The Clare Echo 21/03/19

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21 Mar 2019

‘King of Cappa’ a real inspiration PÁRAIC MCMAHON

news@clareecho.ie

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KILRUSH man who lives with cerebral palsy will this Saturday complete a charity cycle in aid of a vital West Clare service.

38-year-old Shane King will take his MotoMed bike to The Galleon Inn for Saturday’s fundraiser with Happy Feet Happy Minds, an organisation that raises money for mental health services in the area to benefit.

Affectionately known as The King of Cappa, Shane explained his reasons for deciding to do the 32km cycle. “I’ve had cerebral palsy since the third week I was born, I got meningitis with it and that’s why I’m in the chair. This is why I’m motivated to do the cycle, I’m not just

doing it for mental health, I’m trying to show people that people with disabilities can do something for themselves, it’s not all about getting people to give you a hand, it’s about doing something for yourself and trying”.

Full story PAGE 21

lTOILET HUMOUR: Louise Cusack lets her feelings be known at the Height in Ennis last week where she joined secondary school students demanding action on climate change

Photo by Martin Connolly

MOTHERS DAY

AOIBHÍN GARRIHY

MOTORING

Check out

Aoibhín Garrihy’s

LOVE CLARE column inside Mother’s Day feature 24

Aoibhín’s top 5 scenic drives in Co Clare 14

Mazda 6 Tourer

30

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Five additions for Fianna Fáil

Index NEWS

2-13

ENTERTAINMENT

16-17

MOTHER’S DAY

24-26

FOOD REVIEW

27

MOTORING

30

PROPERTY

31-33

LEONA O’SHEA CLASSIFIEDS

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

F

34 36-37

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or paul.mccarthy@clareecho.ie

lHAVING A BLAST: Banner Samba Band taking part in the St Patrick’s Day Parade Photo by Eamon Ward

IANNA Fáil have made five additions to their local election ticket across the county.

Tourism consultant, Cillian Murphy will run alongside sitting councillors PJ Kelly and Bill Chambers in the Kilrush electoral area. Ten years ago he co-founded Loop Head Tourism, and the Kilkee resident is the owner of Murphy Blacks Restaurant along with his wife Mary. This will be his second attempt seeking election to the Council. Cillian contested the 2004 election representing the Green Party and was eliminated on the first count.

Having had to deal with the sudden retirements of the experienced Richard Nagle and Michael Hillery in the Ennistymon electoral area, the party has now managed to source three candidates.

Postmaster Shane Talty from Lahinch, the son of the late Francie, a former Fianna Fáil stalwart, INTO President Joe Killeen and Ballyvaughan’s Martin O’Loghlen who has been involved in the elections of TD Timmy Dooley, have all been selected by party headquarters in the Ennistymon LEA. Killeen

is a first cousin of former Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen.

26-year-old Mark Nestor is their youngest candidate in the county, he joined elected representatives Cllr Pat Daly and Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy on the ballot paper in the Ennis Municipal District. He sought a nomination in December at a selection convention where the instruction from headquarters was to choose two candidates, Daly and Colleran Molloy being the winners while Clarecastle’s Bernard Hanrahan came third and Nestor in fourth position four months ago.

Since November, Mark has been the Development Officer with An Clár as Gaeilge.

Nestor said it was “an honour and a privilege” to be selected.

“I thoroughly look forward to the challenge ahead and can’t wait to get the show on the road, to start knocking on doors and to start meeting and listening to the people of the Ennis Municipal district,” the Cloughleigh man stated.

Meanwhile, the five outgoing councillors of East Clare, Councillors Alan O’Callaghan, Pat Hayes, Tony O’Brien, Joe Cooney and Pat Burke have taken the decision not to erect posters for the upcoming local elections on May 24th.

4

NEWS

'My dreams are sliding rapidly away from me'

STUART HOLLY

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editor@clareecho.ie

THOUSAND Clare secondary school students made their voices heard last Friday as they took to the streets of Ennis and Ennistymon in a demonstration aimed to tackle climate change.

Chants of "What do we want, climate action" came from teenagers assembled at O'Connell Square where students were joined by passers-by and fellow activists. In an impassioned statement sent to The Clare Echo, Coláiste Mhuire student Kate Harty (15) - a member of the Green Schools Committee - said her dreams are sliding away due to climate change.

"We stood together to show that we were there for climate action. We were there to make the Government see that we care. As children and teenagers, we cannot vote. So we were doing one of the only things we can do to get the Government

to see our opinion and hear our voice – skipping school.

"The Government won't be here in 50 years' time to clean up this mess they are creating and ignoring. If they don't start to change now, we may never be able to clean it up. There is no planet B. Greta Thunberg started striking on Fridays in August, 2018. Then, she was only one person with a cardboard sign. Only seven months later, tens of thousands of children and teenagers are striking for climate justice. When the time is right, it only takes one person to change the world."

Katy continued, "When you're young, you have big dreams. Dreams of becoming an astronaut or an explorer.

Dreams of being the first person on Mars or the best dancer in the world. Right now, I have a dream for my future, but that dream is sliding rapidly away from me, because our future is uncertain, due to the lack of response to climate change. From what would have been certain a hundred years ago has now turned to a hope. For example,

lLOUD AND CLEAR: Secondary school students taking part in a strike at O'Connell monument in Ennis Photo by Martin Connolly

instead of saying 'I will see the year 2070' we are increasingly having to say 'I hope to see the year 2070'.

"Politicians across Ireland, I speak for all of my generation.

Hoping for a future is not good enough. And you are the ones taking that future away from us without thinking twice about it.

In the words of Greta Thunberg,

'you say you love your children above all else and yet you are stealing their future in front of their very eyes'.

Meanwhile, Clare County Council is inviting the young voices that organized the recent strike to speak at the seat of democracy in Clare at next month’s April 2019 County Council meeting.

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019 ADVERTORIAL

KMc holds half price mattress sale

KMC Home Trends, located on Parnell Street Ennis are running a half price mattress sales.

Kmc Home Trends is a family-run business and is your one-stop shop for all your furniture and mattress needs. Our very own manufactured mattresses are engineered through Spring Air, the world’s leading manufacturers in Pocket Sprung Mattresses. The high-end Supreme Coil Platinium, Gold and Silver come with exceptional support and zoned pocket-sprung system to provide additional support for spine, lower back and hip alignment. High volumes of stock have been purchased by the store-owner guaranteeing massive savings to the customer with the best and lowest prices in town without compromising on quality.

All of the high end mattresses are now reduced to half price. Special Package deals also available on all Divans and bedroom furniture with the range including high quality Irish Made Bed Frames.

Fantastic value on Bedroom Packages, the Cara Package deal which includes 4’6’ Contemporary Divan Base, 4’6’ matching Headboard with 4’6 Sprung Interior Double-Sided Mattress now only €399 Half Price. Excellent choice of Bedframes available in every colour and size and must be sold also.

For quality, service and value call today and don’t miss out on the biggest opportunity of the year to buy the mattress of your dreams at half price. Early attendance will guarantee massive savings.

Don’t miss out on the Half Price Mattress Sale - Kmc Home Trends, Ennis.

6

NEWS

ADVERTORIAL

True life in God transport

VASSULA RYDÉN will speak about the prophetic message of True Life in God on Saturday, April 6 at 2pm at Crowne Plaza Conference Centre in Blanchardstown, Dublin.

An Ennis bus is scheduled to go to the free event where international speaker, author and mystic Vassula Rydén takes us into the supernatural world where she has experienced the hidden forces that affect every moment of our lives.

She shares her amazing encounters with both good and evil forces and reveals profoundly important messages for all humanity. Captivating, at times harrowing, but filled with hope and love, these prophetic messages answer many of the questions people have - is there life after death? Are we living in the last days? Is there a Heaven and Hell? Does everything happen for a reason? These messages reveal to us God's immense love for us, His Justice and what is soon to come...

For information contact Colette on 087 761 0003.

"A message for our times. Right now, when our world is so much in need of hope, God is speaking to us. This message heals and changes lives."

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Harrington confirms for 2019 Irish Open PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

HE 2020 Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington is the latest big name to confirm he will partake in July’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch Golf Club.

It will be Harrington’s first return to Lahinch since winning the Irish Amateur Close Championship in 1995 before turning pro the following year. The three-time major winner will be seeking to win his home tournament for the second time having claimed victory 12 years ago.

Shane Lowry, Lee Westwood, Tommy Fleetwood and Danny Willett are already announced to be part of the field from July 4th to 7th for the European Tour event which is hosted by Paul McGinley.

Speaking on Tuesday about his return to Co Clare, Padraig stated “It’s going to be great. An Irish Open on a great links golf course, what more could you ask for?

"It’s a different course to the one I played in 1995 when I won the Irish Amateur Close Championship. I haven’t been back there since, they’ve renovated the course and changed it substantially.

l BACK IN ACTION: Harrington returns from injury in time for the Irish Open in Lahinch

“I’m looking forward to seeing the changes but it will be a great venue, it was a good choice

by Paul McGinley, I’m delighted he went there and it should be a good festival during the week. There’s nothing like a golf course that sits in the middle of a town or village,” the Dubliner added.

A wrist injury has kept Harrington out of action since November and he is not alone in sharing a special connection to the North Clare

golf club. He is one of four Major champions from Ireland with a record of amateur wins at Lahinch alongside Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and tournament host McGinley.

Though Harrington is the only one of the quartet to have won the Close Championship, the other trio having tasted success at the South of Ireland Championship – an event which Lahinch has hosted since its inception in 1895.

8 NEWS

4 Olympic medals for Ennis PÁRAIC McMAHON

E

paraic@clareecho.ie

NNIS is now home to three Olympic medallists following the success of Emma Barrett (pictured right), Jean Molony and Mairead Moroney this week.

It was in the swimming pool and on the golf course that the three Clare athletes claimed medals during the 2019 Special Olympic Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.

In her first outing of the Games on Friday, Emma won Gold in the 25m freestyle relay.

Damien Breslin from Birr, Chelsea Phillips

of Castlerea and Dublin’s Edel Armstrong were Emma’s teammates and at 22 she was the youngest member of the swimming outfit.

She finished off the weekend winning Bronze in the 100m individual medley and coming fourth in the 200m freestyle with a technical disqualification in the 200m breaststroke bringing the curtain down on the Ennis swimmer’s hugely successful Olympics.

Golfer Jean Molony (73) and her playing partner Mairead Moroney (69) both from Ennis performed well on the golf course in Abu Dhabi. Following the completion of their

four rounds from Sunday to Wednesday, their scores were sufficient to secure a silver medal. Last month, the duo took part in a session alongside Europe Ryder Cup Captain, Padraig Harrington.

Team Ireland was represented at the Games by 91 athletes, who were selected to travel to Abu Dhabi after four years of training and competition. Supported by a volunteer management team of 39, the team join over 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 countries, a support network of 350 family and friends also made the trip to show support for Team Ireland.

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Fall in traffic at Shannon

BOTH Cork and Dublin Airports recorded increases in traffic last month while Shannon Airport went in the opposite direction.

On the back of Ryanair announcing a twice weekly service to Katotwice in Poland, Cork Airport had further reason to celebrate with 151,000 passengers in February up 14,000 on the same month last year. Managing Director, Niall McCarthy told The Clare Echo, “We are seeing a keen interest from passengers in continental European destinations, including Aer Lingus’ new year-round service to Lisbon and the daily Air France service to Paris, which has strong onward connections”. Management have predicted 2.6m people will use the airport in 2019, a projected growth of 8% with passenger numbers expected to rise by 17% across the year.

Dublin set a new February record with more than 2 million passengers flying into the capital last month, a 9% increase on the same time in 2018. Traditionally the airport’s quietest month of the year, February 2019 was the first time in its 79 year history that passenger numbers surpassed 2m. Traffic headed to continental Europe (12%), the UK (4%) and North America (15%) all rose.

Thus far in 2019, close to 4.1 million passengers have used Dublin Airport which is up 7% on last year.

Meanwhile Shannon bucked the trend of increased traffic with a single digit drop in figures month on month. Speaking to The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Shannon Airport attributed this reduction largely to the loss of the Kuwait Airlines transit flights which first began in June 2016 as a temporary service and ended in January 2019.

It is another setback for Shannon as at the beginning of February it was revealed to be the least punctual airport in the country.

Approach to Fanore Beach 'a warzone'

By PÁRAIC McMAHON

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PPROACHES to Fanore Beach are in such a poor state that Cllr Bill Slattery felt the area resembled “a warzone”.

Cllr Slattery was speaking at the March meeting of the West Clare Municipal District on foot of a motion he tabled. The Fine Gael councillor asked for funding to be identified “for replacement of the wooden steps leading to the beach at Fanore as they are in a terrible state and dangerous. I also request that the wire fencing across from the toilets be replaced with complete new fencing as the old stakes are rotten and the wire is broken and sticking up through the grass in several places”.

A written response from Clare County Council’s senior engineer in the environment and water department, Cyril Feeney outlined they were currently reviewing the ‘Fanore Beach and Management Report’ commissioned by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher Tourism for Conservation LIFE project. He acknowledged that the report had a number of recommendations regarding fencing and access to the beach.

Feeney confirmed the existing damaged fencing would be removed “with a view to replacing sections where recommended in the report. The existing steps to the beach will also be repaired as a temporary measure while options are explored for a more permanent long term solution. The long lCONCERNS: Cllr Bill Slattery term access solution will also have to take cognisance of the shifting dune system and be sympathetic to the landscape”.

According to Slattery, “The residents of Fanore feel neglected”. He continued, “It is like a warzone area in Fanore... Doing something in the short-term is welcome but the access is still not good enough for the residents,” he concluded.

Acting senior executive engineer of the West Clare MD, Morgan Lahiffe said “The structure was put in ten years ago and worked well for a while but coastal erosion, storms and misuse of the steps have left them in a bad state”. Although he stated they were working on a short-term solution, Lahiffe was of the view the area deserves better, “The Wild Atlantic Way requires a long term solution”.

