The Clare Echo 20/12/18

065 671 9021

clareecho.ie

editor@clareecho.ie

Ennis dog pound labelled a ‘Palace’

T

HE Ennis Dog Pound has been labelled a palace by a councillor after what he described as a “dramatic shift” in the number of dogs being put to sleep.

Clare Dog Shelter recently re-opened following a three-week closure for renovations. The transformation of the shelter

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20 Dec 2018

YEAR IN REVIEW

News: p30-33 Sport: p42-43

has been described by Cllr Johnny Flynn as going “from a pound to a palace for these vulnerable animals”.

There were 270 dogs put to sleep in 2014 and only 14 have been put to sleep in the first nine months this year.

Full story PAGE 12

lNAUGHTY OR NICE: Santa and Mrs Claus played by John Mangan and fellow Clare Photo by Martin Connolly Camera Club member Niamh O’ Brien

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

Index NEWS

AOIBHÍN GARRIHY

2-17

18-19

RONAN SCULLY

23

HOWARD’S WAY

28

2019 NEW REVIEW

30-33

PROPERTY

38-41

GAA YEAR REVIEW

41-42

CLASSIFIEDS

44-45

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie or ger.naughton@clareecho.ie

l FESTIVE TREAT: Irish singer-songwriter, Gavin James paid a surprise visit to Ennis National School last week. Pupils and teachers were treated to a mini concert from the 27 year old as he performed two of his singles released earlier this year, Always and Glow. Members of staff told The Clare Echo that Gavin was “very generous with his time and posed for lots of photographs”.

The Dubliner delighted students of Ennis National by informing them they would have no homework. From Ennis, he travelled to Dolans in Limerick to launch his new album Only Ticket Home

Bumper funding for Clare schools STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

C

LARE Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has confirmed that ten local schools will undergo major improvement works over the summer months thanks to Government funding through the Summer Works Scheme.

“These latest allocations confirm the Government’s continuing prioritisation of capital funding for school buildings which will enhance the learning and working environment for pupils and teachers,” Deputy Carey said.

“After announcing that 307 schools across the country will receive more than €40 million for Summer Works projects, Education Minister Joe McHugh told me that eight primary and two post-primary schools in Clare will receive funding for major improvement works.

“The money will go towards structural improvements at Cratloe NS; Rockmount NS, Miltown Malbay and Scoil Cluain An Atha, Inagh as well as the replacement of windows at Liscannor NS; St Conaire’s NS, Shannon; St Aidan’s NS, Shannon; Scoil Realt na Mara, Kilkee; Scoil Na Mainistreach Quin, Mary Immaculate Secondary School, Lisdoonvarna and St Michael’s Community College, Kilmihil.

“It is great that this funding is being

allocated now as it will give schools more time to prepare for the planned works. The works will be carried out mainly over the summer months in order to keep disruption to students, teachers and other to a minimum,” Deputy Carey explained.

“There will be further announcements in the new year for schools that applied for funding for external works such as upgrading and resurfacing of yards and car parking. Given the scale of these projects, further detailed analysis is required with a view to enabling approved applications to proceed in 2020.

“A further round of the Summer Works Scheme, which will open for applications in early 2019 for projects to be delivered from summer 2020,” Deputy Carey added.

It follows news that three primary schools in North Clare have benefitted from Department of Education funding for additional accommodation and emergency works, Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has confirmed.

In addition to a significant extension at Doolin National School, the works approved include an extension to Boston National School in Tubber and roof repairs at Liscannor National School.

Deputy Carey said that the extension at Boston NS would include a mainstream classroom including ensuite toilets and a special unit for assisted users.

4

NEWS

200-year flood won't hurt Shannon now...

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

S

HANNON’S long-term security from flood risk is to be aided following the granting of multi-million euro funding.

An upgrade of the Shannon estuary flood defences, and the construction of new defences for Shannon town will ensure the protection of homes, businesses and the airport from one in 200 year tidal flood events. The process of procuring consultants to progress the design has already begun Minister of State at the Office of Public Works and Flood Relief, Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran was in Clare and during this visit, Junior Minister Pat Breen praised the joint work of all the groups involved in securing the funding. “Shannon town and the airport have some protection from coastal flooding from embankments owned by both the airport and the OPW. However these embankments are not constructed to modern engineering standards.

“It is therefore essential that these

embankments are upgraded and strengthened in order to provide protection to both Shannon town and one of the county’s most important infrastructures - Shannon Airport. The agreement between Shannon Airport Authority, the OPW and Clare County Council to bring forward the work for the airport and the town as one joint project is both practical and economical, and I believe the best solution available”.

A previous report conducted by Clare County Council, the OPW and Shannon Group highlighted that unless €14.6m was invested in the embankments, a staggering €693m worth of damage could result.

Meanwhile, a new tender for the Ennis South Flood Relief Scheme has been finalised with construction to commence in spring 2019. This scheme will provide protection for 74 residential and 10 non-residential properties.

Breen added, “The Springfield Clonlara flood defence works are also progressing, perhaps not as quickly as I would like, but it is expected that following a further environmental assessments and review,

an updated planning application is expected for this project in early 2019. The original planning application for two earthen embankments, two new sluices, a pump station and associated works was withdrawn in October as further assessment of environmental matters were required.

If there are no further delays and the project progresses through planning in a timely manner, this project should go to tender in late 2019 with construction beginning in 2020.”

l VULNERABLE: Shannon Airport under snow earlier this year

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

QUARTERLY RENTAL RISE BUCKS TREND STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

THE standardised average rent of new tenancies in County Clare was has risen to €710, up from €671 from one year earlier - and up €15 on the previous quarter.

The quarterly increase in not in line with national trends according to the latest Rent Index from the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). In the July-September period (Q3) of 2018, the standardised national average rent was €1,122 per month, up from €1,044 one year earlier (€78 increase). Conversely, on a quarter-on-quarter basis, rental price inflation dropped to 1.9% in Q3 2018, down from 3.6% in Q2 2018.

The Index shows that rent increases for existing tenancies (5.4%) were lower than those for new tenancies (8%) yearon-year. This indicates that Rent Pressure Zones are having a braking effect on the level of the increase.

However, although rents are now at a record high, and the Irish rental market is experiencing unprecedented demand, the number of landlords is falling with a decline of 8,829 tenancies and 1,778 fewer landlords than in 2015.

Commenting on the latest Rent Index results, Rosalind Carroll, Director of the Residential Tenancies Board said: “Affordability still remains an issue for the rental market with continued economic, employment and population growth contributing to rising demand across the country. We can also see rents across the country have continued to increase."

He added, "At the same time, it is a matter of deep concern that the number of landlords continues to decrease. If we are to meet demand and ensure a well-functioning rental sector, then we need more landlords and different types of landlords to offer market options. With many landlords leaving, it is increasing strain and pressure and this must be addressed."

Dublin is experiencing the most acute rent pressures with fewer than 15% of tenancies less than €1,000 per month, as compared to 70% elsewhere in the country. Second highest rents in Q3 were Galway City at €1,187 per month, Cork City (€1,172) and Limerick City (€928).

SEE P38-41 FOR

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8

NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

UHL winter plan will not deal with crowds STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

HE Winter Plan to be rolled out at University Hospital Limerick is designed to blunt the surge in admissions but won’t deal with the overall problem of overcrowding, according to Clare Independent TD Dr. Michael Harty. He welcomed the proposals which include a 19-bay medical assessment unit and a 17-bed surgical short- stay unit but added that they shouldn’t be needed in the first place.

“The fact is UHL is too small and the number of patients is increasing every year.

With our ageing population the demographics in the Limerick area are much greater

than the capacity of the hospital to deal with. It serves a catchment of 400,000 people and just doesn’t have the bed capacity. The sad fact is that we are not going to get these extra beds any time soon. There is a proposal to build a 96bed unit and a proposal to put in 60 modular bed unit by the end of 2019.

“In the absence of those beds there is no solution to a winter surge other than to increase staff numbers, increase nursing numbers, increase the number of senior decision makers, improve access to diagnostics so that people can be treated more quickly and efficiently. To be fair, the UL Hospital Group has probably the best record in the country for putting people through the

system and they should get credit for that. They work very closely with the community so that people are discharged back to their home or to step-down facilities or to nursing homes as quickly as possible.

“That said, no matter how hard the management and staff in Limerick work, the basic problem is the hospital is too small for the catchment area it serves.

It will always struggle to deal with any surge that comes during the winter. In a normal system, a hospital would run on 75% to 85% capacity which always leaves some capacity to deal with events like a winter surge.

"So, the hospital is challenged with ramping up services to deal with the winter surge, without recruiting extra

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“There is also an element of robbing Peter to pay Paul in this Winter Plan which will have a worsening effect on already unacceptable waiting lists. Coping with the winter surge under this plan means that elective surgery and elective admissions are being curtailed to free up space. Add to that the difficulty in retaining and recruiting staff which leads to a further knock-on effect on waiting lists both for patient admissions and out-patients appointments,” Dr. Harty said.

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WORK OFF THE EXCESS AT CLARE'S HIGHEST PEAK

T

HE festive season’s excesses can be interrupted – temporarily, at least - from midday Saturday, December 29, by those willing to take up Ogonnelloe Hurling Club’s invitation to join them in walking to the summit of Clare’s tallest mountain.

In its annual Christmas community gathering, the club is going to make the most of its, and the county’s, biggest asset, Moylussa - the tallest point in the Slieve Bernagh Mountains at 532m – with an organised walk from midday (walkers meet 11:45am).

The starting point for the walk will be Two Mile Gate, with the two/three-hour - depending on

levels of fitness - round-trek taking in the top of the mountain and, weather permitting, resplendent views across Lough Derg and well into neighbouring counties.

Participants are advised to wear hiking boots/trail shoes and bring some waterproof clothing, walking stick and light refreshments.

People intending to join the walk are advised to check in on Ogonnelloe Hurling Club’s Facebook Page at www.facebook. com/ogonnelloegaa/ and asked to confirm their attendance by liking the event on the page to provide an understanding of numbers.

SOAR & ELEVATE TEAM UP THE Soar Foundation, the award-winning and acclaimed collective movement which has worked with over 30,000 young people in Ireland, is set to land in Clare secondary schools in 2019 following a renewed partnership with the Elevate Foundation.

Co-founded by former Clare hurler Tony Griffin in 2012, Soar’s core belief is in the greatness within all young people. They act on this by creating and delivering early intervention-preventative wellbeing workshops for young people aged 13 to 18 years from all backgrounds.

Soar currently provides a Transition Year program, a girl’s workshop entitled “Stripped” and a boy’s workshop called “Vice”.

“I am delighted that we get the opportunity to work with Elevate and to bring our range of programs focused on developing character and well-being in teenagers to Clare”, said Soar co-founder and CEO Tony Griffin. “As a proud Clare man I am excited about working in schools across Clare to develop the brilliant potential of our young people.”

John Burke's Elevate Foundation – the Clare-based non-profit organisation are providing the funding to ensure Soar workshops are accessible to all young people in Clare, free of charge.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

Nagle aim to fix Blake's Corner

PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

IANNA Fáil’s only candidate for the Ennistymon electoral area has singled out fixing Blake’s Corner as a key aim in his bid to be re-elected.

Cllr Richard Nagle was co-opted onto Clare County Council in 1997 and has been a permanent fixture since. On Sunday last, he was one of two nominees at the Fianna Fáil selection for the Ennistymon area. Spanish Point’s Cllr Michael Hillery withdrew as he announced his retirement from politics which was prompted by the boundary changes.

Currently the Chairperson of the Economic Development SPC, Nagle is fearful

of the damage Blake’s Corner is having on the local economy of North Clare. “We all want the gridlock that exists on a daily basis at Blake’s Corner solved as a matter of urgency, it is hindering the economic development of the town of Ennistymon and indeed the whole of North Clare. The volume of traffic is increasing particularly with the economic recovery and that is making the situation much worse for the town itself and indeed for the whole of North Clare because it is the whole artery into North Clare”.

Recently, he along with Fine Gael’s Cllr Bill Slattery were appointed to the Board of the Cliffs of Moher. If he is unsuccessful in May’s local elections, he will cease to be a member of the Board.

Call for Flynn resignation was 'extremely unfair'

A VOTE of confidence in Cllr Gerry Flynn was unanimously approved by members of the Social Development Strategic Policy Committee on Clare County Council.

Cllr Flynn who is the Chairman of the SPC in September seconded Cllr Ann Norton’s call for Clare County Council to nominate Peter Casey for the Presidential election. Casey subsequently claimed the Travelling community being considered an ethnic community was “a load of nonsense”.

This prompted Dermot Hayes, the social inclusion representative on the SPC to seek Flynn’s representation as Chairperson. Hayes’ plea for Flynn to depart the position appeared on the front page of The Clare People in October.

