The Clare Echo 20/07/23

DAY OUT IN CROKER

Lahinch water bacteria sparks ‘huge concerns’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TEMPERATURES are forecast to hit close to twenty degrees in Lahinch over the coming days but the popular coastal spot remains under a do not swim notice.

Since Tuesday afternoon, a red flag has been flying at Lahinch. It follows the detection of elevated levels of bacteria in the water and runoff from the catchment after a period of heavy rainfall in recent days.

Do not swim notices are becoming an annual occurrence on Clare beaches with ten such notices issued across the past four years.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) highlighted, “It’s a serious situation when you have to close a beach, it makes people not have faith in swimming, Lahinch is a hugely popular tourist destination and for locals who want to swim”.

Senator Garvey warned, “It is a huge health issue, we know of people who have got e-coli poisoning and have been sick for days, it can affect pregnant women and people oith existing

health challenges, a young woman who got kidney failure is still in treatment, we need to see more regular testing. This is a huge issue and we have to solve it. What do the local authority need, they don’t want to be closing down the beach and want their blue flag beach maintained, we need action”.

lComhgháirdeachas le Cian agus Faruk who represented Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg in Croke Park and played for the Kerry side on Sunday in the GAA /INTO Cumann na mBunscol Respect Exhibition Go Games

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Showcasing ancient skills at Craggaunowen

Ramsay takes the wheel with Doolin ferry Co

CELEBRITY chef, Gordon Ramsay was in Doolin this week as he made his way across to the Aran Islands.

Since rising to fame on the British television miniseries Boiling Point in 1999, Ramsay has been one of the best-known and most influential chefs in the world.

On Tuesday, the 56 year old was travelling with a Clare company, Doolin Ferry Co as he made his way to Inis Oírr. Episodes three and four of the popular Next Level Chef, the American culinary reality competition on Fox are being filmed at a purpose-built, brand new sound stage at Ashford Studios.

Gordon’s trip to the Aran Islands is for filming for an upcoming cookery show. While travelling with the O’Brien owned

Clare Disability Pride event to take place in Ennis

CLARE Leader Forum are holding their second annual Clare Disability Pride Event in Ennis on Wednesday, writes Páraic McMahon

Speakers and music will kick off the event on Wednesday (July 26th) from 11:45am at the Daniel O’Connell Monument. From here, it’s off to The Temple Gate Hotel for music and

food with the party starting at 12:45pm.

Chairperson of Clare Leader Forum, Padraic Hayes explained, “July is Disability Pride month, celebrating our individuality, community, highlighting the creativity, resilience and achievements of people with all impairments. It is about our individuality and

making our society more inclusive and accessible.

“As a non-funded organisation, we are asking each person to contribute €10. We are thankful to Clare Local Development Company for providing financial contribution towards costs,” the Shannon man added.

Jack Pinson, a Clare-based maker of traditional and historic longbows showcasing the ancient skill of timber craftwork on the traditional pole lathe at the inaugural Craggaunowen Culture and Crafts Fair

Photo by John Mangan

Doolin Ferry Co, the restaurateur even managed to steer the ferry for a brief period.

lGordon Ramsay

Red flag flying at Lahinch beach with swimming ban in place

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A RED flag is flying at Lahinch following the introduction of a do not swim notice on Tuesday afternoon.

Elevated levels of bacteria have been cited by Clare County Council who have raised the red flag at Lahinch and introduced a bathing prohibition on the advice of the HSE.

Prohibitions on swimming at Lahinch were also issued in August 2019 and August 2020.

Routing bathing water samples indicated higher levels than normal of bacteria which prompted the introduction of the restrictions, a spokesperson for the Council stated.

“Run-off from the catchment after exceptionally heavy rainfall is identified as a cause of the elevated levels of bacteria in the water. In accordance with An Taisce’s Blue Flag programme, the Blue Flag at this bathing area will be removed until such time as the water quality improves,” the spokesperson added.

Over the past four years, there have been 10 separate do now swim notices issued for Lahinch, Kilkee, White Strand (Miltown Malbay), Spanish Point and White Strand (Doonbeg). In 2019, 2020 and 2021, Kilkee was hit with swimming bans lasting a combined 21 days. Two of these notices were directly attributed to a malfunction at the sewage pumping station caused by a burst in the rising main.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Senator Roisin Gar-

Contracts signed for Shannon Hub

CONTRACTS have been signed for the delivery of the One Shannon Hub but not without local councillors raising concerns before the paperwork was agreed, writes

Páraic McMahon

On Tuesday, Clare County Council signed contracts with BDP (Integrated Design Team) and Tom McNamara & Partners (Integrated QS & Project Manager) for the design of a multi-functional building known as the ‘One Shannon Hub’.

This building will combine a town hall, an adaptable performance and community space, library, and flexible co-working spaces in the heart of Clare’s second largest town. Public realm improvements to the town square adjacent to the site which had been formerly earmarked for The Venue are to form part of the development.

Last August, the County Council agreed a 999 year lease for the site which is owned by Shannon Commercial Properties. The hub is a key element of the Shannon Town Centre Masterplan, which was part-funded by the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, Project Ireland 2040, under the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with match funding by the Council.

vey (GP) highlighted, “It’s a serious situation when you have to close a beach, it makes people not have faith in swimming, Lahinch is a hugely popular tourist destination and for locals who want to swim”.

Senator Garvey warned, “It is a huge health issue, we know of people who have got e-coli poisoning and have been sick for days, it can affect pregnant women and people with existing health challenges, a young woman who got kidney failure is still in treatment, we need to see more regular testing.

This is a huge issue and

we have to solve it. What do the local authority need, they don’t want to be closing down the beach and want their blue flag beach maintained, we need action”.

“It is a reoccurring issue but nothing has changed, the local authority will close the beach and put up signs, they will carry out testing but the problem will not be fixed,” the Inagh native stated.

“This is the third or fourth year in a row that this has happened, what is happening with the local authority with regards to dealing with this, they need to outline what supports they need to

stop this”.

That the Environmental Protection Agency only has 11 enforcement officers around the country when it is recommended they have 65 is another issue, Senator Garvey maintained.

“There are some agricultural practices undermining the water quality, if you don’t have enforcement or proper investigations”.

She added, “One of the things is the expanding size of holding tanks, the holding tank holds the raw sewerage until it is treated but the storm water also goes into the tanks, they are getting full sooner”.

Ownership of the site kicked off a debate at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) outlined that the Town Hall which was acquired by the Shannon Town Commissioners and handed over to the County Council when the Shannon Town Council was abolished “is fully owned by Clare County Council”.

He added, “if Clare County Council want to develop a site that is the one to do it on because that is the one we own. I don’t support the spending of public money to prop up private entrepreneurs in the Town Centre, I have no issue with Clare County Council having a presence there”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Donna McGetti-

gan (SF) said she was happy to see the contract signing move forward, “it is a very positive step for the town of Shannon, bring it on”. She said the project would be a priority of hers during her one-year term as Chair.

When Shannon Development was absolved, there was no knowledge on who owned the site, Cllr Flynn recounted, “it went into the property portfolio of Shannon Group. Spending public money to prop up private entrepreneurs is a big issue”. He said the statement released last August insinuated the Council acquired the land which they did not, “let’s acquire it and own it”. The alternative of pumping more money into “a shopping centre with limited facilities is a ridiculous spending of public money”.

Acting Director of Service, Siobhan McNulty told the meeting they would endeavour to get clarity for members. “An updated report will allow us to make a decision,” Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) stated.

Considering the outcomes, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) said it was important the people of Shannon do not lose out. “If we don’t get to buy it then what happens? Do the people of Shannon lose out on the Hub, if they don’t want to sell it and think the lease is enough. I don’t want the people of Shannon to miss out”.

No cost analysis has been completed and there is no guarantee of funding, Cllr Flynn claimed in response. “Shannon Commercial Properties are selling off property every day of the week,” Cllr Ryan noted while flagging that the Council Chief Executive has proven himself as “very persuasive in dealing with them”.

“They sold off workshops in Ballycasey, they sold that off, the business centre near the shopping centre they sold that off, they would sell their own mother if they could,” Cllr Flynn replied. Potential for a “nice gesture” in light of the Shannon Heritage transfer could be explored, Cllr John Crowe (FG) believed.

l PUBLIC HEALTH: Lahinch beach

Clare man charged with indecent exposure

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A COUNTY Clare man already facing charges of sending lewd pictures of himself to three females faces a new charge of committing a solo sex act in public on the early Galway to Limerick train service.

At Ennis District Court on Wednesday, the 39 year old man appeared in connection with being charged that on February 20th this year at an unknown location between Oranmore and Athenry on a Galway to Limerick train service of engaging in masturbation in a public place.

The charge is contrary to Section 45 (2) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act. In evidence of arrest, charge and caution today, Garda Francis Finnegan said that the accused made no reply.

Judge Mary Cashin granted legal aid to solicitor, Stiofan Fitzpatrick to represent the accused on the new charge.

Insp Aiden Lonergan stated that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has recommended that the case be heard in the district court and the case could be adjourned to October 11th to allow documents in the case be provided to Mr Fitzpatrick. Judge Cashin adjourned the case to October 11th where the accused will either seek a date for hearing or enter a guilty plea.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: “There were reporting restrictions in relation to the

other matters already before the court. I would ask that this extend to the new charge.”

Judge Cashin imposed reporting restrictions on the new charge and all cases are adjourned to October 11th next. The alleged offence on the train came only nine days before the man made his first appearance in court on March 1st concerning sending the alleged lewd images of himself to females. The court previously heard that it will be alleged that the man randomly selected a Co Kerry woman’s phone number before sending her a lewd image of himself on October 16th 2020.

The man is facing two related charges of sending lewd images of himself to two other females living outside Clare on May 1st 2021 and three days later on May 4th 2021. In one case, the man is charged with on May 1st 2021 of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature by

TV licence fee ‘no longer sustainable’

A CLARE TD has said the television licence fee is no longer sustainable, writes

Páraic McMahon

Television licence fee renewals dropped 27 per cent in the first week of July, according to new figures. It marks a significant fall off in licence fee revenue in the wake of three weeks of controversy at RTÉ.

sending an image of his erect penis via WhatsApp to a female in such a manner to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person.

The man faces a similar charge that on May 4th 2021 of intentionally engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature by sending an image of his erect penis via WhatsApp to another female in such a manner to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person. The charges are contrary to Section 45(3) of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017. In relation to the new charge Insp Lonergan said that the bail conditions can be extended on what was already in place. The man’s bail conditions include that he does not engage with social media communications with any females unknown to him; be of good behaviour; sign on weekly at his local Garda station and have no contract directly or indirectly with the alleged injured parties.

Dream Bigger!

Some 3,428 fewer households renewed their licence fee when compared with the same time last year. There was also a hefty fall off in new licence fee sales, which were down almost 40 per cent on the previous year.

RTÉ has found itself embroiled in a drama that would be guaranteed to be a ratings winner had it been an actual television show but instead the scandal is centred around the state broadcaster, its star presenter and senior management.

On June 22nd, it emerged that RTÉ disclosed hidden payments of €345,000 to Ryan Tubridy, who hosted The Late Late Show and a flagship radio programme, in addition to his

published salary between 2017 and 2020.

Quilty’s Marty Morrissey has even been under the spotlight. On July 6th, the Gaelic Games correspondent confirmed he was the mystery RTÉ star involved in an ad-hoc arrangement with Renault. He swiftly issued a lengthy statement to apologise. The Marty incident came to light following questioning from Clare Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) during a sitting of the Oireachtas Media Committee.

Reacting to the drop in television licence renewals, Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) stated, “I don’t see a licence fee being sustainable any longer. I don’t think you can get rid of the licence fee overnight but I think it can be wound down, RTÉ would be in huge difficulty, it is going to take time and it will have to have a lead in time, I don’t see the status quo continuing and I don’t think it is feasible. I didn’t think it was feasible anyway but this is the catalyst for the change which I think was inevitable in any event”.

lPhoto by John Mangan

Tulla man pleads guilty to farm yard assault on younger brother

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A TULLA man has pleaded guilty to a farm-yard assault on his younger brother where the victim was left with a “large piece” of his ear missing.

At Ennis Circuit Court on Tuesday, Conor O’Halloran (41) pleaded guilty to the assault causing harm of his younger brother, Daniel O’Halloran at Liscullane, Tulla, Co Clare on May 5th 2021.

The State case against Conor O’Halloran was previously outlined at a district court hearing where the court heard that farmer, Daniel O’Halloran, then aged 35, was left with a “large piece” of his ear missing after the farmyard altercation with his older brother, Conor.

In court on Tuesday, counsel for the accused, Patrick Whyms BL told Judge Francis Comerford it is a case with a family background that involved a seriously ill parent, “land disputes and brothers in dispute and a very stressful situation for everyone concerned”.

Mr Whyms said that at the sentencing hearing of his client, he would be “relying upon psychological evidence”.

Mr Whyms asked Judge Comerford to extend the legal aid certificate for Conor O’Halloran to cover the cost of an expert report as part of the psychological evidence.

At a hearing of Ennis District Court in November 2021, Judge Alec Gabbett declined district court jurisdiction in the case after viewing colour photographs of Daniel O’Halloran’s left ear in the aftermath of the assault.

Judge Gabbett commented that “there is a large piece of the ear missing in this photo”. He said, “It is a significant injury.”

Insp Aiden Lonergan told Judge Gabbett that the medical report outlined that there was “a noticeable piece” of the left ear missing.

At that hearing, Insp Lonergan stated that Conor O’Halloran of Rosebank, Old Bawn, Tallaght, Dublin 24 is a Dublin based medical professional and is married with two children while Daniel O’Halloran resides at the Liscullane farm with his wife and son.

Insp Lonergan stated previously that the background to the incident is that the two brothers “are in disagreement due to tensions over land owned by Conor O’Halloran and

farmed by Daniel O’Halloran and a suggestion on how an area of forested land should be used and owned”.

