.ie Handicap Hurdle by four and three-quarter lengths under Phillip Enright. Eoin Mahon was in the saddle as Se Mo Laoch (9-1) led on the run-in to beat long-time leader Wishmoor by four lengths in the Come Racing Handicap Chase. Se Mo Laoch’s victory secured a place in Cheltenham’s Kim Muir.

Seskinane’s success was a true family affair for McMahon. He was Brian’s first horse and was purchased by his late father Eugene while his four nephews, Liam, Eoin, Tadhg and Daithí also have a special relationship with the 14 year old. “He is the favourite, he was the first horse I had, my dad bought him, he passed away shortly after getting him, he has been a legend for me and for all my family. Often I’d have my four nephews sat one behind each other on his back walking along the yard, that is the kind of gent he is and put the tack on him and he’s up on his back legs”.

Late last year, Brian purchased a new yard which is just over the Galway border

by Tubber. The move has proved to be lucky so far, “It is fitting that Seskinane was the first winner for me out of the new yard, he was the first horse I got when I started five years ago. My late dad bought him, he was the apple of his eye, it is very fitting that he came up trumps for me at fourteen”.

“Two or three winners a year would be the height of it usually so two in a day is beyond belief,” McMahon who has eight horses in training added. “They’re 23 years of age between the two of them, I had this fella since I got him as a three year old, they are in the stables next to each other at home, between the two of those and Powersbomb they are the favourites in the yard”.

A research and development biochemist by profession, Brian began his career in racing when riding out for trainer Donie Hassett. He gained further experience working with Nicky Henderson for two years. Brian returned home and began training in 2013 and enjoyed his first winner when the Derek O’Connor-ridden Powersbomb won a bumper at Sligo in July of the following year. The same horse was a winner under Mikey Fogarty at the Galway Festival in 2015 and was a four-time winner in all for the stable.

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23 medals for Ennis swimmers Munster titles for Clare youngsters

TWENTY-THREE medals were brought home to Ennis by sixteen different swimmers at Sunday’s Nenagh Neptune Invitational Gala.

Jude Collins collected four medals with three each obtained by Claudia Haugh and Ingrid Murphy. Some outstanding individual performances were displayed by the Clare swimmers.

Praise was extended to Nenagh Neptunes “for the great gala” by representatives of Ennis Swimming Club. The gala was hailed as being “fun and fast” by some of the Clare people that made the trip to Tipp.

There was great success for Clare players in Kilcoleman and Nenagh last weekend for the Munster Cumann na mBunscol handball finals. Tuamgraney Handball Club’s Jack Madden was successful in the Boys U13 Singles representing Scarriff National School. Clooney Quin GAA Club’s Seán Considine took gold in the Boys U11 Singles representing Clooney National School. There were huge celebrations back home in Toonagh, after Tara Lucas and Ella Casey emerged victorious in the Girls U11 Doubles representing Toonagh National School. Congratulations also to Ellie Frost (Kilkishen NS), Olivia Moroney (O’Callaghan’s Mills NS), Clarissa Gilmore, Aoife Cummins, Cillian Cummins, Conor Coffey (Toonagh NS), Paul Rodgers and Matthew Crotty (Scarriff NS) on the great achievement of making the Munster Finals.

Meanwhile, Mayo proved to be unfruitful for Clare players this weekend when competing at the Adult Nationals.

The performance of the weekend came from Tuamgraney’s Ciarán Malone who reached the final of the Men’s A Singles. He lost out in the final to Tyrone’s Ryan Mullan after a tiebreaker. His fellow clubmate, Diarmaid Nash, came up against Martin Mulkerrins in the semi-final of the Men’s Open where he lost out after two extremely tight games.

Also in the Men’s Open Clooney Quin’s Fergal Coughlan Jnr was out played by Cavan’s Paul Brady, who was making his comeback to senior handball but he would later pull out of the tournament with an injury.

Improve putting consistency

O

NE of the vital ingredients to having a consistent putting stroke is finding a way to use your shoulders and arms in your upper body, rather than predominantly using your hands. How you hold the putter along with the size of the putter grip you use, both help determine how active your hands are going to be in a putting stroke.

The majority of golf shots we play are full golf shots, therefore we are usually seeking maximum clubhead speed and to create this we need to be able to release the club with our hands quiet swiftly. For these shots we generally hold the club more in our fingers on the right hand (for a right handed golfer) to help achieve maximum release and clubhead speed.

On the putting green however the majority of our putts don’t need speed. Also the more wrist movement we have in our putting stroke, the more dramatic the clubface opens and closes.

Therefore limiting the amount we use our wrists helps to limit the amount of movement in the clubface, leading to a more consistent putting stroke.

