The Clare Echo 21/12/23 by The Clare Echo

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Dec 21 2023

HOW’S IT GOIN’ LOHANS Festive bonus

for Shannon Airport...

Busiest Christmas season since 09 but fears over Dublin lifting passenger cap by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Brid and Gus Lohan receive a gift from Santa Claus at the senior citizens party organised by Shannon Gardaí held at The Goalpost Photo by Joe Buckley Bar

AS SHANNON AIRPORT gears up for its busiest Christmas in fourteen years, attempts by Dublin Airport to lift its passenger cap have been labelled as “illogical”. Over 121,000 passengers are due through the gates of Shannon Airport during the festive period, marking a jump of 18 percent. On Friday last, Fingal County Council received a planning application from the Dublin Airport Authority to build a suite of 11 infrastructure projects at Dublin Airport and the surrounding area and increase passenger capacity from 32 million to 40 million passengers per annum.

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) said, “they want to have capacity for 40m. It seems illogical as a nation that we would allow for this imbalance”. Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) has called on the Transport Minister to ensure any distribution on night flights in Dublin by the DAA does not favour Cork Airport over Shannon. “We’re not looking for half the flights that are coming into Dublin, we’re only looking for five to seven percent of the flights to come into Shannon that are going to Dublin, the only way that can change I’m led to believe is by altering the National Aviation Policy,” maintained Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF).

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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CONTENTS

NEWS .............................2-29 YEAR IN REVIEW.........30-35 GREEN CLARE ...........36-37 COLUMNISTS ..............38-42 BUSINESS ...................44-48 SPORT..........................50-57 CLASSIFIEDS ..............58-59 PLANNING ........................62

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Souvenir booklet continues efforts to honour O’Regan by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SOUVENIR book honouring one of Clare’s greatest visionaries has been launched by Sixmilebridge Historical Society. In July, a life-size statue in memory of Dr Brendan O’Regan was erected in the heart of Sixmilebridge and now

a book chronicling the various stages involved in this project has been released. O’Regan was responsible for the development of Shannon Airport and transforming the Shannon Region, he developed the Shannon Free Zone in 1951. Tim Crowe, secretary of the Sixmilebridge Historical Society told

The Clare Echo, “the purpose of the statue overall was to re-establish the name of Brendan O’Regan and his achievements in the Mid-West, it had been forgotten over the last 30 to 40 years with various generations failing to recognise his contributions. The Sixmilebridge Historical Society aimed

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kieran@clareecho.ie ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

l LEGACY: Karen Ievers, Tim Crowe, Michael McNamara, David Deighan, Paddy Higgins, Mayor of Clare Cllr Joe Cooney, Louis Fay St Francis Credit Union (sponsors of the book) and John O’Brien Photo by John O’Brien

to remember his legacy starting with primary school students and working up to adults”. Efforts are ongoing to organise an information night early in 2024 where O’Regan’s achievements will be demonstated to the public. “It is an ongoing process, the booklet was another opportunity to highlight his contribution to the Mid-West”. 500 copies of the souvenir publication have been published and are available in local shops or from any of the Historical Committee. “This is a process, it is coming from a low ebb because the amount of people that had never heard of him is mind boggling, generations of influential people have failed to inform various generations of what he has achieved,” Tim stated. Conversations have commenced with officials in the Department of Education to

try include O’Regan in future history books at second-level. Tim maintained that the Department “didn’t see fit” to previously include the creator of the first duty-free shop in the world when Sean Lemass and TK Whitaker were included. Crowe felt it was important to start a conversation about potentially rebranding Shannon Airport to include the name of Dr Brendan O’Regan. “The word Shannon remaining is very important. I wanted to start a conversation about including the name Brendan O’Regan on the name of Shannon Airport. J “ohn Lennon, George Best, Charles de Gauille and John F Kennedy all have airports named after them so I don’t see why Brendan O’Regan can’t. Shannon Airport wouldn’t have remained only for what he achieved”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Lifting passenger cap would be ‘illogical’ by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ALLOWING DUBLIN Airport to lift its passenger cap by 8 million would be “illogical,” a Clare councillor has stated. On Friday, Fingal County Council received long-awaited planning application from DAA to build a suite of 11 infrastructure projects at Dublin Airport and the surrounding area and increase passenger capacity from 32 million to 40 million passengers per annum. This application to increase passenger capacity at Dublin Airport has been criticised for ignoring Ireland’s national planning framework and strengthens the need for a review of the country’s aviation policy. Families who have unexpectedly found themselves living under a new flight path following the opening of Dublin Airport’s north runway last year are calling for the Government to intervene and force the operator of Dublin Airport to change its air routes. The new €320m north runway at Dublin Airport opened on 24 August last year. In a proposal before this month’s sitting of Clare County Council, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) asked that “Clare County Council calls on the Minister for Transport to ensure that the DAA doesn’t use its ownership of Cork Airport to disadvantage Shannon in the distribution of excess traffic arising from restrictions on night flights to Dublin”. He stated, “changes to the board have helped Shannon in a huge way”. The plans of the daa to give night flights from Dublin to Cork were described as “really annoying”

by Cllr McMahon. He added, “The silence in our opposition and from our own TDs from Clare and Limerick was deafening and really surprising, when you think of our Cabinet, its membership, we have high-profile ministers in Cork, one in Kerry, one in Donegal, none in Clare, Tipperary, Limerick, Galway, Mayo or Leitrim which shows the attitude of our Government whether we like it or not”. Newmarket-on-Fergus based McMahon continued, “Why could a humble councillor be bringing this up but I’m trying to defend Shannon and make it equal to any other area”. He continued, “For the first time ever in my experience, we have the support of the people from the Dublin hinterland using our Airport. I would hope that we can increase services seven days a week in Shannon Airport”. Dublin Airport’s plans to seek an increased passenger capacity of 8 million were referenced by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF). She said, “they want to have capacity for 40m. It seems illogical as a nation that we would allow for this imbalance”. Seconding the proposal, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) said “changing the flight paths is upsetting the whole place that they are flying over. All we’ve looked for is to change aviation policy, we’re not looking for half the flights that are coming into Dublin, we’re only looking for five to seven percent of the flights to come into Shannon that are going to Dublin, the only way that can change I’m led to believe is by altering the National Aviation Policy”. O’Gorman was critical that bus services

are now going directly from Ennis to Dublin Airport but not to Shannon Airport, “call it whatever colour bus you want, you can get the bus whether it is green or blue from Ennis all the way to Dublin Airport but not into Shannon”. Clare County Council need to be making a submission on the national aviation policy, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) maintained, “requesting a binding requirement to increase traffic through our regional airports”. Shannon representative, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) stated, “It is a small percentage that we are looking for and it is the Airport

that has won awards for being so welcoming and such a fast recovery from COVID. It is so easy is the feedback from people outside so it does need more flights”. Regional airports need to get fair equality in any aviation strategy, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) commented. “Shannon should not be deprived of getting extra flights from Dublin. Dublin is a nightmare and I’ve seen it firsthand”. “We need to look at the tourism element to ensure people flying into Shannon are staying an extra night or two in the county,” Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) remarked.

Shannon Airport welcoming committee

Students and staff from St John’s NS in Shannon Airport welcomed passengers to Shannon Airport with fesive tunes this week. Shannon Airport staff are dedicated to providing a warm welcome to the 121,000 passengers arriving from around the world during the Christmas season Photo by Joe Buckley

Christmas can be a challenging time for family members, relatives and friends who have been bereaved by suicide. Clare Suicide Bereavement support are available to offer support to Individuals, Families and Communities over the Christmas season. Support and Healing in a Caring and Confidential Environment

Call 0873698315 or 0860565373 for more information or Visit claresuicidebereavementsupport.com

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Fresh investigation ordered into death of Aoife Johnston

l Claire and Joe Collins

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THE families of suspected 'murder-suicide' couple, Joe and Claire Collins from Kilnaboy have come together to publish a notice thanking their wonderful friends and neighbours, who have been on hand with "many, many fond memories of our beloved Claire and Joe”. In a published acknowledgment ahead of a joint Month’s Mind mass “for Claire and Joe” which is to take place in Kilnaboy on Friday evening, the notice states that “we, the families of Claire and Joe would like to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have sympathised with us on our recent tragic loss on the 9th of November”. On November 9th last, the bodies of the couple were found at their home at Crossard, Kilnaboy, Co Clare and Gardai are treating the deaths as a suspected ‘murder suicide’ where Joe Collins (54) is believed to have killed his Claire (51) who was found dead in the bedroom of their home before Mr Collins took his own life in an outhouse at the detached bungalow. In the published acknowledgement, the families of the couple state “we will be forever grateful for the overwhelming love, support and kind gestures shown to us during this challenging time”. They add that “the support from the communities of Kilnaboy and Corofin have been a great source of comfort to us during these immensely difficult days. Your continuing kindness and prayers are an ongoing source of consolation”. The families further add “to all those who have reached out with words and gestures of sympathy and encouragement over the past number of weeks, we are eternally grateful”. The notice in today’s Clare Champion newspaper is accompanied by a wedding day photo of the smiling couple and the notice adds “a special word of thanks to our wonderful friends and neighbours, who have been on hand with meals, company and many, many fond memories of our beloved Claire and Joe, we are so thankful”. The families state that the gentle and supportive presence of Fr Des Hillery “has been of immense comfort to everyone you have given your time to”. The families further state that “to Claire’s fantastic friends at the Burren Centre in Kilfenora and to Joe’s brilliant group at Dolmen Cycling Club, thank you for speaking for them often and the stories you shared with us”.

The notice adds “to those who travelled and queued for hours to pay their respects, thank you for your warm words and your shared grief”. The notice also thanks members of staff at Zimmer Biomet in Shannon for the guard of honour outside Shannon crematorium and to Dolmen Cycling Club for the guard of honour outside the Church. The notice also thanks the Gardaí and Emergency Services “who assisted our families in every way possible during the many difficult days before and after the funeral”. The notice adds “to those who were not able to be present in person, through messages of condolence, who sent Mass cards and were on the phone, you remind us that we are not alone as we navigate our way through these difficult days”. The families state that “as it is impossible to name everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our heartfelt gratitude”. Providing an update on the Garda investigation into the suspected 'murder suicide', a Clare Garda spokesman said on Thursday “numerous people have been interviewed and statements taken. CCTV footage has been examined to help trace the final movements of both and anyone who interacted with them”. The spokesman said that Gardaí will present a file to the County Coroner, Isobel O’Dea who will fix a date for inquest. The spokesman said that the file is not complete at this stage. He said, "There are certain strands as regards forensics and so on that would take a bit of time”. He said, "A lot of work has been done up until now. The investigation is not going in any other direction than what we said initially in that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the investigation”. He said, “We have the preliminary post mortem reports but we are still waiting on a full post mortem report and these reports can take some time”. He said, “It would the norm that a Garda file wouldn’t be complete within three months.” The Clare Garda spokesman confirmed that no weapon was recovered from the scene. He said, “Once completed, we will submit the investigation file to the coroner for the inquest to be held in due course”. The couple - who recently became grand-parents - are survived by daughters Sara and Tara and members of the wider Meere and Collins families.

l Aoife Johnston and (below) HSE CEO Bernard Gloster

at the time of her first anniversary to apologise unreservedly to Aoife’s family, recognising no words of mine can ever take away their loss. I do however assure them that the issues raised in the report will be investigated thoroughly”. Ms Johnston’s family said that it is “satisfied” that a more thorough inquiry into the death will be carried out. A statement, issued by Senior Counsel Damien Tansey on their behalf, said, “We got the report following the review carried out this year, belatedly, and close to the anniversary of her death”.

“

Clearly, a lot of questions remain unanswered in the report

“

Families of Kilnaboy couple thank neighbours and friends

A FRESH investigation into the death of a Shannon teenager has been announced by the HSE. Aoife Johnston (16) died on December 19th 2022 of bacterial meningitis at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). She had presented at the hospital, two days previous. On Monday evening, the Health Service Executive ordered a formal investigation into the death of the St Caimin’s Community School pupil. The HSE said that CEO Bernard Gloster has considered a report, which the agency received this month, into the death. This initial report found Aoife waited 12 hours in UHL’s severely overcrowded emergency department and was not treated for sepsis until it was too late. She was not given the care she required despite her family desperately flagging her deteriorating condition. The review found that delays in her treatment breached national guidelines on sepsis management. UHL had commissioned the report last January, it was due to be completed in March but was only given to Aoife’s family in the past fortnight. Of this review, the HSE stated, “the report is significant in its findings about the care of Aoife and the operation of the hospital. “Having considered all of the matters, the CEO is satisfied that questions of accountability need to be addressed,” the statement added. CEO of the HSE, Bernard Gloster has announced the appointment of former Chief Justice Mr Justice Frank Clarke (retired) to conduct a formal investigation into all of these matters, to make findings and to report to him. In his statement issued to The Clare Echo, Gloster outlined, “There are many situations in health and social care where analysis of adverse incidents can glean learnings for improvement. “There are also situations where clearly further investigation is required and I am satisfied this is one of those. I intend to finalise the Terms of Reference in the coming weeks and have asked Mr Justice Clarke to conduct a timely but thorough investigation. “I will not be in a position to provide any further details at this time, but again take the opportunity on behalf of the HSE,

Their statement added, “The family welcomed, albeit belatedly, the publication and delivery of the report prepared by the review committee following their investigation. “Clearly, a lot of questions remain unanswered in the report and the family are very satisfied that a more indepth and forensic investigation will now be conducted under the chairmanship of the retired Chief Justice

Frank Clarke. “Clearly, they are also concerned that whatever needs to be done, following the in-depth forensic investigation, will be done and done in a timely manner so that no other family is faced with the nightmare that is ongoing for the surviving parents and children since this tragedy occurred”. Senator Martin Conway (FG) has said the fresh investigation is a welcome development. “This is a very tragic case and puts a lot of issues into perspective for everyone at this time of year. Aoife’s family have lived with her passing for the last 12 months and they deserve to know the circumstances of everything surrounding their experiences at UHL last December”. “I hope this investigation, overseen by former Chief Justice Mr Justice Frank Clarke, takes place in a speedy manner, and without any delays, so that the HSE can be best informed as to what should happen thereafter,” the Ennistymon Senator added.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Increase in visitor numbers at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park

East Clare Chess share their skills Raheen Hospital residents Francis O’Rourke and Jack O’Mara enjoy a visit from Scariff based East Clare chess

VISITOR numbers at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in County Clare have exceeded more than 344,000 for the year to date representing a 14% increase on the overall visitor count for 2022, writes Páraic McMahon. The popularity of the Clare attraction is also reflected in a 30% increase in the number of people attending the Bunratty Medieval Banquet. 43,000 people have this year attended one of Ireland’s oldest running evening entertainment shows, which in 2023 celebrated its 65th anniversary. This jump in visitor numbers coincides with an ongoing programme of investment in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park as part of a €10.5m capital investment in some of Clare’s best known visi-

tor attractions. Clare County Council, supported by government, has invested more than €4m in Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, Craggaunowen, Knappogue Castle and the retail unit at the Cliffs of Moher since the management of the Shannon Heritage properties was transferred from the Shannon Airport Group in April. An additional €6.5m has been earmarked for investment during the first six months of 2024 in the Clare County Council owned Shannon Heritage DAC portfolio of attractions, which also includes Inis Cealtra (Holy Island Visitor Experience) in Mountshannon. Meanwhile, in the 12 months from May 2023, 40 new positions

will have been generated across Operations, Finance, HR, ICT, Administration and Sales and Marketing services at Inis Cealtra, Bunratty, Craggaunowen, Cliffs of Moher, Knappogue and Vandeleur Walled Gardens, and in Shared Services. “It has been a hugely successful year for one of Clare’s signature visitor attractions,” stated Stephen Hanley, General Manager of Clare Tourism East. “Staff and management are delivering a world class tourism product, and we are committed to achieving double digit growth in visitor numbers for the next three years”. “A comprehensive and much needed programme of investment in the sites is happening at a very exciting time for Clare”.

Ennis 2040 to deliver housing scheme

ENNIS 2040 DAC are to manage the delivery of the county’s first affordable housing scheme, writes Páraic McMahon. The Clare Echo has learned that the designated active company which was established in June 2021 after elected members of Clare County Council voted to approve a €10m loan for its formation, is now going to manage the delivery of Clare’s first affordable housing scheme. In early 2023, the Department of Housing granted Clare access to the Affordable Housing Fund. Clare County Council in October 2022 acquired a block of six cottages with the intention of using the site as a temporary car park and then a mixed-use development as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy, they had initially been on the market for €700,000. This October, the Council confirmed that the Francis Street site was to be used for the county’s first affordable housing scheme that its planned use as a temporary car park would not proceed. Confusion sparked at this month’s sitting of the Social Devel-

opment Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) where officials in the housing department dodged questions from SPC Chair, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) and trade unions representative, Tommy Guilfoyle on the involvement of Ennis 2040 DAC with the Francis Street site. Following this meeting, The Clare Echo questioned both Clare County Council and Ennis 2040 DAC as to what the role of the private company would be in the affordable housing scheme. Staff in the Council’s housing team are currently preparing a submission for the Francis Street project to the Department of Housing for access to the Affordable Housing Fund, this application is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks. A spokesperson for the Council told The Clare Echo, “This submission will be based on the design relating to the project as prepared by Ennis 2040 on behalf of Clare County Council. Ennis 2040 DAC in collaboration with the Housing Department of Clare County Council is managing the delivery of the Francis Street

project on behalf of Clare County Council”. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Flynn expressed his shock at the involvement of Ennis 2040 DAC in the affordable housing scheme. “The bottom line here is you have an inexperienced body who was never put in place to deal with housing and then you have an experienced body like Clare County Council’s team in the housing department being demoted and they have no choice but to carry out the wishes of the Chief Executive. The DAC was put on the road by the Council and it is now becoming the lead authority on the delivery of affordable housing in Ennis”. Shannon based Flynn who leads the Council’s SPC on housing believed there was now more questions than answers. “I don’t know what their function is, the limited company wasn’t put in place to deal with housing. I chair the housing policy and they are not an approved housing body. I find it very strange, especially with an affordable housing scheme those properties will be sold and the people that buy them don’t want to be

lENNIS 2040: Francis St cottages managed by a limited company”. He added, “The Francis Street site was bought by Clare County Council, will the Council continue to buy sites and hand them over, it is democracy gone mad and there is no accountability at all”. Cllr Flynn felt it was time for the Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling to now remove “the interference of the private company”. He stated, “The original information given to elected members was that the private company was set up to examine vacant and derelict sites

in Ennis and try and encourage better use of these properties but unfortunately the terms of reference seems to have grown out of control. It is also of great concern that the seven elected representatives in the Ennis Municipal District have not united to stand against the unelected private company as housing in Ennis and indeed throughout Clare is in crisis and now more than ever the democratic mandate of elected councillors is under attack from a very centralised form of local governance”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Everyone at Clare Credit Unions would like to wish all our members a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

www.clarecreditunions.ie Credit Unions are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Council hire private security firm to manage reopened Market building

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ MARKET Building has reopened to the public with Clare County Council engaging the services of a private security company. On Tuesday, Clare County Council confirmed that the building which was built at a cost of €500,000 as part of a wider €1.75m development, has reopened. Fifteen public car parking spaces are provided in the Market Building. Anti-social behaviour in November promoted the closure of the building on “workplace safety, health and public welfare concerns” according to a spokesperson for the County Council. Elected members in the Ennis Municipal District this month voiced their annoyance at not being consulted prior to the closure. A private security company has been hired by the Council “on a temporary basis to facilitate the reopening of the facility and to ensure that all available public car parking spaces are operational with immediate effect,” the Council spokesperson confirmed. When the initial closure of the building was announced last month, the Council told The Clare Echo reports that they were to hire a security company to police the building

were untrue. Opting to hire the private security company has happened “following a review,” the spokesperson confirmed. “In the intervening period, the Local Authority has engaged with An Garda Síochána to address ongoing anti-social behaviour at the facility”. The spokesperson added, “Clare County Council wishes to acknowledge the business community and public for their patience and understanding during the period of closure”. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly stated, “It is too costly a building to leave idle”. He said, “due to the anti-social behaviour that happened there a couple of weeks ago, Ennis MD had no choice but to close it. Now they have no choice but to reopen it due to the huge lack of parking in the Market and throughout the town”. Anti-social behaviour in the Market area has subsided, Cllr Daly maintained. He said traders in the area were keen to see the facility reopen. “I intend in the New Year to try and get something going there in the building, there’s many views out there like a coffee dock or an antique market, it is an amenity for the general public and I’d like the community to advise the Ennis MD on what they would like there”.

lMarket Building

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Nollaig Shona My Priorities for 2024 Making it easier for people to renovate their homes in line with EU targets Boosting Irish trade through EU trade agreements and supporting SMEs Supporting EU policies to reduce energy prices and promote renewable energy Prioritising consumers through EU policies such as right to repair Ensuring a green deal that supports rural communities and farmers

Seán

KELLY

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Wishing you all the best for the New Year!