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

AnnaCarriga fails to respond to couples PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

NE week on from closing its doors, AnnaCarriga Estate have failed to respond to multiple queries from couples who had booked the Killaloe resort for upcoming nuptials.

Operated by Jeremy and Jana Mannion, AnnaCarriga Estate told pre-paid customers of its closure last Tuesday (March 12). The Mannion family returned to Killaloe on March 7 and The Clare Echo understand they had left the country before issuing an email five days later to wedding couples and businesses who had already made payments on their booking.

The Clare Echo’s continued attempts to contact the owners of the resort for an explanation have been unsuccessful. Similarly engaged couples due to tie the knot at AnnaCarriga have tried through several platforms

lABRUPT CLOSURE: Many couples have been left without a wedding venue following AnnaCarriga's closure last week

to communicate with the Mannions but all messages and calls have remained unanswered.

As well as the several couples who had paid deposits in advance of their wedding, guests who booked accommodation at the self-catering properties remain out of pocket.

Despite redirecting couples to contact a designated email address, an automatic response

has been set up which reads “Due to the high intensity of emails and rapidly changing circumstances the response time may be delayed. We thank you for your patience and apologise for the inconvenience”.

Problems at the East Clare resort had been flagged for some time and one couple that tied the knot last weekend were told in January that AnnaCarriga

Estate would be unable to host the celebration.

The affected bride said, “We got a text message from the owner asking us to text them when it was a good time to contact us.

"So immediately I rang and then it rang out, there was no reply and eventually the lady who we had been dealing with her husband rang us back and stated they wouldn’t be able to hold our wedding, that they had a problem with their waste water treatment and it wouldn’t be able to go ahead.

“Then I did ask them was there anybody else affected and they did say another couple in April but by then they should have everything sorted. Then with the power of social media it came to light that there was other couples that hadn’t heard back from them...

"Then on Tuesday morning the email went out to other couples to say that the company had been given over to receivers,” the new bride stated.

NEWS 9

Homeless man sleeps at TD office A HOMELESS man was forced to sleep outside the constituency office of a Clare TD. Timmy Dooley’s constituency office on the Mill Rd in Ennis provided some shelter for a homeless man last weekend.

Nationally, homeless emergency accommodation figures for January show there were a combined total of 9,987 people homeless and living in emergency accommodation in Ireland, a significant rise of 234 people from December. The numbers taken over the course of one week in January show there were 6,363 adults and 3,624 homeless children in emergency accommodation in the state. This is an increase of 169 adults and 65 children, bringing the combined total to just 13 under the symbolic figure of 10,000 people.

Most recent figures from Clare County Council on the number of individuals categorised as homeless in the county stated Laurel Lodge was at full occupancy. “The Council submits monthly returns through the PASS system (Pathway Accommodation and Support System) to record homeless presentations and the numbers in emergency accommodation. These returns are submitted one month in arrears to facilitate verification of data. The homeless figures for December indicate full occupancy of 13 beds at Laurel Lodge and on 31 December there was also 49 adults and 33 dependents in emergency accommodation,” Director of Service Anne Haugh said in reply to Fianna Fáil’s Cathal Crowe at a recent meeting of the local authority.

10 NEWS

Miltown Malbay has been 'written off map'

PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

N ABSENCE of signs directing motorists to Miltown Malbay has been done deliberately to ‘write the West Clare town off the map’.

Speaking at the March meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Christy Curtin criticised the TII for their part in ensuring Miltown doesn’t cross the radar of first-time visitors to the county. The Independent councillor reiterated his appeal for “road direction signs for Miltown Malbay be restored” at seven different locations across the county.

These were; Maid of Erin Junction Ennis, Blake’s Corner, Killimer Car Ferry (N67), Fahy Rd Kilrush (N67-R483), Miltown Rd Kilkee (N67), Craggnock Cross (N67-L162280) and Cloonadrum Cross (N67-R483).

In response, the District’s acting senior executive engineers Morgan Lahiffe and John O’Malley noted, “The National Road Signposting scheme was rolled out by the TII a number of years back. The signposting requirements for the national routes were specifically designed on that occasion. Clare County Council will raise these specific locations with the TII and request a response in this regard”.

“This has been specifically designed to

lLACKING SIGNAGE: Cllr Christy Curtin has requested that signage for Miltown Malbay be returned at seven locations

Photo courtesy Clare Co Council

write Miltown off the map,” Cllr Curtin remarked of his native town’s absence from signs at the seven listed locations. “There is no rationale behind it, Miltown Malbay should be clearly signposted”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Ian Lynch seconded the motion and

Exemplary Tulla United TULLA United AFC has been described as an exemplary club by councillors seeking safety improvement works on the club grounds.

An extension of the footpath on Doonane Rd, Tulla to the entrance of the East Clare soccer club “in the interest of safety” was sought by Cllr Joe Cooney at the March meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District.

Although senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett confirmed a survey and design for the proposal could be carried out, he cautioned, “there is currently no funding available to advance works on the ground”.

Cllr Joe Cooney who is also the Chairperson of Clare GAA praised “the excellent facilities” at Tulla Utd and revealed the club is keen to add a loop walk around its

pitches. “The footpath can be achieved and I call on Clare County Council to try get funding for this. The footpath is essential for the people of Tulla and for young people using the facility”.

“Any club should go and see Tulla Utd if they want to see top facilities and how a club is managed,” Cllr Pat Hayes stated as he seconded Cooney’s request.

Founded in 1970, Tulla Utd spent 38 years as a ‘nomadic’ club before the opening of its facilities at The Cragg in May 2008 which comprised of a a main floodlit pitch, a second pitch, a club house and 4 dressing rooms. This development cost more than €1m, a third of which came from club members. In July 2011, an astro all weather pitch was unveiled, when they also won AVIVA FAI Club of the Month.

Grand Slam for Mills man

IRELAND’S U20s won the Grand Slam with a Clare man at the helm.

Noel McNamara from O’Callaghans Mills guided Ireland to a 6 Nations clean sweep on Friday evening securing the title with a 27-16 win over Wales. It is the first time Ireland have won an U20 Grand Slam having previously achieved the same feat at U21 level in 2007 when Keith Earls, Sean O’Brien, Cian Healy, Darren Cave and Ian Keatley were part of the national side.

Late tries from Colm Reilly and Tom Clarkson helped Ireland grind out the result that guaranteed their championship success. Captain Charlie Ryan, Scott Penny, Dylan Tierney-Martin who ran over for his fifth try of the campaign, midfield pair Liam Turner and Sean French were most impressive for the winners.

37-year-old McNamara climbed through the ranks of underage and schools coaching before landing the U20s gig which he balances alongside his full-time role as an elite player development officer with Leinster Rugby.

A past pupil of St Josephs Secondary School in Tulla, Noel first immersed himself in rugby while completing a BSc in Physical Education and Maths at the University of Limerick. His final year at UL saw the Mills man take on a coaching position at Glenstal Abbey, from here he headed to Clongowes who would go on to contest four finals in his eight year tenure, the back to back senior cup success of 2010 and 2011 being the highlight.

Leinster then came calling for Noel who took charge of their U20 & Development side, as well as an assistant to the province’s ‘A’ team.

questioned John Leahy, the Council’s senior engineer of the roads and transportation department if there was any explanation for Miltown’s absence from signposts.

Leahy admitted there was no reason for its omission and added, “Christy has flagged it and we will follow up on it”.

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019 ADVERTORIAL

Bereaved by suicide? You are not alone

CLARE Suicide Bereavement Support will hold a Healing Programme for Family members, relatives and friends whose lives have been affected by suicide. The Introductory Night is on Monday, March 25 at The Clare S.B.S. premises, Innovation House, (near Liddys), Roslevan Shopping Centre, Tulla Rd. The programme will start at 7.30p.m. for about two hours, and continues each Monday evening for eight consecutive weeks.

The aims of the Healing Programme are: a) To help adults who have experienced a death by suicide to find healing and support in a safe and caring environment. b) To provide an opportunity of meeting others who have experienced loss through a death by suicide. c) To provide healing through talking and listening in small groups. Mutual help is received and given through sharing.

A spokesperson for Clare S.B.S said “If you have experienced a death by suicide either in your family or that of a friend please feel free to come along to the Healing Programme on March 25. The death may have been recent or a long time ago. In whichever situation you are very welcome. It may help you to meet and talk with others who are going through a similar painful journey."

Bereaved families or individuals can alternatively arrange to meet Clare SBS volunteers in the family home or in their premises at Roslevan. All meetings are conducted in complete confidence and are free of charge. For information, phone or text the support co-ordinator at 086-0565373 or 087-3698315 or leave a message and the co-ordinator will get back to you. www.claresuicidebereavementsupport.com

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

‘Point the way to Clarecastle’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

REATER signage for Clarecastle would give tourists “a full vista” of the county.

A renewed appeal from Cllr Paul Murphy to improve the advertising of his village was made at the March meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. He called on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) “to rectify the anomaly that is the lack of adequate signage for Clarecastle along the N85 Motorway particularly on the approach to the Dromoland/Quin exit as one travels Northbound”.

“I do appreciate Junction 12 is the main exit for Ennis and surrounds but

SHANNON COLLEGE BASH

with the advent of the Shannon Estuary Way I’m proposing some signage is put in place to take some traffic off the motorway and into Clarecastle, tourists would get the full vista on their approach to the village,” the Fine Gael councillor stated. He noted that Clarecastle had been designated as a tourist viewing point along the Estuary Way and added, “I’m calling for TII to be brought to task and put up adequate signage for Shannon Estuary Way, Clarecastle and associated villages”.

Cllr Pat Daly added. “I have relations from England that come here every year and they can’t understand why Clarecastle isn’t mentioned in signs along the motorway”. The Fianna Fáil councillor seconded the motion.

Wheelchair access at Carrigaholt WHEELCHAIR users will be able to access the beach in Carrigaholt this summer. Ramped wheelchair access is to be reinstalled at the West Clare beach.

“Sea and storm damage to this area over the last number of years” has been attributed as the reason why the location was off limits for individuals reliant on a wheelchair. Signage will also be put in place to ensure that access to the ramp is kept clear. It is planned to have this work complete for the summer season,” acting senior executive engineer of the West Clare Municipal District, John O’Malley stated.

This confirmation followed a motion from Cllr Gabriel Keating at the March meeting where he sought the reinstallation of wheelchair access.

l HAVING A BALL: Some 101 graduates from the world-renowned Shannon College of Hotel Management - the only third level college in the country with 100% graduate employment since it was founded – received their degrees last Thursday. (L-R) Caroline Moloney, Navan, Ellen McGrath, Kilkee, Hannah O’Sullivan, Enniscorthy Co Wexford, Class Patron Ciaran Fahy, Aoife Finn, Ballymacoda Cork, Mairead McNamara, Listowel Co Kerry and Dominica Chylewska, Newcastlewest, pictured during their Graduation Ball in Dromoland Castle Hotel on Thursday

Photos byArthur Ellis

12 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

BE GOOD TO YOURSELF

T

HE first few months of our calendar year can be dark and dreary and seems to make some people feel very depressed and down and contemplating ending one’s life and in some cases people do with many doing it in our midst. SADLY as I write this thought for the week I just learnt that a poor young woman who entered the water of the River Corrib close to where I live that I tried to save along with our amazing Emergency Workers sadly passed away. I am so upset for her and especially for her family and friends. I was there yesterday running along the Claddagh pier and Claddagh Walk way with our great Gardaí and Emergency people and I was carrying and trying to help with the life buoy that I grabbed from one of the poles down by the Claddagh side of the River Corrib.

It was awful scary and happening so fast but I kept running with the Emergency Services to try and see could we see her or save her.

People don’t realise the great work our great and wonderful emergency services people do, such as the RNLI, the Gardai, the Fire Services, the Ambulance people, the Helicopter Rescue team, the boat people of the claddagh community and the fisherpeople they were amazing and the way they cared for her as the women and men in the lifeboat along with 2 claddagh fishermen lifted her out of the water and brought her to the docks for the gardai and ambulance man and woman to bring her to hospital. I had hoped and prayed she would survived but alas she didn’t and I am so shook up about it. I lit a candle just now for her as i heard of her passing and a special candle for all the emergency workers in Galway, Clare and in our Country. I am so sad now thinking about it all as I write this Thought for the week.

Our Emergency Workers are heroes and heroines and are the unsung back bone angels of our communities and our society.

Saying a prayer and lighting a

candle for whoever needs one or anyone that is worried or in pain at this time. Its OK to be not OK but its also OK to ask for help or to talk to someone you trust or who cares for you. Please mind yourself, look after yourself, love yourself and love others. Let’s smash the stigma that surrounds us all! Talk to a family member, a friend, a neighbour, a relative, a colleague and ask them if they’re doing ok. Mental illness is often easy to conceal, but never easy to escape.

Courage and Honesty Let me be honest with you as I write this thought for the week, which I always do after I have lit a candle and said a prayer for all who will read it. I am definitely not okay at times. At times I need help. I need support. I need care. I need love. At times I feel wrecked.

There I said it!! We should all say it and have a good honest to God chat about how we feel at times.

At times I am not okay. I do get stressed, and I am a total worrier.

I worry about my family. I worry about my friends. I worry about my work colleagues and I worry about the things I have to achieve with work. At times I am sad and sometimes confused. I can be distant. At times I worry that I may not have the resources or wisdom to help my family through the journey of life. Indeed there are times when I feel alone albeit that I am surrounded by loving and caring people. I get upset about things in life and in our world, particularly injustice in society.

So at times I am not okay. At times we are all not okay. And you know what. That’s okay. Because I know I won’t always feel this way.

As my good friend David says to me regularly during our weekly get together’s, “This too shall pass.” Giving myself time, I will figure things out. I will discover or rediscover my purpose or focus in life. I will be okay. I am lucky because feeling sad or down is temporary for me, and while I am regularly stressed and wor-

ried, I know I will be okay. What I have found out as I move through my 52nd year, is that sometimes society isn’t too keen on shows of weakness. We are expected to be the picture of health, fitness, beauty and knowledge. We must be strong and determined. We put pressure on ourselves to be perfect all the time although that pressure may come from others, a family member, a friend, a colleague, although they might not even know they are doing it, but you know it and you feel it.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, remember, everything will be okay if we love and believe in ourselves, and understand that hope floats around us and when we can we should always spread that hope and love with others especially those who mean the most to us. Also know that the best of help can be got from contacting some of Ireland’s best charities and organisations in the Samaritans, Pieta House, Aware, Jigsaw, St. Vincent de Paul, your local GP’s, your local religious, Chaplain’s, HSE groups and various qualified counselors, your close friends and family members who love you.