If you hold your hands out in front of you, like you would normally grab your putter. Now turn your right hand clockwise towards the right until your right thumb is resting towards the right side of the grip and then turn your left hand the opposite way anticlockwise until your left thumb is resting towards the left side of the grip. You’ll notice your forearms and the palms of your hands are now facing forward (pictured right). This change in direction is forcing your wrists to face away from each other and now limiting how much they can move in your putting stroke. Using this method will force you to have to use your shoulders and arms now when your putting.

The further you face your forearms forward facing away from each other the more limited your wrists will become. This technique also then limits how much the face of your putter moves around, helping you to find a better consistent putting stroke. However this technique won’t suit every golfer because for some players by taking their hands out of the stroke completely can also have a detrimental effect because it can effects the

natural feel in your hands and this feel is needed to improve the pace of your putts.

The amount of degrees you open your hands away from each other will vary for each of us, but this technique is a sure way to limit over using your hands during a putting stroke. Using a midsize or even a bigger putter grip is also important when your trying this technique because it is important your hands are fuller when using this method. Remember you won’t know whether your current putting stroke is your optimal putting stroke until you try out different methods.

If your hands are usually too active then this method will certainly help you to finally keep them under control helping you to achieve a more consistent putting stroke.

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

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Keegan loving time as Clare Oscar Traynor boss

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LARE’S Oscar Traynor side are stronger this year, manager Shane Keegan has maintained.

For his first campaign in charge, Keegan had to do without the bulk of Newmarket Celtic’s contingent as they focused on club competitions. Their return plus the emergence of players like Mark Roche, Cian McDonough and Cian O’Dea at county level has been another plus.

He felt the change in this year’s squad was visible to see.

“I wouldn’t see it is a pressure game, we hope to go as far as we possibly can this year. We’re a bit stronger than we were last year, we didn’t have the Newmarket lads available at all last year, the League in fairness didn’t have me under any illusions when they approached me to do the job, they did tell me it was a very different remit from where we’ve been in previous years, seven to nine players that won the Oscar Traynor weren’t going to be available and it was more about bringing in new fellas and going in a different direction.

“This year has been different, we have half and half, half of the lads are new but we do have five or six that have been on Oscar Traynor winning sides so it makes us a bit stronger and gives us more options.

“There is no pressure on us but we will fancy ourselves to give a decent account of ourselves”.

Cian O’Dea has been one of the standout players this year for the county but the Corofin Harps man will be unavailable for Saturday’s quarter-final “because of the overlap with the Gaelic Football”. On Sunday, they returned to training in advance of the tie. “It’s different from a club side it’s almost like an international setup in that they’re away from you for

a long time, you’re just hoping and praying that when everyone comes back that most of them are reporting to be fit and well with no major injuries. It’s very different, you have to cover a large body of work in a short period of time in the lead up to the game”.

Wexford stand in Clare’s way of reaching the last four, they are a team Shane knows plenty about given that he spent five seasons in charge of Wexford Youths, winning the League of Ireland First Division in 2015. “I’d know them inside out but that works both ways, they are very familiar with me so they’d know how I would be going about things”.

“I’m big into opposition analysis, at this level you’re going in blind a lot of the time, I watched Limerick Desmond play their round two game in preparation for our round three game, that was good but we were shooting in the dark when it came to preparing for Limerick District and Kerry, this time round I’ve no excuses for not knowing everything we need to know about them”.

A native of Laois, Keegan told The Clare Echo he is “loving” his time in charge of the Banner County. “There are few Leagues in the country that take it as seriously as Clare do, the previous weekend is cleared for a practice game, they do everything they can to make sure as many players are available. Our local club would have played in the Kilkenny league, they got to an Oscar Traynor final last year with less than half a dozen collective training sessions. We’ve had three or four sessions leading into every game, that comes from the top and the committee who praise an importance on the trophy and give whoever is over the team all the tools to do the job to the best they can”.

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Clodagh O’Hagan of Tulla Athletics Club won the U11 shot putt on Saturday at the Munster Athletics Indoor Championships and in doing so, set a new Munster U11 record of 7.14m. It follows a week when she won silver in the front crawl at the Irish minor schools national swimming competition in Dublin, the only Clare athlete to medal

WEST CLARE Ballynacally Kelly Bros Cooraclare

Vaughan’s Filling Station Tubridy’s Pub

Cree

Declan Meaney’s Shop

Connolly

McGrath’s Food Store

Darragh

Sheedy’s Londis – Top Shop

Doonbeg

Hayes Shop

Kilkee

Nolans Deli Mace

Kilrush

Whelans Mace Shop, The Corner Shop Queally's SuperValu The Leisure Centre Tesco Supermarket Foleys Bar and Grocery