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Advertorial

Season’s greetings from Dr Nadine Aesthetics Dr Nadine passionate about educating Clare public on importance of safety in aesthetics

R. NADINE and her team at Dr. Nadine Aesthetics, Chapel Lane Ennis would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and season’s greetings to the people of Clare and beyond for their continued support and custom. November marked the two year anniversary of the growing business which also this year welcomed two new team members. Dr Nadine received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from University College Cork with Honours in 2017. Steeped in a background of head and neck anatomy she developed a keen interest in Aesthetic medicine. Facial aesthetics is becoming increasingly popular in Ireland and with that Dr. Nadine feels passionately about keeping standards high. Unfortunately, it is an unregulated area of medicine that can be practiced by unlicensed individuals and non-medics.

She continues to educate her patients on the importance of safety in aesthetics. She aims to create natural, subtle changes so each individual can feel a fresher version of themselves. Conscious of maintaining skin health with treatments such as Hydrafacials, microneedling and medical grade skincare Dr Nadine works alongside Skin Therapists Michaela, Jade and Melissa. Last year the local business hosted an in house charity raffle but this year Dr Nadine has instead decided to make a company donation of €2,000 to Clare Haven. Maria Kerin of Clare Haven tells us this generous donation will “go towards a youth space for children and young people impacted by domestic abuse located at Abbey Lodge, Kildysart Cross.’’ Dr Nadine Aesthetics, Chapel Lane, Ennis 0876854257 Drnadineaestheticsennis@gmail.com www.drnadineaesthetics.com

l PRESENTATION: (above) Dr. Nadine Smith-Quinn pictured with her husband Brian Quinn of Four Seasons Fruit & Veg, Tulla Rd, presenting a donation of €2,000 to Maria Kerin of Clare Haven; and (below, l-r) Mary Smith (Reception), Jade MaMahon (Skin Therapist), Maria Kerin (Clare Haven), Dr. Nadine Smith-Quinn, Melissa Carty (Skin Therapist), Michaela O’Connor(Skin Therapist)

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Armada Hotel on course for record breaking 2023

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

MOUNT EVEREST conqueror John Burke is scaling new heights with his Spanish Point hotel business on course for record revenues and profitability in 2023. Mr Burke operates the Armada Hotel that overlooks Spanish Point beach in West Clare and new accounts for Armada Holdings Ltd show that pre-tax profits last year increased by 61 percent to €1.5m. This followed revenues more than doubling from €5.1m to €11.69m as the business recovered from the COVID-19 impact and closure for almost half of 2021. The hotel is one of the most popular hotel venues in the west of Ireland for weddings and a note attached to the accounts states that the business is performing strongly and business on the books for 2023 and 2024 would indicate business will continue to grow in 2023. The note states that “2023 should be a record year in terms of sales and profitability. Despite the impact of rising costs the directors believe that the hotel can

continue to perform strongly and deliver growth year on year”. Mr Burke climbed to the top of Mount Everest in 2017 and is part of a business double act where his wife and former Fair City actor, Aoibhin Garrihy is continuing to expand her Beo wellness brand this year with the recent opening of a new retail outlet in Ennis. In a note attached to the new Armada accounts, it states that as the business emerges from the impact of Covid-19 "a truer picture of the trading potential emerges”. It states, “The completion of an expansion programme has seen the addition of the new Aileens restaurant and the repurposing of the Pearl suite”. It adds, “These developments have allowed the hotel to trade stronger in new markets, such as corporate meetings and events and leisure guest stays during weekends”. “Along with this the addition of Armada House, a historical property and its 13 bedrooms has grown the hotel's room stock significantly along with the diversity of the product offering. It adds further “the Armada has set a new bar for turnover level in

l John Burke

2022 that gives great confidence in the company’s ability to perform in to the future”. In a report signed off by directors, John Burke and June Curtin, it adds that “the directors have strong belief that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future”. The profit for last year takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of €819,363.

The business recorded an operating profit of €1.7m and interest charge of €191,786 reduced profits to a pre-tax profit of €1.5m The business enjoyed a post-tax profit of €1.32m after incurring a corporation tax charge of €190,732. The expanded hotel enterprise is one of the largest employers in West Clare and numbers employed last year increased from 180 to 195 as wages and expenses totalled €3.87m last year.

Record rates of RSV A SIGNIFICANT number of child hospitalisations have been recorded in the Mid-West due to rising levels of RSV, writes Páraic McMahon. Public Health HSE Mid-West and UL Hospitals Group are urging parents to be vigilant of their children’s symptoms. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a highly contagious respiratory disease, which generally occurs between October and April, with cases peaking in December. In the past fortnight, medics saw the highest ever weekly number of cases of RSV and the highest ever weekly number of hospitalisations caused by RSV in Ireland and has surpassed the peak of last year’s RSV surge. Current trends indicate that RSV has yet to peak this season. RSV is mostly mild in adults and older children but can cause bronchiolitis in very young babies. This may lead to breathing and feeding difficulties and can result in hospitalisation. It can also be serious and life-threatening for older adults, individuals with weak immune systems, and children who are premature or have chronic heart and lung disease. RSV is one of the leading causes of bronchiolitis, which is a common chest infection in babies (under six months) and young children (under two years). There have been at least 260 cases of RSV in Limerick (123), Tipperary (82), and Clare (55) since October, as of December 2. Most cases of bronchiolitis/RSV can be cared for at home, and can clear without treatment. However, symptoms can worsen quickly, so it is important to watch symptoms.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

‘One of the most honest men’

RIBUTES to long-serving political representative and former councillor, Bill Chambers (FF) were made by Fianna Fáil members in Kilrush on Sunday evening, writes Páraic McMahon. In November, Chambers tendered his resignation from Clare County Council where he had held unbroken service over 38 years since his first election in 1985. Bill and his family were the guests of honour in The Old Ground Hotel on Monday last as the local authority honoured him for his contribution by presenting an inscribed piece of glass and a framed certificate. The event was attended by county councillors and senior officials in the Council. Cllr Mary Howard (FG) described it as “a special evening celebrating the retirement of our friend and colleague”. “We are sorry to see Bill retire, we will all miss his easy smile and gentle guidance, but wish him and his family every blessing for

the future,” the Ennis woman stated. On Sunday evening, Fianna Fáil members in West Clare gathered to select Bill’s successor on the local authority for the next six months up until the 2024 elections. Although there was no presentation made to Bill at this occasion, there was plenty of plaudits instead. Rita McInerney who won the vote to fill the seat vacated by Bill acknowledged her predecessor. “Bill worked tirelessly for West Clare, his shoes will be very hard to fill”. Paying tribute to “our good friend Bill,” Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) told the convention that he served side by side with Bill for thirty eight years. “It will be a very hard challenge to replace him,” the Lissycasey representative commented. According to Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF), “Bill is one of the most honest men I’ve had the privilege of knowing, if he said he was backing you then he was because his word was his bond”.

lPOLITICS: Rita McInerney on the General Election trail in 2020 with Bill Chambers

McInerney to be co-opted by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

lFAREWELL: Bill Chambers celebrates his retirement with family, friends and colleagues

Fianna Fáil add 21 year old Rachel Hartigan to ballot

FIANNA FÁIL have announced the addition of Ardnacrusha’s Rachel Hartigan as a candidate in the Shannon Municipal District for the local elections in June, writes Páraic McMahon. Rachel’s addition makes her the youngest candidate in the county thus far. Rachel stated, “If elected, I want to be a strong voice for young people in our area. But what affects young people in this country affects people of all

age groups… a 50 year old might struggle as much as a 25 year old affording a house in our beautiful locality. The lack of public transport in our area affects the 70 year old retiree as much as the 17 year old teenager”. A politics student in UL, Rachel commented, “Our area in general has been underrepresented for a few years. “One thing I have heard over and over again when I’ve been out meeting mem-

bers of the community, is that there is a sense that Westbury, Shannon Banks, and Lakyle/Keelgrove/Ballyglass are the ‘forgotten estates’, along with Parteen village. We deserve to have a local voice on the council to highlight and prioritise the issues in our locality. “Having grown up in Ardnacrusha, gone to school in Parteen, and living in such close proximity to Westbury and Shannon Banks, I am as local as it gets”.

DOONBEG’s Rita McInerney has been selected as Fianna Fáil members to fill the Clare County Council seat vacated by Cllr Bill Chambers (FF). Cllr Chambers in November tendered his resignation to the local authority prompting Fianna Fáil to organise a selection convention in the Kilrush local electoral area. Rita McInerney prevailed against Michael Shannon of Annagh and Cooraclare’s Martin Dooley in a tight convention held at Teach Cheoil in Kilrush on Sunday evening. On the first count, she had 38 votes followed by Shannon on 31 and Dooley who polled 10. This led to the elimination of Dooley to determine a victor. Rita received two second preferences bringing her tally to 40 and Michael added five extra votes to bring him to 36 which was insufficient to catch her. Over 80 persons attended the convention which was chaired by Limerick TD, Niall Collins (FF). He was joined at the top table by Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF), Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), Clare

CDC Chair, Mike Enright and party strategist Gerry Reidy. Collins who chaired the meeting said he expected a General Election to be held next winter. Rita, a General Election candidate in 2020 will be officially co-opted to Clare County Council at its January meeting. Party members in West Clare will be voting again by February to finalise the local election ticket in the Kilrush LEA . Addressing the convention, Rita said it was “an absolute honour” to be selected to represent the Kilrush area as a county councillor until the local elections in June. She told party members it was “a pleasure” to speak with them over recent weeks. Efforts of her campaign manager, Pat Considine and her chief canvassers Tommy McCarthy, Noel O’Shea and Mike Enright were also acknowledged. She voiced her commitment to serve the communities of West Clare. “We must ensure there is a vibrant future secured for the site in Moneypoint and to fight for continued investment on this side of the Shannon Estuary”. A former CEO of Ennis Chamber, Rita flagged

Antoinette Bashua Baker added

A FOURTH FIANNA FÁIL candidate has been added to the party’s local election ticket in the Ennis Municipal District, writes Páraic McMahon. Hermitage woman, Antoinette Bashua Baker was on Tuesday informed by party headquarters that she had been selected as a candidate for the local elections which take place in June. In October, she had contested the selection convention for the Ennis MD where party members voted for Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Pat Daly (FF) and Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) who received 40, 35 and 26 votes respectively. Antoinette obtained five votes with Amanda Ma-

jor getting three. Living in Cloughleigh with her husband Museliu Antoinette will be hoping to pick up the support in their area which helped to elect Mark Nestor (FF) as a first-time candidate in 2019. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Antoinette admitted that she was surprised to get the call announcing her addition to the ballot paper. “It was a bit of a shock because I went through convention and didn’t get through”. Senior officials in Fianna Fáil contacted Antoinette in the past fortnight to ascertain if she would consider expressing an interest within the party on adding her to the ballot paper. “I had a Zoom

meeting last Thursday, since then there has been a load of news in the county with other people being picked and I said maybe it wasn’t my time then and I had accepted that I’d have to wait another five years before I could go again but then I got the call to be told I was going to be the fourth Fianna Fáil candidate in the Ennis Municipal District. It was a shock and I’m delighted to get the call but I’m a bit nervous as it’s all starting now, you’ve to be careful what you wish for I guess. I’ve got my around it, my family and friends have helped to calm me down”. This latest addition is the third female to join the party’s local elec-

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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to County Council the need to make it easier for families to try build a future in West Clare while sharing her vision for “sustainable communities”. This campaign was “very well fought” and displayed “wonderful interest,” the 48 year old added. “It shows the calibre and strength of the people we have in Fianna Fáil in West Clare”. The owner of a shop and café in Doonbeg said she believed in the “ethos and objectives of Fianna Fáil”. Unsuccessful candidate, Michael Shannon referenced the issues of tourism, agriculture and urban decline when addressing party members. “We have a strong tourism industry but a lot can be done to renovate and spread it out across all of West Clare”. He expressed his appreciation with all those who showed their support over the past few weeks as part of the canvass.

Having three candidates for one seat was very positive, Michael affirmed. “It is very important for delegates to have a choice, it shows the grassroots are active the whole time”. Deputy Crowe stated, “Rita has been an energetic political activist for many years and first sought elected office as an independent in Ennis in 2009, and in 2020 was one of my Fianna Fáil running mates in the general election campaign. Rita is from a well-known West Clare family, and I know that she will approach her new role with great energy and enthusiasm and I look forward to supporting all of her efforts through my office. We have two excellent sitting councillors in West Clare in Cillian Murphy and PJ Kelly and now our efforts must be to retain three seats there in the local elections”.

to Fianna Fáil ballot tion offering in recent days, Chair of the Clare CDC Mike Enright told The Clare Echo. “The officer board in Clare are delighted that Antoinette is added to the ticket, she has big steps to fill after the departure of Mark Nestor in Cloughleigh. In the last 48 hours, Rita headed the poll in the Kilrush local electoral area, Rachel Hartigan has been added in the Shannon MD as a candidate. Our representation of women on the tickets in all the electoral areas is getting stronger and we already have a seating female councillor in Clare Colleran Molloy”. Maintaining a strong voice for the area is a goal for the special needs assistant. “I don’t want our neighbourhood or Ennis West not to be heard so I put myself

forward”. Her grandfather John has been referenced as a key influence in her political career, he kept a photograph of Charles Haughey on their Christmas tree. “The Baker family were stepped in the Fianna Fáil party so there wasn’t another party I could join, my grandfather John Baker at the pearly gates if I went with anyone else he wouldn’t let me in so I couldn’t have gone with anyone else”. Outlining her belief of what a local representative should do, Antoinette explained, “To be helpful is what a local representative has to do, to show people who can’t find the right path or to the services available or to fight for them. I’m excited to dip my toe in and meet the people as I go along”.

News

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Competition

‘Through the eyes of a Child’ Wonder Photo competition goes to Kilmaley! RUNNER-UP WINNER The Clare Echo and Wonder Photo Shop Ennis is delighted to announce the winners of our Christmas Photo Competition, ‘Through the eyes of a child’. We asked primary school children across the county to get snapping this Christmas, with prizes on offer for first, second and third place, including an Instax Camera, canvas prints and vouchers for Wonder Photo Shop Ennis. In first place is seven-year old Conor Meehan who got creative while hanging up the Christmas tree decorations. The Kilmaley National School student walks away with an Instax Camera thanks to Fujifilm’s Wonder Photo Shop in Ennis. The runners-up prizes go to Danny McMahon of Kilmurry McMahon National School for a wonderful winter scene with his granny Kathleen, along with nine-year old Róise Stewart from Tulla for her photograph taken at Home Gallery Furniture in Ennis. Fresh from bringing a smile to the nation with his appearance on The Toy Show, seven-year old Sheamie Garrihy acted as ambassador for The Wonder Photo competition and was presented with his very own Instax Camera.