Insp Lonergan stated previously that it will be alleged on May 5th 2021 at Daniel O’Halloran’s farm yard, Daniel O’Halloran saw that Conor O’Halloran was there “in what could be described as a rage”.

Insp Lonergan stated that an altercation ensued with both men tumbling and tussling on the ground where it will be alleged that Conor O’Halloran bit the top of the alleged injured party’s ear.

Daniel O’Halloran was brought to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.

Prior to Judge Gabbett declining the district court jurisdiction in the case, the court heard that the DPP had recommended that the case be heard in the district court taking into account the injury, the incident, the character of both parties and bringing the matter to a quick conclusion and that the sentencing powers available to the district court would be able to deal with the case.

Judge Comerford adjourned the case to July 28th for mention to fix a date for sentence at a later date.

lEnnis Courthouse

Newmarket-on-Fergus GP practise move delayed until end of the year

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS’ GP practice will continue to operate out of Carrigoran until December, the Minister for Health has said.

Over 200 people attended a recent public meeting in Newmarket-on-Fergus on the future of GP services in the village. Following this a delegation of the Newmarket-on-Fergus community forum met with Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) who confirmed the current arrangement will be extended until December, it had been due to expire in September.

Since June 2020, rooms in the daycare centre of Carrigoran Nursing Home has been the location of the medical practice in Newmarket-on-Fergus. Saffron and Blue Medical Centre received a contract from the HSE to operate this service following the retirement of Dr Colm Hackett in May 2019. He had been the village’s GP for 42 years.

In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) requested the HSE to provide suitable premises for GP services in the village. He said the community forum representatives which included Paddy Enright, Pat Keogh, Tom Neylon and Margaret McMahon were “very surprised” with the Minister’s knowledge on their particular issue.

He recalled that there were thirteen applicants for the contract following Dr Hackett’s retirement. Cllr McMahon calculated that it would cost €150,000 to convert a potential premises in the village into a modern GP centre which would have a reception, two doctors rooms, two nurses rooms, modern toilets, a waiting room and small kitchen.

Having attended the public meeting, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) described it as “a very emotional meeting because the people of Newmarket-on-Fergus are afraid they will lose their doctor”. With over 800 medical card holders attending the doctor in the vicinity, he maintained there would demand for a GP to take it over.

“It is important the HSE steps in because the people of Newmarket-on-Fergus need a

doctor”.

Dr Hackett’s retirement “created a huge amount of hardship for people in Newmarket-on-Fergus who had no doctor in the village, the arrangement in Carrigoran has not been ideal,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) stated. He suggested the Shannon MD contact the Minister and HSE directly.

“A lot of the older people are not driving and it is a huge inconvenience to try get to Carrig-

oran,” he added.

HSE officials have advised that the extension to December has been approved “but that is only buying time,” Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) felt. “With 800 card holders it is essential there is a facility put in place there,” he stated. Work of the community forum in assessing suitable premises will hopefully accelerate the process of the HSE deciding on a facility, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) believed.

Sinn Féin planning to run one of its biggest ever tickets

SINN FÉIN are gearing up for next year’s local elections and hope to field a total of eight candidates across the county, writes Páraic McMahon

Currently, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) is the party’s only representative on Clare County Council. The Shannon woman was co-opted to the local authority in February 2020 following the death of Cllr Mike McKee (SF).

In 2014, McKee became the first member of Sinn Féin to win a seat on Clare County Council since 1974 and he retained that seat in 2019.With the strong performance of former Sinn Féin TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) in the 2020 General Election where she polled 8,987 first preference votes while flying the party flag, Sinn Féin is hopeful of increasing its representation on Clare County Council.

Five candidates contested the local elections for the party in the 2019 local elections, Cllr McKee in the Shannon MD with 1,042 first preferences, McGettigan in the Ennis MD with 277, Wynne in the Kilrush LEA with 385, Noeleen Moran in the Ennistymon LEA with 575 and Sean Naughton in the Killaloe MD with 189.

Now Sinn Féin are preparing to run one of their biggest tickets in Co Clare. The party has contacted high-profile community activists in certain parts of the county asking them to

consider letting their names go forward.

Although Sinn Féin representatives locally are remaining very tight-lipped on plans behind the scenes, The Clare Echo has managed to obtain correspondence from party headquarters on the process that will be followed for the 2024 local elections. A “gender application table” will be adhered to with candidates.

Within the Ennis MD, two candidates will be put forward and one of these will be a female. There will be one candidate each in the Ennistymon LEA, Kilrush LEA and the Killaloe MD, in each instance the person running for Sinn Féin will be either male or female.

As has been evident with the performance of Mike McKee down through the decades, Sinn Fein has a strong presence in Shannon Town and it is here that the party hope to make inroads next June.

They are aspiring to field a total of three candidates in the Shannon MD and this ticket will include at least one female.

Cllr McGettigan has confirmed her intention to be elected onto the Council for the first time while it is likely the party will run a number of first-time candidates. Clarecastle based Tommy Guilfoyle is strongly considered as a potential runner in the Ennis MD but he has remained tight-lipped on whether he will make a bid for office.

lHEALTHCARE: Crowds at the recent public meeting in Newmarket-on-Fergus Photo by Joe Buckley

Community festival to run alongside Irish Open

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A COMMUNITY festival is to be held in Newmarket-on-Fergus when it hosts the Women’s Irish Open for the second year in a row.

Dromoland Castle’s 18 hole championship course will stage the KPMG Women’s Irish Open for the second time from August 31st to September 3rd. Europe’s leading professional female golfers will be battling it out for a total prize fund of €400,000 in Co Clare.

Over 25,000 people attended the 2022 event. Among the changes for this year include moving the Spectators Village to behind the 18th hole to ensure all visitors can stay close to the action on the course.

Extra efforts will be made to try give Newmarket-on-Fergus more of an economic bounce from hosting the event this year.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling said the local authority is keen that the village has more of a financial benefit this year. Local businesses did not see as much of an economic spin-off with the bulk of activity last year staying

within the confines of the Dromoland estate.

Speaking at the July meeting of the Council, Dowling confirmed that a community festival is to be held in Newmarket-on-Fergus over the weekend of the Irish Open with officials in the Shannon Municipal District working with community groups to facilitate it.

Further details on this were provided by senior executive officer of the Shannon Municipal District, Anne Griffin. “The Women’s Irish Open gave a great boost locally and we really want to have an impact in Newmarket-on-Fergus and that Newmarket-on-Fergus would benefit from this event”.

She outlined that the festival would take place in The Green outside Our Lady of the Rosary church on Saturday and Sunday of the tournament with road closures to be in operation. There will be free live music and events suitable for all age-groups with street entertainment and face painting. “There will be shuttle buses from Dromoland as parking is limited,” she added while noting a full programme of events will be put together.

Newmarket-on-Fergus representative, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) highlighted that he has had “seven or eight motions on footpaths leading into Dromoland” with works ongoing in the vicinity over recent weeks. “We only have two five star hotels in Co Clare, we’ve one in Dromoland and another in Doonbeg, in the last two years there has been a huge amount of work and in last six months it has been ongoing as you can all see with your own eyes. There is a huge amount of people of the village using the footpath”.

Cllr McMahon said there are plenty of fond memories of Lahinch hosting The Irish Open in 2019 and he was hopeful Newmarket could try replicate this atmosphere.

“The Irish Open was a huge success last year and it will be even better this year, it was a Castle event last year and this year it will be the whole area, it will be more family friendly, the great plus for golfing people is Ms Donegan from Ennis who is still an amateur who gave a brilliant account of herself in the US Open and will be a huge draw”.

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

The Poets Corner Bar

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..

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

Ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

lDromoland Castle

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.

The Brendan O'Regan Restaurant is ideal for special occasions. The menu features traditional cuisine with a modern day creative twist.

New parking bye-laws propose charges

by Páraic McMahon paraic @clareecho.ie

NEW parking bye-laws are to propose ticketing in Fanore, Spanish Point and White Strand while the area currently covered by Kilkee, Lahinch and Doolin will be extended.

Parking bye-laws for Kilkee, Lahinch, Doolin, Fanore, Spanish Point and White Strand Miltown Malbay went out for public consultation last week with a report to be compiled on the foot of all submissions by the end of August.

Three hour parking will now cost €2 while all day parking will need a ticket worth €5 in the beach car park of Fanore, the East End car park in Kilkee, the West End car park in Kilkee, Promenade car park in Lahinch, Liscannor Rd car park in Lahinch and Miltown Malbay Rd car park in Lahinch, Spanish Point beach car park, the R482 in Spanish Point, White Strand beach car park in Miltown Malbay and car parking spaces on the L-6268 in Miltown.

In Doolin, there is a €2 charge for up to three hours for all Type A vehicles, a €5 charge for up to 30 hours for all Type A vehicles and an additional fee of €10 for any period in excess of 30 hours but less than one week, there will be a further charge of €10 for each week or part of a week. There will be no charge for Type B Vehicles which are those with accommodation for more than seven people. On Fisher Street, the fee is €2 for up to two hours and €5

for up to 10 hours.

Market Square, O’Connell Street and Curry Square in Kilkee restricts parking to a maximum of two hours at a cost of €2. Marine Parade, West End and Strand Line will have onstreet parking fees of €2 (three hours) and €5 (ten hours).

A maximum two hour parking restriction for €2 is proposed for Lahinch’s Main Street, Church Street and Rue D’Arzon.

No date has been outlined for when it is intended that the bye-laws will come into operation.

Administrative officer in the transportation department of Clare County Council, Liam O’Connor said, “there are some slight amend-

ments in the streets of Kilrush and Kilkee where we want turnover and to adhere to the two hour limit. Kilkee, Lahinch and Doolin have existing bye-laws, we are now looking to extend the area. Fanore, Spanish Point and White Strand are new areas to put in bye-laws”. He confirmed that both Kilrush and Ennistymon have been withdrawn from plans “for the moment”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) was critical that input from the public and councillors had been “ignored”.

He stated, “we went to a meeting and had discussions but it is disappointing that it hasn’t been taken on

board”.

Clarity was sought by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) on whether rates payers and business owners would be allocated a parking permit. “There is not a lot of permit residents where the parking is in Kilkee, funnily enough I know we had a discussion on permit residence vs holiday homes but there is no distinguishment in what is in the draft”.

Management of the slipway in Kilkee is not included in the draft, he added to which O’Connor assured, “it will be clearly mapped”. Cllr Murphy responded, “There is nothing in the thing to say there will be individual parking or boat parking will be accommodated. We’ve not been given any clarity and I can tell you it is already carnage”. O’Connor said, “It is very difficult to legislate for everything in the bye-laws, our plan was to clearly map on the ground and it would be very obvious that you can’t go behind certain points with a car”.

Boats and trailers need the same penalties as cars when it comes to parking, Cllr Murphy stressed. “There needs to be rules around parking boats baked into the byelaws, there’s carnage already and it is state sponsored, everywhere else we’re saying there’s lines and boxes and if the car doesn’t go into it there will be penalties, needs to be the same for boats and trailers”.

Advice was then provided by O’Connor that the bye-laws can be amended following the public con-

sultation period “to allow for clarity on certain issues”. Cllr Lynch believed this approach meant if the public did not pick up an issue, it would not be amended. “We did the briefing to get the feelers,” O’Connor replied to which the Chair remarked, “but we were ignored”.

“None of the feelers went into the document,” Cllr Murphy commented. He outlined a scenario where the owner of a 10-bed guesthouse on the main street of a village who is paying “significant rates” could be left without parking for guests if the street is covered by bye-laws.

Colm Linnane of the Council’s roads section flagged that parking would be free to 10am and after 8pm in each of the locations.

Parking charges can be of benefit, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) observed. “We’ve been looking for funding for projects, I know a lot of tourists are using North Clare and we’re getting zero from them so this is a way to try change that”. He questioned what events were planned as part of the public consultation to which Linnane said that there was a statutory obligation to put all notices in offices of the local authority and online, “I’m not sure if there is an intention to do more than that”.

To boost the public consultation, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) suggested linking in with “fairly established community groups and connections” and the Council’s rural community development officer to increase awareness around it.

McGarry to leave Champion

AWARD-WINNING journalist, Fiona McGarry is to leave The Clare Champion, writes Páraic McMahon

Fiona who joined The Clare Champion in November 2019 is finishing up with the local newspaper this month.

She will take up a full-time lecturing position at the University of Galway where she had been lecturing in radio journalism, podcasting and media studies. In 2021, Fiona was named as the winner of the 2021 excellence in teaching and learning award in journalism and communication at NUIG for her commitment to high quality teaching,

focus on student learning and the delivery of an outstanding student experience.

Last month, she took home the top prize in the broadcast journalism local radio category in the Justice Media Awards for a radio mini-documentary she did for Midwest Radio entitled ‘Searching for Sandra’. Fiona spoke to the family of Killala native Sandra Collins who disappeared on 4th December 2000 without a trace about life in the intervening 22 years. She had previously won a Justice Media Award for a short radio series on the work of Bedford Row Project, which supports

prisoners and families in the Mid-West.

During her time with The Champion, Fiona became the first journalist in the country to report on pyrite in Co Clare and has extensively highlighted the matter since her first article on the topic in September 2020. She has also served as the paper’s East Clare correspondent.

Prior to joining the Barrack Street based newspaper, Fiona spent four years as the producer of Clare FM’s current affairs show, Morning Focus which was then fronted by Gavin Grace and is now hosted by Alan Morrissey. A native of Castlebar in Co Mayo, Fiona now lives in Ruan. In 2012, she secured a funding award from the Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund to travel to Haiti to produce a four-part print feature series for the Connaught Telegraph, a one-hour documentary for Midwest Radio and a slide show for Mayo Today.ie. She was closely involved in the development of JOE.ie and Her.ie while she was a senior producer on the Newstalk’s Lunchtime Show.