Always check in on your friends and family always—including the strong ones. Let me finish this thought with a prayer I say when I am in a dark place that helps me, “Dear God, The darkness has taken hold of me and I finding it hard to find my way back to the light. In this moment, ending it all seems like the best option, the only option, the only way to escape.

Yet, there is something in me that wants your light to snuff out this darkness. So I ask, Lord, that you would do just that. You are the only light that can shine in the darkness. I know when I’m consumed with thoughts of death I’m believing lies from the enemy. I ask Lord that you would remind me of these truths: when I feel alone, you are with me; when I feel invisible, you see me;

when I feel worthless, my value is knowing you and being known by you. Lord, help me to understand that you are enough, because you are everything I need and more. Remind me that when I feel hopeless, you have hope in me and for me. Remind me that when I don’t have the words to cry out to you, your son Jesus is praying for me, and your Spirit intercedes for me with groanings too deep for words. Let this remind me that I am seen, heard and deeply loved. I often feel out of place in this world. I don’t fit in and I’m not sure I want to. Remind me that this world is not my home and while, as your child, I will never fit in here, my time here isn’t over. Not yet. Please, give me the desire to live. When I feel like I don’t matter, remind me that I was created with purpose. When I don’t know or understand why I feel the way I feel - remind me that you know the depth of pain in my heart, in my body and in my being. You know me better than I know myself and yet you still love me.

When I feel like my death would go unnoticed because my life seems to go by uncelebrated, remind me that you celebrate me and that you hurt for me when I’m in this dark place. Remind me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, and I am worth more than I know. Remind me that suicide or hurting myself or others is not the only option. Remind me to love you, to love myself and to love others. As I say these words I know in my heart that you love me and I feel incredible guilt for wanting to take the life you gave me. I feel embarrassed to admit these thoughts to you. I feel overwhelmed that you know these thoughts without me even saying them, and yet you still love me.

Remind me that Jesus did not come to earth and die for me so that I could live a defeated life.

Help me to desire life and to live fully in you. In Jesus precious name, Amen.”

FEATURE 13

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

The Wonderful Woodstock

S

EAN and Elaine Lally joined Hotel Woodstock in November 2016 as Co-owners with Choice Hotels Ireland. Sean is well known in the region having managed Hotels for 18 years in Limerick namely the Limerick Strand Hotel, The Clarion Hotel and the Clarion Hotel Suites and the Royal George Hotel.

Elaine is a Clare woman from Bunratty and their Son Oisin is also pursuing a career in Hotel Management at Shannon School of Hotel Management.

When they joined the Hotel they soon realised the uniqueness of the venue to host a wedding. The Lallys developed a package to suit all couples, the most popular package is the All Inclusive package the Happy Ever After, with no hidden extras.

At â‚Ź47 per person including a 4 course meal, a drinks reception on arrival, a half bottle of wine and an evening buffet as well as a host of extras the package is very competitive.

The couple then wanted to get the message across of what they and the Hotel had to offer couples wanting to get married and proceeded to make a wedding video with a difference which truly shows you what Sean and Elaine are all about, which has since gone viral with over 300k views.

Your first step across the threshold of Hotel Woodstock is like stepping into a fairy-tale and we just know how to make your day truly special. Lovingly crafted by the Lally couple make planning your day all the easier.

From the time you meet with Elaine & Sean until the time you leave the Hotel to begin your life as a married couple you only deal with Elaine and in her ab-

l Picture Perfect: The perfect setting for your wedding

sence Sean. Continuity is the secret to a non-stressful wedding.

On the day of your wedding Sean and Elaine are on the steps on the Hotel meeting and greeting all your guests ensuring that they receive the welcome that Hotel Woodstock has become famous for.

Throughout the day the Lally couple oversee every aspect of your day to ensure that it runs smoothly and to deliver you the day of your dreams.

Our stunning Liscannor Suite is the perfect venue for a truly magical wedding for you that will promise you and your guests a day of elegant tradition, sophistication and superb food. The Liscannor Suite is perfectly located at the heart of the Hotel providing the perfect entrance with the charm and glamour of your own private

venue.

Hotel Woodstock is really a hidden gem, family run with a really warm welcome for you and your guest, to host your wedding here the Lally family will ensure that they deliver you as they promise your day of your dreams.

Hotel Woodstock have recently won the best Hospitality provider in Clare at the Clare Chamber of Commerce Awards and won the Most Romantic Wedding venue at the Brides of Limerick awards on top of winning the Best Wedding personalities in 2017 and also the Best Family Run Wedding Hotel Venue.

The Hotel is situated on the grounds of

Woodstock Golf Club on the outskirts of call Elaine Lally on 065 6899 800 or e mail Ennis which means it is very accessible and elally@hotelwoodstock.ie the fact that it has a leisure centre with a pool, sauna jacuzzi and steam room makes it an ideal venue for your wedding guests that want to stay a few days and sample all that the wonderful County of Clare has to offer.

If you are interested in making an appointment to view the wedding of- l Winner: Hotel Woodstock have recently won the best fering at Hotel Woodstock Hospitality provider in Clare

14 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

An open road and your favourite song THE NOTEBOOK

“A

N open road and your favourite song is sometimes the only therapy you need” I spend a lot of time on the road and often with a full car of precious cargo! There is of course baby Hanorah (and all her garments and gadgets) and the 50kg each fur babies, Reggie and Rubie!

I often find myself tight on space (it doesn’t help that I struggle to pack light!) and so when Western Garages invited me to promote the new Volkswagen Tiguan All Space as a brand ambassador last week I was simply over the moon. I love driving. It’s me time and when the baba is asleep in the back I do my

best thinking in the car! I’ve also discovered the beauty of podcasts on longer journeys and since driving the Tiguan I have found the commute comfortable, spacious, super safe and an absolute joy.

Speaking of podcasts, I had the pleasure of recording two this week.

The first being a brand new Podcast for new mums by Pamela Prenderville “For All Mum Kind” and the second was the hugely popular “The Good Glow” by the incredibly inspiring Georgie Crawford.

I really enjoyed both, despite the microphone being there, you do feel it’s more of an intimate chat than an interview. Happy Mum, Happy Baby was a podcast that got me through those early days of parenthood and so I hope there will be some nuggets in there for anyone that tunes in.

We are kicking off our Spring series of BEO events next weekend and I’m so excited for some new faces to join the line up (as well

HAPPENINGS EAMON MOLONEY 10KM

You don’t need a car to enjoy the beauty of Ennis town...why not attempt Run Clare’s beautiful urban run in the heart of the town on Saturday 30th March. See runclare.com for more

BRAND AMBASSADOR: Aoibhin Garrihy with Justin Wall, Dealer Principal and Brendan Wall, General Manager, Western Garages Ennis.

Pic Arthur Ellis.

as some familiar ones) including Vicky Phelan, Stefanie Preissner, Anna Daly, Gerry Duffy, Dr Mary Ryan, Finn Ni Fhaolain...all sharing their own personal self-care message. We also have lots of plans for BEO this summer (watch this space!). In the meantime, we are in the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point on the 14th April. Check out @ beowellness.ie for more.

COVET IN

CLARE

BEO: We are kicking off our Spring series of BEO events next weekend

QUEEN BEE These super soft, Gucci inspired, fabulous flats will have you walking the walk from the minute you try them on... new to Ela Maria in Ennis, they add instant class. You literally wouldn’t even call the Queen Bee your Aunt!

YOU TALKIN TO ME?!

Nothing says glamour like a chunky sunglasses’ frame. These show-stopping, Balmain, bold sunnies from Specsavers are the perfect mix of contemporary and classic design and are sure to wow. Available at Specsavers and online.

DEIRDRE O’KANE: A LINE OF O’KANE

Saturday 13th April catch Deirdre as she reminisces on a frantic 12 months of tango-tripping, family-minding, telly-making, house-moving, comedy dynamo at glor.

Tickets €20 at glor.ie

GUILT FREE INDULGENCE Satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt with all new Everest Crispy Protein Snacks with three delicious flavors to choose from. The perfect grab and go option to keep that hunger at bay between meals.

ARM CANDY My new favourite watch brand has arrived in Ennis at Seodin Eile and it would honestly give Rolex a run for it’s money in the style stakes!

The names Rosefield and it’s a nice price point too. Think timeless, time keeping!!

REAL LIFE EMOJI Fancy becoming the red dressed dancing lady emoji in reality?! Nows your chance with this stunning red statement piece from Willow. This will see you at any formal gathering this spring/summer while also offering a more relaxed option with the belt teamed with a leather jacket and boots or flats. Love it!

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Top

Scenic Drives 5 in CoClare

As mentioned, I’m so excited to be a Volkswagen Brand Ambassador with Western Garages and to celebrate I’ve decided to list my Top Five Scenic Drives in Co Clare:

1

NORTH CLARE COAST

A drive in the stunning, unique karst landscape of the Burren is a must for visitors and locals alike. Explore the Burren National Park’s (a Unesco World Heritage Site) 100 mile scenic loop drive and one of the most dramatic and unique landscapes in the world. Begin north of Doolin, along the stunning coastal road towards Ballyvaughan, stop for lunch in Monks, visit the Ailwee Cave and birds of Prey Centre, overnight in the stunning Gregan’s Castle for the ultimate treat and try Mulloughmore the following day to get the heart rate going!

2

3

LOUGH DERG

The Lough Derg drive is one of the most tranquil in the county. It begins at the picturesque twin towns of Killaloe/Ballina south of the lake and journeys its way up the Banner shoreline through Scarriff and Mountshannon amongst others. Some of the stand out moments along the way (and worth hopping out of the car to experience) include “My Next Adventure” if you fancy venturing ON to the lake and the Wilde Irish Chocolates Factory Shop for a little sweet treat indulgence.

BUNRATTY BARONY

For something a little off the beaten track Leave Shannon Town at Ballymurtagh keeping the airport on your left and stunning countryside on your right with breathtaking views of Inis Mac Neactain Island , Carreygerry House, the Shannon estuary, Knockadoon fort, Dromoland Castle and lots more. Make your way on to the quaint town of Quin and on to Bunratty Folk Park and Castle grabbing a fresh seafood bite at JP Clarke’s as the perfect finish to your travels.

4

LOOP HEAD

Begin the renowned windswept 50-90km looped drive in Kilkee town and follow the epic coastline of the Loop Head Peninsula. You will come across the most amazing points of interest along the route...from scenic and dramatic views to national heritage sites that include breathtaking Cliff top walks and historical Ring Forts. Stop at the Long Dock for a delicious chowder and it’s a Sunday drive worth talking about.

5

LAPS OF ENNIS TOWN

This is a controversial one and sounds completely mad but hear me out! As a “blow in” I found the notion of a “lap of Ennis” and the enjoyment one seems to find in doing a lap of town completely ludicrous...until I found myself spinning around town “for a look!” and quite enjoyed it myself! It really is such a buzzy little town, filled with pedestrians, interesting shop windows and familiar faces. There’s lots to see as you cruise from A to B! Driving through it’s narrow main streets can be a very enjoyable past time for the simple reason that it’s got something for everyone!

COLUMNIST 15

Entertainment

THE ADAMS FAMILY MUSICAL

E

NNIS Musical Society is setting the scene for a musical with a difference this month as it stages The Addams Family A New Musical.

Featuring an original story this show has all the spooky characters audiences will know and love from the two films, as well as a host of Ennis natives.

Based on an original story and score the show sees the head of the Addams clan, Gomez, played by Galwegian Alan Greaney, placed in every father’s nightmare, when his only daughter, Wednesday, played by Aoibheann Malone, has grown up and fallen in love.

This musical comedy sees Wednesday, the ultimate princess of darkness form an unlikely bond with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – a man her parents have never met, Lucas Beineke, played by Ennis’ Daniel Lynch.

And if that weren’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia, played by Ailish O’Flaherty.

Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his “normal” parents.

The fun filled musical with Latin flavoured choreography and high energy will see a host of Addams family ancestors come to life as we meet all the Addams clan who came from the old country and settled on a plot of land in what is now New York’s Central Park.

This show comes off the back of the success of Sister Act The Musical, which saw the society nominated for two national Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) awards.

“We were delighted when our Front of House team, headed by Rosaleen O’Sullivan and Kathleen Shannon won the national award in our category for best front of house production, while our own Sarah Kenny was nominated for best supporting actress for playing Sr Mary Patrick in Sister Act. Sarah joins us again this year to play the part of Alice Beineke, the mother of Wednesday’s love interest,” said Ciara Lynch society chairperson.

This year the society has also elected a new president, Pat Buckley, who has been involved with the society in one way or another since 1960. Pat has taken on the role since the passing of Ennis Musical Society president Kaye Gaynor who held the position since 2014.

This is Ennis Muical Society’s 62nd show and it is being directed by Jessica Bray, with award winning musical director Shane Farrell, choral director Eilís O’Neill, and choreographers Pamela McGlynn and Edina Erdei.

Joining the cast this year is also nine year old Tiernan Kilroy from Ennis, who takes to the stage for the first time with the society as Pugsley Addams, while Ennis’ Rachael Culligan takes on the role of Granny Addams, and another local man, Joe Moran plays the role of the non-verbal Lurch.

Other leading roles include Fester Addams, played

by Patrick Kelly a Nenagh resident, and performing his third leading role with the society is Limerick man Patrick Woulfe who plays Mal Beineke.