Scan below for a full range of Instax products from Wonder Photo Shop Ennis.

l ‘My winter wonderland, My Granny Kathleen Corbett’ taken by Danny McMahon, aged 10, a 5th Class pupil at Kilmurry McMahon National School

l (above) the winning entry of ‘Through the Eyes of a Child’ taken by David Conor Meehan, age 7, who goes to Kilmaley National School

RUNNER-UP

l Róise Stewart, aged 9 from Tulla and a pupil at St Mochulla’s Primary School. Taken at Home Gallery Furniture in Ennis

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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News

Munster Tree Surgeons are taking tree care to a whole new level

SAFETY must override sentiment when it comes to hazardous trees, Pat O’Brien of Adare Manor Golf Club admits following the difficult but necessary decision to engage Killaloe based Munster Tree Surgeons to remove five 200 year old beech trees. The course is one of the most remarkable in inland golf in Ireland, with stunning features, from the stunning River Maigue running alongside it to the Franciscan Abbey dominating the centre of the course, Desmond Castle as its backdrop and an illustrious neighbour in Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort , which will host the 2027 Ryder Cup. But for those who know and love the 18 hole course, it’s the tree-lined fairways that is arguably its most distinguishing feature. So it’s no surprise that the move to cull five trees in the middle section of the course was not taken lightly. “We’re so proud of its trees as they give the course a stand-out parkland feature. But we had concerns about one tree in particular as its huge branches seemed loose on top so we called in a number of tree surgeons to look at it and quote us and we ended up working with Martin Haugh’s company ‘Munster Tree Surgeons. “This is was a gigantic tree, bordering the main road into Adare, but Martin went up and removed the loose branches and tidied it up brilliantly. While he was on the site, he spotted a problem with another tree that we did not recognize had a problem. We got two arborists to do a report and ultimately confirm what

impact on the members. This happened in early autumn and they were there at the crack of dawn and were cleaning up by the time the first golfers were beginning to turn up at 9am. I arrived at 11am and the job was entirely done and the place spotless.” Said Martin, “The first thing we do when we arrive on a site is to try and save as much of a tree as we can. But safety comes first and if the tree is not safe, it has to be dealt with. Safety is also a priority for us in terms of our staff; we are fully certified and have invested heavily in equipment over the past two years to make sure that we not alone do the best possible job but with a safety-first approach for our team and, of course, those whose property we are on.” With 50 years of tree surgery experience in the family, Martin said that with the amount of rainfall we’ve already had this winter and the likelihood that we are going to have more storms, the months ahead are going to be busy for tree surgeons. “We’ve a lot of work on because I think people are being more proactive now than they’ve been, for good reason. They know the toll the weather is having on trees. So more and more people are also applying the ‘safety first’ rule by getting their trees checked and made safe.”

lTREE-ING OFF: L-R Pat O’Brien, President Adare Manor Golf Club, Joe Walsh, Course Manager Adare manor Golf Club, Brian Dunne, Head Greenkeeper Adare manor Golf Club and Martin Haugh, Munster Tree Surgeons Photo by Arthur Ellis Martin already told us. “The quality of Munster Tree Surgeon’s

work was exemplary. You wouldn’t even know they’d been there. They also minimized the

You can contact Munster Tree Surgeons at info@munstertreesurgeons.com or 087 6618785.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

New role for former Clare FM presenter FORMER Clare FM journalist, Gavin Grace has taken on a new role with Galway County Council. In the past fortnight, Gavin commenced employment as a communications officer with Active Travel in Galway County Council. Loughrea native Gavin left his post as Head of News and presenter of Morning Focus with Clare FM in April 2021 to begin working as a communications officer with the HSE, ironically swapping roles with his successor as host of Morning Focus, Alan Morrissey. This month, Gavin confirmed that he is to take up employ-

l Gavin Grace

ment in his native county with the local authority. “I am looking forward to playing my part in helping the city to become an international leader in the provision of safe, accessible and comfortable walking and cycling infrastructure, making the city safer, cleaner and a more enjoyable place to live and work,” he stated. Another former colleagues of Gavin’s in the Clare FM newsroom, Hospital native, Josh Prenderville is working in a similar capacity with Limerick City and County Council. Gavin presented Morning Focus on Clare FM from 2015 until April 2021, taking over following

John Cooke’s departure, he has since gone on to become a reporter with RTÉ Radio One, winning several IMRO awards along the way. University of Galway lecturer, Fiona McGarry, Ben Sweeney who now works as a Communications Executive in Mary Immaculate College and Rebecca O’Sullivan who has since returned to studies in MIC had all served as producers during Gavin’s tenure fronting the current affairs show.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS 2023 Clare County Council Offices, leisure facilities and recycling centres will be CLOSED on the dates set out in the following table.

The opening arrangements for all libraries are available on the website www.clarelibrary.ie and will be on public display at all local libraries.

Details are also on our website www.clarecoco.ie and on our facebook page www.facebook.com/clarecountycouncil

Emergencies: In the event of an emergency the public should ring the following number (087) 2599568 during the holiday period.

The Cathaoirleach and Elected Members, Management and Staff of Clare County Council wish the people of Clare a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year. Le gach dea-ghuí don Nollaig agus don Bhliain Nua.

Facility

Monday 18th Dec

Tuesday 19th Dec

Wednesday 20th Dec

Thursday 21st Dec

Friday 22nd Dec

Saturday 23rd Dec

Sunday 24th Dec

Monday 25th Dec

Tuesday 26th Dec

Wednesday 27th Dec

Thursday 28th Dec

Friday 29th Dec

Saturday 30th Dec

Sunday 31st Dec

Monday 1st Jan

Tuesday 2nd Jan

Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road

9am – 5pm

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 5pm

Closed

9am – 5pm

Ennis Municipal District Office

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Shannon Municipal District Office

9am – 4pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

West Clare Municipal District Offices

9am – 4pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

9am – 3pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Killaloe Municipal District Office

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Clare Motor Tax Office (Ennis)

9.15am – 3pm

Closed

9.15am – 12noon

Closed

9.15am – 3pm

Housing Office

9am – 1pm

Closed

9am – 1pm

Closed

9am – 1pm

Planning Department

9am – 4pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Cash Office for payments

9am – 4pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Active Ennis Leisure Complex

Gym: 7am-9.45pm Pool: 8am-9.15pm

Gym: 7am-9.45pm Pool: 8am-7.45pm

Gym: 6.30am9.45pm Pool: 8am-9.15pm

Gym: 7am-9.45pm Pool: 8am-9.15pm

Closed

Gym and Pool: 8am-4pm

Gym: 7am-9.45pm Pool: 8am-9.15pm

Gym: 8am-4pm Pool: 10am-4pm

Closed

Gym: 7am-9.45pm Pool: 8am-7.45pm

Active Ennis Lees Road Sports & Amenity Park

7am – 10pm

7am – 10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings

7am – 10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings)

7am – 10pm

7am – 10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings

7am – 10pm

Central Waste Management Facility, Inagh

Closed

8.30am – 4.30pm

8.30am – 1pm

Closed

8.30am – 4.30pm

8.30am – 1pm

Closed

8.30am – 4.30pm

Ennis Civic Amenity Site

Closed

10am – 5pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

10am – 5pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

10am – 5pm

Lisdeen Civic Amenity Site

9am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

10am – 2pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

10am – 2pm

Closed

9am – 4pm

Scariff Civic Amenity Site

Closed

9am – 1pm

2pm – 6pm

12noon – 6pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

2pm – 6pm

12noon – 6pm

10am – 4pm

Closed

9am – 1pm

Shannon Civic Amenity Site

Closed

10am – 5pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

10am – 5pm

9am – 3pm

Closed

10am – 5pm

Clare Champion 30x8 338mm

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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News

ShannonDoc Christmas Arrangements 2023 Date

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Cover To:

22/12/2023

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to 08.00 (Sat)

23/12/2023

Saturday

08.00 (Sat)

to 08.00 (Sun)

24/12/2023

Sunday (Christmas Eve)

08.00 (Sun)

to 08.00 (Mon)

25/12/2023

Monday (Christmas Day)

08.00 (Mon)

to 08.00 (Tue)

26/12/2023

Tuesday (St. Stephen’s Day)

08.00 (Tue)

to 08.00 (Wed)

27/12/2023

Wednesday

18.00 (Wed)

to 08.00 (Thu)

28/12/2023

Thursday

18.00 (Thu)

to 08.00 (Fri)

29/12/2023

Friday

18.00 (Fri)

to 08.00 (Sat)

30/12/2023

Saturday

08.00 (Sat)

to 08.00 (Sun)

31/12/2023

Sunday

08.00 (Sun)

to 08.00 (Mon)

01/01/2024

Monday (New Year’s Day)

08.00 (Mon)

to 08.00 (Tue)

02/01/2024

Tuesday

Normal Service Resumes

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Trump Doonbeg has 'best year' since opening as revenues double to €14.3m THE Donald Trump owned golf resort in West Clare last year had its best year since opening as operating profits increased by 83 per cent to €933,435. New consolidated accounts filed by TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd with the Companies Office show that operating profits surged as revenues more than doubled last year rising from €7.17m to €14.36m. General Manager at Trump Doonbeg, Joe Russell said on Thursday that 2022 "was the 20th anniversary of the club and was the best year that Trump Doonbeg has had since opening". He said, "The rebound from Covid led to record growth in average rates for both room nights and green fees where the lead price for an Ocean View suite during high season in 2024 will set one back €2620 per night and green fee rates will be peaking at €450 per person”. Mr Russell said that the suite rate and green fee rates “are testament to the ongoing demand for our hotel and golf course, the product and service levels provided at

Trump Doonbeg”. Mr Russell said that 2023 "is forecasted to be a better performance than 2022”. He said that "2022 also saw additional growth in membership, driven largely by continued improvements and world-class conditioning of the Links golf course". Mr Russell commented, "With increased revenue for rooms and golf activity, outlet and retail sales followed suit for the property where the margins achieved were in line with or better than industry benchmarks”. The new accounts show that the business recorded a pre-tax loss of €736,176 after combined non-cash depreciation and amortisation charges of €1.65m and interest payments of €12,643 are taken into account. The business received zero Government grants in 2022 after receiving €1.84m under that heading in 2021. The ex-US President’s sons, Donald Trump Jnr and Eric Trump remain on the board of TIGL and they state in their directors’ report that they are in the process to upgrade various facilities at the

Trump International Hotel and Golf Club. They state that "it is expected that this will enhance the customer experience and have a positive impact on the group’s and company’s trading results”.

Planning permission was granted in October 2019 for a €40m plan that includes 53 holiday homes, a ballroom/ function room, a leisure centre and a new restaurant and Mr Russell replied ‘yes’ when asked if Trump Doonbeg in-

tends to proceed with any of the permitted scheme. The Trump Organisation has ploughed more than €40m, including the purchase price, into the resort since it came under the ownership of the Trump Organisation in

February 2014. The resort at peak season employs 300 and staff costs last year increased from €4.8m to €7.17m that included €6.6m in wages and salaries.

Christmas Carols for Clare Crusaders Caitríona Moloney and her violin students who played Christmas carols in Dunnes Stores Ennis last Saturday. The children collected €1,260 for The Clare Crusaders Clinic

Is Crios Brú Cíosa nua é Toghcheantar Áitiúil na Sionainne sa Chlár De réir an dlí, ciallaíonn sé seo nach féidir le cíos sa limistéar boilsciú ginearálta a shárú, mar a thaifeadtar in Innéacs Comhchuibhithe ar Phraghasanna do Thomhaltóirí (HICP), nó 2% in aghaidh na bliana pro rata, áit a bhfuil boilsciú HICP níos airde.

The Shannon Local Electoral Area is a new Rent Pressure Zone in Clare By law, this means that rent in the area cannot exceed general inflation, as recorded by Harmonised Index of the Consumer Price (HICP), or 2% per year pro rata, where HICP inflation is higher.

Le haghaidh tuilleadh eolais, tabhair cuairt ar www.rtb ie. Please visit www.rtb.ie for more information

SHANNON LEA

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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News

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Gort & North Clare

Gort 'first out the gate' with launch of town centre plan

South Galway Operation Transformation St. Colman’s Camogie Club have launched an innovative Operation Transformation Program to foster health and wellness. Online registration is now open and the club invites the community to join them at Gort Community Centre on January 6th 2024 for a launch event. Pictured are some of the OT leaders in Canon Quin Park, Gort

Photo by Darren Hardiman

GORT is “leading the way” as the first area in Galway to launch a town centre plan, writes Páraic McMahon. Over 50 people gathered on Thursday afternoon in Gort Town Hall for the launch of the town centre plan which was compiled by Gort Town Team in association with Galway County Council. Aims of the Government’s town centre first policy is to breathe new life into town centres by adapting to the changing world. Gort was one of 26 pilot towns to receive funding for the plan with a town regeneration officer appointed by Galway County Council to support and enable the Town Team plus to assist in its delivery. Twenty-six projects are identified in the plan with projects looking at vacant and derelict buildings within Gort. Chief Executive of Galway County Council, Liam Conneally remarked, “Gort is leading the way”. He continued, “during Covid a lot

of things happened society, people and town centres they began to struggle from a business and vitality perspective”. This he emphasised underlined the importance of the Town Centre First Policy. “It’s very special for me to be here, this is our first Town Centre plan in Galway,” he outlined. He spoke of the importance of Gort as a retail and business centre for all of Galway and parts of Co Clare. “The plan has a central focus on improving the attractiveness of the town, embracing arts and culture, animating heritage and making more opportunities to enjoy the town centre”. An expertise and flair for town centre planning was evident in the document, Conneally noted. “Sweat the asset,” he urged members of the Town Team to try push the plan to deliver the outcomes. “You are first out of the gate in Galway, from Galway County Council we will support you 100% for projects”.

lLaunching the Gort town centre plan

Season’s greetings from all the team at Pat Smyths PAT Smyths Ladies and Gents Fashions would like to take a moment to wish all their loyal customers old & new a Very Happy Christmas & a prosperous new Year! We are celebrating our 27th year in Gort & we are truly grateful for the unwavering support and custom we have received from the people of Clare and beyond since 1996. With both a Ladies and Gents shop located under the one roof, fully stocked with an array of leading labels they

aim to provide the ultimate shopping experience. Pat’s drapery stocks a variety of top clothing and footwear labels such as Benetti, Magee, Douglas & Graham and IMAC footwear. His son, Patrick Jnr newly manages the young men’s dept stocking Irish label “Walker & Hunt”, Diesel sport, Kenrow and Mustang Denims. They also carry a range of quality work wear, wellingtons & boots for the working man. The ladies Department,

run by Mary, Stephanie and Helen first opened 22 years ago. It is well established as a one stop shop for all a ladies needs. Stocking stylish, quality labels such as Perruzi, ICHI, Naya Clothing & Coco Doll in sizes 10-26 you are sure to find the perfect outfit. Pat, Mary & team look forward to welcoming you instore soon. Tel: 091 632133 See Facebook and Instagram for up to date new & images.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Ennistymon's Binneas to feature on TG4 UP-AND-COMING Ennistymon act Binneas are set to feature on a St Stephen's Day special programme on TG4 celebrating the 70-year history of Gael Linn, writes Páraic McMahon. This newly commissioned programme tells the story of GaelLinn, one of the most innovative and pioneering Irish language organization in the second half of the 20th century. Featuring music and conversation with an all-star cast such as Moya Brennan, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Colm Mac Con Iomaire & Rossa Ó Snodaigh, Maighread & Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Mary Bergin & Macdara Ó Faoláin, IMLÉ, Sarah Ghriallais, Muintir Uí Beaglaoich, Gráinne Holland, Peadar Ó Riada, Niamh Farrell, Jos & Ted Kelly, Binneas (Siansa Gael Linn 2023), Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin & Colm Bairéad. The establishment of Gael Linn was both ambitious and aspirational. Founded by a determined group of university graduates, who believed that the economic failures in the Gaeltacht areas needed to be addressed for the language to survive and that new and contemporary methods were urgently required to ensure that the Irish language would have a viable role in a modern Ireland. Rather than looking to the state to help achieve these aims, Gael Linn set about

lBinneas

News

Notes

COFFEE MORNING Deirdre Malborough of Woodley House, Gort, hosted her annual coffee morning in aid of Galway Hospice on 20th August 2023. The event was very well supported as always, and Deirdre would like to say a big thank you to all those who generously contributed. A special thanks to, Coughlan’s Centra, Gallery Café, O’Connors Bakery, Roosters Café & Farm Shop and Sullivans Hotel. The sum collected at this year’s coffee morning totalled a whopping €5,063.25. Deirdre has been collecting for Galway Hospice for over 20 years now and she has raised over €50,000. IBTS The next blood donation clinic will take place at Ennistymon Falls Hotel on Mon 8th & Tuesday 9th Jan from 4.50pm to 8.10pm. Please phone 1800 222 111 for appointment. New Donors welcome

Kevin Burke Tyres serves South Galway with Gort depot

establishing their own resources to match their ambition. This celebratory programme begins with a piece of newly composed poetry which tells the story of Gael Linn and which is presented by Megan Nic Ruairí, a member of the talented group Bláth na hÓige, who most recently released a record on the Gael Linn label. Gael Linn’s influence on the commercially published music of Donegal by the likes of Clannad, Aodh Ó Duibhennaigh, Skara Brae and Altan is discussed by Moya Brennan, Mairéad Ní Mha-

onaigh and Maighread & Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill. Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, CEO of Gael Linn commented, "All of us at Gael Linn are delighted that this special programme, Gael Linn ag 70, will be broadcast on TG4. A great wealth of heritage has been recorded on the iconic Gael Linn label and it is important that part of that large catalogue and interesting archive from the organization's accomplished history are central to the program that has been so beautifully and artistically produced by the team at ANIAR”

LOCATED on Crowe Street in Gort, Kevin Burke Tyres (KBT) is one of three retail outlets in County Galway. Besides regular vehicle tyres, the Gort depot specialises in providing tyres and wheels for commercial and agricultural vehicles. Much of the KBT business is dedicated to the agricultural sector, with KBT stocking and supplying one of the largest range of new agricultural tyres in the west of Ireland, from Alliance to Michelin. KBT also offers a reconditioning wheel service, including shot-blasting and powder-coating. This service can be customised to match any manufacturer’s specifications or

colour preferences. The primary focus of the Gort depot is selling, fitting, and repairing all types of tyres, along with stocking various brands that cover budget-friendly to premium options. Quality service and competitive prices are the driving forces behind KBT’s business. Kevin Burke Tyres Gort is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8:30 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. KBT is your go-to place for reliable tyre solutions in South County Galway.

Call us today on 091-632800 or email us at gort@kbt.ie.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Ennis: Talk of the Town

Several roads in Ennis town centre to close for most of next year SEVERAL ROADS in Ennis town centre are to be closed for the majority of 2024, writes Páraic McMahon. Proposed closures on O’Connell Street and High Street are to facilitate works on the multi-million euro Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Project. This will be one of the largest public infrastructure projects to be undertaken in Ennis in decades. Clare County Council in a public notice confirmed that High Street, from Harvey’s Quay/Salt House Lane to Bank Place/O’ Connell Square, will be closed to all traffic from January 8 to July 31. There will be no through road from Abbey Street to O’Connell Street for the duration of the closure. From January 8th to December 21st, O’Connell Street will be shut to traffic from O’Connell Square to

lO’Connell Square

Station Rd. A similar closure, from the Old Barrack Street junction to Carmody

Street junction, will be in place until April 26. There will be no through road

via Salt House Lane to Bank Place/O’Connell Square for the duration of the closure, traffic will be diverted from Harvey’s Quay via Old Friary Lane. Funded under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) with 25% match funding from Clare County Council, the project will be delivered in phases to minimise disruption to local business. A total of €8,744,275 has been approved for Project B of the Ennis Public Realm Regeneration Strategy, following the successful delivery of significant public realm enhancements at Parnell Street, and town laneways and bye-ways in 2020 and 2021 Pedestrian and service access will be facilitated at all times and affected businesses and residents will be kept informed throughout the con-

struction period. The works are due to be completed in late 2025 and Uisce Éireann is funding the delivery of the foul sewer upgrade. Phase 1 of the works, which are being undertaken by Shareridge Ltd, entail the upgrading of footways and kerbs with high quality surface materials, undergrounding of cables, improved wall-mounted street lighting and replacement of large sections of the Uisce Éireann foul sewer. The works will focus on the area extending from the junction of Old Barrack Street and O’Connell Street to Carmody Street. This phase is planned for completion in April 2024 and is currently under a five-week pause in works until early January to promote Christmas and New Year trade.