McGarry has worked as a broadcast journalist and producer with Galway Bay FM, Midwest Radio and Radio Kerry. Fiona was news editor of The Western People and editor of the Mayo Advertiser.

lPAY PARKING: Kilkee beach

lNEW ROLE: Fiona McGarry

Roots of Love grow from Kilrush for Teresa’s debut album

by Páraic McMahon paraic @clareecho.ie

KILRUSH singer, Teresa Carrig will launch her debut album ‘Roots of Love’ this Friday at the inaugural Vandeleur Festival.

A series of events will be held to mark the three day festival running from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd July in Kilrush including a performance by the Kilfenora Céilí Band and a Fashion Show by the Celia Holman Lee Agency.

Festivities will kick off at the Vandeleur Walled Garden and Visitor Centre on Friday and this is the location for the launch of Teresa’s debut album with a musical performance also to be delivered at 2pm.

Having sung in choirs, folk groups and pubs all her life, Teresa takes the plunge with the release of her first album.

“The message of the album would be to chase your dreams, get up and do what you need to do and don’t let opportunity pass you by, that is the feel of the whole album,” she told The Clare Echo

From a farming background three miles outside of Kilrush, Teresa credits her mother Ber-

nie for instilling a love of music.

“She would have played piano when she was younger, she always loved music, she passed the love of music onto all of her seven children.

“They are all singers, Michael the eldest wouldn’t have a note in his head but the others all have a voice but never use it, they can all sing but they don’t, I was the only one to venture down that route”.

As the fourth of the seven children, Teresa is younger than Michael, Hughie and Josie but above Maurice, Bernie and Sally when it comes to seniority in the Gilligan family.

Family support is at the root of allowing Teresa to fulfil her passion.

She quipped that her own husband MJ “needs to be canonised, I’m gone more than I’m home at the moment” while the support of her children Cathal, a carpenter who is her soundboard, Aoife for emphasising the need to keep a positive outlook and Sinead for setting up an Instragram page has helped her to realise a lifelong ambition.

At school when attending

the Convent of Mercy, Teresa’s abilities began to shine with solo performances.

“In shows at primary school it would have been where I first went and sang, people would have stopped talking and listened so I thought I had something, that is the way it started”.

Soon after, she began singing at weddings alongside Morgan Roughan, Sinead Clarke, Mairead Bermingham and Linda Clohessy. Teresa credits Morgan and Patrick Roche as being key influences in her musical career.

In September, Teresa will hit a milestone in that it will be her 20th year working as a special needs assistant at St Senan’s Primary School in Kilrush. Two years ago, she took a job share in order to devote more time to releasing the album.

Work on the album started as far back as 2008 when she released the single ‘Roots of Love’ which was arranged by Morgan and includes a duet with Patrick. “I said I neeed to write something decent to prove I could do it,” she recounted.

All 10 songs on the album are original tracks, written by

Teresa.

“I suppose my favourite was the one played on the radio ‘I’m the One’, it’s the last one I wrote, I felt I have penned it all with that one, it flowed better and I enjoyed playing it the most”. The album was produced and mixed by Patrick O’Donnell of Studio 68 in Limerick.

Releasing the album in her hometown of Kilrush is special, even more so that it is at the first ever Vandeleur Festival. In April, she sang on RTÉ as the Today Show broadcast from Kilrush and Scattery Island.

Her love for her native place is encapsulated in a track dedicated to Kilrush. “While my heart is in ‘I’m The One’, my soul is in ‘Kilrush’.

Friends and family have made arrangements to take off work on Friday to support Teresa for what she expects will be a big gathering.

“I would like to thank everybody for their support and encouragement and the well wishes I’ve got over the last few weeks, they’ve been phenomenal, it has been an unbelievable rollercoaster”.

lORIGINAL: Kilrush singer Teresa Carrig

Cost benefit from Cliffs to be included in 2040 strategy

A COST benefit of the Cliffs of Moher to surrounding areas of North Clare is to be included as a specific element of a new strategy for one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, writes Páraic

McMahon

Preparation is continuing on the draft of the Cliffs of Moher Strategy 2040. It is anticipated that a draft will be adopted by the West Clare Municipal District before November.

In November 2019, Clare County Council signed contracts with Haley Sharpe Design to prepare the strategy as part of a joint initiative between the local authority and Fáilte Ireland.

The €398,000 strategy was to be completed over 15 months.

An appeal to hold public engagements and workshops on the latest draft at four town hall meetings within North Clare with a “particular focus on how the strategy will affect and benefit the host communities where it is located” was issued by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) and Cllr Liam Grant (GP) at a recent sitting of the West Clare MD.

They flagged the strategy’s importance “to the future sustainability of the host communities of North Clare”.

Two phases of “detailed consultation workshops” have already been held with stakeholders in the local community and business sector with the feedback shaping the strategy, Director of Tourism and the West Clare MD, Leonard Cleary outlined.

Cleary confirmed, “an inclusive communications plan around a third phase of public consultation is being prepared for the draft Cliffs of Moher Strategy that will allow for the public and stakeholders to engage further”.

He said facilitated focus groups and stakeholder public meetings in communities will be arranged.

“We want to give people the opportunities to direct-

‘Baffling’ to not link West with heavily trafficked

by Páraic McMahon @clareecho.ie

ly input into the process,” Cllr Garrihy explained. He added, “Illustrate for them where the benefit is going to be, we’ve ran into trouble where we didn’t engage with the public to the fullest extent”.

The Lisdoonvarna native said, “It has blown up in our face with some of our biggest strategies and wrongly so because the engagement and community piece not done to the nth degree”.

North Clare needs to see an economic benefit from the Cliffs, Cllr Grant stated, “it is lacking at times as to the economic benefit from the Cliffs of Moher, transport was touched on before at the last meeting and access to the Cliffs, we need to be improving roads and cycleways, people want to see not just what is happening inside the gates but that surrounding areas benefitting”.

Addressing the meeting, Cleary noted that the first two rounds of consultation presented “very positive” and “some challenging” feedback. “We took time to reshape the strategy and take on board some of the feedback,” he said.

He referenced the sudden death of Chris Smith who was the project lead for Haley Sharpe on the strategy and was “a familiar voice in the towns and villages” of the area. “In advance of putting the draft strategy on display, we felt it was important to meet with landowners on coastal walks, we met with two of them to look at priority issues they raised and are now moving forward with a management plan for the coastal walk”.

Director Cleary was hopeful of reverting back in early Autumn with a view to adopting the piece of work. “It is a 20 year strategy but it must be organic and flexible to adapt.

“I have asked for a specific element on the cost benefit of the Cliffs of Moher to surrounding areas”.

He added that a park and ride scheme which will service the Cliffs, the Burren and Doolin is also planned.

NORTH Clare representatives have criticised the lack of energy applied to linking the planned West Clare Greenway with the UNESCO Global Geo Park in the Burren.

Two sections of the West Clare Railway Greenway are part of the development plans, the first is from Kilrush to Kilkee with two rounds of public consultation completed for this. Options assessment for the second section from Ennis to Ennistymon are being progressed by Clare County Council.

Commencing construction in early 2026 is the planned target for section two which has an estimated cost of €25m and a four year schedule to complete.

At the July meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) sought proposals on how the Greenway will integrate “with the most trafficked, visited and popular area of the county north of Ennistymon and to the towns of villages of Doolin, Liscannor, Lisdoonvarna, Corofin, Kilfenora, Fanore and Ballyvaughan and on throughout the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geo Park”.

He stressed, “the integration of one of the most visited and marketed environmentally sensitive areas of our county with the Greenway plans is critical and should be actioned as a priority”.

In a written response, senior engineer in the project management office of Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan flagged that the current proposed route “doesn’t go north of Ennistymon but southwards to Lahinch, Miltown, Quilty and Doonbeg where it will join up with the Kilrush to Kilkee section at Moyasta. That being said, the longer-term strategy is that our Greenways would link up with those in neighbouring counties such as Limerick, Kerry and Galway so we will certainly consider the possibilities”.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is now the approving authority for Greenways. Lenihan confirmed that he would raise the request with the TII regional manager at the next steering group meeting.

This opportunity must be grasped, Cllr Garrihy stated. “It is critical that we seize the opportunity to underpin that UNESCO globally recognised destination to add mobility through walking and cycling connections down to the Greenway. This is one of the most trafficked and visited places in the country, it is an opportunity for us, we talk about sustainable tourism, regenerative tourism and part of the future of sustainable communities, we need to invest and focus in it, we need to make sure there are cycling and walking options connecting with the greenway”.

He continued, “I’m disappointed we haven’t started already, the right time to plant a tree is 20 years ago, the right time to start this was 20 years ago but the next best time is today, prioritise this piece of work which should have started 20 years ago. Make people stay and

have slow tourism, sell their cups of coffee and have their camper van sites. I am disappointed with the response, to me this is at the core of UNESCO global geo park”. Public consultation gives the chance to finalise the route, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) observed. He pointed out, “there are lots of green roads in North Clare, the roads are already in place”.

Integrating with the communities is vital, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) believed. “It is not necessarily a network of greenways, Seán is trying to fall under national criteria to get the project funded and delivered,

we’ve slow routes and roads which could be prioritised for pedestrians over vehicles”.

All old bog roads in the Loop Head Peninsula were mapped to create the Loop Head Trails, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) advised the meeting. “They’re basically trafficked by a tractor and a handful of cows,” he remarked when giving an example of what could be achieved, “they’ve connected it and it is trying to connect them to greenway and to each other, it is not about building 100km of greenways”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare

MD, Cllr accused the of only “goB and not of the box”. we know to achieve Municipal won’t know it”. Director of ard Cleary back up his leaves the doesn’t in A stark fiwas then

l TOURISM: Burren UNESCO Global Geo Park

l Leonard Cleary Photo by Arthur Ellis

Clare Greenway Burren Geo Park

Man who assaulted ‘frail’ 81 year old patient walks free

A 34-year old man has escaped jail for his one-punch assault at an acute psychiatric unit on "a frail and vulnerable” 81 year old patient that left his victim with a brain injury, writes Gordon Deegan

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford said that he accepted that Brendan McCormack was in the throes of a psychotic episode when he punched Gearoid McHugh at around 8.30am at the acute psychiatric unit at Ennis General Hospital on April 24th 2019.

Mr McHugh of Ballykilty, Quin, Co Clare and formerly of Co Donegal who was already extremely ill prior to the assault died at Ennis General Hospital more than four weeks later on May 28th, 2019.

Mr McCormack pleaded guilty to the single charge of assault causing harm to Mr McHugh on April 24th 2019.

In his judgment, Judge Comerford stated that it hasn’t been established that there was any acceleration in the death of Mr McHugh as a result of the blow from Mc McCormack of Croke Street, Thurles and he couldn’t speculate on that issue.

Mr McHugh fell out of his wheelchair later in the

morning of the McCormack assault.

Judge Comerford imposed an eight month suspended prison term on Mr McCormack with the condition that he remain under the care of his local mental health services and stay away from illegal drugs and alcohol.

After Judge Comerford concluded his sentence, Mr McCormack asked "can I go home now?” and in reply Judge Comerford said “yes”.

The court was told that Irish army veteran, Mr McHugh was being treated for Huntington's disease, dementia and psychosis during his hospital admission and had been admitted to the acute psychiatric unit in Ennis on April 13th 2019.

In her post mortem, Asst State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster found that the cause of death for Mr McHugh was bronchial pneumonia complicated by neuro degenerative disease and traumatic brain injury with chronic subdural haemorrhage due to a fall.

Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly BL said that Mr McHugh had a very extensive brain tumour that carried a grim prognosis.

Mr McCormack was only

in the acute psychiatric unit three hours before the assault after being brought there by Gardai as an involuntary admission.

The only eye witness account from a patient stated that Mr McCormack hit Mr McHugh so hard on the side of the face "that he nearly lifted him off the ground".

A psychiatric report carried out on Mr McCormack in August 2022 determined that on the morning of the assault Mr McCormack was undergoing an acute psychotic episode and “did not know what he was doing was wrong and was not aware of the possible consequences at the time”.

The deluded Mr McCormack at the time told a nurse after the assault that he assaulted Mr McHugh because he thought was a paedophile.

There was no truth to that claim and the two men were not known to each other before the assault.

Judge Comerford said that Mr McHugh had two sisters living in Co Clare at the time and “they thought their brother would have been in a place where he would have been safe and instead he suffered an assault and that would have caused them distress”.

Ian Lynch (IND) senior engineer ing from A to thinking outside

He added, “Until what we want in West Clare District then we how to resource Service, Leonresponded to colleague, “he door open and anyway close it”. nancial picture painted by the

Director, “Have we a team available to take on this project? No. The potential of the Active Travel budget gives us the opportunity to utilise some of the green roads, it would have to cover the staffing costs and a technical person to put a design plan in place”. He told the meeting that John Gannon has left his role as a senior engineer in the roads section of the Council and that this was “a substantial project to take on”.

Cleary concluded, “The motion is a worthwhile one, I need to be honest about the resources available, we don’t have the SEO post

filled and the senior engineer post in roads is not filled”.

Lisdoonvarna based Garrihy commented, “it baffles me that we have a UNESCO Geo Park and not having an optional link road for travel as one of their validator questions. “I appreciate the lack of resources but I won’t accept that a UNESCO designated Geo Park is coming as far as its boundary but we haven’t the resources to try find a link between them. We can say this but it’s not the highest priority, it shows up we’re a sustainable tourism destination as just a statement with no actions behind it”.

‘Traffic chaos’ with ongoing water works

“TRAFFIC chaos” in Ennis is posing a risk to how emergency services can respond to incidents in the county town, a county councillor has warned.

Water improvements works in the Clonroadmore area of Ennis has led to significant traffic delays on the Clare Rd and Station Rd, which is also impacting on activity in the town centre on Carmody Street, Mill Rd, Parnell St and the Kilrush Rd.

In correspondence issued to the management of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) said the “traffic chaos” is frustrating residents, workers and visitors to the county town.

He acknowledged that the water mains replacement was an essential project but flagged that it coincided with the ongoing closure of O’Connell Street to traffic during working hours and a recent change to the sequencing of traffic lights at the Carmody St junction on the Kilrush Rd.

Cllr Flynn confirmed that he has asked the management to “reopen O’Connell Street to traffic while there is no public infrastructure work being carried out in that street and that the traffic lights sequencing be reset to original. I also outlined that like residents and businesses, I am concerned that due to street and road closures and traffic delays that emergency vehicles may not be able to respond to emergency incidents in and around Ennis a timely fashion”.

An appropriate timing of works, a construction management plan to minimise noise and traffic disruption plus consultation with affected residents and businesses needs to take place between Clare County Council, Uisce Éireann and the appointed contractor on the water mains project in Clonroadmore.

Ennis hoping to bloom for inspection by judges

ENNIS is partaking in the 29th edition of ‘Communities in Bloom’, writes Páraic McMahon

For the international challenge, Ennis will be in the international challenge medium category alongside Brooks Regional, Alberta, Canada, and Monfalcone, Italy. The community will be rated from 1 to 5 ‘Blooms’, based on the scoring obtained. Ennis will also aim to obtain Bronze, Silver, or Gold levels in its 5-Bloom rating.

Judges Berta Briggs from Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada, and Dr Andrea Bocsi from Dunaujvaros Fejér, Hungary, will be evaluating Ennis Town from July 23rd to 25th.

Ennis Municipal District is reminding all businesses and residents to please tidy up their property in preparation for the arrival of the judges.

National and international results will be announced in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, Alberta, Canada, from September 27th

to October 1st during the National Symposium on Parks & Grounds and the National & International Awards celebrating ‘Northern Blooms’.

Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit volunteer and partnership-driven organisation that uses a multitiered competitive evaluation process to foster community strength, involvement, and continuous improvement. This is accomplished by nurturing environmental sustainability, enhancements of green spaces, and heritage conservation in cultural and natural environments encompassing municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional spaces.

Its vision is to inspire all communities to enhance the quality of life and our environment through people and plants to create community pride. “Growing Great Places Together” is their slogan, and it captures the essence of the program.

lDEVELOPMENT: Parnell Street

lBLOOMING BEAUTIFUL: Harmony Row

Lack of county colours in Shannon for big Clare games criticised

SHANNON may have strong links to the current Clare senior hurling set-up but the lack of county colours in advance of recent big games has been criticised, writes

Páraic McMahon

Current manager of the Clare senior hurlers, Brian Lohan hails from Shannon while current panellists Rory Hayes, Aron Shanagher and Darragh Lohan all reside in the town and line out with Wolfe Tones.

Leah Watson was part of the squad which contested the All-Ireland U16C ladies football final in Clane on Saturday while Daithí Lohan was a key part of the defence for the county U20 hurlers who contested the Munster final.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon

Municipal District, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) requested the local authority to purchase bunting in the county colours for the Town Hall and Town Park in advance of high-profile games.

She stated, “we were recently in the Munster finals and the lack of bunting in and around our Town Hall and Park was noticeable. It would be lovely to show support especially to those players from Shannon”.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon MD, Cllr McGettigan commented, “it was noticeable that when we were doing really well that Shannon seemed to lack support, we have players in Shannon, the U16 ladies football team were in the All-Ireland final at the weekend

and it didn’t look like there was any support”.

Acting senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Anne Griffin confirmed that bunting would be put in place following the notice of motion. “Shannon MD commends all the Clare teams on their 2023 championship campaigns and to all the players and management who have given their all for their county”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) remarked, “there is loads of bunting coming for next year” which acknowledged both the positive response from Ms Griffin but also gave a nod to the 2024 local elections which will see the majority of councillors decorate Shannon with election posters.

‘Look at the bigger picture’

OFFICIALS in Clare County Council have been told they must look “at the bigger picture” in order to improve maintenance in Ballycasey, writes

Páraic McMahon

A successful appeal for the local authority to clean out the water gullies in the Ballycasey Manor estate and all estates throughout Ballycasey in Shannon was made by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

Executive engineer, John Strand confirmed the works would be included in their maintenance schedule.

Putting forward the case, Cllr Flynn explained, “Ballycasey is relatively new but of

late the systems seems to be backing up. It is not enough to be bringing in the suction machine and cleaning out the gullies, the wider infrastructure needs to be looked at, the silting goes back into that gully”.

He continued, “the infrastructure was put in place years ago when Shannon Town was being created, it was always capable of taking the volume of water irrespective of volumes that fell. Whether it is funding or we don’t have crews, the maintenance should be larger than what we’re doing and every so often look at the bigger picture”.

Flynn’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).

Donna makes history as first female Chair of Shannon MD

HISTORY was made at Tuesday’s meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, writes Páraic McMahon

For the first time since the establishment of the Shannon MD in 2014, a meeting was chaired by a female representative.

Shannon woman, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) who was elected as Cathaoirleach last month chaired the two-hour meeting which took place at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel on Tuesday morning.

First elected to Clare County Council in 2009, Cllr

PJ Ryan (IND) made reference to the fact as the meeting was getting close to a conclusion.

“It is the first time we’ve had a lady Chairperson since the Shannon MD structure was put in place. I wish you every success,” the Cratloe native noted.

“I didn’t notice any difference in the meeting,” responded Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND).

Further milestones are likely in the political sphere, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) predicted, “don’t forget us when

you become a TD” and he was quickly corrected by Cllr Ryan who suggested Cllr McGettigan would be a future Minister.

While Donna is the first female to wear the mayoral chains in terms of the Shannon MD, she follows in the footsteps of Brigid Makowski (IND), Patricia McCarthy (IND) and Cathy McCafferty (SF/IND) in representing the town, they had either served on the Shannon Town Commissioners, Shannon Town Council and Clare County Council.

l Clare flag

Lough Cutra charity fun run

Clare Haven Services were pleased to attend an 8k fun run/walk on Sunday July 9th. The rain held off as 50 athletic enthusiasts gathered in Lough Cutra to raise funds for the Aisling Murphy Memorial Fund and Clare Haven Services. The event was organised by local man Anthony Walsh with the help of the local community. Thank you to Marie Duffy who helped with event promotion, Martin Kennedy and Michael Harte for marshalling on the morning and Gort Garda Station for their advice and support especially Sergeant Darren Griffin and Garda Denise Hynes. Clare Haven looks forward to returning to the scenic surroundings of Lough Cutra next year for what promises to be an exciting annual event.

Clarescapes on show in Scariff exhibition

AN EXHIBITION inspired by Clare’s rivers, coast, weather, history, wildlife, old stories and music form part of a new exhibition in Scariff, writes Páraic McMahon

Clarescapes, an exhibition of watercolours by Philip Brennan runs until August 11th. It has been organised by Clare Arts Office in conjunction with Scariff Library.

Councillors go against engineer’s advice in Inagh

FIANNA Fáil representatives have defied the recommendations of senior engineers in Clare County Council to proceed with declaring a local road in Inagh as a public road, writes Páraic McMahon

Last November, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) had requested the local road in Drumlish, Inagh be declared as a public road, a proposal which was seconded by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG).

In a written response at the time, senior executive engineer, Enda MacNamara had outlined that the roads and transportation section of the Council would proceed with the process of taking in charge the road in accordance with Section 11 of the Roads Act 1993.

Taking in charge is a request to have certain services taken in charge when a development is completed to the satisfaction of the local authority.

l One of Philip Brennan’s stunning pieces

COLAISTE MUIRE REUNION

This exhibition features a selection of paintings from around County Clare and Philip’s fascination with so many aspects of his native county is reflected in the many themes on display.

There are seascapes and landscapes, with inspiration from Clare’s rivers, coast, weather, history, wildlife, old stories, and music. Each painting tries to capture a moment in the Clare year, everything including the Tau cross at Kilnaboy, Skylarks having a territorial dispute, hunting Sparrowhawk near Carron, the coast from New Quay to the Bridges of Ross, singers and musicians, the Fergus in Ennis, snow on Quin Abbey and Mullaghmore, dolphins at Bunratty, Poulnabrone, and the amazing return of the White-tailed Sea Eagle to Lough Derg after over a hundred years.

Philip Brennan grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Ennis.

He has been exhibiting paintings since the early 1970s with 24 solo exhibitions to date, as well two books that mainly feature Clare.

Did you do your leaving certificate in Colaiste Muire, Ennis in 1983?

If so, we are organising a reunion of the students for this September. The reunion will take place in Ennis on the evening of Saturday September 16th. If you would like to attend we would love to see you. Contact Mary Howard at maryhoward2009@gmail.com or at 086 87 802 98 or any of the organising committee.

Presenting a report at the July meeting of the West Clare Municipal District in a follow-up to Cllr Talty’s request, MacNamara detailed that the document had been compiled in accordance with the taking in charge policy.

He explained, “there are a number of minimum requirements on the taking in charge policy and a number of them have not been met”.

Subsequently, he said, “the recommendation is that Clare County Council do not take this road in charge”. The item had been a late addition to the agenda of the West Clare MD

sitting which took place in Kilrush. Despite the advice from the senior engineer, Cllr Talty stated, “I am proposing that having considered the report that the road in question be declared a public road”.

“I am seconding that, we have considered, that is the optimum word,” remarked Cllr PJ Kelly (FF).

Talks, walks & tours at Scariff Harbour Festival

STORIES of emigrant settlements in the USA, stories of life in a conflicted Northern Ireland, the Aughty Rainforest in the time Brian Boru, are topics of talks to be given during Scariff Harbour Festival over the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend, writes Páraic McMahon

A guided group walk on the Slieve Aughty uplands, boat tours on the Scariff River and Lough Derg and kayaking tasters are also available for those who prefer the outdoors.

Professional genealogist, Jane Halloran-Ryan will trace the emigrant journey from local villages and townlands to form settlements in places like New Haven, Connecticut; Washington DC; Detroit, Michigan and San Francisco, California. Chairperson of Clare Roots Society and a doctoral student on networks of Irish and Irish American communities, Jane Halloran-Ryan will also provide a visual presentation to illustrate her talk at the marquee beside Waterways Ireland HQ on both the Saturday and Sunday of the festival.

It will be followed by one-to-one free genealogy sessions (20 minutes) for individuals who have queries about their own family trees or would like to progress their own searches through online sources, websites or specific repositories. Pre-booking is required by register-

ing name, mobile and date preference to info@ scariffharbourfestival.ie. by July 31st. A maximum of 12 people can be accommodated over Saturday and Sunday.

Activist, academic and politician, Monica McWilliams will read and talk at Scariff Library (Saturday 5th August 3pm) about her extraordinary life, from growing up the daughter of a cattle dealer in Co. Derry, to being in a room at the Peace Talks and becoming a signatory of the Good Friday Agreement.

The story of the Great Forest of Aughty will be told by Andrew St Ledger, Native Woodland Specialist and PRO of the Woodland League, a community-based organisation, whose aim is to restore the relationship between people and their native woodlands.

An 11km walk (Sunday 6th August 11am) will be led by experienced local guide, Marie McMahon. It includes stunning views of Lough Derg from the Sliabh Aughty uplands, mixed with folklore and heritage stories and a visit to a mass rock from penal times.

Free hourly waterbus tours of the Scariff River and Lough Derg are also available courtesy of Waterways Ireland while the East Clare Paddlers will host kayaking ‘tasters’ at Scariff Harbour.

lREQUEST: Cllr Shane Talty (FF) was behind the proposal

Photo by Burren Eye Photography

Clare leading the way in embracing disability and arts

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

ONE of the leading arts in disability programmes is giving people a creative outlet across County Clare, while creating employment for artists in the region.

The Clare Arts Office is heavily involved in all walks of arts in the county, from the Riches of Clare music programme, to programming at Culturlann Sweeney in Kilkee, managing exhibitions in the county and commissioning large-scale artworks across the county. They work with artists of all disciplines, from painters, musicians, and dancers to writers and actors, to deliver programmes to communities across County Clare.

One of these programmes, the Embrace Arts and Disability Programme, sees people living with disabilities fulfil their potential across a number of disciplines.

Ceara Conway is a renowned visual artist and musician who coordinates two programmes with the Clare Arts Office, the Arts in Schools programme and the Embrace Arts in Disability programme.

She tells The Clare Echo that the Embrace Arts in Disability Programme has been running for almost 20 years and was “one of its kind” in Ireland when it launched.

“It’s one of the leading arts disability programmes in Ireland,” says Ceara.

Between 300-400 participants take part in the programme every year, with over 30 local partner groups including the HSE, Brothers of Charity, Enable Ireland, Ennis Day Care, North Clare Mental Health, Irish Wheelchair Association and National Learning Network and St Anne’s Special School.

Using a database of approved arts facilitators, local groups can submit joint applications with the artist to the Clare Arts Office for residencies to take place in their organisations.

“The artform is everything from drama, music, visual art, sculpture, animation, dance, singing; we will accept any artform at all,”

Ceara explains.

She stresses that there are “so many reasons” why the programme is important to our communities. “When you consider a lot of individ-

uals don’t have the capacity to attend classes or creative activities as you or I might, bringing these activities to day care centres is so important. There are so many advantages in terms of developing new skills, the social element of it, the benefits of creativity in general, everything from physical to mental development, concentration, also the pure joy of expressing their feelings and emotions through artforms.”

Two years ago, the Clare Arts Office received substantial finding from the Arts Council whereby they commissioned the Irish Memory Orchestra - the only orchestra in the world that performs without sheet music – to work with visually impaired musicians in Clare. “It’s very difficult for visually impaired or blind musician to play with an orchestra because they can’t read the sheet music, and there are many, many musicians who can’t see who are at that professional level, so for them it’s an adversarial situation. So, we commissioned the Irish Memory Orchestra to work with a number of visually impaired musicians and

new music was composed and it premiered in glór two years ago.”

The Clare Arts Office has four awards each year through the Embrace Arts in Disability Programme; one for an artist to work with a group; one for an independent artist with a disability who doesn’t attend a day care service; a one-to-one award for an individual who would benefit from one-to-one tutoring rather than being in a group situation, “that could be either due to their specific disability or that they’ve reached a stage in their skill level where they’re more advanced than someone who’s engaging with art as a hobby.”

The Arts Office also awards a long-term residency each year, as Ceara explains. “We work closely with the Dulick Centre and co-fund an artist to engage for a year. The artist will come in every week for up to a year, that allows for a different outcome, there are more opportunities to go deeper with the group. Several years ago, we funded Shona MacGillivery to work with St Anne’s Special School for a year, that was the first

project of its kind in Ireland for an artist to work for that long and that in-depth with primary level students with disabilities.”

The programme culminates annually with a showcase event in glór theatre in Ennis, and Ceara admits there is “quite a lot of pride experienced” when students and teachers engage at that level.

“The feedback we get is always around inclusion, the enjoyment they find about engaging and learning about new materials, expressing their ideas through art, the fun element in terms of dance or drama, in particular at the glór showcase they enjoy meeting each other –

there’s not a lot of opportunities for groups in disability contexts to meet, they’re all in their own bubbles. Also, in terms of socialising, there are very few nightclubs or music events for individuals with disabilities to attend to gather together, dance and socialise like everybody else.”

The programme will be welcoming new applications this coming autumn and Ceara is encouraging interest from artists who wish to join the Clare Arts Office panel and also from disability organisations in Clare who might not have heard of them before. To learn more, visit the Clare Arts Office website at https://clarearts. ie/.

Embrace participants from the Dulick Centre showcasing at glór theatre

Active Travel scheme to cost €5m GREEN CLARE

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN ACTIVE Travel scheme in Ennis which is expected to cost in the region of €5m has received the backing of elected members and now pedals forward to detailed design, procurement, and construction stage.

Under the scheme, it is proposed to upgrade the existing cycling infrastructure along a 2km section of the R352 regional road between St. Senan’s Road and Hillcrest junction through the provision of traffic calming measures, including vertically segregated cycle tracks, shared surfaces, and raised cyclist and pedestrian crossings.

To date, €1.8m in funding has been secured for the scheme which forms part of an Active Travel allocation of €4.5 million received by Clare County Council from the National Transport Authority (NTA) in February 2023. The funding will allow for the progression of new

and improved walking and cycling infrastructure across County Clare.

Addressing the July meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, executive engineer Conor McDonagh noted that there had been four months of public consultation and that it was one of four identified Active Travel funded cycle schemes in Ennis. In encouraging councillors to back the scheme, he stated its importance in giving an “indication to the NTA that we are serious about using Active Travel funding”.

Importance of moving forward with the scheme was stressed by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) with support also issued by Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF). “The residents on the Tulla Rd that I’ve spoken to are delighted with this, young people will be able to cycle into secondary school. We’ve had traffic issues on the Tulla Rd and this is very welcome,” said Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

Eight submissions in re-

lation to the scheme were received, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) observed. He detailed that €1.8m in funding had been secured but that the project was likely to cost between €4-5m. A resident of the Tulla Rd, he queried if the contract would allow for the free flow of traffic off and onto the M18.

Looking at the bigger picture of future cycling schemes on the Tulla Rd, Lahinch Rd and feeding into Clarecastle and the Clareabbey Roundabout is the way to go commented Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) who added, “we need to get a modal shift”.

Clarifying aspects on the costing, McDonagh said the €1.8m was an allocation to get the project started. “It won’t be a rush to construction, the initial cost estimates are higher but it’s important for us and necessary us to carry out cost estimates in compliance with NTA guidelines, the costs will have to be reviewed but are in the re-

gion of what you have mentioned,” he said in response to Cllr Flynn. He added that traffic management will be assessed and admitted it was not feasible to cause huge traffic delays during construction.

Director of Economic Development and the Ennis MD, Carmel Kirby stated, “The purpose of this scheme is to improve safety and continuity for cyclists and the response from the public throughout the public consultation process has been very positive. Getting more

people to consider walking or cycling instead of the car is a key pillar of the Active Travel Programme”.

Director Kirby advised that the Council was making substantial progress on the delivery of a public bus service for the town. “The NTA and Clare County Council have recently finalised the preferred routes for the Ennis Town Bus Service, which will traverse Ennis from the Lahinch Road to the Tulla Road and from Clarecastle to Ballymaley via a town centre terminus at Friar’s Walk,

with scope for the development of an additional route from Doora Industrial Estate to and from the town centre. The Ennis Town Bus Service is scheduled for commencement during the first quarter of 2025”.

Acting senior engineer with Clare County Counil, Anne O’Sullivan confirmed that the Active Travel team will shortly formally request permission from the NTA to proceed through Gateway 4 and commence Phase 5 Detailed Design and Procurement.

An artist’s impression of the scheme

Outdated wind energy guidelines ‘an abysmal failure of Government’

ELECTED representatives have said they are “hamstrung” and left in “no man’s land” due to “outdated” guidelines relating to wind farm developments, writes Páraic McMahon

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien (FF) has been called on to outline when he intends to publish updated Wind Energy Guidelines by elected members of Clare County Council.

It follows a strongly supported motion by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) who explained that he tabled the request “given the very difficult situations facing many local communities due to the absence of updated guidelines that are of relevance for proposed new wind farm developments”.

In May 2021, Cllr Murphy also highlighted the matter in the Coun-

cil Chamber. He said it “utterly inexcusable” no progress had been made in the interval and labelled it an “abysmal failure of national Government”.

Speaking at the July meeting of the Council, the tourism consultant said councillors were unable to do what they were given a mandate to under the planning act. “All communities are suffering, elected representatives and staff in the planning department suffer too, developers are also suffering”.

Urgency must be applied in reviewing and ratifying the guidelines in order to “de-risk” the process, he maintained. “We are hamstrung operating under a set of guidelines that are outdated,” Murphy remarked.

Frustration was also voiced by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), “We’re in no man’s land and we’re called to

public meetings having to debate this with a lack of clear guidance, we don’t know and we’re prohibited from the County Development Plan this time and the last time from making amendments in any previous form, this is deplorable and abysmal”.

Shannon based, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) agreed the guidelines were outdated, “it is not fair to expect people to put up with the noise or shadow flicker”. Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) added, “It has created an awful lot of problems for councillors, we need clarification and the sooner we get it the better”.

Planning is completely lacking around the whole process, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) lamented. “It seems that some communities are being sacrificed for the greater good in the interest of climate change, there are lots of areas in Clare that are

isolated and accommodate wind farms, these areas need to be identified, under the current policy you can place a windfarm within one kilometre of town centres and in the process destroy the enjoyment of homes”.

Implications were high light by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) with Cllr Pat Mc Mahon (FF), Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) and Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) all lending their support.

“Green energy phenom ena is the new buzzword,” remarked Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) while Cllr Michael Beg ley (IND) said the Council “need to make strong

representations to get these guidelines published”.

Concluding the debate, Cllr Murphy stated, “We may not like what comes out of the set of guidelines but at least everyone will know what we’re playing with”. Prior engagement on such projects has been “very poor,” he opined, “I believe an awful lot of projects would get across the line if developers discussed with communities rather than arriving trying to defend, these projects happen to a community, they don’t happen with them”.

lMinister Darragh O’Brien (FF)

Thought for the week: Good for the soul

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

WE SHOULD try if we can on our journey through life, although the unpredictability of life can hamper it, but we should always try to make a sacred space for ourselves.

There is much talk in our world today about tending to our bodies especially from a physical and mental point of view. All types of media pour out the idea of taking care of one’s body, so we can be healthy, attractive and live longer.

But what of our spirit and soul? Surely, it has importance as well. Perhaps even more than we think! Every day, we have a choice whether or not to tend to our spirit and soul and to create a sacred space for it in our daily lives. Yes, we can neglect it if we want. But I feel when you neglect your spirit and soul and creating a sacred space for them in your life, the beauty and radiance of who you really are can lead to a life of despair, busyness, worry, fear, ego importance or confusion. We can lose sight of who we really are. Looking after the life of your spirit is like cultivating a sacred place where one can retreat too to spend time with God in our lives and nurture that all important relationship with him.

CONNECTION PLACE

Every soul deserves a sacred space, a place to

connect to God, to focus on what is sacred, important and passionate within one’s heart. A sacred space is a protected area where hopes, dreams, visions, prayers for healing, and thankful joys, all can be placed in full sight upon a personal altar. A special focus where love can be celebrated and a place where sorrows, yearning and losses, can be mourned. Every woman, every man, every child, every soul deserves such a space. A sacred and personalized space to dwell in, for comfort and solace. I crave my sacred space times, meditation and prayer has become a habit. I go daily within here, praying for loved ones, for people who are unwell and have asked me to pray for them, visualizing healing for myself and others, and most important of all I replenish depletion of my life force by plugging into God.

I can’t imagine a day without connecting to God in a sacred space. If not at my altar, then on a nature walk or by the ocean, on a mountain or in my pretty little back garden. We have sacred sanctuary all around us, and we can personalize a sanctuary in our own homes. A beautiful and balanced sacred place does not happen without effort.

Once you begin to construct your sacred space and once you are ready to use it, you will find yourself drawn to this place more and more as you’ll crave the solace, peace and comfort it provides. Place all the loose ends of your life here and see what happens. Sit here and listen to your soul and

spirit. Pray, contemplate, meditate, reflect, listen and dream the dreams of the creator. As you carve out your own piece of heaven on earth you not only uplift your soul and spirit and create harmony in your life but transform every aspect of yourself. Create your own sacred space where you can soak in the Presence of God and be restored in your prayerful and reflective devotions. In the process, you will begin to expand and notice that every space becomes sacred. You are bringing heaven on earth. You are creating a place that grounds you, a place that helps you dwell in God and God in you. Whether human-made or springing from the natural world, a

sacred place connects us to a reality that transcends our fears.

The ocean, the forest, a home-made altar or space, the rising or setting sun may all define “Sacred”. We all can make places that hold and extend the best in us beyond the world that inevitably threatens and saddens us. We can all create places where we feel part of a Sacred reality. In our busy hectic lives, our sacred space can give us the chance to ‘Be still and know God’, to refresh, reflect, renew, reengage and relax in God’s presence.

SOUL MAINTENANCE

An important step in soul maintenance is to cultivate a sacred place where you can nurture your relationship

Imeachtaí/Events:

with God through prayer, contemplation, meditation and reflection. With proper care, reflection, contemplation, meditation, prayer and love, our spirit and soul lives can thrive and flourish. However, should we neglect ourselves and our soul and spirit, we wilt, sink, fade, and wither like untended flowers. This neglect often comes during difficult, stressful, worrying, sad and chaotic times in our lives. But spending time reflecting and praying, be it for two minutes or two hours at any time of the day or night, can help restore and rejuvenate us and give us strength to allow us to resume running around dealing with life’s ups and downs. Visualising the soul as we dwell in a sacred place helps us to really feel

an inner space and peace that is sacred, beautiful and filled with life. Here, we can sow the seeds of all our most cherished loving and wonderful life experiences and weed out the self-defeating doubts and worries we have acquired from the time on our life’s journey so far. We must try to establish this awareness more firmly in our lives in the present moment, so that we can experience our souls and spirits more consciously. Such efforts can be distilled down to a central, core practice of one of quieting the habit-mind and concentrating, contemplating and praying fully on the moment at hand. As time moves forward on your sometimes short journey of life you may be surprised to discover a bountiful harvest of blessings, not only in your own body but in your radiant spirit and soul, as well.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, always remember like John to share from your sacred space the life giving gifts of love, mercy, forgiveness, truth, kindness, compassion and hospitality to your world around you. Try to create a sacred place the way God might do it. Remember to smell the flowers along the way, because we need to see the beauty that God wants to reveal to us along life’s pathways. May God’s sacred space continue to grow in your soul and may your spirit of goodness always thrive as you make your journey through this sometimes short life!

9am. Seol nuacht chuig: Donal@clare.fm

• INIS - Rith le Ruairí, chuile Dé Máirt ag 7.30pm, ag Local Motion, Sráid Uí Chonaill

• CILL INÍNE BAOITH - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

BÍGÍ cinnte go mbeidh an geansaí uaine oraibh inniu! / Make sure to wear your green jersey today for the Irish team! Is fiú breathnú ar seo ar TG4

Macalla an Chláir

FRIDAY JULY 28TH | 7:30PM

As the Irish Women’s Football team make history playing in their first World Cup, the story of of the struggle for equality in pro-surfing will be shown on Friday 28th July from 7:30pm in Lahinch Leisure Centre with a screening of “Girls Can’t Surf”. MEP Grace O’Sullivan, herself a lifelong surfer and current surf coach in Tramore, will be bringing the docu-film to the seaside town in collaboration with local Green Councillor Liam Grant and Senator Róisín Garvey Attendance is free, with spaces available on a first-come first-served basis on the night. All are welcome.

BEN secures funds from Clean Coasts

The Burren Ecotourism Network has received a funding boost from Clean Coasts Ireland (An Taisce) to purchase vital equipment to tackle litter on the North Clare coastline, writes Elaine

Tubridy

In recent years, the group that promotes sustainable tourism in the Burren has organized regular cleanups throughout the region, which have resulted in large amounts of marine debris being removed. This work has been done in conjunction with other voluntary groups in North Clare such as the local Tidy Towns and Burren Beo.

With approximately 10 million tonnes of litter ending up in oceans and seas each year, marine debris poses a critical global problem impacting both humans and marine life.

Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network said: “We are delighted to receive this support from Clean Coasts Ireland, whom we have been working with for the past number of years.

“These funds have been used to purchase much needed supplies such as gloves,

tools, footwear and wheelbarrows and will be used in our clean ups in locations such as Ennistymon, Ballyvaughan, Clahane, Doolin, New Quay and Fanore.”

“The volunteers who take part in these clean ups come from a wide variety of member businesses, including the Cliffs of Moher, hotels, hospitality business, activity providers as well as members of the local community. They work tirelessly to remove litter, particularly

plastics from our coastline, ensuring that the Burren retains its reputation as Ireland’s leading sustainable travel destination.”