The Addams Family A New Musical is running in Glór from Wednesday March 27 to Saturday March 30 with nightly performances at 8pm and a matinee on Saturday at 2.30pm. Booking details are available from the theatre.

lPlaying the part: The cast for the Adams Family A New Musical in preparations for their performance.

lArtists: Andrew Pike and Ronan Murphy at the opening in the Courthouse Gallery Ennistymon

ART AND POSSIBILITY

A

N exhibition of Ceramics, Prints and Paintings entitled ‘An Image in my Head’ opened on Friday, March 1st at the Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon.

It features work by artists Ronan Murphy whose arts practice is supported at the HSE Dulick Centre, Ennis and Andrew Pike who is a co- founder of KCAT, a Kilkenny based arts collective where people from differing backgrounds and levels of ability study and create art together.

Opening the exhibition, HSE representative James Galvin congratulated both artists on their achievements to date. Speaking of Art and possibility he observed that, through their art, Creative people show us new ways of looking at reality and in doing so extend the boundaries of what we think is possible.

This focus on possibility and potential can enable new things to come into being in art, in the world and in our personal lives.

The exhibition is a practical demonstration of how creative people who belong to marginalised groups can, through their art, make a meaningful contribution to the cultural life of their local communities, as well as connections to the wider world.

The exhibition which runs until April 27th has been supported by the Arts Office of Clare Co. Council.

For further information; Dulick Centre - patrick.looney@hse.ie or CourthouseGallery - anne@thecourthousegallery.com

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

ENTERTAINMENT

SIVE CELEBRATES HER 60TH IN SCARIFF

I

N 1959 a new play presented by Listowel Drama Group would make theatrical history in Scariff. That was ‘Sive’ written by John B Keane who was unknown and had his play rejected by the Abbey Theatre. Adjudicator Michael O hAodha began his adjudication in Scariff following Listowel’s production by stating “I doubt if we have ever seen plays of this nature played with such surging irony and blistering style. The writer has a supreme gift of dialogue”.

John B said in later years that “Scariff was our finest hour - that’s where “Sive” took off.” Clare Drama Festival gave the ‘nomination’ to ‘Sive’ enabling Listowel Drama Group to get to Athlone and to win the newly awarded Esso Trophy. Afterwards Listowel were invited to perform in the Abbey Theatre. The rest is history as they say.

Clare Drama Festival celebrates its 72nd year beginning Thursday 21st March and running to Saturday 30th March in Scariff Community College Hall. The festival will be officially opened by Judge Bryan McMahon, son of the other Listowel playwright and author of ‘The Honeyspike’.

Following the opening Tarbert Theatre Players will present ‘The Honey Spike’. The Honey Spike tells the story of a homeward journey of a group of travellers. Breda Claffey wants to give birth to her child at the hospital where she herself was born, the Honey Spike in Co. Kerry, 300 miles away from where she currently lives at the Giant’s Causeway. The play chronicles that hazardous migration.

On Friday 22nd Corofin Dramatic Society bring ‘Life Sucks’ by Aaron Posner. In this brash reworking of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, a group of old friends, ex-lovers, estranged in-laws, and lifelong enemies gather to grapple with life’s thorniest questions and each other. What could possibly go wrong? Incurably lustful and lonely, hapless and hopeful, these seven souls collide and stumble their way towards a new understanding that LIFE SUCKS! Or does it?

Saturday sees Skibbereen Theatre Society playing Martin McDonagh’s ‘The Beauty Queen of Leenane’ which tells the darkly comic tale of Maureen Folan, a plain and lonely woman in her early forties, and Mag, her manipulative ageing mother. Mag’s interference in her daughter’s first and possibly final chance of a loving relationship sets in motion a train of events that lead inexorably towards the play’s inevitable dénouement.

Sunday 24th brings another new play when Ballyduff Drama Group from Waterford present ‘A Fine Bright Day’ by Philip Goulding which is a warm, funny and moving play. It explores love set on the edge of an English coastal area, where lives are reshaped by a chance meeting with an exotic stranger.

Come early on Monday 25th when Sliabh Aughty Drama Group will pack the hall with ‘Sive’. Set in a remote area of North Kerry, the play tells the story of the promise in marriage, of the young and beautiful Sive to an old man.

Tuesday Compántas Lir from Claregalway will bring Geraldine Aron’s ‘Same Old Moon’ to the

Scariff stage. Same Old Moon shows us scenes in the life of Brenda Barnes, the aspiring writer.

We follow her from age nine to fortyish, and see through her eyes her eccentric and sometimes fiery Irish family - her wilful and self-destructive Dad, her put-upon, sometimes hot-tempered Mum and many others. A charming, but not uncritical, look at family life with some wonderful acting roles.

Wednesday 27th will have Nenagh Players showing ‘What Happened Bridgie Cleary’ by Tom McIntyre. Bridgie Cleary, a young farmer’s wife, was burned alive in Tipperary for alleged witchcraft in 1895. In the play, Bridgie is reunited in the anteroom of heaven with her husband and her lover, both of whom are haunted by their love for her, and by their participation in her strange death. This is based on a true story.

On Thursday 28th Kilmeen Drama Group from West Cork will bring another McDonagh play for its first showing in Scariff. ‘The Lieutenant of Inishmore’ is set in Ireland in 1993. The Northern Ireland peace process is taking its faltering first steps, and INLA man Mad Padraic is hard at work pulling out the toenails of Belfast drug pusher James, when the news comes through that his beloved cat, Wee Thomas, is poorly, but when he arrives at the family home on Inishmore, he discovers that Wee Thomas isn’t sick but has been killed. Padraic, a man considered too mad for the IRA and sorely trying the patience of his INLA comrades, is intent on revenge, even if that means wiping out his own father. Just as he’s about to put a bullet through Dad’s head, there’s an unexpected knock at the door.

Friday 29th will see Doonbeg Drama Group performing Sam Shepard’s play ‘A Fool for Love’.

Love hurts, quite literally in this play about the battling lovers, May and Eddie whose unbreakable bond of love and hate have made their lives a living hell. Into this scenario comes Martin who is May’s tentative suitor. The Old Man may not be physically in the action but psychically he’s all over Eddie and May .

The festival finishes Saturday 30th when Brideview present Brian Friel’s ‘Philadelphia Here I Come’. Fed up with the dreary round of life in Ballybeg, with his uncommunicative father and his humiliating job at his father’s grocery shop, with his frustrated love for Kathy Doogan who married a richer, more successful young man and with the total absence of prospect and opportunity in his life at home, Gareth O’Donnell has accepted his aunt’s invitation to come to Philadelphia. On the eve of his departure, despite the fantasies Gar entertains of life in America, all it takes to stop him leaving would be one word of affection from his

DRUID ANNOUNCES EXTENSIVE 2019 NATIONAL TOUR OF SMASH HIT COMEDY

‘F

URNITURE is not sentimental. You can love it, but it won’t remember who you are.’ glór is delighted to welcome back Druid to Clare for their first visit since 2013 with their production of Sonya Kelly’s Furniture, which was a smash hit with audiences and critics alike at the 2018 Galway International Arts Festival (GIAF).

Written by Sonya Kelly, (The Wheelchair on my Face, How to Keep an Alien), Furniture is a light-hearted new play about perceptions and possessions. Told through the lives of six individuals, this fresh comedy looks at how the things we own shape our worldview, and even ourselves.

The play received a staged reading in 2016 as a Druid Debut and had its world premiere as part of Druid’s remarkable season of new Irish writing at GIAF 2018.

Described as ‘wickedly insightful’, (The Irish Times), ‘laugh-outloud funny’, (The Sunday Times) and ‘whip smart’, (The Irish Independent) this fresh comedy is a definite must see for 2019.

Original cast members Niall Buggy and Garrett Lombard reprise their roles of George and Michael respectively, with Kate Kennedy, Ruth McGill, Rory Nolan and Helen Norton completing the stellar cast.

‘I’m delighted that Druid’s production of Sonya Kelly’s Furniture will return as a national tour next year’ said Artistic Director, Garry Hynes. ‘The huge success of Furniture at the Galway International Arts Festival this year shows that it is an exciting time for new writing and new talent in Ireland and we are glad to be a part of that.’

The production will embark on an 8 week tour to 13 counties in Spring 2019: Dublin, Limerick, Kerry, Clare, Galway, Donegal, Sligo, Roscommon, Cavan, Longford, Kilkenny, Wexford and Cork.

Audiences in Clare will now have an opportunity to see this original and engaging production, a theatrical gem. Early booking advised.

Druid would like to acknowledge the continuing support of the Arts Council, NUIG, and Galway City Council.

lLaugh out loud: Niall Buggy in Druid, Furniture

17

18 SOCIALS

The scene

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

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

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

New Jersey band take top honours at parade

l DISPLAY OF IRISH PRIDE: (clockwise from above) the Friendly Sons Of The Shillelagh Pipes and Drums from New Jersey, who won dirst prize; revellers enjoy the parade from their viewing point outside the Old Ground Hotel; the Ennis Polish Association put on a very colourful display Photos by Eamon Ward

THOUSANDS attend Ennis St. Patrick’s Day Parade The Friendly Sons Of The Shillelagh Pipes And Drums from New Jersey, USA, have been named “Most Musical & Colourful Spectacle” in the 2019 Ennis St. Patrick’s Day Festival.

In excess of 10,000 people lined the streets of Ennis on Sunday, March 17 when more than 50 groups representing the many aspects of life in County Clare participated in the annual parade.

Parade judges awarded The Friendly Sons Of The Shillelagh Pipes And Drums 1st Prize (€500), 2nd Prize (€300) went to the Inisowiacy Polish Folk Group, while Clarecastle Show Society won 3rd Prize (€200).

Mary Fitzgerald, the founder of Clare Haven Services and Haven Horizons, was Grand Marshal of this year’s parade and she was accompanied at the head of the parade by Ennis Mayor, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy who addressed the crowd at O’Connell Square after the parade kicked off in style with singing from the Ennis Gospel Choir.

SOCIALS 19

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Family fun at autism friendly viewing point FAMILIES came out in force to enjoy the birds-eye view on offer at the premises of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon and The Clare Echo, who respectively opened their doors to facilitate an autism-friendly viewing point for the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ennis last Sunday.

As part of Dr Susan Crawford’s Get Autism Active initiative, The Clare Echo and Sherry Fitzgerald, which are located in the same premises at O’Connell Square, opened their offices on Sunday to increase the viewing capacity for families with children with autism. The event came following a request from Ennis Chamber and was coordinated by Ennis Voices for Autism (EVA).

A post from the EVA Facebook page said, “What a super morning we’re having here with our fabulous EVA Families at our Autism Sensory Friendly Viewing Area for Ennis St.Patrick’s Day Parade. We have a birds eye view!

“We would like to sincerely thank Sherry FitzGerald McMahon, The Clare Echo, Susan Crawford and Ennis Chamber for their assistance an co-operation with this wonderful initiative. Happy St. Patricks day everyone!”

Barefield Tidy Towns invite you to attend their

Public Consultation Event l ENJOYING THE DAY: (from top) Shane McCarthy; Michael Ryan; and Adam Barry all enjoying the St Patrick’s Day parade from the autism-friendly viewing point facilitated by Ennis Chamber, The Clare Echo and Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon

Photos by Martin Connolly

on a Draft Amenity Enhancement Plan for

Ballyalla Lake VENUE: Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ballyalla DATE: Tuesday 26th March 2019 TIME: 5pm - 7pm Have your say! Come and see the draft proposals for the enhancement of the Ballyalla Lake amenity area.

Drawing by pupil of Barefield National School

20 COLUMNISTS

with Cian O’Broin

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

1975 “A

T

O SUM up the 21st century in a couple of words would be a brave task indeed. A time of great change. A plethora of maxims and beliefs plunged the earth into disarray. For brevity’s sake, war and peace. We’ll call it that. Bouncing back further, the 20th century saw the wheels begin to move but failed to leave that place of deep superstition. A witch-hunt in Clare? Time to read on…

DEATH OF EAMON DE VALERA This feeling was all too familiar for the people of Ireland. The century that shaped the modern Irish identity. Every trial and tribulation. Along the way, one man became the face of Irish nationalism. Born in New York at the end of the nineteenth century, Eamon De Valera went on to become one of the most iconic figures in Irish history. A talisman of political policy with a strong connection to Clare. Following his involvement in the Easter Rising of 1916 where he commanded the Boland Mills garrison, De Valera was sentenced to life in prison. A year later, Dev was released and brushed ties with the people of Clare for the first time. East Clare elected him as their deputy for Sinn Fein. Four months later he was chosen to lead the party as well as command the Irish volunteers. The paltry walls of a prison cell were to become home once again after his arrest in May 1918 where he was expatriated to England as an enemy of the crown.

Previous successes resurfaced during his internment as the people of East Clare stood by their hero in the general election. Unshackled, De Valera became president of the Dail and continued to bleed for the consecration of an independent Ireland. On August 29, 1975 his unwavering tenure came to an end. The country was torn apart, lamenting the death of the 92-year-old former president. The older generation of Clare were particularly saddened, with one older gentleman commenting on the death of De Valera after the State funeral, “He’s one man we met on a few occasions in Clare. And he was very welcome. A lot of people are very sad about it.”

WHO WAS BIDDY EARLY?

Our next tale deals with the manipulation of the perceived supernatural in the form of a ‘so called’ witch from County Clare. On February 8, 1975, RTE Broadcasted a documentary ‘Biddy Early: Wise Woman or Witch. The feature looked at the life of Biddy Early, a healer from Clare said to be in possession of arcane powers. Biddy was sent to Feakle as a young girl and put to work as a servant to support her impoverished family. The death of her husband brought about her first encounter with the supernatural. After being served with an eviction notice, her husband Pat returned to her in a dream and commanded her to stay put. When five police officers arrived to inform her to vacate the premises they were stuck to the ground for several hours, unable to move. Biddy’s most prominent witchcraft related to her magical blue bottle given to her by her son who died young. This sacred object allowed her to visit the future. People from all over the country came to Clare to have their future laid out in front of them. Oftentimes, Biddy would anticipate their arrival and meet them on their way. Her powers of restoration were not less commended, with the administering of various ailments to both people and animals said to be a regular practice of hers. Nothing was uncurable. In 1865 she was tried for witchcraft but witnesses were unwilling to testify against her. Biddy Early died in April 1874 at the age of seventy-six. Her magical blue bottle was never recovered.