Special weekend in July remembered in new book ‘A Weekend in July’, the photographic collection of St Michael’s Villas 70th anniversary celebrations was held last weekend, writes Páraic McMahon. Maria Assumpta Hall hosted the launch of the book that tells the story of

St. Michael’s Villas weekend of celebrations in July this year. It was launched by proud St. Michael’s man, Fr. Tom Ryan, now the parish priest in Ennis. Formed specifically for the celebations in July, the SMV70 Community Choir

stretched their vocal chords once more and performed for the launch. St Michael’s Villas native, Cora Hahessy McNulty compiled the book which contains over 620 photos from that July weekend. It is now for sale at €20 in Ryan’s Centra, St. Michael’s Villas, Ennis Book Shop, Abbey St., O’Connor’s Newsagent, the Market and Ennis Parish Office or by contacting Cora on coramcnulty@gmail.com. SMV70 choir will perform this Friday evening from 7pm to 8pm in Dunnes Mall in aid of the Alzheimers Society.

lLAUNCH: ‘A Weekend in July is now available

Notes

IBTS The next blood donation clinic will take place at Ennis West County Hotel on Wednesday 27th December from 1.50pm to 5.10pm. Please phone 1800 222 111 for appointment. New donors welcome

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Shannon

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Clarecare to open community care centre at Tullyvarraga site

LARECARE are to develop a community care centre at its Shannon site, writes Páraic McMahon. Together with key funders, Clarecare are to undertake the project at their site at Tullyvarraga adjacent to the Shannon Garda Station. Proposed development plans for the site will include a state-of-the-art facility delivering addiction treatment services, family support services and care of the older person services which include home support, day centre for over 65s and social work for older persons. One of Clarecare’s strategic objectives in its Strategic Plan ‘Together We Care’ 2022 – 2027 is the development of services to meet community needs. This modern new centre will be home to Clarecare’s extensive suite of services and will also include a dedicated community space and Thrift Shop for the Shannon region.

Celebrating its 55th Anniversary, Clarecare is the largest Clare based, not for profit Social Enterprise Agency providing a wide range of support services to people in Co. Clare. Its headquarters are based in Ennis with local offices in Bushypark, Kilrush, Killaloe and Ennistymon. Clarecare currently rents office space in Shannon Town Centre and welcomes the transition to a purpose-built facility in the near future. Over 400 staff are employed by Clarecare in the delivery of its services throughout the county. It operates mainly in partnership with the HSE, Tusla, the Department of Justice, the Department of Social Protection and other stakeholders. Bill Twomey, Chairperson of Clarecare’s Board of Directors commented “we are delighted to be in a position to announce that development of our Shannon site will get underway in late 2024. Having purchased the site some years ago, it was always the inten-

Sense of community shines at senior citizens party

GARDAÍ in Shannon continue to spread the festive joy by hosting their annual senior citizens Christmas party, writes Páraic McMahon. Held at The Goalpost Bar on the grounds of Wolfe Tones GAA Club, the Christmas gathering had a sprinkling of music and a strong sense of community spirit. Mikey Wall provided the music for the afternoon. Students from St Conaires and St Tolas National Schools also gave musical performances, their tunes added an extra layer of joy to pro-

ceedings. Dedicated volunteers from Intel, AIB and Ei Electronics generously gave their time to ensure the smooth running of event. Food and the venue was given with sincere warmth by The Goalpost Bar plus Tea and Tones. A surprise visit from Santa Claus brought laughter and smiles. Siobhán Ryan of Shannon Garda Station extended heartfelt thanks to the numerous sponsors who gave generous donations to make the event a reality. “Their support underscores the sig-

nificance of community partnerships and the collective effort required to bring such festive occasions to fruition,” she said. “The sense of community, joy, and gratitude lingered in the air. The Shannon Garda Annual Senior Citizens Christmas Party once again proved to be a wonderful testament to the spirit of giving and unity that defines the holiday season in Shannon. Shannon Gardaí express their deepest appreciation to everyone who contributed to this heart-warming event”.

lFESTIVE SPIRIT: Gardaí with some of the sponsors of the Shannon Senior Citizens Party Photo by Joe Buckley

lSTATE-OF-THE-ART: An artist’s impression of the centre tion of Clarecare’s Board of Directors to have ly in the age profile of over 65s. Clarecare its own premises in Shannon. The needs of looks forward to providing increased and our community are ever increasing, with an enhanced services to the population of Shanexpected growth in population, particular- non and its surrounding geographical areas”.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

News

Shannon Bridge Crossing takes shape

Ei Electronics enjoy festive jumper day Aishling Carey, Michelle Canny and Catherine Feehan at the Christmas jumper day in Ei Electronics Photo by Joe Buckley

ONE of East Clare’s biggest road projects is taking shape. As part of the Shannon Bridge Crossing, the first steel beam has been positioned as. The section is 40 metres long and weights 40 tonnes, it needed a 500 tonne crane to lift it into place in the past fortnight. On the shores of the River Shannon, work is progressing on the proposed Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme. This will provide a western bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Birdhill. An approximate 6.2km in length, the scheme will cross the River Shannon about 1km to the south of the existing Killaloe Bridge, and will cross the Kil-

mastulla River, a tributary of the River Shannon’s and part of the Lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC), on the R494. Additional beams are set to be installed over the next three months, a total of twelve will be needed for the new

bridge which is 217m in length. Specialist transport trailers were needed by Whittons Transport to bring the first structural beam to Killaloe which was manufactured in Thompsons in Carlow. Senior officials in Clare County Council are confident the Shan-

lPhoto by Gerard McGrath

non Bridge Crossing will be completed on schedule before mid-summer 2025. Extreme weather events such as Storm Agnes and Storm Babet caused “unavoidable programme slippage but every endeavour will be made to recover time,” a spokesperson for the local authority stated.

Year for Vocations to the Diocesan Priesthood Vocations Director Fr. Iggy McCormack is visiting parishes across the Diocese of Killaloe as part of a year-long initiative to encourage men to consider joining the priesthood.

And who will go for Us?

“ Here I am! Send me.” The Call of Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-13)

Visit www.killaloediocese.ie email vocations@killaloediocese.ie or follow Killaloe Diocese on social media for more details.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Year in Review

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW The stories that made us smile

Chloe and Clodagh the perfect match

A good news story kicked off the year as Clare woman Clodagh O’Halloran got down on one knee just minutes after helping Munster to a 26-17 victory over Leinster. The Kilkishen woman had informed her partner Chloe Pearse’s parents of her plans - only if Munster were to win the big derby clash. After going over for a try in Munster’s victory, Clodagh went down on one knee to propose to partner and teammate. And as family and their Munster teammates looked on, Chloe said yes. “I just went straight over to Chloe and I did the job. I had a whole speech ready in my head but that didn’t happen because the girls were just erupting around us. I just mentioned that it was in front of our second family, which was all the girls with Munster”, Clodagh told the Irish Independent afterwards. Dozens of well wishers offered congratulations after Munster rugby posted a picture of the on-field proposal.

Son saves mother’s life

l Munster’s Clodagh O’Halloran proposes to Chloe Pearse

INPHO / Evan Treacy

2023 was a good year for... 1 Gort

In January, the Gort Biogas Concern Group raised over €80,000 in just two weeks as it launched its fundraising campaign in a bid to stop the development of a biogas plant adjacent to the Coole Garrylands Special Area of Conser-

vation and 800 metres from Gort town centre. This momentum would ultimately help defeat the controversial plans. Signs around the town saying ‘Gort says no to biogas’ are still visible and last month, the High Court judicial review led by Gort Biogas Concern group

in association with the Burren Lowlands put an end to the plans. It was the cumulation of a fiveyear campaign.

2 Shannon Airport

Shannon Airport recorded its busiest first six months in over a

decade this year, and is now forecasting its busiest Christmas in 14 years. Over 121,000 passengers are expected to be welcomed at Shannon Airport during the Christmas holiday period, an 18 per cent surge when compared to the same period last year.

3 Bunratty

After a long-running saga, in April, Cabinet approved €6m in exchequer funding to facilitate the transfer of Bunratty, Knappogue, and Cragguanowen from Shannon Heritage to Clare County Council’s ownership.

IN NOVEMBER, a five-year old Killaloe boy was awarded for his quick thinking as he saved his mother’s life by promptly contacting emergency services when she lost consciousness. Ben Holland was awarded a bravery medal from the National Ambulance Service for his actions in saving mum, Jennie Kiely. Last October, Jennie was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) which causes her to faint due to circulation issues. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Jennie recounted she had been feeling “very off that day” and when she stood up to put Ben to bed at 8pm, she lost consciousness “and I hit the floor”. Jennie notes that she had previously shown Ben how to make an emergency call “but I didn’t think he’d have to, especially so soon”. A senior infant pupil in St. Michael’s Infant School in Limerick, Ben contacted emergency services. “They asked him would he go next door to the neighbour and ask for help, and he said, ‘I’m not allowed outside when it’s dark because I’m only a small child”. When they arrived, Ben let them into the house and explained what happened.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Year in Review

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Year in Review

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW Most read online 1 Ennis musician dies in Slovenia

TRAGICALLY, in August of this Ennis student Sean Shannon (18) was found dead in Slovenia. A self-taught pianist, Sean became the youngest associate artist with glór in August of last year, first playing the grand piano in the foyer of the Ennis theatre at the age of 13. A past pupil of Ennis Community College and the Holy Family, he was studying a Bachelor in Music Performance on an entrance scholarship at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. President Michael D. Higgins was among to pay tribute to the Ennis teenager, he was able to recall a performance of Sean’s from September 2018 in glór marking the fiftieth anniversary of ClareCare. “At the time, Seán was a second year student in Ennis Community College and was already distinguishing himself with his abilities, which he was sharing with a public that recognised the unique and extraordinary talent that he possessed”.

2 Judge grants emergency care order for ‘out of control’ teen after parents ‘surrender’ him to local Gardaí

In October, a Judge granted an Emergency Care Order (ECO) for an ‘out of control’ young teen after his parents ‘surrendered’ him to Gardaí at their local Garda station. At the Family Law Court, Judge Alec Gabbett said that the threshold for the application for the ECO by TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency (CFA) has been met “because the parents have effectively handed him over to the Gardai as they can’t control him”. A Garda witness in the CFA application told Judge Gabbett “both parents say they have unwanted people coming to their doorstep because of their son and he is continuously coming to Garda attention in relation to thefts, fighting, sneaking out of the house and not coming back for days”.

3 Sixmilebridge standing united in bid to remove illegal encampment

Large crowds turned out in Sixmilebridge on a Monday evening in August at a heated public meeting seeking the removal of a campervan from a local housing estate. In July, an illegal encampment was removed from the car park of Sixmilebridge train station where it had been located for two years and five months. Up to four caravans had been based at the train station since the arrival of the encampment in February 2021 when they had moved from the grounds of St Senan’s RFC in Shannon. This figure had reduced to three by March and since June just one caravan remained. This caravan since relocated to Lios Anama, a housing estate in Sixmilebridge and its presence led to rising tensions within the village. Anger was palpable at the meeting which was attended by an approximate 200 people and heard vocal criticism of An Garda Síochána, Clare County Council and political representatives. Gardaí were in attendance to monitor proceedings from afar. In the absence of a Chairperson for the meeting, Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) attempted to chair the hostile gathering. Cllr John Crowe (FG), Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF), Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) were the politicians present while Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) held a meeting with residents the previous day. A round of applause followed comments by a man who said, “They are dictating to the Council. The station up there is blocked, why is it blocked? Travellers dictating to the law”. A woman in the crowd stated, “We’re being held to ransom, it is ridiculous”. The encmapment remains in situ.

l Locals meet local Councillor Mary Howard at a blockade at Magowna Cross and (inset) local people welcoming refugees Photos by John Mangan

Inch makes national headlines ON MAY 10, Páraic McMahon of The Clare Echo reported that a 12-month contract was provided to the owners of Magowna House with the three-star hotel in Inch set to take in 69 asylum seekers. Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) bemoaned the lack of consultation issued to the public, stating he was “very disappointed in the manner in which it was done”. Less than a week later, and within minutes of 34 asylum seekers arriving by bus to Magowna House, up to 50 people had blockaded both entrances to the hotel

with tractors and cars used to stop more buses arriving to Inch. Two uniformed Gardaí arrived on the scene at approximately 7pm, their presence along with that of protestors continued overnight. Initially, local residents had stopped anything from going through including a pizza delivery driver but later changed their stance on humanitarian grounds to allow the delivery of food to the 34 men. Overnight road blocks were also set up. For six days, locals mounted blockades at Magowna Cross, Magowna House and Magowna Hill, which saw residents stand

at the three points on four-hour shifts. When the blockades were removed, Senator Martin Conway (FG) welcomed the decision from Inch residents. “This will bring to an end almost a week of disruption and protest to the area and will undoubtedly be welcomed by everyone in the locality. The barricade had brought a very unwelcome focus to Clare over the past six days and highlighted the importance of communication between all stakeholders when accommodating refugees”.

2023 was a bad year for... 1 Oh my, July

SHANNON recorded its wettest July in 77 years. While parts of Europe were dealing with soaring hot temperatures, July had so much rain throughout Ireland that it was within touching distance of breaking all records. Six inches of rain (150.3mm) fell at the Shannon Airport weather station during the month of July. This figure would have been much larger on higher ground in the west of the county. Only 20.7mm fell in 2022

but July 2020 was also very wet when 130.6 mm fell. July 14th was the wettest day in Shannon when 27mm of rain fell.

2 Garda numbers

It was revealed in September that Clare has experienced a reduction of 33 Garda members since 2018. The news came as it was announced that a newly amalgamated Garda Division with Tipperary would comprise of six Superintendents - just one of which is based in Co Clare.

Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) said the reduction of 33 Gardaí across the county was “very serious when you look at burglaries, thefts, drunk driving and assault. I hope we can get extra Gardaí in Clare because there is a lot of concern with what is going on in Ennis with cars seriously damaged in the train station, fighting on the streets and the drug problem”.

3 UHL

In January a consultant described condi-

tions at the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) as “inhumane”. Professor Declan Lyons, consultant physician and geriatrician at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), said a “serious situation” had developed with regards to patient safety at the emergency department. His words followed the tragic death of Aoife Johnston, the 16-yearold girl from Shannon who died last year at UHL of bacterial meningitis after a 12-hour wait in its emergency department.

Just last week, a fresh investigation into the teenager’s death was announced by the HSE. The initial report found Aoife waited 12 hours in UHL’s severely overcrowded emergency department and was not treated for sepsis until it was too late. She was not given the care she required despite her family desperately flagging her deteriorating condition. The review found that delays in her treatment breached national guidelines on sepsis management.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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No Show like a Joe Show Clare Echo photographer Joe Buckley enjoys a moment with family members back in March, when he served as Grand Marshall of the Shannon St Patrick’s Day Parade Photo by Keith Buckley

Beannachtaí na Nollag agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise do chuile duine

Billy Kelleher Ireland’s Strong Voice in Europe t 353 87 336 6421 e constituency@billykelleher.ie w www.billykelleher.ie i @billykelleherEU

MEP

Year in Review

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Year in Review

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

n We really loved

A PAIR of 89-year old neighbours from Ennis touched the hearts of millions after a video of them exercising with social media influencer Joe Wicks went viral. West Clare natives originally, Pádraig Mac Mathúna and Ceceilia O’Sullivan got to know each other while cutting turf in the 1940s. In October, Adam Moloney wrote how the pair are now next-door neighbours and are defying their years by exercising together every day to Joe Wicks’ workout programmes. Pádraig and Ceceilia met the famous fitness coach Joe Wicks at Ennis CBS as The Body Coach completed his school tour across Ireland. Mac Mathúna turned 89 in June whilst Ceceilia has since turned 90. It wasn’t until the Covid-19 lockdown came when Cecelia’s daughter Irene discovered Joe Wicks’ online workouts and since then, the pair engage in Joe’s online workouts on a daily basis. “And we’ve kept it up continuously since Covid. And we please hope to continue for another while,” Pádraig told The Clare Echo.

n Girl power

n Team of the Year

In early November, Dr Susan Crawford and her son Thomas O’Connor returned from New York after competing in the NYC marathon. Thomas has autism and they were greeted at the airport by Andrew and Nora Johnston whose son Cathal is also autistic. Dr Crawford was recipient of Muintir an Chlair, the Clare Association’s Clare Person of the Year in 2022. She had done enormous work raising awareness of autism along with setting up autism classes in Inagh & in St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Spanish Point. Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Wishing all our wonderful customers a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

IN WHAT’s been a challenging year in business for many as they tackle inflation, many Clare businesses continue to thrive and put their best foot forward. There were landmarks aplenty, with Clean Habit in Shannon celebrating 40 years, Collins Jewellers on O’Connell Street in Ennis celebrating 50 years, and the storied Ei Electronics celebrating 60 years (to name a few). Two of the above businesses are female-led and that is a theme that shone in 2023. In April, Sheila Lynch and Maeve Sheridan’s election as President and Vice President of Ennis Chamber respectively placed women in both senior roles on the board for the first time in its near 100 year history. Pamela Wall (1999-2000) and Sharon Cahir (2004-2005) both solicitors were the first female Presidents of Ennis Chamber while more recently Michelle Madden of Madden Furniture (2013-2014), Willow Managing Director Jean McCabe (2016-2017) and Director of The County Boutique Gwen Culligan (20192020) served as President.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Year in Review

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

GREEN CLARE

Christmas tree sales strong in Clare despite move to artificial

CHRISTMAS tree sales in Clare remain strong despite a surge in popularity towards artificial trees in recent years, as householders are being urged to consider the environment when shopping this festive season. Although real Christmas tree sales remain steady in Clare, their artificial counterpart has been growing popular in recent years. Of the 130 people who participated in an online survey by The Clare Echo, 80% used artificial trees while 20% preferred real ones. The Clare Echo took to the streets of Ennis asking the public why they prefer one type of tree over the other. Some prefer artificial trees because they see it as a sustainable option, as they can reuse

the same tree every year. Others believe artificial trees are a more convenient option, with benefits such as having lights built into them. Emer Cleary from Ennis said, “I’ve always had a real tree but a couple of years ago I invested in an artificial one as well”. A spokesperson for Quinn’s at Green Acres Fruit and Veg shop in Ennis said, “We’ve been selling Christmas trees for 40 years now, we get a quota of trees and sell it every year. They’re nearly sold out this year which is fan-

tastic. Where there’s Santa you have to get a real tree, but when Santas gone you get an artificial one. I think many Irish people get artificial trees as its easier when they get older but when Santa’s in the house you have to get a real one”. onetreeplanted.org, a global tree planting organisation states that “It’s much more sustainable to cut down a real tree each year. It takes around 7 years to grow an average-sized Christmas tree, and as trees grow, they absorb carbon from the atmosphere and use 10x fewer resources than artificial tree factories. Real trees are better for the environment and for whom jobs and income are generated”. Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) advised people to be more considerate when choosing your Christmas tree. “A second-hand artificial Christmas tree that someone is giving away or selling is a good option. Some people have real trees in pots, which they use every year, this is probably the greenest option of all”. She reminded people to be conscious of

their waste this Christmas. “One of the things we see across every socioeconomic background is that we’re throwing away nearly half our food waste, there’s no shortage of food, so maybe people should buy less food and if they run out, they can always go to the shop and get some more. I think food waste is something we have to take seriously, it’s something that’s happening in our own individual homes”. Senator Garvey also suggests that people should put more time into giving presents as last-minute shopping can often result in people getting presents that they don’t even want, “either put time into giving presents or at the very least try and shop local”. She stresses that second hand shops are a great place to shop for Christmas presents. North Clare climate activist, Futureproof Clare member and past general election runner for People Before Profit Therese O’Donoghue stated, “I think if you have an artificial tree, if you can keep it for life, all the better, I wouldn’t go out to buy a new one”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Senator Garvey predicts further energy price cuts

A NORTH Clare Senator has predicted further energy cuts into the New Year, writes Páraic McMahon. Last week, SSE Airtricity announced a further 12.8 per cent price decrease for its 300,000 customers in the Republic of Ireland. This is the second drop from the energy company in three months. Prices for some customers will have dropped almost 20 percent since the summer. This latest cut will lower the annual bill of a typical electricity customer by €219.29 and of a typical gas customer by €157.07 and will take effect from February 1st. Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) stated, “It is great to see progress has been made in support of small businesses in the reduction of their bills.

“We saw Minister Eamon Ryan meeting with the big companies earlier in the summer and subsequent to that, we had a reduction in September and now we see a further commitment to reduction in February. “I can envision the other companies all following suit and hopefully some of them might even bring their reductions even sooner due to this SSE Airtricity announcement”. Inagh native Roisin flagged, The Government has taken a range of measures to reduce energy costs and the cost of living for consumers, such as the energy credits of €450 to all households. The first payment of €150 issues this month. The reduction comes as Wind Energy Ireland reported that 37% of Ireland’s electricity in November came from wind energy alone.

GREEN CLARE

lBILLS: Senator Roisin Garvey and Green Party leader, Eamon Ryan

Photo by John Mangan

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Lifestyle & Comment

Rockin’ Around the Gearshift: Driving songs for a safe and festive journey

‘TIS the season for road trips and holiday travel, and what better way to enhance your drive than with a playlist of spirited Christmas tunes? From classics to modern hits, these songs not only lift your spirits but also keep you in the festive groove while ensuring you drive safely. “JINGLE BELL ROCK” BY BOBBY HELMS: A timeless classic that keeps the energy high without distracting from the road.

“SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN” BY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN: The Boss adds a rock ‘n’ roll flair, making it a lively driving companion without compromising safety. “FELIZ NAVIDAD” BY JOSE FELICIANO: The bilingual beats of “Feliz Navidad” infuse joy without taking your attention away from the drive. “DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS” BY CHRIS REA: A soulful track perfect for those heading

home, creating a heartwarming atmosphere without distraction.

“CHRISTMAS (BABY PLEASE COME HOME)” BY U2: U2’s rendition adds a rock edge, maintaining a spirited vibe while keeping your focus on the road. “RUN RUDOLPH RUN” BY CHUCK BERRY: Chuck Berry’s rock ‘n’ roll gem adds excitement without compromising safety. “WINTER WONDERLAND” BY MICHAEL BUBLÉ: Michael Bublé’s smooth voice adds an elegant touch, creating a festive atmosphere without distractions. “ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU” BY MARIAH CAREY: A modern classic that brings joy without sacrificing attention to the road. “SLEIGH RIDE” BY THE RONETTES: This cheerful track transports you to a win-

l Driving home for Christmas

ter wonderland without compromising safety. “HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER)” BY JOHN LENNON AND YOKO ONO: A meaningful addition that encourages reflection without distracting from safe driving. FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK BY THE POGUES

What Christmas playlist would be complete without this sentimental track, all the more poignant this Christmas following the loss of the legendary Shane McGowan. As you hit the road this holiday season, prioritise safety by keeping your focus on driving while enjoying the festive beats. Crank up the volume, sing along, and make your journey both merry and safe!

Planning for the future: Making your Will

Ennis based law firm Cashin Clancy discuss what happens when you don’t leave a Will IT’S the time of year when we reflect on the year gone by and make plans for the year ahead. Why You Should Make a Will One very important consideration, and not a difficult one to implement, is to make a Will, or perhaps update a Will previously made, if your circumstances have since changed. If you don’t make a Will, then on your passing, you will have died ‘intestate’, and your property (estate) will be distributed in accordance with the Rules of Intestacy, which state: Where you are survived by: • A spouse (or civil partner), but no children (or grandchildren): your spouse (or civil partner) inherits your entire estate. • A spouse (or civil partner) and children: your spouse (or civil partner) inherits two-thirds of your estate, and the remaining one-third is divided equally among your children. If one of your children has died before you, their share goes to their children (your grandchildren).

lEXPERTS: The Cashin Clancy Solicitors • Children, but no spouse or • Parents, but no spouse, civil civil partner: your estate is divided partner or children: your estate is equally among your children (or, divided equally between your surtheir children). viving parent(s).

• Brothers and sisters only: your estate is shared equally among them (with the children of any deceased sibling taking their deceased parent’s share). • Nieces and nephews only: your estate is divided equally among those surviving. • Other relatives only: your estate is divided equally between the nearest equal relations. • No relatives: your estate goes to the State. You should most definitely make a Will if you want to leave your property in a way different to these Intestacy Rules, and also: • If you want to make it easier for those you leave behind, to sort out your legal affairs after your death • If you own any property (house or land) • If you have children under 18, and/or with a disability • If your estate is valuable to the extent that your beneficiaries are likely to incur inheritance tax • If you have married since you made your last Will (as that Will is no longer valid).

When making your Will, it is important to obtain legal and tax advice so that you can be sure that you are making the best decisions for you and your family and whomever you wish to benefit from your estate. It is advisable to review your Will at least once every 5 years to see if it needs to be updated. If you would like more information on making a Will, visit our website www.cashinclancy.ie and you can contact us on 065 6840060 or email enquiries@cashinclancy.ie to arrange an appointment.

This article does not constitute legal advice and where an opinion is expressed, it is the personal opinion of the author only and not of the firm or the paper.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Merry Christmas from

You’ll need n 290g Ground Almonds n 290g Icing Sugar n 40g Cocoa powder n 220g egg whites n 300g caster sugar n 75g water

Method

1) Blend in food processor the ground almonds, icing sugar and coca powder and sieve into a bowl. 2) Add in 110g egg white with ground almonds, icing sugar and cocoa. Mix into a stiff paste.

n 110g Egg white n 300g Sugar n 75g water 3) Next you are going to make an Italian meringue, this is best if you have a stand mixer or an electric mixer and a spare pair of

Lifestyle & Comment

Chocolate Macarons

hands. You will need either a sugar thermometer or probe thermometer that goes above 100c.

For the meringue

1) For the Italian meringue base, add the egg whites to a bowl and start whisking on a low speed. Add the water and 280g of the the caster sugar to a pan and place over a medium-high heat. Allow the mixture to come up to 118°C, or ‘soft ball’ stage. 2) When the sugar mixture reaches 105°C, add the remaining 20g of caster sugar to the egg whites to stabilise the meringue. Increase the speed of the mixer. 3) When the sugar has reached 118°C, remove the pan from the heat, reduce the speed of the food mixer, and drizzle the sugar down the side of the bowl into the egg whites. 4) Increase the speed, whisk

for 1 more minute, then stop the machine. Whisk on a medium speed until the meringue has cooled to body temperature and is glossy and smooth in consistency. 5) Mix 1/3 of the Italian meringue base into the ground almond base until smooth and incorporated. Repeat this twice more until the two bases are combined and you have a smooth, shiny meringue.

6) Transfer the meringue to a piping bag with a 1cm nozzle, then pipe 4.5cm bulbs onto a baking tray lined with silicone paper, or directly onto a silicone baking mat. Set aside to allow a skin to form over the macarons for 30 minutes. 7) Preheat the oven to 130°C/gas mark 1. Cook the macarons for 17-18 minutes, until just peeling away from the baking mat. Set aside to cool before pairing the halves

according to size. 8) To fill the macarons, make a simple chocolate ganache

For the ganache n 150g dark chocolate n 250g cream 1) Melt chocolate in a bowl over a pan of simmering water, heat the cream and fold into the chocolate. Store in the fridge until needed.

Your Local Garden Centre, filling and refilling your pots all year round! 086 340 5236 Orchard Lane, Hermitage, Ennis

Merry Christmas

Top tips for December gardening Getting ready for the new year

l Skimmia Japonica

CUT back shrub roses by a third to reduce the effect of wind damage. Remove rotting fruit from plants such as an apple trees removing deadly, diseased or crossing branches at the same time. Don’t add these to the compost heap as it can risk the spread of infection or disease. To help prevent damage and insect infection try Winter Tree Wash it will help to control insect and eradicate both bugs

and their eggs. Clean and maintain tools and service the lawnmower and other equipment making them ready for next year. Lift Dahlia bulbs after the first frost have blackened the leaves. Cut off the stem and leave the tubers to dry out in some dry compost in a cool place inside a shed. Be prepared for a sudden swing in temperature and protect tender plants with horticultural fleece with can be got from

your local garden centre. Put away garden hoses to prevent frost damage and insulate outside taps to prevent leaks. Leave the faded flower heads on your hydrangea until Spring as they will provide frost protection to the swelling buds further down the stems. Add winter colour to pots to dress them up for the festive season. Gaulteria, Brassica, Viburnum tinus, santolina, ivy and skimmia japonica all make great options.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

‘I felt caught in a negative spiral’

I SAT on a cushion on the flagstone floor in my best attempt at a lotus position. The elder monk spoke in what I assumed was Thai, while the younger monk translated into English. I poured out my woes amid sniffles and tears, explaining how my thinking had become entangled and that I felt caught in a negative spiral. I sobbed and told them how I couldn’t see a way out of it and that I wanted to find peace of mind. It was during a holiday in Thailand that I had spotted the Facebook post about the Sunyata centre. In the post, a group of monks walked in unison at The Cliffs of Moher. With their saffron robes contrasting against the rocky landscape, they were a sight to behold and most importantly, they looked peaceful and calm. When I came back, I made my way up to the monastery in the hills of Sixmilebridge and Broadford having signed up online for beginner’s meditation classes. I had just built up the courage to request a talk with the monks in private and had been escorted over to their cottage. Two monks were there, with the fire lit and the young Ajahn (the Thai word for teacher) translated on behalf of his elder. The advice that emerged was simply to “Meditate and all will be well”. He suggested that I start by simply counting my breath. “This sounds too simplistic”, I thought. “How is counting going to fix all that is wrong with my life?”. In the weeks that followed, I joined morning and sometimes evening ‘puja’ or prayer. I listened to the Dhamma sermons and tried to chant along to the Pali scriptures. Sitting in silence, I did my best to put into practice the advice of the wise teacher. “How is the counting going?” the young Ajahn asked before meditation one evening. “Good,” I said, even though I had yet to count to 50 without having to start all over again. As the days turned into weeks, I found myself wanting to be

at the monastery all of the time. I baked banana bread for the monks in the evening, and would leave my house in Shannon at 5.30am in time for morning prayer. I began to find things that I knew the monastery needed, furniture, beds and various items that I felt would be of use. Each day I sat, I counted, I cried and unbeknownst to myself, something wonderful was happening. I was beginning to focus more outwardly, on giving to others, and less inwardly on my own troubled mind. Finally the day came when the monks would go back to their monastery in Thailand. I had bought little gifts for them to take on their journey; leatherbound journals for the Ajahn (Ajahn Dhammadharo) and his superior. For the other monks I brought a small card with an ancient Irish blessing. My final request to go and present the gifts in person was granted. We sat again, in the humble cottage and as I began to express my gratitude, tears began to fall. This time they were tears of overwhelming gratitude and joy. I tried to thank the Ajahn, but words failed me. In response to my muffled ‘thank yous’, he gently told me that I was the only one who had stayed on from the beginner group. He went on to tell me that he could see that my disposition had completely changed from when he first saw me. All of this took me by surprise. Continuing, he asked if I knew what a ‘Devi’ was, to which I replied ‘No’. Smiling, he explained that it’s a floating, fairy-like female energy that buzzes about the monastery. Likening this to how he saw me now, I graciously took this as confirmation that I had indeed experienced some sort of inner transformation. Perhaps ‘the counting’ had worked after all. The monks went on their way and I returned to the monastery one morning. I was asked to go to the cottage where they had stayed, to take out the laundry. As I entered and walked around each room, I noticed in awe, how the monks had left

it. Each bed had placed neatly upon it, one modest blanket folded perfectly. There was very little else left apart from the beautiful stillness that pervaded. With deep gratitude I gathered the blankets and brought them back to where they belonged. Since then, I have had a chance to reflect on this experience and try my best to integrate it into my life, my work and my teachings. Join me next week to continue the discussion on spirituality and leadership and to explore some of the essential components of today’s authentic leader. Contact me at denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie

lSunyata Buddhist Centre

Why do our New Year’s resolutions fail? A STUDY of about 800 million activities by the fitness app Strava predicts that nearly 80 % of people who make a New Year’s resolution will abandon it by 19 January. Despite the information that is often heard regarding forming habits, the fact that creating a new habit takes 21 days is certainly a myth. Studies show instead that for habits to become authentic behaviours, it takes most of people 66 days. But it can take anything between 18 days up to 254 days. Why does it take that long and how can we maintain our motivation during the installing process and beyond to achieve our health and well-being goals? These are the two questions that I am going to answer to here. Why is taking so long to change a behaviour? When it comes to an installed habit, we are dealing

with an automatic behaviour. According to a 2012 study published in the British Journal of General Practice, habits are “actions that are triggered automatically in response to contextual cues that have been associated with their

performance.” Let’s take as an example the behaviour of driving a car. You jump into the driver seat and automatically put on your belt and turn on the engine, press the clutch if you drive a manual car and at the same time you think of

what you are going to do after you drop your kids to school or how your first meeting in work is going to be. Your brain is on autopilot when it comes to the driving behaviour. But how long did it take for you to get there is the question that gives a clue about what the time frame for our brain is to upload a new behaviour. It is a very personal time frame. Becoming aware of the length of time that a new habit takes to be formed, is crucial for being successful with our intention to install a new habit that serve our health and well-being. Now we can focus on practical steps that you can take in order to get closer to your intention. 1. Make your new habit simple. As simple as your brain can’t say no to it when you want to do it. A translation of this is: baby steps are the secret. And celebrate the journey as much as you want to cele-

brate the destination. 2. Write daily about what makes you happy and feel good about the new habit. As your brain wires new pathways, mark them well for allowing your brain to recognise them easier when you have the tendency to get lost. 3. Find a way to keep yourself accountable. This can be to set a personal daily landmark like, it doesn’t matter when you do the 30 minutes of exercise but you won’t watch tv until you have that done. Or, work with a coach who has the mission to hold yourself accountable. 4. Keep the momentum going. Find your way and focus on it daily. You can write them on sticky notes and set a memo on your phone. And don’t beat yourself up. Every single morning is a new chance to start again. Keep up the good work.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Columnists

The risks and benefits associated with taking HRT, what everyone should know

Menopause expert and awareness advocate Nicola Ryan MPSI, discusses the risks and benefits associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy

lHEALTH: Nicola Ryan THE risks and benefits associated with taking HRT, what every woman should know! In this article I’m going to discuss the small risks associated with taking HRT and the minute cohort of ladies that cannot take hormones, but more importantly, I will talk about the benefits taking hormones can have on our lives. This is information that, for some unknown reason, isn’t always made available to ladies. These are benefits that have been scientifically proven and thus, women should be informed! Hopefully after last week’s article, the apprehension associated with HRT and its association with breast cancer has been addressed and the fearmongering has been abolished. My aim is for women to feel at ease, so they feel comfortable in seeking help and information to start taking HRT to alleviate unwanted symptoms and improve their quality of life. So to follow on from last week’s foundation, I must also explain, that there is a very minute group of women who cannot take HRT. If a woman has been unfortunate enough to have been diagnosed with a certain type of breast cancer called oestrogen positive (ER+) then that woman cannot have systemic oestrogen. The reason for this is because the cancer is being driven by oestrogen, so as part of the treatment, oestrogen receptors must be blocked to ensure the least amount of oestrogen levels are circulating in the body. I’m going to take this opportunity to remind these ladies that you are amazing… Not only have you survived cancer but you then must live with very troublesome

menopausal symptoms that you cannot have oestrogen or progesterone therapy to lighten the burden. Again, I salute you all and you are admirable and courageous beyond measure. It’s when we read about these cases that we often take HRT for granted - until you are in a situation where the choice is taken from you, the reality of the situation doesn’t seem to hit home. Now not all breast cancers are as extreme when it comes to HRT, it often depends on the type of breast cancer as there are quite a few, so the decision is left up to the very capable hands of their oncologist and menopause specialist. They will weigh up the benefits over the risks and make a plan to better their quality of life, and an informed decision can then be made. One question that often pops up is if there is a history of breast cancer in your family can you have HRT? This is a complex question, and often the answer tends to be case-dependent. It usually depends on many factors such as the type of breast cancer, what family member had the cancer diagnosis, and several lifestyle factors including smoking, obesity and alcohol consumption. So, I would always advise ladies to have this discussion with their healthcare professional or menopause specialist and of course highlight just how bad of an impact the symptoms are having on your daily life. In many cases, ladies who have had breast cancer can be prescribed local-acting vaginal oestrogen to help alleviate genitourinary symptoms of the menopause, symptoms like dry, sore vagina or/and urinary symptoms like reoccurring kidney infections and urgency and frequency that may occur. Again this is a conversation for the patient and the specialist. Now finally, the benefits that aren’t always known. Firstly, the HRT dose, route of administration and duration of treatment are individualised to each patient with frequent check-ups to see how the treatment is going. Oestrogen replacement remains the most effective treatment for symptom control. Transdermal (through the skin) oestrogen has no risk of clot or stroke as opposed to synthetic oral oestrogen and consequently, it is now the preferred choice for most women, not to mention that the oestrogen within these products are body identical, which means the oestrogen is the very same as the oestrogen that our own body produces. Studies also suggest that HRT commencement before the age of 60, or within ten years of menopause, is associated with a reduction in atherosclerosis progression, coronary heart disease and death from cardiovascular causes, so basically HRT protects your heart. Oestrogen should be considered as a first line of therapy for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in women under the age of 60. Clinical studies have shown that oestrogen protects our bones, along with

weight-bearing exercise and adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. There is also lots of research around menopause and the effect that it can have on our brains. Some studies suggest that taking HRT can decrease our chances of getting Alzheimer’s, disease, but the jury is still out on this one at the moment as more research is needed in this area. Dr Lisa Mocsoni, an Italian neuroscientist and author of the book ‘The XX Brian’ and the book coming out soon entitled ‘The Menopause Brain’ is sure to provide a very interesting read, as she addresses the effects that menopause has on a woman’s brain, hence the familiar term ‘brain-fog’ that we hear so

much about. Oestrogen has also been proven to reduce the risk of getting type 2 diabetes & also can prevent glaucoma in the eyes and there are many more benefits that we will definitely see in the future because of the ongoing research being carried out on this topic, so happy days ladies. In my opinion, I feel that should women be informed about the risks and the benefits associated with taking hormone replacement therapy, they can then instigate a conversation about the topic, and between them, they can make an informed decision on what they think is the right next step to take on their menopausal journey.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Columnists

Thought for the week: Christmas wish Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY

T’S the most wonderful time of the year as the Christmas spirit if we have real faith and believe in it is upon us. If you ask most people what the Christmas season means to them, it’s ‘gifts’ and family. Every year and especially this year the season of Christmas comes to draw us out of these feelings of uncertainty, hopelessness and even at times despair that we have been feeling for the past year or so by reminding us that we are called to move out of the darkness of selfishness and greed to live in the light of giving and goodness. However, for those away from home, the lonely or for those with ill health, this season is simply a reminder of what they don’t have. Christmas is a celebration, a time for giving and not simply a day we exchange gifts. The spirit of Christmas is in the ‘togetherness’, it’s in the thought to which you put into thinking about others, it’s a selfless time, where we forgive, take stock of what’s important and become ‘better’ versions of ourselves. It’s the universal ‘feel good’ factor for those that aren’t a Scrooge, and even if you don’t celebrate it, you can’t help but feel the love.

BE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT! Be the Christmas Spirit that enters the home of poverty, causing pale-faced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder. Be the Christmas Spirit that causes the miser’s clutched hand to relax, and thus paint a bright spot on his soul. Be the Christmas Spirit that causes the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old, glad way. Be the Christmas Spirit that keeps romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brightens sleep with dreams woven of magic. Be the Christmas Spirit that causes eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world. Be the Christmas Spirit that causes the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way, and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow. Be the Christmas Spirit that enters dark prison cells, reminding scarred humanity of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to be. Be the Christmas Spirit that comes softly into the still, home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude. Be the Christmas Spirit in a thousand ways that causes the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the

things that are small and wretched. Be the Christmas Spirit to yourself and to everyone you meet not just at Christmas time but all year through! THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the week, especially during this Christmas season, look at ways you can help create a world in which human dignity, faith in God, kindness, mercy, genuineness, forgiveness, love and care is respected and where everyone can reach their full potential. The Christmas story is very simple: it tells of a birth, the birth of a first child to poor parents with an uncertain future. So what is it about the story that holds such appeal, that has allowed so many other stories and traditions to grow up around it? Why does it have such a place in our hearts? Perhaps it has to do with the way it taps into our deepest longings, those things we desire that can help us cope with just about anything: love, faith and trust. There is much generous love in the story, and with it a sense of wonder that God could be so intimately involved with something so simple. Shepherds are amazed, wise men are humbled and a young woman treasures all these things in her heart. In the midst of the love we are all invited, just like the people in the story to trust that God is here and cares deeply as each of us

lChristmas spirit deals with the joys and sorrows , the hopes and disappointments of everyday life especially during these worrying and uncertain times. The Christmas story affirms that we all have a value and a unique dignity that lifts us up and empowers us to move beyond ourselves and to take the risk of reaching out to others, always trusting that God is present in the simple stuff. “Lord, As we celebrate another Christmas, help us to live each moment gratefully. May we have the

faith to trust in the gifts you have given us. May we have the hope that overcomes the dark thoughts that sometimes cloud our vision. May we have the love that makes our world a better place. May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace, as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope and joy by the power of the Holy Spirit. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Amen.” Friends, Christmas is God’s sign of affection for us. No matter what your personal situation may be, never doubt that

God loves you, accepts you and will never walk away. Through the baby born that day, God embraced the world and embraced each one of us never to let go. That is “the good news of great joy for all the world, on this day a Savior is born who is Christ, the Lord.” Let us pray that we shall be able to welcome Jesus at Christmas, not in the cold manger of our heart but in a heart full of love and humanity, a heart warm with love for one another. Have a happy and holy Christmas.

Nollaig mhór mhaith dhaoibh uilig Macalla an Chláir

Imeachtaí/Events:

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

ia dhaoibh! Cén chaoi bhfuil sibh? Níl mórán le rá agam an tseachtain seo ach go bhfuil súil agam go mbeidh Nollaig dhraíochtúil, shona agaibh, agus go mbeidh an bord ag cur thar maoil leis an mbia agus deoch is fearr agaibh! Agus bainigí sás as an t-am deas sin idir dhá Nollaig. Follow us / Leanaigí ar twitter (X), Facebook, agus Instagram muid ag @MacallaAnChlair! Contact us / Is féidir r-phost a sheoladh chugainn má bhíonn scéal ar bith agaibh nó imeacht Gaeilge éigint ag tarlú in bhur gceantar, ag macallaanchlair@gmail.com Go dtí an bhliain seo chugainn, tógaigí go réidh é agus Nollaig Shona! Make sure to listen to a bit of RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, watch a bit of TG4, and check out amhráin Nollag on spotify etc.

• Inniu / Today - ENNIS / INIS – Scéalaíocht agus Rannta le Ceri, Storytime and Rhyme i nGaeilge with Ceri, sa Leabharlann, Inis, Dé Sathairn an 21ú Nollaig / 21st of December, 11.00 – 11.30am IN AISCE / FREE OF CHARGE • 24ú Nollaig, Dinnéar Oíche Nollag (iasc b’fhéidir?) • 25ú Nollaig, Dinnéar na Nollag • 26ú Nollaig, Imeachtaí Lá an Dreoilín • 27ú Nollaig, Ceapairí le fuílleachaí bia dhinnéar na Nollag • 31ú Nollaig, Oíche Chinn Bhliana • 1ú, Eanáir, 2023, Lá Nollaig Beag – á thógáil go réidh

Gluais/Glossary: • lNollaig Shona

Beidh ‘’Gael Linn ag 70’’ á chraoladh ag TG4, Oíche Fhéile Stiofáin ag 20:00. Sa gclár comórtha seo déanfar ceiliúradh ar 70 bliain de Gael-Linn. I measc na n-aíonna a bheidh páirteach sa gclár beidh Moya Brennan, Iarla Ó Lionáird, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Sarah Ghriallais, agus Binneas s’againn fhéin as Co. an Chláir (buaiteoirí Shiansa Ghael Linn 2023)!

• • • • • • •

Irish

English

Nollaig mhór mhaith dhaoibh uilig! Níl mórán le rá agam an tseachtain seo Nollaig dhraíochtúil ag cur thar maoil idir dhá Nollaig amhráin Nollag Dinnéar Oíche Nollag Dinnéar na Nollag

- A very Merry Christmas to you all! – I don’t have that much to say this week – a magical Christmas – overflowing – between two Christmases – Christmas songs – Christmas Eve dinner – Christmas dinner

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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News

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Zimmer Biomet seeking product builders in South Galway

ZIMMER Biomet, a global medical device manufacturer specialising in orthopaedic implants, are currently recruiting Product Builders for their Oranmore facility. The site has various high tech operations including 3D printing, 4 and 5 axis CNC machining and a clean and pack area. Zimmer Biomet established business in Ireland in 2008, with the opening of their new facility in Shannon Co. Clare, which now employs 450 people. Due to exponential growth, 2015 saw the opening of their second facility in Oranmore Co. Galway, which currently employs over 400 people. With quality at the heart of all they do, Zimmer Biomet Ireland is now a recognised Centre of Excellence worldwide in Knee Production. Due to significant investment in operations in Ireland, Zimmer Biomet are currently recruiting for Product Builders across their business. With a variety of shift patterns available, you choose

what works best for you. Working 7 shifts every fortnight their attractive shift pattern allows for an excellent work/life balance which means more time with family and doing things you enjoy and less time commuting. Additionally, their Oranmore location means no time spent sitting in Galway traffic. Take your career to the next level with excellent career growth opportunities, in a friendly and supportive environment where your hard work will be recognised and rewarded. We welcome people from all backgrounds, manufacturing experience is not a requirement as full training is provided. Join a team where there is excellent opportunity for development and progression.

To learn more about what Zimmer Biomet Oranmore can offer you, email your CV to ProductBuilders@careerwise.ie and hit the ground running in 2024!

‘Rewarding’ careers with Atlantic Aviation ARE you seeking a new start in the New Year? Explore a rewarding career in the aviation industry by joining Atlantic Aviation Group. As an independent aviation solutions company, we deliver a comprehensive range of aviation solutions from aircraft maintenance (MRO), CAMO & technical services, design services, and tailored training solutions. Our current workforce exceeds 700 employees spread across our two sites in Shannon, Ireland, and in Brize Norton, UK and we are actively recruiting for some key vacant positions. As an organisation, our vision is to be a leading independent global aviation services partner, recognised for our expertise, our customer focus, and our pioneering spirit and we believe our people are a pillar for our ambition and success. At Atlantic Aviation Group, we believe in investing in our people through continuous development.

lOPPORTUNITY: Join the team at Atlantic Aviation Group We continually invest in ing for a variety of roles training programmes to available at our facilities in support the development Shannon Airport and in and growth of our people Brize Norton, UK. Roles and to ensure that our team that are currently available consists of highly trained, include B1 and B2 Licenced forward-thinking individu- Engineers, Part 21 Design als committed to delivering Engineers and Aircraft a customer centric service. Technical Managers with We are actively recruit- additional roles continu-

ously added to the careers section of our website. To join our dynamic and exciting team, contact our careers department at careers@atlanticaviation.ie. For more information on available roles, visit www. atlanticaviation.ie/careers/ opportunities

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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News

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

News

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Business & Recruitment

Dromoland Castle appoint Frawley Dromoland Castle has announced the appointment of Olivia Frawley as Director of Resort Sales. A County Clare native, Ms Frawley joins a strong Sales and Marketing department and dynamic leadership team at Dromoland Castle. With over 20 years of Irish and International experience, Ms Frawley is renowned in Irish and International tourism and hospitality circles. Ms Frawley commented; “I am honoured to be joining Dromoland Castle as Director of Resort Sales. Dromoland is an iconic property, one which I have admired for many years. I look forward to contributing my passion for hospitality and enhancing the hotels already world-renowned standard of excellence. I’m excited for the journey ahead”.

SATURDAY 6th JANUARY 2024

Would you like to work at Ireland’s most visited natural attraction? The Cliffs of Moher Experience is holding a

RECRUITMENT OPEN DAY FOR 2024 SEASON for customer service agents, retail assistants, café staff

at the Ennistymon Innovation Hub, Parliament Street, Ennistymon, V95 NX86 from 10am to 4pm J

Training Provided

Uniform Provided

Meet with staff and managers who work at the Cliffs of Moher Experience. You are welcome to bring an up to date Curriculum Vitae. If you or someone you know would be interested in working as part of our team, please come to the recruitment open day on Saturday 6th January. If you require any further information, please email careers@cliffsofmoher.ie

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

Secondary schools encouraged to shine at BD Stem Stars 2024 BD’S Research Centre Ireland (RCI) based in Limerick is passionate about supporting community-based initiatives that foster future talent. Its secondary school competition STEM Stars is now open to schools all over the Munster region for 2023/24 registrations, which will see a shortlisted group of schools invited to BD Research Centre Ireland for the final in March 2024. STEM learning promotes critical thinking, leadership, curiosity, and innovation. Now in its 5th year, STEM Stars aims to inspire and encourage students in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and offers a €10,000 prize fund to support and develop STEM education and facilities as well as prizes for the winning students. Previously open to schools in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, the success of the competition has seen it expanded this year to welcoming entries from all schools in the Munster region. To further promote STEM and help prepare students for their future, RCI is also offering much sought-after Transition Year placements for one of

the winning schools where students will gain valuable exposure to R&D in a global medical device company. To take part in this year’s STEM Stars, students are asked to identify a healthcare problem that is meaningful to them and, using STEM subjects, they are asked for creative and innovative ways of solving the problem. Limerick and Clare ETB Community Colleges shone brightly at last year’s BD Stem Stars awards, with Desmond College in Newcastle West in County Limerick taking home first place and Coláiste Chiaráin taking home third place at BD’s world-class Research Centre Ireland in Castletroy, Limerick. Desmond College students Madison Saracoglu and Emma Greaney created the award winning ‘Rehabilitation Nation’ device for rehabilitating shoulder injuries, which earned them the BD STEM Stars trophy for first place, as well as a €10,000 prize fund. This prize fund went towards STEM-related facilities at their school and they serve as a great inspiration for students from all over Munster to enter the 2024 competition. Speaking about BD

STEM STARS, Director of Schools at Limerick and Clare ETB, Donncha Ó Treasaigh, said: “Limerick and Clare ETB is delighted to partner with BD in promoting the awards programme. This superb BD initiative goes to the heart of a very important national objective to promote STEM learning in our schools, and this is something that we are very committed to. Not only does it promote STEM subjects, it also gives participating students an insight into the incredibly exciting career that they can have in STEM; a career in which they can make a real impact on people’s lives and work in cutting-edge environments like BD’s RCI Centre here in Limerick.” Site Director at BD’s Research Centre Ireland (RCI) in Limerick, Seán Wall, is also looking forward to this year’s competition: “BD is proud to empower Ireland’s future innovators by fostering STEM-rich education across the country – where curiosity meets discovery, and every classroom is a gateway to boundless possibilities.” For more information on BD STEM Stars visit www. bd.com/en-uk/company/ bd-stem-stars.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

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Thursday, Dec 14, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Meehan 'chomping at bit' to make mark with Clare hurlers in 2024 by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANE Meehan is anxious to make the most of the Munster Senior Hurling League in his bid to gain a more prominent role for the Clare hurlers in 2024 - while he has ruled out the prospect of trying to juggle dual commitments at inter-county level in the future. Clare will have their opening game in the Co-op Superstores Munster Senior Hurling League on January 10 when they welcome All-Ireland champions Limerick to O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge. Meehan made his senior championship debut when introduced as a halftime substitute in Clare’s 0-24 1-21 draw with Limerick in the Munster SHC in May 2022, while he had been named to start in their first round encounter against Tipperary a month previous but a hamstring injury kept him out of action. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Shane stressed the importance of the pre-season competition for players like him hoping to make their senior breakthrough. “As a team we’ve our own objectives and we’ll be going after every game we play even in the Munster League. So early in the year, it’s a chance to make a stake for a place in the team and for the young lads it is a huge opportunity to get minutes and test yourself at the best level”. “I’m chomping at the bit, any time you get a chance to put on a Clare jersey is a massive honour so when you do get the chance you have to grab it with two hands, these games are perfect for me and the younger lads or guys trying to get their fitness back, games are why we play the game”. Setbacks such as the hamstring injury are behind him, the Banner GAA clubman hopes. “At the minute I’m fit and good to go, acclimatising to senior took a year or two for me because I was picking up niggles, I’ve been doing a good bit in the gym so I’m hoping I will have an injury free year”. Skill was not the only reason Meehan caught the eye when lining out at minor level for Clare but also his footwork and his ability to squeeze through challenges. This he credits with an athletics involvement while in primary school. “I would have done a nice bit of running, I

did athletics which would have helped, then it was a bit natural too I suppose, playing so much sport you get an ability to break tackles. I’ve seen clips of my father playing and he was similar in a sense like that, he would have been all football with Doughmore in Galway. When he moved to Clare, he got involved in the hurling straight away and I’d say he is nearly a bigger hurling fan at this stage”. Patrick Crotty, Keith Smyth, John Conneally, Cian Galvin and Darragh Lohan are among the players that will be keen to utilise the Munster senior hurling league as a strong audition before the National Hurling League commences on February 4. “It is a great chance for all the young lads to get a chance to play and put yourself in the picking for the National League and then into the Munster championship”. Ennis’ Shane points out that Clare were represented by Mark Rodgers at the launch last year, the Scariff forward would go on to become a regular in the starting 15 and ended 2023 as the young hurler of the year. “Mark Rodgers hadn’t played championship when he came to this launch last year, look at the year he went on to have, he started in the Munster League and played all the games in the competition, it shows that it gives you something to build off ”. Given that Shane was the one chosen to attend the launch, it may be viewed as a sign that management are planning to give him an enhanced role for 2024. “I’d take it as extra responsibility, at least he [Brian Lohan] knows I’m trustworthy enough to go up, it’s enjoyable to come and meet the lads from the other counties”. TRIAL Lohan and his management have a number of new players on trial with a finalised panel to be decided in advance of their first NHL outing against Cork. “They are perfect for trying to make sure you are at the level that you will be playing against, there’s the other lads like Cathal Malone, David McInerney that will really make you test yourself,” Meehan said. Lohan has added two-time All Star Brendan Bugler to his management as coach along with S&C coach Lukasz Kirszenstein. “They’ve been really good and a breath of fresh air into it, I was with the U20s with Brendan before so I knew he was a brilliant trainer, he has

l Meehan in action for Clare in the Munster final against Limerick

been excellent straight away and we have Lukas too doing our S&C, he has been really good and really professional,” Meehan said of their impact. Currently in third year in Mary Immaculate College where he is training to become a primary school teacher, Shane is also part of the Fitzgibbon Cup squad. “It is busy enough, you’d be kept on your toes. Jamie Wall is over us, he is a first cousin of Podge Collins and Podge is helping us with the coaching”. Collins is likely to be the last dual-player for Clare’s seniors with Meehan a former minor football captain who admitting he doesn’t envisage playing both codes for his county again,

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

having done so at minor and U20 levels. “To be honest I couldn’t see how it could be done. You’ve so much to go through. At the minute I’m so occupied and involved with the hurling that it is all I’d be thinking about to be honest, I enjoy the football with the club, it is a nice way to get the break from the hurling and it is really enjoyable in that sense”. Not alone is he balancing Clare’s preparations with the Fitzgibbon Cup but there is the not so small matter of his studies thrown into the mix. “You have to keep on top of the books as well and my mother is good to remind me that! You have to use your time wisely,

take time for the books when you need to and focus on the hurling too”. Given that any inter-county player tends to have a high proportion of teachers in their dressing room, Shane knows which teammate he’d be approaching if he needed any assistance with lesson plans. “David McInerney is probably the most reliable but he mightn’t give it to you is the only thing, he is a primary school teacher so I’d have to hop it off him or Eamonn Foudy who would have all the files tucked away for himself ”. On the other hand, he picks out Cian Galvin and Darragh Lohan as two players he’d be very reluctant to suss out for teaching tips. BIRTHDAY Earlier this month, Shane celebrated his 21st birthday, it’s grand to have a Christmas birthday a double celebration so it’s not too bad”. The time of year can often lead to pause for reflection and looking back on Clare’s run in 2023 Shane said, “It was a very positive year in the sense that you’re getting a day out in Croke Park, you’re in a Munster final but the only thing is we did the same thing the year before and you’re just looking to progress and step on. We aren’t any closer than we were last year in that we were still a puck of a ball away from an All-Ireland final, it can be frustrating but you have to lick your wounds, get back on the horse and see where you went wrong”. “You’re always trying to strive to achieve more, there is great work being done by Club Clare and all sorts of funds with people giving of their money, I know they’re launching new memberships in the next week so we know everyone is putting in a lot of effort and their time so it is up to us to push on ourselves and make it worthwhile,” he added. Given that he was involved with the Banner’s run in the Munster junior club championship, the Clare IFC and his club’s U21 campaigns in both codes, Shane has not been idle since Kilkenny defeated Clare in the All-Ireland semi-final in July. He isn’t complaining about the lack of time off, “I had a couple of weeks. We went away for a week when we got knocked out with Clare, after we got beaten with the Banner I had a week or two off so it was grand, it was fine”.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Sport

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Fitzgerald finalises Nugent signs new Clare management Galway Utd deal by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Seamus Hayes

MAURICE Nugent has signed a new deal with Galway Utd which will see him line out in the League of Ireland Premier Division. A vital part of the Galway Utd side who won the First Division title in 2023, Maurice played thirty games and scored two goals in a memorable campaign for the Tribesmen. He was joined in the squad by Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Callum McNamara who had his season disrupted by injury. From Barefield, the defender returned to Galway Utd in December 2022. He originally

news@clareecho.ie

FORMER Kerry minor football manager, James Costello has joined the management of the Clare senior footballers. Mark Fitzgerald has added his fellow Kerry man to the management team in recent weeks as he begins preparations for his first season in charge of the Clare senior footballers. Offering some continuity to the new management is selector Declan Downes. The Kilmihil man will be involved with the senior side for the ninth season in a row and will fulfil the same role he had under Colm Collins. Former Limerick captain, Seanie Buckley is the side’s head coach, as first reported by The Clare Echo in September. A two-time Clare SFC winning coach with Éire Óg, he captained his county to two Division Four League titles in Croke Park, beating Waterford in 2010 and overcoming Offaly in 2013. Kilrush’s Owen Tarrant is the side’s strength and conditioning coach, replacing Micheál Cahill. Owen held the same post with the Mayo footballers last season. He was S&C coach and assistant sports scientist with the Chiefs Rugby Club in New Zealand. He has been lead S&C coach with Young Munster and Garryowen and for close to two years he was an academy S&C coach with Munster Rugby. Before the Mayo role, he was Head of Performance with Kobe Steelers Rugby and Japan RFU. Jim Marrinan of St Joseph's

Miltown will continue as the team's kitman while The Clare Echo understands that Cratloe's Jody O'Connor and Brian O'Connell have left their roles covering video analysis and statistics. Diarmuid Whelan of Kilmurry Ibrickane will be remaining involved in this capacity. At a structures meeting of Clare GAA on Monday evening, Kildysart’s John Meade once again pressed the County Executive for details on Fitzgerald’s management. Chairman Kieran Keating at this meeting in Caherlohan confirmed the addition of Costello as selector. “He has worked closely with Mark in the past and he is comfortable with him. He had to go outside the county to fill his team,” the Naomh Eoin clubman stated. “They are crippled with injuries and retirements”, commented Head of Operations Deirdre Murphy.

BRIDGE UTD’S PREMIER BOUNCE CONTINUES WITH THIRD WIN IN ROW

joined the club in 2014 from Mervue Utd in 2017, playing for the club’s U19s before making the breakthrough to their first team in 2017. He became a regular starter in the 2018 season and a year later was appointed the club’s vice captain. After leaving Galway Utd, Maurice spent close to a year with English side Uxbridge F.C, who play their football in the Isthmanian League South-Central Division after moving to London for work purposes. Galway Utd will begin their Premier Division campaign on February 16th when they welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to Eamonn Deacy Park.

Tallaght trip for Avenue in last 32 of FAI Junior Cup AVENUE UTD have been handed an away tie in the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup, writes Páraic McMahon. David Russell’s charges will be heading to the capital where they will face Tallaght Utd in the fifth round of the FAI Junior Cup. A 3-1 victory in the third round saw Russell’s side dethrone Newmarket Celtic as FAI Junior Cup champions, they became the first

Clare club to win the competition last April. Tallaght Utd advanced to the last thirty winning on penalties against Wexford Bohemians FC at the end of November. Goalkeeper Ste Kelly saved two penalties in the shootout to send them through. Regional Utd who eliminated Fairview in the last round carry some Clare interest within their

ranks. Shannon duo Eoin Duff and Brian O’Connor plus Newmarket-on-Fergus netminder Rob Shier are all key members of the Munster Junior Cup winning squad. They have been handed a home tie versus Grattan Utd. Ennis' Colm Walsh O'Loghlen is part of the Pike Rovers side and they will be on the road where they will face Lucan.

AVENUE REGAIN TOP SPOT OF PREMIER DIVISION FOR FESTIVE BREAK CDSL PREMIER DIVISION

SCAN FOR ROUND-UP

CDSL PREMIER DIVISION

SCAN FOR REPORT

l Bridge United in action against Kilrush

l Mossy Hehir was among the scorers for Avenue Utd again

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Cllr Tony O’Brien 087 822 5983

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy 086 8239703

Cllr Pat O’Gorman 087 685 9122

Cllr Pat Daly 086 109 9312

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Sport

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Moynihan sisters all on the scoresheet

by Dearbhla Parry

Senior Women’s League: Ennis/Kilrush RFC 27-8 Tralee RFC The Moynihan sisters took the lead for Ennis/Kilrush as they secured another league win. The Ennis/Kilrush senior women’s team avenged their league opening loss to Tralee with a comprehensive home victory to leave them three points behind the league leaders UL Bohemian, albeit with the Clare team having a game in hand. The first quarter saw numerous penalties against both sides, preventing the game from flowing and resulting in two yellow cards for Ennis/Kilrush and one for Tralee. Fullback Orna Moynihan opened the scoring with a blistering line break and soon after, her sister, winger Emer got in for the game’s second score. Neither were converted and Tralee managed to turn some good field position into a converted penalty to bring the score to 10-3. Ennis/Kilrush added to the score further when captain Michaela Glynn led by example with a powerful line break and a good off-

l Tom Moynihan and daughters Orna, Ciara and Emer, who all scored for Ennis/Kilrush at

the weekend as Ciara made her debut

load to centre partner Ailish Dunne who passed to Orna Moynihan in space, allowing her to touch down for her second and Ennis-Kilrush’s third try, converted by Glynn, bringing the first half score to 17-3. Ennis took a while to establish dominance in the second half and in the final quarter, Ennis second row, Laura Cooney ran in for the game’s fourth. Ennis/

Kilrush added their fifth try a few moments later when substitute winger Ciara Moynihan joined her sisters on the score sheet with some great passing out the back line, allowing her to touch down in the corner. Tralee added a length of the pitch try on the game’s final play, with no conversion, bringing the final score to 27-8. U18 Girl’s Munster League:

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Photo by Helen McQuillan

Ennis RFC 27-7 Carrick-onSuir RFC Ennis U18 girls played their fifth league game of the season away to Carrickon-Suir on Saturday morning knowing a win would finish them top of their table. Against the run of play, Carrick-on-Suir scored first under the posts with a strong break out of their own half. However undeterred, Ennis bounced back quick-

ly and from a line-out near Carrick’s line, Nell Walsh scored in the opposite corner. Soon after, Ennis centre Eileen Keane broke through for another try, converted by her sister, Emma Keane. Ennis scored again before halftime following a great switch in direction in attack and Ellis O’Flaherty worked hard to get to the opposite wing to receive the ball and score in the corner. By halftime, the score showed 17-7 to Ennis. As substitutes were brought on in the second half, Ennis continued to defend and put some serious pressure on the Carrickon-Suir defence. Lyndsay Clarke made a great break from a loop play with the two Keanes in the centre to score Ennis’ fourth try. Ennis number 6, Sally Kelly crossed the whitewash for the final score of the game: 27-7. Ennis: Annie Lynch, Aishling Heapes, Ciara Reidy, Ciara Frawley, Caolinn Cahill, Sally Kelly, Maggie Murphy, Emily Kelly, Niamh McManus, Lyndsay Clarke (Joint Captain), Ellis O’Flaherty, Eileen Keane, Emma Keane, Nell Walsh, Sadhbh Faughey, Kiera O’Neill, Alana Foudy, Kayla Considine, Ava Walsh, Amy Butler, Ella Courney, Saoirse Coleman, and Rachel Murphy.

Next up for the Ennis U18s is a home quarter final on the 7th of January against South Munster op-

ponents, which has yet to be confirmed. U16 Boy’s Munster A Cup: Ennis RFC 26-19 Waterpark RFC The Ennis U16 team had a great win against Waterpark on Saturday. Ennis started off stronger when Harry O’Donoghue scored a try, giving Ennis a 7 - 0 lead. That is, until Waterpark quickly took over the lead with 7 – 14 after two quick tries. Just before halftime and after good pressure from O’Donoghue, he scored his second try to leave the game ties 14 – 14. Ennis started off strong again in the second half and sustained pressure to score a try from Cian MacGearailt. Ennis responded well with Oran Considine scoring in the corner after Waterpark scored. Ennis’ fantastic defence held out against Waterpark in the last few minutes, allowing a final score of 26 – 19. Fixtures: Senior Men: Ennis v UL Bohemians Thursday 28th December Kick-off at 12:00 in Drumbiggle

Aulton Lucy digs deep for Hogan by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

AULTON LUCY trained by Ennis’ Pat Hogan took the spoils in the chief supporting contest in Galway on Saturday. As the traps rose on the concluding A2 graded 525 yards affair, Derra Dolly just about came away best in the centre as Aulton Lucy also showed pace approaching the opening bend with Knoppogue Blue in third place. Turning down the back the Pat Hogan of Ennis-owned Aulton Lucy shaded the advantage from Derra Dolly and exiting the back led by over a length. Although rivals were queueing up to challenge the Vincent McKenna-trained daughter of Pat C Sabbath and Portumna West, she dug deep off the home turn to defeat Moneygall Aaron by two lengths in 29.29. In the A3 graded fourth contest, the Thomas O’Connor of Ennistymon-owned Da Ultimate (Out Of Range Ash / An Bhean Cheile) took advantage of the slight romp in grade to A3 level as he made all to defeat Springwell Thomo by two and a half lengths in 29.09. The outcome of the S2 graded sprint contest was in little doubt from an early stage as the Michael Browne of Cree-owned Burnpark Layla never saw another rival on her way to career win five from 10 starts by four and three quarter lengths over Great Time Pal in 17.80. Having come in to trap six as a reserve in race seven, the Siobhan Garraghy of Moyowned Cloneyogan Sydney took full advantage of the opportunity as he arrived late and fast round the wide outside to defeat Burnpark Crash by three lengths at the line in 29.41. Lissatouk Peggy trapped well in the centre and led Springwell Denny by two lengths rounding the opening bend. Racing along the back Lissatouk Peggy continued to show the way but nearing the third bend the winner began to close on the wide outside. Off the home bend the Donie Duggan of Tulla-trained son of Droopys Sydney and Tiernana Rum found

that extra gear to run down his rivals and win. Cooraclare handler Seamus McMahon has his kennel runners in top form at present and his Lissatouk Suzy recorded her third career success on Friday in the A6 graded contest leading for the majority of the 525 yards trip to defeat Five Alley Floss in 30.13. There was a 12-race card on offer on last Thursday night at Limerick Greyhound Stadium and seven of the races came home to the Banner. There was a quickfire double for Michael and Donnacha McNamara from Tulla, with litter comrades Starry Eyed and Bel Canto who remarkably both stopped the clock in 29.78 for their respective wins, they are bred by Malachi and Rockalong Aqua. The first race of the evening went to Droney Said No for Tulla based trainer Donie Duggan in 29.34, this was a seventh career success for this daughter of Droopys Sydney and Estimate and who is under the ownership of the Cranny and Kildysart based syndicate Donttellpettycoatgovernment Syndicate. There was also a double for O’Callaghans Mills trainer Donal Cooney, first to enter the winner’s closure was Killuran Babe, who is under the ownership of Ciaran Cooney, this was career win number two for this daughter of Pestana and Border Electric, and her winning time was 29.73. The double was completed by Kildoo Dano who Donal owns in partnership with Doora’s Gerry Moloney, a son of Ballymac Anton and Notimetotalk, he recorded the quickest spin of the evening with his 29.03 effort. Tiermana Oak notched career win number seven for Mullagh’s Noel Mororney, a son of Laughil Blake and Cloneyogan Flash, his winning time was 29.40. Syds Star got back to winning ways for Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Myles Cummins with a 29.46 victory, this was career win number eight for this son of Droopys Sydney and Annual Review.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Golfing in Paradise: Beat the January blues by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

AS WINTER settles across much of Europe, avid golfers seek warmer destinations to practice and enjoy a round of golf under the sun. The Canary Islands, blessed with mild temperatures and breathtaking landscapes, emerge as an irresistible haven for golf enthusiasts. With its diverse topography, stunning vistas, and a collection of world-class golf courses, the Canary Islands offer an exceptional golfing experience during January and February. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner looking for a picturesque setting, these islands boast a range of courses catering to every level. Tenerife: Golfing amidst Majestic Landscapes Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, features a delightful blend of natural beauty and outstanding golfing facilities. Golf aficionados can revel in the island's diverse terrains, from coastal fairways to courses nestled amidst volcanic landscapes. The Abama Golf Resort (pictured), designed by Dave Thomas, stands out as a masterpiece, providing players with an exhilarating 18-hole course surrounded by stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and La Gomera Island. Meanwhile, the Golf Costa Adeje offers an unforgettable experience with its lush fairways bordered by

the Atlantic's azure waters. I have chosen Tenerife myself this January as my own golfing vacation destination. Gran Canaria: Golf Oasis in Tranquil Surroundings: Gran Canaria, another gem in the Canary Islands, captivates golfers with its diverse terrain and a collection of splendid golf courses. The island's exceptional climate and unique landscapes make it an ideal destination for winter golfing. Golfers visiting Gran Canaria can indulge in the Anfi Tauro Golf course, an 18-hole championship course renowned for its picturesque setting amidst volcanic mountains and stunning sea views. The Salobre Golf Resort presents two distinct courses, the Old Course and the New Course, providing players with challeng-

ing yet rewarding play surrounded by Gran Canaria's natural beauty. Lanzarote: Where Golf Meets Volcanic Splendor Lanzarote, known for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes, offers a remarkable golfing experience set against the island's unique backdrop. The Lanzarote Golf Resort, designed by Ron Kirby, features a stunning 18-hole course where golfers can appreciate the harmonious fusion of volcanic landscapes and green fairways. Ron also designed Dromoland Castle, The Old Head, Castlemartyr, Greystones and Skellig Bay. Fuerteventura: Golfing Oasis in the Canary Sun Fuerteventura, famed for its expansive sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, also boasts exceptional golf courses that

Ailish Considine calls time on AFL career KILMIHIL’s Ailish Considine has called time on her AFLW career after six seasons across two clubs. Ailish joined Adelaide Crowes in September 2018 as their first international recruit. She played 26 games across five seasons, winning Premierships in 2019 and 2022. She joined the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos as a replacement player for two-time All-Ireland winner Vikki Wall who was integrated into the Irish women's rugby Sevens programme, ahead of the 2023 season. Considine’s sole appearance in the royal blue and white was in the side’s Round 3 win over Geelong. North Melbourne head of women’s football Nathan Hrovat congratulated Considine on her career. "It’s no easy feat to move to the other side of the world to play a new sport, and we congratulate Ailish on her career and what she has achieved,” Hrovat said. "While she was only a Roo for a small part of her AFLW journey, we thank Ailish for her contribution to our program and wish her the best in the next chapter of her life”. Ailish previously lined out for her county at all grades in both ladies football and camogie.

cater to golf enthusiasts seeking a winter escape. The Fuerteventura Golf Club, designed by Juan Catarineu, offers an impressive 18-hole course that challenges players with its strategic layout amidst stunning natural surroundings. La Palma: Golfing Serenity: La Palma, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and serene ambiance, welcomes golfers to the Buenavista Golf course, designed by Severiano Ballesteros. This 18-hole course unfolds along the dramatic coastline, offering players breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean while navigating through challenging fairways and greens. The Canary Islands truly is a golfer's paradise, with their diverse courses, breathtaking landscapes, and ideal winter weather conditions averaging 18 degrees in January and February. Whether it's Tenerife's majestic views, Gran Canaria's tranquil oases, Lanzarote's volcanic splendor, Fuerteventura's sunny fairways, or La Palma's serene greens, these islands offer an unforgettable golfing experience amidst a backdrop of natural beauty. For those seeking a golfing adventure away from the winter cold, the Canary Islands present an ideal haven where the love for the sport meets the allure of paradise. Pack your clubs, bask in the warmth, and tee off in style on these splendid golf courses, creating lasting memories.

Sport

Busy times continue at East Clare Golf Club by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

IMPROVED weather conditions of the past week led to good competition at East Clare. The men’s singles stableford competition was won by Russel Trow with 39 points and he had one to spare over Ray McInerney. Last week’s ladies Wednesday competition was won by Marie A. Kelly, Mary Hogan. Mary Brennan and Siobhan Mulcahy with second place filled by Trish Kerr, Mary Stritch and Breda McCarthy. The winners of the ladies 9 hole re-entry competition were Eileen Donnellan, Siobhan Shanahan and Catherine Minogue with 109, four better than second placed Pauline Nugent, Rachel Whelan and Marie Donnellan. In third place on 104 were Breda McCarthy, Margaret McNamara and Bernie Cox followed on 102 by Celia Moloney, Marie A. Kelly and Mary Farrell. Last week’s Friday mixed winners were Tony McNulty, Terry Coughlan and Brid Hayes followed in second place by Pat Duggan, Paul Husband and Noreen Doyle with third spot filled by Willie Roche, Brendan Moloney and Mary Jo Minogue KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Michael Studdert (13) was the winner of the turkey competition on week 7 at Kilrush with 33 points from Paul Moroney (18) with 30 points. In third place with 29 points was Jean-Luc Bellevergue (13) followed by Michael Miniter (10) and Finbar McMahon (15) both of whom also scored 29 points. The previous week’s winner was Patrick Coleman (9) with 31 points from Dominic Enright (8) with 30 points and Michael Moloney (12), also with 30 points Winners of the order of merit were Dominic Enright (8) and Tony McMahon (11) with 141. The Eclectic gross winner was Patrick Coleman (9) with 38 points while the Eclectic stableford winner was Bernard Coleman (11) with 40 points WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: The Ozone Health and fitness league continued at Woodstock at the weekend when the format was scotch foursomes. The winners of the scotch foursomes on the day were the Nugent brothers, Tony and Martin with 47 points and they had two to spare over Ross Kenny and Vincent McInerney with third spot filled by Tom O’Donoghue and Seosamh O’Riordain with 44. The league continues this week when the format will be modified fourball. Last week’s club singles over 15 holes was won by Paddy Meehan (10) with 33 points from Gerry Kelly (6) with 32 points. There will be another club singles over 15 holes this weekend. There will be a team of 4 Texas scramble on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week with no tee off allowed before 9.30am each day. ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Last week’s 14 hole ladies competition at Ennis was won by Mary Lenihan (20) with 24 points from Della Burns (21) with 22 points. The ladies 9 hole stableford competition was won by Bernadette Morrissey (22) with 15 points from Mary Gardner (17) with 14 points. DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Dylan Brown (18) was the winner of the men’s Christmas turkey competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 44 points. He had one to spare over James Purcell (14) with John M. McCarthy (21) in third place with 41 points. Category A in the senior men’s competition was won by John O’Shaughnessy from Willie Fuller with Barry Walsh in third spot. Mark Skehan won category B from Ger Ryan with John McDermott in third place.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Sport

Clare Echo Sporting Awards 2023 Clare Echo head of News & Sport Páraic McMahon dishes out the Clare Echo Sporting Awards IN ITS unique way, The Clare Echo sporting awards are the pinnacle of accolades that all athletes and coaches aspire to win. Over 1,000 elite players have been honoured with All Star

Awards since 1971 but only the unique few can call themselves a recipient of a Clare Echo sporting award. Now in its fourth year, the sporting awards aim to take a novel approach when

reflecting on the highs and lows both on and off the field. Whatever the game, it is not possible without players or athletes, referees or match officials, managers, coaches, supporters and com-

mitted parents so we salute you all for your efforts. What a year 2023 was on the sporting front, there’s plenty of medals that made their way back to Co Clare meaning

Sports person of the year John Conlon

the task in choosing award winners was once again, far from easy. Let’s get on with it, shall we? The Clare Echo sporting awards go to…..

Unsung sporting hero Leana Liddane

Moment of the year Conor Ryan's return

GAA followers across the country were thrilled to see Conor Ryan return to the Cratloe colours this summer. Man of the match in Clare’s drawn All-Ireland final against Cork in 2013, he earned an All Star in his breakthrough inter-county season and a coveted All-Ireland SHC medal. Three years on and issues with his pituitary gland began to emerge which kept him sidelined for the entire 2016 championship season. At the beginning of 2018, at the age of 26 Conor was told his days of playing sport were finished. So when he was back on the field with Cratloe’s senior footballers and hurlers in the summer of 2023 it was a sight to behold. Missing out on the opportunity to play with his younger brother, Diarmuid was that big regret for Conor over recent years so the fact that he partnered him at midfield for the second half on county final day as Cratloe’s footballers won the Clare SFC was quite simply a special and emotional sight.

Team of the year Clare Minor Hurlers

IT STARTED in the wind and rain of Shannon and ended in the sunshine of Semple Stadium and my, what a journey it was to follow the bright sparks of the Clare minor hurling team. No weakness could be found throughout Brian O’Connell’s side as they overcame Tipperary, Waterford, Limerick, Cork on the double, Kilkenny and Galway to be crowned Munster and All-Ireland champions. Clare may have won the 1997 All-Ireland title but the class of 2023 ensured they claimed pro-

ENNIS’S Leana Liddane has created ripples of success and is viewed as a potential Olympian in 2028. She became a double European champion at the 2023 European Youth Surf Lifesaving Championships when representing Team Ireland in Poland this August. She reached the A finals in multiple pool events and also broke three national junior and senior records. On top of this, Leane a past pupil of Ennis NS became the youngest ever Irish

female athlete to secure double European gold and claim three silver medals in beach competitions. In July, she showcased her talents at the Division 1 Swimming Championships held at Dublin's NAC. The now Limerick Swimming Club swimmer clinched gold in the 50m freestyle and the 4x200m relay, along with securing silver in the 100m f r e e style and bronze in the 200m and 400m freestyle events.

Breakthrough of the year Áine Donegan ENNIS golfer Áine Donegan made her pro debut teeing off at Pebble Beach for the US Open. By God, did she make her mark, firing a three-under 69 in her opening round and in second place. This was all the more impressive given her driver was smashed and clubs lost en route to California. At one stage, Áine who is a member of Woodstock and Lahinch, was tied for the lead.

vincial and national honours to certainly make the county’s supporters optimistic for the future. Captained by Broadford’s Eoghan Gunning, every player that was afforded the opportunity to line out in the county colours grabbed it with both hands and they were certainly aided by having a wide spread of talent. Former Clare minor hurling manager, PJ Fitzpatrick put it well at County Convention with the remarks, “this year we won a minor championship which in my own opinion was the greatest championship ever won because we beat every hurling county in the country”. What does the future hold for the talented minors, we can’t wait to find out!

Also a talented underage soccer player, she is on a golf scholarship at Louisiana State University. Competing in the US Open was “definitely at the top” of what she has done in her career but she took to it like a duck to water with her interview on the course showcasing Áine as a breath of fresh air.

A FINE season for both club and county saw John Conlon toasted among the best in the country. Centre-back for Clare’s senior hurlers, John was a pivotal figure in their run to the Munster Final and All-Ireland semi-final for the second year in a row. At club level, he was hugely influential as Clonlara won a third-ever Clare SHC. The primary school teacher was part of the team to win their second title in 2008 but 15 years on remained an inspiring figure when they beat Crusheen 3-18 2-16 to lift the Canon Hamilton in October. Indeed his contribution to the community of Clonlara and to hurling across the county has always been exemplary so in a way it is fitting that he stands alone as the only Clonlara man to have won two Clare senior championships. On top of this all, he was coach of the Truagh/Clonlara senior camogie team crowned county champions for the first time. Put simply, Conlon excels on all fronts. This year, he and Shane O’Donnell were honoured with All Star awards. John became the fourth Clare man to win an All Star at centre back following in the footsteps of Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Jim ‘Puddin’ Cullinan, Sixmilebridge’s Sean Stack and two-time All-Ireland winner of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield Seanie McMahon. He joins an elite group of Offaly’s Brian Whelahan, Brian Corcoran of Cork, Kilkenny’s Tommy Walsh and four-time All-Ireland winner of Limerick, Kyle Hayes as hurlers to have won All Stars in defence and attack. We’ll presume that recognition as Clare Echo’s sportsperson of 2023 blows all these awards out of the water!!

Player/manager of the year – Diarmaid Nash

IN THE world of handball, although you may have a coach, the elite are in a way their own manager. Tuamgraney’s DIarmaid Nash is certainly among the cream of the crop in the modern game. In April, he and Colin Crehan secured a third senior doubles title in the O’Neill’s All-Ireland 4-Wall Senior Championships. In November, he won the Irish Men’s Open 4-Wall Handball crown on his home court. Diarmaid’s father Jim has been a huge influence in his career and has always been in his corner. How Diarmaid has managed to maintain his place at the top table of elite Irish handballers is certainly worth applauding. The Tuamgraney clubman prevailed on his home court to beat Westmeaths Robbie McCarthy in the decider.

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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Trendsetter of the year – Fidelma Marrinan

Burren Eye Photography

AN OUTSTANDING year in saffron and blue saw Querrin’s Fidelma Marrinan set the way as Clare’s intermediate ladies football side reached the All-Ireland final. She did so in style, a unique style it is fair to say by wearing two different boots on either foot. It certainly didn’t impact on her performances. She made the intermediate team of the championship for the second year in-a-row, she was nominated for the players’ player of the year and won the ZuCar Golden Boot award. Her haul of 5-38 across six games was so impressive that it helped her to earn a nomination for the All-Star awards. The twenty three year old has recently began her induction into the Garda Training College in Templemore. Fidelma’s trend seems to be catching on. Whether Avenue Utd’s Philip Talty was inspired by Marrinan or just had the wrong boots, he sported a similar look when lining out for David Russell’s side in the CDSL Premier Division.

Too hot to handle (aka Chilli Con Kearney award) – Adrian Kearney DARTS may not be the biggest sport in the county but there is a fierce rivalry in the Ennis Town Darts League. One of the most colourful players is Ennis chef Adrian Kearney. A member of the

Halfway House’s team, earlier this month, Adrian had an outrageous score of 170 against Steele’s B as the Halfway look to claim some silverware.

Special Service – Colm Collins

Social Media Maestros – St Senan's RFC KEEPING track of all goings-on from the sporting front is made much easier with active social media club accounts. There’s many outstanding examples to point to but sticking out in how they do their business are St Senan’s RFC. Kudos is deserved to Dylan O’Connor who through behind the scenes footage of the Shannon rugby club has given the impression that we’re getting a glimpse into a Netflix documentary. Professional graphics with team announcements and match updates are par for the course, their Instagram following is a modest 1,151 but the quality of their work is sublime, so much so that we won’t

Comeback queens – Clare Junior camogie

COLM Collins called time on his tenure as Clare senior football manager on June 17. He was the longest-serving inter-county manager at the time of his resignation. Appointed in September 2013, Colm led Clare to promotion from the bottom tier of the Allianz National Football League to Division 2 where they kept their status for seven years and matched some of the best teams in the country on a consistent basis.

Sport

Clare were crowned All-Ireland Junior camogie champions for the fifth time in their history when they overcame Tipperary 3-7 1-8 in Croke Park this August. At different stages in the year, Clare’s ability to forge a comeback was clear. On the day of the final, they didn’t score for the whole first quarter and conceded 1-2 but they did enough to get back on level terms by the half-time whistle. Their title was won in the third

Multitaskers of the year – Laurie Ryan & Chloe Moloney

NOT alone were Laurie Ryan and Chloe Moloney both central figures on Clare’s run to the TG4 All-Ireland intermediate ladies football final but they were leading the way in another sport with different clubs. Laurie captained Athlone Town to win the FAI Cup final in November but she is also a footballer with the Banner Ladies (winning her 14th senior title this year) and Clare, manager of the TUS soccer team, an ambassador with the LGFA and on top of it all, a university lecturer in science. Chloe was part of the Peamount Utd side crowned Premier Division champions, she lines out with Kilmurry Ibrickane and Clare in ladies football while she is a factory worker at Wild Irish Seaweeds in Quilty. Seven times this year, Peamount and Clare had games on the same weekend in what was a true test for Chloe.

deduct marks for not having a big promotional video announcing the signing of wellknown Dave Flynn. Their social media is a sign of how they are doing things right. The return of the excellent Ged McNamara to their coaching ranks has prompted the additions of Flynn, Evan O’Gorman and Jamie McNamara to their first team. Ged and Ethan Coughlan were the Clare representatives in a coaching and playing perspective as Munster won the URC title in July. Off the field, Senans’ headgear protection initiative in the underage ranks shows how they are a step ahead of the curve. An honourable mention goes to Clonlara GAA Club who

through their social media espouse bundles of positive that it is easy to row in behind their teams and community. Both these clubs are an example for others

to follow, particularly those who have club officers who hijack the club accounts for their own gain.

quarter when they had two spells of scoring 1-1 without reply. Kilmaley’s Caoimhe Cahill produced a player of the match performance with Labhaoise O’Donnell also playing a leading role in attack while the half-back line platform of Ellen Casey who would be named junior player of the year flanked by captain Sinead O’Keeffe and the experienced Laura McMahon were central to the win. It followed a semi-final win against Armagh when they won 0-22 to 2-15, despite trailing 2-14 0-15 with 47 minutes played, a comeback inspired by midfield duo Grace Carmody and Niamh Mulqueen plus freetaker Sarah Loughnane.

Achievement of the year – Newmarket Celtic winning FAI Junior Cup

Rising star – Louis Griffin

Ennistymon boxer Louis Griffin claimed sporting titles on different fronts this year. In April, he was crowned All-Ireland U16 boxing champion. A member of the Kilfenora Boxing Club, he won the 54kg title beating Ulster champion, Nojas Samatakas from Portadown. Louis previously fought in the Carpathian Cup in Poland, claimed gold at the Eger Box Cup in Hungary and has won All-Ireland titles in successive years. Closer to home in Cusack Park, he was corner back on the football field as part of the Ennistymon team to win the Minor A football championship beating Cooraclare 5-7 0-8 in October.

Photo by Joe Buckley

MANY Clare clubs have dreamed about but no side from the Banner County had claimed the FAI Junior Cup, that was until April. Newmarket Celtic defeated St Michael’s AFC on penalties 5-4 in Jackman Park to be crowned national champions and winning a competition which is at the peak of junior soccer in Ireland. There was an attendance of 2,537 at the final, some of whom were attending a soccer game for the first time. Paddy Purcell’s side had players from Newmarket, Ennis, Shannon, Meelick, Kilrush and one from Donegal in their side but they had the support of the entire county behind them. It was 1-1 following extra time, ex Sheffield Utd youths player Harvey Cullinan scoring a penalty for Celtic in the opening half. When it came to the shootout, Newmarket scored five from five, Shane Cusack, Eoin Hayes, Garry Higgins, Ronan McCormack and Stephen Kelly all hit the target while Cusack saved the opposing side’s third penalty from Shane Ryan.

Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

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Thursday, Dec 21, 2023 THE CLARE ECHO

Quiz

CLARE ECHO 2023 RECAP QUIZ:

represented as the Clare Rose at Which Clare Soccer Team won the FAI 1a. Who the Rose of Tralee in August? 6 Junior Cup in April? a. Avenue United Aishling O’Connor b. c.

Molli-Ann O’Halloran Roisín Wiley

b. c.

Bridge United Newmarket Celtic

A County Councillor stepped down How far did the Clare Senior Hurlers 7 after 48 years in November. Which 2 progress in the All-Ireland ChampionCouncillor was it? ship? a. b. c.

All-Ireland Final All-Ireland Semi-Final All-Ireland Quarter-Final

a. b. c.

John Crowe Pat McMahon PJ Ryan

Which viral guest from the Late Late Quin’s John Hehir retired from a Clare 8 Toy show hails from Kilfenora? 3 Hotel as a Director of Sales & Marketa. Alisha Weir ing for 37 years in August. Which hotel

What set of workers were they? a. Fire fighters b. Gardaí c. Tesco employees

Who was given the nod to take charge of the Clare Senior Footballers in September, after Colm Collins departure in 2023? a. Davy Fitzgerald b. Declan O’Keeffe c. Mark Fitzgerald

Sheamie Garrihy Tessa Evans

Who captained the Clare Junior 9 Camogie team to All-Ireland success in August? a. b. c.

Sarah Loughnane Sínead Hogg Sínead O’Keeffe

l QUESTION 5: Who was given the nod to take charge of the Clare Senior Footballers in September, after Colm Collins departure in 2023?

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

The unveiling of Dr. Brendan 10 O’Regan’s statue in July, is in which town? a. b. c.

Shannon Sixmilebridge Newmarket-on-Fergus

Quiz by Adam Maloney

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you spot the 7 differences

ANSWERS 6.Newmarket Celtic 7.PJ Ryan 8. Sheamie Garrihy 9.Sínead O’Keeffe 10.Sixmilebridge

A strike was made a certain set of 4 workers in June 2023 in an effort to improve pay and working conditions.

b. c.

1.Aishling O’Connor 2.All-Ireland Semi-Final 3.Dromoland Castle 4.Fire fighters 5.Mark Fitzgerald

did he work in? a. Dromoland Castle b. Falls Hotel c. Temple Gate Hotel

Last weeks answers . Number 1 missing on jersey . 18 missing on jersery . Falls Hotel logo missing on jersey (front) . Stripe missing on sleeve (middle)

. Logo missing on training top . Black piece missing on top (back) . Boot different colour (front)

The Clare Echo staff enjoy a few Christmas drinks at Paddy Quinns

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Dec 21

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Legato

Dolce

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nt (6)

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

Planning

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DERRYNALICKA, KILMURRY MCMAHON, CO. CLARE Further information/ Revised plans Planning Ref: P23/60274 Development Description: (a) the construction of an extension to the rear of an existing derelict dwelling house and (b) permission to carry out alterations to the existing dwelling, (c) upgrade the existing sewage treatment system, permission to construct a new garage and a new site entrance along with ancillary works. Location: Derrynalicka, Kilmurry McMahon, Co. Clare Take notice that Mhairi Riddet have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/60274. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL. KILLARD, DOONBEG, CO. CLARE Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www. diarmuidkeane.ie) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Eoin & Aoife Reddan for planning permission for the following development at the above address; (a) to construct extensions to the front, side and rear of the existing dwelling house; (b) to make elevational alterations to the existing house; (c) to construct a standalone storage outbuilding ancillary to the dwelling house; (d) to construct a garden room ancillary to the dwelling house; (e) to make alterations to the existing private shed; and (f) all associated site works and services. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL. DOONAGHBOY, KILKEE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www. diarmuidkeane.ie) intends to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Orlaith O’Shea for planning permission for the following development at the above address; (a) to upgrade, extend and complete the existing derelict dwelling house; (b) install new domestic wastewater treatment system; (c) construct private garage/ shed; (d) all associated site works and services. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 9 RIVERSIDE COURT, CLONROAD MORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www. diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Paul J. Connellan, for retention permission for changes to the existing dwelling house which was previously authorized under planning application ref: 16/678; specifically 2 no. new windows on the side elevation (Western gable) along with all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CARROWBLOUGH MORE, KILKEE, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Maria Robertson for planning permission to construct a new

front extension to existing dwelling house, add new rooflight windows and side window and to change the roof material along with all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ‘SHARBOUR’, SHANTRAUD, KILLALOE, CO CLARE We, Jennifer Frahill & Colm Connolly, am applying to the above authority for retention permission/ permission for the following development on property at ‘Sharbour’, Shantraud, Killaloe, Co Clare: Retention Permission for as-constructed detached domestic garage/ store and Permission for single storey extension to the rear of the existing dwelling, dormer windows to first floor level, together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FITZ’S CROSS, DOOLIN, CO CLARE Further Information / Revised Plans Planning Ref: P23/60402 Development Description: to extend site boundaries Ref P22/283, for permission concerning protected structure (RPS No 548 Stone Slate Cottage) to demolish part structures, to extend & convert existing structures, comprising of bar area, bar service area, cool room, storage area, toilets, to extend car parking area, to connect to existing surface water mains and to connect to proposed foul sewerage plant + percolation area Location: Fitz’s Cross, Doolin Take notice that Ahakista Property Development Ltd has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/60402. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the

reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. GREENLAWN LODGE, BALLINSHEEN MOR, LISDOONVARNA, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Martin and Patricia McMahon T/A GLL B&B LTD. intend to apply for RETENTION permission for: 1. The first floor private bedroom to the rear of the dwelling/B&B 2. The conversion of the domestic garage for use as a 1 Bed Unit for the ancillary enjoyment of the occupants of the main dwelling on site & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS PLANNING REFERENCE: P23/261 DEVELOPMENT DESCRIPTION: Building a New Dwelling, installing a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works. LOCATION: POULNAGUN, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE Take notice that Sheila Considine has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/261. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae and Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of the receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL QUIN ROAD, ENNIS CO. CLARE Take Notice that Clare Marts Ltd intends to apply to the Planning Authority for Planning Permission for a period of 7 years for a builder’s storage compound including 1) container accommodation for offices, welfare and storage 2) the erection of a 2.4m perimeter fence with access gates, 3) site lighting together with associated site development works and services at the above address. A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) will be lodged as part of this Application. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FEAGH CASTLE, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE V95 HE02 Take notice that Neisha Twomey intends to apply for Retention Permission to retain the existing cottage for use as Ancillary Living Accommodation including all ancillary services and works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MEGGAFLASH TECHNOLOGIES LTD, QUIN RD BUSINESS PARK, ENNIS, CO CLARE, V95 RDH9 “Take notice that Mark Tubridy of Tubridy Engineering Ltd, Main St, Cooraclare, Co Clare, intend to apply on behalf of Meggaflash Technologies Ltd to the Planning Authority for permission to retain existing Internal Mezzenine Storage Area at the above address” The planning authority may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five (5) weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority”

THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Dec 21, 2023

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