Clean Coasts Development Officer Darragh Dever said: “We commend the work that the Burren Ecotourism Network is doing. The volunteers who regularly take part in these clean ups are helping to improve our natural environment and create a positive impact on the health of our oceans.”

Clare could become autism awareness hub of Europe

COUNTY Clare could become the autism awareness hub of Europe, a leading specialist has told a Shannon Chamber seminar.

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

EXECUTIVE PLANNER PANEL 2023

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 12 noon on Thursday 10th August 2023. Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846250, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

Autism spectrum condition specialist, Dr Susan Crawford, PhD said that Clare County Council and a number of businesses, schools, sports and public amenities have undertaken significant initiatives to create a better understanding of autistic people’s needs in recent years.

Dr Crawford was conducting training on autism awareness, understanding and acceptance for a number of local businesses and interest groups at the Chamber event. She outlined how various interests have promoted greater autism awareness in recent years. All libraries in the county undertook training and produced video clips of their premises and what can be expected when visiting their libraries, for their websites.

“The county has led the way on many fronts over the years and I believe it has the capacity to excel in this particular sphere too,” she said.

“There is no reason why it cannot attract leading researchers and innovators interested in the subject to the county. Exploring the strengths of autism, Steve Silberman documented in ‘Neurotribes’ how many of those engaged in Silicon Valley were found to be autistic. Clare has the potential to be the autism support hub of Europe,” Dr Crawford added.

l BEN has organised regular clean-ups throughout the region

Holders Ballyea set for title defence

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

While their second successive Canon Hamilton trophy success last October was a historic breakthrough for Ballyea, one would have to search back half a century to find the last time that a Clare club managed to garner a three-ina-row of county senior crowns.

Indeed, such cut-throat competitiveness is unrivalled in the province as while Ballygunner are bidding for an unprecedented tenth consecutive Waterford title, the landmark three-in-a-row has been achieved twice in Cork, four times in Limerick and Tipperary and even on five occasions in Kerry in the last 50 years.

Ballyea’s plea for three has not been part of the conversation within the camp at least thus far as having been relegated from the top tier of the Clare Cup and being pooled in the undoubted group of death, a new management team under Leonard McNamara and 2018 winning manager Kevin Sheehan have much more immediate priorities to contend with over the next seven days.

“Three-in-a-row has never been mentioned,” outlined manager Leonard McNamara. “It’s such a tough group and only two can come out of it so unless we perform, we could be out of the championship

in the first week. We’ve Kilmaley first then Inagh/Kilnamona the following weekend so you’ve no let up really and we simply have to perform against Kilmaley on Saturday, that’s the bottom line.

“That said, you’re probably better off that you are playing someone that you have to perform against so I wouldn’t have a problem with such a tough start as the players knows what they have to do”.

Ballyea have repeatedly proven masters at knowing what to do and when to do it when it comes to grinding out results and maximising their potential to garner four of the last seven Clare titles. However,

for a new manager, the chalk and cheese nature of the split season and such a large inter-county hurling and football contingents did take a bit of getting used to.

Look, the Clare Cup is out the window for us anyway as we haven’t had a full team yet.

“We were unlucky with a few results here and there but we obviously didn’t have a good Clare Cup. I was getting worried about it and then I spoke with Robbie [previous manager Robbie Hogan] about it and he said there were times when himself and Reggie [Selector Raymond O’Connor] almost had to tog out so

BALLYEA PROFILE

MANAGEMENT

Leonard McNamara (Manager); Kevin Sheehan (Coach/Trainer); Donagh Stack, Francie O’Reilly (Selectors); Mark Cabey (S&C); Kieran Connelly (Physio)

CAPTAIN

Niall Deasy

KEY PLAYER

Tony Kelly

ONE TO WATCH

Cian Kirby

FRESH BLOOD

Niall Carrigg, Ciaran Connolly, Evan Flynn, Kieran McDonnell, Daragh Moylan, Tadhg Ó hUallacháin

DEPARTURES GATE

Pearse Lillis (abroad), Cian Meaney, Barry Coote (injured)

SHC TITLES WON 4

LAST SEASON

Champions

SCHEDULE

Round 1 v Kilmaley at Cusack Park

Ennis, Saturday 6.30pm

Round 2 v Inagh/Kilnamona at Shannon (Saturday, July 29), 2pm

Round 3 v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield (August 11/12/13)

Round 4 - v Scariff (August 25/26/27)

Round 5 - A bye

I learned not to read too much into that competition as we’d be lucky to have had five or six of our main guys so far.

“To be honest, before this year, I wouldn’t have known these guys too well. I’ve obviously been watching them from a distance and was involved at underage but have gotten to know them over the past few months and they’re a joy to work with. They’re all leaders and we are only facilitators for them really as they are savage guys to train and push the trainings themselves”, Along with that core leadership group are a new crop of young talent waiting in the wings to get their chance to stake a claim for a jersey, a conveyor belt that needs to be healthy in order to remain at the top table.

“The real upside to the Clare Cup was that we got to blood a good few young lads. We have four of five new players emerging through at the moment. Maybe some of them mightn’t break through to the team this year but definitely over the next year you’ll see a few of them. “They’ve bedded in well with the lads that are in training and to be honesty are getting a bit of a rude awakening as well as to what it takes at this level”,

The back-to-back champions definitely know what it takes and it’s that invaluable experience that

McNamara is banking on to be able to hit the ground running against Kilmaley in Cusack Park on Saturday evening (6.30pm).

“They’re a serious team and we’ve seen that over the past few years. They won the Clare Cup last year and had a great start this year before tapering off but look, Ballyea are under no illusions as to the challenge they face, they simply have to perform. And anything other than a big performance won’t do, it’s a simple as that”.

Consistency is crucial for Kilmaley

by Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

Since the draw was made and the fixtures quickly deciphered, the opening round derby between back-to-back holders Ballyea and then Clare Cup champions Kilmaley easily stood out from the pack as the tie of the first weekend.

Subsequent fixture alterations to allow the majority of Clare’s flagship hurling squad an extended recuperation following their All-Ireland Semi-Final exit a fortnight ago has only bolstered that headline act appeal in Cusack Park this Saturday

evening (6.30pm).

However, for Kilmaley, the difficulty of challenges in a five team group are arguably surpassed by a need to concentrate on their own development and mindset.

After all, there’s no doubting their depth of talent as proven their Clare Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2022 along with coming within a whisker of reaching the final in 2018 but that is offset by disappointing exit at last year’s group stages accelerated by a 14 point reverse to Clooney-Quin.

“Look, we’ll know exactly where we’re at in less than a fortnight’s time,” admitted

Conor McMahon, the stalwart former player who has stepped up to the backroom team for 2023. “We’ve two games in the space of a week against the senior and intermediate champions and then we’ve a four week break after that so this Saturday we just have to hit the ground running.

“Ballyea have been so strong, they’re so experi enced and they know how to get out of tight situations so that presents a huge chal lenge for us, especially com ing from where we’re coming from. I think we’ve a decent blend of ex- pe rienced lads com

KILMALEY PROFILE

MANAGEMENT

Brian Culbert (Manager); Conor McMahon, Padraig McGough, Eoin O’ Malley, Martin Bennett (Coaches/Selectors); Eva Moynan (Physio), Liam Buckley (Stats)

CAPTAIN Daire Keane

KEY PLAYER Conor Cleary

ONE TO WATCH Colm Killeen

FRESH BLOOD

Sean Crowley, James Fitzpatrick, Colm Killeen, Oisin Looney, Thomas McGuire, Cian Neylon, Jack Warren

DEPARTURES GATE

Cathal Darcy, Eoin Enright, Aidan Griffey, Bradley Higgins, Eanna McMahon, Aaron

Moloney, Sean O’Loughlin, Peter Ronan (abroad); Brian McNamara, Gearoid O’Grady, Sean Ronan, Sean Ryan (Injured)

SHC TITLES WON 2

LAST SEASON Group stage SCHEDULE

Round 1 v Ballyea at Cusack Park Ennis, Saturday 6.30pm

Round 2 v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield at Clarecastle (Saturday, July 29th), 3.45pm

Round 3 A bye (Weekend of August

11/12/13th)

Round 4 v Inagh/Kilnamona (August 25/26/27)

Round 5 v Scariff (September 8/9/10)

ing into their late 20’s and a few new lads coming in this year and last year but there has also been a fair turnover of players over the last few years with lads traveling etc as well.

“I think that the players are sensing the fact that it’s a short enough

mances consistently. They’ve always been able to put in good performances on a given day but it’s getting that consistency that we’ve struggled a little bit with over the last four or five years”.

Especially when embroiled in a five team group, maintaining high standards is almost a prerequisite.

“The group is tough and there’s no easy game in it but then you look at all the groups and there’s actually no easy game in the whole championship. The senior championship is so well balanced that every team can take a scalp off another on a given day so you just have to be at your best every day you go out. To be honest, I’m happy enough to be in the group of five because there’s an extra game so with four matches, if you do manage to get out of the group, you do so on merit”.

With their absentee list extending to double figures, their squad will certainly be tested to its optimum against then holders but far from wallowing in selfpity, McMahon feels that

his players will savor a crack at their three-in-a-row chasing neighbours.

“We have a few injuries.

Brian Mc [Namara] is a huge loss to us after getting hurt last week, Gearoid O’Grady is carrying a knock and I think we’ve seven traveling at the moment that played championship last year. So it will have a huge impact but I think a lot of clubs are experiencing the same thing. Lads are traveling more now on the back of a couple of years that they couldn’t travel with COVID and you’re seeing a lot more people in the mid20’s traveling whereas previously you wouldn’t have.

“That said, we’ve planned without those guys and overall we still feel that we’ve a good panel of lads that have worked extremely hard over the last number of months and are really motivated. Obviously facing the county champions on Saturday is a tough assignment but it is one you relish at the same time.

“I mean if you do have aspirations within the county championship, you want to be testing yourself against the best and over the last few years, there’s no question that Ballyea are the best team in the county.”

PICTURED: Ballyea captain, Niall Deasy

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

PICTURED: Conor Cleary

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Scariff aim to build on U21 success

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

SCARIFF’s senior side find themselves in a difficult group of five but will hold an inner belief that they are well capable of making a breakthrough to the knockout stages this season.

A leading power in Clare hurling in the thirties and forties, Scariff, like many parishes in East Clare, have struggled to maintain a strong challenge in the higher hurling grades in modern times.

In recent years there have been signs of a resurgence and having regained senior status with their 2020 Clare IHC win, Scariff go into the 2023 Clare senior championship having captured the Clare U21 titles at both A and C grades last December.

Their amalgamation with neighbours Ogonnelloe for underage competitions has been a huge boost to both clubs. Many of the players who helped bring the under U21 to the club last season when they were managed by Conor McNamara.

Mark Rodgers captained the under 21 title winning team which also included Patrick Crotty and both have been part of the Clare senior panel this season while Keelan Hartigan has been with the Clare under 20 team which reached the Munster final where they lost narrowly to Cork who went on to win the All-Ireland title.

Another indication that things are on an upward curve in Scariff GAA is the fact that the club will also compete in both junior A and junior C premier championships whereas it’s not that long ago since they struggled to field just one adult team.

Scariff’s senior management team includes Donal Moloney, a key member of the club’s adult team during his playing days. As a joint Clare manager with Gerry O’Connor, he steered Clare to Munster and All-Ireland under 21 honours before being part of the Clare senior management team for a number of years.

He has played a huge part in putting the development squad structure in place in Clare while still finding time to be part of his beloved club’s management structure

Since returning to senior ranks in 2021, Scariff have had to battle hard to retain their senior status. This season has been their best since they got back to the top division as they reached the Clare Cup semi-final where they lost out narrowly to eventual winners O’Callaghans Mills.

They played most of the league campaign without their inter county representatives,

DOORA BAREFIELD

MANAGEMENT

Shane O’Grady (Manager); Oisin O’Brien (Coach); Liam Clohessy (Assistant Coach); Denis Maher, Fintan Lahiffe, Dave Morrissey, Vinnie Sheedy (Selectors); Evan Hennessy (S&C): Eugene Moynihan (Physio); Sean Conroy (Kit Man)

CAPTAIN Tom Hannan & Adam Mungovan

KEY PLAYER David Conroy

ONE TO WATCH Ian Williams

FRESH BLOOD

Eoin Lahiffe, Cormac Maher, Eoin McMahon, Francy Meaney, Ian Williams

DEPARTURES GATE

Jarlath Colleran, Eoin Hanrahan, Donal

TITLES WON 5

LAST SEASON

Intermediate Champions

SCHEDULE

Round 1 v Scariff at Dr. Daly Park Tulla, Saturday 4pm

Round 2 v Kilmaley at Clarecastle (Saturday, July 29th), 3.45pm

Round 3 v Ballyea (August 11/12/13)

Round 4 A bye

Round 5 v Inagh/Kilnamona (September 8/9/10)Round 4 v Ballyea

Round 5 v Kilmaley

Parish pumped for senior return

by

Scariff defeated Saturday’s opponents (311 to 0-12) in the opening round of the Clare Cup back in early March but neither side is likely to put much emphasis on that tie as both were short a number of the players who will be lining out this weekend.

It’s been seventy years since Scariff won the last of their five Clare senior titles (1953) and while they would dearly love to bridge that gap they are not looking past Saturday’s first round clash with St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield.

While some players are battling to shake off niggly injuries, the East Clare outfit expect to have a full panel available to select their starting line up from on Saturday.

“We are in a very difficult group of five, all of whom will believe that they can progress. We are not looking past St. Joseph’s, winners of the intermediate title last year”, team manager Mark McKenna told The Clare Echo.

Their first round opponents have spent recent seasons competing at intermediate level and they have twice won that title.

Saturday’s opening game in this year’s Clare senior title race promises to be a close affair and if Mark Rodgers can continue to produce the form he has been displaying at inter county level, it may well prove to be to key to a Scariff victory.

SCARIFF PROFILE

MANAGEMENT

Mark McKenna (manager); Michael Long, Michael Moroney, Jim Minogue, Ger Rodgers, Donal Moloney (selectors); Hugh O’Neill (S&C) Michelle McNamara (physio) Shane Moroney (Video Analysis)

CAPTAIN Mark Rodgers

KEY PLAYER Mark Rodgers

ONE TO WATCH Liam Crotty

FRESH BLOOD

Liam Crotty, Tadhg Minogue, Seanie Hartigan

DEPARTURES GATE

Tomas McNamara (travelling), Conor McNamara

SHC TITLES WON 5

LAST SEASON

Finished bottom of their group

SCHEDULE

Round 1 v St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield

Round 2 a bye

Round 3 v Inagh/Kilnamona

Round 4 v Ballyea

Round 5 v Kilmaley

ANY thoughts of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield gradually assimilating themselves back at senior level quickly evaporated last month when pooled in the dreaded group of death alongside back-toback county champions Ballyea, then reigning Clare Cup champions Kilmaley, 2021 county finalists Inagh-Kilnamona and 2020 intermediate winners Scariff.

With only two teams to progress from that bearpit quintet, there is little room for errors as all four opponents will fancy their chances of reaching the business end of the championship.

Add in a reconfigured management team that still incudes coach and former county senior Oisin O’Brien as well as a host of absentees and it would have been easy for the Parish to curse their luck (or lack of).

However, new manager Shane O’Grady, who successfully guided the club’s second string to the Junior A honours last year, is not about to reach for any excuses.

“At the end of the day, you’re testing yourself against the very best. That’s where these guys want to be, they want to be playing senior hurling and playing against the very best in the county so that’s where we are now and we need to step up accordingly.

“Everyone is talking about this group of five but looking down through the draw, there’s no easy group and in the senior championship there are no easy opponents. Look, we probably wouldn’t have picked this group if we had the choice but it’s where we’re at now so we have to embrace that and go for it”.

That added determination has been carved out by St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s utter frustration at not being able to reclaim their senior status since their relegation

from the top tier in 2018. Indeed, two final defeats and a semi-final exit in the three seasons unquestionably sharpened their appetite to finally get over the line in last October’s extra-time breakthrough against Tulla.

“At the final whistle, there was a huge sense of relief. Having lost a few finals, being in intermediate brought with it increasing pressure to get out of it so it’s was great to finally get back to senior level. Now it’s the opposite because being a new team and the underdogs for every game, there isn’t as much pressure”.

And while mind games are commonplace ahead of any championship, O’Grady knows that everyone in the group will be eying up his side for victory, having only come up from intermediate.

“For anyone looking in, we’re going to be the underdogs, that’s understandable. For us it’s all about performances and bringing our performances up to a senior level so I think if we can do that, we can give ourselves every chance. We have lost a few bodies, we’re down seven from last year’s intermediate side including our joint-captain Tom Hannan to a cruciate but we do have young lads coming through.

“We’ve had a good enough Clare Cup campaign and we’re finding out new things about our young players all the time so developing them and getting them used to this level is what it’s all about. It’s a big step tip obviously but I think this Saturday we’ll find out where we’re at now.”

They certainly will against a Scariff side that are two years further down the road than the Parish, having emerged from intermediate in 2020 with a fresh-faced side and establishing themselves at senior level with crucial victories when needed most.

“They are similar to ourselves in that they came up three years ago and have developed young players and brought them along and we’re trying to do the same. They’ve some excellent hurlers, no more so than their county seniors Mark Rodgers and Patrick Crotty So Scariff are a serious outfit, we’ve to show them that respect but come Saturday, if we can bring our performance, we’ll be there-orthereabouts”.

team captain Mark Rodgers and Patrick Crotty.

PICTURED: Scariff’s Patrick Crotty

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

PICTURED: Brian Guilfoyle

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Eoin Brennan news@clareecho.ie

O’Halloran (abroad); Tom Hannan, Fionn Kelleher, Senan Crosbie, Mike Nash (Injured) SHC

Player of the month award for Clare attacker Fidelma Marrinan

QUERRIN’S Fidelma Marrinan has been named as the Croke Park/LGFA player of the month for June.

Fidelma’s form has been central to Clare’s march to the semi-finals of the TG4 All-Ireland intermediate semi-finals.

As Clare progressed through the group phase, the West Clare Gaels clubwoman notched 0-7 in the opening round win against Offaly, 2-9 in victory over Wicklow, and 0-3 as the Wayne Freeman’s side drew with Tyrone.

Clare moved safely into the knockout phase and Marrinan was superb in victory against Westmeath in the quarter-finals, hitting a total of 2-9.

Earlier this year, she scored 1-6 in the Lidl National League Division 3 Final against Kildare, with Clare losing out narrowly after extra-time.

With a total haul of 4-28 to date, Fidelma currently sits second behind Down’s Natasha

West Munster title for Lahinch boys

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Lahinch Golf Club:

IT WAS a historic day for Lahinch junior boys at Castletroy golf club on Thursday when they won their first pennant for the club, defeating Ballybunion in the boys inter-club West Munster area final.

With the best three scores to count from five playing off their own handicap (range 5 to 24) Lahinch were always in control of the match. Their next outing will be in the All-Ireland finals which will be hosted by Castletroy in August.

The panel members are James Blackwell, Matthew Braja, James Cogan, Daniel Healy, Ciaran Hennigan, Niall Kelly, Cathal McNulty and Ralph Whelehan; their team managers are Kevin Glynn and Johnny Reynolds and coach Shane Carey.

Glynn has managed they club’s junior boys programme for the past twenty-seven years.

This week, the Fred Daly boys will hope to make it a double when they play Killarney in their area final at Ballybunion.

Meanwhile preparations are nearing completion for this year’s Pierse Motors VW Ireland sponsored South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship which commences on Wednesday next.

Kilrush Golf Club:

The lady captain's (Stephanie Roughan) prize to the men was played for at the weekend when the top three all returned 39 points.

On a countback Bernard Coleman (17) emerged as the winner from Feargal S. Crowley (13) with third spot filled by Pat Shannon (18) from Cranny. The category winners were Malcolm McCarthy (10) with 35 points, Patrick Coleman (14) with 37 points and Sean Moran (21) with 35 points.

The Gleeson's sponsored ladies stableford competition was won by Margaret Donnelly (20) with 33 points from Mary Lyons (20) with 31 points with third spot filled by Mary Downes (32) with 31 points. The category winners were Anne Brennan (12) with 29 points, Claire Pyne (21) with 30 points and Mary McCarthy (30) with 29 points.

Dromoland Golf Club:

Gordon Daffy won the men’s 18 hole stableford competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 43 points. He had one to spare over Sean Hayes with Brian Aherne a point further back in third place with Patrick Vaughan in fourth place with 39 points. Enda Heneghan won the gross with 33.

The men’s 9 hole midweek competition was won by Cian Moloney with 23 points from Niall Woods with 20 points and Sean Hayes with 19 points.

In the ladies 18 hole stroke medal qualifier Mairead Toomey won with 67 from Carola Wixted with 72, Ann Nix with 73 and Joan Ryan with 74. Leslie O’Flynn won the gross with 84.

Kitty Quinn won the ladies 9 hole stroke competition while the ladies 9 hole stableford competition was won by Jo Linnane with Martina McInerney winning the ladies stableford with 39 points.

East Clare Golf Club:

Lady captain Rachel Whelan (17) was the category 1 winner of the ladies 18 hole stroke competition with 73. Category 2 was won by Ursula Hogan

(31) with 78 while the category 3 winner was Ann Harte (46) with 75. The overall winner was Catherine Minogue (25) with 72.

The ladies Wednesday competition was won by Jenny Ryan, Nancy Starr and Margaret O Brien from Mary Hogan, Mary Collins and Siobhan Mulcahy. The men’s open Thursday comp was won by Joe Geoghegan with 42 points from Mark Sweeney with 40 points. Eoin Magill won the gross.

Last week’s men’s 18 hole stableford competition was won by Paul Madden with 41 points from Colm Kelly with 40 points and Adrian Casey, also with 40 points. Eoin Magill won the gross.

Terry Coughlan, Martin McKeogh and Jim Fahy were the winner of the senior men’s competition last week.

Woodstock Golf Club:

Last week’s open singles at Woodstock was won by Mark Roche (18) from Slievenamon with 41 points Kieran Browne (18) was second with 41 points while David Keane (12), Kilrush was third and he also scored 41 points.

The July Medal that was scheduled for this weekend has been postponed to another date and will be replaced by a singles stableford compeition off the green markers.

Ennis Golf Club:

The ladies team of four competition last week was won by Flor Coffey, Monica Finnerty, Una O’Reilly and Peggie Costello with 89 points. They had four to spare over Helen and Ann Gallery, Mary Nagle and Mary T McMahon while third place was filled by Jean Molony, Geraldine O’Rourke, Ethna Murphy and Rose Enright with 79 points,

The 9 hole team of four winners with 39 points were Carmel Cummins, Elaine Kelly, Gina Stokes, Toni Droney. They had two to spare over Margaret McEnery, Alice D’Arcy, Jackie Quinlan and Audrey McEnery with third filled by Helen Brooks, Rita Meade, Sinead O’Sullivan and Mary Curley.

Sunday’s men’s fourball was won by Senan Ryan (10) and David Considine (14) with 46 points, one more than Aaron Burke (15) and Martin Moroney (15) with third place filled by Padraig Cusack (14) and Noel Whelan (7) with 43 points

Ennis seniors played Ballinasloe in the P.V McInerney competition, a modified fourball competition last week. Ennis were the victors with a team score of 274 against a team score of 253 for Ballinasloe. The six pairings which brought in the winning score for Ennis were Sean Ryan and Matt Flynn with 48 points, Martin Coffey and Tommy Heath with 46 points, Peter Quinn and James Corcoran with 45 points, Tim Kelly and Noel Pilkington with 45 points, Cyril Lyons and Frank Cullinan with 45 points, Ger Hanrahan and Michael Butler with 45 points.

In the Tuesday fourball the winners were Brendan Pyne and Neil Cremin with 34 points from Tony McInerney and Rodger McMahon with a similar score. Michael Irwin and Eamon Corry were third with 33 points followed by Gerry O’Connor and Walter O’Brien with 31 points

In the junior boys competition on July 11, Diarmuid Corry (26) won with 40 points from David Loftus (14) with 39 points.

Ferris in the race for the 2023 ZuCar Golden Boot, which will be awarded to the highest scorer in the 2023 TG4 All-Ireland series across the Senior, Intermediate and Junior grades.

Twenty three year old Fidelma who is a graduate of WIT was presented with her award by Ina Lazar, Sales Manager, Croke Park.

Supporters will be able to see Fidelma and Clare in semi-final action next Sunday (July 23rd) against Antrim in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park in Longford, the throw-in time is 2pm.

AVENUE UTD have completed one of the biggest signings in the junior soccer transfer window with the addition of Steven McGann, writes Páraic McMahon.

Ennis native McGann returns to his former club after much speculation and brings the curtain down on his five year stint with Limerick's Pike Rovers, a side he had captained the past two seasons.

Timing is everything and for the 28year old it is the right moment to come back to a Clare club. He won two Munster Junior Cups, two League titles, two Lawson Cups and a Tuohy Cup with the Limerick outfit along with the pain of losing three FAI Junior Cup finals.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Steven explained that family commitments were integral to his decision to return, “It was grand at the start but then two and a half years ago we had a little girl, my missus is currently pregnant at the moment so it is right to come home”.

When contemplating a move to the Clare league, nothing tempted him as much as opting for Avenue Utd. “I think I always had Avenue in my head, I only played with them for two or three years before I went into Limerick, I know most of the lads and would be friendly with them. I think it was a no-brainer for me to go in there. Everyone says the standard in Limerick is way better but I think it is just there might be six or seven teams in Limerick that are always competing whereas in Clare you only have two or three with Newmarket Celtic winning the FAI”.

Newmarket Celtic’s success in winning the FAI Junior Cup and contesting the Munster Junior Cup is a positive reflection of the current standard of the top teams in the CDSL.

A spectator at Avenue’s Clare Cup semi-final win over Fair Green Celtic on their way to retaining the title overcoming Lifford, McGann outlined what he aims to bring to the fold. “Hopefully I can bring in my own game, I feel like I can drag a team an extra ten percent in a match if I’m playing well, there’s little things I can do to talk to people on the pitch, some people play well when they don’t talk, some people need an arm around the shoulder, some people you need to kick them up the arse, I’m

hoping to find out what everyone needs and drag them on an extra five or ten percent.

Two previous stints with Avenue at U14 level and a brief spell with the first team prior to joining Pike in 2018 have seen McGann link up with Mark Roche, Dylan Casey, Gary Roche and Conor Mullen before.

Current Avenue Utd boss, David Russell is of course a first cousin of the powerful attacking midfielder. Surprisingly, Russell wasn’t the one pestering for his cousin to put pen to paper.

“To be fair he wasn’t pestering me too much, I actually went to them about this proposal, I felt it was the right time to come home, he was always letting me play my soccer and understood I was always committed to Pike Rovers, he left me alone and I went to him this time”.

Use of the club grounds in Roslevan will be extended to Steven as he sets up his own business, Steven McGann’s Coaching Academy. “I think I need to be around home when it comes to this type of stuff. Conor Mullen has helped me massively, I don’t think there is a better person to be around when it comes to running a business than him and to be beside him on the soccer pitch and to be working for him is massive for me, it was just the right time for me to come home”. An official Instagram page will be created in the coming week where interested parties that can send a direct message to make further queries.

Photo by Tyler Miller / Sportsfile

‘Time is right’ – McGann signs for Avenue Utd

Perfect Williams jumps clear round to help Ireland win European Championships

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

ENNIS showjumper Coen Williams helped Ireland make history last weekend at the European Showjumping championships in Italy.

Williams comes from strong horse jumping stock and it showed as the Clareman helped Team Ireland on their to claiming gold at Gorla Minore, Italy.

James Kernan’s Show Jumping Junior (Under-18) team consisted of Kilkenny's James, Timmy and Eoin Brennan, Clare's Coen Williams and Tipperary's Tom Wachman. Their gold win came after Ireland's Under-21s also won at the same venue, seeing off The Netherlands in second, with Great Britain completing the podium in third place.

Ireland entered the final round on a score of 3.16, which gave them the buffer of one fence down to

spare.

With Eoin Brennan finishing his round with an unlucky four faults on board Eskola M and and James Brennan having a score of eight on board MHS I’m The One (ISH) it meant pressure was on with Wachman and Williams still to jump.

Coolness personified, Wachman jumped impeccably on board the mare Cathalina S to steady the ship and leave Ireland one clear round from double gold.

With the final Dutch rider Nick Nanning applying the pressure following his own clear round it meant Williams needed to be perfect in order to secure the victory for Ireland.

With ice in his veins, the individual leader was sensational on board Conthanja yet again, jumping clear to give Kernan’s men a sensational victory.

Ireland finished the the competition on a score of 7.16 points, seeing off the Netherlands who finished

up on 9.12 and there was a huge gap back to Great Britain on 24.02.

“I’m just so, so proud of these boys - they showed so much character to hold firm and perform to that level and bring the gold medal home,” Kernan said.

“Those four faults for Eoin that early in his round were so unlucky, he was magnificent to keep it at just four - and that set us up for Tom and Coen to deliver the goods.

“We know the two of them having watched them for the last few years, they thrive under pressure and they both jumped so well."

Coen, who this year graduated from Rice College, continues a succesful tradition of showjumping in the Williams family with older brother Rhys having also experienced international success. His family, run by parents Adrian and Paula, operate Parc Stables on the outskirts of Ennis.

More success for Feakle Five Syndicate

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

THERE WAS more glory for the Feakle Five Syndicate in Galway while Mullagh handler Noel Moroney recorded a double win in Limerick.

The concluding A2 graded 525 yards was the top graded contest on Friday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium and as the trap rose Bumblebee Sonny on the wide outside and Mounvoor Lad towards the inner were both away smartly and racing toward the opening the pair were chased by Heathlawn Polly in third place as they rounded the opening bend.

Turning down the black Mounvoor Lad opened up a two length advantage over Bumblebee Sonny as Heathlawn Polly began to creep closer on the inner. Out front though, the Feakle Five Syndicate owned Mounvoor Lad was making the best of his way home and although Heathlawn Polly closed from the third bend the son of Ballymac Best and Ridgedale Martha stayed on gamely to score by a length and a half in 29.28.

The outcome of the A4 graded seventh contest over 550 yards was effectively settled at traps rise as Wilbrook Sydney (Droopys Sydney-Killinan Reina) was away smartly along the inner and shaping good pace the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained lady led by two lengths from Astro Kevin and Toolate Shannon rounding the opening bend and with the chasers getting slightly in each others way the Martin Meaney owned Wilbrook Sydney was now six lengths clear at halfway and on her way to victory and although Toolate Shannon stayed in really well Wilbrook Sydney scored by two and a half lengths in 30.93. James McMahon of Cooraclare’s owned Lissatouk Peggy never saw another rival as she recorded her tenth career success in this A4 graded contest by three and three quarter lengths in 29.81. Trapping superbly the daughter of Doratos Woo Hoo and Lissatouk Lady led On The Radio and Show No Fear by two lengths rounding the opening bend. Turning down the back, Lissatouk Peggy continued to show the way to On The Radio but nearing the third bend the winner began to edge further clear and was in command racing up the straight.

The opening contest of the night was a Novice 525b yards contest and from trea-

son the Peter Mulrooney owned May On Faye was very smartly into her stride and racing towards the opening bend she led Knockdrum Charley by almost a length. Rounding the bend the leader tracked a lot better than some of her rivals and racing down towards halfway the Donie Duggan of Tulla trained daughter of Droopys Sydney and Vigorous Lindsay led by over four lengths to Knockdrum Charly and Uimhir A Seacht. Tracking well again exiting the back straight May On Faya eased home three and a half lengths clear of Knockdrum Charly in 29.38.

Saturday night’s Galway card featured three first round heats of the Irish Retired Greyhound A3 525 Stake. The third heat 3 was the fastest by far as the Michael Fitzgerald of Kilrush owned Flyers Kirsty (Ballymac Washout-Ballymac Arminta) led at the opening bend before staying on powerfully to defeat Springwell Eddy by three and three quarter lengths in 28.95. A tough nut to crack once leading Flyers Kirsty disputed the early lead with Own Lullaby and Raparee Molly in either side of her but at the bend “Kirsty” took two lengths out of her rivals. Racing down the back Springwell Eddy went in pursuit but the winner was gone beyond recall from halfway.

Kilmihil native John Collins and Ballyea native Albert Long owned Brickhill Daisy recorded her sixteenth career success in the A4 graded contest as she collared the pace setting Bobtailbuttercup halfway up the run in before crossing the line a length and three parts clear of Banter Blitz in 29.64. The winner was back in fifth place at the opening bend as Bobtailbuttercup got the better of the battle for the early lead at the turn. Racing down the back the lead was over three lengths as Brickhill Daisy who tracked superbly at the opening bend was now beginning to edge closer nearing the third bend. Rounding the home turn the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Rathmeehan May again tracked well as she dug deep to gain the day.

At the Limerick Track on last Thursday night Mullagh handler Noel Moroney struck for a double Tiermana Anna was the winner of the text on line A4 race winning time was 29.46. Moroney’s double came on the ninth race when Tiermana Oak was a length and a half winner in a time of 29.21.

The C-Star Syndicate owned Syds Star

and trained by Myles Cummins of Newmarket-on-Fergus was a comfortable seven length winner of the A3 contest, Amy’s Jack came up

trumps for Shannon owner Peter Russell and trained in Tulla by Donie Duggan making it career win number seven.

l Coen and his Irish Junior Show Jumping teammates after their win at the European Championships in Gorla Minore, Italy

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

URLAN BEG, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO CLARE V95X7X4

Take notice that Noreen O Carroll and Gerard Austin, acting as the executors of the estate of the late Margaret Austin, intend to apply for permission to RETAIN the veranda, attached garage, garden/ storage sheds & all other site and ancillary works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

GORTMORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Paul Conway Architects, Knockbrack, Ennistymon intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council on behalf of David McInerney for planning permission for development at Gortmore, Ennis, Co. Clare

The development will consist of the alterations including stone cladding to part of front elevation, lime mortar to original stonework, and a rear extension to ground floor and basement total Area 62.5sqM, with site works and services.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

MOYRIESK, QUIN, CO. CLARE

Planning permission being sought by Cassandra Smith to construct a private dwelling house with detached garage, installation of new wastewater treatment system and percolation area and all associated site works at the above address. The Planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its 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 within the

period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Opening hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TULLIG, CROSS CO. CLARE

Take notice that M. B. Downes & V. Troy intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain existing ground levels, to reduce ground levels and to erect proposed machinery storage area at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DERREEN, MULLAGH, CO. CLARE

FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P23/194

Development Description:

Permission for (a) to construct an extension to the rear of an existing derelict dwelling house and (b) permission to carry out alterations to the existing dwelling and (c) upgrade the existing sewage treatment system, along with ancillary works

Location: Derreen, Mullagh, Co. Clare

Take notice that Damien Crowe & Elaine Clancy have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/194. This information and 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, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKALISHEEN, MEELICK,

CO CLARE

I, Gearóid Moroney, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Knockalisheen, Meelick, Co Clare:

Retention Permission for the construction of an extension to the side of the existing dwelling together with a first floor extension as constructed together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SUMMERHILL, CLONLARA, CO CLARE

I, Patrick Noonan, am applying to the above authority for Permission for the following development on property at Summerhill, Clonlara, Co Clare: Permission for the construction of a detached dormer dwelling, detached domestic garage, new entrance, onsite wastewater treatment system, bored well, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWBAWN, OGONNELLOE, CO CLARE

I, John McKeogh, am applying to the above authority for retention permission for the following development on property at Carrowbawn, Ogonnelloe, Co Clare: Permission for the construction of a detached single storey dwelling, access from shared entrance, onsite wastewater treatment system, bored well, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works

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 author-

ity during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BEAL AN INBHIR, SHANAKYLE ROAD, KILRUSH, CO CLARE

Take Notice that Spanish Point Homes Ltd intends to apply to the Planning Authority for Planning Permission to construct 10 no. housing units consisting of 6 no. 3 bedroom semi-detached units and 4 no. 2 bedroom semi-detached units together with all associated ancillary site 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 and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RE: SITE AT DRUMGEELY, SHANNON, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Derek Clune on behalf of Shannon Tidy Towns is applying to Clare County Council for Planning Permission for enclosed compund (30m x 15m) adjacent to handball alley for storage of equipment and materials with polytunnels and steel container.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRANNÓG, BALLYALLA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE, V95T0F8

Take notice that Kevin Mannion & Emer Moloney intend to apply for planning permission for development at Crannóg, Ballyalla, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95T0F8. The development will consist of demolition of existing fire damaged house and replacement with new dwelling house, domestic garage and workshop, service connections and associated site works and services. The planning applica-

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ROSLEVAN ENNIS CO. CLARE

Take Notice that Drumquin Construction Ltd intends to apply for Planning Permission for development at this site at, Roslevan, Ennis, Co. Clare. This application for development will consist of :

1) The completion of 6 previously permitted Houses (House Type B) at sites numbered 18/19, 20/21 and 27/28 on the site layout submitted and as previously granted permission under P 16-298.

2) Connection to all Mains Infrastructure and all ancillary on Site Works and Services all of which are previously granted permission under P 21639.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYMACOODA, KILMALEY, ENNIS, CO.

CLARE

Take notice that Gerard & Claire Commane are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to alter, extend, renovate an existing dwellinghouse along with all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, ROSBROOK HOUSE, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that David and Deirdre Hedigan are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for material change of use of an existing Montessori school building to a private residence, construct extension and renovate existing building along with all ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CAHERCANNAVAN, KILMIHIL, CO. CLARE

Take notice that D. Crowley intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the following a) the front porch and rear extension along with additional window/rooflight and changes to windows of the dwelling house b) the first floor storage area and additional windows/door/rooflights of the garage along with associated site works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYBEG, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE

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 Bryan John Dolan for permission to construct a dwelling house and detached garage together with all associated site development works and connection to public 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 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 3 ST.

ANTHONY’S TERRACE, HARMONY ROW, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95 TD5Y

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 Omar Bhamjee for permission to change use of existing building from commercial to residential use (b) construct rear extension and carry out renovations and alterations to existing building together with all ancillary 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 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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

THE MAPLES, OAKLEIGH WOOD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

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 JLS Developments Ltd for permission to (a) replace detached dwelling house to site No.9 with 2 No. semi-detached dwelling houses as previously approved under P20-172 and (b) alter approved plans under P20-172 to include single storey rear extensions to sites No’s 3 & 4 together with all site development works and connections to public 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 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.

ROOF MOSS CLEANING

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CHIMNEY

LICENCE APPLICATION

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1833

SECTION 6

INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960

SECTION 29

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12

Peter O’Keeffe Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above„named Applicant Peter OKeeffe of Drumcliffe Road Ennis, Ennis, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Ennis District Court on the 27Sep-2023 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises at 89 Parnell Street, Ennis, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Dated 13 Jul 2023

Signed Patrick F. Molony & Co. Solicitor for Applicant

Solicitors, 5 Bindon Street, Ennis Clare

To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1833

SECTION 6

INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960

SECTION 29

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF A LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF KILRUSH

DISTRICT NO. 12

Ann O’Keeffe Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Ann O’Keeffe of Main Street, Cooraclare, Clare intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at the Court at Kilrush District Court on the 19-Sep-2023 at 10:30 for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Publican’s Licence (7-Day Ordinary) licence attached to the premises at Cooraclare, Cooraclare, Clare in the court area and district aforesaid.

Dated 13 Jul 2023

Signed Patrick F. Molony & Co.

Solicitor for Applicant

Solicitors, 5 Bindon Street, Ennis , Clare

To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Enniss Clare, V95 CD74

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Recent Deaths

Mary Brett (née Steele) Feakle, Clare

Nancy Carucan (née McNamara) Fanore, Clare

Anne (Nancy) Carey (née Hoey) Kilkishen, Clare

Jimmy Gavin Clondalkin, Dublin

Michael Moloney

Tynagh, Galway

Donald Murdoch Cratloe, Clare

James (Jimmy) Murray Shannon, Clare

Lian Van Du Kirken Ennis, Clare

Eileen Fogarty (née McDonagh) Rialto, Dublin

Liam Galvin Ennis, Clare

Peter Frederick Pooley Killaloe, Clare

Pam Marrinan Kilkee, Clare

Darren Robert Richmond Barefield, Clare

John Doherty Coolmeen, Clare

Michael (Mick) McDonnell Jnr Ennis, Clare

Mairéad Mescal (née Cleary) Cree, Clare

Sarah Myles Scariff, Clare

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours.

This time, I ask you

This special favour.

(Mention Favour)

Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within

Your own broken heart

Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes

It will become your favour

Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days.

Promise publication. E.M

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you

This special favour.

(Mention Favour)

Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart

Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes

It will become your favour

Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days.

Promise publication.

brought to you by

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother,

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother,

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother,

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother,

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)

Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times) Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times) Say this prayer for 3 consecutive days, and then you must publish it and it will be granted to you.

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JULY 20th

Best Daily Word Search: 8 August 2019

WORD SEARCH

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The Clare Echo Crossword

HOW TO PLAY

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

1 Mislead (7)

2 Exclusive news story (5)

3 Guaranteed (7)

4 Stinging plant (6)

5 Of the country (5)

6 Free time (7)

7 Move furtively (5)

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13 Restraint (7)

15 Yearning (7)

16 Began (7)

17 Infertile (6)

18 Term of respect in India (5)

19 Great pain (5)

21 Perfume (5)