ENNIS LIBRARY AND MUSEUM OPENS Lamenting on the death of Eamon de Valera in 1975, Ennis opened a library and museum named after him on the 16th of July. James Tully, Minister for Local Government unveiled the building to the world at the inauguration. The library was built for capacity, with room to house over 21,000 books in total as well as a special section with reference to historical elements of County Clare. A door salvaged from the Spanish Armada was another point of attraction revealed to the public. Leading up to its construction, the people of Clare were yearning for some sort of learning centre or refuge. The Ennis library was the perfect response to this need for progression.

Be sure to look out for next weeks edition of Reeling in the Years in Clare 1976.

Where are the women?

S BROKEN over the weekend online by The Clare Echo, there have been several new faces added to the local election line-ups. Whereas it is good to see so many new faces putting themselves forward to contest elections, a depressing number of these faces are male. When gender quota were announced for the last round of Dáil elections, I noted that without meaningful other reforms that it would not in itself yield major change to the lack of women in politics.

Alas, this is looking to be the case. Introducing quotas does nothing to change the fact that politics is a demanding and, most often, thankless job of very long hours for little remuneration. The work is anti-family and a hard one for someone with a challenging career, let alone a career and family, to consider getting involved with. This is especially true with women who, despite how far we’ve come as a society, are still viewed as the primary care giver in the home and the ones responsible for raising children. I know of several fantastic female politicians from around the country who are not contesting re-election as they wish to focus on raising a family as well as maintaining the career that pays the bills. That is not the county council who’s €16,000 before tax equates to a wage that is grossly below the minimum wage when it’s broken down by the average number of hours councillors spend per week on the job.

Yes, it is not a glamourous life, however, many do still feel it is something they can excel at and give back to a community that they love. Others see it as a way of bringing in a change they are truly passionate about. Whatever someone’s motivation for putting their name on the ballot, we should all be thankful to them, irrespective of their politics.

With just two months to go to polling day, the race to County Hall is heating up. Fine Gael started it with the appointment of retired garda, Eugene Long in the Shannon area. With many of his people coming from the Limerick boarder area, this appears a direct challenge from FG to Cllr Cathal Crowe’s support

base. Not to be outdone, Fianna Fáil celebrated St Patrick’s Day in style by appointing no less than five first-time candidates across three electoral areas.

Cillian Murphy’s appointment drew a few raised eyebrows. The Kilkee-based environmental campaigner, who previously contested election for the Green Party, agreeing to now stand for FF shows how mainstream green policies have become. His business links will make him a popular candidate around the Loop Head peninsula, the exact area which presently is home to FG’s only two candidates in the Kilrush LEA. FG are now sure to add someone from the estuary

‘‘

With many of his people coming from the Limerick border area, this appear a direct challenge from FG to Cllr Cathal Crowe

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REELING IN THE YEARS

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

side of the area. In Ennis, the addition of Mark Nestor to the FF ticket was seen by most party supporters as long overdue having contested the selection convention late last year. The popular teacher is well-known in Irish dancing and cultural organisations in the town and was heavily involved in the town’s successful hosting of the Fleadh.

In North Clare, voters will again see a Killeen on the ballot with INTO boss Joe Killeen, cousin of former minister Tony, set to contest in the Ennistymon area. He’s joined on the ticket by Ennistymon postmaster Shane Talty whose late father was a party stalwart. They will also be joined by Timmy Dooley’s righthand man, Martin O’Loughlin.

The Ballyvaughan native appears to be getting rewarded for years of service to the deputy.

Not to be outdone by party candidates, Independents have also been getting in on the act.

Ind Cllr Ann Norton announced

the launch of her re-election campaign over the bank holiday weekend. She was photographed at O’Connell Square after the parade with Mayor Cllr Clare Colleran-Molloy and newcomer Amanda Major. Major, a Clarecare employee, joins the race to try capitalise on the Independent vote in Ennis which has been relatively high in recent elections. Also keen to capitalise on that vote is Dermot Hayes, who announced his intention to run Independent having recently left the Labour Party. This will come as a major blow to Labour.

With People Before Profit also looking to launch a candidate in the area, this will further add to an already crowded left flank. A proliferation of leftist candidates will surely see them all knock each other out of contention.

On the larger scale, Clare voters too know more about the ballot papers they face in May for the European elections.

Labour’s selection of Sheila Nunan put an end to hopes of a Clare candidate. In beating Michael McNamara, the Dublin based teachers union representative will hope to overcome the odds and win back a seat for Labour in the now 5 seater Ireland South Constituency. FG confirmed their ticket also, with Wicklow TD Andrew Doyle joining outgoing MEPs Deirdre Clune and Sean Kelly on the ballot. Clune will hope that relatives from Clare will again do the heavy lifting for her locally which saw her take a huge vote in Clare 5 years ago. Fianna Fáil delegates shocked pundits when they selected Wexford Councillor Malcolm Byrne ahead of well-known TD Billy Kelleher to be the party’s candidate. The 44-year-old Councillor became FF’s first openly gay elected politician when he came out following his first electoral success in 1999. The European ticket is currently made up by Green Party Senator Grace O’Sullivan, sitting SF MEP and failed Presidential candidate Liadh Ní Riada and PBP activist and Carlow native Adrienne Wallace. With FF to select at least one more candidate from the Munster side of the constituency, it would currently look like 2 FG, 1 SF and 2 FF being returned here, given current polling figures.

Nevertheless, a lot can happen in 2 months. There’ll be a lot of twists and turns yet!

Why Shane is king of the road ‘‘ NEWS 21

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Kilrush man with cerebral palsy set for charity cycle to help West Clare services

It’s all down to the attitude and how you live your life.

No one should be telling anyone with a disability how to live, nobody should be pushing anyone to do what they don’t want to do, you have to be ready to do it like me with the cycle.

PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

news@clareecho.ie

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KILRUSH man who lives with cerebral palsy will this Saturday complete a charity cycle in aid of a vital West Clare service.

38-year-old Shane King will take his MotoMed bike to The Galleon Inn for Saturday’s fundraiser with Happy Feet Happy Minds, an organisation that raises money for mental health services in the area to benefit.

Affectionately known as The King of Cappa, Shane explained his reasons for deciding to do the 32km cycle. “I’ve had cerebral palsy since the third week I was born, I got meningitis with it and that’s why I’m in the chair. This is why I’m motivated to do the cycle, I’m not just doing it for mental health, I’m trying to show people that people with disabilities can do something for themselves, it’s not all about getting people to give you a hand, it’s about doing something for yourself and trying”.

Since January he has been cycling 32kms most days on his MotoMed bike, not alone is the exercise strengthening his legs but also providing a deserved sense of achievement. “I’d be on a high, I would be fairly tired, it would take about 10 minutes to get me tired but it is coming towards the end you start to struggle. Some days are good days, some days are bad days but this has kept me focused since January ”.

“I go to the gym every Wednesday and I do an hour’s training on the bike and the rest of the week I’m training here in the afternoon and I’ve been doing it since January. I’m delighted with the way things have worked out and I’m hoping to smash records on Saturday in front of a lot of people. Hopefully I can do a lot more of these because it has really given me a lot of spirit to do other events,” he told The Clare Echo.

Friends of his have suffered with depression but for King he constantly portrays a positive outlook on life even amidst his various daily challenges, along with the highs and lows of being a Liverpool supporter. “I’ve always been a firm believer that people like myself could always do things. I genuinely feel sorry for people with mental health problems, people would say to me ‘how is it you manage to go along with a smile on your face the whole time’ and I’d say ‘you just have to do what you can do like’. This is another reason to do it because it has given me inspiration to know that I can do things. I’ve never been one to be negative”.

Many individuals that travelled Shane’s journey would struggle to stay so upbeat but his resilience has ensured he is well able for any obstacle. “I always say every morning as long as you can wake up it’s a

great day”.

“It’s all down to the attitude and how you live your life. No one should be telling anyone with a disability how to live, nobody should be pushing anyone to do what they don’t want to do, you have to be ready to do it like me with the cycle. When I got the bike in April I wasn’t ready to do a challenge then but I knew I would after some training sessions but I didn’t think it would take off as much as it has but it has only given me more momentum to go on and do more things but we’ll see how we get on after Saturday, if I can do one event maybe I can do more down the line”.

Doing physiotherapy from an early age has benefited Shane while his strength is maintained by sessions three times a week.

“Sometimes the legs can have bad days and they just don’t want to do much but I don’t have that mindset of I don’t want to do it

today, as long as I’m motivated to do it I’ll do it, that has always been the case and always will be”.

His mother, Mary acts as a full-time carer and is incredibly proud of her son’s decision to do the cycle. “Sometimes I would be moaning and he would say to me what you do if you were in this chair, you can wake up and get out of your bed you should be glad to be alive, he’s got a great attitude. I think the Lord has given him a great grace as well, I can’t take that from God because I’ve prayed for years and he has a great attitude, he has never been down and out”.

Initially €1,000 was the target for Shane but as ever, he defied the odds with donations constantly streaming in via GoFundMe and other sources. He’s keen to smash records and raise valuable funds, when Saturday’s cycle concludes he will undoubtedly be tired but he will be deservedly lauded and applauded in his kingdom of Cappa. n IN THE CLARE ECHO NEXT WEEK WE SPEAK TO SHANE & MARY ON WAYS TO IMPROVE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY & SERVICES

22 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

WEST CLARE GARDENING COURSE Kilrush: Spring Gardening course at Kilrush Community gardens starting Tuesdays from 26th March 10am-12pm for 10 weeks.

Learn to grow veg and flowers for the Summer season. Contact Kilrush Community gardens facebook page or text/call Hilary Gleeson 0863579484.

TRIBUTE TO MURT Kilrush: Inis Cathaigh C.C.E. will host a Tribute to Murt Collins on Friday March 29th at the Haven Arms, Kilrush. staring at 9p.m. Murt has been part of Kilrush culture for many many years and is always on hand to support any organisation. He is “ever ready” to provide music and song when requested, ie hospital visits, Santa visits etc so as a branch will say “Thank You Murt” on Friday 29th. Everyone is invited and reminded to bring their musical instruments.

GORT GORT SHOW Gort & District Show Co. Ltd are holding their AGM on Thursday 26th March at 8.00 pm in the ICA Hall, Bolands Lane, Gort. All are welcome

EAST CLARE LIGHT AT WHITEGATE Whitegate’s street lighting will be strengthened in 2019.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Pat Burke requested an additional street light be provided on the approach road into Whitegate over the coming months and the Fine Gael representative received confirmation from Clare County Council that it would be provided. Cllr Joe Cooney seconded the motion. “Just a lamp or lantern is needed, the infrastructure is there,” Cllr Burke said.

“It is proposed to improve lighting at this location during 2019.

Works will include upgrading of the existing lighting standards and provision of additional lampposts. These will be located along the boundary of the GAA grounds and will illuminate both sides of the road,” senior executive engineer Tom Mellett outlined.

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS

COFFEE MORNING IN NEWMARKET

A coffee morning will take place on Tuesday, March 26 at Carrygerry Country House in Newmarket on Fergus for Daffodil Day. With all proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society, the coffee morning will run from 9.30am till 12 noon at the house.

FOREST FUN RUN

A kids 2km Forest Fun Run takes place this Saturday, March 23rd at 10am, Lees rd.

Registration from 9am for two categories, Ages: under 10 and over 10. There will be medals for all finishers. The entry fee is €5 per child/€10 per family.

A warm up takes place at 9.50am, and the forest run will be followed by Ennis 10k @ 11.30am.

Please support. All proceeds to youth athletics in our area. Hosted by Ennis Track AC. Supported by Clare Schoolboys and Schoolgirls Soccer league.

Get out, get the kids active and having fun.

KILKEE JAPANESE KNOTWEED ISSUES Cllr. Cathal Crowe, general election candidate for Clare is calling on Clare County Council to take urgent action to eradicate Japanese knotweed in Kilkee Town.

Knotweed has flourished in parts of Kilkee in recent months. Knotweed, though attractive when flowering, is an invasive plant that grows very aggressively and can cause extensive damage to buildings. The hardy stems of Japanese knotweed are capable of breaking through brick walls, slabs of concrete and tarmacadam surfaces. Cutting knotweed may seem like the logical way to eradicate it but this only serves to worsen the problem as the shredded particles of the plant have the ability to regenerate new plants.

With the spring season now upon us the knotweed plants in Kilkee have begun to sprout new stems and spread. It is vital that Clare County Council spray the plants that are growing in public spaces and near Council owned houses. I hope that the Council will also give guidance to other homeowners and farmers on how to best treat knotweed growth.

COMMUNITY 23

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Community

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

SHANNON

l COOKING UP A STORM: Some 101 graduates from the world-renowned Shannon College of Hotel Management - the only third level college in the country with 100% graduate employment since it was founded – received their degrees last Thursday. And as they did, they were told by their Head of College Dr. Phillip J Smyth, what hugely enjoyable and rewarding careers lay ahead for them but, in a fast-paced industry, they must be conscious of their own and others mental health and wellbeing.

The graduates hailed from 10 countries including Ireland, India, China, USA, Seychelles, and Hungary. The college founded by one of the country’s great social entrepreneurs, Dr. Brendan O’Regan, in 1951 is a College of NUI Galway.

L-R Andrew Murphy, General Manager Shannon Airport, Jenny McNamara, Kildysart, Emmet Griffin, Shannon, Ellen McGrath, Kilkee and Nicky Logue, General Manager Intercontinental Hotel Dublin pictured after their Graduation Ceremony in Shannon College of Hotel Management , Shannon Co Clare on Thursday

KILKEE STUDENTS CREATE ART FROM PLASTIC A new art exhibition ‘The Circular Revolution -Towards Zero’ involving 12 primary schools across Clare has been designed and curated by Carmel Madigan, a professional artist and environmentalist and founder of the Loop Head Summer Hedge School. As part of the Explorers Education Programme in Clare, students have created unique artworks from marine plastic litter that will be on display at Culturlann Sweeney, Kilkee from Monday 15th to Friday 26th April 2019.