Killimer Road Vandeleur Gardens Café Killimer

Killimer Ferry Café

Moneypoint

Moneypoint Power Station Centra Doohans Foodstore

Kilmihil

Johnstons – Centra Fitzpatricks Costcutter Circle K

S. EAST CLARE Quin

Crowes Supermarket Post office

Shannon

TESCO Express MACE Shannon Dunnes Stores Easons Iceland WHSmith JJ Ruddles Joes Deli Circle k Shannahan Paints Smitz Deli and Shop Café Solo Shannon Swimming & Leisure Centre

Feakle

Moloneys Store Smiths general sote Peppers Pub

Flagmount

O’Mara’s

Scarriff

Centra Scarriff Wise Buys Bane's Gift shop Post Office Supervalu Supermacs

Kilkishen

Kilmaley

O’Brien’s Country Store McDaids

Knockerra

T. Powers Shop/Fuel Station

Bunratty

Meadows and Byrne Spar Supermarket and Garage

Labasheeda Declan Casey Lissycasey

Talty’s Superarket Pynes

Quilty

O’Dwyers Shop & Post Office Topaz Filling Station

Miltown Malbay

Inagh

MACE

Kilfenora

Howley’s Supermarkets O’Gorman’s XL Stop

O Briensbridge O Briensbridge Bonner’s Bar Ray O’Meara Butcher

Lahinch

Centra Daybreak/Hassetts

Newmarket on Fergus

EUROSPAR Halpins Garage The Inn at Dromoland

Liscannor

Liscannor Service Station

Broadford

The Country Store Post Office

Clarecastle

Crusheen

Whitegate

McDermott's Xpress Stop Tracey's Foodstore

Mountshannon Galvins

Doolin Hotel

Gala Clarecastle Centra Clarecastle Maxol Service Station, Mace

Corofin

Centra Lakefield Service Station O'Callaghans Daybreak Hogans Shop

Daybreak

Toonagh

Toonagh Stores

Killaloe

SuperValu The Forge General Store Lakeside Hotel Post Office Credit Union Heaneys

Ballyvaughan Spar Mooney's filling Station

Ballina

Farrells Spar

Clonlara

Naughtons

Parteen

Clancys Shop

Westbury

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Cloughleigh

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Keanes Bar & Grocery Shop Post Office

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TULLA ROAD Hill Crest Field of the Flowers Four Season Drive Bally Macahill Bridge Court Court an Fhile Gort na Habhana Elm Wood An Tsean Dun Cluain Ros Leanmban Oakleigh Wood Cappahard Castlerock Cloverhill Verdant hill Corrovorrine St Sennans Road LIMERICK ROAD Ardlea Road The Hawthorns Westfield Abbey Court Ard Aoibion Ardlea Road Cathedral Court Ardlea Close CLON ROAD Park Avenue French Park Meadow Court

Greendale French Court Fergus Mannor Riverdale Fergus Lawn CLONROAD MORE College Grove Riverside Inniscarraid Slen Saroens Feiche an Cholaiste Springfield NEW ROAD Fergus Park WATERY ROAD Willow Park Oak Wood drive Westbourn Court Mountain View Bishop Court Oak Park LAHINCH ROAD Glassan Acha Bhile Wood Lawn Cloonberg Oun na Binse Brookville Victoria Court Cusack Lawn

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Highfield St, Patrick Terrace Phoenix Court Maiville Avondale Dalcassian Drive TOBERTEASCAIN Honey Well Oun na Ri Carris an Oir Crezaun Tir Eda Carraig Colleg Park ST FLANNANS TERRACE Castlewood Park Hazel Wood Conolly Villas St, Michael’s Villa Ar na Grein QUIN ROAD Station Court Station View Bruach na h’Abhainn Quinn Road Industrial Estate.

NEWBRIDGE ROAD College Road Marian Avenue Rosanore

Ennis Leisure Centre

Showgrounds Kenny’s Shop Ennis Golf Club Drumbiggle

O'Briens Gala

Turnpike

Gerraghty's Spar Yvonnes Chipper

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Western Service Station Daybreak

Limerick Road Applegreen Elmo Spar RE's Store Treacy’s West County

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Classifieds 44 CLASSIFIEDS

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THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

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PLANNING 45

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 4, DOOLIN HOLIDAY COTTAGES, DOOLIN, CO CLARE V95 W310

Take notice that Fiona Hyland intends to apply for permission to build a new storage shed and carport connecting onto the rear of the existing dwelling house and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during it’s 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 application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NO 50 WESTPARK, SPANISH POINT, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Paul Conway Architects, Knockbrack, Ennistymon intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council on behalf of Terence & Evanna Farrelly

for planning permission for development at No 50 Westpark, Spanish Point, Co Clare. The development will consist of the construction of a 23sqM single storey extension to the side/ west, and a 30.5sqM single storey extension to the rear/ north, new rooflight, and alterations to existing windows and to site works and services.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BOW LANE MAIN STREET, ENNISTYMON