At the December meeting of the SPC, Cllr Ann Norton proposed a motion of confidence in Cllr Flynn in their first meeting since the publication of the request from Hayes. “Resignation of the Chair for this SPC was called for in local media, it was extremely unfair. I think the Chair is doing an exceptional job, he makes sure all the areas under this committee are brought in.”

Norton’s proposal was resoundingly agreed by members of the SPC. Dermot Hayes did not comment for or against the vote while Cllr Flynn thanked members for their support. He added, “Headlines sell papers, I was hurt by it and my family were hurt by it”.

lLIFFORD TWINKLES: Three pubs of the Lifford, Copper Jug, Mickey Kerins and James O’Keefe’s/Tom Steeles, approached Cllr Johnny Flynn to get their area included in the town’s festive lighting. Cllr Flynn led this project and money was secured for the purchase, erection and running costs of the lights with the assistance of Cllrs Pat Daly and Mary Howard. The other businesses in the area also supported the project financially to offset the cost of the lights on the County Council. The three pubs Lifford that launched this campaign together employ over 25 people and pay over €25,000 commercial rates each year to Clare Co Council. Pictured is Kathleen Butler (Copper Jug) John Kerins (Mickey Kerins) missing from photo Brendan O'Keefe (O Keefe's/Steele’s)

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12 NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

From pound

Cllr Johnny Flynn insists there has been a dramatic shift since the shelter changed hands animals in Clare, there has been a dramatic shift in the number of dogs going through the dog shelter and the amount put to sleep (PTS). In 2014, the number of dogs that came through the shelter fell was 1,000, whilst just 353 dogs went through the shelter from January to September 2018. There were 270 dogs PTS in 2014 and only 14 PTS in the first nine months this year.

“The new public tender contract that emphasised animal welfare in 2015 was a turning point in for the pound. The staff have received the proper support to care for the animals in a safe environment from the new management company, Midland Animal Care Ltd., which took over in 2016. Public awareness has helped both reduce the number of dogs going through the shelter and increase the willing homes to adopt dogs. The groups of animal lovers have done amazing work with these campaigns. Investments from Clare County Council in 2017 and 2018, has made the necessary upgrades to manage and care for the welfare of these dogs,” Cllr Flynn comments.

Investment by Clare County Council in recent years has resulted in new outdoor insulated kennels, improved heating equipment to keep dogs and puppies warm throughout the winter and increase in storage facilities

STUART HOLLY

I

editor@clareecho.ie

l EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT: The Clare Dog Shelter has reopened after a threeweek closure to carry out a number of upgrade works throughout the facility

T WILL be a good Christmas for dogs as the Clare Dog Shelter recently re-opened following the three-week closure for renovations. The transformation of the shelter has been described by Cllr Johnny Flynn as going “from a pound to a palace for these vulnerable animals”.

An advocate for these works, Cllr Flynn, explains, “These recent works are a welcome development for myself, the staff and the animal lovers that first brought the need for serious investment in the Clare Dog Shelter to my attention. I have visited the pound regularly since 2014, after being contacted by a number of the public concerned with the facilities and treatment of animals. The main concern was about humane practices in putting dogs to sleep and the overcrowding of the kennels.

Policies on tagging and vaccinating any rehoused dogs through the shelter have been updated.”

Since the public request in 2014 for changes to the treatment of stray and abandoned

CLARE CULTURAL COMPANIONS An Age & Opportunity Initiative

CULTURAL COMPANIONS is an Age & Opportunity initiative designed to link older people interested in arts and culture through a network so they can attend events together as a group

CONCERTS

EVENTS IN C LU D E

FILMS THEATRE/PLAYS MUSICALS HISTORICAL TALKS ART EXHIBITIONS

BECOME A MEMBER

If this sounds like something you might like to join then please contact Karen Fennessy in Clare Co. Council:

Tel: 065 6846489 or Email: kfennessy@clarecoco.ie

“What I wanted to get from Cultural Companions was to meet new people and get out more. It’s that simple for me.”

Cultural Companions Member

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

to palace...

l INSPECTION: Councillor Johnny Flynn (FG) says the improved emphasis on animal welfare has been notable with the animals now in a supportive environment

to ensure the safety of the staff. The most recent refurbishment doubled the number of indoor heated kennels to ten with three new connected outdoor dog runs. The project also includes new specialist wash down flooring, PVC windows, heating upgrades and the purchase of comforts, such as new dog beds. The space for staff and visitors has been reconfigured to allow for a vet room

and kitchenette upgrade.

Cllr Flynn finishes, “In the coming week, I hope to meet at the newly renovated facilities with the leading members of a particular animal groups that played an active part in raising awareness and advocating for the vulnerable animals in Clare. I’m looking forward to showing them the transformation of the Ennis Dog Shelter.”

NEWS 13

14

NEWS

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

Lahinch infrastructure on up thanks to Irish Open coup PÁRAIC McMAHON

L

paraic@clareecho.ie

LAHINCH will be showcased allwill be showcased all over the globe next July as The European Tour comes to town with The Irish Open taking place in Clare, Cllr Bill Slattery has already praised the event for helping to improve infrastructure in the popular coastal spot.

As it stands, Bill is Lahinch’s only councillor, he maintained “it’s vital” the coastal town has representation on the Council prior to The Irish Open next year but highlighted that he can see the European Tour event is already improving the area.

“Most of the motions and requests I’ve had in for the basic infrastructure in Lahinch is now coming to fruition because of the Open, they are on the pipeline and they have been shovel ready for the last three or four years and I have been pressing for our car parks, foot paths,

laneways and all that is going to be done, I worked very hard on these for the last five years and I’m glad to say they will be done because the Open is coming”.

Last weekend, Cllr Slattery was selected as Fine Gael’s only candidate to represent the party in the Ennistymon area for the upcoming local elections in May. Both he and Fianna Fáil’s Richard Nagle have been the only individuals to express an interest to fly the flag for the big parties in North Clare. Cllr Slattery isn’t surprised by the lack of people stepping forward for Fine Gael though he does expect another candidate will be added to their ticket due to the redrawing of municipal district boundaries.

When it comes to the elections in May, Slattery admitted to The Clare Echo, “I’ve worked very hard so I would be quietly confident of holding and retaining the seat”. His involvement with Fine Gael stretches back to 1978 but he stated, “I’ve been involved in community work all my life”.

lLOOKING TO THE FUTURE: Cllr Bill Slattery will represent Fianna Gael's hopes of having a local councillor represent the North Clare area

Photo by Gary Collins

At the beginning of the year, a story was published in The Clare People which highlighted that Slattery had not submitted a single motion to Clare County Council in 2017. When asked if he received a reaction from the public as a result, he replied. “No reaction because I represent the people that elected me in the North Clare area, if there are issues that occur or are brought up at coun-

ty level I speak on those motions and if I feel it's warranted I support and speak on the motions of other councillors.

“I put in my motions every six weeks into the Municipal District and I speak very strongly for the people that I represent and all the motions I put in are relevant to the people that elect me not to the county and for that reason I don’t really get involved in motions”.

Disparity in vacant home figures “A DISPARITY between GeoDirectory and CSO figures” has significantly overstated the amount of vacant dwellings in the county.

At the December meeting of the Social Development SPC, Mairead Corbett an Administrative Officer with Clare Co Council gave members an update surrounding action on vacant homes.

“Vacancy rates from CSO showed 10,925 vacant homes in the county and when holiday homes are excluded the figure reduces to 6,104. GeoDirectory figures from An Post show 2,700 unoccupied dwellings. The disparity between the two figures is being examined nationally ... Initial indicators suggest that the level of vacant dwellings is significantly overstated".

Ennis and Shannon were the first areas assessed, as per GeoDirectory Ennis & Environs had 329 vacant properties while Shannon Municipal District showed 196 as being unoccupied. Several properties were eliminated for various reasons such as insufficient data, being since sold or re-let, rural locations, under development, unsuitability, occupancy, no demand and temporary vacancy. This reduced the list to the 96 properties (74 in Ennis and 22 in Shannon) which the Council is interested in progressing under the Buy and Renew Scheme. When work is completed in Shannon and Ennis, attention will turn to Kilrush and Killaloe.

16

ADVERTORIAL

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

ADVERTORIAL

TREACYS WEST COUNTY LOOK TO FUTURE AFTER CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

FESTIVE END TO THE YEAR: Santa with two of his Elves inside his Grotto at Treacy's West County in Ennis and (below) Santa's Elf Moya Sheehan from Ballyea, displaying her face painting skills on Michael Delaney from Ennis Photos by Martin Connolly

WISHING ALL MY CONSTITUENTS AND FRIENDS A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

THE West County Hotel has long been a landmark business in Ennis and in 2018 the hotel celebrated the 50th Anniversary of its official opening. Local dignitaries joined Dr. John Hillery to unveil a plaque, commemorating the official opening performed by his father, then President of Ireland, Dr. Patrick Hillery on the 28th April 1968.

The Golden Jubilee year has had many highlights, not least the Munster Fleadh which will return to Ennis in 2019. This is the first time since the early '80s that a town has hosted the event in consecutive years. Hotel MD Patrick Treacy has overseen a turnaround in its fortune as he embarks on his sixth year at the helm of the iconic hotel.

2018 has been a very busy year in the hospitality sector that has welcomed a record number of visitors to Ireland. Treacys West County has enjoyed a successful year across all its business segments. It has hosted an array of headline events such as Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan 2018, Bagatelle, The Fureys, All Ireland Darts, multiple fundraising events, conferences as well as many business meetings. Top names in country music including Nathan Carter, Margo and Derek Ryan have entertained the Clare crowds. The 50th anniversary year has finished on a high with a bumper schedule featuring a very successful Christmas Markets, Santa Experience and Christmas Party season.

2019 is shaping up to be a similar jam-packed calendar with events including Fleadh 2019, Kenny & Dolly (Las Vegas’ No.1 Tribute), Mike Denver, Johnny McEvoy, Stockton’s Wing and funny man Tommy Tiernan. Tickets for upcoming events from www.treacyswestcounty.com.

Treacys are delighted to have been able to contribute to and support many charitable, sporting and community events, too many to mention individually but most notably Fleadh Cheoil, Irish National Darts Organisation, Clare Football Supporters, Ennis Trad Fest, Ennis Book Fest, Ennis Jive, Ennis Bridge Club, Ennis Chamber and Cahercalla Hospice.

We wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year.

We look forward to welcoming you in 2019.

18 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

Merry Chrsitmas

THE NOTEBOOK

I

T’S CHRISTMAS week and I’ve decided to slow it all down this year and try appreciate the magic of the season before a busy January ensues.

Since Hanorah’s arrival I feel like all our Christmas’ came at once!

Just to have her with us this year is the best gift of all. The first Christmas is very special so we’re making it our mission to savor it and spend as much time with as many relations and friends as possible!

Hanorah met the man in red last week at the Armada Hotel and it’s the stuff you dream about when

you know a little one is on the way.

Christmas is all for them.

Every year we spend Christmas between Doolin and Spanish Point and it really is all about family.

Things are usually hectic so it’ll be nice to retreat to the west and

Top 5

l READY TO MEET THE MAN IN RED: Hanorah visits Santa Claus last week at the Armada Hotel and (Left) Aoibhín and her Volkswagen Touareg from Western Garages

around...from great shopping, great food and festive cheer, so many kind and generous people and that fresh crisp countryside air to inhale!

I would like to thank you for checking in on this Love Clare column each fortnight and wish The Clare Echo readers a very Merry Christmas...here’s to a happy and healthy New Year.

Festive Tipples in the County’s Capital

While every town and village has its Christmas tipple traditions, we can only focus on one, so why not the capital town, a thriving county capital means a thriving county, here are a few of my personal favourites

CIARAN’S...

1

A firm favourite for so many. It’s the warmth of the welcome as much as the hot whiskey that will invite you in. This place is more than a hot spot on county final days, it’s a place to visit for your Christmas tipple too.

THE OLD GROUND...

Is there anything the Old Ground doesn’t do well? If you can manage to get a spot at the bar counter perch yourself up and watch Geoff and the crew in action. It’s a place to drop in when all the shopping is done and nothing says Christmas more than the atmosphere in the bar early evening, or the queue at reception for their vouchers!

5

hibernate with our nearest and dearest and all of the food!! It’s just bliss and with all the culinary skills between both sides of the family we are absolutely spoilt! We hope to do the Christmas Day swim this year and the St Stephens Day Walk in Doolin too...it may alleviate SOME of the guilt from all we intend to eat! Here’s hoping!

It’s been so rewarding meeting local businesses in 2018. I am delighted to renew my ambassadorship with Western Garages Volkswagen. I perosnally drive a Volkswagen Touareg and it is the perfect vehicle to ferry John, Hanorah, Reggie, Rubie and myself around Clare this Christmas.

Christmas in Clare is magical and I feel very lucky in this beautiful county to have so much to enjoy this holiday season all

3

2

LUCAS...