“As part of the Explorers’ environmental care module, students have been learning about plastic waste in the ocean. For example, statements from the World Economic Forum have indicated that there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Also inspired by the EU Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy 2018-2030, this has led to the large multi-school art installation for the upcoming exhibition,” said Ms Madigan.

Over 750 students participating in the Explorers Education Programme in Clare have creatively transformed plastic found along the seashore, into artworks to showcase their learnings. The plastics have been regenerated to create artworks such as ‘Vessels from the Sea’, ‘Save Our Coral Reefs’, ‘Emotions for Our Ocean’ and ‘Bite Sized Plastics for Sea Birds’.

Madigan inspired by Picasso, who was one of the first modern day artists to make artworks using recycled materials, has collected exceptional materials such as plastics from the seashore which been used in the classroom to create magnificent pieces of artwork by the students.

Photo by Arthur Ellis

KILFENORA “The problem with plastics is that they are seen as trash and are usually discarded after a single use. Collecting marine plastics from the seashore takes time and effort and leads to a cleaning and segregation process. By seeing marine plastics not as trash but as raw material, new and creative channels are opened up,” Ms Madigan said.

As part of the Explorers Programme, Madigan has worked with students to find solutions in relation to reducing, reusing and recycling plastics in their school and community. “After learning about the need to reuse materials, and make the most of earth’s resources, many students have said they are now more willing to choose treats with plastic-free packaging and use a Toy Library instead of purchasing non-recyclable plastic toys,” Ms Madigan said.

Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Marine Institute congratulated Carmel for her enthusiasm and inspiration, often showcasing new ways of how we can incorporate marine-related issues on the primary school curriculum. “It is great to see an increased interest from teachers and students to reduce their use of single-use plastics, and find creative ways to re-use marine plastics. It’s amazing to hear that children are making a difference at a local level by reducing their use of plastic in their school and community. It is through their creativity and innovation, that they will become the generation that creates change.”

The ‘The Circular Revolution -Towards Zero’ exhibition will be launched by Dr Margaret Rae, Director Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance (AORA) and Ms Cushla Dromgool-Regan, Communications at the Marine Institute on Monday 15th April.

KILFENORA DRAMA SOCIETY The Kilfenora Drama Society presents Bailegangáire, a show by Tom Murphy.

The show will take place at Kilfenora Parish Hall on Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24 inclusive at 8pm each night.

Tickets €10 (€20 for family ticket), all welcome.

Rehearsals for Bailegangáire earlier this week

The origins of Mother’s Day

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EMEMBERING Mother’s Day can be tricky as the date changes every year.

It always falls on a Sunday in March - but when exactly varies depending on when Easter falls. This year we’ll be looking at a late Mother’s Day. The origins of the celebration date back as early as the ancient Greek times, when an annual spring festival was held to honour maternal goddesses. Ancient Romans also celebrated a spring festival called Hilaria which was for a mother goddess called Cybele.

Ireland, Mother’s Day is always the fourth Sunday of Lent, the 24-hours marks the maternal bond that exists between a mum and child - as well as other maternal figures such as grandmothers, mothers-in-law and stepmums.

What are the origins of Mother’s Day? Mothering Sunday is a Christian celebration that has now become a worldwide event where we show mums how much we appreciate them.

It is traditionally a celebration to observe and celebrate mums, grandmothers and step-mums with flowers, breakfast in bed, gifts and cards - but you can be more imaginative than that. A Sunday lunch or dinner in the many wonderful hotels and restaurants in Clare is our suggestion – a simple treat that will allow your mother to spend time with the people she loves the most.

As previously mentioned, Mother’s Day can find its origins back in the ancient Greek times but we celebrate it today in a way which the Americans started in the early 20th Century.

More recent origins of Mothering Sunday date back to the 1600s when it was held on the fourth Sunday of Lent.

It was originally a day for Christians to visit their ‘mother church’.

MOTHER’S DAY

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26 MOTHER’S DAY

What is DoulaCare?

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OTHER’S Day is also an important day for the expectant mammy as they begin their journey into motherhood, and an important part of that process is support from trained experts. Doulacare Ireland has two trained Doulas working with mums-to-be in the Clare area.

Birth Doulas are there to provide you with physical, emotional and educational support throughout your pregnancy and will be there alongside you and your birth partner as you have your baby.

They are committed to providing non-biased, evidence-based information should you require it and are there to support you during your labour to have a positive birth experience.

Your doula is there to support you and your birth partner with your choices.

From 37 weeks on, your Doula Care Ireland doula will be on-call for you and when you go into labour Doula is there to support you until your baby arrives.

Doulas are still relatively new in Ireland. However, over the last few years as the evidence as to how beneficial doulas are has increased, more couples are looking to hire a doula. All doulas working for DoulaCare Ireland have a strict Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics which doulas are expected to strictly adhere to.

Dee Burke Post Partum Doula.

I will be available to families in Clare, Limerick, North Tipp and South Galway. I’ve been trained with DONA international, and am currently working towards certification.

Lisa Tierney Birth Doula As a doula my goal is to support you on your unique journey - whether you want to give birth at home or in a hospital, without medication, with an epidural or a Caesarean birth. It’s your journey - I’m not there to make decisions for you or judge your choices. I’m there to wholeheartedly support you in whichever way you need.

FOOD & DRINK 27

THURSDAY, FEB 21 2019

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Cracking dishes at LeCroque

LE CROQUE GOURMET SANDWICH BAR AND CAFE SHANE GILLIGAN

design@clareecho.ie

L

OCATED n the busy Market Square of Ennis, LeCroque offers French style sandwiches and Moroccan style cuisine. LeCroque is run by Fatima and John who recently moved to the Market from Parnell street. We arrived at LeCroque around 1pm to

have some lunch and were greeted by their friendly staff and showed to our table during a busy lunchtime.

LeCroque offer two unique menus as well as some tasty specials. One menu offers LeCroque sandwiches. Croque monsieur sandwiches are a popular french style which translates to mister crunch, LeCroque have several variations of this toasted sandwich.

Croque, which means to crunch or bite, also serve a selection of amaz-

l TASTY

A French/Moroccan style cafe that serves amazing food ing Moroccan dishes, salads, sandwiches and cakes.

S o whether you are looking a classic Moroccan tagine or just a coffee and bun LeCroque covers everything.

Moroccan cuisine is often underrated, in my opinion, with one of my favourite dishes being beef or lamb tagine. A tagine dish receives its name from the pot it is cooked in. Seen in the bottom right of the page is this odd shaped pot. The traditional tagine pottery consists of two parts: a circular base unit that is flat with low sides and a large cone- or dome-shaped cover that sits on the base during cooking. The cover is designed to return all condensation to the bottom.

That process can be improved by adding cold water into the specially designed well at the top of the lid. This proccess results in beautifully tender meat which I received in LeCroque.

Moroccan cuisine is typically a mix of Berber, Arabic, Andalusian, and Mediterranean cuisines with slight European and sub-Saharan influences.

Like the Indian dishes the Moroccan dishes also have a stigma attached to them thinking that they are spicy and would be too hot for the pallet, however this is not true at all. The dishes LeCroque serve do not carry any heat

so don’t be afraid to try them.

DISH OF THE DAY: BEEF TAGINE AND COUSCOUS As I mentioned above this is one of my favourite dishes partially because I love any dish that’s has particularly tender meat. This dish has several variations and ways that restaurants will make and cook it but I must say LeCroques beef tagine was the best I have tasted. John explained that he uses the tougher cuts of beef and cooks slowly to make the beef as tender as possible. In this case he used beef shin which was just melt in your mouth stuff. This was served with carrot, parsnip, potatoes, celery and onion. It is essentially a stew but Moroccan style. These were then cooked in a thin sauce flavoured with herbs and spices such as turmeric, saffron and parsley. Although I did describe it as a stew it is quite delicate and paired with a light fluffy couscous it makes the dish feel like it could be eaten on a cold winter’s day or a warm summer’s day.

Lecroque also served other specials on the day such as chicken pastilla, Moroccan soup, Beef tagine, Portobello mushrooms and Feta cheese quiche.

BEEF TAGINE : LeCroques special, Beef Tagine pairs perfectly with couscous

l GREAT

SERVICE: Owner Fatima at LeCroque Sandwich bar and Cafe

LeCroque offer an amazing variety to suit every taste. I will most definitely return for a Croque Monsieur or another beef tagine. Whether you pop in for a cup of coffee and slice of cake or something more you will not be dissappointed by the cuisine served at LeCroque.

l TAGINE: The tagine pottery specifically designed to steam the meal.

28 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

BUSINESS

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LIT’s Bangaly cooking up a storm

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FORMER resident of the Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre in Meelick has won a gold medal in the prestigious Chef Ireland competition.

Bangaly Doumbouya collected his latest accolade while juggling a full-time course as a Culinary Arts student at the Limerick Institute of Technology. He has also worked at Clare hotels including Dromoland Castle and the Shannon Springs.

A former asylum seeker from Guinea, West Africa, Bangaly first came to the mid west of Ireland in 2007. He spent five years in Knockalisheen Direct Provision Centre, Meelick, before being granted refugee status. This month, the talented student chef beat stiff competition from professional and student chefs from all over Ireland and was awarded the highest possible prize in the Asian Cuisine Competition by the World Association of Chefs Societies and the Panel of Chefs of Ireland. In February, he won third place at the KNORR Student Chef of the Year 2019.

Bangaly began his love affair with cooking and culinary art when he secured his first job in 2013 as a kitchen porter in the Castletroy Park Hotel. He then worked at Hampton’s restaurant for a further two years.

When he then joined the team at the Shannon Springs Hotel, Executive Chef Anthony Walsh gave Bangaly the opportunity to be a Commis Chef. He immediately identified the new employee’s huge potential and he was subsequently successful in an application to

become a mature student at LIT. Speaking about his application to LIT Bangaly said, “When I did the admissions interview at LIT I was asked what my first preference course was. I said “culinary art”. Then I was asked what my second preference was. I said “culinary art”. I was asked if I had a third preference, and I said “culinary art”.

“Studying culinary arts at LIT and becoming a chef was all I ever dreamed of doing. I am so happy that I can study what I love at LIT, which has also given me the opportunity to complete a 3-month work placement at Dromoland Castle Hotel,” he added.

“I am very excited about the future for myself and my family as I look forward to hopefully graduating in 2020 and beginning a career in a job I am passionate about.”

LIT Culinary Arts Lecturer Jim O’ Meara attributed Bangaly’s success to “his hours of relentless practice, dedication and talent.”

“Bangaly is an outstanding student and to win this competition is a testament to his hard work and dedication here at LIT,” he said.

“His delicate use of spices and aromas in his dish was commended by the judges which included competition sponsor Kwanghi Chan of Chan Chan foods.”

Joe Mulcahy, Section Head Culinary & Hospitality at LIT’s Sports, Leisure and Tourism Department said, “We are very proud of Bangaly at LIT and would like to congratulate him on both his awards. I have no doubt with his determination, hard work and skill we will be hearing a lot more about Bangaly during

l SUCCESS STORY: Chef Bangaly Doumbouya his time at LIT and in his future career.

“LIT is a higher education institution that holds inclusivity and access to education among its core values. By opening up education and training to everyone we ensure

Photo by Brian Arthurs

talents are nurtured, sustainable careers developed, and in many cases dreams realised. This in turn benefits both the individual and society as a whole.”

Businesses have say on tourism

B l CONFERENCE: Members of Shannon Chamber, who are working with Clare County Council to get feedback from the public as it prepares to develop a 10-year tourism strategy

Photo by Eamon Ward

USINESS owner/managers, their workforces and other stakeholders in the Shannon area are being given the opportunity this week by Shannon Chamber to have their say about the future direction of tourism policy in County Clare.

The Chamber is supporting Clare County Council in its efforts to obtain feedback from the public as it prepares to develop a ten-year tourism strategy for the county aimed at growing the sector in a sustainable manner.

“Tourism is currently worth well over €240 million per annum to the Clare economy and a vibrant tourism sector is also vital in attracting business investment,” said Helen Downes, Shannon Chamber CEO.

“Shannon Chamber was represented at a recent consultative workshop on future tourism strategy held by the Council in Shannon. We have now circulated a follow-up survey on the issue and are urging recipients to complete this by Monday next, March 25,” she said.

Those circulated are being encouraged to pass on the survey link to their workforces so that feedback is received from a wide network of people.

“This is an excellent opportunity for people to influence future tourism policy and priorities, as we will incorporate the feedback received into a special submission to the Council on the matter,” Ms Downes concluded.

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

BUSINESS

BUSINESS 29

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

Clare schools do battle in ‘build a bank’ challenge

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CHOOLS from across Clare attended the national final of the AIB ‘Build A Bank’ Challenge at the RDS in Dublin this week (Wednesday 13th).

The AIB Build A Bank Challenge is one of the longest running schools programmes in Ireland for Transition and 5th year students and this year saw over 2,000 students from schools across Ireland lend their the support to over 100 school teams.

Clare was heavily represented in the final by schools including; • St Caimin’s Secondary School; • St Anne’s College Community College; • Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon; • Rice College Ennis and; • St. John Bosco Community College; AIB’s Build A Bank Challenge encourages students to give back to their school and community, with participating teams engaging with their local communities and a variety of charities including Pieta House, Focus Ireland, the Irish Heart Foundation, St. Vincent de Paul and Autism Ireland.

Speaking on behalf of AIB, Mark Doyle, AIB Chief Marketing Officer said, ‘Since the AIB Build A Bank Challenge was introduced in 2002, it has continued to evolve as a programme, engaging with thousands of students across Ireland. Every year we are blown away by the creativity and hard work demonstrated by all the students, and this year has been no exception. The national final in the RDS Dublin has been a thrilling end to a year-long journey for over 600 students who took part in the programme.’

The AIB Build A Bank Challenge runs throughout the full curriculum year and enables its participants to develop business management tools, using their creativity and innovation in establishing their bank. An extremely popular programme with both teachers and students, the AIB Build A Bank Challenge inspires students to develop key business skills for senior level examinations and future endeavours.

For more details, please visit www.aib.ie/build-a-bank

l READY FOR ACTION: At the final of AIB Build A Bank Challenge are Siobhan McAleer, Luisne Corey, Ben Geraghty, Chloe Blessington, Micheal Moroney, Jane Hillery from Rice College, Ennis Photo by Shane O’Neill, SON Photographic

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MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SKODA SHOWS OFF ITS NEW KAMIQ COMPACT CROSSOVER IS THE TRUE YETI SUCCESSOR

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KODA is adding a third model to its European SUV portfolio: the Skoda Kamiq. Just like with the successful Skoda Kodiaq and Karoq, the name Kamiq also originates from the language of the Inuit people who live in northern Canada and Greenland: it means something that fits perfectly. The Skoda Kamiq perfectly combines the advantages of a sports utility vehicle – such as higher ground clearance and an elevated seat position – with the agility of a compact car. With an emotive design, state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment systems, a generous amount of space and numerous Simply Clever features, the new Kamiq equally fulfils the needs of both families and lifestyle-oriented customers.

Skoda’s CEO, Bernhard Maier, said, “By introducing the

SEAT’S NEW TARRACO SUV GETS HIGHEST SAFETY RATING TARRACO SCORES 97 PER CENT FOR ADULT OCCUPANT PROTECTION

Skoda Kamiq, we are completing our successful European SUV portfolio at the lower end. The Skoda Kamiq will captivate new customer groups for the Skoda brand, and it is, therefore, an important component of our model campaign.

The Skoda Kamiq offers an attractive overall package and combines SUV typical characteristics such as the elevated seat position and a good view of the road with agile handling, an emotive design, a high level of safety and state-ofthe-art connectivity. Furthermore, its generous amount of space and many Simply Clever features make it a real Skoda.”

Skoda Ireland Head of Marketing & Product, Raymond Leddy, said, “sales of the Karoq and Kodiaq have proved very strong since they arrived into the Irish market and we feel that the Kamiq will serve to add to this success. There is a huge appetite from buyers in this segment, and the Kamiq will offer great quality and refinement to this rapidly-growing small SUV segment, and we are confident, like all Skoda models, that it will be very competitive in terms of price, too.”

With the Kamiq, Skoda is tapping into a new, younger target group that pursues a modern, adventure-oriented lifestyle. Apart from a car’s off-road appearance, a high level of efficiency is essential in this segment; therefore the Kamiq is offered exclusively with front-wheel drive.

The Kamiq Interior is dominated by a 9.2-inch free-standing screen providing infotainment and performance information in the driver’s field of view. The Skoda Kamiq is equipped with the latest generation of infotainment systems that are always online via the most advanced Connect online services in the Skoda range. An optional Virtual Cockpit is also offered.

Despite compact exterior dimensions, the Kamiq possesses generous interior space with a boot capacity of 400 litres,

T

HE all-new Seat Tarraco, which launched in Ireland in February, has achieved a five-star safety rating from testing organisation Euro NCAP. This continues the brand’s tradition of developing vehicles that not only meet the needs of a diverse consumer base, but also offer the safest vehicles on the market. The news comes following the recent announcement of Axel Andorff as Seat’s new executive Vice-president for R&D. Euro NCAP’s testing procedures become more rigorous and demanding each year, as the safety body increases the number of tests annually. All aspects of the vehicle are examined, measuring the ability to protect both adult and child occupants, vulnerable road users while also evalu-

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which increases to 1,395 litres when the rear seats are folded down.

All of the Skoda Kamiq’s engines are direct-injection units with turbochargers. They come with brake energy recovery as well as Stop/Start technology. The entry-level engine is a three-cylinder 1.0 TSI delivering 95bhp. A more powerful 1.0 TSI with a power output of115bhp with a 6-speed manual; or a 7-speed DSG is also offered. A four-cylinder 1.5 TSI with 150bhp tops the petrol line-up. A four-cylinder 1.6 TDI diesel engine delivering 115bhp coupled with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox is also part of the offering.

The new Skoda Kamiq will be available to order in Ireland from October 2019. Prices are to be confirmed, but indicators suggest it will be positioned below the bestselling Octavia.

ating more advanced safety assist systems.

The Tarraco SUV achieved the highest level of safety possible in the consumer protection body’s series of tests. It went through meticulous testing to determine its safety credentials. Adult occupant protection is established through tests including frontal impacts that use a 40 per cent overlap and a full width rigid barrier as well as a side barrier and pole impact. Added to this are whiplash tests and autonomous emergency braking, (AEB), tested across a wide range of speeds and vehicle overlaps.

For child occupant protection three main aspects are assessed: the protection from the restraint system, how well the vehicle accommodates child restraint systems of various sizes and, finally, provisions in the vehicle for the safe transport of children.

The Seat Tarraco wasn’t just developed to protect those inside the vehicle, a huge amount of importance was placed on safeguarding vulnerable road users too. Euro NCAP’s test also looks at the potential risk of injury to a pedestrian or cyclist’s head, pelvis and legs and what can be done to mitigate or prevent any impact.

Add to this the assessment of the most important driver assist technologies to support the driver, and how they may improve safety, and Euro NCAP’s programme is all encompassing.

On each occasion the organisation judged that occupants and road users were well protected should an accident occur; The Seat Tarraco scored 97 per cent for adult protection, 84 per cent for child occupant, 79 per cent for vulnerable road users and 79 per cent for safety assist.

“The Tarraco achieved an outstanding safety rating in Euro NCAP’s demanding tests, a result that reflects the emphasis we placed on safety when developing our largest SUV, and our commitment to guaranteeing the highest level of both active and passive safety in all the models we produce,” said Luca de Meo, President of Seat.

Niall Phillips, Brand Director at Seat Ireland said “Safety is always at the forefront of the design and engineering process of our vehicles. The excellent safety rating we’ve received on the Euro NCAPs for our first seven seater SUV the Seat Tarraco, is a testament to the high priority we place on the safety of our customers.

We are delighted to receive recognition of this on a European level”.

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Amazing Residence

Property AMV €295,000

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LISLARKAN SOUTH, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE MPRESSIVE 4/5 Detached Residence on circa 0.5 Acre Site.

A quality finished property, just 2km from Liscannor Harbour Village, 4.5km from the Cliffs of Moher whilst only 6km (7 mins drive) to Lahinch Seaside Resort.

Ideal as a family/holiday home with the opportunity to work from home (Detached Garage).

Features: Energy Efficient: BER B3 / 108467911 / 143.84 kWh/m²/yr 224.51 sqm / 2417 sq ft Stove 3 x Double bedrooms En-suite Constructed in 2006 - Block build Bio-cycle unit Alarm system Landscaped garden with feature Landscaped Patio Views of Birchfield Castle & surrounding countryside Sunroom Solid oak fitted kitchen Quality finish & fittings Detached Garage with own heat, light & floored mezzanine Detached Garage with separate laundry room & wc

OPEN VIEWING FOR SATURDAY 23RD AT 10AM TO 10.30AM Contact: LocationLocation Tel: (065) 682 3718 Address: Unit 2, Summerhill, Market Place, Ennis, Co. Clare

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. FITZGIBBON Contractors Ltd. have been building new homes in Creggaun na Hilla, Clarecastle for the past three years and are delighted to be launching the final phase of this development - Fort View.

The Development in Creggaun na Hilla currently comprises of Garden View (completed in 2005), Hillview, Meadow View, Haggart View, Orchard View and Park View. Fort View will complete the Creggaun na Hilla development.

Fort View comprises of just twenty five, three and four bedroomed homes which will be released in two stages. All the new homes qualify for the government Help to Buy (HTB) incentive and purchasers may receive up to €16,375 towards their new home.

Construction has commenced and new owners will take ownership of their homes later this year. The mixture of bungalows and two storey homes at Creggaun na Hilla has proved to be very popular with both young families and older people wishing to down size.

Fort View are all A rated homes and have been energy efficiently designed for today’s modern living style. They are fully finished internally & externally.

Internal finishes include timber flooring and tiling throughout, modern choices of built-in kitchen, stylish fireplace with multi fuel stove in living room, built-in wardrobes in all bedrooms, tiled bathrooms and air to water under floor heating on the ground floor.

There is only 1 two bedroomed and 2 three bedroomed bungalows still available in this development with prices starting from €212,500.

M. Fitzgibbon Contractors are also building three & four bedroomed detached and semi-detached family homes in Fort View. These properties are finished to the highest standard and offers bright, spacious family accommodation with lots of open spaces in the development making it ideal for modern day living. Have to be seen to be believed.

Viewing of this new development is by appointment with the selling agent Helen Gallery Auctioneers and Valuers or by attending the show house this Saturday, 23rd March, 2019 between 2-4pm.

For further information please call into our office at 68 Parnell Street, Ennis or contact us on 065 6829481 or 086 250 4671.

PROPERTY 33

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Save or get rid of mortgage?

Darach Honan

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HOULD I invest and save for the future or focus on getting rid of my mortgage.”

A client recently asked me this after inheriting a lump sum. As a financial planner this is a question that comes up time and time again. So, this week I have decided to put pen to paper and look at the pros and cons of clearing the mortgage versus investing one’s savings elsewhere.

Pros of Clearing the Mortgage • Peace of Mind: Many of us have a real emotional drive to clear the mortgage, even if it is not the best option from a financial planning perspective. Once the mortgage is gone and the house is paid for this will provide many with a real peace of mind.

• Reduced Monthly Outlay: By removing the mortgage payment from your monthly outgoings you are reducing your costs. This will allow you to save much more money on a monthly basis going forward.

• Save On Interest Costs: You can save tens of thousands in interest, which you would have been paying if not for clearing the mortgage.

• No Need for Mortgage Protection Insurance: If you have no mortgage the lender does not require you to have Life Cover on that loan in order to repay it if you die, another cost reduction.

• Achievement: There is a great sense of accomplishment attached to having cleared your mortgage and owning your house outright.

So, there are lots of great ‘Pros’, but before we write the cheque let’s look at the full picture.

Cons of Clearing the Mortgage • Low Return on Investment: The money that you borrow for your mortgage is the cheapest money that you will get your hands on. Most mortgage holders will be paying between 3-4% on their mortgage today. However, there are rates as low as 2.3% available now and if you are one of the lucky ones who holds a tracker mortgage you could be paying less than 1%.

Compare this to rates you will pay on car loans (>8%) or credit cards (>20%).

• All Eggs in One Basket: Investing all your funds into clearing your mortgage will mean your wealth is heavily invested in one asset class (property). This will leave you vulnerable to any decline in property prices.

• Make Money by Owing: If you have a tracker mortgage or indeed a very good deal on a fixed rate, the interest you are paying could be lower than the prevailing inflation rate. The inflation rate is currently around 0.7% but if it were to rise you could literally be earning by borrowing, in real terms (after inflation), even though you’re paying interest every month. If your mortgage rate was 1.5% and inflation was

1.6% you essentially make more by owing than by owning. If you clear your mortgage you give away that potential financial advantage.

• Which Scenario is Better in Death?

Not a nice consideration but an important one. When you hold a mortgage, you must also hold mortgage cover. If you pass away your mortgage is paid off and your family will own the house outright. Take for example; Joe Bloggs has €100k in savings and €100k left on his mortgage. In scenario one: Joe pays back his mortgage using his savings so there is no debt due on the house. The next week he passes away and his family inherit the house. In scenario two: Joe decides not to pay off his mortgage early and to invest his savings elsewhere. Unfortunately, Joe passes away days later. In this scenario the mortgage cover that he holds with the bank will pay off his mortgage and his family with inherit the house debtfree. They will also inherit the €100k that Joe has in savings. This leaves Joe’s family in a better place financially than in scenario one.

• Money Available for Other Purchases: Your mortgage will most likely be the biggest financial outlay for your household. However, many people will rely on car loans or home loans to finance other purchases that they want to make. The rate of interest on these loans will always be far higher than on your mortgage. If you need money in the future for any of these purchases, it would be a shame to have to take a loan to finance them having paid back a much cheaper loan on your mortgage.

• Equity Available for a 2nd Property: You may be lucky enough to be able to purchase a 2nd property, maybe as a holiday home or as an investment. Before you can get a 2nd mortgage, you will require a deposit of 20%. By keeping your savings liquid and not using it to pay back your first mortgage you will have the flexibility to consider this option in the future.

• Your Savings can Achieve Higher Returns than the Rate of Interest on your Mortgage: Your mortgage is a long-term loan and the going rate of interest on mortgages now is between 3-4% p.a. Over the long term, if you were invested in equities you could expect an average return of around 6%p.a. This means, through good financial planning you can borrow at low levels of interest and invest your savings at more lucrative rates. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure you are achieving a good level of return on your savings.

You should consult with your financial planner as to the investment options that are available to you today.

In my opinion, from a financial planning perspective, early repayment of your mortgage is generally not the best option. Your mortgage is the cheapest loan that you will ever have and often we are too quick to get rid of this luxury. As illustrated above, early repayment of one’s mortgage is generally an emotional decision,

EchoSport

Leona O’Shea happy to be fighting pride of Shannon with PÁRAIC McMAHON

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INDING an outlet for fitness through kickboxing has allowed Leona O’Shea stay on top of her anxiety while also becoming one of the county’s greatest exports in the

sport.

It was a St Patrick’s Day with a difference for Leona who took time out from the festivities to speak with The Clare Echo as part of the Can’t See Can’t Be series. This conversation did not take place in her native Shannon and was made possible by the beauty of technology as like the Dolores Keane song, she was ‘Far Away in Australia’.

As the eldest of five children, the 24 year old experienced many firsts in the O’Shea household and it would transpire that she would pave the way in taking up a sport that her family had no background in. On why she started kickboxing, Leona revealed “because Shannon was boring,” but it was only when a certain Howie Vincent approached her in the junior gym of Shannon Leisure Centre that her interest in the sport was first piqued.

In fact, becoming a member of Shannon Kickboxing Club would also change her perception of the town. “Once I found a passion for something and had a goal, everything changed. I was a young teenager who liked being active and you couldn’t get more of an active sport then kickboxing. Shannon is a great little town, a close community but when your 13 or 14 you don’t really see or understand that kind of thing. To have someone like Howie have so much love and passion towards teaching kickboxing, self defense or even just pushing you towards your goal it was unreal. I wanted to do well for Shannon and once I made the Irish team I felt I had done that”.

Whilst attending St Patrick’s Comprehensive School at the age of 14 she delved into the sport and Leona admitted that she was not alone in doing so. “Five other girls followed and joined me. It was great, but unfortunately they all eventually left. Sometimes it was tough, being a teenager and going on diets to make weight for fights was hard for some to understand, especially my Mom. But I was training five to six days a week so they understood I loved it. The rest of my friends were either into GAA or no sport at all. The five of us did end up fighting each other in the junior all Ireland finals

In the third of our series focusing on figures in female sport, we speak to champion kickboxer Leona O’Shea, who discusses the importance of sport for young women and how setting goals helped her overcome her own struggles l KICKING ON: Leona with her her trainer and mentor Howie Vincent

which was mental at the time. It was hard getting into a ring to try and beat up your best friend for a title”.

A fighter’s discipline is always tested when it come to cutting weight. Improving her nutritional knowledge was a big asset for O’Shea in hitting the right target.

“Sometimes weight cuts could be drastic. I remember having to lose 10kg for a fight in 10 weeks. We often used sweat suits when training and trained for hours a day”. Shannon Kickboxing Club is proud of the fact that none of its fighters have ever come in too heavy for a bout.

Anxiety when it comes to body image is a big pressure facing young teens these days, and Leona admits she has experienced this both in her sporting endeavours and also through her work as a personal trainer. “I’ve badly struggled with mental health in the past and often still do, fitness has always helped me with this. When I was younger I remember being really self-conscious about having to wear a sports bra for full contact in the ring in front of hundreds of people I knew, but once I realized they were there to cheer me on and not care about the way I

look, I got over it.

“I was never really a girly girl anyway but kickboxing kept me fit for years even if I didn’t think I was at the time, looking back I was always fit throughout my teenage life. I do remember having an obsession with not hitting the 60kg on the scales and always wanting to be below that because I thought I’d get ‘fat’. It’s a huge issue for girls, especially young girls. I’ve seen it so much with clients and even my sisters; the pressure nowadays is much, much worse then what it was when I was growing up”.

Fitness and goal setting has been Leona’s best medicine to deal with anxiety. “I need to have a goal. If I set myself a goal, even a small one, I’ll focus on it. For me it’s always to do with fitness, you always feel so much better after a workout. I don’t know anyone to come out of a workout and not feel a little better then they did before it. Anxiety was a big problem for me, especially in 2016, a horrible year, the only thing that helped me here was my goal to lose 10kgs for a fight.

“I remember Howie mapping me out a run which took me 70 minutes to complete the first time I did it, each time I did this I

set a goal to beat my previous time, the week before the fight I ran the same run in 24 minutes, small things like this always helped and still do help me. It doesn’t always have to be fitness though as not everyone does enjoy it, for example for a family member of mine it’s creating a new makeover, a new challenge to occupy the mind.”

On her difficulties three years ago, she explained, “I did struggle with alcohol in 2016 in the sense that drinking vodka was a bad idea, it would send me into a bad state while out and for days after and it would only be vodka. I just wasn’t a happy person with it and it is safe to say Howie’s rules for a fight helped a lot in the sense your not to go out drinking when training for a fight”.

2009 has fonder memories as she won her first senior Irish kickboxing title at 57kgs.

The Irish Kickboxing Federation (IKF) senior title would follow in subsequent years and resulted in a call up to the national team which she recalled was “a dream come true”.

While representing her country in Italy, Leona won silver in the World Championship losing the final to a Welsh counterpart.

Though it has failed to gain prominence when it comes to media coverage in the county, Shannon Kickboxing Club was in the headlines last November when a brawl erupted outside the ring in a club organised ‘Fight Night’. Having watched online videos from the night, Leona described the scenes as “mental”. “I was so upset that it happened just because Howie does so much good for the town”.

Without Howie Vincent, she is adamant kickboxing would not exist in Shannon.

“He’s so dedicated to all of his members, we’re like a big family and I couldn’t ask for a better coach. He’s the kindest soul but also the most motivating, he always pushes us further then we think we could go”.

While sourcing fights against other females “can be so hard because there’s not that many female fighters. I’ve often fought the same girls more then three times.”

The former St Tola’s student would highly recommend more teenage girls follow her route. “Keeping fit and learning to defend yourself is so important and kickboxing will give you both. It’s a great way to de-stress, make new friends and learn a new skill that will stick with you forever and something you won’t regret”.

SPORT

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

35

Banner limp out of league Waterford 0-31 Clare 1-14

National Hurling League At Walsh Park

Hurling JAMES MULVIHILL

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LARE’S League campaign came to an end at the hands of Waterford in Walsh Park on Saturday.

An inspiring performance came from Stephen Bennett who scored 0-16 which included fourteen frees. Austin Gleeson and Pauric Mahony were outstanding scoring ten points from play between them. Waterford will take on Galway in the semi-finals at Nowlan Park this weekend.

Clare will be disappointed with the result and they have issues to sort out before the Championship.

Ryan Taylor was a bright spark as he took the fight to Waterford. Gary Cooney, Jack Browne and Cathal Malone also performed well. Clare finished this game with 13 men with the dismissals of Conor Cleary and

Peter Duggan. Clare will travel to Walsh Park again on May 12th to face Waterford in the first round of the Munster Championship.

It was looking good for Clare early on at Walsh Park. Clare were awarded an early penalty when Gary Cooney broke onto a loose ball before he was pulled to the ground by Shane McNulty.

Peter Duggan made no mistake in dispatching the ball past Stephen O’Keeffe to extend Clare’s lead to five points. Waterford stayed in touch thanks to placed balls from Stephen Bennett and Clare led at the interval 1-10 to 0-11.

However a second-half onslought from the Déise left Clare firmly chasing their tails for the remainder of the game. Clare’s second half got worse when they

were reduced to 14 men with Conor Cleary given his marching orders from referee Sean Cleere for a striking offence. This appeared to be a harsh call as there was no malice on Conor’s part.

Clare’s misery was complete when Duggan was given a second yellow and Clare were reduced to 13 men.

The attendance was 2,753.

Waterford: Stephen O’Keeffe; Shane McNulty (0-1), Philip Mahony, Noel Connors; Callum Lyons, Kevin Moran, Austin Gleeson (0-5); Jamie Barron, Colm Roche (0-1); Jack Prendergast, Mikey Kearney, Pauric Mahony (0-5); Peter Hogan (0-2), Stephen Bennett (0-16,14fs), Shane Bennett (0-1 sideline). Subs: Colin Dunford for Prendergast (56 mins), Maurice Shanahan for Kearney (59), Stephen Roche for Barron (67), DJ Foran for Shane Bennett (68), Michael Walsh for Gleeson (69).

Clare: Donal Tuohy; Seadna Morey, David McInerney, Jack Browne; Patrick O’Connor, Conor Cleary, Aidan McCarthy (0-1); Shane Golden, Colm Galvin; Peter Duggan (1-7,1-0pen,6fs,1 sideline), Tony Kelly (0-3), Cathal Malone (0-2); Gary Cooney, Aron Shanagher (01), Podge Collins. Subs: Ryan Taylor for Golden (H/T), David Fitzgerald for Morey (45 mins), Diarmuid Ryan for Galvin (51 mins), Colin Guilfoyle for Shanagher (55 mins), Jason McCarthy for Collins (59 mins).

Win or bust in Thurles

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BY PÁRAIC McMAHON

first half you’d have been delighted with the way they played, we played some really good football and were unlucky not to be ahead at half-time.

I still think they’re well capable of a big display next Sunday”.

On what to expect from Tipperary, he said, “We’ve played them a good few times and we’ve had tough battles with them, this is one we need to give everything into and hopefully get a good performance down there”.

EMPLE Stadium is the destination this Sunday as Clare’s senior footballers will attempt to retain their place in Division 2 of the Allianz National Football League.

Thus far with just one win and a draw to their name coupled with four defeats, Clare have it all to do when they face off with Tipperary. The Premier County themselves are fighting for survival with the exact same outcome from their six games in the league.

Speaking to The Clare Echo ahead of the decisive game, Banner boss Colm Collins insisted that the various permutations that exist were of little interest and his main focus was on guaranteeing their survival by winning.

A positive opening half display in their five point loss to Meath last Sunday strengthened his belief that Clare will be able to lift their game when it matters at the l FINAL FLING: Gavin Cooney races past Meath’s Shane Gallagher in weekend. “In the Clare’s defeat at the weekend

Photo by Martin Connolly

lHANGING ON FOR LIFE: Clare are awarded a penalty as Gary Cooney is dragged to the ground by Waterford’s Shane McNulty Photo by Martin Connolly

Clare happy with campaign

I

N DISHING out an overall grade for Clare’s 2019 Allianz National Hurling League effort, a pass rate would be the reward, writes Páraic McMahon. Though it was not a case of passing with flying colours and more doing enough to get by.

Of the six games played, home wins over Kilkenny and Wexford were recorded with away defeats to Tipperary, Cork and Waterford, not to omit drawing with All-Ireland champions Limerick in Cusack Park three weeks ago.

As he took a step back assess their campaign in the minutes after Saturday’s fourteen point loss, Joint Manager Donal Moloney admitted, “We were

quite happy with it up until today to be honest, we found a few new players and we changed the team a bit again today put in some new guys and give the likes of Seadna a bit of game time and try out Aidan McCarthy at wing forward. We’ve a lot to sift through in terms of looking at the overall performances and start getting ready for May”.

Switching his attention to their most recent outing, he said, “I was quite disappointed, we expected to perform better than we did but Waterford were excellent and fair play to them”. He added, “We were flat today but Waterford were well worthy of their win”.

The Scorecard in association with

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EAST CLARE Men’s Singles Stableford 1st John Fahy (19) 38 pts Men’s Matchplay Qualifier, 1st John Fahy (19) 38 pts 2nd Tony McNulty (12) 37 pts ( back 9 ) KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Senior Ladies Scramble 12/03/2019.

No Golf due to inclement weather Senior Men’s Team Competition 13/03/2019.

1 .Finbar McMahon, John Stapleton, Sean Moran 59 pts 2.Tom Coffey, Ml McNamara,Tom Cleary 59 pts 3.Ml Ryan, Ml. Hogan, Ml Leonard 59 pts KGC 12 Holes Weekly Singles 11/03/19 – 17/03/19 1. Pat Shannon (Cappa) 22 pts St Patrick’s Mixed Scramble Monday 18th Mar 1. Brendan Carey, Joe Linnane, Shane Lillis, Clair Pyne 35.25 pts 2. Shane Carey, Ml Hogan, Mary G Nolan Margaret Hehir 39.17 pts 3. John Hehir, Tom Clancy, Anne Marie Donnellan 39.17 pts 4. Joan O’Malley, Ml Studdert, Sean Lyons 40.56 pts

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The Clare Echo Classifieds

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Classifieds JOB OPPORTUNITIES

PAINTING

ROOFING

CLASSIFIEDS 37 CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

STORAGE

LEARNING WELDING

MAINTENANCE

The Clare Echo Classifieds Contact 065 671 9021

ALL GAMES (HTTP://PUZZLES.BESTFORPUZZLES.COM/CATEGORY/ALLGAMES/) Game

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› Word › Best Daily Word Se… (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/category/word/)

PUZZLEPAGE 38 (http://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com)

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

Best Daily Word Search

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES MAR 21

Best Daily Word Search: 14 March 2019

WORD SEARCH

Alphabetic

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ACROSS 1 Charitable donations (4)

3 National emblem of

Ireland (8) 9 Obstacle (7)

10 Long, pine (5) 11 Commencement

(5) Solve (/games/best-daily-word-search/?

12 Zealous (6)

now puzzleDate=20190314) 14 UK tax collectors (6,7)

17 Science of light (6)

19 Bare (5) 22 Combine (5)

23 Slope (7) 24 Age of majority (8)

25 Supreme god of ancient Greece (4)

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The Clare Echo Crossword Clear

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HOW TO PLAY

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

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3/14/2019

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, MAR 21 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz ST PATRICK’S QUIZ

He was British, He was never Canonized by a Pope, His last words were ‘Have a drink in my honour’

Now for some local questions about the big man...

4

Approximately how many people attend the Ennis St Patrick’s Day parade every year?

5,000 | 10,000 | 20,000

Boston, Chicago, New York

The first St Patrick’s Day parade 8 in the US was held in 1737 in which city?

Boston, Chicago, New York

The St Patrick’s Day meeting in 9 the White House is an annual event, but it first took place between president Eisenhower and which taoiseach?

Eamon de Valera, Sean Lemass, John A Costello

And finally...

Which Clare village is reputed 5 to have the shortest St Patrick’s is St Patrick’s Day observed on March 17?

10 Why Day parade in the world?

Feakle , Cranny , Carrigaholt

Day of his birth, Day of his death, Day he got rid of the shnakes

ANSWERS 1.Blue

3

Which of the following statements about St Patrick is not true?

American city first dyed its 7 Which river green for St Patrick’s Day?

2. Slave trader 7. Chicago 3. He was never Canonized by a Pope 8. Boston

it’s likely he was what?

Slave trader, Farmer, Excellent footballer

Now let’s check in across the pond...

9. John A Costello

St Patrick himself was from 2 Britain, and according to 2012 research from Cambridge University

4. 10,000

Yellow, Blue, It was always green

erick. But what did he say?

‘My blessing over to you’ ‘Blessed be the Banner’ ‘Blessings upon this Western land’

10.Day of his death

Patrick’s Day was originally 1 Stassociated with which colour?

It’s said St Patrick blessed Co 6 Clare while looking across the Shannon from Knockpatrick in Lim-

5. Carrigaholt

We’ll start off with some general St Patrick’s questions...

6. ‘My blessing over to you’

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Pier, Killaloe, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection

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