I, EĚ amonn O’Sullivan, intend to apply for permission for development at this site Bow lane, Main Street, Ennistymon.The development will consist

The Clare Echo Classifieds

of construction of an extension and alterations to existing house as follows: 1) renewal of existing roof, 2) replacement of existing corrugated steel roof in slate, with the addition of two sky lights, 2) provision of one new window opening to the front and one to the rear, 3) enlargement of one existing window opening 4) replacement of existing front windows and 5) plastering of part of one stone wall. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, â‚Ź20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

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 142sqM single storey freestanding storage structure, and 10sqM single storey extension to the rear/ north of the existing office, and for the Retention of 56sqM extension to the east/ side and front/ south of the existing office and new front site boundary wall, fencing and gate, and alterations to site works and services.

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

on the date of receipt by the exceeding the reasonable authority of the application cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning CLARE COUNTY Authority during its COUNCIL public opening hours. A ROSLEVAN, ENNIS, submission or observation CO. CLARE. in relation to the Take notice that Michael application may be made to Keating Dip. Arch. (phone the Authority in writing on 085-8421780) intends to payment of the prescribed apply to Clare County fee within the period of 5 Council, on behalf of weeks beginning on the date Michael & J.J. Fahy, for full of receipt by the Authority permission to construct the of the application. following: (a) 3 no. two-bedroom CLARE COUNTY detached bungalows; COUNCIL (b) 4 no. three-bedroom RINNAMONA, semi-detached houses; KILNABOY, CO. (c) 3 no. three- and fourCLARE bedroom terrace type Take notice that Brian houses; Foudy & Associates – (d) 2 no. 3 bedroom Architects & Chartered detached houses.

Engineers of Osprey House, Connect to public foul Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. sewer.

Surface water Clare to discharge to stream. 065 6893565 www.

Connect to public water foudyconsulting.ie. supply, connect to public Intend to apply to the services (telephone and planning authority on electricity).

Permission behalf of Claire Moroney is also required to access & Jason O’Connor for the development via permission to (a) Demolish development previously existing sheds (b) alter granted under Planning and extend existing Ref. No. 99/232. Previous dwelling house, install permission granted on this new wastewater treatment site under Planning Ref. system and soil polishing No. 06/161 at Roslevan, filter together with all Ennis. ancillary site development The planning application works and services at the may be inspected or above address. purchased at a fee not The planning application

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

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46 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

Best Daily Word Search

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES FEB 20 Best Daily Word Search: 14 February 2020

WORD SEARCH

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, FEB 20 2020

The Clare Echo Quiz

The Clare Constituency elected Which Fianna Fail TD lost his 12020’s its first Sinn Fein TD since _____ in 7seat?

GE? a.

Rita McInerny a. 1922 b. 1935 c. 1956

2

The Clare Count took place at? a. The Spanish Armada b.

The West County Hotel c.

The Falls Hotel Ennistymon

b. c.

Timmy Dooley Cathal Crowe

Deputy Wynne joined Sinn Fein in 8 what year? a. 1998 b. 2002 c. 2012

Independent Michael McNamara What was the quota for votes at 3 was a former ____ TD? 9 the Clare GE 2020? a. Labour a. 9,100 Fine Gael Fianna Fail

b. 10,900 c. 11,900

Violet Anne Wynne is a graduate How many counts took place 4 of ________?

10 at the Clare GE 2020? a. UCD a. 8 Fianna Fail received ____ per cent 5 of the first preference votes? a. 24 b. 34 c. 44

b. 9 c. 10

By Cian O’Broin

l QUESTION 1: The Clare Constituency elected its first Sinn Fein TD since

_____ in 2020’s GE?

6. Fine Gael 7. Timmy Dooley 8. 2012 9. 11,900 10. 10

b. TCD c. NUIG

Pat Breen was a former _____ 6 Junior Minister? a.

Fine Gael b.

Fianna Fail c. Labour

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Oisin Askin, Chris Downes, Josh Garvey and Abi Robbins with tutor Declan Farmer of West Clare Youth Reach at the Moving On seminar held at Temple Gate Hotel recently Natasha Barton

Photo by John Mangan

ANSWERS

1. 1922 2. The Falls Hotel Ennistymon 3. Labour 4. TCD 5. 34

b. c.

Last weeks Answers . Goal post missing in background . White mark missing on grass . Pattern missing on red dress . Writing missing on black sign in

background . Man (right) shoes are different colour . Floodlight in background missing . Woman’s scarf different colour (center)