There’s nothing like the open fire for a warm welcome and this immaculately turned out establishment is home of the perfect pint, so im told! It’s a place to bump and grind your way through the pinch points into conversations with the regular crew that frequent it and it’s impossible not to chat and mingle! When you’re done with that, find a nice corner to tuck yourself away in with good company.

4

THE HALFWAY...

This is an old tradition for the Friday crew and is a place that still invites with a wonderful bar counter, great outdoor area, and location making it a traditional haunt for so many. The atmosphere continues to deliver so why not meet locals and visitors alike with their fast wit and big laughs a plenty!

O’DEA’S BAR...

It’s the John Wayne of Ennis pubs! Having the quickest draw in town, means the Guinness is the big appeal here and the simplicity of this wonderful establishment continues to appeal to many. It’s a place where conversation is king and its location means you can stop by as you exit the last minute shopping chaos in town or sneak off before communion!

COLUMNIST 19

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

COVET IN

CLARE

FEET UP If this is your plan for the next few weeks, why not do it in style! Carmody Shoes in Ennis have the cosiest EMU Australia slipper range that simply make you feel as though you’re walking on a cloud! Available in different styles and colours, give your feet the tlc they deserve.

SMALL PARCELS This pocket-size essential is the perfect stocking filler for that man in your life. The new Secrid wallet protects your cards while economically storing your contents in a stylish and industrial design. Available in different colours and styles from Patrick Bourke Menswear.

HAPPENINGS NEIL DELAMERE, GLÓR SATURDAY 12TH JAN

Fresh from a sell-out tour, the star of BBC’s The Blame Game and Soft Border Patrol, Neil Delamere, returns to glór with a brand new show. This time he thinks he has that whole “illusion of control” idea sussed.

LAHINCH CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM

Fresh from its feature in the new #ThisisIreland video, the Lahinch Christmas Day Swim is back this year in support of the Elevate Foundation with All finds raised going directly to the youth wellness organisation. Pick up a wristband today at Lahinch

and Ennistymon post offices or rock up on the day for what promises to be another fantastic turn out!

THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE THROWING COMPETITION

The annual Christmas Tree Throwing Competition will take place in Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park from 1pm to 3pm on January 6th 2019. Guns of steal...put them to the test this January!

Drive your future forward with Volkswagen.

Technology Upgrades

0% APR PCP Finance*

ROCKIN AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE These Nattou Rockers available in different animals and colours are just too cute! Available from €119 at Cribs.ie. They provide hours of fun for your little one while also developing their motor skills.

ROAR Award winning author, Cecelia Ahern, gives us thirty stories, all titled ‘The Woman Who...’, that capture the different facets of women’s lives in all their humorous, moving and poignant glory giving us a glimpse of those private moments when they just want to...Roar! Available from Ennis & Lahinch Bookshop now.

CHERRY ON TOP I recently discovered these (semi healthy) delights from Dr Coys and they are divine with a cuppa on a frosty night! Cherrys coated in Dark Chocolate...What’s not to love? You can find Dr Coys products at the Ennis Heath Foodstore or An Siopa Beag, Killaloe.

Purchase Contributions of up to €2,500**

What drives us, is driving you into the future. That’s why, right now, on our 191 range, we’re offering PCP finance from 0% APR*, Purchase Contributions of up to €2,500**, and our most future-facing Technology Upgrades ever, including features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Assist and Road Sign Recognition.

Request your quote online or visit us before December 31st to avail of these offers.

Western Garages, Volkswagen Clare, Quin Road, Ennis, Co Clare.

T. 065 682 8505. W. www.westerngarages.com Models shown are for illustrative purposes only. (T-Roc, Touareg, Tiguan) Fuel Consumption l/100km : combined 6.6 – 4.4. CO2 emissions g/km: 173-115. Increased weight of a vehicle, including higher trim levels and the addition of options may have an effect on the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions produced. *Typical Finance Example: Tiguan HL 2.0TDI 150HP. OTRP €39,925. Deposit / Part Exchange €12,092.50. 36 monthly payments of €349. Optional Final Payment €15,268.50. Total cost of credit €0. Typical APR 0%. 0% APR is available on selected new models. No minimum deposit required. Subject to lending criteria. This offer is made under a hire purchase agreement.

Volkswagen Bank GmbH Branch Ireland is authorised by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority in Germany and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland for conduct of business rules. Offers available on orders before 31st December 2018. **Purchase Contributions only available on selected new retail sales financed through Volkswagen Bank. These offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time.

These offers do not apply to fleet sales. Information correct at time of print. See www.volkswagen.ie for details.

Entertainment

FLEMING BRILLIANT

N

ATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED singer-songwriter Tommy Fleming will play at glór Theatre in Ennis on January 19 with his new show.

It’s been 14 years since Tommy Fleming recorded Voice of Hope in Knock Basilica, one of the biggest selling Irish albums ever. Its success has been credited to the material performed in Tommy’s unique orchestral style together with the beautiful setting of the world-famous venue. This time, Tommy has

done it all again on a much bigger scale with Voice Of Hope II, which will be toured in Co Clare next month.

Voice of Hope II was recorded in Galway Cathedral on September 12 and the night was filmed before a live audience. The show is as spectacular and unique as the magnificent Galway Cathedral deserves – the setting along with Tommy Fleming’s finely-honed tones truly are a match made in heaven! Each song was specially chosen to make this recording an inspirational and spiritual listening and viewing experience and one that can guarantee will have you going back for more time and time again.

While Tommy’s music may be difficult to classify, fans use such words as ‘deeply emotional’, ‘romantic’ and ‘sincere’ to describe the feelings it evokes.

One reviewer described his music as falling into a genre of ‘symphonic pop’ that still awaits a name.

Songs included are some of Tommy’s most successful hits like Hard Times, Isle of Hope and the Contender along with new material including How Great Thou Art, Hallelujah, The West’s Awake, Bring Him Home, The Voice and From Now On plus many more.

Following on from

Tommy’s nationwide tour he will embark on an international tour to Australia and the USA later in 2019, so catch him now before it’s too late. All dates will be available on www.tommyfleming.com

BRENDAN RETURNS TO GLÓR

T

HE greatest family comedian of our generation proudly celebrate 48 years in the Comedy business and most of this time at the very top of his profession.

Brendan’s latest show features the best and most requested pieces from his vast repertoire over the last 48 years. His sense of timing and ability to read an audience is without equal. A brilliant character actor, his ‘Bottler’ character is legendary and his interpretation of the ‘Irish Wedding’ will forever remain a masterpiece.

Apart from his obvious ‘star quality’ in all aspects of his performance Brendan’s drawing power is enormous and the ‘House Full’ sign is the norm rather than the exception at his concerts.

Although Brendan now resides in the United States with his wife Eileen and family and enjoys international success brought about by his association with the Late Frank Sinatra, he still tours Ireland on a regular basis, and indeed still considers Ireland his first love.

His ‘Meet and Greet’ after each show is one of the highlights of the night.

His recent documentary ‘Funnyman’ on RTE 1 TV has received critical acclaim and had a huge audience. lTREACY’S WEST COUNTY ENNIS Tuesday January 1st.

Tickets €30 at Hotel reception and Ticketmaster.ie

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

ENTERTAINMENT

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JANUARY AT GLÓR T

G

LÓR is delighted to present a day devoted to the best Irish and international documentaries. Dive right in and immerse yourself in three gorgeous films, or choose from one of our film packages.

Katie Taylor has won six amateur European championships, five world amateur championships and is an Olympic Gold Medal winner. She turned professional after a disastrous campaign at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. This film unravels the deeply personal reasons behind the career low and shows the champion’s grit and determination to start over as a

professional.

POST SHOW DISCUSSION WITH ROSS WHITAKER. Saturday 12 January 3:00pm More Info Book all three documentaries for €18, or any two for €12. To avail of this offer please ring the box office.

Dir: Ross Whitaker | 2018 | Ireland 85 mins | Not Subtitled

HEIR emotive songs stir many emotions….tears and laughter, sadness and joy.

Legends of Irish music & song THE FUREYS, renowned for their hit songs ‘I Will Love You’, ‘When You Were Sweet 16’, ‘The Green Fields of France’, ‘Red Rose Café’, ‘From Clare to Here’ and more, have been entertaining audiences worldwide for 41 years.

The band, formed in 1978, are responsible for some of the most stirring music ever to capture the public imagination.

Their folk based music has received standing ovations in some of the biggest concert halls of the world and they credit their musical ability to their parents, Ted and Nora, who were well known musi-

cians themselves. They encouraged their sons to play music from a very early age and there was live traditional music in their house almost nightly.

Saturday 26 January 8:00pm €30

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

23

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

EMBRACE WHAT YOU DO HAVE THIS CHRISTMAS

W

ITH all the rushing and racing about of the Christmas season upon us and most people in full throttle at the moment with only a few days to go to that special of all days, it is easy to get lost in all of the festivities, shopping, parties, cooking, eating, drinking and gift giving.

There’s so much to do and so little time to do it as we get closer to Christmas Eve. Many of us I am afraid have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas and what it really represents and what we should believe it to be.

Christmas is really about the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus represents real love, forgiveness, mercy and compassion towards each of us and our fellow human beings on this journey called life. I believe through my personal faith that we are all God’s children and we should treat each other as we ourselves would want and like to be treated and loved. It is so important because of that belief and especially at this time of the year to think of the less fortunate and the most needy and vulnerable in our communities and our world especially our ever growing number of homeless people and children.

This Christmas if you can and if you believe, mend a quarrel, seek out a forgotten friend, dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Write a love or forgiveness letter. Share some treasure or gift. Give a soft answer. Call. Text. Email. Talk. Post.

Encourage youth and support our elderly.

Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.

Keep a promise. Find the time. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Listen. Share.

Show mercy. Apologize if you were wrong.

Try to understand. Flout jealousy, gossip and bullying. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else.

Appreciate. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a lot. Be confident. Be against malice. Decry complacency. Express your gratitude. Go to church. Pray and meditate. Walk. Run. Climb. Swim. Welcome a stranger. Feed the Hungry. Give shelter.

Visit the sick. Gladden the heart of a child or elderly person. Take pleasure in

the beauty and wonder of the earth. Give Love. Speak your love. Speak it again and again and be a doer be. Believe.

The Door of the Inn of Our Hearts

Sometimes when I am visiting my local church over the Christmas season and look and pray at our crib, I often get distracted from my prayers and wonder if the owners of the Inn ever realised who they turned away that Christmas Eve night. I wonder if a few decades down the line, they realized that it was Jesus’ mother, Mary who had come to the door and that they didn’t give her a room. They instead gave her a stable or a cave on the edges of their community, their society. At least they tried and were moved in someway to do something. Now, if this was just a story about owners of an Inn in Bethlehem who missed a chance to open the doors to Jesus,centuries upon centuries ago, I wouldn’t be writing about it now. But this isn’t about what the owners of an Inn did.

It’s about what God did, and what God still does this very day and this Christmas time and always. And it’s about what we, me and you, do next. You see Jesus still comes into this world, our world and our lives today and each day. It didn’t just happen once, it happens all the time, each and everyday. Jesus knocks at the doors of our hearts all the time, and we are asked if there is room in the inn of our hearts.

And sometimes we look out, and we don’t really like what we see, or we don’t like what it would mean to let Jesus in, and we close the door and say: “There’s no place for you here in the Inn of my heart”. But sometimes, even when we don’t really want to, even when we’re not sure we want to open that door up, we do anyway. And that matters. Because Christmas may be about the story that we read or hear at mass if we go to mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning. But that story teaches us about more than just an event that happened centuries ago. It teaches us about opening ourselves up to what Jesus is trying to do in us in this world this very day and everyday if we but let him. And it’s about telling Jesus that, even if we don’t know what it means yet, there is room, for him in our hearts and our lives, and we

want to be part of what he is doing and we want him to lead us and guide us in our living with our fellow human beings on this often difficult journey called life.

Wally and the Christmas Play

What to do with Wally? Wally was an awkward and shy child who belonged to the church children’s club. It was time to hand out roles for the Christmas play, but what role should the teacher give Wally? She decided on the inn-keeper. It was an important role, but required Wally only to shake his head and say one line “Sorry, we’ve no room.” Wally grinned from ear to ear when he learned of his important role and he couldn’t wait for the big night. It arrived soon enough, and the play was proceeding according to plan. Mary and Joseph had traveled to Bethlehem and come to the door of the inn. Joseph knocked on the door and it opened to Wally. “Please sir, do you have a room we could take?” asked Joseph. Wally shook his head and replied.

“I’m sorry, we’ve no room”. Now the boy playing Joseph was a particularly confident child, and while the script called for him and Mary to turn away at this point, Joseph decided to exercise some dramatic license. “But sir” he said to the innkeeper, “My wife is about to have her baby and we need somewhere to stay. Couldn’t you find us a room.” Wally’s face went white – this was not planned for! – and he paused for a moment before repeating his line. “I’m sorry, we’ve no room.” “But sir” replied Joseph, “We’ve traveled such a long way and we’ve nowhere else to go and my wife is very tired. Surely you can find us somewhere.” Wally bowed his head, shook it sadly and said, “I’m sorry, we’ve no room.”

