€71,610 WORTH of cocaine was located in a wooden area of Shannon as Gardaí clamped down on drug seizures in the county.
Over the course of two days, more than €85,000 worth of drugs were seized in Shannon, Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-onFergus.
Among the biggest seizures saw the Divisional Drugs Unit locate €71,610 of cocaine hidden among
the trees and bushes of a wooden area of Shannon. No arrests have been made by An Garda Síochána in relation to the series of searches conducted as part of Operation Tara.
In response to queries from The Clare Echo, a Garda spokesperson outlined, “During the course of the operation €85,000 of suspected drugs were seized. No arrests have been made, investigations are ongoing”
FULL STORY pg 6
Email: editor@clareecho.ie or
news@clareecho.ie
Email: ciaran.coote@clareecho.ie
or niall@clareecho.ie
36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021
This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie
HOLIDAY season in Co Clare is now beginning much earlier than in the past, a Kilkee councillor has said, writes Páraic McMahon
Issuing the call for more resources across coastal parts of the county, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) told Tuesday’s meeting of the Rural Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) that there has been a ‘complete change’ in what happens “from a coastal and tourism perspective” since the pandemic.
He stated, “the Bank Holiday at February has kickstarted everything, I’ve never seen Kilkee as busy so early in the year. We now need to look at that from a resourcing point of view, it is not good enough to be just hiring summer staff”.
Director of Service, Leonard Cleary was nodding in agreement as the West Clare representative made his point. “From February on is now the season,” he acknowledged.
Increased resources for front line operations, roads, beaches and town and village maintenance was sought by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) at the most recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District.
Here it emerged that a business case was submitted to senior management of the Council to seek additional staffing onto current resources due to the demands encountered with the popularity of beach destinations in North and West Clare.
Lisdoonvarna based Garrihy commented, “It seems to be too easily being pushed
aside year on year, our crews are pushed to the pin of their collar every year. We really need to redouble our efforts, it can’t be getting pushed aside, too much is dependent on too few”.
Efforts to increase resources act as “a perennial request,” Cllr Murphy observed.
“Every year we come along well ahead of the summer season and say we need to be planning for the summer time and then there’s no support for the extra resources required. I hate to harp on about parking bylaws, that revenue would be derived from
the people visiting the county and would be then put into resources. I’m sick in the face of asking for that management tool to be amended so a potential revenue stream can be allocated towards the communities. There is no chance that will be looked at for this year, we’ll be told at budget time we want all these resources and then at the other side told we don’t have the resources. This is not pitched at screwing the visitor, I pay for parking in Ennis, Limerick and Dublin. Of all the things that frustrate me as a councillor, this frustrates me the most”.
The Play Inn, located at the Inn at Dromoland Hotel, is a 5000 ft Indoor Play-Zone which includes:
Giant Slide, Giant Ball Pools, Tunnel Slide, Mazes, Toddler Area Bridges and Climbing Obstacles.
Open every Friday to Sunday all year round and open daily during school holidays.
Birthday Party Packages which includes Play and Hot Food also available (minimum group size of 10).
Advance Booking is required for both individual one hour play sessions and birthday parties.
Book now by calling 061-368161. For more information and pricing visit www.theinnatdromoland.ie
A FORMAL meeting of Clare County Council will be held this Monday where it is expected the local authority will announce its intention to accept the deal offered by Government to transfer the Shannon Heritage sites, writes
Páraic McMahonOn Tuesday, Cabinet approval for €6m in exchequer funding for 2023 was agreed to facilitate the transfer of the four Shannon Heritage sites in the county to the local authority.
Elected members of Clare County Council were briefed on the funding package at a lunch held in The Old Ground Hotel on Wednesday afternoon. Councillors told The Clare Echo that the meeting was “very positive” and expressed confidence that an agreement would be reached.
While the Wednesday gathering was held behind closed doors, the next engagement on the subject is understood to be scheduled for this coming Monday where the Council is expected to announce its intention to accept the Government’s offer.
A due diligence report submitted by Clare County Council last July identified that a sum of €15m would be needed to support the upgrading and maintenance of the sites for three years. The sum announced for 2023 is €6m but with potential for further funding in 2024 and 2025, the total amount is expected to surpass €10m.
Two years ago, the Council was asked to commence a due diligence process to facilitate the transfer of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunow en Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle & Walled Garden, and the Cliffs of Moher Experience retail unit from Shannon Airport Group.
Over the last 22 months, the
process has been far from smooth sailing with former Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) telling the Council last February to “get on with it” when asked about the transfer. The local authority in December released a critical statement where it said it could not proceed without “real and meaningful support from Government,” this was released after they were offered one sixth of the sum sought.
Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) was confident Clare County Council would accept the deal put before them. “I am really pleased that Government has made a significant offer to assist Clare County Council take over the sites. It has been an ongoing saga for over two years, I recognise the commitment of the Council, they have had tough negotiations, they played hardball and rightly so. They held out and worked hard for the people of Clare”.
Government are committed to ensure the transfer does not drain the existing Council resources, Senator Dooley noted. “The workers will have the same rights, the Council will be taking over the businesses and that is really good, it is really positive for the tourism offering in the county”.
“The Council and its Elected Members now need to be given the time and the space to consider this support package and I look forward to the outcome of this process. It’s key that these measures do not detract in any way from local authorities’ core functions, which I am sure will be considered by the Elected representatives and the Council executive in the coming days,” concluded Deputy McNamara.
A FUNDING package of €6m has been signed off on by Cabinet to facilitate the transfer of the Shannon Heritage business from Shannon Airport Group to Clare County Council.
€6m in exchequer funding has been proposed for 2023 to support the transfer of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle & Walled Garden, and the Cliffs of Moher Experience retail unit to the local authority. Further funding opportunities will be available in 2024 and 2025, once the transfer is complete.
An upfront figure of €6m has been signed off on by Cabinet after a memo was agreed on Tuesday. The remaining funds will be distributed over 2024 and 2025 and could possibly exceed €10m with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to give a commitment to make further capital for the project a priority as part of the estimates process. When the transfer is complete, opportunities for further support from Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Housing will
also become available.
If an agreement is reached, the sites can be operational under the Council’s watch for the coming summer season, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) said, “The financial package will enable the transfer to be completed as soon as possible, in time for the Summer season, and will help underpin the significance of the sites from a cultural and local enterprise and employment perspective.”
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers (FF) confirmed that he has written to the Council Chief Executive Pat Dowling with details of the agreed funding package. “I hope that work is now intensified on the remaining technical details of the transfer with a view to it being successfully effected as soon as possible in advance of the anticipated busy summer period which lies ahead for the tourism industry. I am confident that the successful transfer of the Shannon Heritage business will help safeguard the strategic importance of these tourism sites to the Clare region, the cultural significance of the sites and the employ-
ment that is supported by the Shannon Heritage business”. Government have acknowledged the contribution made by the Shannon Airport Group to facilitate the transfer.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said “the long-running saga relating to the takeover of Shannon Heritage sites in Clare is now finally being resolved”. He stated, “This funding package secures the future of the iconic sites in our region including Bunratty Castle and brings certainty to the workers of these sites who, for far too long, have been left wondering what the future had in store for them”.
Time spent transferring the sites has been “an unnecessarily protracted process,” Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) felt. He wrote to the Council in 2020 encouraging them to express an interest in taking over the sites. He was hopeful the funding package offered would meet the Council’s requirements.
Senator Martin Conway (FG) maintained that it was “vital this tourist offering is secured into the future without being a burden on Council’s finances”.
Students from Clare who obtained a Distinction (90-100%) in Junior Cycle Business Studies 2022 were presented with Certificates of Achievement from the Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick recently. The event was held in association with the Business Studies Teachers’ Association of Ireland (BSTAI).
Pictured are Dr. Fergal O’Brien, Assistant Dean, Postgraduate Studies, Kemmy Business School, University of Limerick, St Anne’s Community College Killaloe student Clodagh Morgan and Ms. Sharon McNamara, Business Studies Teacher.
MORE than €85,000 worth of drugs were seized from Shannon, Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus in the past week, writes Páraic
McMahonAs part of Operation Tara, the Divisional Drugs Unit carried out a series of searches at properties located in the Shannon District.
“During the course of the operation €85,000 of suspected drugs were seized. No arrests have been made, investigations are ongoing,” a Garda spokesperson confirmed to The Clare Echo €71,610 of suspected cocaine were located in a wooden area of Shannon by the Drugs Unit last Thursday (April 13th). During the course of a search of a house in Sixmilebridge, approximately €5,500 of suspected cocaine was also seized.
Further searches in Shannon
saw a house checked under warrant. During the course of the search approximately €4,500 worth of suspected Cocaine was seized. A male in his early 30s was questioned. Houses in Newmarket-on-Fergus were raided on Wednesday (April 12th). Suspected cannabis herb with an estimated street value of €2,200 was obtained at one property, a male in his 30s was questioned in relation to the seizure.
Crime prevention officer in the Clare Garda Division, Triona Brooks told The Clare Echo, “All the suspected controlled substances have been forwarded to Forensic Science Ireland for examination.
“Files will now be prepared for submission to the DPP for directions”.
FORMER Hurler of the Year, Tony Kelly and two other All-Ireland senior hurling winners with Clare are opposing plans for a €25m HSE community hospital for a green field site at St Flannan’s College in Ennis.
All three, four-time All-Star, Tony Kelly, double All-Ireland winner with Clare from the 1990s and well known hurling pundit, Jamesie O’Connor and key member of the 2013 Clare All-Ireland winning team, Brendan Bugler are teachers at St Flannan’s College and have appended their names to a group staff objection to the planned 100 bed hospital for the Church-owned green field site on the college grounds.
The celebrated hurlers are three of 75 staff members who are supporting the staff objection now lodged with Clare County Council.
In their objection, the staff have told the Council that the hospital proposal “will have a seriously negative impact on the student population of St Flannan’s College”.
The staff state that St Flannan’s College for the past two academic years has had its two largest ever enrolments with 240 1st Years each year.
They state, “St Flannan’s College is the only school in the town with the potential to expand if needed. We believe that it would be incredibly short sighted were the lands to be taken away from any future development”.
They further state that “the green field site at St Flannan’s College is the last remaining of its kind in Ennis. Urban sprawl is taking up much more of our green spaces each year. Once built, this land will be gone forever”.
They state that they understand the need for a new community hospital in Ennis “however, we believe that there are several more appropriate sites available for development”.
The staff at St Flannan’s College state that the playing fields at the college are used daily for sports for a variety of sports. They state that “we believe that no other sporting facility in Ennis would be built upon as it is proposed for our developed playing pitches”.
The formal objection by staff, including the names of the high profile GAA stars, intensifies the planning row where the local Catholic Church is selling the church owned college lands to allow the HSE advance its plans.
The diocese of Killaloe is selling the lands despite the college’s Board of Management
also telling the Council that it is not in favour of the hospital going ahead on the school playing fields.
On behalf of the Board of Management, School Principal Fr Ignatius McCormack has told the Council that “the board is of course well aware of the need for a suitable site for the proposed hospital, but respectfully suggests that other suitable sites, which do not cut across existing intensive use by a large proportion of the youth of the area must be available”.
Fr McCormack went on to state that “it surely cannot be the case that the provision of proper healthcare and the provision of sporting facilities for the youth of the area must be placed in conflict”.
Fr McCormack said that the board of management “endorse the apprehension expressed by the planning authority that the scope of future expansion (of St Flannan’s College) will be cur tailed by the proposed develop ment”.
The intervention by the College Board of Management places it at loggerheads with the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan who has confirmed that it remains the diocese’s intention to press ahead with the sale to allow the hospital to proceed.
In February, Fr Albert McDonnell on behalf of the diocese’s property arm, the St Flannan’s (Killaloe) Diocesan Trust provided a letter lodged with the Council which stated that the Trust do not intend to use the planned hospital site for the future development of the school.
Placing the diocese at odds with the St Flannan’s staff and board of Management, Fr McDonnell stated that “this area is on the periphery of the campus and in the event that the school requires expansion in the future, the Trust believes that there is ample space in the remaining lands for this to occur”.
A decision is due on the application at the end of this month.
MEMBERS of the public are “at their wits end” with an increasing amount of persons coming forward for assistance over rental evictions, writes
Páraic McMahonOfficers with the Clare Community Action Tenants Union (CATU) have said more people are reaching out to avoid having to leave their properties.
Chairman of Clare CATU, Tim Hannon told The Clare Echo, “People are at their wits end, they are looking at other ways to how the crisis can be dealt with, the regular legislative means that people would have gone to in the past is not working, I went to school and I was listening to this carry on, something has to give, I don’t know does that mean going back to the days of the Land League but we will keep pushing”. He said they were presently working to prevent up to six evictions across the county in locations such as Ennis, Ennistymon and Shannon which includes families of varying sizes, ages and backgrounds. Two of these cases were described as “very serious”. Matters have become “more extreme” since the lifting of the eviction ban, he noted. “We’ve had a lot more members sign up since the lifting of the eviction ban, there has definitely been an uptake in the number of people getting in touch with us. People
could be paying rent on time for five to eight years and now because there’s no properties in the county or no emergency accommodation, if they have to leave the property they are at risk of becoming homeless”.
Tenants from McNulty’s Yard, an apartment complex in Ennistymon which houses 16 people have been made homeless while others are overholding and at risk of becoming homeless, Tim said.
On the work of Clare CATU, he explained, “the first thing we try and do is use whatever legal
means available to stop the evictions, if the notice isn’t valid that’s great, we help people with advice and navigate the supports available, some people are able to get the property purchased by Clare County Council and help with them whatever way possible”. He added, “People shouldn’t be ignored or evicted without a court order but they are by bailiffs or landlords themselves, we show up as witnesses, we’d a case in Galway in Oranmore where we stopped an eviction by the threat of having other members show up”.
ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour at an apartment complex in Shannon has been highlighted in Dáil Éireann with a Clare TD affirming that the community was “at crisis point”, writes Páraic McMahon.
Residents of Brú na Sionnna have held meetings this month over the continued instances of anti-social behaviour across the complex which is situated between Shannon Town Park and Shannon Town Centre.
Complaints raised by residents include setting cars on fire, urinating in elevator entrances, verbal abuse, broken windows and throw-
ing stones at property.
Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Clare TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) stated, “Clare received the fifth lowest divisional influx of gardaí into its operational area since 2015. Only 51 gardaí have joined the force in Clare in that time. In 2022, only two gardaí were allocated to Clare, and no additional gardaí were provided in January of this year.
“A spate of anti-social behaviour at the Brú na Sionna complex in Shannon has escalated to a level that is simply not acceptable. This is according to Sergeant Seamus Mulligan, and
I agree with him wholeheartedly. There are broken windows, verbal abuse, stones being thrown, cars being set on fire, and public urination. There was not one single extra garda allocated to the station there. In fact, Shannon has lost three gardaí since 2021. This is a community at crisis point and tensions are on a knife edge”.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality with responsibility for Law Reform, James Browne (FF) said the Government was committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána had necessary resources for the entire country. “Budget 2023 provides funding
of €2.14 billion for An Garda Síochána. This is an increase of 38% since 2016. There is a planned recruitment of up to 1,000 additional gardaí this year. I am informed there will be 400 Garda staff as well, which will release gardaí from administrative duties and put them onto the front line”. He added, “The Deputy will be aware the Garda Commissioner is solely responsible for the administration of An Garda Síochána operational matters and the distribution of Garda members. I have no doubt the additional gardaí who are being recruited will be on the streets and we will see additional gardaí in every county”.
IT’S with a heavy heart that I put this piece together on the sudden passing of Pat Curtin one of the most successful Clare men ever to be involved with greyhounds, writes Michael Maher
I met Pat on just a few occasions and spoke to him on the occasion when I organised the fundraiser for the Clare Hurlers at the Limerick Track in 2013 when he was more than happy to sponsor a race. My Brother Johnie also kept a few Greyhounds for him some years ago.
A hugely popular figure, he was also an incredibly talented man with a greyhound and tasted plenty of success both on the track and up the field.
From a training point of view, he will be best remembered for expertly steering Shelbourne Aston to Champion Stakes and Derby glory in 2008, landing one of the greatest gambles of all time in the latter. The brilliant brindle, who he owned with his great ally Noel Hehir of Inagh and their close friends Paul and Margaret Montgomery, produced one of the most astonishing displays in the Derby final, coming from last place to snatch victory off Slip The Lark in the final stride. He wasn’t the only star that
on the track.
Caz Diamond captured the Golden Jacket around Galway in 2007, while he also trained the sensationally fast Kereight King to reach the Derby decider in 2013, only to withdraw the dog after he picked up an injury in the semis.
He was also one of the most prominent names in coursing circles, tasting success up the field with the likes of Boavista and Windfarm amongst many others.
Pat was born into greyhounds with his late father John always keeping a few, both coursing and track. During his time in the UK he became friends with legendary jockey Tony McCoy who in-turn introduced him to
footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones and former Arsenal star Ray Parlour.
Pat remains reposed in St Marys Church , Mullagh on Wednesday eening, burial takes place today Thursday 20th in Clohanes Cemetery after funeral mass. He is survived by Joanne and their five children, Caitlin, Conor, Charlotte, Cillian and Ciara, siblings, Geraldine Rose, Thomas, John, Jude, Bridget, Elizabeth and Ann, brothers-in-law Paul, Joe and Pat, sisters-in-law Mary, Colette and Claire, nephews, nieces, extended family, cherished friends and all his greyhound sporting family. Pre-deceased by his father John and mother Elizabeth (Betty).
A DRUNKEN ‘shirtless and shoeless’ father told Gardaí “f**k you” outside his home a few hours after having “a few drinks” at his five year old child’s birthday party.
After hearing details of the public order incident involving Aladar Surmaj (55) last May, Judge Mary Larkin at Kilrush District Court asked, “Why don’t I just send him to jail and the next time the child has a birthday he can learn how to conduct himself?”
Sgt Aiden Lonergan told the court that at 2.50am on May 16th last, Gardai were directed to attend Mr Surmaj outside his home at Moore Street, Kilrush where he was visibly intoxicated and a danger to himself and others.
Sgt Lonergan said that Mr Surmaj “was shirtless, shoeless and generally dishevelled looking. He was glassy eyed and had slurred speech”.
Sgt Lonergan said that Mr Surmaj of Moore Street, Kilrush was abusive towards Gardaí using both abusive and threatening language such as ‘f**k you’ and ‘f**k the Gardaí’.
Living in Ireland prior to 2009, Mr Surmaj required a Slovakian interpreter for a hearing into his case.
Judge Larkin commented, “This man has been in this country since 2009 and he can address the Gardaí with expletives and he understands how to curse and swear at the Gardaí and he is trying to tell me that he needs an interpreter. And he has three children and he doesn’t speak English in this country”.
Solicitor, Colum Doherty for Mr Surmaj said that his client hadn’t drank for three years before his child’s birthday “and had a few drinks on the day of the child’s birthday and things got heated at home that night. The drinking at the birthday party affected him”.
Mr Doherty said that Mr Surmaj is the father of three, aged five, one and three weeks. Mr Doherty stated that Mr Surmaj has worked previously but not now. He said that his client apologises for what occurred on the night.
Judge Larkin said, “Maybe I should impose a Supervision Order and get the Child and Family Agency (CFA) involved. Maybe the welfare of these chil-
dren is in jeopardy?”
Mr Surmaj told the court that he doesn’t drink now.
Judge Larkin imposed combined fines of €200 after Mr Surmaj pleaded guilty to two public
order offences from May 16th last.
Judge Larkin told him, “As a man with young children, you just can’t behave as if you have no responsibilities”.
PROTESTORS to the planned demolition of the Francis Street cottages have said Ennis councillors sitting on the Board of the Ennis 2040 DAC have a “conflict of interest” and should resign from their voluntary posts, writes Páraic McMahon.
Eleven individuals currently sit on the board of the company which is owned by Clare County Council. Members include former Roche MD Gerry Cahill, founder of TTM Healthcare Brian Crowley, CEO of the Irish Centre of Business Excellence Linda Barron, Head of AIB for Clare, Limerick and Kerry Kieran Considine, Ennis 2040 COO Kevin Corrigan, office manger of Ennis 2040 Susan Lenane.
A strong Clare County Council contingent completes the make-up of the board with the Council’s Director of Finance and Support Services Noeleen Fitzgerald, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and Cllr Ann Norton (IND) all sitting on the board. Howard was appointed to the Board following Cllr Johnny Flynn’s (FG) resignation in September 2022.
Liam Conneally had been a board member whilst in the role of Director of Economic Development for Clare County Council, the Ennistymon native has since been appointed Chief Executive of Galway County Council.
To have persons sitting on the board who voted in their elected roles to the Ennis Municipal District for the construction of a temporary car park on Francis Street resulting in the demolition of six properties is “a conflict of interest”, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) maintained. “Those same people sit at Council meetings and make a decision to buy the land, they are also selling the land, I just don’t get it and I would question that. Equally if you were to have representatives on a board designated to improve Ennis, the representation should be from across the county, there should be one councillor from each Municipal District, West Clare, Shannon and Killaloe which would be more fair and democratic because you would have a countywide view and voice for it, it would be that little bit more democratic”.
Shannon based Flynn felt the trio of Colleran Molloy,
Howard and Norton needed to reflect. “I think they really need to question their mandate because their mandate is from the public and to protect the interests from the public, not to protect the interests that was set up by a company set up by Clare County Council”.
Tommy Guilfoyle of the Francis Street Alliance was adamant the three councillors could not separate themselves from their role on the Ennis 2040 Board when decisions have to be made. “This is obviously a conflict of interest, I would say as an SPC member that I oppose the DAC and the privatisation of Council decisions, the privatisation of the public’s property in Ennis is wrong”. Guilfoyle previously sat on the board of the daa, a role he was appointed to in October 2009 and kept until Shannon Airport’s separation in 2012. “As a board member I remember distinctly if anybody from the business community was there and they had a conflict of interest they had to step off the board, that is common practice, they had to leave the room if the discussions were to do with a business they were involved in. This is obviously a conflict of interest,” he recalled.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Howard confirmed she would not be resigning from the Board. “I have no intention of resigning from the Board, absolutely none whatsoever, I think it is very important to have three members of the Ennis Municipal District sitting on that board. I’m born and raised in Ennis, Ennis is who I represent, it is what I’m elected to do”.
Suggesting the three councillors resign was “entirely unacceptable,” Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Colleran Molloy insisted, she said they were representing the Clare councillors who adopted the strategy in June 2021. Views that they have a conflict of interest were “entirely irrational,” she said.
“To suggest there is a conflict of interest is disingenuous and irrational, our interests align, conflict suggests there is benefit for me and other councillors, we are there at the behest of county councillors on this entity,” she told The Clare Echo.
Efforts to contact Cllr Ann Norton (IND) were unsuccessful.
OVER 100 people marched to the offices of Clare County Council as the Save Francis Street Alliance took their first steps in protesting against the planned demolition of six properties in the county town in order to build a temporary car park at a fee planned to exceed €1m.
Protestors gathered from 12:30pm outside glór and began moving shortly after 1:15pm, leaving the cultural centre, passing the site earmarked for the temporary car park and the Francis St cottages, heading towards the Friary and onto Abbey Street where another €25m development is planned as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy.
It was a peaceful protest as they moved to Harmony Row, through Lifford and onto the New Road where they convened at the headquarters of Clare County Council where they were joined by members of the Clare Leader Forum.
When they began, an approximate 91 people left glór but the influx of members from the Leader Forum brought their numbers to over 100.
Elected representatives including Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND), Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND), Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) were present as were local traders John O’Connor, Noel Tierney, Gerry Connellan and Patrick Moylan.
“I see us as the risen people of Co Clare,” remarked Thomas Guilfoyle, Chair of the Ennis Sinn Féin Cumann and spokesperson for the Save Francis Street
Alliance. “Everyone here today sees that a house is worth a million more than a car park”.
Guilfoyle noted that the Francis St properties were “in the heart of our county town, everything is a stone’s throw away from them”. He believed the four Ennis MD councillors that backed the plans for the €1.1m temporary car park and €25m Abbey St development were driven by neo-liberalism. He voiced criticism over the plans and strategy of the Ennis 2040 DAC.
Dermot Hayes of the Clare Leader Forum who has joined the Alliance said funding has been promised by Junior Minister, Anne Rabbitte (FF) since 2019 to get people with disabilities under the age of 65 that are living in nursing homes to be living in the community. He said the Francis St cottages were ideal for this purpose.
“Please don’t build a car park,” the Corofin native pleaded. He said rental prices of up to €1700 per month were “shocking” and “squeezing people”. Hayes added, “I am asking councillors to go back to the drawing board, we need to save the houses, stop the rot”.
“We’ve been down this road in the past with car parks in this county,” said Tim Hannon, Chair of Clare Community Action Tenants Union (CATU). He referenced the Market Building and said drivers are left with scraped cars when they try to park there, “some of people who voted in favour of the Market Building also voted for this”. He said it was “disgraceful” and “scandalous” that Ennis MD councillors see the building of a temporary car park as “the best use for this public site”.
Hannon outlined, “We’ll keep pushing and fighting until they change the decision”.
Shannon based, Cllr McGettigan who ran in the Ennis MD for the 2019 local election said she was “angered and saddened”
that “in the middle of the housing crisis” the demolition of “much needed homes” could occur. “I am appalled that a €1m car park will be built instead,” she said.
Arguments that
ASPECTS of the Ennis 2040 Strategy have been described as “ludicrous” by an elected representative while a member of the Francis Street Alliance has called for the DAC working to implement the plans to be scrapped, writes Páraic McMahon
Public ire has been stoked with the decision passed at the March meeting of the Ennis Municipal District which saw a narrow vote (4-3) passed to back plans to construct a temporary car park on Francis Street and demolish six properties at an estimated cost of €1m. Plans for a €25m mixed-use development to include retail and accommodation on Abbey Street car park in Ennis has also left members of the public vexed. Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who chairs the Social Development SPC on Clare County Council which has responsi-
bility for housing said of the plans, “It’s ludicrous and I don’t know what Clare County Council are up to, there’s more than the six houses because there’s capability on that site for a further 14 houses, you could get 20 such houses on the site”.
Shannon based Flynn called on the Council Chief Executive, Pat Dowling to intervene. “I think the Chief Executive of Clare County Council needs to wake up to what’s happening here in this town of Ennis, I think it’s not right to have a private company like the DAC running Ennis, it’s one thing having them run the Cliffs of Moher but it’s another thing to have them running what is our capital town, it’s our town, a town of people living on the periphery as well as in the heart of the town, we’re trying to promote getting feet on the street and
people living in the heart of Ennis which is Government policy, that’s very important because it can put life back into the town. “When Abbey St is closed, they will put a monstrosity on it, then they will have a temporary car park where we’re trying to save houses and then in four years that will be gone, we’ll have no car park and no houses. It is time to do a quick reverse on this, I would appeal to the Chief Executive to change his mind”.
He was in the public gallery at the April meeting of
asbestos is in the cottages was acknowledged by Cllr McGettigan,
“It is said that asbestos is in these houses, asbestos has to be removed anyway regardless
of demolition. Why not use some of €1.22bn Dept of Housing underspend on housing for the asbestos removal”.
Cllr McGettigan admitted she would be failing in her duty as a councillor if she let the demolition of houses
proceed in the middle of the housing crisis.
the Ennis MD where a proposal from Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) and Cllr Pat Daly (FF) to pause the Abbey St plans was defeated. “I wasn’t impressed by the meeting and how it was run, I’m saying that as Chair of Standing Orders for Clare County Council. They cannot be taking votes retrospectively when a motion is passed and carried which they did”.
Spokesperson for the Francis Street Alliance, Tommy Guilfoyle who also sits on the Social Development SPC believed the entire strategy needed to be scrapped. “I think the DAC should be disbanded and it should be stopped. I think the building and growing of our town and county should be left in the hands of people elected by the people, not a private com-
pany where the public have no say really other than sitting councillors who act as a member of the Board of that company, not as a councillor, as a councillor in the Chamber they have to act as a councillor but when you go on the board of a company you become a member of the board”.
He added, “The DAC’s first throw of the dice was a data centre in the middle of a water and energy crisis, their second throw of the dice is building a temporary car park over houses in a housing crisis and the third throw of the dice is to give more commercial units in a town which has numerous empty commercial units in a cost of living crisis. This is wrong, we’re saying stop, the people of Ennis and Clare are saying stop so I hope the councillors are listening”.
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
FINE GAEL will strongly target winning back the Dáil seat it lost in the Clare constituency three years ago, sitting TD Joe Carey (FG) has said.
At the 2020 General Election, then Junior Minister Pat Breen (FG) lost his seat in Dáil Éireann as did Timmy Dooley (FF), the duo serving as the biggest casualties within the county as Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) then of Sinn Féin, Cathal Crowe (FF) and Michael McNamara (IND) shared success alongside Carey.
Former Minister for Communications, Denis Naughten (IND) and ex Junior Minister Brendan Griffin (FG) have in the past fortnight announced they will not be contesting the next General Election.
While no date has been set for this election, anticipation is slowly beginning to build among politicos.
The Clare Echo has previously reported that ex Clare GAA Chairman, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG), former Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and Bunratty farmer Joe Melody are among the names believed to be in the frame to join Carey and Senator Martin Conway (FG) on the ballot paper.
Deputy Carey said the party need to focus on getting the ticket right to come out with two seats in the constituency. “Obviously we lost a seat at the last election, our ambition would be to win that back, I intend to stand myself and return to Dáil Éireann, it won’t be for me to pick the other candidate, I’m sure there will be a lot of activity and interest in it, it’s important we get the ticket right. Nothing will really happen in relation to that until the boundary review is completed, we should know the result of that in the summer this year”.
Strategies will be developed at a national level to determine the amount of candidates per constituency. “We ran three in the last election. I’ve stood in elections where Fine Gael have had four candidates, that’s a matter for the National Executive. There’s plenty of time to consider that and for people to make up their minds on whether they want to run or not, I look forward to all that happening in the time ahead”.
Had he been given a recent Junior Ministry by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) as was tipped to be the case, his profile in the county would have received a timely boost and arguably increased his hopes of re-election.
“I’ve never been a Junior Minister before and I’ve jumped four General Election fences and I intend to jump the next fence as well, all I can do is win my seat and I’m determined to do it. I can’t do that without people’s
support and without working for the people of Clare, that is the beauty of democracy it is the people who they elect and I look forward to engaging with people on the issues in an election campaign whenever that happens”.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe (FG) felt the party was in a strong position in the county.
"I already feel that we’re very healthy and I hope to see that again this evening, I’m very hopeful my friend Joe Carey can make a full recovery, he is a man I think the world of, I’m greatly saddened that he is not well. Due to the effort of people like him I believe our party is in a good position in Clare but we always want to do better, for so long we’ve always had two seats here, we’re delighted we have Joe but we want to support Joe and our councillors in doing an even better job”.
OPTIMUM Autos are delighted to announce they were the 2022 winners for their Online and Digital marketing presence by Carsireland.ie & Lombard Finance. The award is a representation of the high standard that they have presented themselves on the platform for 2022 in Online Ecommerce, Specialists in Hybrid, Automatic and Imported cars, John Burke and Chris Carpenter are happy with this success, This is the third time in four years that the award has been won in Co. Clare and Mr. Burke has been at the receiv-
ing end of all three.
Chris Carpenter says, "We work very hard everyday to make the buying process simplistic, I hand pick all our inventory and we present them to the highest standard. Burke added “I am sure at this stage you can't go around Clare without spotting the signature yellow Optimum Autos Licence plate in many towns and driveways.”
Come see us in Darragh Ennis, or www. optimumautos.ie
Local singer Martin Whyte launched a CD in Hotel Woodstock in aid of Clare Haven Services recently. The production of the CD took three years to put together with assistance he received from Clare FM’s Mike Gardiner. Through the occasion of the public launch, a raffle on the evening and proceeds of sale Martin raised over €2,000 to contribute to Clare Haven's Youth Service. He formally handed the cheque over at Clare Haven Services in Abbey Lodge, Ennis
CLARE FM have received a top gong at the New York Radio Awards for their documentary on Ennis’ Bernárd Lynch, writes
Páraic McMahonIn the social issues category of the esteemed New York Radio Awards, Clare FM were honoured with a gold award for the documentary titled ‘Falsely Accused’, fending off competition from BBC and Al Jazeera entries.
A finalist certificate was also received by the local radio station in the health category for ‘The Voice, Laura Brennan’, a documentary on the inspirational health advocate from Ennis. The New York Radio Awards honour and promote the exceptional and innovative content being created around the globe in the Radio and Audio sectors.
Produced by Padraic Flaherty, Clare FM’s Programme Director, ‘Falsely Accused’ reflects on Bernárd’s life, beginning at St Michael’s Villas.
The human rights champion founded the first AIDS ministry in New York City. He publicly testified in favour of New York
City’s lesbian and gay rights bill that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation in jobs and public accommodations, seeing it through to passage by the New York City Council in 1986.
In the late 1980s, Bernárd received a call to tell him criminal charges were being filed against him for the alleged sexual abuse of a teenage boy. A Court Case ensued before Judge Burton B. Roberts gave a verdict: “Innocent” of all charges.
Following this case Bernárd rebuilt his life and found love with his now husband, Billy Desmond.
Lynch was honoured with the Magnus Hirschfeld Award 1988 for outstanding service to the cause of Irish LGBT civil rights. In 2017, Bernárd received a proclamation from the New York City Council honouring his more than 40 years of service to the LGBT and AIDS communities in the city.
He received Presidential Distinguished Service Awards for the Irish Abroad for 2019, in the Charitable Works category. He is to be honoured with a civic reception by Clare County Council in the near future following a proposal by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG).
Galway native Flaherty said of the recognition, “It’s a very proud moment to fly the Clare flag on the world stage with our tribute documentary recognised as the best in the world in its category.
“Bernárd’s story is both heartbreaking and heart-warming. Since we broadcast this documentary the reaction from our listeners has been fantastic. Bernárd deserves to be recognised for all of the outstanding work he has done.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this trophy back to the Banner County”.
AMV: €90,000
Sale Type: For Sale by Public Auction
DNG O’Sullivan Hurley are delighted to offer this historic building in the heart of Kildysart for sale by online auction on Friday 21st April at 12.00pm. To review legal
Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200
PSL 002295
documents or to register to bid at auction please use following link; https://osullivanhurley.dngauctions.ie/lot/details/91132
AMV: €100,000
Sale Type: For Sale by Public Auction
Overall Floor Area: 11.64 ac Auction Location: https://osullivanhurley. dngauctions.ie/lot/details/91137
Auction Date & Time: Fri, Apr 21st at 12:00
PM
DNG O’Sullivan Hurley are delighted to
Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200
PSL 002295
offer this quality parcel of farmland to the market for sale by Online Auction on Friday 21st April, 2023 at 12pm. To access legal pack or to register to bid at the auction please use following link; https://osullivanhurley.dngauctions.ie/lot/details/91137
TWO adjoining holiday homes in Co Clare are going under the hammer in an online auction hosted by property portal, youbid.ie.
Number 7 and Number 8 Doolin Holiday Village are three-bed, semi-detached properties – and the bidding for each begins at €75,000.
It is understood both homes are occupied at present, and are being sold ‘sight unseen’ by the vendor.
Located in the heart of the West Atlantic Way, Doolin is 7km from the world renowned Cliffs of Moher.
The coastal town of Lahinch and the world famous Lahinch Golf Course is 9km away. Doolin is also a hub for travel to the Aran Islands and is located on the edge of the historic Burren.
Eighteen lots from 13 counties are listed in the April 27 auction.
All properties are listed on the youbid.ie platform.
Documentation and brochures are available by registering on youbid.ie or by calling 01-5676979.
Email: info@youbid.ie for more details.
SHORTCUTS will not be taken when advancing the €30m Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme, senior officials in Clare County Council have said, writes Páraic McMahon
2030 is now viewed as the most likely completion date for the scheme, initial works began in August 2020.
When Shannon Town and Shannon Airport were beginning to develop over seven decades ago, a series of embankments with an approximate length of 6km were constructed along the north side of the Shannon Estuary to separate the low-lying lands from the tidal waters to the south which would facilitate this development.
Coastal and fluvial sources now serve as a flood risk for both the Town and Airport. The Office of Public Works (OPW) working in partnership with Clare County Council and other Local Authorities completed the Shannon Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Study which concluded that a flood relief scheme would be viable and effective for the community. RPS were appointed in July 2020 to further assess the CFRAM Study and to identify options and prepare a detailed scheme for Shannon which is economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
PJ Griffin who is RPS’ technical lead on the scheme confirmed that all third-party survey works have now been completed and that the scheme was still at stage one of five, “We’ve done an awful lot of environmental assessments but more to do”.
He said they are now beginning the process of identifying all viable options for the scheme.
“We need to identify all the options, review them and then complete environmental assessment. We are hoping to submit consent for a planning application next year, then go onto detailed design and construction”.
Construction could begin in the latter end of 2026, he outlined.
“These projects take an awful long time
to deliver, planning consent we need to get there first but is outside our control in terms of the timeframe, we’ve assumed a reasonable timeframe,” Griffin added.
Speaking at a meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) stressed, “This is a crucial piece of infrastructure for Shannon Town, I’ve lived in Shannon most of my life, we received a response from former senior engineer Tom Tiernan a few years ago which frightened the life out of us when it highlighted how compromised Shannon was”.
He said “a significant amount of funding” was ring-fenced for the scheme.
Seán Lenihan of the project management office in Clare County Council said the total cost of the scheme will be in the region of €30m. “The surveys are complicated. They are slow moving beasts by nature, we’re moving it along as quickly as we can. We wouldn’t get approved at OPW level without the surveys, they are funding part of it and the Department of Transport, we can’t take shortcuts”.
Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) insisted he wasn’t asking officials involved to “take shortcuts”. He explained, “the total environmental process should be looked at to avoid where the obvious result will be done at the end of the day”.
Attending his final meeting as Director of Services for the Shannon MD, Liam Conneally acknowledged the public consultation elements of the scheme would be “very important”.
He stated, “the elected members have just seen the front end of this, we need the general public to see the amount of work going on under the surface, it is about protecting Shannon Town for the next 100 years, we have to do it right this time and make sure the prosperity of the Airport, Town are protected and properly protected, if we’ve to spend an extra season collecting winter bird data in the context of what we’re doing it will be worth it”.
RESIDENTS from the largest estate in Shannon are to hold a protest this Friday morning, writes Páraic McMahon
On Friday morning, residents of Cronan Estate are to hold a protest outside the offices of the Shannon Municipal District to share their frustration with the standard of grass cutting in the area. Cronan Gardens, Cronan Grove, Cronan Lawn and Cronan Park are all included within the vast estate.
Chairman of the Cronan Residents Association, Derek Clune said there has only been one cut done in Cronan so far this year, on February 28th. “Cronan Estate looks like a silage field at the moment and this is totally unacceptable. I have made several complaints to Council and was informed that a second cut was done on the 19th of March which is totally false as the 19th of March was of a Sunday and no grass was
cut that day”.
Clune stresse a big turnout was necessary “to show the Council that this situation is completely unacceptable and cannot be allowed to continue”.
Grass cutting in the town of Shannon proved to be one of the main election issues prior to the 2019 local election with sitting councillors “getting it in the neck” as one councillor later put it over the quality of cuts across thew town.
St Flannan’s College students
Jack O’Halloran & Vladimir Riscovoi with their teacher Mr McNelis following their presentation of their vision for Ennis 2040 to a panel of judges at Clare County Council Chambers. They were taking part in an Ennis 2040 DAC education & consultation programme
AMAYORAL reception is to be held this Monday to honour All-Ireland winners in primary and secondary schools across the Ennis Municipal District, writes Páraic McMahon Coláiste Muire’s All-Ireland Junior B winning team, All-Ireland U16 Cadette A Volleyball champions and their senior cross country team who won silver will be acknowledged at the reception.
Ennis National School’s students who won the National Credit Union primary school’s quiz title in recent weeks and
their All-Ireland winning Forza Badminton side will also be honoured. Louise O’Mahony who won a silver medal at the All-Ireland cross country championships will get recognition at the reception which takes place in the Civic Room of Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle on Monday afternoon.
Proposals to mark the various contributions were made by Cllr Mary Howard (FG), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) and Cllr Ann Norton (IND) before a meeting of the Ennis MD.
“It is important to acknowledge all young students in-
volved in sport, it is a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge what they have achieved. It is something they will always remember throughout their lives,” Cllr Norton stated.
Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Colleran Molloy said, “it will be my honour to host this event”. She added, “I also like to think it will be a celebration of their achievements but an opening of their eyes to local Government”.
There was potential for the reception to grow, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) felt,
COUNTY Clare’s weekly art and craft fair, Chapel Lane Market, is taking its fabulous array of locally made gorgeousness on tour this Bank Holiday Monday. Known for offering locals and tourists alike a stunning array of high quality, locally produced arts and crafts at their weekly craft fair in the Ennis Community Centre on Chapel Lane each Saturday, the organisers have decided to treat the Ennistymon area to a taste of what is being produced locally by holding the Ennistymon Craft Event in the Falls Hotel and Spa on Bank Holiday Monday 1st May.
There will be over 20 stalls offering everything from silver jewellery, woodwork, leather, paper craft, handbags, soap, candles, skincare, batik, crochet, resin art, watercolour and oil paintings and even vegan nibbles!
Joint organiser of the Ennistymon Craft Event, Lorna Langenkamp of Wild Atlantic Silver explains “We know that there continues to be great interest in shopping locally and supporting local businesses. Chapel Lane
Market has been providing a shop window for craftspeople in the Clare area for 8 years, and the quality and range of products on offer each week has never been higher. So we thought that we would showcase the skills and flair of all our stallholders at an event in the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, to bring our craftspeople to a wider audience”.
Sallyann Marron, Joint Organiser and of Sallyann’s Handmade Bags added, “We have stallholders coming to the event from all over Clare, and have attracted craftspeople from neighbouring counties of Cork, Limerick Tipperary and Galway. This will be a wonderful showcase of the huge pool of talent in the area, and will allow visitors and local residents to see the benefit of meeting and supporting local makers.”
The Ennistymon Craft Event will take place from 11am to 4pm at the Falls Hotel and Spa in Ennistymon on Bank Holiday Monday 1st May.
FÉILE Housing is a pioneering community arts festival which aims to connect and empower our communities to ‘put the heart back into home’.
Féile Housing believes in the arts as a powerful vehicle for social change which aims to inspire the public to take positive action by exploring solutions to the housing crisis.
This is an inclusive festival in which all cultures & ethnicities of our richly diverse communities are welcomed and celebrated.
Following on from the success of Féile Housing in Galway, the Féile Ennis festival hub will be located at The Offspring Garden Café with a live concert, art exhibition, panel discussion and community music circle.
Highlights include a panel discussion from 4pm-5.30pm featuring housing policy expert and author Dr. Rory Hearne, as well as CATU Tim Hannon (representing renters), John Lannon DORAS (representing housing in relation to refugees/migrants), Sarah Clancy (Clare PPN) Siobhán O Connor (Clare haven).
The festival will also feature an exhibition by award winning artists including Lara Luxardi, Jennifer Cunningham, Marta Barcikowska and Aoife Welby.
The festival will culminate with a live concert featuring musicians Phoenix and Wolfe, a trad set with Eddie Moloney, Kate Moloney, Dennis McAuliffe along with Clara Buteler and DAV ‘n’ LAW to finish it out.
All events are free of charge with registration available via eventbrite and Facebook events page.
Full programme of events available @féilehousing2023, Bígí linn!
“This could become an annual event because young people are so important”.
Dates/Venue: 4-10pm - Saturday April 22nd @ The Offspring Garden Cafe, Lifford Street
All day event: Art Exhibition @The Offspring Garden Café, Lifford Street
•
A NORTH Clare school was one of two secondary schools in the country chosen to partake in a recent science event, writes Páraic McMahon
As part of the Festival of Professional Learning organised by the JCT Science Team, a live event was held in recent weeks under the theme ‘Are Bioplastics a solution to traditional single-use plastics’.
Mary Immaculate Secondary School in Lisdoonvarna was one of two schools chosen to host this event.
During the event there was live streaming from there and a Dublin school where several students made the bioplastic from potato starch.
Toward the end of the hour, the stu-
dents heard from a number of guest speakers.
Among the guest speakers were Ella Enright and Áine Kelly who spoke about their BTYSTE project entitled ‘How much plastic is washed up on our shores’, post-doctoral researcher at the Atlantic Technological University, Dr Joao Frias who discussed bioplastics and Dr Nóirín Burke who oversees education in Galway Atlantaquarium.
They both talked about the effect of plastics on marine life and what are bioplastics and are they a solution.
Clare students, Ella and Áine then went to Fanore Beach and recorded an interview on their project which was used at a second event for teachers.
AFEAST of music and dance
awaits in North Clare this weekend with the staging of the 2023 Kilfenora Traditional Music Festival.
Many winners of All-Ireland and Oireachtas awards in music and dance will be performing across the weekend.
On Friday night in Kilfenora Hall commencing at 7:30pm, there is a concert featuring dancers of two music schools replete with competitors and winners at both the Oireachtas and World Irish dancing championships. First there is the Céim ar Chéim School of Sean Nós dance run by Clare’s own Aibhin Ní Chodhlán.
There will also be the spectacular show provided by the Avalon Celtic Dance Company, led by Karine Luçon from Brittany but featuring great musicians and dancers from all over Ireland.
Also on the bill will be young musicians from Clare, such as from the Anam Cara School of Music in Lisdoonvarna.
On Saturday, there is a cornucopia of events from CD launches to sessions, a Riches of Clare concert in Kilfenora Cathedral, dancing with the Star of Munster Céilí Band and Ollie Mullooley’s trad disco, and more besides.
Kilfenora Hall is set to host what is described as an unmissable concert on Saturday evening.
A cast of great musicians, winners of many
The East Clare Musical Society (ECMS) were delighted to welcome sellout audiences to their four performances of the musical comedy, Sister Act, at Scariff Community College during Easter Week. Pictured is Sinéad O’Callaghan as Deloris during a dream sequence number in Sister Act
Photo by Eoin O’Hagan
SCS KILLALOE MUSIC FESTIVAL
TICKETS are now on sale for the SCS Killaloe Music Festival taking place this June Bank Holiday weekend (June 2-4). Programme highlights include Rising Star showcase and a Late Night concert featuring Irish folk duo Zoë Conway and John McIntyre, and family-friendly events including a children’s songwriting class with Malachy Robinson of the Far Flung Trio. For more information on tickets and this year’s festival programme, please visit website on www.killaloemusicfestival.com
All-Ireland awards, is led by flautist Órlaith McAuliffe (2016 Young Musician of the Year in the 2016) with Daithí Gormley, Dylan Carlos and Brian McGrath.
In addition, Katie Theasby, Kathleen Malone (Lynch) and Theresa Garrihy all of whom have released CDs recently – and a prize-winning young musician from the Meitheal Summer School, Emily Greaney
will showcase their vocal talent. Tickets are available online, at Custy’s in Ennis and at Vaughans Pub in Kilfenora.
Among the notable events on Sunday are the outdoor performance and céilí with the Kilfenora Céilí Band and the younger generation of Clare Céilí musicians, this kicks off from 2pm in Kilfenora Square.
A NEW strategy and workplan has been agreed by elected members of the Killaloe Municipal District, writes Páraic McMahon
Fifteen priority projects for the Killaloe MD have been set out in the Elected Members of Killaloe Municipal District – Strategy & Work Plan’. They are underpinned by one or more of four key strategic themes - enhancing East Clare as a place to live, work and recreate; preserving the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change, creation of an environment in East Clare that supports sustainability and strengthening local democracy and enhancing delivery of services at a local level.
Sustainable housing, Inis Cealtra, Greenway and Blueway projects, promoting and establishing digital hubs with a focus on Scariff and Killaloe, climate action projects, Two Mile Gate, Scariff Town project, Town and Village renewal schemes, further education and skills, implementing the Killaloe-Ballina Town Enhancement and Mobility Strategy, the R352 Ennis to Scariff, enhancing service delivery to communities in the MD, capacity building communities, enhancing sustainable connectivity to East Clare from the Mid-West region and wastewater infrastructure deficits are listed as the
fifteen priority projects.
Adapted at a sitting of the Killaloe MD, the strategy is one of the first of its kind completed by elected councillors in the country.
Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) explained, “While not a statutory plan, it was felt by all the Elected Members that a strategic approach is required to achieving our economic, social, cultural and environmental objectives for the MD area. Our vision is to maximise the opportunities for social, economic and tourism-related development in all areas of Killaloe MD, creating a high quality of life and sustainable environment”.
Director of Services for Killaloe MD, Anne Haugh stated, “It is timely to prepare strategic objectives for Killaloe MD to ensure they are consistent with the most recent national and county policies, while highlighting the local needs and initiatives required to strengthen and grow local communities. The strategy has been prepared in the context of the current external and internal operating environment while ensuring flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances as they arise”. Brian McCarthy, senior planner and Killaloe MD coordinator said the strategy sets out “a shared vision” between elected members and staff.
le MACDARA Ó CONAOLA
An Clár as Gaeilge Teo Togra Páirtnéireachta Forbairt Teanga Pobail do Chontae an Chláir
Déardaoin 20ú Aibreán Sign (and sing) up now!
DIA dhaoibh a Chairde!
An Clár as Gaeilge will commence Irish Singing classes for adults/daoine fásta this and every Thursday evening for 5 weeks at 7pm in Cois na hAbhna.
Múinteoir / Teacher: Domhnall Ó Braonáin ó Chois Fharraige i gConamara.
(Oireachtas Sean-nós na bhFear 2022 winner)
Bígí Linn!
To reserve a place and register, please contact us at: Fón: 065-6864474 or e-mail/r-phost: anclarasgaeilge@gmail. com
Beidh Scléip an tSamhradh ann arís i mbliana.
Cuirigí scéala chugainn! Make sure to sign your child up for Scléip an tSamhradh which will be on again this summer!
Lean ar na meáin-shóisialta muid / Follow us on social media, @ ClárAsGaeilge, Twitter, Facebook agus Instagram. Go dtí an tseachtain seo chugainn, bígí ag caint i nGaeilge libh fhéin agus le chéile!
Imeachtaí/Events:
• Scéalta agus Rannta le Chéile, chuile Dé Céadaoin i Leabharlann Shráid na Cathrach ó 10.30 – 11am, Saor in aisce / Free of charge
• Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM
• Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, i gCill Iníne Baoith, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm
• Rith le Ruairí, chuile Dé Máirt ag 7.30pm, ag Local Motion, Inis
• Caint agus Comhrá, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in Insomnia (Tesco), oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, Inis, 11am-12pm
Spreading the word of positivity
RONAN SCULLY
IN THIS most worrying time for our world, the subject of peace, above every other, commands the reflective attention of all people of reason and good will.
Moreover, on this particular occasion, marking the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement and after a 4 day long visit of the President of America Joe Biden to our country who talked so openly about the preciousness of Peace and Human Dignity, it is eminently fitting to write this thought for the week about peace, as peace is the most precious good to ask of God and to build with every effort, by means of concrete gestures of peace on the part of every man and woman of good will.
No subject could be closer to my own heart, as since the 1st of January I have committed to praying for peace to Our Lord and Our Lady each day of the 365 days of the year for peace in our lives, in our country and in our world.
Most of us who live in our world today want peace. Many people build it day by day through small gestures and acts; many of them are suffering, yet patiently persevere in their efforts to be peacemakers. May we always dedicate ourselves prayerfully
and actively to banishing violence from our hearts, words and deeds, and to becoming nonviolent people and to building nonviolent communities that care for our common home. Every human being desires communion and peace. Everyone needs peaceful co-existence. But this can grow only when we also build inner peace in our hearts and then share with everyone we meet. Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer.
Everyone can be a peacemaker. Peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold. Peace is reverence and respect for all life. Peace is the most precious possession of humanity. Peace is more than the end of armed conflict. Peace is a mode of behaviour.
Peace is a deep-rooted commitment to the principles of liberty, justice, equality and solidarity among all human beings. Peace is also a harmonious partnership of humankind with the environment. Peace is above all that of respect for human life in all its many aspects. They alone are what can bring inner calm and peace at times to a whirlwind crazy mindless and evil world. As usual a story from my Nana Scully’s prayer book might help to explain.
“There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. When the entries were in, the King looked at all the pictures. There
were only two he really liked. One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, with four peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace. The other picture had mountains too, but these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell and lightning played.
Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. It did not look peaceful at all. However, when the King looked, he saw a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock behind the waterfall. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest, perfectly at peace. The King chose the second picture, because, he said, “Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace.”
As your thought for the week, look at ways you can bring real, lasting and genuine peace into your own life and the lives of those around you and how you can be a peacemaker and protect our precious peace.
As Mother Teresa said, “The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of
faith is love; the fruit of love is service; the fruit of service is peace.”
If peace is what you seek, focus your thoughts on this Prayer for Peace today and everyday called “On This Day”....”
On this day Mend a quarrel, Search out a forgotten friend, Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust, Write a love letter, Share some treasures, Give a soft answer, Encourage youth, Care for our elderly. Manifest your loyalty in a word, prayer or deed, Keep a promise, Find the time, Forego a grudge, Forgive an enemy, Listen, Pray, Meditate, Apologize if you were wrong.
Try to understand, Flout envy, Examine your demands on others, Think first of someone else, Appreciate, be kind, be gentle, Laugh a little more, Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice, Decry complacency, Express your gratitude, Strive and Pray for Peace, Worship your God, Gladden the heart of a child, Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth, Speak your love, Speak your peace, Speak it again, Speak it still again, Speak it still once again. Speak love and peace always. Amen.”
May the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to the ‘Prince of Peace’ (Is 9:6), and who cuddles him thus, with such tenderness in her arms, obtain for us from heaven the precious gift of peace. Nothing is impossible if we turn to God in prayer.
Éire Óg take the lead in anti-smoking campaignÉire Óg GAA are the first club in County Clare to sign up to the ‘Not Around Us’ campaign which aims to denormalise smoking for the next generation and to make it easier for those who smoke to quit
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
NEWMARKET Celtic are currently showcasing the highest level of local soccer in Clare, having qualified for the finals of both the Munster and FAI Junior Cups. However, Clare’s FAI Football Development Officer, Denis Hynes, says that he gets equal satisfaction from seeing more young people than ever get the opportunity to play the sport across the county.
Inclusivity of various communities and the “explosion” of girls’ soccer in the county means that membership levels are increasing yearon-year. Ennistymon native Denis may not have had a local club growing up in North Clare until he was aged 15, but he tells The Clare Echo that the landscape today is much healthier, “At the moment you have the Clare Schoolboy/girl soccer league which has 21 clubs and about 3,000 players from U6 to U16. On the older side you have the Clare District Soccer league which looks after U17 and adult and they have
a playing pool of about 1,500 at the moment, so all in all close to 5,000 active players from U6 to adult.”
Denis came into the FAI role in 2005, part-funded by the Clare soccer leagues and Clare County Council, having previously volunteered with Ennistymon Celtic and then Moher Celtic.
“Initially when I started the role I could look at the map of Clare and there were a lot of areas where we didn’t have an underage section, thankfully now we can look at the county and see schoolboy/ girl clubs in every part of the county providing an outlet for the underage.
“Certainly, thinking on the girls’ side. We had Damien Walsh’s Lifford AFC, they were the top club in the country and then there was a period when girls soccer fell away and from 2010 back to now there has been an explosion of underage girls’ soccer. Of the 21 underage clubs, 14-15 of them are providing girls soccer so that’s probably eye-catching increase in player numbers.
“Even over the Easter, we
were delivering female focused workshops and coaching sessions for u10 girls. If you tried to deliver that programme 10 years ago, you wouldn’t have clubs to go to… a lot more clubs are giving the girls game the same opportunity as the boys.”
In his role as Clare’s FAI Football Development Officer, Denis co-ordinates the delivery of a number of programmes from coaching, player development, coaching courses to volunteers and teachers, while working in a hands-on capacity with the county squads from U12 to Oscar Traynor (adult) level. Much of his time is also dedicated to improving governance and structures amongst clubs in the county, including the delivery of the clubmark programme, a quality assurance award that goes to a club when they meet certain standards.
Denis, previously a secondary school teacher who also qualified in Sports & Leisure Management from Waterford IT, is now 18 years in the role and one of his most recent notable achieve-
ments is the roll-out of winter futsal in the county. It’s a programme that has been so successful that it’s been replicated by the FAI across the country.
“Covid presented a crisis in that teachers weren’t bringing kids into the indoor halls, so we developed a futsal in the yard programme, supported by Healthy Clare. It’s an inclusive program to get boys and girls up and running after Covid. It’s a series of resources and sessions and education for teachers on how to deliver PE-oriented sessions on the school yard. That programme started in Clare in 2020 and now it’s gone nationwide through the FAI and is now recognised as part of the active schools programme. It’s just an example of where the Covid crisis, was an opportunity and thankfully it’s now having a nationwide impact.”
Indoor Futsal is also run during the winter by FAI Clare so that youngsters can continue to enjoy kicking a ball and developing their skills in the off-season, “Ourselves and Healthy Clare developed a winter programme, we have futsal programmes across the county indoors in the community centres. Again, that
was another opportunity to keep those kids active.
“Futsal is still a hidden secret in Ireland unfortunately. If you were to analyse the top attacking players in world football; the majority of them are Brazilian, South American, Portuguese, Spanish; they were all raised on this game called futsal. The ball has a reduced bounce and its playing style and rules are a mixture of basketball, Olympic handball and soccer. Rather than playing off the walls, you play to sidelines and there’s a kick-in a 5 on the court… As a player development tool, it’s the foundation for most of the world’s top players. We haven’t gotten it to the stage we’d like to in Ireland yet.”
Denis adds that FAI Clare “have a whole raft of community programmes” including a very successful 5-a-side event run every summer in conjunction with the Gardai called Beat the Streets.
“Last year we ran a Down Syndrome camp working with the support of Clare Sports Partnership. We assist programmes with the Brothers of Charity.
“Football is great to break down barriers. At different times of the year we do different programmes for non-nationals or communities coming into County Clare. The
biggest one at the moment is the Ukrainian community.
“As we say, you don’t have to speak Ukrainian to engagingwith the Ukrainian community that come in, or the Brazilian or the Portuguese. Throw out a few bibs and put a ball down, it’s a great way to welcome people into the community.”
SUMMER CAMPS
Denis credits the likes of Jim Madden and Mick Kennedy (RIP) for delivering five summer camps across the county in his early days as a volunteer in Clare soccer.
“We now have it up to 18 camps this year with about 2,000 kids and 40 coaches during the summer. The camps are open to kids aged 6-14 and they’re run in July and August, 10am-1pm. It’s great for, say a 6-year old kid being introduced to the sport for the first time and then they get to know their local club, which might lead onto them joining their local club.
For information on summer camps, visit faisummersoccerschools.ie where details will be available in the coming weeks. Anyone looking to introduce their kids to the game of soccer, contact Clare Schoolboy/girls soccer league or find your local club online.
As part of the SunSmart campaign the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, in collaboration with Healthy Ireland and cross-sectoral partners are working together to support people to protect their skin from the sun. The aim of the campaign is to increase awareness of the steps you and your family can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer in Ireland. For more information on the Sun Smart Campaign please visit www.hse.ie/eng/ services/list/5/cancer/prevention/skin-cancer-prevention-sunsmart.html
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
WAYS in which West Clare communities are protecting their locality were outlined at the Clare Clean Coasts Roadshow in the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point earlier this month.
Clean Coasts Officer Dara Dever spoke about the Clean Coasts programme and plans for the year ahead. Angela Gammell from Spanish Point community group spoke about the work their group has been involved in looking after their local coastline. Bernard Cahill from the Armada Hotel detailed their future plans and current initiatives. Monica Mullins from the Climate Ambassador programme spoke about climate change, actions we can all take and the Climate Ambassador programme.
The Clean Coasts Roadshow are a series of free talks and workshops for coastal communities which take place all around the coast of Ireland between February and May each year. in 2023, so far, already 21 Roadshow events have taken place all over the coast of Ireland, including beach clean-ups, networking events, biodiversity workshops, documentary screenings, and more.
Bringing together persons with an interest in protecting their local beaches, seas, marine life and environment is the aim of the roadshow. The roadshow events are a mix of talks and workshops covering topics such as biodiversity, dune systems, marine litter, wildlife, sustainable developments, work by local
groups and organisations, and more. Usually, roadshows are an occasion to discuss how community groups can build capacity with volunteers, attract new members and share the workload amongst the group, as well as look at various funding streams groups can avail of, including the Clean Coasts grant scheme for 2023.
In 2023, Clean Coasts is celebrating its 20th birthday. Since 2003, Clean Coasts has been working with communities to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life.
Submissions are now open for Clean Coasts’ annual Love Your Coast photography competition The competition asks for photographers to capture and celebrate the uniqueness of our coastal communities, environments, or waterways such as its stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, epic cliff faces, and raging rivers.
To mark 20 years of Clean Coast, a new category has been added to the competition, “Protectors of the Coast” which will showcase what volunteering on the coast and community spirit is all about. Other changes to this year’s competition are the reintroduction of the Underwater category, which was temporarily removed during Covid due to restrictions around diving.
Competition categories include, Wildlife and Coast, Coastal Landscape, People and the Coast, Coastal Heritage, Underwater and Protectors of the coast Photographers have until 9 am on 28th
August 2023 to submit their best images in one of five categories to be in with the chance to win a prize from a fund of €6,000 across all categories.
Last year, Piotr Machowczyk with the image titled ‘Doonagore Castle in Doolin’ taken at Doonagore Castle received the third-place prize in the Coastal Heritage category. Moreover, with his ‘Hags Head, Cliffs of Moher, Co. Clare’, Piotr was also shortlisted among the top ten in the Coastal Landscape Category.
In addition, ‘Stormy Wave Rider’ by Joe Silke, taken in Fanore, and ‘Nice Day for a Dip’ by Tim Beach taken in Doolin were shortlisted in the top ten for the People and the Coast Category. ‘Basking Sharks’ by John Collins, taken in Kilkee, was recognised among the top ten images in the Wildlife and the Coast Category.
To enter, visit the Clean Coasts website at https://cleancoasts.org/our-initiatives/loveyour-coast/
FIFTY EIGHT PERCENT of all litter in Clare comes from cigarette litter
Cigarettes are PLASTIC BASED and do not biodegrade in the natural environment
It can take up to 10 YEARS for a cigarette butt to breakdown in the ocean
HARMFUL CHEMICALS from cigarettes pollutes soils and waters
Tossed cigarettes can CAUSE FIRES
Plastics, micro plastics and chemicals from cigarette butts are HARMFUL TO WILDLIFE on land and in water
Cigarette butts ENTER DRAINS and from there make their way into our streams, rivers, beaches and oceans
THIRTEEN lives a year could be saved in Co Clare if authorities on both sides of the border adopt international guidelines on air pollution, a new report claims, writes Páraic McMahon.
A major cross-border assessment reveals that around 2,600 premature deaths can be attributed to air pollution, 1,700 in the Republic and 900 in Northern Ireland, annually.
In Clare, the data shows that 41 premature deaths a year are linked to dirty air, with 17 people in the county dying from heart disease as a result of air pollution.
Minister for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) launched the study, Air Pollution and Mortality on the
Island of Ireland. It was commissioned by the Irish Heart Foundation and British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland and compiled by experts from Queen’s University Belfast and Technological University Dublin.
The World Health Organisation recommends air quality guideline levels for harmful particulate matter, largely caused by the burning of solid fuels, of 5 micrograms per cubic metre - but the level in Clare is 7.4 micrograms.
The Irish and Northern Irish heart charities are calling on both governments to collaborate to improve air quality across the whole island. “We know that across the island of Ireland, poor air quality is continuing to have a detrimental impact
on public health,” said Irish Heart Foundation CEO, Tim Collins.
“This report estimates that there could be almost 1,000 fewer premature deaths per year attributable to air pollution on the island of Ireland if we are to achieve fine particulate matter pollution levels in line with the updated 2021 WHO guideline level. The findings within this report (funded by a grant from The Community Foundation For Ireland), make for stark reading and serve to shed some light on the size of the problem of air pollution. We hope that decision makers on the island will utilise it to move forward with bold action on air pollution to protect our health”.
He called for an all-island
strategy to make the WHO guidelines enforceable on both sides of the Border –and help for households experiencing fuel poverty to lessen their reliance on solid fuels to heat their homes.
“Air pollution does not respect borders, therefore, to truly improve our air quality, governments must work together with co-ordinated policy interventions and legislation to protect our health, including to completely phase out the most health-harming solid fuels and transition to cleaner, more sustainable forms of home heating,” he said.
Particulate matter or PM2.5 can damage blood vessels, causing them to become narrower and harder, and can also cause abnormal heart
rhythms and increase blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
SHANNON based Atlantic Aviation Group (AAG) have launched a recruitment drive for 45 apprentice and trainee aircraft engineers, writes Páraic McMahon
Presently, there is a worldwide shortage of qualified aircraft maintenance engineers, making it one of the most sought after skillsets in global aviation.
AAG hope to complete their recruitments in the coming months with the trainee opportunities to commence on June 12th, September and October 23rd. AAG which operates its own training academy, has teamed up with the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) and SOLAS Learning Works to offer more than 45 roles through four-year apprenticeship or two-year traineeship programmes.
Chief Aviation Services officer with AAG, Eva O’Keeffe explained, “As well as addressing our skills needs here at AAG, there is a global shortage of qualified aircraft engineers, making this an extremely valuable skill and exciting career to embark on. Through our Training Academy and partnership with the Limerick and Clare Education Training Board we are committed to running three CAT A Traineeship classes this year to address this skill shortage”.
Qualifications awarded through AAG include a Category B1 licence
for qualified apprentices which allow engineers to work anywhere in the world.
James Power of the Limerick and Clare Education and Training
Board said they had an ongoing commitment to support the aviation sector in the region. “Shannon Campus has a long history of delivering training on aircraft main-
tenance dating back to 1989 with Shannon Aerospace and is delighted to continue that tradition with Atlantic Aviation Group. There is no doubt that the qualification gained
from this training is recognised worldwide and is a passport for a successful learner to travel and work in the aviation sector”.
MARY Immaculate, Lisdoonvarna student
Fionn Rush took second place and a €6,000 cheque at the 2023 BD STEM Stars Awards.
BD STEM STARS is an initiative from BD Research Centre Ireland that aims to promote participation in STEM subjects and demonstrate how they can be applied to solving real-life health issues. Now in its fourth year, the initiative is open to all secondary schools in the Mid-West.
Some 15 secondary schools from counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary were welcomed by Site Lead for BD’s Research Center Ireland (RCI) in Limerick, Seán Wall Wall and his team to the RCI for the finals, creating a chamber of colour, excitement and no shortage of innovation across the day as they presented their individual projects and were given tours of the state-ofthe-art research centre.
Mr. Wall’s comments came after the Lisdoon-
varna school student was just narrowly edged into second place by a team from Desmond College in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Fionn’s project explored if neural networks can aid hearing-impaired people to lipread. The €6,000 prize fund he earned for Mary Immaculate will go towards STEM related facilities at the school.
RCI is a state-of-theart facility adjacent to the University of Limerick campus that develops innovative technologies to improve biomedical discovery, clinical diagnosis of disease, and the delivery of care for patients and health care workers. It currently employs 370 experts in software development, software testing, systems engineering, mechanical and electronic engineering, project management, quality and biosciences including immunology. The diverse, collaborative team brings together people from 27 countries working in multidisciplinary teams to solve problems and advance the world of health.
CLARE’S Abhilash Borana from Fáilte Solar has been announced as a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year competition, writes Elaine Tubridy.
Mr Borana will compete for the top prize in the international category. The International category consists of entrepreneurs who are global players. Their companies operate in multiple markets across the globe and can be headquartered here in Ireland or overseas.
This year’s 24 finalists will engage in a strategic growth programme over a 10-month period which includes a week-long CEO Retreat in Singapore.
As part of this retreat, the finalists will join a group of more than 100 previous finalists and winners of the programme where they will meet a range of world-class entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and academics.
The finalists will also be
welcomed into a community of 600 peers in the Irish EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ community.
To date, three quarters (75 per cent) of the alumni of the programme have conducted business with one another.
Together, the EOY alumni community generates revenues of €25bn, and employs more than 250,000 across the island of Ireland.
The programme will include executive education sessions; networking fora; extensive media profiling; the annual Gala Awards.
An award is presented for each category, and an overall winner will be announced at the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Awards in November.
The overall winner will represent Ireland at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Awards in June 2024.
The shortlisted entrepreneurs span a range of sectors including technology,
manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, retail, consumer products, and engineering.
Commenting on the announcement, Roger Wallace, Partner Lead for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme, said:
“We received a record number of nominations for this year’s programme and the highest ever number of nominations for female entrepreneurs which we are delighted to see.
“This year’s finalists represent a broad spectrum of industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, retail, consumer products, and engineering to name but a few.
“Our finalists come from diverse backgrounds and communities across Ireland north and south, showcasing the depth of entrepreneurial spirit and talent running through the island.”
AS THE senior hurlers of Clare and Tipperary put the finishing touches to preparations for their meeting in the opening round of the Munster championship at Cusack Park on Sunday, there is general agreement in both counties that this is a particularly important fixture, the result of which will have a big bearing on how both counties will do in this season’s competition.
Unlucky not to have won the Munster title last year when they lost the final to Limerick after extra time, Clare will begin their challenge to go a step further this year with much the same panel as last year.
Eamonn Taaffe’s name will always hold a special place in Clare GAA following his goal at a vital stage late in the 1995 All-Ireland final, a score which played a big part in Clare ending an eighty one year wait for the national title.
The Tubber man has no doubt but that this is “a very important fixture for Clare and one that will make or break their season. They have to go to Limerick six days after their meeting with Tipperary and it would not be good going to the Gaelic Grounds after losing on Sunday”.
Taaffe believes that “Clare will be well up for Sunday’s game. I wouldn’t read too much into the league. The league has gone funny and I know the way managers are looking at the league. You are not too worried if you stay in the division so I wouldn’t read too much into the league campaign when Clare had a couple of injuries. Look, Sunday is the big game”.
Confident that Clare will succeed, Taaffe admits to “a small bit of concern. David Fitzgerald will be a big loss”. He is confident that in his absence, others will step up.
“Tony [Kelly] always loves championship hurling, Shane O’Donnell hasn’t let us down, John Conlon is coming into form and we have a good young fella coming in Adam Hogan”.
“Tipperary manager Liam Cahill has proven that he knows what he
is doing, he is a fair operator. This is a big game for Tipperary also but if Clare are with them with fifteen minutes to go I believe that they can win. After their performances in last year’s championship, every team will be afraid of Clare this year and I do believe that Clare have enough in the tank to make a winning start”, he concluded
Tommy Dunne was part of last year’s Tipperary management, the 2001 All-Ireland winning captain was also part of Anthony Daly’s management with Dublin. He is also of the view that “this is a very important game for both counties.
“Get a bit of momentum early on and it takes off some pressure and gives confidence and belief. Limerick look very strong and its close to certainty that they will qualify so the fight is on to be one of the other two that will join them in qualifying for the next stage of the championship”, he told The Clare Echo
Toomevara’s Dunne added, “Tipperary have a bye in round two and that can work either way. If you win you want to be going fairly quick again. Last year we played Waterford in round one and lost and we played Clare a week later when they were having their first game. Look most teams are ready to rock and roll in the first game.
“It’s fair to say that Limerick are the stand-out team and all other counties are confident that if they reach their own potential, they will have a good chance of going through. If you can start with a win in your home game, you will have a good chance. Look the margins are fine”, Tommy said.
He believes that “there is a bit more confidence amongst Tipperary supporters but they are not getting ahead of themselves. Tipperary had a relatively good league campaign up to the second half of the league against Limerick. There are definite positive signs.
“Tipperary didn’t put too much into Clare’s league form. They will expect that Clare will show up in Ennis with a big performance. Kelly and O’Donnell are proven championship players and Tipperary will be wary of that and they will expect a big showing from Clare in front
of their own supporters”, Dunne concluded.
According to two-time All-Ireland winner from 1995 and 1997, Conor Clancy “this game is as vitally important as their meeting was last year. Last year’s win set Clare up to go forward and gave the confidence and they performed really well after that. It’s a massive game. Limerick will be difficult. If you start with two losses, it’s a massive disadvantage going into last two. We need to get a result in the first
one, it is critically important”.
Reflecting on Clare’s league run, the Kilmaley man said, “some teams place a higher priority in the league. We don’t know what training lads are doing during the league. Clare have been timing their performance for the championship and I hope it’s the same this year”.
The All-Ireland winning full forward added, “Guys have huge experience, some of those are championship players and when
championship arrives, they are capable of performing. There was a lot of concern last year going into the first round, Players performed to a high standard, they have massive experience”.
“Tipp got some momentum in the league, they found a couple of players, they are making progress, Clare with a full team in the park will be a couple of steps ahead. It’s year one of the Tipp project, it’s early days”, Clancy said.
AS THE 2022 hurling championship began, Waterford were seen as the likeliest pretenders to Limerick’s crown.
The Déise had reached the All-Ireland final in 2020 and then the 2021 Munster final, losing to the Shannonsiders on both occasions, as they did again in the All-Ireland semi-final of ’21.
When Liam Cahill’s side won the Allianz Hurling League last year, their status as strongest challengers was franked – a narrow defeat to Limerick at TUS Gaelic Grounds was seen as the first game of a trilogy with the Treatymen.
However, Waterford fell to earth quickly, while Cork – beaten All-Ireland finalists in 2021 – began their Munster SHC campaign with two defeats. With Tipperary in transition, Clare were the side to seize the opportunity and make the provincial final, only losing to Limerick by 1-29 to 0-29 after extra time.
Now, as the new championship comes into view, Clare’s Ryan Taylor admits that the encouraging performance last year means that there is a bar to be met. “I think, probably among the Clare supporters, there’s a higher expectation than there was this time last year,” he says.
“We didn’t have a very strong league campaign last year either and there wasn’t too much expectation. We ended up in the Munster final and got fairly close to Limerick. The expectation is higher but that’s where you want to be. We set high standards for ourselves and ultimately the goal is to win the Munster championship and go on and win the All-Ireland. There’s definitely more pressure, but it’s what you want to
FEAKLE’S Adam Hogan is set to make his championship debut for the Clare senior hurlers this weekend, writes Páraic McMahon
Brian Lohan’s side begin their championship campaign when they welcome age-old rivals Tipperary to Cusack Park this Sunday (April 23). Even though it is only the first round, it is viewed as a game that is likely to define the season for each county.
Lohan will not be able to call upon All Star David Fitzgerald who misses the tie through suspension. He received a straight red card in Clare’s final game of the Allianz National Hurling League against Cork.
2021 Harty Cup winner with St Joseph’s Tulla, Adam Hogan is on course to be included in the Clare full-back line. The Mary Immaculate College student who has represented his county at minor and U20 level was added to the panel at the beginning of this campaign and was one of the few new additions to secure regular game-time during the League.
have,” Taylor told The Clare Echo Clare’s appearance in the Munster final was the county’s first since 2018, which was the second consecutive decider they lost to Cork. Prior to that, one has to go back to Tipperary and 2008, the county’s first since the six in seven years in the 1990s, winning in 1995, 1997 and 1998.
While it was a disappointment not to win the final, Taylor feels that it can be channelled positively.
“Definitely, it was a missed opportunity in one way, getting that close,” he reflected. “I suppose, overall, you have to take the good out of the experience. I had been part of previous panels that had been in a Munster final but I was an unused sub so it was my first time on the pitch in one. It was great to get that close, but ultimately your goal is to win it out and pick up some silverware and we failed in that.”
In terms of using the league as a preparation for what is about to follow, Clare had ups and downs. With two rounds remaining, they were in the mix for the knockout stages but a poor home defeat to Galway ended those hopes before a draw with a Cork side that had already secured a semi-final spot.
Ryan remarked, “It was definitely a mixed bag. There were some decent aspects from it, but some poor performances overall. I think it’s a learning curve, you learn a lot and it’s all geared up towards the Munster championship."
In that regard, having the time to focus on the championship – as opposed to playing a semi-final and/ or a final – could prove to be beneficial. “When you’re in a competition, you want to win it, no matter what. There’s no point us saying our goal wasn’t to win the league – it was, but
the fact is that, when you’re out earlier than normal and not in the knockout stages, it gives you a few more weeks to work on stuff in training. Hopefully that stands to you then in the first round.”
Clare, like every other county, will look to stop the Limerick juggernaut. What is it that Taylor feels makes John Kiely’s side so strong? “They’re just an exceptional team, all over the field,” the Clooney/Quin man maintained. “Even when they’re not playing particularly well or they’re behind in a game, they always seem to come up trumps in the end. They’re a very hard team to break down. You may get on top of them for periods but they always seem to be able to claw their way back into a game. They’re the benchmark at the moment and it’s up to us and the rest of the teams to bridge that gap. They’re definitely the standard-bearers at the moment.”
For Clare, the Limerick engagement is on Saturday week, April 29, on the Ennis Road. Before that is the visit of Tipperary to Cusack Park on Sunday at 4pm. Last year, wins over Tipp and Cork set Clare on their way and Taylor knows that a strong start is vital.
“Just in terms of building momentum – it could be over very quickly if you lost your first two games as it puts you under serious pressure. Getting a good start is vital and I think your home games are ones that you’d be targeting and looking at. We have a good record at Cusack Park. We try to make it a fortress when teams come. It’s something that we pride ourselves on and it is a tough place to go. It’s a small ground, just under 20,000, and the crowd is in on top of you. It’s somewhere we’ve build up a good record over the years”.
aware of that”.
In 2018 and 2019, he guided the Premier County to All-Ireland glory in the U21 and then U20 championships. “I have always said that we in Tipperary are in the business of winning matches, and then winning Munster Championships and All-Irelands, that’s what we grew up on and is what we try to aspire to every day we go out. I am not for one second saying that we are not going out to try and win whatever silverware is on offer”.
He started his tenure as Tipp senior boss with a strong League campaign, reaching the semi-final where they scored fourteen goals in six games.
Cahill said he hasn’t changed his approach to inter-county management following last season which brought an end to his three-year stint at Wa-
Hogan who was appointed captain of the Clare U20 side by Terence Fahy was forced to miss their clash with Cork on Wednesday as the seven day rule would have prevented him from getting a place on Lohan’s matchday panel if he featured in that tie.
Two-time All Star nominee Rory Hayes broke a bone in his wrist last month and is battling to be fit and available for selection. Conor Cleary is to wear number three with Paul Flanagan to complete the fullback line.
Eibhear Quilligan will start his fourth championship between the posts with Inagh/Kilnamona’s Eamonn Foudy who was strongly challenging for the goalkeeper’s spot during the NHL, continuing his recovery from a knee injury.
John Conlon at centre back is expected to be flanked by Diarmuid Ryan and David McInerney. The front eight is not as defined but will definitely include Tony Kelly, Aidan McCarthy, David Reidy, Ryan Taylor and Cathal Malone. Reidy at corner forward was Clare’s most impressive player in their five League games.
Peter Duggan, Ian Galvin and Mark Rodgers are among those pushing to fill the remaining spots in the Clare attack.
Tipperary boss, Liam Cahill is well aware that Cusack Park will be a tough environment to walk into this weekend. “We have a number of our older and more experienced cohort that played there in 2019. While I didn’t play championship in Ennis myself, I did play two rounds of the League in my time and they were packed houses and is a really brilliant environment from a player and spectator point of view.
"It is very intense and Clare pride themselves on performing and winning in Ennis. The supporters row in behind that too and make it a tough environment for the opposition. We’ll discuss that and will be
terford manager. He felt there was a lot of “lazy analysis” when viewing the end of his time with the Déise who won last year’s League but failed to progress out of Munster.
"Myself and Mikey Bevans have continued to do what we believe in. We will continue to stick to what we believe will work.
"Not trying to give a soft answer but the end of the Munster Championship will prove whether we got it badly wrong last year or not. That was a really good league final last year in Thurles in front of a big crowd.
"I suppose you have to hold your form through the Munster Championship, that’s the reality of it. Championship is where you are judged and people’s memories are short too. That Waterford team were ultra-competitive for the last three years and a lot of it was lazy analysis. People didn’t really scale back and look at what these guys had achieved but the whole thing came unstuck in two or three weeks, that is all. Some of the analysis was unfair on what the players had achieved and where they had come from over the previous three years,” the 2001 All-Ireland winner commented.
ONE of Clare’s greatest footballers is now part of the backroom team with the county’s senior hurlers.
Gary Brennan was among the new additions to Brian Lohan’s backroom team this year with the St Flannan’s College Irish and PE teacher part of the set-up during the 2023 Allianz National Hurling League.
Brennan who holds a masters degree in performance coaching from Setanta College is operating as a performance coach with the senior hurlers.
As one of the county’s top sportsmen, Gary who lined out for Ireland twice in the International Rules series is held in very high esteem by the entire panel. It is understood that his is a minor role but the former Clare captain has impressed in all of his dealings with members of the county squad.
Though noted as a footballer, Brennan has been one
of the top club hurlers in the county over the past decade. He has played a very influential role in Ballyea securing four Clare SHC titles since 2016 and memorably scored an excellent goal in their comeback against Thurles Sarsfields in a season where they were crowned Munster club champions.
In the years prior to his inter-county retirement at the end of the 2020 season, the 2016 All Star nominee had been understood to have been approached by different Clare senior hurling managers to swap codes.
While Brennan may be the most high-profile addition to the backroom team, there are other new faces behind the scenes with Lohan’s setup.
The Hanley brothers, Colm and Eoghan are now involved in the video analysis and statistics side of the house. The Drumline natives were in charge of the Clare camogie team crowned All-Ireland Junior Champi-
ons in 2008 and have previously managed senior hurling teams in Wolfe Tones and Ahane.
Eoghan who is a teacher in Gort Community School and is the National Coordinator of the GAA/PDST Future Leaders Programme, a role to which he was seconded for two years. He has also begun working with the UCD School of Education as a lecturer and supervisor on their PME Programme. He also worked in France with French Ligue 2 football team En Avant de Guingamp.
An English and History teacher in Coláiste Chiaráin, Croom, Colm qualified as a golf teaching professional in 2014. He has completed a Master’s Educational Leadership and Management and during his time at St Caimin’s Community School led the school during a golden period for camogie success which included winning Senior A provincial titles.
Whitegate senior hurler, Colm Madden is another of
the new faces with a matchday role in the stats team. An English and History teacher in Gort Community school, he is also the Connacht Coordinator of the GAA/PDST Future Leaders Programme and is currently completing a PhD in history.
Niall Woods who was part of the All-Ireland winning U21 hurling panels a decade ago is also among those with a matchday role. The Newmarket-on-Fergus native served as sub goalkeeper on the victorious U21 sides managed by Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor in 2012 and 2013, having previously won Munster minor medals in 2010 and 2011.
Ex Clare hurler, Daithí O’Connell is no longer part of Lohan’s stats team but his Wolfe Tones clubmate Dermot O’Donnell who has been involved since the Shannon man was appointed manager remains a key figure alongside performance analyst Shane Lorigan.
WITH all eyes firmly focused on the commencement of the Munster SHC this Sunday, it is hard not to reflect back on an eventful 2022 which saw Brian Lohan’s men reach a Munster final and the last four of the All Ireland series.
One of the noticeable aspects of last year’s Munster Championship was Clare support increasing throughout the year with Cusack Park proving a cauldron of noise when hosting Limerick and Water ford.
Clare defender Diarmuid Ryan admits that the Banner winning their home games will be crucial and replicating the support the team enjoyed can help this out fit to get points on the board this Sunday.
“When you are playing in Cu sack Park and playing at your best, you can feel the crowd’s support. There is pride in the Clare jersey because you are repre senting a lot of people. Everyone gets behind us when we are doing well or even if they see you trying your hardest.
We want to be winning at home and making Cusack Park a fortress.
“It can be an intimidating place to come to when the crowd is so close. The players have experienced a packed Cusack Park so hopefully we will have another packed out game and get that support again”.
After making his Championship debut in 2019 against Waterford at wing forward, Ryan has consistently grown to be an
The 23year old feels that he now has
perience banked to
too nervous. It can drain you. In 2019 I was nervous playing because it was something new. With experience I got more comfortable with my job. I always try to go out and play to my strengths while sticking to the plan. Now the nerves go a small bit more and I become more focused on the job at hand. The experience of playing in Croke Park and a Munster final would benefit you”.
Ryan is currently studying a post grad in Professional Master of Education (Primary Teaching) at Mary Immaculate College. He describes balancing the workload of college, Fitzgibbon Cup and the demands of inter county as “organised chaos” but insists the positives outweigh the drawbacks.
“There are plenty of people in the same predicament. You just have to get on with it. The teaching career is a choice for years to come. It’s about finding a balance. You can be pulled every which way in January and February so it was tough.
battles in last year’s championship. Ryan is getting the full experience of the rivalry right now as he is currently on placement at Moyross National School. “I am out of the hurling buzz in Clare a bit. There are a lot of soccer fans there (in Moyross NS) so it’s something new to be out of Clare. It takes your mind off it and it’s fun because of the Limerick, Clare rivalry. It adds to the enjoyment”.
This Sunday will see Clare face the side that last beat them in championship fare at Cusack Park; Tipperary. The former Harty Cup winner with Ardscoil Rís knows that Clare need to be aware of the goal threat posed by Liam Cahill’s men, with the Premier County firing in 14 goals during their six League games.
battle without much eyes focused in their direction.
The Cratloe man is content to allow the attention be placed elsewhere. “I suppose we are a small bit (under the radar). We don’t take much notice. Limerick have been winning silverware so understandably there are more people talking about them. We will stick to our own plan and keep to ourselves. It’s nice to be under the radar. It’s the same thing as last year. In the end maybe there was too much talking and hype about us towards the end of the year. We don’t want to get carried away so we will let our hurling do the talking”.
better deal with the pre-game nerves than -
phasis on not being
“It’s nice to take your mind off the studies while the teaching gives you a break from thinking about the match because you have to be focused when you’re in the classroom. There are benefits to both.”
The rivalry between Clare and the all-conquering Limerick side was raised a few notches after two epic
“They will bring a savage intensity and work rate. We need to match that otherwise we will be found out. They are goal hungry so we have to stop them from getting chances. We know how important the first game is because you can maybe look up a bit after winning your first game. They will have a chip on their shoulder from last year so it’s going to be a battle”.
With much of the spring discussion surrounding how and who can stop Limerick, Tipperary’s goal scoring touch and Davy Fitzgerald’s return to Waterford, Clare enter the cut and thrust of championship
For a Clare defender, there is arguably nobody better to learn from than Brian Lohan. Ryan feels the former full back is an invaluable asset to the cause as Clare go in hunt of silverware.
“Brian has been phenomenal since he came in. The man has silverware under his belt. He knows what it takes to win. You can always take snippets from him. He spends a good bit of time giving out pointers and tips so you would look to him for guidance. He always wants us to bring that work rate and let the result look after itself. He demands work rate and intensity so we hope that will get us over the line and help us have a long Munster and All Ireland campaign”.
breakthrough. Unfortunately for the rest, 2022 was the chasing pack’s best chance to beat Limerick.
AHEAD of the start of this year’s hurling championship in Munster and Leinster, Darach Honan gives his power rankings to indicate how each county is prepared for the action.
After another league campaign which failed to capture the imagination, we can finally look forward to championship action again.
Limerick were ominously dominant in the final versus Kilkenny, leaving no doubt but that they are still the best team in the country. How the rest of us rank is the source of some debate, but in this week’s column I give the definitive rankings for hurling counties in the Liam McCarthy cup this year. This list will not simply be a compilation of the most recent results, rather, how I believe the cards will fall in 2023.
Limerick are far and away the best team in the country at the moment and they seem to be on a mission to go down as one of the best of all time. Chasing their fourth All-Ireland title in a row, they are in rude health with key players reaching their prime alongside young exciting talent pushing hard to make the
Injuries to Cian Lynch and Peter Casey put almost within touching distance of Clare, Galway and Kilkenny. However, they pulled through each time which will have given them ultimate belief in their system, style of hurling and their teammates. With the return of Lynch and Casey, along with the further development of Cathal O’Neill and Shane O’Brien it’s hard to see who will be able to challenge Limerick this year. 2
I will hold my hands up and admit I underestimated Kilkenny at the beginning of last year’s season. I was supremely confident that we would beat them in the All-Ireland semi-final last year and boy did I get it wrong. Kilkenny have continued that form into 2023 and put together a good league campaign reaching the final. By winning Leinster last year, casting Clare aside at their ease and reaching the league final this season, Kilkenny deserve their title of ‘best of the rest’. 3
I think Cork will emerge as more of a force in this year’s championship. They started last year sluggishly and never seemed to click. However, they still made it out of Munster
and if they had taken their chances against Galway, could have won that game easily. Cork are skilful, young and pacy. But the question mark remains as to whether they are physical enough to match Limerick. I think not, but this year could be a big one in their team’s development.
4
Clare put in some incredible performances last year, most notably the Munster Final which will go down as one of the great games. We have failed to spark thus far in 2023 but my feeling is they are hoping to peak a little later this year than last. After the Munster Final they were flat. We would have been beaten by a good team in the quarter final but scraped through, eventually losing out to Kilkenny in disappointing fashion. However, the squad has been strengthened through the additions of Adam Hogan, Seadna Morey and Aidan McCarthy. This depth will be important as games come thick and fast. An ideal result for Clare would be to progress under the radar in Munster in third place and hope to build for big performances towards the end of the championship.
in Munster and offering very little hope in any of them. They have been flat to the mat in training earlier than most for this season and were close to their peak for much of the league. It is unlikely that they will be able to sustain that level for the whole season, however, they play Clare in their first outing and we don’t want to be caught before they burn out. The winner of that game will likely progress in Munster and even though it is the first of four games in the round robin it will feel like a must-win for both sides.
6
Some may say it’s harsh not ranking Galway higher than I am. But if Galway were in Munster do I think they would progress to the All-Ireland series? No. Galway are physically strong and did put Limerick to the pin of their collar last year. As we saw with Clare though, that Munster Final took a lot out of both teams physically and mentally and the Galway/ Limerick clash probably gave us a false sense of where Galway really are.
7
However, they have been far from impressive in this year’s league. Favouring regressive tactics which are producing scoring chances for their backs rather than their forwards will not see success for this team in 2023.
8
Under Micheal O’Donoghue I think Dublin will progress as the third team in Leinster. There are green shoots of hope for them and moving their home games to Croke Park will suit this team a little better.
9
Wexford had a good chance to start anew when Darragh Egan came in. However, things seem to have gotten worse and results in the league and recent challenge matches will have dented this sides confidence further.
Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.
5
The Brendan O'Regan Restaurant is ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.
Tipperary had an extremely disappointing year last year, losing to every team
The Poet's Corner Bar is a traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.
League champions last year and buoyed by an All-Ireland club victory for Ballygunner, you may think Waterford should be in a strong place entering this year’s championship.
10
Have a good chance to spring a surprise at home to Dublin in the first round, but I think it will be beyond them.
11
Fortunately, they play Antrim at home in what will be their biggest game of the round robin. Unfortunately, I expect Antrim to pip them in this one.
A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..
Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.
MUNSTER U20 FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL
Kerry 1-20 Clare 4-09 (after extra time)
Venue: Austin Stack Park, Tralee
Compiled by David Byrne
KERRY:
Frees: 12
Wides: 10
Yellow Cards: Cian
McMahon, Thomas
O'Donnell, Killian O'Sullivan.
Red Card: Rob Monahan
Spread of scorers: 5
Scores from play: 0-13
Top scorer: William Shine (0-10 5f)
CLARE:
Frees: 12.
Wides: 11
Yellow Cards: Brian
McNamara
Black Card: Eoghan Casey
Spread of scorers: 6
Scores from play: 4-05
Top scorer: Paul Frawley (2-00)
Referee: Jonathan Hayes (Limerick)
“It is a mixture of huge, huge pride and then there is the ultimate disappointment as well. We are trying to get our head around it. Look, we came here with a job to do and the boys were openly ambitious from early in the year about having a say in this competition and they took it by the scruff of the neck; everything we saw from them out there tonight illustrated that when a group of lads get together and they put their mind to something, just like these boys have,
a lot can be achieved.
“We are disappointed, we are gutted. Maybe in time we can look back and we can say we did a lot right, and I think we did, but, ultimately, we wanted more this evening. Many of these guys are going to have huge futures. They are a great crop of players, but what I think makes them great is their loyalty to one another and the trust they have in one another, and their ability to pull together.
“They see football as being very, very import-
ant in their lives and we are delighted to be part of their journey. It has been a very, very good experience this year with them. We were delighted we got over the line against Tipperary. We knew it would be tough down there, and we knew that that battle of a game was going to help us tonight [Monday]. We were really happy that we scraped by against Tipp and we got to maybe iron out a lot of things that the boys were able to rectify absolutely every bit of it tonight
[Monday] and come out all guns blazing.
“You’d just love to have a game again next week to be able to go and rectify some of the things from tonight. But unfortunately that’s just the way the competition is, with it being knockout. And I think we could see there tonight [Monday] the benefits a round-robin would bring whereby if we were all going into another game in a group next week, can you imagine the momentum and the heights that we could all drive this to?
CLARE’S senior footballers will be bidding to qualify for their first provincial final in over a decade when they take to the field this weekend, writes Páraic McMahon
Colm Collins’ men make the short journey across the border to TUS Gaelic Grounds where they battle out with Limerick this Saturday at 7pm.
Kilfenora’s Cian O’Dea remains sidelined with a knee injury and continues to be a huge loss to the Clare starting fifteen.
After changing the game upon his introduction in the quarter-final win over Cork two weeks ago, Éire Óg’s Darren O’Neill is strongly pressing for a starting spot in the centre of the pitch.
O’Neill is the only expected change to the Clare team for the penultimate clash against Mark Fitzgerald’s Limerick side. The Kerry native said Limerick have moved on from a disappointing league campaign which saw them relegated to Division 3 alongside Clare.
“I’d be very positive that the future is bright. It is hard to think about next year on a night like tonight, it’s day by day now, but it has been a hugely positive experience this year. I have enjoyed every minute with the lads and all thoughts are extremely positive walking out here tonight [Monday] in relation to Clare football and in relation to the group of players we have at the moment”.
Fresh from tying the knot last Friday, Podge Collins will line out in his first championship match for the county as a married man in a forward line that is also set to include Eoin Cleary, Keelan Sexton and Emmet McMahon.
Last year, Limerick knocked Clare out of the provincial championship at the quarter-final stage. The tie finished 2-16 1-19 after extra time but the Treaty County advanced following a penalty shootout.
This defeat is well placed in the minds of the Clare squad who will be determined to put together another win in Munster which will seal their place in the All-Ireland series, a loss sees them end up in the Tailteann Cup.
Speaking on The Water Break, the Clare Echo’s video podcast exclusive to subscribers, Martin Daly outlined that Clare’s win over Cork will be tarnished if they cannot back it up by defeating Limerick to advance to the Munster final.
MUNSTER MINOR HURLING CHAMP'SHIP, RD 4
Clare 0-17 Cork 0-12
Venue: O'Garney Park, Sixmilebridge
Compiled by Eoin Brennan
CLARE
Frees For: 17 (6/11)
Wides: 16 (7/9)
Scores from Play: 0-12
Spread of Scorers: 8
Top Scorer: James Hegarty (0-4 3f)
Own Puck-Outs won: 14 from 21 (81%)
CORK Frees For: 8 (5/3)
Wides: 9 (5/4)
Scores from Play: 0-7
Spread of Scorers: 6
Top Scorer: Johnny Murphy (0-5 5f)
Own Puck-Outs won: 19 from 33 (69%)
REFEREE: Alan Tierney (Tipperary)
“I thought we we full value for the win. We hurled really well but we kind of made hard work of it and probably should have won more comfortably than five in the end.
“It was a delight to see as we hadn’t really hurled well in the previous three games. Obviously we won against Tipperary but even that night it was mainly about our battling qualities more so than our hurling and it was probably the same against
Waterford. Tonight our hurling and battling qualities came out on top and I’m really, really pleased with the lads.
“Up to tonight, we were very conscious of the fact that it could go all go pear-shaped very easily if we didn’t do our job here. Even if we had lost tonight, results could have gone our way that would have put us in the same position but we just couldn’t take that chance so we just needed to do
our job and any day you beat Cork is a good day.
“That said while we hurled really well, I don’t know if that was Cork’s full standard. They had already qualified by winning their first two games which meant that mathematically they couldn’t
not reach a semi-final. So that might have been a small factor in their performance tonight but I’m sure if we meet them further down the line, it won’t be the same case again.
“Over the next fortnight, we just have to
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
CLARE GAA’s efforts to challenge the eligibility requirements of senior inter-county players also lining out at U20 has been defeated.
On Tuesday, Clare GAA brought a case to the Disputes Resolution Authority (DRA) where they challenged the GAA’s decision to alter a motion put forward by Wexford GAA and passed at Congress.
In their appeal, Clare GAA argued that Central Council went beyond interpreting Wexford’s proposal. The Irish Examiner have reported that the case failed as the appeal was not lodged within seven days of the Central Council decision. A DRA hearing was the only option available to Clare or any county to contest a decision of this nature by Central Council.
concentrate on what we have to do in terms of having another look at our panel options. We have a panel of 29 as well as a couple of Celtic Challenge players are showing well that we might have a look at."
NATIONAL LADIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE, DIV 3 FINAL
Kildare 2-11 Clare 2-10
Venue: Parnell Park, Dublin
Compiled by Derek Dormer
CLARE:
Wides: 9 (4/4/0/1)
Frees for: 23 (5/8/7/3)
Scores from play: 2-4
Top scorer: Fidelma Marrinan (1-6 5f)
Spread of scorers: 5
Bookings: None
Own kickouts won: 15 from 21 (72%)
KILDARE:
Wides: 8 (4/4/0/0)
Frees for: 20 (8/6/1/5)
Scores from play: 1-6
Top scorer: Roisin Byrne (010 5f)
Spread of scorers: 3
Bookings: Grainne Kenneally (2), Neasa Dooley (68), Mia Doherty (77), Lara Gilbert (79)
Own kickouts won: 15 from 21 (72%)
Referee: Siobhan Coyle (Donegal)
"Firstly I have to say I'm very proud of them. They battled so hard for eighty plus minutes. Obviously we are very disappointed as we didn't manage the last ten minutes good enough but pride still outweighs the disappointment.
“We were probably the better team for most of the game but they were more clinical than us. It was an absolute cracker of a game, not one for the fainthearted or even my heart to be honest. We got a little bit lateral in extra time rather than
punching holes in their defence. We had worked on opening up pockets and attacking from width but we have to take it on the chin and learn from it. This game will bring us on and galvanise us for the championship.
"I have to say though
it's ridiculous that it's not two up two down like the men. We get no reward at all for eight games and only losing by a point in extra time but that will further galvanise us and I'm sure we will use it and push on in the championship. We've a
great bunch of girls, really close knit group and I'm just so proud of all of them. Yes I am gutted for them but as I say we will use this defeat to push on. We simply have to. These girls deserve success and we won't stop until we achieve it”.
At Congress in February, Wexford successfully proposed that players could play both senior and U20 inter-county but not in the same seven-day window. Their motion specified that the window would run from Friday to the following Thursday. This would have allowed a player to play U-20 midweek and then available to his senior squad if they had a championship game the following weekend. But the player would not be available for his U20 team the following week as it fell within the same Friday-Thursday seven-day window.
Central Council approved an interpretation of the Wexford motion by its Rules Advisory Committee, however, that implemented a rolling seven-day window. That meant a player could not play senior or U20 games within seven days.
Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating explained, “The Wexford motion prohibited a player from playing senior and then playing U20 but it didn’t prohibit him from playing U20 and then playing senior because of the Friday to Thursday window. When we voted on that motion we knew what that meant but what Central Council implemented changed that. Other counties felt the same. Central Council went a long way in their interpretation of the Wexford motion, the way they altered it”.
Captain of the Clare U20 hurlers, Adam Hogan is among the players affected by the ruling. He was unable to line out for Terence Fahy’s U20s on Wednesday for their final round robin tie against Cork so that he could be part of Brian Lohan’s senior panel for Sunday’s championship opener against Tipperary.
It also means that Patrick Crotty, Keith Smyth, Oran Cahill, John Conneally, Ian MacNamara and Oisin O’Donnell are extended members of the senior squad cannot form part of Sunday’s matchday panel as they featured against the Rebels.
Senior football boss, Colm Collins has also been impacted by the ruling. He has been shy of the services of Brendy Rouine and Brian McNamara for both the Munster SFC quarter-final and semi-final.
Rouine who made his championship debut last season would not have been eligible for the U20s if he featured against Cork two weeks ago. The fact that he and Cooraclare’s McNamara played against Kerry in the U20 semi-final on Monday night means they are unavailable for selection this Saturday against Limerick in the Munster semi-final.
The Clare Echo understands that the decision to pursue the case to the DRA was pushed by the hurling managements.
A WIDE SMILE was etched across the face of Newmarket Celtic’s latest match-winner Gearoid O’Brien in the beaming sun of Jackman Park after he headed them into the final of the Munster Junior Cup.
With 77 minutes on the clock, O’Brien made a perfect connection with a corner from David McCarthy leaving Josh McCarthy with no chance of getting his hands to the header.
While the ball fired past the Fairview Rangers goalkeeper, it also sent Newmarket straight into the Munster Junior Cup final and ensures they will line out in provincial and national finals in the one season, for the first time in their history.
Supporters rushed onto the field to congratulate and savour the occasion with the Newmarket Celtic players. There were plenty of pats on the back, hugs and well-wishes.
O’Brien was among those receiving the plaudits but he was also reminded by his fellow squad member Cathal Hayes “it’s about time you scored”, quickly trying to bring him down to earth.
It was one of the exchanges that
widened the grin on O’Brien’s face.
“It’s some club, it’s a very passionate club, the A team and B team have unbelievable support, some special
supporters,” he told The Clare Echo Signed by previous manager, Mark O’Malley, the Kilrush man was quick to point out that al-
has seen Newmarket Celtic conquer their biggest scalp of the season, writes Páraic McMahon
Gearoid O’Brien’s goal on 77 minutes saw Newmarket dethrone Fairview as Munster Junior Cup champions and sealed their place in the provincial final for the third time.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Newmarket boss Paddy Purcell noted that the showdown was their toughest outing of the year. “They are a really good side, they’ve players who have been in League of Ireland for a good number of years and some of them could still be playing there, they are one of the best sides in the country not by a chance, their management structure, coaches they have a really great set-up to be fair to them, they’ve developed their Astro turfs. It is a massive scalp for us, we’re a small team from Clare and they are one of the best teams in the country.”
Purcell who won an FAI Junior Cup and two Munster Junior Cups while lining out in the heart of the Fairview defence admitted that it was poignant to face off against his former club. “I was lucky to have had good success with Fairview before I went off playing League of Ireland. I’ve a special place in my heart for that club and they’ve been one of the best teams in the country for decades but I had to put all of that to one side and focus on what we needed to try do ourselves”.
Corners had been one of the main areas Newmarket Celtic applied attention to on the training ground so it was fitting that a superb David
McCarthy was met by a powerful O’Brien header to advance to the Munster Junior Cup final. “They are a very big threat from corners themselves, you could see that from corners and set pieces that they caused us trouble. We were saying it is one of the things we have in our armoury, we didn’t care where the goal came from to be honest, it was as much work on defensive set pieces as attacking pieces, I’m glad Gearoid got the reward”.
With the attacking quartet of Darragh Rainsford, Conor Ellis, Conor Coughlan and Jeffrey Judge asking some questions in the opening half, it proved vital that Newmarket didn’t concede a goal when they retreated to the dressing room.
Purcell reflected, “We were under a lot of pressure in the first half but we dealt with it well. They didn’t
though it’s been a positive run to date, they have nothing yet to show for their efforts. “We’re delighted with how things are going, we’re keeping our foot on the ground, we haven’t won anything yet, we’re still in three competitions but we’ve nothing won yet and we’re focused on all three of them”.
Fairview Rangers represented one of their toughest games of the season with the reigning Munster Junior Cup champions posing their biggest date to date, O’Brien felt. “Fairview are a quality side, we knew that coming into it but we were very poor in the first half and we stayed in it, we got our chance and we took it”.
Shane Cusack managing to keep a clean sheet in the opening half was vital, Gearoid maintained. “It was crucial that we didn’t concede a goal in the first half, there’s not much between any of the teams in the FAI or Munster Junior Cup at this stage, we kept it tight at the back and that was the main thing”.
Gearoid who made his debut for the Clare senior footballers in 2017 and is no longer part of Colm Collins’ squad insisted that the focus within Newmarket-on-Fergus is
now a game by game approach.
Listed among the substitutes, Gearoid was sprung into action earlier than expected after Dean Hegarty sustained a knee injury after five minutes. He was pleased with how he adapted to proceedings. “I was delighted with my performance, I came on early for the FAI again and a bit earlier even again today so I’m delighted”. Adding to the pride was his impressive header to seal the win. He and later David McCarthy admitted it was a move that had been honed on the training ground of McDonagh Memorial Park. “It was a good finish, it was something we worked on in training, it came straight off the training ground to be honest”.
Equally as eye-catching as the header was his celebration with Gearoid confirming that his inspiration was Southampton captain James WardProwse.
create any real chances from open play, it was more set pieces, they didn’t carve us open at any stage, I was really proud with how the lads dealt with that pressure.”
For Purcell to have guided the club to contest both FAI and Munster Junior Cup finals in his first season as manager is impressive but the former Limerick FC and Waterford Utd centre-half is quick to brush off praise fired in his direction.
He said, “It’s about the players, Stephen Austin our coach, Eoin O’Brien in our management team, Owen McCarthy and Martin Cooney but at the end of the day it’s about the players, the players are doing all we can ask of them, the club are supporting us as much as they can whether we’re looking for recovery sessions or different things, it’s a collective effort.”
CLARE had a number of Juveniles in action for Munster B competition last weekend with finals taking place this Saturday in Clarecastle.
The U14 singles was played to final with Cillian Cummins Toonagh winning Munster honours.
The u14 doubles was also played in full with Kilkishen pair of Dara Lenihan and Jamie Moroney winning silver when they defeated Cork but losing out to Tipperary.
In other results U15 singles Finn McConnologue of Tulla lost to David Cooke Tipperary and the U15 doubles of Tom Moloney(Tulla)/ Ciaran Collins(Kilkishen) lost to Tipperary pair.
Sean McGee of Clooney-Quin won his U13 semi-final.
Fixtures in B for Munster completions Saturday for Clare players as follows.
Girls
U12 singles Ava McIn-
erney
U12 doubles Tracy Tuohy/Amelia McInerney
U13 singles Lorna Casey
U13 doubles Jane Hogan/
Masie O'Malley
U14 doubles Jemma
Guinnane/Ella Crotty
U16 doubles Zsuzi Kid-
ney/Lisa Nicholas
Boys
U12 singles Patrick Burke
U12 doubles Ruairi Frost/ Cillian Howard
U13 singles Sean McGee
U13 doubles Cathal
Ryan/Lachlan Collins
U16 singles Daniel McInerney
Also taking place this weekend are the Munster Second Level Colleges finals.
Friday in Ballydesmond Clare will have the following girls in action
1st year singles. Síofra
McNulty - Scariff Communuty College
1st year doubles. MaryKate McCarty/Caitlín McGrath - St. Joseph's Tulla
Junior singles. Claire
Minogue - Scariff Community College
Junior doubles. Ella
Casey/Tara Lucas - St. Flannan's Ennis
Senior singles. Aine Lenihan - St. Joseph's Tulla
Senior doubles. Sarah Wiley/Rachel DanagherScariff Communuty College
Sunday in Cashel the following boys are in action
1st year singles. Eoin Shanahan - St. Joseph's Tulla
1st year doubles.
Lochlainn Collins/Donnach
Lenihan - St. Joseph's Tulla
Junior singles. Donnacaha Mahon - St. Flannan's Ennis (Paul Rodgers inj)
Junior Doubles. Sean Considine/Cathal NoonanSt. Flannan's Ennis
Intermediate singles
Christian Cummins - St. Flannan's Ennis
Intermediate doubles
Jack Madden/Matthew Crotty - Scariff CC
Senior singles. Mici Sheedy - Scariff Community College.
Adult results.
Mike Baker and Seamus Ryan lost All-Ireland semi-final to Tyrone pair of Seamus and Eamon McCrory 21-18, 21-03
Mike Kelly and Pat Lynch withdrew due to injury.
ENNIS/KILRUSH RFC made history when winning the Munster Division 2 Cup final for the first time.
In their first season amalgamated together, Ennis/ Kilrush’s women’s side had a comprehensive 49-0 win over Midleton on Sunday last in Musgrave Park.
They are vying for more glory this weekend when they face off with Thurles at the University of Limerick.
Ailish Dunne got over the line for the first of her three tries following a well-worked set piece from a scrum, Cayla Flannery made a well-timed pass to send Dunne under the posts. Aoibheann Hahessy got the side’s second
try while the Amy Flavin picked up the third when Emma O’Dwyer sent a perfectly timed pass in her direction.
All three tries were converted from the boot of Cayla Flannery to leave the Clare side ahead 21-0 at half-time. She managed to finish the final with one hundred percent accuracy from the kicking tee.
Midleton began to test the Ennis/Kilrush defence on the resumption but Karen O’Sullivan and Ciara Coughlan were among those to stop any potential inroads being made by the Cork side.
Kilmihil native Micaela Glynn made a powerful line
break which sent Hahessy away to score her second try, once again Flannery did the business from the conversion. Glynn was joint captain alongside Ciara Clohessy. Substitute Emman Ikeiby made an immediate impact, scoring a fantastic solo try from well inside her own half. Likewise, Caoimhe Flynn impressed when introduced, she was the provider for two of Ailish Dunne’s tries.
Ennis/Kilrush: Grace Molloy, Sarah Coote, Patricia Coote, Ailish Dunne, Micaela Glynn, Cayla Flannery, Emma O’Dwyer; Aoife McMahon, Nicole Leamy, Aoibhinn Brown, Karen O’Sullivan, Ciara Coughlan, Amy Flavin, Caoilfhionn Morrissey, Aoibheann Hahessy. Subs: Emily Anglim, Amy Lander, Sophie Roughan, Ciara Clohessy, Caoimhe Flynn, Emma Ikeiby, Grace Colleran
WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:
Rory O’Brien was the winner of the weekend singles with 44 points two more than Ronan O’Looney who was in a second place. Vincent O’Grady, also with 42 points was in third place.
Alan Markham and Ray Casey’s teams qualified for the Spring league final at the weekend when they were victorious over the teams captained by Colm Geary and Ross Darmody. There will be a club singles this weekend while the annual Costello fixture between Ennis and Woodstock will take place on Sunday at Woodstock. The format will be scotch foursomes.
ENNIS GOLF CLUB:
The ladies section of Ennis golf club will have a busy time over the coming weeks. Next week (April 23 to 26) the Australian Spoons competition will take place.
The Tadhg O’Flynn Jewellers fourball competition will take place on May 7 to 10
Followed on May 21 to 24 by the Cummins Garage fourball. The Bogey cup, sponsored by Coco Restaurant will take place on May 31 to June 7.
The Eileen Murphy foursomes will be played on June 25 to 28 followed on July 12 by the Play in Pink day, sponsored by Tadhg O’Flynn Jewellers .
The TempleGate hotel sponsored GAity Cinema cup will take place on August 6 to 9 while the Ardagh cup and Challenge cup finals will be on August 27.
Last week’s senior ladies competition was won by Carmel Verling, Kathleen Pyne and Bernie Brooks with 29.
Meanwhile the Ennis senior men’s social group competition played on Thursday April 13 was won by Sean Daly, Kevin Murray, Michael A Considine and Sean O Gorman with 70 points.
In second place were Brendan Pyne, Ronnie Guinnane, Michael Ball and John R Cullinan on 69 points followed in third place by Tony Lawler, Michael Neylon, Michael Kerin and Declan Hanley on 68 points.
DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:
Philip Alldritt was the winner of the men’s 18 hole singles stableford competition at Dromoland last week with 43 points. He had two to spare over Niall Geraghty with Joe Walsh, also
with 41, in third spot followed by Tim Kennelly with 39 . Killian Howard won the gross with 36 points.
The ladies 18 hole stroke medal 1 qualifier on Sunday was won by Carola Wixted with 70 nett from Cora O’Toole with 76, Julie Fitzgerald with 77 and Mairead Toomey with 78.
The 9 hole stroke competition was won by Catherine Quinn with 40 nett.
In the men’s 9 hole singles stableford competition Robert Deegan won with 23 points from Alan Pyne with 19 and Patrick Vaughan, also with 19.
KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:
Michael Shannon Senior (17) won the men’s weekly competition at Kilrush with 35 points from Tom Buckley (8) with 29 , Leroy Crowe (10) with 28 and Brian Scanlan (6) with 27.
GORT GOLF CLUB:
Keis Finnegan (7) was the winner of the men’s singles at Gort at the weekend with 44 points.
Category A was won by P.J. McAllen (9) with 39 points, category B as won by John Dempsey (18) with a similar score, Shane Kavanagh (21) won category C with 40 points while the gross was won by David Quirke (3) with 35 points.
EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: Mary Farrell (36) won the ladies 18 hole stableford (non qualifying) competition at East Clare last week with 35 points. Eileen Donnellan (13) won the gross with 18 points. Best wishes are extended to the club’s Lady Captain Rachel Whelan who is getting married on this Friday April 21 to Shane McGrath.
IT’S with a heavy heart that I put this piece together on the sudden passing of Pat Curtin one of the most successful Clare men ever to be involved with greyhounds.
As I lay on my bed in The Galway Clinic on Monday morning in the last few hours of my week long stay there, I scan trough Talking Dogs for bits and pieces of information for my column where the name Pat Curtin comes up before my eyes.
As I read through it I say to myself 'this cannot be true'. As I try to get my head around it, my phone rings. It's Anne Hehir, Noel’s Mam who confirms the terrible news.
I met Pat on just a few occasions and spoke to him on the occasion when I organised the fundraiser for the Clare Hurlers at the Limerick Track in 2013 when he was more than happy to sponsor a race. My Brother Johnie also kept a few greyhounds for him some years ago.
A hugely popular figure, he was also an incredibly talented man with a greyhound and tasted plenty of success on the track and field.
He will be best remembered for expertly training Shelbourne Aston to Champion Stakes and Derby glory in 2008, landing one of the greatest gambles of all time in the latter. The brilliant brindle, who he owned
with his great ally Noel Hehir of Inagh and their close friends Paul and Margaret Montgomery, produced one of the most astonishing displays in the Derby final, coming from last to snatch victory off Slip The Lark in the final stride.
He wasn’t the only star that Pat would train on the track. Caz Diamond captured the Golden Jacket around Galway in 2007, while he also trained the sensationally fast Kereight King to reach the Derby decider in 2013, only to withdraw the dog after he picked up an injury.
He was also one of the most prominent names in coursing circles, tasting success up the field with the likes of Boavista and Windfarm amongst many others.
Pat was born into greyhounds with his late father John always keeping a few, both coursing and track. He was born, and spent his first few years, in Letterkenny but as he said himself, his father “did the right thing” and moved the family to Clare when Pat was seven.
It would be his home for the next 10 years before he moved to London where he began work in the plant hire industry. He often told stories of his time in the UK where the greyhound bug never left him. He had dogs with his great friend John Mullins and managed to win some big prizes with the likes of Ballydaly Score and Shanaway Gold.
During his time in the UK he became friends with legendary jockey Tony McCoy who in-turn introduced him to footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones and former Arsenal star Ray Parlour. He became friends with Jones and Parlour and got the duo involved in a few greyhounds but the call of home was strong. Pat returned to Ireland in 2004, settling into the Ballygodoon Stud in Monard, Co. Tipperary.
Soon after he got his hands on Winters Pub in Dundrum in the then newly opened Dundrum Town Centre. Pat relied on his sister Bridget to make it possible for him to keep his involvement in both the greyhounds and the pub game, stating in the 2009 Irish Greyhound Review that, “I try to be there [Ballygodoon] as much as possible but when Bridget is there, everything is done properly and it works well.”
Pat remains reposed in St Marys Church, Mullagh on Wednesday, burial takes place today Thursday 20th in Clohanes Cemetery after funeral mass. He is survived by Joanne
and their five children, Caitlin, Conor, Charlotte, Cillian and Ciara, siblings, Geraldine Rose, Thomas, John, Jude, Bridget, Elizabeth and Ann, brothers-in-law Paul, Joe and Pat, sistersin-law Mary, Colette and Claire, nephews, nieces, extended family, cherished friends and all his greyhound sporting family.
Pre-deceased by his father John and mother Elizabeth (Betty).
SATURDAY night saw the remaining twelve greyhounds do battle for a spot in the final of the 2023 Con & Annie Kirby Memorial in front of a large crowd at Limerick Greyhound Stadium, writes Michael Maher
Although there were a few shock exits from the Classic, it was no surprise to see Graham Holland dominate as he accounted for both of the semi-final winners on the night. Indeed, after safely navigating four greyhounds through to the final of the BresBet Easter Cup last weekend at Shelbourne Park, Graham Holland will now make up 50% of the Con & Annie Kirby final next Friday night at Limerick.
However, the decider remains a wideopen contest despite that statistic and representatives of all six finalists will fancy their chances at landing the €80,000 feature.
In the opening semi-final, much of the focus was on which of the Pat Buckley-trained duo of Bens Teddy and Terezas Mendoza could gain the early supremacy as they occupied the inside traps of one and two. In contrast however, it was 10/1 chance Gaytime Hugo, who would have been arguably favourite to trail the field early on, that took a flier from trap four and set his stall out early. Ryhope Beach was next to show from the striped jacket in six and Scaglietti was making fine progress from trap five, despite his efforts to get to the rail. At this point, the 5/4 favourite Bens Teddy was outpaced in the opening exchanges as Terezas Mendoza breezed past her kennel companion and with Scaglietti darting to the inner, traffic ensued with Blastoff Salah forced to check, in turn hampering Bens Teddy and ending the chances of progression for both greyhounds. As a result of the early traffic, the strong running Gaytime Hugo manufactured a healthy advantage entering the back straight as he had some three lengths in hand over Ryhope Beach, with Scaglietti a further couple of lengths back in third place. The leading trio were strung out like ducks midway down the back and, even at this point in the race, it was clear who would make up 50% of the Kirby final next Friday night. Gaytime Hugo continued to set a relentless gallop into the third turn and he stopped the third bend sectional clock at a brisk 16.00, with Ryhope Beach continuing to give chase in second place. Rounding the bottom two bends and Ryhope Beach was beginning to make slight inroads into the leader, however, Gaytime Hugo has bags of stamina and he was never under serious threat as he galloped out brilliantly for his owner Stephanie O’Connell.
Crossing the line with two and a half lengths in hand over Ryhope Beach, who again ran an exceptional race in defeat, the time for the home-bred son of Gaytime Hawk and Gaytime Derval was a scorching 28.09. Scaglietti claimed the final qualifying position in third and he remains a leading hope in five days’ time, while the remaining trio of Terezas Mendoza, Bens Teddy and Blastoff Salah didn’t enjoy the clearest of paths but
no doubt we will be hearing more from these greyhounds in the months the follow.
The second semi final was a wide-open contest in the betting market as both Clonbrien Treaty and Bogger Lucky were sent off the 5/2 joint favourites.
After threatening a huge run for the majority of this Kirby renewal, Clonbrien Treaty produced that effort in the quarter finals as he romped to a 28.31 success. It was suggested on that occasion that the penny may have finally dropped for James and Muireann Murphy’s charge and this certainly looked the case as he once again pinged out from trap one last night. Bogger Lucky was next to appear from his striped berth in six but any progress he was to make in the opening yards was halted as Clonbrien Treaty drifted notably wide on the run to the turn. As a result, Bogger Lucky was forced to seek an inside passage rounding the opener with Hovex Tommy following Liam Peacock’s tracker through in third place. In behind saw Singalong Eimear miss the kick to sit fourth, while the same could be said of both Whyaye Man and Ballymac Seanie and the trio looked in big trouble rounding the opener.
Up front and Clonbrien Treaty held a lead of one and a half lengths entering the back straight from Bogger Lucky in second and in truth, both greyhounds outpaced their rivals at this point as the duo showcased their phenomenal back straight gears to go clear. Hovex Tommy continued to give chase in third and was some three lengths adrift of Bogger Lucky entering the penultimate bend but he was to step up his challenge around the bottom two turns.
There was no doubt about the winner of this contest however, as Clonbrien Treaty continued to set an explosive gallop around the bottom two bends and the son of Pestana and Clonbrien Millie stopped the sectional clock at a rapid 15.88. Despite drifting wide once more on the run for home, Clonbrien Treaty was powerful in the closing stages and he crossed the line with four and a half lengths to spare over Hovex Tommy, who ran a spectacular race in behind to come through and seal a 1-2 for Graham Holland.
The final qualifying position went to Liam Peacock as Bogger Lucky, who matched Clonbrien Treaty to the third turn, finished just a head further back in third place. The time was a sparkling 28.15.Six lucky clubs also progressed and will now share in a €20,000 prize-fund set aside by JP & Noreen McManus for the nominators.
The draw for the final of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Final & Nominators are:
T1 - CLONBRIEN TREATY (I)
Knockainey GAA
T2 - HOVEX TOMMY (I)
St. Senans Ladies
T3 - SCAGLIETTI (I)
Feenagh/Kilmeady GAA
T4 - GAYTIME HUGO (I)
Doon GAA
T5 - RYHOPE BEACH (M)
Hospital/Herbertstown GAA
T6 - BOGGER LUCKY (M)
COUNTY COUNCIL THE CORNER HOUSE, BUTTERMARKET STREET, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95 V6KP
Take notice that I, Ms Mary Collins intend to apply to Clare County Council for permission for the following development
(a) Retention of the existing temporary access gate at the side of my dwellinghouse to provide off-street car parking at the above address.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during 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 and such submission or ob-
servations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMLINE NEWMARKET ON FERGUS CO. CLARE
Take Notice that I Maria Hehir intend to apply to Clare County Council For Permission for the Construction of a Single Storey Dwellinghouse, New Vehicular Entrance & Proprietary Waste Treatment Plant including all ancillary site works at above address.
The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during it’s public opening hours. A submission or
Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NO.60 MOYARD, LOUGHVILLE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE
V95 V2P6
Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.
ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Micheál Brennan for permission to retain (a) enlarged site boundaries and wall as constructed (b) garden shed together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submis-
sion 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.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 21 ROCKMOUNT MANOR, BALLYBEG, KILRUSH ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE
Take notice that Edel O’Callaghan intends to apply to the planning authority for permission for material change of use of part of existing dwelling house to creche, along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be
made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLARD, DOONBEG, CO. CLARE
Take notice that Oliver Ryan intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a garage/fuel shed along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the appli-
cation.
Please take note that Thomas Holland of Williamstown Quay Marina intends to apply to Clare County Council for permission to introduce two number boats/houseboats into an existing commercial marina for use as short term tourism rentals at Williamstown, Whitegate, Co. Clare.
The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
What stone is found in the Burren?
-Sandstone
-Slate
-Limestone
What formation does the stone make?
-Pavement
-Stepping Stones
-Promontory
What is the name of the famous wave at the Cliffs of Moher?
-Eilidh’s
-Aileen’s
-Orla’s
Which Family lived in Bunratty Castle after 1475?
-The O’Briens
-The McNamaras
-The Thomands
Which castle did the family build after being forced out of Bunratty
-Leamenh
-Knappogue
-Dromoland
In what year was glór theatre built?
-1998
-2001
-2000
What will be in the extension to glór which is currently underway?
- Art studio/Dance hall
-Library/Gallery
-Art studio/Gallery
Clare musician Sharon Shannon made her debut with which band?
-The Waterboys
-The Riverboys
-Horslips
What was the name of Sharon Shannon’s first solo album?
-Shannon
-Out the Gap
-Sharon Shannon
In what year did Scarriff musician Sarah McTernan represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest?
-2019 -2018 -2022
Sudoku is a logic puzzle where you have to populate the grid with numbers. A number can appear only once in each row, column and house. Each puzzle can be solved using logic from the given information and requires no guesswork.
ACROSS
1. Hitherto(10)
7. Evident(8)
8. Fire injury(4)
9. Looked at(4)
10. Trading ban(7)
12. Definitely(7,4)
14. Parentless children(7)
16. Employed(4)
19. Require(4)
20. Lift(8)
21. Plague(10)
DOWN
1. Freedom from war(5)
2. Distinguished(7)
3. Chilled(4)
4. Last(8)
5. Seventh sign of the Zodiac(5)
6. Thrifty(6)
11. Least advanced in age(8)
12. Notified of a risk(6)
13. Take no part(7)
15. Be evasive(5)
17. Idle bee(5)
18. Scottish dance(4)