Forlornly Joseph and Mary started walking away. Wally, now fully into his role, felt shamed and saddened. A tear trickled down his cheek. Then his voice was heard calling out. “Wait! Please come back. You can have my room.” It may not have been according to script, but at that moment Wally gave perfect expression to the Christmas story. Is the door of the Inn of your heart open or closed this Christmas?

Thought for the week

As your thought for this Christmas week,

remember it’s sometimes easy to forget that that baby born that night grew up to become an adult. And when he did, and he was asked what God wants us to do with our lives, he answered this: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.” In other words, open the door, open your heart, and let the spirit of Jesus with all his challenges in. If Christmas as I believe is about the incarnation of God, and this is what God incarnate saw fit to tell us, then this is the ultimate Christmas message. When the tree is put away, when Christmas dinner has been eaten, when the nativity sets go back into their boxes, these things remain. And the ultimate test of how well we have celebrated Christmas this year will not be in what was under the tree or anything like that. It will be in how well we opened our hearts to one another, to our loved ones, to our neighbours, to the homeless, to those in need and who are vulnerable in our communities and our world, and how we let that Christmas message in. May it be so this Christmas, and always and remember to “give” in a Christ-like manner. After all, he is the reason for the season and the true “Christmas spirit”. Have a very blessed, peaceful and loving Christmas and know that this Christmas I am praying for everyone who reads my column and asking God for the gift of peace and love for each and every one of you and all your family and friends.

I ask for this gift for everyone in the world rich and the poor. It’s a gift that only takes a moment and cannot be bought.

24 COMMUNITY

Community ENNIS AREA STORY OF COORE AND HER PEOPLE A date for the Diary...

The Annual Toonagh Walk in aid of The Huntington’s Disease Association takes place on Sunday January 13, 2019.

Registration in Toonagh Hall @ 11am, €10 per adult, children free, Three routes to suit all fitness levels. Hot & Cold refreshments, treats, home baking and a monster raffle. All are welcome. Contact Denise on 087 6731966 for more details.

Burn those Christmas calories and support a great cause.

WEST CLARE SEASON TICKETS FOR ALL IRELAND DRAMA The West Clare Drama Festival Committee are delighted to announce that season tickets for the All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals will go on sale on Monday, the 17th of December. The drama finals will take place for the first time in their history in County Clare from Friday the 5th to Saturday the April 13, 2019.

Chairperson of the West Clare Drama Festival Rita Mc Inerney said “Due to the huge interest we have received for the All-Ireland Finals, 9 night season tickets are going on sale now to give our loyal patrons and local supporters down through the years the opportunity to purchase them well ahead of the event. Many people also have expressed interest in purchasing the tickets as Christmas presents hence the need for them to go on sale now.”

The All-Ireland Confined Drama Finals will see the top nine drama groups from around the countryside perform in Doonbeg. This is the result of their hard work and success in the drama circuit and will be a real treat for drama enthusiasts. The nine night season ticket will be available from Mc Inerney’s Shop, Mountrivers, Doonbeg from Monday, the 17th of December at 8:30 AM. At €100 this offers great value and equivalent to two nights admission free. It also give the season ticket holder the advantage of selecting their dedicated seat for the duration of the festival.

“The West Clare Drama Festival would also like to sincerely thank our sponsors; Bostik, Creative Ireland through Clare County Council and LEADER through Clare Local Development Company. Without the support of these organisations it would not be possible for us to host a festival of the calibre of the All-Ireland Finals.” Me McInerney added.

JUNGLE BOOK IN WEST CLARE Crack’d Spoon Theatre Company presents The Jungle Book as this year’s pantomime. The play is an adaptation of the classic story along with some panto fun, such as Jane (the dame) and two mischief makers (Chitter and Chatter). Mowgli the man cub has escaped the clutches of the ferocious tiger, There Khan, who is intent on revenge. Adopted by wolves, he learns the ways of the jungle from Baloo the bear and his friend Bagheera. Come along for an entertaining and magical show!

Teach Ceoil Kilrush - December 22/23 Knockerra Hall - January 5 Kilkee Community Centre - January 6 All shows at 3:30. Ticket at the door

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON

l SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS: As part of the Christmas Shoebox Appeal 2018 for “Team Hope”, which serves needy children and their families worldwide, children who attend St Senan’s NS, Shannon collected over 110 shoeboxes

THURSDAY,DEC 20 2018

Community BURREN

IN A BREAKTHROUGH announcement, Burren Lowlands has been approved funding of €182,786 for an enterprise development which will create a focal point for activities to develop and attract additional jobs to North Clare and south Galway.

“It is a vote of confidence by Enterprise Ireland in this region and will enable Burren Lowlands CLG to springboard activities to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem” said Colm Rogers, Director of BL and driving force behind the initiative.

The Burren Lowlands’ vision is to make the region a better place to live, work and visit by focussing on community, enterprise and tourism.

“This is the enterprise element of our strategy which we will be building on over the next 3 years with the expertise of a full time manager based in Gort working with entrepreneurs and companies around the region” said Teresa Butler, Voluntary Project Manager.

Burren Lowlands CLG and the new manager will be focussing on a num-

ber of key areas; the development of a co-working space in Gort, an associate centre to Kinvara, the strengthening of the Burren Biz network to become a network central to business growth in the area, carrying out an audit of empty commercial space and targeting remote workers from the East region who may wish to locate in the Burren Lowlands area.

Councillor Joe Byrne, who is Committee member of BL and Director of Burren Enterprise Centre in Kinvara, which currently accommodates 10 full and part time hotdesk users, says this funding is the catalyst to drive on with the goals of the Burren Lowlands Live in and Work in Agenda. He is encouraging all businesses in the Region to become members of the Burren Biz Network and be part of this success story. Burren Lowlands wish to acknowledge both Galway and Clare County Councils for their wholehearted support for this initiative and also SCCUL for their ongoing advice.

Burren Lowlands can be contacted at burrenlowlands@gmail.com.

MILTOWN MALBAY

l LEARNING THE LANDSCAPE: Mayor of Clare Cllr. Michael Begley presented certificates to participants of the ‘Reading Your Local Landscape’ heritage course held in Miltown Malbay, hosted by Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board (LCETB).

The central aim of the training programme, a collaboration between Limerick & Clare Education & Training Board (LCETB) and Clare County Council, is to empower local community members to discover, recognise, promote and conserve their unique local heritage resources.

Photo by Eugene McCafferty

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

Coore runnings...

RCB Radio is proud to present a new radio documentary series featuring Coore. This three-part series will tell the story of Coore using the voices of people who have settled in the area. It describes their challenges, stories and achievements, as well as

€180k for Burren Lowlands

COMMUNITY 25

the prominent role religion has played in shaping the community. Tune in to RCB Radio on 92.5 or 94.8 FM on Friday, December 21 at 1.05pm to hear the first episode of Coore and her People. Alternatively, you can listen live online at RCB.ie.

26

COLUMNISTS

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

Eoin Neylon

EDITOR’S OPINION

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Harty and Dooley among big winners of 2019 year in politics

A

S 2018 comes to an end, we reflect on a tumultuous year in Irish politics that’s finishing with a degree of stability suddenly taking hold. Mícheál Martin signing Fianna Fáil up to an extension of the Confidence and Supply agreement, until the Brexit chaos is resolved, has killed all expectation of a Spring time general election with Government ministers and their departments now able to focus on getting the country Brexit ready. Although this has been heralded as a noble act of putting country ahead of party, there will no doubt be many angered by this decision. There is no doubt, but that Brexit is the greatest threat to the country since the global financial crash. However, many also point to housing and health in this country already being in crisis along with many other issues that plague the day to day lives of many Irish citizens. A change of Government may well be what many of the people caught up in these crises need, nevertheless, the political cost of an election, and the expected protracted negotiations on forming a Government thereafter, would be colossal at a time our neighbours are teetering on the verge of crashing out of the EU without a deal on our future trading relationship.

Martin’s decision is the correct one, even though many, me included, have long since lost patience with the Confidence and Supply agreement and this Governments failure to deliver on key issues like health, housing and rural decline. There is a very real sense on the streets and the doorsteps that people want a change, the issue being, they don’t trust any of the other options better than the devil they know.

Opinion poll support for the traditional big two parties of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is trending upwards from its historic low in the 2016. Sinn Féin, seen as toxic by most other parties, is now fully entrenched as the third party in what has traditionally been a two-and-a-half party State. Until such a time that this political landscape dramatically changes or one of the big two decides to do business with SF in Govern-

ment, the current lack of appetite for an election will not improve. It’s not that either of the larger parties necessarily fear an election, with both set to make gains if polls are correct, but that they each don’t want to face up to Government negotiations and the Sinn Féin question thereafter. Now that the ‘Provos’ have said they are willing to work as a junior partner in a coalition, the ball has been firmly placed in the court of the ‘Civil War parties’.

With that in mind, this year’s political winners and losers are very difficult to pick. As 2018 draws to a close, it’s hard to see anyone in Irish politics that had a stellar 12 months.

Mary Lou McDonald’s ascension to the throne of Sinn Féin leader and strategy to move the party to a position of ‘ready for Government’ would have been a win, if it wasn’t for her very poor decision to run a presidential candidate, thereby forcing an election that wasn’t wanted by a huge majority of people. Her party’s very poor showing laid bare their small core support and ultimately, weakened their image. Leo Varadkar did what few thought possible last January and survived the year without an election. There were also wins with referenda and a strong showing on the international stage in the Brexit talks. However, the issues at home with worsening housing and hospital waiting lists along with scandal after crisis in his Government meant a lot of the sheen from his achievements has been dulled, despite having the fastest growing economy in Europe.

Martin also had a mixed year with a brave personal decision to fully back the abortion referendum Yes campaign ahead of almost all other political heavyweights. His inability to take a majority of his Parliamentary Party with him though left Fianna Fáil looking out of touch in the aftermath of the result. Failing as well to really hurt the Government despite the many policy failures and scandals and languishing an average of five per cent behind FG in the polls is causing more concern for his

continued leadership. The party will need a good showing in the local elections. It was also a bad year for smaller parties who look like they are once again being squeezed out as the old order sets about restoring itself.

On a local front, this was a good year for Dr Michael Harty (inset) and FF’s Timmy Dooley. Harty freed himself from the shackles of Government support, came out strong on the referendum question and has, in recent months, made noise about the plight of rural Ireland; the chief issue he was elected on almost three years ago. Similarly, Dooley was very vocal on the abortion question echoing an overwhelmingly large portion of the Clare electorate. He also saw the resignation of his Government counterpart, former communications minister Denis Naughten, after Dooley led the charge on the rural broadband controversy and championed transparency, value for taxpayer money and urgency in rolling out the scheme. Conversely, it hasn’t been a great year for Joe Carey and Min Pat Breen. Both frequently dodged questions in the run up to the referendum vote. Breen did eventually make a strong statement on the issue, but neither was visible through the campaign. Breen also had tough questions to answer about his role in the rural broadband controversy after it was revealed he set up the private dinner between Naughten and the lead of the last remaining bidder for the contract. Carey continues to suffer from Government backbencher syndrome; an ailment that severely restricts a TD’s media appearances and thereby cuts off a major outlet to connect with their electorate. Many would say that he is one of several TDs most happy with the lack of an election early in the New Year.

With focus now squarely on local and European elections, expect issues like Brexit, education funding and hospital trolleys to be replaced at doors by roads, local property tax and commercial rates. With European candidates not yet in the field, this campaigning will largely be mass media focused rather than on doorsteps.

One might gambit that should Fine Gael underperform in these elections, a general election will follow quickly.

If not, we may be talking about the Government limping on this time next year again. A week is a long time in politics; a year is a veritable political epoch however. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 2019 will be interesting to say the least!

Stuart Holly

Never bad, not great, the worst!

I

F YOU flicked through this newspaper without stopping to read until now, I’ve got bad news for you. You are part of the reason media organisations write negative headlines and spin the mirkiest of angles on a particular news story - to suit the reader’s agenda to consume a saucy, dirty, filthy bit of gossip.

A study carried out by an advertising agency called Outbrain found that negative headlines garner much more attention than positive headlines. “Never,” “Bad” or “Worst” work much better for circulation and ratings than words like “Always” and “Best”. To be specific, they actually work 30 per cent better. The average click-through rate on headlines with negative superlatives was a staggering 63 percent higher than that of their positive counterparts. People who are in the news industry understand this, while some readers hate this to the point of disputation.

The most unfortunate thing about news production, especially in a time when readerships are by no means guaranteed, is a newspaper’s errancy to suit these standards. It also leaves news companies open to criticism, and rightly so.

The first full year of The Clare Echo has now come to its conclusion and as human-in-chief, I have made my mistakes with headlines and story choices. But I also endeavoured to live by this newspaper’s tagline ‘Reporting on the brighter side of Clare’. There have been opportunities to splash a ‘negative’ headline on the front page and in some cases, maybe to our detriment, I have opted for the positive and at times fluffy headline instead. It’s part of this company’s commitment to put a smile on a few faces every week - as the great Dalai Lama says, “In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision”.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that issues that impact negatively on people’s lives shouldn’t be focussed on - at the end of the day the above quote still applies.

Earlier this year I wrote about the contempt with which rural Clare has been treated since I began my career in journalism. If an area can’t be supported with broadband at the very least - let alone a fully operational postal and banking service - how are they supposed to attract jobs and more importantly young families? The onus should rightly be put on local representatives.

But there is enough misery in the world on television, radio and newsprint when it comes to unnecessary negativity and gory court stories that won’t affect you or me as we get out of bed in the morning.

With Christmas arriving, there’s plenty of reasons to smile in Clare. Speaking generally, we’ve had a pretty good year with the weather gods looking on us favourably, employment levels are at their best in years and we’ve got much to look forward to including the Irish Open 2019 which arrives at Lahinch in July.

However our column inches have at times been an inked reminder of personal pain. Our reporter Páraic McMahon tweeted last weekend, “Standing ovation given to the many sporting figures gone before their time on #RTESportAwards. Clare duo Michael O’Shea & Dan McInerney among those that featured in the memoriam montage #RIP.” It’s important to remember these people - and all those others who have departed too soon - in a positive light. It has been the most difficult year in some people’s lives and inevitabely this will be intensified during the festive period when there’ll be an empty seat at the dining table on Christmas Day. My Christmas message to everyone, but especially those dealing with the pain of loss, is one of love and hope.

28

NEWS

WOMEN NEED TO SUPPORT WOMEN

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

Mary Howard says women have 'a different way' of solving a problem PÁRAIC McMAHON

E

paraic@clareecho.ie

NNIS Municipal District will lose a seat and therefore a councillor following May’s local elections, Cllr Mary Howard is not in favour of the changes and feels the people of Clare need more female representatives on the Council.

Last month, Cllr Howard was selected alongside Cllr Paul Murphy and Cllr Johnny Flynn to represent Fine Gael in the Ennis MD for the 2019 local elections. She is frustrated that their MD will have one less seat as it could implicate the amount of work done in the town.

“At the end of the day Ennis is the county town. When you think back to this time five years ago we had 18 representatives working for the town of Ennis, you had the nine councillor and the nine town councillors, of that there was three that were both town and county but it’s a very busy space and there is a lot going on in Ennis.

"We’ve a lot of community engagement which is great and I think we need to have more councillors representing the town of Ennis”.

‘‘

I'm always inclined to beat the positive drum because people are very quick to stand up, complain and give out but there is a huge amount [of positivity] going on

‘‘

A full-time councillor, she struggled to see how some councillors can combine their role on the local authority with another full-time position.

l IN THE DRIVING SEAT: Cllr Mary Howard welcoming the new vehicle to the Clare Red Cross this year and (inset) marking this year’s 16 Days of Action Opposing Violence Against Women

Photos by John Mangan / Arthur Ellis (inset)

“I don’t know how anybody could do this job part time. For me it is a full time job whether that’s because I’ve got involved with so many organisations. I don’t know, I genuinely feel that in order to serve the town effectively you’ve got to do it full time”.

First elected to Clare County Council in 2014, Mary has for the last four years spoken about her love of the job and that remains the case.

“I am so involved in so many things within the community because I really love where we come from, I think we are very privileged to have a capital town like Ennis which is busy and thriving, we have a super county, you couldn’t want for anything in any other county in Ireland - we’ve got it all here in Clare.

"To be able to represent the people of the town and the county I’m hugely proud to do that at any stage when asked to do it. There’s a huge amount of positive stuff and I’m always inclined to beat the positive drum because people are very quick to stand up, complain and give out but there is a huge amount going on that people aren’t just aware”.

Prior to being elected to the local authority, Howard was a member of Ennis Town Council. She

told The Clare Echo that the abolition of the town councils is one less gateway for women to enter politics. At present, there are just three female elected officials on the Council, all of which are in Ennis.

“The town councils were a great place for women to be because for some reason they tended to gravitate towards that and we had great female representation on all the town councils. I think women have a huge amount to give, we have a different way of solving a problem, we look at it differently.

"We have great empathy for the people we’re dealing with and in fairness in Council work you’re often dealing with people who are in crisis whether it’s a housing issue or debt.

"We need an awful lot more women, over half the population is female but women need to start supporting

women,” she insisted.

Four years ago, along with Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy, Mary received the lowest amount of first preference votes of the councillors elected. With local elections she feels there is a danger of candidates being deemed to be safe but pointed out that in the 2016 General Election, she received the most votes in Ennis town of all the female candidates.

“With local elections, there’s always this thing going out that such

and such is safe and is strong, that’s very dangerous talk and certainly it did come back to me in the last local elections that it was being put out about me that I was safe, you’re never safe and if anybody wants to vote for you they should vote for you as opposed to being strategic with their vote.

"If they think you deserve their vote and you’ve worked hard enough and they feel or believe you are an effective councillor then absolutely they should give you their vote”.

Two years ago, she contested both the General and Seanad elections but was unsuccessful in both.

When asked if she would consider running for either again, Mary said, “I truly don’t know, I haven’t thought about it.

"They were tough elections, I gave everything that I possibly could to try have an impact however it wasn’t to be”.

She added, “I don’t think you can plan like that in this job, I genuinely don’t think you can, a General Election can be called at any given time.

"I know the Fine Gael ticket has been confirmed for a number of months but you just never know, that’s the nature of politics you just don’t know what’s around the corner.

"Every day I enjoy the work and I don’t know what will be presented to me in the future or what opportunities I’ll have but I was never one to shy away, I was always willing what opportunity landed in front of me”.

30 YEAR IN REVIEW

2018

year in review

JANUARY

MARCH

MAY

KILKEE became a national leader by becoming the first town in Ireland to go completely plastic free.

Businesses in the West Clare town all agreed to switch to biodegradable coffee cups, straws, pizza boxes and takeaway containers among others.

Kilkee Chamber of Commerce Project Manager Cillian Murphy said, “I think we are the first town in Ireland to do this at the scale we are talking about.”

Extreme weather conditions created by the ‘Beast from the East’ and Storm Emma forced school and business closures across the county. And while it spelt an abundance of fun for youngsters, the heavy snowfall had a significant bottom line impact on businesses across County Clare.

Then-Ennis Chamber President, William Cahir, commented, “Our members were well prepared for the storm, and they put employee health and safety first.

However, now that the snow is melting, local retail, hospitality and manufacturing sectors are worried about the loss of revenue caused by the chaotic weather conditions...I hope people remember that fact after the thaw, and will continue to support independent shops.”

Lahinch Golf Club was announced as the first Clare course to host The Irish Open, after being backed by Dublin golfing legend Paul McGinley. It is understood in the region of 100,000 people will attend the event next July.

Soon after the announcement, attentions turned to Blake’s Corner.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo, “Blake’s Corner proposed solution of a second river crossing will not be delivered in time for the Irish Open”.

“Clare County Council, An Garda Síochána, The European Tour, Lahinch Golf Club and other stakeholders, including the local community, will be working closely to ensure that an appropriate and effective traffic management plan is put in place to cater for the increased volumes of traffic during the 2019 Irish Open”.

FEBRUARY

APRIL

KILKEE GOES PLASTIC FREE

BEAST FROM THE EAST

CLARE’S WINTER OLYMPIAN SHANNON East Clare’s Patrick McMillan became Clare’s first ever Winter Olymian as he took on the alpine skiing, alpine SAVES THE combined, downhill and super-G divisions at the event HAY in South Korea.

“It’s the biggest moment of my life and it’s been years and years of working to get to this point; I know my mom is very excited to watch us in the opening ceremony so it’s going to be great,” Patrick said.

Patrick, who went to Raheenwood Steiner Primary School until 2004 and who still regularly visits his family home in Killaloe, was a keen hurler and rugby player.

He added, “Hearing the national anthem and watching the flag go up is something I’ve always dreamed of, I would have loved to have done it on the rugby pitch, but doing it here is one of the biggest moments of my life.”

SHANNON Airport pledged its support to farmers battling the fodder crisis by offering to repeat its intervention of 2013 when it harvested silage from its 400 acre site.

The Airport’s operations team met with farmers to organise the fast-track of grass cutting on the airport grounds in light of the severe difficulties faced by many farmers due to the prolonged inclement winter and spring weather.

IRISH OPEN FOR LAHINCH

JUNE

DOUBLE TRAGEDY HITS

CLARE was rocked by two separate tragedies which claimed the lives of three people in early June.

Shay Moloney and Jack Kenneally (both 15) were swimming with friends at an unused quarry in Roslevan where they tragically drowned. Ennis Cathedral was packed for the funerals of the talented rugby players.

Speaking from the altar, Sean Kenneally said “Jack, if you are only a small bit proud of me as I am of you, I will be a lucky man,” while Fr Ger Fitzgerald said that Shay Moloney “had the heart of a warrior”. Just days later Crusheen man, married dad of three Michael Fogarty died in a traffic accident on the M18.

The incidents came two months after Kilmaley minor hurlers Oisin Cahill and Darragh Killeen lost thier lives in a car accident at Woodstock on Easter Sunday.

YEAR IN REVIEW 31

Clare Echo editor STUART HOLLY delves into the archives to bring you the biggest stories from each month in a memorable year for headlines in Co Clare JULY

HURLING HIGHS AND CAVE DIVES

All Munster suffered sun stroke and the grass was all burnt dry...Clare’s hurlers restored huge pride in the Banner jersey this summer with wins over Waterford, Tipperary and soon to be All-Ireland champions Limerick helping to send Clare on their way to an All-Ireland smie-final.

A ticket scramble ensued in Clare which saw lines of fans at Centras and Supervalus around the county as the Banner brought reigning All Ireland champs Galway to a replay at Thurles.

Meanwhile, Jim Warny received the welcome home he deserved at Shannon Airport with over one hundred people gathering to mark his return.

Once the Belgian national walked through the arrivals hall at Shannon Airport, cheers and rounds of applause erupted.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, Jim who has been a resident of Ennis for 15 years travelled thousands of miles to Thailand to help in the rescue f the Wild Boars football team that were trapped in the Tham Luang cave complex.

AUGUST

FORGERY & POST OFFICE CLOSURES On August 23 we reported that con-

troversy had erupted over the proposed Supermacs Plaza on the outskirts of Ennis.

Fourteen people who appeared to support Supermac’s plans formally withdrew backing for the project. It later transpired that a number of the letters were forged, using names of people without their knowledge. Names included those living abroad, and deceased.

More than 190 submissions were made with 187 of these coming from Clarecastle residents. Their names appeared on identical letters that were all lodged by one individual. Earlier, a joint 54-page submission from members of Ennis Chamber highlighted their opposition to the development.

Meanwhile, it was also announced in August six post offices were to close in a hammer blow to rural Clare.

SEPTEMBER

CLARE GETS CASEY ON THE BALLOT

Elected members of Clare County Council voted for Peter Casey’s name to appear on the ballot paper for the Presidential election.

At the September meeting of the local authority held in Áras Contae an Chláir, seven councillors voted to put forward the businessman to contest the upcoming Presidential election in accordance with Section 16(1) of The Presidential Act 1993.

Independent councillor Ann Norton proposed the nomination Mr Casey and she was seconded by fellow Independent Gerry Flynn. “I think it is fair that each candidate is given the opportunity and I would like to see Clare County Council nominate Peter Casey”, she outlined in her proposal.

Peter Casey polled strongly in Clare, however President Michael D Higgins ultimately won by a landslide.

32 YEAR IN REVIEW

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

CONCERN was expressed with the lack of consideration for health and safety of spectators at the home of Clare GAA. When the final whistle sounded in Cratloe’s semi-final win over Kilmaley, just a single gate was open for spectators to exit Cusack Park. Large queues formed and it took several minutes for the main gates to be opened while over a thousand people attempted to leave the county grounds via one gate. A spectator told The C l a r e Echo “there was a lot of chaos”.

Meanwhile a table constructed in part from the wood from the wreck of a Spanish Armada ship from 1588 sold for €360,000 at Adams Auction. When the buyer’s commission of 20 percent and VAT were included, the total cost for the successful bidder was over €430,000. Its guide price prior to auction was between €100,000 and €200,000.

The table was at Dromoland Castle, home of the O’Brien, clan for over 300 years until it was moved to Bunratty Castle in the 1960s. Lord Inchiquin, Conor O’Brien cited ‘financial reasons’ for his decision to sell it.

result in an inward investment of €400-500m.

The local authority outlined it is seeking to amend the county development plan to facilitate the development on a 51 hectare site close to the Tulla Road (exit 13) junction on the M18 motorway. 1,100 construction jobs would be created during the development with a further 200 permanent data centre positions. The estimated size of the data centre is 1m square foot.

Meanwhile gardai investigated an act of vandalism after the WWI Memorial in Ennis was destroyed. Cllr Mary Howard, a member of the Clare Peace Park committee who commissioned the memorial, described the culprit as a “gormless, spineless coward”.

CUSACK PARK LOCK- DATA CENTRE & COWARDS PLANS for a data centre development in Ennis were IN & ARMADA TABLE unveiled

by Clare County Council that it estimates will

l SHATTERED MEMORIAL: At the end of October a World War I memorial in Ennis was targetted by vandals resulting in thousands of euro worth of damage. Here Alan Copley takes a photo of the name of a family member who was lost in WW1 Photo by John Mangan

Clare County Council

DECEMBER

SHANNON VENUE BLOW

THE committee tasked with delivering The Shannon Venue announced that the project had been scrapped, blaming lack of support from the Government for the ‘badly-needed’ project. In a statement to The Clare Echo, ‘Croí na Sionna’ said, “With a heavy heart, today is the day that we announce that lack of support from government has brought The Shannon Venue’s efforts to deliver a Community, Civic & Creative Centre for the town to an end.

Comhairle Contae an Chláir

WASTE MANAGEMENT BYE-LAWS, 2018 Notice is hereby given that Clare County Council has made new bye-laws in accordance with the Local Government Act 2001 and the Waste Management Act 1996 for the segregation, storage and presentation of household and commercial waste, i.e. Waste Management, in the administrative area of Clare County Council.

The purpose of the new bye-laws include but is not limited to the maximisation of the quantity and quality of recyclate under National & EU targets for recycling and recovery of waste, the adoption of a consistent approach across Local Authorities on the content of the bye-laws and the allowable options for appropriate waste disposal.

The County Clare Waste Management Bye-Laws, 2018 come into force on the 12th December 2018 and replace the County of Clare (Presentation, Storage and Segregation for the Purpose of and in the Course of the Collection of Household and Commercial) Bye-Laws, 2014.

The County Clare Waste Management Bye-Laws, 2018 will be available for public inspection, free of charge during normal office hours (daily from 9.00am until 5.00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays) at: • Áras Contae an Chláir, Environment Section, Block B, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

CLARE County Council

The County Clare Waste Management Bye-Laws, 2018 will be available to view or download from our web site at www.clarecoco.ie. A copy of the County Clare Waste Management Bye-Laws, 2018 will be given to any person requesting same for a photocopying fee of €0.20 per sheet.

Preventing Waste and Recycling isn’t just for Christmas!

MAKE IT A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION Help make County Clare’s Christmas Green by taking steps to prevent the generation of waste and recycling your glass bottles and jars; aluminium drink cans; food cans, plastic bottles, cardboard, Christmas cards; newspaper; magazines and tetrapaks.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RECYCLING CENTRE CHRISTMAS OPENING HOURS CENTRAL WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY, BALLYDUFF BEG, INAGH Opening hours

Tues - Fri (8:30 am - 4:30 pm) Sat (8:30 - 1:00pm) Mon and Sun: Closed Closed for Christmas 23rd to 27th Dec 2018 incl.

Also closed New Years Eve and New Years Day

ENNIS RECYCLING CENTRE, GORT ROAD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, ENNIS Opening hours

Tues - Fri (10:00 am - 5:00 pm) Sat (9:00 am - 3:00pm) Mon and Sun: Closed Closed for Christmas 22nd to 27th Dec 2018 incl.

Also closed New Years Eve and New Years Day

LISDEEN RECYCLING CENTRE AND TRANSFER STATION Opening hours

Mon: (9:00am - 4:00 pm) Closed Bank Holidays Tues (Closed) Wed - Fri (9:00am - 4:00 pm) Sat (10:00am - 2:00 pm) Sun (Closed) Closed for Christmas 22nd to 27th Dec 2018 incl.

Also closed New Years Eve and New Years Day

SCARIFF RECYCLING CENTRE AND TRANSFER STATION Opening hours

Mon (2pm - 6pm) Closed Bank Holidays Tues (9am - 1pm) Wed (closed) Thurs (2pm - 6pm) Fri, Sat (12:00 noon - 6:00 pm) Sun: Closed Closed for Christmas 23rd to 28th Dec 2018 incl.

Also closed New Years Eve and New Years Day

SHANNON RECYCLING CENTRE Opening hours

Tues - Fri (10:00am - 5:00pm) Sat (9.00am - 3:00pm) Mon and Sun: Closed Closed for Christmas 23rd to 26th Dec 2018 incl.

Also closed New Years Eve and New Years Day

For more details on recycling centres visit www.clarecoco.ie or contact staff in the Environment Section at 065 6846331

TOP TIPS TO PREVENT AND RECYCLE WASTE 1 - Prevent; 2 - Reduce; 3 - Reuse; 4 - Recycle ∫ Choose products with less packaging.

Say no to excess packaging; ∫ Visit www.stopfoodwaste.ie for tips on food waste prevention; ∫ Buy just what you need - buy more and you’ll throw it out ∫ Remember, choose to reuse this Christmas for example  Take your reusable bag when doing your shopping;  Use reusable napkins, cutlery and crockery - avoid single use items  Choose reusable containers/ lunchboxes instead of plastic or foil wrapping ∫ Choose greeting cards made from recycled paper or send e-cards; ∫ There are more items and packaging to recycle around Christmas, but make it your gift to the environment to recycle all year round ∫ Unsure what can/cannot be recycled visit www.mywaste.ie ∫ Ensure that all items are CLEAN, DRY and LOOSE before popping them into your recycle bin

And when the party is over... ∫ Items that cannot be reused, repaired or upcycled can be brought to your local Recycling Centre where a car load of recyclable material costs €5

∫ There also are 49 bottle banks across Co. Clare where you can take your empty glass bottles/ jars/ aluminium drink cans for recycling.

Visit www.clarecoco.ie for further details. ∫ You can recycle your used electrical items and batteries free of charge in any of our recycling centres. ∫ If you have a real Christmas tree you can recycle it for FREE at one of the following newly designated Christmas tree recycling centres around County Clare from the 2nd January 2019 to the 25th January 2019: ∫ Central Waste Management Facility, Ballyduff Beg, Inagh; ∫ Lisdeen Recycling Centre & Transfer Station, Kilkee; ∫ Scariff Recycling Centre & Transfer Station; ∫ Shannon Recycling Centre; ∫ Gardening Section, Gort Rd, Ennis (Adjacent to Cois na hAbhana) Drop off point outside gates

Christmas trees must only be deposited at these 5 approved recycling locations.

Please do not deposit trees at any other locations, as these trees will not be collected.

STAFF IN THE ENVIRONMENT SECTION OF CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WISH YOU AND YOURS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Clare County Council Promoting a Greener Clare @GreenerClare @GreenerClare Antilitter Hotline No.: 1800 606 706 Email: enviroff@clarecoco.ie

34 BUSINESS

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

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

Zimmer Biomet celebrates 10th year

Z

l LANDMARK BIRTHDAY: Zimmer employees at the company’s celebrations, (L-R) Susan Whelan from Shannon; Lisa Cronin from Limerick; Bernard O’Shea (MC); Kathleen Murray from Shannon and Francis Maloney from Newmarket-on-Fergus

IMMER Biomet, a global leader in musculoskeletal healthcare and a leading employer in Shannon and Oranmore, is celebrating a decade in Ireland.

“Our team is at the heart of our success,” said Claude Costelloe, General Manager of Zimmer Biomet’s Ireland manufacturing facilities. “We are proud that our Ireland operations deliver products that treat a broad range of musculoskeletal health conditions and help alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for people around the world.”

“While we are constantly looking to recruit high calibre candidates across all disciplines, including operations, quality, finance, validation, engineering, compliance

and HR, I am proud that many of our employees have progressed their careers with us over the last 10 years,” said Timmy Mulvihill, Manager, Human Resources.

“With the support of the company, a significant number are also continuing their education at the University of Limerick, NUIG, Limerick Institute of Technology and GMIT. We are committed to creating an environment in which our employees can use their creativity to achieve innovative solutions for patients and give back to communities and people in need.

These values drive our decision making and are fundamental to our success.”

Martin Shanahan, CEO of IDA Ireland, congratulated Zimmer Biomet on reaching the milestone.

“Exports of medical devices and

diagnostic products represent eight percent of Ireland’s total merchandise exports,” said Shanahan. “As a global leader, Zimmer Biomet is a significant contributor to that number and a great example of successful investment in Ireland.”

“Zimmer Biomet’s reach extends beyond the two manufacturing facilities through its outsourcing sub supply and professional services, its contribution to local economic development through staff involvement in educational programmes via Junior Achievement, its corporate social responsibility support with the Mid-West Rape Crisis Centre and Milford Hospice and through employees’ economic support of the local community,” said Shannon Chamber CEO, Helen Downes.

Bluebird is top of the Q B LUEBIRD Care Clare was nominated for a prestigious Q Mark Award for their Quality Management System at this year’s National Q Mark Awards. This nomination means they were in the top 6.75% of all audits completed by the EIQA on the island of Ireland. The coveted Q Mark is awarded only to companies who achieve the highest standards of quality and excellence. This was a very special year for the Q Mark Awards as the Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) celebrate 50 years trading.

“At Bluebird Care (Clare) we pride ourselves on being a professional, modern service, delivering high quality safe care in the home and community for persons of

all ages with varying needs” said Kay Leahy Managing Director “ I am most honoured, grateful and excited to be one of the nominated applicants for this fabulous award. As a third time nominee, to be publicly thanked for making a difference to people’s lives is a huge achievement and bonus for my office together with all the care staff at Bluebird Care (Clare). It reflects the hard work and dedication of a committed team, the attention to detail personified by our carers and p.a.’s personalizing our person-centred approach to each customer.”

Known as The Oscars of Business Excellence, The Q Mark Award is the highest accolade an Irish business can achieve.

l BLUE-MING BRILLIANT: Marie Doyle Henry from the EIQA with Enda Colleran and Kay Leahy from Bluebird Care Clare at The National Q Mark Awards, Dublin Photo by Conor McCabe

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

BUSINESS CLARE’S NEWEST ALL STAR

l BUSINESS RECOGNITION: Clare company Rathú was awarded with coveted All-Ireland Business All-Star accreditation at Croke Park on Wednesday, December 12

by Minister Pat Breen, TD. It is an independently verified standard mark for indigenous businesses based on rigorous selection criteria on performance, trust and customer centricity. Rathú is an online professional development provider for teachers.

Ciara McGuane, founder of Rathú, said, “With over 600 teachers working with us since January 2018, it was extremely important to assess the value we have added to their professional lives. Ongoing feedback of our online and offline services has been central to validating and improving our offering for teachers but it was important to seek independent assessment too. The accreditation has been a fabulous way to end a rollercoaster year.”

Photos by Conor McCabe

BUSINESS

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

35

Motoring MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

KIA BRINGS LONG-HAUL ELECTRIC MOTORING TO ALL LONG-RANGE KIA E-NIRO IS AN ELECTRIC CAR WE CAN ALL USE

U

ROAD TEST: KIA E-NIRO P UNTIL now, electric cars have been heavily restricted. The affordable ones (affordable being a relative term, of course) have been hamstrung by short onecharge driving range, while those with big, stretchy driving range (which until now basically meant a Tesla) have been out of the financial reach of most of us.

The new Nissan Leaf, with its claimed 375km range on one charge, was supposed to have been the big breakthrough but it kind of disappointed, feeling not much more rangey than the old Leaf when push came to shove.

Kia, though, may just have broken the mould for mid-priced electric cars. The new e-Niro (yes, pronounced like Robert DeNiro, and yes, the Hollywood legend will actually be doing some of Kia’s new ads for the car) takes the familiar shape of the Niro hybrid and plugin hybrid, and bins the petrol engine altogether.

In its place comes a whopping 64kWh battery pack (which all on its own weighs a full 400kg) and a 204hp electric motor driving the front wheels. You’ll spot an e-Niro from the outside thanks to its blanked-off grille (not much point in having a grille when you don’t have a radiator…) which also contains the flap for the plug-in point. That point, when you have it hooked up, is compatible with the latest CCS (Combined Charging System — that’s the double-decker plug you’ll find at fast charging stations) connectors, lFULLY CHARGED: e-Niro is the first truly democratic long-haul electrical car

so you can shove a 30-min quick charge into it.

Fully charged? Ah, that’s where the magic is. Electric cars, as with their petrol and diesel counterparts, often make grandiose and frequently unrealistic claims about how far they can go on a charge or a tankful, but the Kia seems to be on the money. When we first climbed aboard our test car, with a full charge, the range-torecharge number was reading 420km.

An hour and a half later, having covered some 65km of up-and-down mountain roads in France (where Kia brought us to test drive its new baby) we pulled up again to see that the readout still read 380km.

An impressive performance, although the range does drop off more quickly when you head out on the motorway, where there’s less chance to claw back battery power through regenerative braking.

Regenerative braking, of course, occurs when you lift off the accelerator, and the car’s forward momentum is turned, through the electric motor, into energy that’s fed back to the battery. It also slows the car considerably, and in the e-Niro you can choose how sharply you want it to slow when you lift off by means of the ‘gearshift’ paddles behind the steering wheel. Tug the left hand paddle for more braking effort, tug the right hand one for less. In fact, pull and hold the left hand paddle and the e-Niro will come to a gentle, but complete, halt meaning that there are times when you don’t need to use the

physical brakes at all. It’s not a smooth a system as Nissan’s e-Pedal, but it’s impressive all the same.

The e-Niro is also pretty brisk to drive.

Even in Eco mode, there’s performance aplenty, and it even pulls hard above 100km/h on the motorway. Flick it over to Sport mode and low-down acceleration is shatteringly quick, although performance does tend to tail off a bit, as electric motors do their best work at low speeds. Ideally, we’d like to see a bit more weight and feel to the steering (it’s a bit rubbery) and a smoother ride quality (it’s a bit fidgety) but overall the e-Niro is a very pleasant, relaxing way to get around.

Not least because you’re not constantly worrying about how much juice is left in the battery.

Well, not if you’ve bought this longrange model with its 64kWh battery anyway. There is a shorter-range version, with a 39kWh battery and a range of around 289km, but Kia Ireland reckons it will mostly order and sell long-range models.

It’ll be more expensive, but likely worth more in three years’ time when it comes to trade-in, and when other models have caught up with the e-Niro’s range.

How expensive? Well, that’s still TBC but the likely figures are around €37,000 for the long-range model, and €33,000 for the shortrange. Not cheap, exactly, but not wildly more expensive than the current Niro plugin-hybrid (the

FACTS & FIGURES: Model tested: Kia e-Niro 64kWh ‘Long-Range’ Pricing: Circa €37,000 as tested (TBC); Niro starts at €31,095 Engine: permanent magnet synchronous motor Transmission: single speed reduction gear, front wheel drive Body style: five-door, five-seat crossover CO2 emissions: 0g/km (Band A0 €120 per annum) Driving range: 455km (WLTP) Top speed: 167km/h 0-100km/h: 7.8 seconds Power: 204hp Torque: 395Nm Boot space: 451-1,405 litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for Kia Niro: Four-stars: 83 per cent adult; 80 per cent child; 57 per cent pedestrian; 59 per cent safety assist

regular hybrid is being withdrawn from sale as there’s not much point when the plugin is barely any more expensive).

Worth it? Yes, I think so — it’s one of the first electric vehicles that doesn’t seem to exact a toll on your lifestyle. You should be able to go for long journeys in one when you need to (public charging network allowing) and if you’re mostly driving shorter hops, you could feasibly get from one end of the week to the other without needing to plug-in. Plus it’s wellequipped, and the savings on fuel costs are potentially massive. Ideally, we’d like it to be a bit more fun to drive, but the e-Niro is the first truly democratic longhaul electric car, and for that if nothing else, applause is necessary.

MOTORING 37

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

SKODA’S NEW SCALA REVEALED

S

KODA IRELAND has revealed further details of the eagerly anticipated Scala compact hatchback, which replaces the previous Rapid Spaceback and will be the first Skoda model to be based on Volkswagen Group’s A0 MQB platform. The Scala arrives in Ireland in June and is longer, wider, higher and more spacious than the Rapid it replaces. Scala also marks the next major development for the Czech brand in terms of design language.

The design of this all new five-door hatchback was influenced by the Vision RS study which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October and combines emotive design with a high degree of functionality and state-of-the-art connectivity. At first glance, the commanding exterior exudes confidence with clearly defined surfaces and alloy wheels up to18” in size which have been aerodynamically optimised to make the car more streamline. New sculptural shapes, dynamic features and sharp lines lend the vehicle a dominant and authentic appearance.

In addition, Scala will be the first Skoda production model in Europe to bear ‘Skoda’ lettering on the tailgate instead of the Skoda logo. The Scala also features LED headlights and tail lights as standard with full‑LED versions available as an option, which for the first time, come with dynamic rear indicator signals.

NEW SCALA HATCH WILL BE SKODA’S FOCUS RIVAL On the inside, the modern look continues with the focal point being the infotainment display which measures up to 9.2-inch in size, making it the largest screen in its class. The optional10.25-inch customisable Virtual Cockpit display, which is built into the dashboard, is also the largest in the segment and allows drivers to choose between five different display settings. The interior is also influenced by the Vision RS concept and combines ergonomics, emotiveness and spaciousness. In addition, The Scala will come comes as standard with a host of familiar simply clever features including the umbrella in the driver’s door, the ice scraper in the fuel filler flap and the easy open cup holder.

In typical Skoda style, the Scala offers a very spacious interior, which comes close to that of the Skoda Octavia thanks to its long wheelbase measuring 2,649 mm. The Skoda Scala measures 4,362mm in length, 1,793mm in width and stands at 1,471 mm high. In context this is 58mm longer, 87mm wider and 12mm higher than the Rapid Spaceback model that it is replacing. The Scala also has one of the largest boots in its class with a capacity of 467 litres, which increases to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The Skoda Scala comes with a choice of four EU6 engines ranging from 95hp to 150hp which include three petrol engines

and one diesel. All engines come with direct injection and a turbocharger as well as Stop/Start technology and brake energy recovery. The 1.0TSI 95hp petrol engine is set to be the most popular among Irish customers and is matched with a manual 5-speed gearbox as standard. The 1.0TSI 115hp and 1.5 TSI 150bhp petrol version is available with a manual 6-speed gearbox or an automatic 7-speed DSG option. The 1.6 TDI 115hp diesel version will only be offered with a 7-speed DSG transmission.

Scala will enter the Irish market in

June 2019 in time for the 192 registration period. Cathal Kealey, PR Manager at Skoda Ireland, commented, “With the new Skoda Scala we are opening a new chapter in the compact hatchback segment. It is a completely new product which sets benchmarks in this segment with regards to technology, safety and design. In 2019, the Skoda brand increased share in each segment we compete. We are very confident that the Scala can attract and convert Opel Astra and especially Ford Focus customers in 2019 and into 2020.”

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1.91% APR AND €750 Cashback AND 3 Years’ Servicing Model shown Mégane Hatch GT Line TCe 140 GPF, starting RRP €26,940. Finance example Mégane Hatch Play TCe 100 GPF. RRP €22,140. Deposit €7,732. Term 36 monthly payments of €169. APR 1.91%. Total cost of credit €615 inc fees of €150. Optional final payment €8,790. Includes 3-year service plan. €750 Cashback offer is based on the RRP excluding dealer delivery charges, metallic paint and options. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Excess mileage plus excess wear-and-tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle. Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made]. Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

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Book a test drive

38 PROPERTY

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40 PROPERTY

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

Property Developer Enda Galvin & Catherine Murphy of DNG on site

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

PROPERTY

41

42

SPORT

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

2019: Football year in review Martin Daly

Club Moment of 2018 ENNISTYMON BEATING ÉIRE ÓG

GAA ANALYSIS

Éire Óg were one of the favourites at the beginning of the year but Ennistymon were the ones to ignite the championship. This win got us all sitting up and looking at the championship a bit more.

EOIN CLEARY

Surprise of the year

Club player of the Year Standout for the county champions all year long and on the biggest day of all, stood up to the pressure against Ennistymon and scored two early crucial points to get the ball rolling for Miltown Malbay. Leadership and class in abundance.

Club team of the Year MILTOWN MALBAY Set out to win the

championship and that’s exactly what they did. Brilliant attitude and it looked clear from early on in the year that the West Clare men were the strongest side in the county.

Will be disappointed by their defeat to Dr Crokes but the Munster semi-final win down in Waterford proved this side’s character.

Disappointment of 2018 DOORA-BAREFIELD With the size of the

parish they have - regardless of the dual sport conflict - Barefield’s senior set-up have failed to capatalise on their great underage successes and brilliant facilities.

For them to come down to intermediate, it would have been an extreme disappointment for them.

ENNISTYMON BEATING KILMURRY

You’d always expect one surprise in a year, but for Ennistymon to follow up their win over the townies with a semi-final defeat of the reigning county champions - who were going for three in a row - in Cusack Park was magic from the North Clare side.

Game of the year

MILTOWN V CRATLOE A very open game of football by two good teams going toe to toe. Very little negativity and the pace was excellent. 1st round game between Cooraclare and Breckan’s.

Team to watch

LISSEYCASEY We know they were very good at underage level and haven’t performed yet at senior level. We saw a glimpse of it when they beat Éire Óg and left it behind against Kilmurry. With the well-respected Bobby Kelly back on track for the year coming, they could be the team to watch for 2019.

County player of 2018

made bleak reading.

Jamie (pictured right) brought a buzz to the team. When he was on the ball he lifted the team and the supporters. When he runs at defences he puts fear into them and it’s great to have that in our locker. Has that little bit of oomph.

up. Five points up in Armagh with five minutes to go and they ended up being put out of the championship. The performance against Kerry was depressing but in hindsight the Armagh game is more disappointing.

JAMIE MALONE Overall, every day

Breakout county player

CONOR COONEY

I look forward to seeing him in the 2019 league campaign after being held back a lot this year. When he was used he was very effective and I think he stepped up to intercounty level with ease.

High moment

BEATING CORK IN THE LEAGUE

Coming off the back of defeat with the league results not shaping up too well, going down to Cork and coming back with the win is more than a great win, it’s a hoodoo off this team’s back for years to come. Our tradition of beating the Rebels in Cork proir to this

Low moment

ARMAGH A game they had wrapped

What to expect in 2019

STAYING IN DIVISION 2 They have a very hard campaign in front of them with Donegal and Kildare coming down from Division 1, and Armagh and Fermanagh coming up with Cork and Tipperary already in there with Clare. So the league campaign is going to be extremely hard. But because they blooded a few players last year and stayed in Division 2 will stand to Colm Collins this year. Last year I doubted them and they proved us wrong, so this year I’ll stand by them and say that after a difficult league campaign they’ll stay up and kick on with a strong championship campaign.

SPORT

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

43

2019: Hurling year in review Páraic McMahon

GAA ANALYSIS Club player of the Year TONY KELLY

Without him Ballyea would not have secured their second senior championship.

He scored 1-09 in their semi-final win over O’Callaghans Mills and was central to their success. His clubmate Niall Deasy, Cratloe’s Rian Considine, Aidan McCarthy of Inagh/ Kilnamona and Feakle duo Oisin Donnellan and Shane McGrath were other standouts.

Club team of the Year

BALLYEA Excuses are as old as the GAA

itself, whether it was the referee, the young starlet on J1, injuries, or retirements - manager’s are well able to list off excuses when the result doesn’t go their way. The men in Black and Amber threw that out the window as they won county despite being without seven of their side which contested the All-Ireland club final in 2017. Six of their county final starters played Junior A at the beginning of the year and now proudly possess a county medal in their back pocket.

Disappointment of 2018

STANDARDS In a year where inter-county was lauded as outstanding, there was no epic in the club scene but there hasn’t been

for a while. One nearly has to go back to the mid noughties for games where Jamesie’s Doora/Barefield went head to head with Wolfe Tones backboned by the Lohans.

Refereeing standards leave a lot to be desired too; Wayne King was rewarded for a solid year by getting the county final but some of his colleagues are posing health risks for both the players and themselves.

The supporters of Broadford and Feakle let themselves down with a bang as tensions reached boiling point and spectators forget what their role was as they became involved in handbags at O’Garney Park. Éire Óg’s regression and quarter-final flop poses worry for the small ball in the county town.

Club Moment of 2018 FEAKLE’S FLOURISH

Val Donnellan guided Feakle back to senior grade, one year on from dropping down.

Once they got past neighbours Broadford it was full steam ahead for the Feakle side that had too much for Tubber in the decider. Don’t mention Charleville though as how they let the provincial title slip out of their grasp is still causing nightmares. It would not be a shock to see them make the last four of the senior championship in 2019.

L

games for the Clare minors, lethal attacker.

No new player was given a proper shot at senior level to warrant consideration.

High moment

GETTING BACK TO CROKE PARK For the first time since

2013, Clare qualified for the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals. Their endeavours against Galway were pulsating but unfortunately Clare came up short. Another sweet point was defeating Tipperary in Thurles in Munster for the first time in 90 years and we also finished our comrades year. Silencing shouts of TIPP TIPP TIPP, the Banner roared.

ing club game in the year with quality to boot. Corofin/Ruan would go on to win the championship while Clooney/Quin aided by the excellent work in both of their national schools are creating a conveyor belt.

Team to watch

Low moment MUNSTER FINAL

CLARECASTLE Pat Healy will head into

his second year over their senior side having put together many successful underage sides. Their young team will be one year older. Luck was not on their side as Patrick Kelly was ruled out for most of the year with Bobby Duggan Stateside, the Magpies could soar again.

so-called star lineup at their disposal, Clonlara endured their worst year at the grade since promotion from intermediate in 2007.

Tipp All-Star Shane McGrath was brought in as an outside coach for the southeast Clare

the primary teacher received deserved plaudits for his exploits. Consistent through the championship, he picked up an All-Star and wasn’t far off being nominated for Hurler of the Year. Jack Browne had his campaign for

ET’S face it every time you score well you hold putts.

When a client comes to me looking to lower their handicap, the first question I ask them is how good is your short game? Quiet simply the foundation for scoring well is mainly down to having a good short game.

From my own experience my lowest score around my home club (Dromoland Castle) was a 63 (-9) and on that particular day my long game was average, my score was all down to my short game. I chipped in twice and every putt seemed to drop that day, my short game felt effortless. Even when your long game isn’t at it’s very best we often score well because our short game saves us. Even though we all know this fact, still most of us practice our long game most of the time? I know due to daylight hours at the moment practice facilities only cater for long game practice, however when those longer days begin in 2019 start dedicating the majority of your practice to chipping and putting. If you think about it your putter always hits the majority of golf shots in every round.

The funny thing about putting is to the non-golfers it looks simple, however we know it’s anything but easy. We all have at one stage or another missed a simple putt that looked unmissable.

My theory for why golfers struggle with putting is simply down to alignment.

Humans find it much easier to aim at a target that is forward

MARK RODGERS Scored 7-06 in four

COROFIN/RUAN V CLOONEY/QUIN U16 A SEMI-FINAL The most entertain-

County player of 2018

Putting - the key to lower scoring...

Breakout county player

Game of the year

Surprise of the year

CLONLARA IN RELEGATION Despite a

the Banner while Shane O’Donnell was outstanding also.

side who returned to training in January.

They would have aimed for a semi-final at the beginning of the year, little did they know it would be a relegation one. Their minors did win the A title to bring a glimmer of hope to their year. For the second time in three years, Newmarket flirted with the drop when many thought lessons were learned in 2016, it appeared not to be the case.

For the second successive year, Clare lost to Cork in the Munster final. It’s 1998 since the provincial crown was won, far too long.

What to expect in 2019

NEW FACES Donal Moloney and Gerry

O’Connor are in their most defining year of county management and while they will throw the kitchen sink at this campaign, we need to see the likes of Gary Cooney, Diarmuid Ryan, Brian Corry, Ryan Taylor, Michael O’Malley, Jason McCarthy, Colin Guilfoyle and David Conroy get a crack in the league to see if they can offer something come championship time.

JOHN CONLON Always under-rated but

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

facing, however when you have to aim your body 90° away from your target it isn’t natural, we simply aren’t designed to face away from a target. Therefore to become comfortable with aiming correctly you must practice your alignment. I find practicing with my alignment sticks is the best aid to improve my alignment of both my clubface, shoulders and feet.

When your using alignment sticks start with a short straight putt. Place the sticks parallel to each other like a railway track roughly about a foot apart like in the image attached. Straight away you might notice you don’t align correctly and that you feel very uncomfortable, however the more you practice this the more you will begin to feel comfortable and you will be surprised how fast your putting will improve. Once you become comfortable with this setup on a straight put then set these sticks up on a putt that has a break. Move the sticks around until they are aiming in the correct direction when you start to hold the putt. Again this is a great way to become comfortable with aligning correctly on putts with a break as well as straight. You should practice this putting exercise regularly for the rest of your golfing career.

Another drill I like to do which helps improve the pace of my putting, is practice my putting by using different lengths of my stroke. Generally golfers with a shorter back stroke will stab at the ball where as those with a longer arc have a smoother stroke where they like to roll the ball. The key to a good pace is experimenting with both longer and shorter backstrokes and finding what length of a putting arc improves your putting pace. Golfers who change the length of their stroke depending on the distance of the putt generally have the best pace. My back stroke gets longer the further I am from the hole and shorter if I’m closer to the hole.

So if your target for 2019 is to lower your handicap or simply to improve your scoring, start the new year by practicing your short game more. Use alignment aids when your putting and make sure your alignment improves, I can guarantee if you improve your aim you will hold more putts.

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

ENNIS GOLF CLUB

WOODSTOCK

SENIOR MENS RESULTS FOR THUR. 13TH DEC 2018

16/12/18 Club Singles Stableford

TEAM OF 3 WITH 42 PLAYERS 1ST SEAN O GORMAN, ALPH DUGGAN, MICHAEL TORPEY 42 POINTS 2ND FLAN LYONS, FINTAN MCEVOY, ANDY CREGAN 41 3RD BRIAN TUOHY, PETER QUINN, NOEL PILKINGTON 41

1. Andrew Mason (11)35 pts 2. John mc Grath (11)34pts 3. Michael O’neill (21)34 points.

CSS N/A Upcoming Fixtures 22/12/18 & 23/12/18 Club Singles Stableford 29/12/18 & 30/12/18 Club Singles Stableford

44 CLASSIFIEDS

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CONTACT SALES

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CONSTRUCTION

FIREWOOD

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Contact 065 671 9021

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46 CROSSWORD/HOROSCOPES

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

Your Horoscopes Dec 20 Is someone trying to guilt you into doing something that just doesn’t feel right? There’s a big difference between feeling responsible and feeling manipulated -- and if you get that icky feeling when someone corners you today, it’s because he or she is trying to get you to do something you shouldn’t be doing. Stand up for yourself and your morals -- and tell this manipulator to take a hike.

Taurus

Gemini

It is important to understand how you affect the world around you, but conservation applies to more than just the environment. Think of areas of your life where you can cut back a little. If you make the move to restrict your eating, spending or driving, you’ll be helping the world while you help yourself. Do not think of these cutbacks as restrictions on your freedom.

Today your impressive ‘can do’ attitude will be quite contagious -- if you’re not careful, you’ll start a hot new trend of activity with your friends. Move purposefully toward one of your seemingly unreachable goals today, and a lot of people will hop on board to try to help you achieve it even faster.

This is a great time for a move, a house-painting party or a garage sale!

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Ding! That is the bell, indicating that round one between you and someone else is over. This fight might go on for a while, but today you should definitely take a break and try to forget about the competition. No one loves to win more than you, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your social life! Keep things in perspective, and make sure you make time for both your private life and your work life. Otherwise, you’ll end up a very lonely champion.

It’s amazing how effective a simple conversation can be. Today, if you are confused about something, do not be afraid to go to the source and ask what the deal is. Asking for clarity is a sign of intelligence, and something that higher-ups will understand and respect. The same goes for emotions: If you don’t understand your feelings about someone, talk it out -- and divulge the fact that you aren’t yet certain of things. Keep the other person in the loop.

Trying new things can be exciting, but it can also bring out some old fears you thought you had gotten rid of long ago ... so when a chance comes to explore a new area of your life today, remind yourself that you left those issues behind you long ago. Push forward into this day without fear. The world around you is open to suggestion right now, and you have the right ideas. So don’t waste time -- get going and get things started. The prognosis is very positive.

Libra It’s the little achievements that mean the most to you right

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Aries

1/1

Perfection doesn’t really exist, but you can try to achieve it today! All you have to do is stop fighting against things you can’t fix. Accept the annoying person in the meeting who talks far too much. Accept the fact that you got a parking ticket. Accept the fact that your hair does not look just like the magazine picture you gave your hairdresser. The little wrinkles in your day are what give it character .

now, because they offer you an immediate reward and a healthy ego boost. Keep thinking that it’s all about quantity, and tackle as many things as you can today. Your multitasking abilities will kick into high gear and carry you through all the unorganized information you get today, so don’t worry about getting overwhelmed. The universe isn’t testing you, it is letting you run at a full gallop!

Capricorn

Planning for potential future problems will be a much better use of your time and energy than joining people who are busy dealing with today’s trivial dilemmas -- many of which can be safely ignored for now. Do not be afraid to separate yourself from the pack -- your reputation won’t suffer, and you will stay in the information loop. As a matter of fact, today is the perfect day to go solo.

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ACROSS 1 Fish I put in position (6) 4 They hold a hundred lights (6) 8 Vessel seen in Victoria or Tasmania (5) 9 This flower may be a big one (7) 10 Something stretchy – it’s lace, perhaps (7) 11 Turner is delayed outside hospital (5) 12 Towers may be recreated in book (3,6) 17 Fuss with the navy on deck (5) 19 A decent revolutionary made law (7) 21 Providing accommodation abroad - at full speed (4,3) 22 Condition, say (5) 23 Don’t go along with errant sister (6) 24 Rook in English-

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Aquarius

Teaching an old dog new tricks isn’t hard when the dog wants to improve itself! You can sense something new starting in your life, so why not go with this feeling and make some changes? In order to take advantage of an upcoming transition, you’ll have to let go of a few old habits. But one glimpse at your possible future will show you that all the effort will be worthwhile. Today you will be handed a golden opportunity on a silver platter.

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Applying greater force will not get you farther toward your goals today. Right now, it’s more about nuance than about brute strength. Your charms are intoxicating, and people will be eager to comply with what you want, once you show them what is in it for them. True, this tactic will take some time and patience, but the outcome will create much more harmony and affection in your future.

Pisces

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On the piece of birthday cake that is your life, are you saving the rose made of frosting for the last bite? There’s no need to hold off on enjoying the good stuff today. Dig right in, and don’t worry that there won’t be more coming along soon. You have to relish the gifts you are given today, and use them! Do not put them away for a rainy day, save them to share with someone else or anything like that. What you have been given is yours to do with what you will.

man’s home? (6) DOWN 1 Female bird with a male in enclosure (6) 2 Bet and Sara may be side by side (7) 3 A Scot prepared to get along without power (5) 5 Support colleague in accordance with the law (7) 6 Artist turning up two hours before noon (5) 7 Rose adores crackers (6) 9 Caught animal entering bankrupt capital (9) 13 A fellow leaves fruit (7) 14 Withdraw what was said about region (7)

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15 Foreman put right (5) after blunder (6) 20 Confused when 16 Stick notice on sailing? (2,3) present (6) 18 Tutor also taking part in examinations

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, DEC 20 2018

The Clare Echo Quiz QUIZ OF THE YEAR 2018

Ballyea, Termonfeckin, Newmarket on Fergus

4

October: The ‘Armada table’ 10 sold at auction for €430,000.

Where did it reside prior to being

Earth is flat

Bunratty Castle, Clare Museum, The Armada Hotel

April: Graffiti was sprayed at various locations of Kilkee by vandals in April, but what did they write? Up the Banner, The Corrs rock,

sold?

May: A herd of wild goats were November: On November 1, 5 causing mayhem on the west 11 we reported that the WWI meside of Ennis, but where were they morial in Ennis was vandalised. But eventually homed?

The Burren, Co Louth, “The Farm”

6

June: What message did Ger Loughnane have in June?

The neighbours from Hell are back, The noisy neighbours are back, Everybody needs good neighbours

Shannon native Ryan No7 July: lan made his first team debut for

What did Cllr Mary Howard call the perpetrator?

cotton headed ninny muggins, A bunch of jerks, Spineless cowards

December: Clare fiddler Martin 12 Hayes was given an honourary doctorate at which third level institute?

NUIG , GMIT, ABCD

l QUESTION 9: Michael D Higgins was returned as president of Ireland

ANSWERS 1. Storm Elanor

Marty Morrissey, John Bourke, Paddy Losty

September: Michael D Higgins 9 was returned as president of Ireland. Where did he grow up?

2. St Joseph’s Spanish Point

March: Who was the grand mar3 shal of the Ennis St Patrick’s Day parade?

Dominos Pizza, Clarecastle Community group, Ennis Chamber

3. John Bourke

in the Irish Independent? St Joseph’s Spanish Point, St Josephs Tulla , St Tibulus

August: Which organisation op8 posed a Supermacs development on the outskirts of Ennis?

4. Earth is Flat

February: Which school was 2 the top performing second level school in Clare according to a report

Real Madrid, Inter Milan, Newmarket Celtic

5. Co. Louth

Storm Eimear, Storm Eleanor, Storm Bananapants

which soccer side?

6. The neighbours from Hellare back 7. Inter Milan 8. Ennis Chamber 9. Newmarket on Fergus 10. Bunratty Castle 11. Spineless cowards 12. NUIG

January: What was the name of 1coast the storm that battered Clare’s on January 3?

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Group gathered for eviction outside the house of Mary O’Dea, Tullycrine, Co.Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection