The Clare Echo 22/12/22

TAKING IT ALL IN Red nose pain deer

Calls for cull of Clare’s deer population

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SANTA CLAUS and his trusted 12 reindeer are preparing to visit homes across the worldbut their relations in the deer family proving to be “a real issue” in East Clare.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) has stated that East Clare now has “a huge deer

population” and added, “It is a continuous and major issue, it has exploded on the periphery of our Municipal District,” notably around the Sliabh Aughty area.

“Several incidents” of stags landing on the windscreens of cars have occurred in the area, Hayes claimed.

“I don’t know what we can do, there has to be a cull of deer.

“It is now a road safety issue. It is extremely dangerous this time of year. This Killaloe Municipal District population of deer has moved into the valleys and everywhere, it has become a real issue, I know we can’t put a sign on every road but there needs to be a forum to try incorporate all the bodies, this isn’t going away”.

l Eoghan McMahon from Connolly studies proceedings at the U21B hurling final between Broadford and Kilmaley in Clarecastle on Saturday

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Camera Club salutes founders

Killaloe native Martin died in July 2021. An outstanding musician, he was known across the globe for making and fixing accordions. His work lit up the pages of The Clare Echo, serving as the first sports photographer with the paper, demonstrating his ability to capture the action behind the lens in print.

The Martin Connolly Memorial Competition was open to all club members and was claimed by Kilmihil native Gerard O’Neill for his superb action shot of Kilmaley’s Conor Cleary exploding past the challenge of Callum Hassett in the Clare SHC group stages this year. An accountant in Kilrush, Gerry’s photographs appear weekly in this paper greatly strengthening our sporting coverage and he is a constant presence on sidelines across the county.

He was presented with his award by Pauline Connolly, Martin’s beloved wife and Páraic McMahon on behalf of The Clare Echo who made a donation towards the prize.

Sixmilebridge based Joan died in April of this year. A native of Tampa in Florida, she was the loving wife of Gerard. Her work principally focused on the beauty of nature, the outdoors and animals, managing to demonstrate her eye for colour and multiple ways to make a photograph catch fire.

With a portrait of her father, Caitriona Malone was selected as the winner of the Joan O’Neill Memorial Competition. This was specifically for members who do not hold an accreditation with the Irish Photographic Federation. Caitriona was presented with her award by Joan’s devoted husband Gerard.

PHOTOGRAPHERS in the Clare Camera Club applauded best in class with competitions held in honour of two founding members, writes Páraic McMahon By celebrating two of their late founding members, the Clare Camera Club also en-

couraged a sense of ambition within its existing cohort to showcase their work and to be recognised by their colleagues.

Competitions were named in honour of Martin Connolly and Joan O’Neill, both of whom were founding members of the club.

The Grove in Roslevan hosted Friday’s celebration ceremony. Based in Ennis, the membership of the Clare Camera Club consists of professional and hobby photographers and those who wish to improve their skills. Membership is open to those over the age of 18 and who have an interest in photography.

lCOMPETITION: Gerard O’Neill’s winning shot of Kilmaley’s Conor Cleary exploding past the challenge of Callum Hassett in the Clare SHC group stages this year and (inset) Gerry receives his award from Pauline Connolly

‘A terrible tragedy’ - Shannon numbed by Aoife’s sudden death

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON town has been plunged into sadness with the sudden death of 16 year old Aoife Johnston.

A Leaving Certificate student at St Caimin’s Community School, Aoife was in school as recently as Friday before she became very unwell on Saturday with bacterial meningitis.

She died on Monday in University Hospital Limerick and leaves behind a heartbroken family including her parents James and Carol, sisters Meagan and Kate, grandparents Jimmy and Evelyn, boyfriend Cillian, aunts, uncles, cousins, the extended Johnston and McCoy families, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

From Cronan Lawn in Shannon, she worked in Mentor Graphics over the summer months and was in the midst of preparing for her State Examinations. She was a past pupil of St Conaire’s NS.

Described by those who knew her best as kind-hearted, beautiful and brave, Aoife was immensely popular within the town of Shannon, most notably among her peers at St Caimin’s, a school previously attended by her parents and two sisters.

Fr Arnold Rosney told The Clare Echo, “it’s a tragedy to the whole community. She was a young vibrant person, full of life”. “It is a reminder to us all of the fragility of life and a reminder for us to be thankful for what we have,” he added.

Offers of support have been pouring into the school community since word of Aoife’s death began filtering around the town with the town rallying behind the Johnston and McCoy families at this very difficult time.

A critical incident management plan has been implemented in St Caimin’s with teachers assisting students to deal with the tragic news.

The school’s Christmas show scheduled to take place on Tuesday night was cancelled.

School principal, Alan Cunningham confirmed that psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)

have been advising management, helping to support and advise teachers in their efforts to aid students at the time.

“The school remains open to parents, to support them and to offer them advice and guidance. “We’re doing our best and helping all the kids in the school. We are helping everyone as much as we can”.

Mr Cunningham told The Clare Echo that Aoife was “a fabulous young woman, a great girl with a massive circle of friends and liked by everybody, you feel corny saying it because everyone says it at these times but she genuinely was”. He said it was “a terrible tragedy” which has “deeply saddened” the locality.

“She had a lot of her projects

started for the Leaving Certificate, she was planning her future and what she was going to do with the rest of her life and then this comes like a bolt from the blue,” the Shannon native added.

Aoife’s funeral mass will take place on Thursday at 11am at St. John and Paul’s Church Shannon with burial afterwards in Illaunmanagh Cemetery.

House burned in latest fued incident

A HOUSE in Ennis was put alight in what is understood to be the latest event linked to an ongoing feud in the county town, writes Páraic McMahon

Earlier this week, a public order offence in Rathkeale, Co Limerick garnered national attention after six SUV vehicles were rammed and weapons including a machete were brandished in violent scenes. The clashes stemmed from an ongoing feud involving a number of families.

It prompted the Minister for Justice, Simon Harris (FG) to visit the area and promise to provide any additional resources to deal with the issue. He described the scenes as "abhorrent, utterly unacceptable” and said they “would not be tolerated".

However no such commitment has been issued for Ennis which has been the subject of an ongoing violent feud.

In the latest turn, a house in Ennis was burnt out. On Monday morning, two units of the Clare County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to a property at Aughanteeroe on the Gort Rd. They managed to bring a downstairs room which had been on fire, under control. There was no individuals in the property at the time of the blaze.

At a sitting of Ennis District Court last week, Judge Mary Larkin was informed that there are currently 10 Traveller families feuding with each other in Ennis.

The Clare Echo understands that only one arrest has been made in Garda investigations to the ongoing feud which has included the discharge of a firearm, the destroying of three caravans, the firebombing of a grave plus a hit and run.

l Aoife Johnston

Gaelscoil’s expansion plans in jeopardy

AN ENNIS primary school principal has said the planning system has been misused, writes PáraicMcMahon

A single objection to Clare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission for Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg’s two storey-extension has been made to An Bord Pleanála by a local resident. With a peak of 481 students in the past five years, the Gaelscoil has 465 students enrolled for September with a current staff of 31.

In October, the green light was given by the Council for the for the development of six classrooms, a general purpose hall, two SEN classrooms and two ball courts as well as additional carparking and other associated works. The plans included the creation of the first mainstream school in Ennis having pre-school ASD units. A proposal for a bus turning area along the side

of Glenina pitch was not permitted by the local authority.

This decision has been appealed by a Glenina resident who previously lodged an objection when the plans were lodged with the Council. Twelve residents had supported the initial appeal but the objection to An Bord Pleanála is signed by a single appellant.

The appeal argues “traffic problems and anti-social behaviour are problems that already exist” in the area and the proposed development will add to this. “Trucks and diggers and building traffic will be in and out of the estate for a period of 18 months. This is a residential area were people work from home and work shift work and are entitled to live in a peaceful atmosphere”. Overlooking, blocking of light and noise levels were other issues flagged. No formal objection has been voiced by the local resi-

dents association.

An Bord Pleanála have indicated they hope to announce a decision by March but sticking to schedules has been an issue within the planning authority for some time.

Schools across the country have faced delays of a year to 18 months for decisions in similar instances.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg principal, Donal Ó hÁiniféin outlined that

their development now faces the risk of being pushed back a year. “The big issue with us going to An Bord Pleanála at this point is not the two or three months that have already gone by or the two or three months to come even if we do receive a good decision, we cannot go to tender and the timetabling of our development is put back at least a year because the hard play areas that need to be developed must be done in a period when the school is closed and we were hoping that would happen in summer 2023 which meant the rest of the school all becomes a construction zone, because of the timing required it would mean we can’t go to tender. When this becomes a construction zone, the children will be entering at one side of the school and exiting at another, our play area will be then up another level on the grass, it really has a massive impact”.

Judge makes €19,000 personal injuries award

A 27 YEAR-OLD GYM enthusiast who told a court that he wasn’t able to lift a shopping bag or do the shopping after a ‘glancing blow’ with another car has been awarded €8,000 by a court in a personal injuries claim, writes Gordon Deegan

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford stated that Patrick Joyce’s car had “a glancing blow” with another car where the “wing mirrors did hit off each other”. Along with awarding married father of

three, Patrick Joyce €8,000, Judge Comerford awarded his then pregnant wife and front seat passenger, Helen Joyce €11,000 in personal damages. Ms Joyce told the court as her own pregnancy went on, her back pain got worse and she had the pain “nearly every day”. In the assessment case where the other driver, a Co Clare man, accepted liability for the collision, Judge Comerford also made a material impact award to Patrick Joyce from the damage to his Volkswagen car at €1,254.

Judge Comerford said that he was "satisfied there was no significant impact”. Judge Comerford said that there was some damage to Mr Joyce's wheel arch which wasn't insubstantial because there was indentation. Judge Comerford said that he was satisfied that in the circumstances, there was sufficient force so that there is going to be a movement impact from the car swerving.

The court was told that the 2018 accident is one of three road traffic accidents, the others taking place in 2016 and 2020, that Mr Joyce from Longford has been involved in where he has complained of suffering from pains in his lower back. Under cross examination from Peter Klein BL for the other driver’s insurers, Mr Joyce initially stated he was not involved in any other accident after the 2018 accident.

In his judgement, Judge Comerford said he accepted that Mr Joyce “wasn’t frank about his claims history” and “was far too cagey about claims history”. However, Judge Comerford said that Mr Joyce’s evidence concerning his claims history didn’t meet the threshold for dismissing his claim for the 2018 accident. In evidence, Garda Brian Donnellan told the court at around 10.30pm on March 28th 2018, the two cars involved in the accident had parked up a forecourt near the Kildysart Rd, leading to Clarecastle near Ennis. Garda Donnellan told the court that there was no damage to the other driver’s car and the only damage to the Joyce car was a broken wing mirror. Garda Donnellan said that the elderly driver of the other car didn’t

challenge Mr Joyce’s statement that he had crossed across the white line colliding with Mr Joyce’s wing mirror. Garda Donnellan said: “As I was taking details and talking about insurance, Patrick Joyce told me everything was fine, no one was hurt and that ‘we can sort it out ourselves’." Garda Donnellan said: “All parties were happy and no injuries were reported to me at the time.” However, Mr Joyce subsequently lodged a claim for personal injuries and told the court that due to the accident he had neck pain for six to eight weeks and back pain for a year that prevented him from engaging in sporting activities. A gym enthusiast and marathon runner, Mr Joyce told the court “I used to bench 150”. Mr Klein said that it was extraordinary Mr Joyce’s claim that he couldn’t do the shopping or carry shopping bags “after this light scraping impact”. In response, Mr Joyce replied “with a swift movement I would get a sharp pain in my back - a spasm”.

In evidence, Mr Joyce said that he was getting stiffness in his neck and getting very sharp pains in his back. He said: “After six to eight weeks my neck was okay but my back I would have to give up my running and my gym.” Mr Joyce said that after a year he had made a full recovery. When asked by Mr Klein why he told Garda Donellan that everything was fine and they would sort it out themselves, Mr Joyce said that he was in shock after the collision. Mr Klein put to Mr Joyce “you are making a mountain out of a molehill”.

l Donal Ó hÁiniféin with plans for the expansion outside Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg Photo by Natasha Barton

Christmas hamper appeal Meals on Wheels expansion to feed 160 extra service users

THE Redemptorist Christmas hamper appeal has been in operation for 50 years. The aim has been a very simple one: food on every table in Limerick and the surrounding areas at Christmas.

Fr Seamus Enright of the Redemptorists estimates that approximately 300,000 Christmas hampers have been distributed since 1972. Speaking at the launch of this year’s Christmas hamper appeal, Fr Enright commented that none of this would have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of the people of Limerick and the surrounding areas.

“We are depending on people’s generosity again this year. Christmas 2022 is going to be a particularly challenging one. The demand for hampers has increased by 15 per cent and the cost of the hampers is up 11 per cent.

Children go to school hungry in Limerick every morning. People go to bed hungry every night. Older people have to decide between having something to eat and lighting a fire. Please help us to help others at Christmas. Every little helps.”

Eight per cent of people in the Mid-West experience food poverty (that was before the impact of the cost of living crisis)

Fr Enright and friends will be collecting at Dunnes in the Jetland Centre on December 23rd. The Christmas hamper donation centre will be open at the Redemptorists – Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm. Donate online at www. redshampers.ie or send donations to Fr Seamus Enright at the Redemptorists. Please make cheques payable to the Redemptorist perpetual help fund.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

OBAIR’S Meals on Wheels service is to expand into parts of North, West and East Clare.

Based in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Obair has been in existence for over three decades providing Meals on Wheels since 2012. The community based organisation works with people of all ages to combat social exclusion, as well as supporting older people in the community through the provision of Meals on Wheels.

Meals are available primarily to older and retired people who might not be able to cook for themselves due to increasing age, ill-health or isolation. Approximately 200 service users are provided with meals for seven days of the week by Obair, at present.

Hot meals are delivered five days per week with two cold meals provided on a Friday for Saturday and Sunday. These twocourse hot meals are produced in Obair’s Tradaree Centre in Newmarket on Fergus and are delivered direct to the homes of people by a team of community volunteers.

Over the next six months, this service will expand to include areas in East Clare including Tulla, Feakle, Scariff, Bodyke,

O’Callaghans Mills and Broadford; areas in West Clare including The Loop Head Peninsula, encompassing Doonbeg, Kilkee, Kilbaha and Carrigaholt; and areas in North Clare including Lisdoonvarna, Doolin, Fanore and Ballyvaughan. This will provide an additional 160 meals a day to older people in our community. It is hoped that the service can

expand to serve remaining areas of Clare in the future.

Volunteers are crucial to the service, acting as the point of contact with the clients, providing a friendly face, asking how they are and if they need anything, giving them the local news and on Thursdays, a copy of The Clare Echo, Meals on Wheels co-ordinator Eimear Murphy

pointed out. “The dedication and commitment of our volunteers is invaluable, and their acts of kindness are essential in allowing this service to be expanded,” she said.

General Manager of Obair, Orla Meehan said they were “privileged” to expand the service. “Meals on Wheels is a volunteer led, community based service and we look forward to working in new communities to bring this vital service to areas of North, West and East Clare”.

Maria Bridgeman, Chief Officer, HSE Mid West Community Healthcare outlined that the HSE were delighted to support the expansion. “The commitment of Obair’s staff and volunteers will ensure that this service continues to provide hot meals to more people in more parts of Clare, but also an important social support. Throughout COVID in particular, this was a vital resource for many and I am pleased that this will now be the case in many more communities in East, West and North Clare”.

For anyone aged over 65 who may be interesting in accessing this service, please contact Obair on 086 785 1620 or 061-368030 or via email mealsonwheels@ obair.org.

lYES CHEF: Pictured preparing some of the Meals on Wheels at Obair, Newmarket on Fergus are Alannah Slevin (Chef) and and Erica Long (Head Chef, Obair Meals on Wheels Service)

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Also known as the “fair deal scheme”, Cashin Clancy Solicitors take a look at the steps involved

WHAT IS NURSING HOME SUPPORT SCHEME

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme or “Fair Deal Scheme” provides financial support towards the cost of nursing home care. The scheme is managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Under the Scheme, you pay a certain amount towards the cost of your care and the HSE pays the rest.

WHO CAN APPLY

Step

1- Application Form

You can request the application form from your local HSE Nursing Home Support Office- the local office for Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary is St Joseph’s Hospital, Mulgrave Street, Limerick. Tel: 061 461499 Email: nursinghomesupport@hse.ie.

The application form can also be downloaded from the HSE website. An application form must be completed and signed by the person applying for the nursing home care. If the person is unable to apply themselves, then certain people may apply on their behalf, e.g, a person appointed as a care representative, a committee for Ward of Court or a holder of a registered Enduring Power of Attorney.

Step 2 -Care Assessment

The HSE will contact you once your application is reviewed. They

will arrange a care assessment by a health care professional e.g. public health nurse. Essentially the care assessment helps the HSE determine if long-term nursing home care is the best option for you. When carrying out the assessment the health care professional will look at your ability to do everyday tasks (e.g. dressing, shopping), your mental ability (memory), the support you are currently receiving (family, home help).

Step 3 -Financial Assessment

Your financial situation is also assessed by the HSE to determine how much you can pay towards the cost of your nursing home care, the HSE then pays the balance. The amount you pay depends on your financial circumstances i.e your assets, such as savings and property. The more income/assets you have the more you pay towards your care. The assessment will look at assets that you have transferred to another person (such as any property or money) since applying for State support or in the 5 years before the application.

NURSING HOME LOAN

This loan is an optional part of the scheme . You can choose to delay paying for your care until after your death by using your assets (property) as security for the

loan. Effectively you are consenting to a mortgage being registered against your property in favour of the HSE. This optional support is to protect people from having to sell their home during their lifetime to pay for nursing home care.

3-YEAR CAP ON HOME, FARMS, AND BUSINESSES

Some assets are only included in the financial assessment for the first 3 years you are in care. After 3 years, you will not give any further payment based on these assets. The result being the amount you pay towards your care reduces. These

assets can include, your home, the proceeds of the sale of your home and your farm or business.

Farms and business

If you want your farm or business included in the 3 year cap, you must apply for this by completing Part 7 of the application form, and the following conditions must be met:

•You must appoint a family successor who will commit to running the farm or business for at least 6 years. Your successor must be aged 18 or older and must be either your partner or a relative of yours or of your partner.

•Your farm or business must have been actively run by you, your partner or your proposed family successor for at least 3 of the last 5 years

•You must consent to a charge being registered against the farm/ business property which will be removed after 6 years and once all the condition of the 3 year cap are followed.

You will need to provide supporting documents, including signed statutory declarations (affidavits) by you and your successor that the above criteria are satisfied.

For more detailed advice and/or assistance on the Nursing Home Support Scheme, contact us on 065 6840060 or email enquiries@ cashinclancy.ie and visit our website www.cashinclancy.ie for more information.

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.

Jacqueline O’Brien

lSOLICITORS: Cashin Clancy's Sheila Lynch, Pamela Clancy and Angela Woulfe Photo by Natasha Barton

‘Uncertainty causing a lot of anxiety for homeowners’

households in the county. It’s on foot of a motion from Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who asked when individual owners of damaged homes would receive confirmation if they are eligible for funding to rebuild their homes.

Detail is also needed on if the Government will accept reports from private consultants in determining the damage to properties or will the confirmation have to come from the local authority.

Homeowners also wish to know if the Government will consider 100 percent funding for those who may want to right size their homes for their current needs.

Flynn stated, “Clare is approved for access to the redress scheme but residents of crumbling homes in Clare need clarification and transparency from the Government in regard to timelines and this needs to be addressed urgently”.

Assurance was given by the Mayor of Clare, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) from the Chief Executive of the Council that they would be writing to the Minister on the subject. Cllr Flynn added, “We’re looking for clear guidelines from the Minister, the Council can’t do anymore, they

will need additional staff.”

Fellow Shannon representative, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) said members of the Clare Pyrite Action Group are keen to known when details of the damaged threshold will be forthcoming. “The pyrite damage is visibly different to the mica damage, when will the SESI rates be available. Will an information company be put in place for Clare and Limerick so homeowners have a place to go to ask questions, the homeowners don’t know where they stand,” she said.

Information given by the Council to the Department of Housing has not been confirmed, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) commented. “People in these houses are in purgatory, everything is on hold. The damage threshold isn’t visible but underneath that it is falling down”. He was hopeful a reply would be forthcoming by the middle of January.

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) stated, “Everybody in this Chamber has supported this from the beginning, as soon as it became aware in Clare we’ve acted in good faith. The uncertainty is causing a lot of anxiety. We need to keep the pressure on and stay united”.

l PURGATORY: A home damaged by pyrite PEOPLE in homes damaged by pyrite “are living in purgatory,” a Kilrush councillor has claimed, writes Páraic McMahon.

Clare County Council are to write to the Minister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien (FF) seeking clarity and information concerning the pyrite redress scheme for

‘Oh deer’ - huge population prompts East Clare councillor to call for cull

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SANTA CLAUS and his trusted 12 reindeer are preparing to visit homes across the world but their relations in the deer family are proving to be “a real issue” in East Clare.

Memorably during his 30 year stint as a county councillor, the late Colm Wiley (FF) in 2007 appealed for Army snipers to help in culling deer in East Clare, “When you look around, there would be 10 or 12 in them in a field and they are fierce domesticated. Ten years ago they weren’t like that, and were up in the hills. Now, there are so many of them, they could start breeding with the sucklers,” he remarked at the time.

Now 15 years on, his party colleague, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) though he didn’t go as far as to the call for the army, did insist that action must be taken.

Speaking at a sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Hayes acknowledged that his former colleague gained national attention

gerous this time of year. This Killaloe Municipal District population of deer has moved into the valleys and everywhere, it has become a real issue, I know we can’t put a sign on every road but there needs to be a forum to try incorporate all the bodies, this isn’t going away”.

He urged senior planner Brian McCarthy to flag the matter with the National Parks & Wildlife Service. “We don’t want any major incidents happening because of deer,” Hayes concluded.

At the beginning of the deer breeding season, the Irish Deer Commission advised that dawn and dusk are the times when deer are most active, particularly in highrisk areas such as woodlands and mountains.

The advice to drivers is to reduce speed where they see a deer warning sign and stay alert.

The advice to anyone who is involved in a road traffic accident with a deer, or who come across a deer that has been involved in a road traffic accident, is to immediately contact the Gardaí.

l Sika deer

Top barrister to lead first co-ercive control trial in Clare

by Gordon Deegan

THE state is employing one of the country’s best known criminal barristers to lead the prosecution case in Clare's first ever coercive control trial.

At Ennis Circuit Court this week, State prosecutor Lorcan Connolly BL told Judge Francis Comerford that Shane Costelloe SC would be leading the State in the case.

Mr Connolly said that he is appearing in the case for the DPP to be led by Mr Costelloe and asked that a trial date of July 4th be specially fixed.

Solicitor, John Casey for the accused said that his client is to be represented by Michael Collins SC and Rebecca Treacy BL in the case.

Judge Francis Comerford formally set the trial date for July 4th and requested that any issues that may have to be decided in the absence of

the jury be decided before July 4th next.

In the case, a 49-year old Co Clare man is pleading not guilty to 22 separate charges that include the alleged sexual assault and false imprisonment of his ex-wife.

The man is also pleading not guilty to a charge of coercive control against the woman.

It is the first such coercive control charge under the Domestic Violence Act to come before the criminal courts in Clare where the man denies knowingly and persistently engaging in behaviour that was controlling or coercive and which had a serious effect on the woman who was or is his spouse between January 1st 2019 to May 15th 2019.

In total, the man is to face 12 counts of sexual assault, six counts of false imprisonment, two counts of assault calling harm against the

woman, one count of criminal damage and the coercive control charge.

John Casey told the district court previously that he was asking that the legal aid certificate be extended to cover a senior counsel along with a junior counsel in the circuit court due to the seriousness of the charges facing his client.

In the case against the accused, the first alleged sexual assault against the woman is alleged to have occurred on October 15th 2018 with the final sex assault charge in February 2020.

The alleged sexual assaults took place at two separate addresses.

Legal aid has been granted for the man and Gardai have not opposed conditional bail for the accused and the man remains on bail.

And the winner is...

Pictured drawing the winning tickets in the #BuyLocalFlyLocal campaign were Mary Considine, CEO The Shannon Airport Group and Colin Ryan, President Ennis Chamber. Ennis Chamber joined forces with The Shannon Airport Group to support shopping local this Christmas while also supporting the two newest routes for 2023 from Shannon Airport to Porto and Naples Photo by Arthur Ellis

‘All or nothing’ for funding of Heritage sites insist Council

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

IT WILL be ‘all or nothing’ so far as Government funding is concerned for Clare County Council if they are to take over the Shannon Heritage sites.

No contact has been made with Clare County Council since November over the proposed transfer of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Knappogue Castle and Craggaunowen to its portfolio along with a retail outlet at the Cliffs of Moher.

An inter-departmental group established in May to get the transfer over the line has only met three times.

Following a comprehensive due diligence report by the local authority, the over 600 page document detailed that the Council would need €15m to take over the heritage sites.

This was submitted to the Government in July 2022, a spokesperson for the Council told The Clare Echo this flagged “significant neglect of the sites, the urgent need to halt the deterioration of the assets and the investment required to achieve this.

The Local Authority stressed that the proposed transfer must not have a significant impact on services and commercial businesses in Clare and therefore, the full funding proposal outlined in the Due Diligence report would be required for the transfer to proceed”.

“Since the announcement on 9th December of its withdrawal at this time from the process, Clare County Council has not received any communication from Government relating to a funding proposal being finalised

nor any indication that a downward revised funding package is being considered by government,” the spokesperson added.

According to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the funding requested by the Council may be revised.

“The funding gap identified by Clare County Council is €15m (€5m a year for three years), the quantum of which may be adjusted downwards partly due to the better than projected performance of visitor numbers to Bunratty Castle in 2022,” a spokesperson for the Department outlined.

Fresh hope had been issued this week by Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) that a new funding package was on the way.

He said he had met with Ministers last week and on Saturday at the election of a new Taoiseach where he was “advised they were gearing towards a funding package for the transfer of sites, this is the first time we’ve positively heard it said that they were going to do it and that detail had to be worked on.

“There is a little bit of work yet to go on it but this is the first positive indication we’ve had all year long that the Government will provide a solution”.

Deputy Crowe told The Clare Echo he did not know “the exact mechanics” of the deal and whether the Council would get the €15m as requested.

The Meelick native has suggested that the different Departments involve “part-fund” the transfer to hit the total figure or for the Government to fund the 2023 expenditure that the Council incur and roll this over for the next three

years.

He had been hopeful the final Cabinet meeting before Christmas would see an agreement reached on the transfer.

The first-time TD had previously been vocal sharing his belief that a deal would be reached before Christmas.

“Not only did I want it done by Christmas I wanted it done before summer, it has dragged on for far too long.

“The news that the Government will be funding this in some shape or form is significant and it is very positive.

“It has allayed a lot of the concerns, the workers know a future is ahead for the Folk Park, the detail has to be worked out and that can be done very quickly. I would love it to be done this week but I can’t guarantee that.

“From a workers point of view, they know the Government will resolve this”. That no contact has been extended to Clare County Council to iron out further details did not concern the former Mayor of Clare.

“There are two levels to this, there’s the political level and the civil service level, a lot of deals are often worked out at a political level and the civil service then put the structure on it.

“The Ministers are in agreement that there will be a funding package, they will make it happen, the precise detail will be passed to the civil servants, there is nothing unusual in that.

“I don’t think there’s anything unusual in that, I’d give my right arm to have it resolved and nailed down this week”.

Retained pre-pandemic losses of €2.2m recorded for

RETAINED losses pre-pandemic of €2.2m have been recorded for the Shannon Heritage sites under the operation of Shannon Airport Group, writes Páraic McMahon

Accounts obtained by The Clare Echo reveal that a profit has only been recorded in one year for the heritage sites since they fell under the ownership of the commercial semi-state company. It is unclear if these accounts have been provided to either the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage or the Department of Transport as part of the ongoing

efforts to transfer the Shannon Heritage sites under the ownership of Clare County Council.

In September 2014, Shannon Castle Banquets and Heritage Limited (now Shannon Heritage DAC) became a subsidiary company of Shannon Group PLC now Shannon Airport Group.

At the time Shannon Castle Banquets and Heritage Limited had retained profits of €302,033 with loan owed to immediate parent company of €125,000.

In 2019, prior to COVID-19, Shannon Her-

itage DAC had retained losses of €1,933,000 with a loan owed to immediate parent company of €5,050,000, a year in which it also won the tender to operate the Casino Model Railway Museum.

A profit has only been recorded in two of the eight years that the sites have been under the ownership of Shannon Airport Group (2014 and 2019). Unsurprisingly, the pandemic impacted on business with retained losses of €6,353,000 with loan owed to immediate parent company of €9,213,000 reported in the ac-

counts filed for 2021.

Last year, Shannon Heritage recorded total visitors at all company operated attractions of 495,520 while overall turnover increased by 62 percent from €3.7m to €6m “but remains significantly below the €19.7m recorded in 2019”.

Minimal capital expenditure was incurred last year with a spend of €100,000.

Current directors of the company include Mary Considine, Rachael Leahy, Paul MacNamara and Ray O’Driscoll.

l URGENT: Shannon Heritage Workers at the Protest at Bunratty Folk Park Photo by Natasha Barton

Shannon Heritage sites

In response to queries from The Clare Echo on the capital infrastructure investment across all sites since 2015, the nature of these, a spokesperson for Shannon Airport Group stated, “In the period 2015 -19 (as reported in our Annual Reports) the Group invested approximately €6m capital expenditure in Shannon Heritage to upgrade facilities.

“In addition, the Group funded a voluntary severance scheme as part

of restructuring the cost base.

“This investment by the Group enabled the business to return to profitability in 2019 i.e. pre pandemic”.

The spokesperson said “while negotiations are ongoing, it wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about the details of the proposed transfer,” when asked if Shannon Airport Group was willing to contribute financial assistance to facilitate the transfer of sites given the “significant neglect of sites” flagged by Clare County Council in their due diligence report.

Busy period ahead for ShannonDoc as patient numbers significantly increase

ShannonDoc, the urgent ‘Out of Hours’ GP service for members’ patients in the MidWest, has urged the public to be patient

with the service across the Christmas period as it deals with a significant increase in activity.

From Friday December 23rd to Tuesday January 3rd, the service will operate for 238 of the total 288 hours – its staff manning the

ShannonDoc Christmas Arrangements 2022

Date Day Cover From: Cover To:

23/12/2022 Friday 18.00 (Fri) to 08.00 (Sat)

24/12/2022 Saturday (Christmas Eve) 08.00 (Sat) to 08.00 (Sun)

25/12/2022 Sunday (Christmas Day) 08.00 (Sun) to 08.00 (Mon)

26/12/2022 Monday (St. Stephen’s Day Bank Holiday) 08.00 (Mon) to 08.00 (Tue)

27/12/2022 Tuesday (Bank Holiday) 08.00 (Tue) to 08.00 (Wed)

28/12/2022 Wednesday 18.00 (Wed) to 08.00 (Thu)

29/12/2022 Thursday 18.00 (Thu) to 08.00 (Fri)

30/12/2022 Friday 18.00 (Fri) to 08.00 (Sat)

31/12/2022 Saturday 08.00 (Sat) to 08.00 (Sun)

01/01/2023 Sunday (New Year’s Day) 08.00 (Sun) to 08.00 (Mon)

02/01/2023 Monday (Bank Holiday) 08.00 (Mon) to 08.00 (Tue)

03/01/2023 Tuesday Normal Service Resumes

PLEASE REMEMBER

• ShannonDoc is an Urgent Out of Hours GP service for patients who cannot safely wait to see their own GP

• ShannonDoc is not an Emergency Service. Patients who require emergency medical attention should attend their nearest Emergency Department (ED) or phone 999 or 112

• ShannonDoc operates strictly by appointment only and is not a walk-in service. Phone us on LoCall number 0818 123 500 for medical assistance

• To bring your Medical/GP Card with you if you have one and photo ID

• The service is available to ShannonDoc member GP patients and temporary visitors to the region

CLARE

LIMERICK

TIPPERARY

phones and clinics for 83% of time during that period.

This will see the number of patients dealt with by ShannonDoc across the period rise to up to 10,000.

The GP co-op typically deals with about 2,500 patients out-of-hours per week, but this will more or less double over the Christmas when GP practices will be closed for public holidays and weekends, its Chair, Dr Ailish Kenny stated.

“It’s been a very busy year again for us and we’re readying ourselves, as always, for one last push over the Christmas period, our busiest time of the year,” Dr Kenny stated.

“We have brought in additional resources to deal with the high patient volumes, but we still predict that patient numbers will be significantly higher than normal levels over the Christmas period.

“To say the least, it’s a challenging period for our team but Shannondoc has evolved over the years and for the better, to a level where we can do this. But it’s really only down to having the excellent and dedicated team we have in place.”

Ms Kenny, however, urged patience on behalf of the public while the service works through the Christmas schedule.

“We will have very heavy call volumes across these weeks and staff will be under severe pressure so we would ask that the public be patient as our team will be absolutely doing their best.

“The key thing is that anyone who needs to be seen, will be seen and we will prioritise cases that are more urgent. Above all else, we want people to stay safe and well over Christmas.”

“For people in need of ShannonDoc’s outof-hours services, our advice is that if it is a routine matter, please visit your own GP during normal operating times but if it is an urgent but non-emergency care issue, please contact us and we will get you the earliest possible appointment.”

The ShannonDoc telephone number is 0818 123 500.

No patients should present at a ShannonDoc centre without an appointment.

ShannonDoc is not a Walk-in service.

For further information please visit the ShannonDoc websit www.shannondoc.ie

Late Christmas rush at Manix Menswear

by STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

MANIX Menswear in Ennis is reporting a late surge in Christmas shoppers.

Manix will remain open until Christmas Eve and owner Padraig Haugh tells The Clare Echo that shoppers have been out in force this December following a slow start to the festive shopping period in November.

Manix, based over two floors on Market Street, is offering customers 20 per cent off its popular Eden Park range and carries a wide range of men’s fashion wear from high quality brands including Carhart and Helly Hansen. Padraig tells The Clare Echo that popular items among shoppers currently include shirts, jackets, blazers, casual chino pants, and long-lasting Matinique Italian wool overcoats, which start at €259. He adds that brighter colours are making a return with reds, burgundies and wines back in fashion.

Padraig and Kenneth McMahon have for years been the famous welcome at Manix Menswear, where customers have been treated with care since 1996. However, it has recently become a bona fide family business recently with the addition of Padraig’s son Ethan and daughter Lucy. Darragh native Padraig, a father of six, also pays tribute to his wife Sinéad who plays a vital role in supporting his running of the business.

Padraig adds that the retail sector has bounced back with strength since Covid-19. “People who online shopped during Covid, people came in and said ‘I’m never doing it again. It was late, it was a wrong size, returning it was a problem’. They were really adamant about it. People are spending very well, my sale average has gone up and voucher sizes have increased.” Vouchers are available in-store and carry no time restrictions.

Manix Menswear opens Monday to Saturday from 9am-6pm. Call (065) 686 4928 for enquiries.

l CHRISTMAS TREAT: Based on Market Street in Ennis, Manix Menswear Padraig Haugh (pictured above right) is offering 20 per cent off popular brand Eden Park

NotesBLOOD DRIVE

BLOOD Donation Clinics will take place on Tuesday, December 27, Wednesday, December 28 and Thursday, December 29 at CBS Primary School Ennis. Please ring 1800 222 111 to book your appointment.

If you receive a text from us to make an appointment please do so and make sure you do our eligibility test on www. giveblood.ie before you do to make sure you can give blood on this occasion.

If you do make an appointment please try and keep it as we are having large amounts of no shows and cancellations at short notice. We would also like to thank donors for their incredible support in what has been a very challenging year for everybody and we hope they continue that support into 2023. Further clinic information can be found on www.giveblood.ie.

Ready for action at Jiu Jitsu tournament

Cahercalla hospital plunges into the red

by Gordon Deegan

THE company that operates Cahercalla Community Hospital in Ennis plunged into the red last year to record losses of €895,091 from trading activities, writes Gordon Deegan.

New accounts show that Cahercalla Community Hospital CLG recorded the €895,091 loss after revenues decreased by €663,000 or 12pc from €5.65m to €4.99m.

In their report, the directors state that Cahercalla Community CLG

“was massively impacted on many levels by the Covid-19 pandemic”.

They state that “the financial impact is clearly seen in the financial statements for 2021”.

They state that the company “made a loss of €895,091 from trading activities but this loss was somewhat mitigated by an insurance claim of €151,777”.

They state that “occupancy rates were the main driver of the loss”.

The accounts - signed by company director and former TD, Dr Michael Harty - show that the loss last year followed a surplus of €184,940

in 2020.

The directors reveal that in 2021, occupancy rates had slumped to 80.5 residents due to the pandemic.

They state that occupancy has since recovered and now stands at 108, which is 96pc occupancy.

They state that in February 2021, the hospital appointed Mowlam Healthcare to take over the clinical management of the nursing home.

They state that this led to a resolution of all issues raised by HIQA in various reports as well as a better focus on staffing levels and general cost management.

The directors state that Cahercalla and Mowlam have been very active in improving the occupancy from Covid levels back to the historic levels preCovid “and the board is confident that the loss in 2021 will not be repeated”.

The accounts show that last year the hospital spent €207,700 on agency staff costs compared to zero

under that heading in 2020.

The spend on food reduced by €59,950 or 22.5pc from €266,245 to €206,295 while staff costs reduced from €4.03m to €3.63m as staff numbers reduced from 129 to 117.

Income from hospital beds last year slumped from €4.93m to €4.24m. The hospital last year paid out management fees of €342,709 compared to zero under that heading in 2020.

The loss also takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of €284,869. At the end of last year, the hospital had total funds of €7.26m made up of €9.6m in capital reserves and funds off-set by €2.36m in accumulated losses. The hospital’s cash funds decreased from €444,798 to €108,185.

On the hospital’s future developments, the directors state that “the board of Cahercalla has ambitious plans to respond to the ever changing needs of our community in Clare by providing additional services which reflect the needs of our ageing population”.

They state that a dedicated Mem-

ory Care Centre is being developed to address the increasing need for specialist services for parents suffering from memory impairment.

The directors state that during the year, the company received a grant of €129,499 from Milford Care Centre to support the provision of three palliative care beds.

The directors state that the associated expenditure in respect of the three beds was €175,466 and the balance of the expenditure was covered by fundraising activities.

On the company’s going concern status, the directors state that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the annual financial statements.

Auditors Curtin, O’Friel & Co state that the 2021 loss and accumulated losses along with other matters indicate the existence of a material uncertainty that casts significant doubt as to whether the company can continue as a going concern.

LIHAF project in Claureen to be considered for affordable housing scheme

DISCUSSIONS with developers have commenced regarding a planned new link road in Ennis that is also envisaged to bulk up the county town’s housing supply, writes Páraic McMahon

Under, the Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) a new link road including services and roundabouts is to be constructed in Claureen, Ennis.

€237,091 in exchequer funding had been drawn for this as

of June 2021, €39,000 of which was last year.

Clare County Council in June 2020 lodged the application for the provision of a link road between the existing N85 roundabout and the junctions of Lees Road (L4180)/Drumcliffe Road (L4599)&(L4182)/ Drehidnagower Road (L4587).

At this month’s meeting of the Council, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) queried if the LIHAF would “open up land for affordable

housing in Ennis”.

He believed it had the potential for 300-400 houses in the area.

Director of Services, Carmel Kirby outlined that a detailed design of the LIHAF road in Claureen is underway with discussions having commenced with developers.

“If we can get an affordable housing scheme for Clare certainly those lands will be considered,” she stated.

Clare Jiu Jitsu Academy hosted 110 children from Clare, Limerick and Galway at a Jiu Jitsu Competition in Ennis recently.

€10,000 for West Clare Cancer Centre following Kilkee swim advert

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TEN-THOUSAND Euro has been raised for the West Clare Cancer Centre following the recent filming of a Christmas

Day swim in Kilkee.

Kilkee has been showcased to a national audience as part of a television advert shot by production company Ponder on behalf of Fáilte Ireland. The Christmas Day spirit of West Clare was recreated for the

filming of the advert on November 14th. Students at Kilkee Community College including Zara Martin, Grace McCusker and Cian McInerney had the opportunity to gain experience from Ponder on the day of the shoot, working as PAs. In the

past week, a cheque to the value of €10,000 has been presented to the West Clare Cancer Centre as a donation from Ponder and Fáilte Ireland. Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) who was one of the chief organisers for the swim said the donation was

“down to the absolutely amazing support from all of the swimmers who turned out on the day”.

Efforts of volunteers “means our local charity has been the beneficiary of this very substantial amount of money,” he added.

St Joseph’s raise money for people in need this Christmas

by Zoe Howell

THE young Saint Vincent de Paul team in St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Spanish Point set up a fundraiser on the 13th of December to raise money for people who are in need this Christmas.

Various activities were planned for the day by the young SVP team including a Christmas jumper day, bake sale and more. Each student partaking in the Christmas jumper day paid €2 and everything at the bake sale was €1.

Every student who donated something to the bake sale was then given something free as well as a raffle ticket.

A Christmas hamper was donated by one of the staff and selection boxes were also up for grabs at the raffle. Solidarity walks

were also scheduled throughout the day for both first and second years despite the cold weather.

The total fundraised was €1,100 which made up 22 €50 vouchers, both food and fuel from Aldi and Vaughan’s Spar in Miltown Malbay.

These were then presented to Rita O’Dwyer from the local Saint Vincent de Paul branch in Ennistymon with a Christmas card from the young SVP team wishing the recipients a very happy Christmas.

These vouchers will hopefully help a lot of people out during these Christmas holidays.

Santa’s flying visit to Kilmihil

Santa and his elf wave to the crowd as they take part in the Kilmihil tractor run

l FUNDRAISER: Back Row (l-r) Sophie Sexton, Lee Moloney, Ellie Hanrahan, Ralph Whelan, David O’Donoghue. Front row (l-r) Keira Moloney, Katie Meade, Éabha Healy, Geraldine Carroll

l Kilkee ad campaign

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Gardaí spread Christmas cheer

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON’S Community Policing unit in tandem with local businesses dropped off Christmas meals to senior citizens across the town, Sixmilebridge, Cratloe and Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Over 270 meals, cards and gifts were delivered to the elderly and vulnerable personnel, this due to the generous support from the local business community and schools. The cards were written by primary school students in the locality.

Meals were cooked at the Shannon College of Hotel Management by students on a voluntary basis. Gardaí based at Shannon Garda Station dropped off the meals over the past week. A Christmas afternoon was held on Monday afternoon at the Goalpost

Bar, home of Wolfe Tones GAA club.

Community Garda, Ailish Hanley remarked of the initiative, “They will see a friendly face and will get something they want from the Gardaí as opposed to a summons”.

New ways of connecting with the community were explored during the pandemic, Insp Paul Slattery outlined.

“With the cold spell we’ve had, people are reluctant to step out because of the freezing temperatures, we’re calling to the doors, talking to the people that are there, we’re delivering a hot meal and a present, we’re re-engaging with those people and letting them know there is a voice and face behind the Gardaí”.

Insp Slattery added, “There is nothing more heart warming than getting a smile, a hug, a wink, a sincere handshake from the people that receive these gifts from the communities”.

Drumgeely’s Ella wins engineering scholarship

SHANNON student, Ella Hasty has become the first recipient of the Trane Technologies STEM Career Pathways Scholarship for female students, writes Páraic McMahon

From Drumgeely, Ella has been awarded the

prestigious scholarship for female students taking engineering courses at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU). The scholarship represents a collaboration between the charity TeenTurn and Trane with ATU.

St Patrick’s Compre-

hensive School in Shannon have been supported by Teen-Turn through the running of their after school programs, Technovation and Project Squad and through project based learning, the girls participate in research and design STEM projects as well as learning to design,build and program apps, and develop business plans.

Now nearing the end of her first semester in ATU where she is studying engineering, Ella said she was thrilled to be awarded the scholarship. “I am really enjoying the course and having this scholarship makes it easier for me to focus on my studies without worrying about the increasing costs of studying at third level”.

Jacquie Murphy, a teacher in St Patrick’s Comprehensive and the lead mentor with Teen-Turn was “incredibly proud” of her past pupil. She commended Ella for “following her passion in engineering” and said she was “delighted that a local company like Trane Thermoking have committed to working with young women through their partnership with Teen-Turn.”

l SANTA’S HELPERS: Kay O’Dowd receives a Christmas lift from Tom Downey and Ailish Hanley Photo by Joe Buckley

l STEM: Ella Hasty

Close to 75,000 passengers to pass through Shannon Airport over festive period

ALMOST 75,000 passengers are expected through to the doors of Shannon Airport for the festive season.

In what will be the busiest Christmas at Shannon Airport in three years, visitors from across the globe will be welcomed to the county.

Festive decorations have been fitted out across the terminal building including a 12-foot tree in the arrival’s hall and a life-size Santa sleigh for visitors to sit in and take photographs from.

Visitors to the airport collecting loved ones and those arriving at Shannon, were met with the sound of carol singing in the arrivals hall by primary school students from St Senan's National School on Tuesday and St John's National School on Wednesday. Singer Chloe Griffin will also be entertaining visitors with a live set of festive tunes on Thursday.

A fortnight on from the announcement of a new route to Liverpool, it follows the recent additions of Na-

ples and Porto to Shannon’s summer schedule.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine commented, “We know this Christmas will be a special time for many families. It's wonderful to see passengers arriving home to loved ones or heading off this week, with some experiencing a family gathering for the first time in a few years. Our team is on hand to welcome all those travelling through the airport. One of our top priorities is to ensure everyone’s

journey through Shannon Airport is as easy and enjoyable as possible this festive season”.

She looked forward with optimism to the next year. “As we look towards the new year, we are delighted to offer 32 destinations from Shannon Airport for 2023. Our aviation development team have done fantastic work in securing a number of new routes for Summer ‘23 to Porto, Naples, Bezier, Newcastle and Liverpool with Ryanair and a daily service to Chicago with United”.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS 2022

Clare County Council Offices, leisure facilities and recycling centres will be CLOSED on the dates set out in the following table.

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

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

Emergencies: In the event of an emergency the public should ring the following number (087) 4169496 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.

Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road 9am – 5pm 9am – 4pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am – 5pm Closed Closed Closed 9am – 5pm

Municipal District Offices (Kilrush, Ennistymon, Shannon, Killaloe)

Ennis Municipal District Office (no public counter)

9am – 4pm

Phone Line Open: 9am – 5pm

9am – 4pm Cash Office Opening Hours 9am – 3pm

Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am – 4pm Closed Closed Closed 9am – 4pm

Phone Line Open: 9am – 4pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Phone Line Open: 9am – 5pm Closed Closed Closed Phone Line Open: 9am – 5pm

Clare Motor Tax Office (Ennis) 9am – 1pm 9am – 1pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am –12pm Closed Closed Closed 9am – 3pm Housing Office 9am – 1pm 9am – 1pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am – 1pm Closed Closed Closed 9am – 1pm Planning Department 9am – 4pm 9am – 3pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am – 4pm Closed Closed Closed 9am – 4pm Cash Office for payments 9am – 4pm 9am – 3pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am – 4pm Closed Closed Closed 9am – 4pm

Active Ennis Leisure Complex

Gym: 6.30am9.45pm Pool: 8am9.45pm

Gym: 7am9.45pm Pool: 8am9.45pm

Active Ennis Lees Road Sports & Amenity Park 7am-10pm 7am-10pm

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

7am-10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings)

7am-10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings)

7am-10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings)

7am-10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings)

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

Gym: 6.30am9.45pm Pool: 8am9.45pm

Gym: 7am9.45pm Pool: 8am9.45pm

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

7am-10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings) 7am-10pm 7am-10pm 7am-10pm

Gym: 7am9.45pm Pool: 8am9.45pm

7am-10pm (unstaffed/ no bookings) 7am-10pm 7am-10pm

Central Waste Management Facility, Inagh 8.30am4.30pm 8.30am4.30pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 8.30am4.30pm 8.30am4.30pm Closed Closed Closed 8.30am4.30pm

Ennis Civic Amenity Site 10am-5pm 10am-5pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 10am-5pm 10am-5pm Closed Closed Closed 10am-5pm

Lisdeen Civic Amenity Site 9am-4pm 9am-4pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 9am-4pm 9am-4pm Closed Closed Closed Closed

Scariff Civic Amenity Site 2pm-6pm 12pm-6pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 2pm-6pm 12pm-6pm Closed Closed Closed Closed

Shannon Civic Amenity Site 10am-5pm 10am-5pm Closed Closed Closed Closed Closed 10am-5pm 10am-5pm 9am-3pm Closed Closed 10am-5pm

Land ownership may delay housing

DEVELOPERS are interested in new housing schemes in Kilmurry but the area’s only wastewater treatment plant is in private ownership risking a dezoning of lands in the upcoming County Development Plan.

Land ownership matters remain for infrastructure in a Kilmurry estate, almost six years after it fell under the responsibility of Clare County Council.

After a resolution was passed by the Killaloe Municipal District on 1st February 2017, the roads, footpaths, street lights and green area of the Ballymulcashel estate were taken in charge.

A request was issued by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) for the Killaloe MD to take in charge the sewage treatment plant for the estate at a recent sitting of the local authority. He was advised by Cyril Feeney, senior engineer in the environment section of Clare County Council, “there are still outstanding land ownership matters to be resolved with third parties before any decision can be made regarding the taking in charge of the waste water treatment plant”.

Feeney stated, “Clare County Council continues to positively engage with all parties” on the ownership issues.

Kilmurry based Cllr O’Callaghan commented, “I’ve talked with the builder, a number of years ago a pilot project was done, a whole new system was put in, it was fully funded and a load of different agencies involved, it was misfortunate”.

Speaking at a recent sitting of the Kil-

laloe MD, he recalled, “I was talking to the Minister and he had requested Cyril to get Irish Water involved for the taking in charge but they wouldn’t entertain it because it was in private ownership”.

He maintained, “the way forward is to bring it from private to public. It’s a pity, we’re nearly concluded the County Development Plan and Kilmurry will be dezoned because it hasn’t a wastewater treatment plant. My aim is to get it into public, if we’ve any chance of any future developments it needs to be done.

“We need to start getting heads together and see if we can get it done before passing it onto Irish Water. It’s not Clare County Council’s remit for wastewater, if anything goes wrong Clare County Council will have to step in, give it a hand and maintain it,” the Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD said.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) flagged that the wastewater treatment plant is “fantastic” but “it isn’t public so it is a pity that future development won’t be allowed”. Bringing it under the ownership of Irish Water “will help the village of Kilmurry, there is land available in Kilmurry for development and developers are interested. We need to work together to achieve it. Lands will be dezoned, if we could get this taken over by Irish Water these lands can be zoned in the future”.

Director of Services, Anne Haugh informed councillors she was keen to get Feeney to address an upcoming meeting of the Killaloe MD. “The only way we can get it progressed is through the Council,” Cllr O’Callaghan responded.

Bridgetown students unable to walk to school

ACCESSIBILITY issues are preventing students from walking or cycling to school in Bridgetown, writes Páraic McMahon.

Road safety concerns are hindering students from being able to “walk or cycle to school” in Bridgetown, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) flagged. He appealed to the Killaloe Municipal District to install a footpath “incorporating a cycle lane” from Bridgetown linking with O’Briensbridge and upper Ardnataggle on the R463.

He stated, “the necessary piece of infrastructure would enable the community to access their local amenities such as church, school, public houses and community playing pitch. In the case of the primary school alone it would cut down on a huge amount of private cars using the area on a daily basis”.

Acting senior executive engineer, Derek Troy outlined that the request would be referred to the road design section of Clare County Council for submission to the National Transport

Authority to be considered for Active Travel funding. “It should be noted that to date, projects that have received Active Travel funding have generally been located within existing speed limit zones”.

In 2022, the NTA allocated funds to local authorities across Ireland with a view to spending €289m on over 1200 walking and cycling infrastructure projects.

He recommended Bridgetown NS register with An Taisce for the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programme, this was established to support schools increase the amount of students walking and cycling to school.

Speaking at a meeting of the Killaloe MD, Cllr O’Brien pointed out that the area was “highly populated” and in need of “what I’d call this necessary infrastructure”.

The Mayor of Clare commented, “the primary school based in Bridgetown is not accessible, it serves O’Briensbridge, Ardnataggle and Bridgetown. The numbers stack up and justify

it, there is huge congestion around the school in the morning and afternoons”.

All the localities are the “one community,” O’Brien stressed. “The playground is in O’Briensbridge, the community and sports field that they have access to play in is in Bridgetown, we have a responsibility to assist them”.

Its consideration for Active Travel made the Killaloe representative “enthusiastic” but he acknowledged it as “a big undertaking and a huge undertaking but it would be a necessary and vital one, the school is one element, the community would be a major beneficiary of the project”. The local community group and primary school were fully behind the proposal, O’Brien said.

“I would say in fairness the response is very encouraging,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) stated in seconding the request. “We all know it won’t happen overnight but it would be a major asset to the area, a lot of movement and traffic, it has a big population and this is an important link”.

Marie Donnellan congratulates her son Paddy after Broadford were crowned Clare U21B hurling champions Photo by Gerard O'Neill

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Proud Broadford mammy

Cliffs of Mo-HO-HO-her

Away in a manger

Bid to ban buses from rat run rejected

A NORTH Clare cross is forcing drivers to take their life into their own hands, an elected representative has warned while an appeal to ban large buses from certain roads has failed, writes Páraic McMahon

Appeals for a safety audit at Garrihy’s Cross in Carnane and Doolins Cross were issued by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG). He was also keen to see recommendations on improvements “at these very busy intersections. I suggest that signposts are put in place to ensure large bus traffic is not allowed on the unsuitable roadway from Doolins Cross to Garrihy's cross and also from Kilfenora to Doolins

Cross”.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Enda MacNamara said they would request the road design office to review the junctions and prepare designs for any proposed changes.

He flagged that roads leading to the crosses are public roads, “buses cannot be banned from using these public roads. Signage can be erected to encourage users to use alternative routes”.

“It is a place where you could potentially be taking your life into your hands,” Cllr Garrihy remarked. He noted that the

route was “famous” as “a direct rat run for buses from Kilfenora”. He suggested the review be incorporated with the speed limit review. “Doing nothing is not an option,” he stressed.

Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) questioned, “Buses cannot be banned but how can we actively discourage them?”.

Director of Services for Rural Development, Leonard Cleary said a cross directorate meeting has been arranged between the transportation unit of the Council, the rural directorate and the West Clare MD where these concerns can be raised.

'You just can’t risk proof piers'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PIERS of County Clare cannot be “risk-proofed”, a former fisherman has warned.

NOLLAIG SHONA!

My priorities for 2023

I hope that this Christmas is an opportunity for you to enjoy gathering with family and friends. 2023 will be a challenging year for the EU, but I will continue to work hard for my constituency of Ireland South in Europe.

A green Europe that provides economic opportunity: Let’s seize the opportunities that the green transition provides. I am calling for the roll out of Solar PV, green renovation loans and a national strategy on anaerobic digesters. Planning laws and administration must be streamlined, particularly for energy projects.

An open Europe that protects Irish consumers:

We must have an ambitious, fair, outward-looking trade policy that significantly improves living standards and opportunities for those in Ireland. I am a leading voice in the Parliament promoting constructive relations with one of our closest trading partners, the UK.

An equal European Union that promotes human rights: Human rights must be at the forefront of EU policy. I have advocated for the EU to promote gender equality in its external relations, and called for enhanced citizen engagement in EU decision-making. I highlight urgent human rights situations at each Parliamentary session.

An audit of potential hazards at Monks Pier, Ballyvaughan Pier and other open piers across the West Clare Municipal District was sought by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) who wanted Clare County Council to “undertake identified alterations in the interest of health and safety”.

Clare County Council’s lighting section has been requested by the West Clare MD to upgrade the standard of lighting on the public footpaths adjacent to Ballyvaughan Pier, senior executive engineer Enda MacNamara outlined.

“The area office will review any other potential hazards at this pier. Piers are open spaces to permit sufficient access to vehicles/boats and pedestrian movement. The public are advised to be aware of their surroundings when entering a pier area,” he said.

A near-miss occurred in Ballyvaughan recently, Cllr Killeen flagged.

“A child’s parents left the child and went into the restaurant, the child got confused and fell into the pier, the child was able to climb up to the side of the pier and get back onto terra firma.

“Luckily the child was well and cared for by his

parents, it was a huge shock for the parents and the child involved”.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) observed, “a serious tragedy was diverted there”. He said the upgrading of lighting in the area was the chief concern of the parents involved.

“There are somethings you can’t risk proof and piers are one of them, they are inherently dangerous. My gut feeling is if a child is running loose on a pier then that is not the fault of the child or the Council, it’s the parents that should be caring for them,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) commented.

He recalled his many years as a fisherman, “I lost enough friends falling off piers between the boat after a few drinks, it is probably the most common cause of fisherman’s deaths. it doesn’t matter how much lighting is there somethings you just can’t risk proof, there is a pier and water, the tide comes in and out, if you wait long enough it will come back up”.

Murphy said he supported the motion in theory but was conscious of sending out a message that the local authority would provide a safe environment for everyone and anybody without them taking personal responsibility.

“I was a fisherman for long enough, I saw stupid people and smart people do stupid things on piers,” the Kilkee man added.

The live crib at St. Augustine's Church in Kilshanny included a sheep with her two lambs and a donkey Photo by Ann Thynne

Students from Liscannor National School who performed Christmas carols for the residents of St Dominic Savio Nursing Home in Liscannor last Thursday, while Mol an Óige Community NS visited Ennistymon Community Hospital on Tuesday. Children and staff from both schools will be treated to a day out at the Cliffs of Moher Experience in 2023.

GREEN CLARE

Business case for reopening Crusheen rail stop is ‘stronger than ever’

ELECTED representatives are confident that the business case for reopening the Crusheen stop on the Western Rail Corridor is stronger than ever, writes Páraic McMahon.

Originally built in the 1860s, Crusheen railway station closed in 1976 for passenger traffic and in the 1990s for freight traffic.

In October 2010, then Minister for Defence and Clare TD, Tony Killeen (FF) was the first to announce the allocation of €1.5m for the provision of a rail stop in Crusheen. He along with retired councillor, Michael Kelly (FF) previously proposed its reopening.

Planning permission was then granted for a new station in 2011 but the project was “not provided for” in Iarnród Éireann’s 2013 budget.

Another former Clare TD, Michael Harty (IND) sought to reopen the rail stop in 2019 but he was told by Iarnród Éireann’s CEO Jim Meade that there was no funding and “no provision for a station” in Crusheen.

Nothing has changed in the interval regarding the stance of Iarnród Éireann or the addition of extra funding.

Nonetheless, the presence of the Greens in Government has led to East Clare councillors becoming more optimistic that trains could once again stop in Crusheen.

Transportation policy and priorities over the coming years will be determined by the Clare Transportation Strategy, work on which has yet to hit second gear. The Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) which is near conclusion will also influence new projects in the region.

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) recently proposed “that a strong business case be made” for its reopening. “Over the last number of years there have been a number of housing developments in Crusheen and adjoining areas and a large growth in population in the area without any upgrade of services and a strong push to use public transport and I believe that it is imperative that we make the case to get the station reopened again”.

Senior planner with Clare County Council, Brian McCar-

thy recalled that the reopening was supported in the 2017-2023 County Development Plan by the safeguarding of lands along the rail route “to provide for the necessary infrastructure to facilitate a train stop”. The Draft Development Plan 2023-2029 ‘fully supports and encourages the reopening of the station’.

McCarthy committed to engaging with the National Transport Authority “to review the potential of reopening the Crusheen Railway Station”. He said the Council’s transportation department would liaise with the NTA and Iarnród Éireann “with a view to advocating the Crusheen railway station be reopened”.

Crusheen’s “huge development of houses” strengthened the case, Cllr Hayes maintained. “We have an opportunity to improve transport and connectivity. We need to step up to the mark. We’re not asking a whole lot for Crusheen, you can purchase a ticket online, it will be a case of hopping on and off, it’s not the West Clare Railway”. He continued, “If the opportunity was there to hop on a train to go into Ennis or up to Galway, look at what it would be doing for the environment, try make that incremental step”.

Hayes argued, “We have an open door if we make any effort to push this case, I can’t see why not, I think we’re doing a disservice for the county. It is a critical piece of infrastructure that can make a difference. We do fully support the reopening of the line to Sligo, it is balanced regional development”.

Inviting Iarnród Éireann before the Killaloe Municipal District would be movement in the right direction, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) stated.

“We can be proactive as a Municipal District. It’s not a huge ask, we need a direct approach with a letter from this Municipal District to the NTA and Irish Rail and invite them here to ask them what their plans are for it and encourage them to have a meeting with a view to opening this and putting forward a case for opening it. This isn’t a huge job but it will mean the world to the catchment area to have it open”.

This approach was backed by Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) who pointed out that Jim Meade is living in Bunratty. “He could brief us or attend a special meeting. We know the phenomenal success the Limerick to Galway line has been, it is growing all the time, I’m living close to it and when you see the train passing it is pretty full, we’re trying to emphasise public transport. A lot of old people go onto the train at Sixmilebridge from different catchments like O’Callaghans Mills and Broadford, Crusheen would do the same. It is very handy for old people to park up for the day and head off on the train, I see massive number of students using the train too”.

Efforts of Michael Kelly were referenced by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG). “It is no good writing, we need to go and meet whoever we need to meet,” he stressed.

“We’re all on the green agenda with public transport,” Cllr Pat Burke (FG) quipped. “In 1961, people sat around the table to decide to close Foynes line and now it is reopening,” he said mentioning the plans announced in November for a €104m upgrade.

“Why was it ever closed down, we’ve come full circle and the importance of Crusheen stop is now vital in the scheme of things, it will have to happen, all that’s needed is for the train to stop and people to be able to get on and off”.

Public transport’s role in getting to students to and from and college “is essential” given the lack of accommodation for students in Galway and Limerick, Cllr Hayes noted. “I don’t think a Green Minister could say it’s a bad idea, we’re building up Crusheen, Tulla and everywhere around,” he added.

Director of Services, Anne Haugh sought clarity from councillors on whether they wanted Iarnród Éireann to go before the County Council or the Killaloe MD. “The Shannon rail link has been well covered, I want to individualise the issue to one electoral area. We have the responsibility,” Hayes responded, keen to focus on matters solely in their electoral area.

lPOTENTIAL: Photo by Anthony E Bennett - Irish Railway Record Society Archive

Exploring skills of students rewarded

LISCANNOR National School became the first Clare school to be awarded the Marine Institute’s Explorers Ocean Champion Certificate, writes Páraic McMahon

Entitled ‘Exploring the Deep Sea’, their project was done in collaboration with members of the Explorers Team last year. Students from third, fourth, fifth and sixth class were involved.

Congratulating the pupils and presenting them with their award, Rory Mc Avinney, Explorers Outreach Officer described their project as “excellent and uplifting, demonstrating the fun ways we can share and communicate the message of marine science”.

Rory, who is part of Explorers Outreach Team noted that teachers and students from Liscannor National School displayed fantastic openness and flexibility to bring the ocean into their busy classrooms last year, through a range of cross

curricular methods which were assessable to all students.

As part of the Marine Institute Ocean Champion Awards up to 3,500 children and 124 teachers across 14 coastal counties created projects under the theme: ‘creating a healthy ocean’ with the objective of introducing an ‘allschool’ approach to learning about the ocean.

School principal Maire O’Connell noted that “the school has a long marine heritage and has had the pleasure of taking part in a range of marine modules and activities with the Explorers Education Programme over the years. This award helps us gain recognition for the work the students do here at the school, and to celebrate our Ocean Connection”.

As the first school in Co. Clare to take part in this national award Ms Aisling Garrahy, the lead teacher on the project

said that the Ocean Champions Award had provided the school with a way to connect to their local marine environment, while also exploring the Deep Ocean around Ireland. We are delighted to receive the award and fly the flag for the county.

Primary schools interested in working on an Explorers Module or An Ocean Champion Project, can email rory@nationalaquarium.ie to book your fully funded school visit now.

This Ocean Champion project was carried out by the Explorers team at Galway Atlantaquaria.

The Ocean Champion Awards are part of a nationwide initiative to develop ocean literacy at primary-school level. The Explorers Education Programme is fully funded by the Marine Institute, Ireland’s State agency for marine research and development, and is managed by Camden Education Trust.

lOCEAN CHAMPIONS: Liscannor National School students with their teacher Ms Aisling Garrihy

The season of giving

Students of Doora National School bring some Christmas cheer to Ukrainian children at Ennis Educate Together school. Pictured are (clockwise from top left): Daniil Yaroshevych; Masha Nichogha; Adel Kotsehub and Anna Dobronrovova; Marharyta Nazarenko; Roisin Murphy and Arina Kiselyova and Yehor Kuzmenko Photos by Natasha Barton

'Pure luck no major accident has occurred'

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS representative has warned of “a major accident” along the village’s busiest route.

An extension of the double yellow lines at Lough Gash Cross in Newmarket-on-Fergus was sought by Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) “due to cars parking on the village side which is obscuring visibility”. The proposal was seconded by Cllr PJ Ryan (IND).

Senior executive engineer in the Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett stated that they have “prepared a design incorporating adjustments at this junction which will improve sightlines. The measures will address the parking situation on the town side”.

Located across from Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire and the grounds of Newmarket Celtic, the junction is adjacent to Eurospar, the only grocery shop in the parish.

Manoeuvring the junction is “an ongoing problem continuously,” Cllr McMahon flagged. “I fear a major accident and I don’t say that lightly. Anyone parked at the corner cuts out the line of view, coming up from the village or the Ennis side it is a big wide road. If you’re trying to go right from the junction, it is very hard to see because of the cars parked along the road and people do continuously”.

He continued, “we’re talking about a very busy school, the only shop in the village, a Garda barracks, a very busy soccer club with 14 teams matches ongoing most evenings and afternoons, the whole area tends to be heavily trafficked, the problem is you have to move out onto the road if turning right down to the village. Lorries should not be parking at the cross. I genuinely do believe, it is pure luck that an accident hasn’t happened”.

Coping with Suicide Bereavement at Christmas

CLARE Suicide Bereavement Support are offering support this Christmas for people grieving the loss of a loved one who died by suicide. A Clare Suicide Bereavement Support spokesperson said: “Being aware of the difficulty of sharing feelings within the family circle, Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Volunteers are available to offer help and support. Help is only a phone call away. When you ring one of our numbers arrangements can be made to meet a Support Worker either at the Clare S.B.S. premises in the Roslevan Shopping Centre, in the caller’s home or another agreed location. The person you will meet is trained for this work and is aware that coping with feelings, following the death of a loved one, can be difficult and believe that talking about these feelings can help. The support given is confidential and free of charge and can extend over a number of meetings.”

Christmas time can be a period of joy and celebration for some people. For others, it is a time of sadness and memo-

ries. This is particularly so for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died by suicide. When someone close to you, either in your immediate family or a friend, dies by suicide your whole world is torn apart. The suicide causes pain and shock followed by disbelief, denial, sadness loss and anger. There is a need to come to terms with the event and the endless questioning – why? why? The questioning goes on and on together with confusion and pain which at times may appear to be overpowering.

Occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and festive occasions can be difficult for the bereaved. Christmas time is one of these difficult occasions. Coming home for Christmas is a special event in many homes. Where there is loss and particularly loss by suicide there is the empty space, memories, sadness and pain. Sharing one’s feelings with another family member or friend helps to ease the pain and confusion. This is not always easy as the other person is equally in pain and

talking and sharing feelings creates a fear of inflicting more pain.

In addition Clare S.B.S. offer a Healing Program which is a structured series of group meetings – one evening a week over eight weeks, where people find support and healing in a caring, safe and confidential environment. There is an opportunity to meet with others in a similar situation when healing is mutually given and received.

The spokesperson also expressed “the sincere gratitude of the Volunteers to the individuals, groups and organizations who financially supported the group over the past year. Your support has enabled our Volunteers to concentrate on supporting the bereaved without having to spend time raising funds to pay for the day to day expense of running the organization.”

Clare Suicide Bereavement Support can be contacted at 087 3698315, 086 0565373 or www.claresuicidebereavementsupport.com

Colette, Ciara and Malachy O’Loughlin Clare Branch DSI with Gary O’Donovan Skibbereen and Cycling legend Sean Kelly at the official cheque presentation of the 22nd annual Tour de Munster charity cycle on Friday, 16th November. This year’s Tour de Munster charity cycle from August 4th - 7th raised over €398,000 for the Munster Branches of Down Syndrome Ireland Photo by Gerard McCarthy

support throughout lonely Christmas period

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

PEOPLE who are feeling lonely, vulnerable or are under stress this Christmas are being advised to call 116 123.

That’s the freephone phone number to reach the Samaritans, a non-judgemental and anonymous service which offers emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to anyone who is in distress or feeling suicidal.

Speaking to Samaritans Ennis Director Margaret MacMahon at their headquarters in Ennis, a poster on the wall in the meeting room states,

“Happy Christmas, you’ve helped 17,355 people so far this year.”

It stands to remind volunteers in Clare about the vital service they are providing. Whenever somebody felt lonely, vulnerable or isolated and picked up the phone for help, a local volunteer has been ready and waiting at Sunville on the Kilrush Road in Ennis, on the other end of the line, listening.

Margaret stresses the importance of this – the volunteer’s job is, first and foremost, to listen.

“A volunteer talked recently about a young man who came in and said he picked up a phone and

just to hear a voice on the other end of the line, it kept him alive. We listen. One of the criteria for volunteers is, you have to be absolutely non-judgemental. We don’t give advice. It’s about giving people the opportunity to discuss what’s going on for them,” she tells The Clare Echo.

“People who are in a really, really dark place find it difficult to talk but it’s important that they call us. If somebody is feeling like taking their own life, that they can actually talk about that. We believe that by actually talking about it and exploring what that means for them and why they’re in that situation, you hope would give them hope and other options.”

Margaret has worked with Samaritans Ennis for seven years and has been in the director position for the past three years. Despite being immersed in the work of the Samaritans Ennis - which marked its 40th year this year with the visit of President Michael D Higgins - she is acutely aware that not everybody fully understands their function.

“My understanding is that not everybody does know what we do,” notes Margaret.

“We find that people know the name but not everybody knows what we do. What we do is listen. Our idea is that nobody is ever alone and it’s important that people know, you don’t have to be suicidal to call us.”

Samaritans Ennis are continually working to get the message out there and through the Connecting For Life, have worked with other agencies including the HSE and Clare County Council to reach target groups who are more at risk of suicide such as the Travelling community, young men under 25, and those living or working in an isolat-

ed setting. Recently, Clare’s newest soccer club Fairgreen Celtic have also put the Samaritans phone number on their jerseys which is helping connect young men with the vital service.

On Wednesday, buildings around Clare Aras An Chláir, Bunratty Castle and Shannon Airport were lit up in green to remind people that the Samaritans are here through the darkest hour. Speaking about the festive period, Margaret acknowledges that Christmas is a wonderful time but if you’re feeling lonely, it’s a particularly sad time.

“We get calls starting in September from somebody who will be on their own on Christmas Day. We get calls from people who are having to cook dinner for 20 or 30 people, those unable to afford gifts for loved ones. Christmas is more intense.

“There’s a lot of loneliness for Christmas now. So we’re just here to listen and that message is important, you’re not alone. You can always pick up the phone and talk to us, we’re here 24/7 and 365 days a year.”

Newmarket-on-Fergus native Margaret notes that following a shocking RTE radio interview last month when a Joe Duffy caller recounted abuse he suffered at Willow Park and Blackrock College, they noted an increase in calls from abuse survivors “and some people may have not talked about it before for whatever reason. We have people who have been abused and

don’t tell people and that’s a lonely space. The way people describe it, it’s like there’s you on the outside but there’s this other person inside who has gone through these various experiences.

“It comes down to people who have nobody else to talk to, they can’t talk to their family or friends for whatever reason, but yet it’s something that’s very strong with them.”

Samaritans Ennis would not have been able to help more than 17,000 people already this year without their volunteers. For this to happen, it takes 42 duties a week which requires 84 volunteers. The phones never stop and Margaret describes the work as “a wonderful privilege and very humbling”. Samaritans Ennis are recruiting new volunteers and will host information evenings on Saturday, January 14 at 12 noon and Wednesday, January 18 at 7:30pm at their Ennis office. You can contact Samaritans Ennis team on 085 1763491 or email recruitment@samaritans.org.

If you would like to support the work of the Samaritans in Ennis, you can drop a donation to Sunville on the Kilrush Road, Ennis, or donate online to https://www.idonate.ie/cause/ SamsClare.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article or need somebody to speak to somebody, call 116 123.

Volunteers Margrit Jaggli, Kevin Phelan and Ennis branch director Margaret MacMahon

2022 YEAR IN REVIEW

A perfect night at Finavarra

BRIDGETOWN photographer, Gavin Sheehan’s photograph ‘The Milky Way over Finavarra’ was showcased at the 2022 Reach for the Stars astrophotography exhibition. His image was captured at the Finavarra Martello Tower and was put on display along with 19 other top-rated images at as part of an outdoor exhibition at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies’ premises in August.

Gavin recalled that it was a still spring night in North Clare “with perfectly clear skies” when he took the photograph. There was a new moon, and the core of the Milky Way is visible behind the Martello Tower. He had this shot in mind for a couple of years and the right conditions finally came together.

Most read online

1 Viral Lisdoonvarna video poses questions

THE Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival took a dark twist when a video of a man and woman having sex on the main street was widely circulated on social media.

A number of media outlets carried reports on the footage and subsequently a tragic outcome involving one of the people featured was reported. Speaking at a meeting of Clare’s Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) spoke on the dangers of sharing videos on Whatsapp and social media, adding there is a “moral responsibility of people behind the camera”.

2 Clare GAA fundraiser breaks €1m

THOUSANDS of online readers were eager to find out the winner of Clare GAA’s Win a House In Lahinch fundraiser. In May, we reported that the initiative raised over €1.1m and was won by Lahinch man Shane Curtin. Tickets were snapped in 31 of the 32 counties on the island of Ireland with no buyer from Co Derry.

3 ‘Clare should withdraw from hurling’

AS ALWAYS, reports on Clare GAA were consumed with interest by Clare Echo readers and 2022 was no different, with another GAA story in our top 3 most read. Former Clare TD James Breen said the county hurlers should withdraw from the championship if appeals to have suspensions of Rory Hayes and Peter Duggan were not rescinded after the Munster final.

“Clare always seem to get the rough end of the stick” he fumed, adding criticism to Sunday Game pundits Shane Dowling and Brendan Cummins for their alleged biased opinions.

Good things come to those who wait...

Puca finds its home

AFTER much controversy, An Púca was officially unveiled in North Clare in June.

On International Fairy Day, the ‘Scare of Clare’ was let loose on the people of Clare at The Michael Cusack Centre in Carron.

The unveiling came over a year on from the initial furore which saw the people of Ennistymon tear down the 2m tall bronze art piece, designed by Aidan Harte, before it was even put up. Ennistymon priest, Fr Willie Cummins from the altar described the Púca as “sinister”, a petition presented to Clare County Council contained 263 signatures from Ennistymon against the €30,000 statue. Ultimately, it was decided a new home would be needed to home Mr Púca, with the Michael Cusack Centre being given the contentious honour.

Muhammad Ali Plaza?

A SUPERMAC’S Plaza on the outskirts of Ennis was given the go-ahead by An Bord Pleanála in October - more than six years after plans were first lodged with Clare County Council.

The €10m plaza is to be located in Kilbreckan, Doora adjacent to junction 12 of the M18 and while Supermac’s says 120 jobs will be created within a year of development beginning, the Clare facility will not be to the same scale as the Barack Obama Plaza in Moneygall. It is the fourth application the fast-food chain made for a plaza in the Banner County. An application was marred in controversy when it emerged in 2018 that bogus letters of support were submitted to the local authority from a Clarecastle group supporting the development. It came after strong opposition from the local business community, who argued that the “excessive scale” of the development would have a “significant negative impact” on Ennis, Clarecastle and Crusheen.

Other notable developments granted planning permission included a new Aldi store in Ennis at the Westpoint Retail Park, while on the Station Road in Ennis, plans to increase the size of a primary healthcare facility were also approved by An Bord Pleanala, which would include the provision of an additional floor despite the upset of some local residents.

Meanwhile, Aldi expressed “extreme disappointment” with the decision of An Bord Pleanála to refuse them planning permission for a second time to construct a new store in Shannon.

Shhh... the stories we couldn’t publish

A catfish in our midst

Every year there are stories that don’t make it to press, for one reason or another. In a year when famous cases of catfishing were publisied (The Tinder Swindler, the Two Johnnies catfish ordeal), it appears we uncovered a catfish of our own in County Clare. For those who don’t know, catfishing is a deceptive activity in which a person creates a fictional persona or fake identity on a social networking service, for their own personal gain or gratification.

So what happened?

A story was published in numerous local, regional and national publications and radio stations involving a ‘heroic act’. The Clare Echo followed reporting protocols and found that a Facebook profile which was integral to verifying the story was in fact fake.

Why couldn’t we publish the story?

There were no witnesses to the event other than the story’s ‘protagonist’.

The stories that shocked us all

Traveller fued escalates

ENNIS has been on high alert this month with Gardai ramping up efforts to quell a “turf war”. Gardaí at Ennis Station investigated numerous incidents including a firearm being discharged on Cloughleigh Rd, three caravans in Doora being destroyed and a grave at Drumcliffe Cemetery was firebombed, and a hit and run. Ennis Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) told The Clare Echo, “I have a deep concern with the escalation of a turf war which is putting innocent people at risk and in particular vulnerable children in these households.”

Clare landlord’s sickening sex bid

CLARE people were praised for the welcome the extended to the Ukrainian refugees this year however it emerged in March that a Clare landlord offered accommodation to a Ukrainian woman in a sex-for-rent arrangement. The Irish Examiner first reported that a property in Clare was on offer for free to a “slim Ukrainian” woman, with an expectation of sex.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) voiced his disgust with the conduct, “this is disgusting, abhorrent and pathetic in every way possible”.

Tragedy in Lisdoonvarna

LISDOONVARNA grandfather John O’Neill (78) was found dead at his home on January 7, in an incident that numbed the entire community and county.

He had been noted as an “intrinsic” member of the community in North Clare having operated a B&B O’Neill’s Town House with his late wife Christine since 1973. Gardaí subsequently charged a 32-year-old man, Thomas Lorigan - of no fixed abode - with the murder of at St Brendan’s Road in Lisdoonvarna.

Newmarket’s finest meet A good year for...

1 Céid Mile Fáilte

The welcome in Clare for Ukrainian people has been second to none, tipified this week by children from Doora NS who presented Christmas gifts to the Ukrainian children at the Ennis Educate Together school

2 Shannon Airport taking off

The car park is full again, new routes are being announced and passanger numbers have dramatically risen this year. Long may it continue

3 Celebrations

With the return of social gatherings, there were numerous reasons for cheer in 2022, including Michael D Higgins’ visit to mark the Samaritans turning 40 in Ennis along with the Tidy Towns win for Ennis.

n A step back in time

BRIAN Varley (right) being photographed climbing down into Doolin Cave for the first time in 70 years. In 1952, Brian along with fellow caver Mike Dickenson discovered the famous cave and tourist attraction. Now aged 90, Brian was presented with a commemorative plaque by Helen and John Browne, Proprietors of Doolin Cave Visitor Centre, in June of this year.

n Easy, Tiger

SHANNON Airport Police Fire Service staff Declan Lynch and Eugene Fawl pictured here with Tiger Woods, who arrived in Clare ahead of the JP McManus invitational event at Adare Manor this summer

President Michael D Higgins shakes hands with The Clare Echo’s Páraic McMahon during his visit to honour Ennis Tidy Towns Photo by John O’Neill

Developing stories in 2022

The future of Shannon Heritage

THE importance of Shannon Heritage sites to County Clare’s tourism offering can not be understated. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Knappogue Castle, Crauggownen and a retail outlet at the Cliffs of Moher are mojor cogs in the local tourism economy however its future has been cast in doubt this year following news that the Shannon Group is to transfer the ownership of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park to Clare County Council.

In June, Shannon Group confirmed that the employment rights of all of Shannon Heritage’s 200 employees would be fully protected in the transfer, however uncertainty followed the announcement with Clare County Council seeking up to €15m from the Government in order to take charge of the Shannon Heritage tourism sites - a request which up until this point has fallen on deaf ears.

Protesting earlier this year, Shannon Heritage workers told The Clare Echo they were “terrified about January” and the risk of becoming unemployed with the absence of €15m in State funding. Earlier this week, Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) promised that a funding package is to be announced “soon” to facilitate the transfer.

Pyrite redress scheme sparks frustration, and progress

IT FEELS like a long time ago, however it was only announced that the presence of pyrite in Clare was proven “beyond reasonable doubt” in June of this year, by senior officials in the local authority who pushed to have the county included in the revised redress scheme. Between 620 and 678 properties were potentially affected in Clare, the Council estimated however a study unveiled by Clare Pyrite Action Group in July found that 1,025 homes plus eleven public and private buildings had defective blocks. Homes are affected in 38 locations across the county including Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ennis, Kilkee, Kilrush, Sixmilebridge, Cratloe, Feakle, Kilkishen, Shannon, Clonlara, Crusheen, Inagh, Miltown Malbay, Doolin, Doonbeg, Fanore, Ennistymon, Quin and Tulla.

Ultimately, Clare has been included in a €2.7bn scheme for defective concrete blocks which will be open to affected homeowners in the first quarter of next year however founder of the Clare Pyrite Action Group, Dr Martina Cleary, has been critical of the Government’s handling and communication on the pyrite issue.

Clare’s most searched

Violette Anne Wynne is our most searched politician - so what else do our readers want to know? Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly brings you the data

HAVE you ever wondered what people in Clare are searching for online? Phone numbers for their local restaurants, hairdressers and doctors, sure. But where does the buck stop?

With so much information available online, it’s probably safe to assume you - yes you! - have been Googled by a neighbour. Today, The Clare Echo brings you the popular and quirky terms that brought people to our website.

Online analytics tell us a lot and can provide valuable insight on what really interests our readers. We can tell which specific search terms on Google brought readers to our website - something that is referred to as a ‘query’.

The query which brought most readers to www.clareecho.ie in 2022 was ‘Clare Echo’ (unsurprisingly) with almost 80,000 searches, followed by terms such as ‘Clare news’, ‘Clare jobs’, ‘Clare Echo sport’ and so on.

Each year, it’s no shock to see search terms like Davy Fitzgerald, Donald Trump, Willie Clancy Festival and ‘Domhnall Slattery net worth’ show up in our results. However when it comes to 2022 there aren’t many who created more interest than our Kilrush TD, Violette-Anne Wynne. Her name shows up four times in our top 100 search terms

Moving away from politics, the peo-

website.

Sports content was a big pull this year and showing up multiple times were ‘Rory Hayes and Peter Duggan’, with frenzied Clare hurling fans searching for information on the pair’s retrospective red cards following the epic Munster final against Limerick.

Those red cards were ultimatley rescinded, however people can’t take back what they searched for and some of the smuttier search queries which directed people to our website included ‘Love Honey’, ‘escort’, ‘momxxx’ and ‘escort Clare’. We can only hope they spotted an interesting news story on our site before continuing with their private business.

Business queries often direct readers to our website with popular searches this year including Home Gallery Ennis, Supermacs Plaza Ennis, Shannon Airport, Shannon Ferries, Secret Dollhouse Ennis, ‘who owns Fiddle & Bow Doolin’, Collins Jewellers Ennis, Fairgreen Stoves and Ennis Electrical.

Other notable search terms which directed people to our website included ‘Meatloaf Showgrounds Ennis’, ‘will there be a fifth Aisling book?’, ‘naturism’, ‘Jim Conlon’, ‘botox Ennis’, and ‘the widest street in Ireland’.

Who’s the king of the Castle?

Dolores Broderick at the Shannon Heritage Workers Protest at Bunratty Folk Park in October.

Photo by Natasha Barton

3 little reasons to be thankful for 2022

1 The fans were let back in: Clare’s GAA teams gave us a summer to remember

2 We no longer need Zoom to socialise with friends 3 Nobody is doing the Jeruselema dance anymore

...and 3 reasons to say goodbye to 2022

1 Rapid inflation has driven up our cost of living

2 Getting on the property ladder is harder than Chinese arithmetic

3 Hospital services and waiting times are at their lowest ebb... things can only get better

A girl enjoys the Spancillhill Fair by horseback earlier this year

Photo by Chris Copley

(‘Violet-Anne Wynne partner’ being one popular search term). For context, the next most queried politician was Cathal Crowe, who was the 230th most popular queary.

ple of Clare showed their nosy side by searching frantically for ‘who won Win a House in Lahinch’ which brought thousands of readers to The Clare Echo

Over 130 swimmers braved the elements in October for the Swim in Pink event at Cappa, Kilrush, including Helen Mulqueen, Emer Keane and Jackie Lillis Photo by John Mangan

Seasons Greetings from Shannon FRC

local community members with an vested interest in improving services and supports in the area.

All our volunteers past & present have worked with us tirelessly to make our work in the community a success. Without you, many of our activities would not be possible. Thank you.

If you have an interest in finding out more about volunteering please contact us at the office or drop in.

In 2022, we have seen an increase in demand for our counselling and therapeutic services which we have expanded to ensure people locally can get support when they need it. We provide these services for children and adults in our community. A huge thank you to our counsellors, funders and other agencies and organisations that have helped us deliver this much needed service throughout the year.

tinued in 2022 for young people who are out of mainstream education. In this important programme which offers alternative education for these young people and is designed to include areas of interest to them which can be done online. It is a wonderful initiative that we are very proud of.

We ran several courses delivered by tutors from the Limerick and Clare Education Training Board, these included sewing, arts & crafts and jewellery making. The skills and talents on display from members of our community were fantastic. The Sit n Knit group also returned in 2022 meeting every week doing all kinds of needlework. They were happy to get involved in making hats and scarves for the homeless.

feedback has been great, they have said it makes them feel like they are at home again. This is what we like to hear!

Shannon Family Resource Centre is a Rainbows Ireland Centre offering a support to young people aged 7-15 years who have experienced either parental separation or bereavement in their family. For more information on Rainbows see our Website.

It’s an opportune time to send a message of thanks and appreciation to all of our colleague organisations who work closely with us and provide outreach services at the centre, they have provided much need services to the people of Shannon and beyond.

AS WE near the end of 2022, we have taken time to look back at some of our work over the past year and to acknowledge the achievements we have made.

This year has been incredibly busy at the Centre as we emerged from the shadow of the Covid 19 pandemic.

We recognise that as a community we are facing a number of chal-

lenges and we have responded to those challenges through the supports and services we offer, some of which we would like to share with you in this message.

First and foremost we would like to thank our dedicated volunteers that make much of the work at this resource centre possible. A special word of thanks to our voluntary board of management made up of

We have provided a number of parenting programmes during 2022. ‘Parenting When Separated’ and ‘Circle of Security Parenting’ which are now run annually have been a huge success and the uptake on these programmes has been high.

We welcomed back our Homework Club, Breast Feeding Support Group and Parent and Toddler Group in 2022. We thoroughly enjoy having the little ones back, they bring an energy to the centre that was so missed during 2020 and 2021.

Our iScoil programme con-

Another very successful new initiative developed by our family support worker, is a Life Coaching Programme for women which ran in the second half of 2022, this has proven to be a very worthwhile programme with 10 women from the community attending. They can participate in individual and group coaching sessions to assist them in developing a range of coping strategies and life skills. We plan to run this again in 2023.

Our community development worker has organised a cookery programme for people from the Ukraine. It offers them the chance to cook what they would have cooked in their own homes. The

Finally we’d like to thank all of the staff for their work over the past year, Colette, Adelle, Anna, Cathal, Daniel and our Respond Housing Association colleague Kevin.

Wishing you all a very happy and peaceful holiday season and let us look forward to a very positive new year in 2023.

Please check out our website and Facebook page for more information. Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Duit.

Shannon Family Resource Centre Respond Community Building Rineanna View Estate Shannon Co. Clare. Tel. 061 707600 website: www.shannonfrc.com

Employer of the Year Awards

€1.75m payout from fire at Bunratty hotel

by Gordon Deegan

BUNRATTY Castle Hotel’s owner has received net insurance proceeds of €1.75m from a fire that damaged the hotel last year.

That is as according to new group accounts for the owners of the hotel, Blarney Woollen Mills Group which show that arising from the insurance claim from the June 2021 fire, the group received insurance proceeds of €1.98m which were offset by associated costs of €230,581. The group also operates the Meadows and Byrne outlet in Bunratty. The insurance payout last year contributed to profits at the group increasing more than four fold to €8.38m.

New accounts show that Blarney Woollen Mills Group Ltd and subsidiaries recorded the 447pc increase in pre-tax profits after revenues surged by 44pc or €11m from €24.75m to €35.75m in the 12 months to the end of January 31st this year.

The Blarney headquartered group also benefited from €4.59m in Government wage subsidy support scheme pay and this followed €2.14m received under that heading in 2020.

Along with operating Blarney Woollen Mills and Meadows and Byrne shops around the country, the group also operates two hotels, one at Blarney in Cork along with the hotel in Bunratty.

The directors state that group revenue and profit increased, driven by the group’s key retail and hospitality markets reopening following Covid-19 shutdowns and the continued successful execution of the company’s growth strategy. They state that “demand for the company’s products remains strong however the sourcing and pricing of key inputs remains challenging”.

The group recorded operating profits of €8.75m and interest costs of €367,489 reduced profits to €8.38m. The profit

takes account of noncash depreciation costs of €303,868.

The group recorded post tax profits of €7.46 million after paying corporation tax of €922,187.

The accounts - signed off by directors, Freda Hayes and Fergus Gately on November 23rd show that retail sales rose by 36 per cent from €19.5m to €26.56m while hotel and restaurant sales more than doubled from €3.1m to €6.4m.

The group’s revenues from manufacturing knitwear increased by 43pc from €1.83m to €2.62m while concession income reduced from €266,777 to €169,847. Numbers employed by the group increased by 147 from 262 to 409 and staff costs decreased from €5.83m to €5.3m. Directors' pay increased from €665,541 to €697,103. Key management personnel shared pay of €999,315. Shareholder funds at the end of January totalled €25.37m. Cash funds doubled from €9.27m to €18.55m.

Ennis employer Ecolect Technical Services Limited, Tulla Road, has won a prestigious award at the 2022 Generation Apprenticeship Employer of the Year Awards, taking home a ‘pioneering micro-employer’ award at the ceremony. Pictured are David Hedigan of E Colect Technical Services with Minister Simon Harris TD and NAO Director, Dr Mary Liz Trant

Smithstown business helping to improve national water and gas networks

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A FAMILY-RUN business based in Smithstown, Shannon is playing a crucial role in improving the national water and gas infrastructures.

Tensile Testing Services, which specialises in quality control in pipe welding for agencies including Irish Water and Gas Networks Ireland along with pharmaceuticals, is a company in the ascendency having purchased a new facility in Shannon, while it is now focussed on building on its professional training services.

Co-founder Joseph Birney explains that Tensile Testing has a 15-year history and has been integral to the development of improving gas and water networks in Ireland. He tells The Clare Echo. “When Irish Water and Gas Networks employ contractors in the field to install the pipes for their transmission – which are carrying the water and the gas in the ground – as part of their quality control they sample welds periodically to ensure they are suited for licenced service. So that weld will be cut out and sent to us, then we’re like the big brother monitoring the quality of workmanship in the industry.”

Their base in Smithstown has

proved a fotuitous location, both central to a DPD hub and close to Shannon Airport. The Clarecastle resident and former Syntex employee started the company with Richard Roberts. Joseph, who came from an engineering and welding background, identified that weld testing had become a laborious task for companies who were forced to outsource to the UK, creating additional time and cost. Noting that there was a “huge increase in failures in the network”, Joseph and Richard developed Tensile Testing Services. Richard has since relocated to his native Scotland and Tensile Testing has become a family business, with son Joseph and partner Patricia now among the business’s ranks.

In recent years Tensile Testing has seized additional opportunities afforded by the Government trying to solve the housing crisis. “Even during Covid, there was a huge drive on housing as we have a huge housing problem. That’s generating work all the time because each housing estate needs infrastructure which is water and gas pipes.”

Joseph tells The Clare Echo that since its beginnings, Local Enterprise Office Clare has been a vital support. That has been a consistent theme and as Tensile

Testing moves onto the next phase of its business story, Clare LEO continue to be part of their journey.

“We’re developing more into the training side of it for Irish Water, they’re requesting that their field engineers be trained and also the welding personnel for the different contractors. We’re developing into the hiring and manufacturing of specific pieces as well,” says Joseph.

“We initially approached Clare LEO to give us assistance at the start with business training and setting up. We recently progressed to a new building and they were integral part of our support, helping us with management training courses and having someone in the background to deal with. We also received Brexit training and help with basic principles of doing business

plans.”

Tensile Testing are also on a road to lowering their carbon footprint and through the Clare LEO’s Green For Micro programme, have availed of a consultant to develop a ‘greener’ policy and improve efficiency.

“All along, I can’t say enough about the staff and the service that LEO provide us with. We

definitely wouldn’t be where we are today without their guidance and assistance.”

To learn more about Tensile Testing Services visit https:// tensiletestingservices.ie/

Sonas by BEO offers a joyous event with a difference at the UCH Limerick

BEO is giving Irish people the opportunity to beat the January blues and start 2023 on the right note, by bringing a new and exciting event to the West of Ireland.

On 13 January 2023 Sonas by BEO will host an intimate evening of honest conversations, soulful music and fun at the University Concert Hall Limerick. With an illustrious line up of guests from Fearne Cotton to Louise Boyce and Doireann Garrihy, this event is a must have on your Christmas wish list for you and your loved ones.

The full lineup includes Happy Place founder and wellness advo-

cate Fearne Cotton, model and content creator of popular MamaStillGotIt Louise Boyce, Dr. Ciara Kelly, broadcaster Doireann Garrihy, BEO co-founder and best-selling author Aoibhín Garrihy, DJ Mona Lxsa, singer Susan O’Neil, EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner and Scupted by Aimee founder Aimee Connolly, as well as Dancing With the Stars Pro Dancers Emily Barker and Maurizio Benenato.

“Sonas, the Irish translation for joy, has been in the making for a very long time and marks for us five years of live events, five years of shared experiences and five years of

joy. The live event space has always been our happy place and this one is our most special yet.” said Aoibhín Garrihy, Co-Founder of BEO. “Sonas by BEO is an event for wellness-conscious women and each of our special guests are leaders in this space. This is an evening to champion and celebrate women, through relaxed and open-minded discussions about health of both the body and mind” co-founder of BEO Sharon Connellan said.

Speaking about the lineup Aoibhín Garrihy said: “Having leading wellness champion Fearne Cotton take to the BEO stage is nothing short of a dream come true”

Aoibhín added “Fearne is a leader in the wellness space, a true role model and an absolute trailblazer for so many reasons. She continues to normalise the conversation around mental health and make it accessible for everyone. From knowing when to walk away from a high-profile job to protect her mind to showing the genuine messiness, imperfections and joy of real life on social media –welcoming her to BEO is a dream partnership!”

Popular model and content creator Louise Boyce, aka MamaStillGotIt, has been causing waves with her honest and refreshing take on motherhood and has openly discussed topics from plus size modelling, panic attacks and ageism.

“We are beyond excited to have the brilliant Louise Boyce join BEO. Her unique energy inspires us to inject spontaneity and joy into the everyday mundane and we know she will most definitely spark joy in Limerick this New Year!” said Sharon Connellan

Resident MC at BEO, comic, podcaster and broadcaster Doireann Garrihy will take to the stage at the University Concert Hall Limerick doing what she

does best! “From little seeds grow mighty trees! I was there when it all began in 2017 and it has been a pleasure to watch BEO blossom and grow over the last 5 years into the business it has become today. I’m honestly so proud and absolutely CANNOT WAIT for Sonas this January!” said Doireann Garrihy.

GP, broadcaster and friend of BEO, Dr Ciara Kelly joins Sonas by BEO to share valuable insights on mental health and managing the work-life balance. “Dr Ciara is just such a refreshing breath of fresh air. Her approach to self-care and juggling the everyday rat race is witty, wise and truthful and we are honoured to welcome her back to the BEO stage.” Sharon Connellan noted

Clare local and critically acclaimed performer Susan O’Neill will also join Sonas. “Susan is a songwriter of hidden depths, with a timeless voice – we are over the moon that she can join us.” said Aoibhín Garrihy

DJ Mona-Lxsa will be on hand with flowing melodies and downtempo beats, ensuring a calm and zen vibe on the night. A successful DJ, creative and one of Ireland's community leaders, Mona has progressed steadily in the music scene in Ireland, playing several times at both Longitude and Electric Picnic. Speaking about Sonas, Mona states BEO is “my favourite event to do!”

BEO hosted its very first event in 2017 and has since welcomed over 30,000 women across Ireland and Northern Ireland. BEO has always endeavoured to make events accessible to everyone, not just those living in Dublin.

BEO also extended its gratitude to sponsor, Irish Life Health. Irish Life Health, a leading Irish Health Insurer, is a company BEO recognises as committed to conducting their business in an ethical and responsible way.

“We want our audience to prioritise their health and well-being, to practice self-care and to live healthier, happier and more enriched lives. We believe Sonas by BEO will create a unique brand synergy between Irish Life Health and BEO.” said Sharon Connellan.

Audrey Kelly from Irish Life Health commented: “We’re delighted to partner with BEO and support Sonas by BEO on January 13th 2023. At Irish Life Health, we’re really passionate about providing a range of benefits that help our members take a proactive role in their own health and wellbeing. We want to keep our members well, and support them in living a healthier and more fulfilling life.”

BEO is undoubtedly one of Clare’s most unique business success stories in recent times. Based in Ennis, founders Aoibhín Garrihy and Sharon Connellan have carefully crafted and built a nationally renowned brand from the West of Ireland. Their self-care events have gone from strength to strength and

with this new and exciting venture in the New Year, the natural growth of BEO is clear to see.

Tickets are priced at €59.50 and available at https://www.uch.ie/ show/sonas-by-beo/

For more information check out www.beowellness.ie

l STEPPING OUT: Pro dancer Pro Dancers Emily Barker and (below) Aoibhín Garrihy

Sports Awards 2022

Clare Echo’s head of News & Sport PÁRAIC MCMAHON dishes out the gongs in the Clare Echo Sporting Awards

BACK with a bang for the third year, The Clare Echo’s sporting awards applaud the great and good from within the county.

As we begin, a word to acknowledge the effort and commitment of

all sportspeople, coaches, managers, mentors, supporters, officials, administrators and volunteers who go above and beyond for their respective sports, bringing unbridled joy to their communities and county. Without further ado, the winners

Sports person of the year –Diarmaid Nash

of the 2023 Clare Echo sporting awards as chosen by Head of News & Sport, Páraic McMahon are as follows.

Accidental trendsetter –Sean Rouine’s moustache

Achievement of the year –St Joseph’s Tulla

win Dr Harty Cup

A career-best performance saw Diarmaid become the first Clare handballer to win the All-Ireland senior singles handball title in thirty two years. He followed in the footsteps of another icon from the Tuamgraney handball club with the great Pat Kirby a six-time champion. In March, Nash upset the odds defeating number one seed and four-time champion Robbie McCarthy Jnr from Westmeath 21-8, 17-21, 11-8 at the All-Ireland (40x20) four-wall Handball Championships finals in Kingscourt. The thirty one year old had previously lost finals to McCarthy in 2014 and 2019. That he dedicated the win to his late brother Barry added to the emotion of the occasion.

Team of the year –

Ennis Track’s European champions

A key cog in the Ennistymon wheel as they reached a first Clare SFC final since 2018, the twenty three year old raised a lot of eyebrows early in the Cusack Cup with a very questionable moustache. When he sprung to action in this year’s championship, the moustache was nowhere to be seen and the personal trainer certainly played his part in helping Mark Shanahan’s men in a progressive campaign. With the moustache supposedly coming back into fashion, yes it baffles us too, who knew it would all come down to the efforts of Seanie, his most recent efforts with black and navy combos have not been as successful. The gong for best facial hair in the Clare sporting scene goes to Ballyea’s Gearoid ‘Gudgy’ O’Connell.

One of the great underdog stories of the year. While they had talent in their ranks, the St Joseph’s Tulla Harty Cup team had warrior like traits to make Brian Ború proud. In February, they were crowned Harty Cup champions for the first time, defeating Ard Scoil Rís by three points 0-17 0-14 at TUS Gaelic Grounds. It was an East Clare rising with the school prevailing in their first ever decider to see Feakle’s Ronan O’Connor lift the coveted

Coach of the year –Pat Hogan

History was made in Lisbon when Ennis Track not alone qualified for the ECCC Cross Country Championship for the first time but bettered this by becoming Junior men’s champions. With the Casey twins, Dean and Dylan finishing in first and second place, Ennis Track became the princes of Europe with Niall Murphy finishing in eleventh place, a top twenty finish was also secured by Mark Hanrahan. They qualified by winning the Junior Club Team award at the SPAR European Cross Country Championships. The team was comprised of Dean Casey, Dylan Casey, Mark Hanrahan, Thomas McGuire, Niall Murphy, and Cian O’Boyle. Earlier this month, Dean won bronze at the European Cross Country Championships with Mark Hanrahan also part of the U20 Irish team that won the overall silver medal. Dean who was last year’s winner of the Rising Star in these awards in August finished thirteenth in the World U20 5000m Athletics Championship Final.

As the coach behind Ennis Track’s success in Europe, Pat Hogan has also guided Dean Casey and Mark Hanrahan when representing their country. Hogan is a very influential figure in the Ennis club, his track record includes bringing athletes like Rory Chesser to National Championships while he is now leading the next generation with the Casey brothers and Mark Hanrahan putting Ennis Track on a pathway to success. Alongside Marie Roche, Ger Casey and Ita Hanrahan, he coaches the club’s U20 athletes while Kilmallock native Adrian O’Brien who has gone from the Ballyea management to the Clare senior hurling management coaches ten athletes within the club.

Biggest fashion statement–Scariff/Ogonnelloe’s commitment to their tan Fashion accessory of the year –Robbie Hogan’s earring

Back to back champions in Clare, Scariff/ Ogonnelloe came up short in their bid to retain the provincial senior title. Their commitment to their sport is unquestioned and they will certainly be favourites to keep their hands on the McMahon Cup in 2023. Visible throughout their recent campaigns has been their dedication to their fake tan. In fact, captain Amy Barrett would list it as a pre-match essential and it seems to be the trend among the majority of their side, the rays along Lough Derg strengthen the theory. One local hack wasn’t overly impressed with the style quipping that it was more akin to “ronseal” but whether it’s the tan or not, there’s a winning mentality within the Scariff/ Ogonnelloe that can seem them add to their unprecedented senior success.

Understated just like the man himself, the piece of jew ellery in the left ear of the three-time Clare SHC Ballyea winning manager in one way sets him apart from his counterparts vying to guide their club to Canon Hamil ton glory each year. Indeed the stud earring was refer enced in an excellent Irish Examiner article by Kieran Shannon as a way of showcasing the cool and sin cere nature of the Ballyea boss. Never has a man tra been epitomised as well as their ‘hooks, blocks and tackles’ when it was a hook by the majestic Tony Kelly on Shane O’Donnell that proved to be a game-defining and match-winning moment in their county final win over Éire Óg. Robbie’s contribution to Ballyea hurling club won’t ever be forgotten and his earring is just one other way in how he has stood out from the crowd.

Vocal cords of the year –Joan Browne

45,690 people attended the epic Munster SHC final as the all-conquering Limerick were pushed to the pin of the collar by Brian Lohan’s Clare. It took extra time to decide a winner with the Declan Hannon captained noisy neighbours claiming the title on a 1-29 0-29 scoreline. Among the masses, the distinctive voice of Ballyea’s Joan Browne could be heard. Whether it’s Semple Stadium or Cusack Park, the rousing tones of the nurse showcases what is best about our genuine supporters. The backing track of Ms Browne has coincided with an unprecedented level of success for Ballyea and during the glory year for Clare’s U21 hurlers.

Rivalry of the year –Avenue Utd v Newmarket Celtic

Munster

One of the top soccer supporters in the county, Sean McNamara knew he’d hit a sweet spot when he commented, “0.75 paywall but a great read” about Avenue Utd manager’s David Russell lengthy interview with The Clare Echo ahead of their double tango with Newmarket Celtic in June. Not alone did Russell give great material for the interview but also some for the Celtic dressing room when he remarked that an Avenue win would be “a nail in the coffin” of the county’s dominant side. Individuals like David with honest viewpoints have helped to make The Clare Echo’s online subscription model a success.

Quite frankly the hottest rivalry in Clare sport right now, the meetings of Avenue Utd and Newmarket Celtic have helped to bring an otherwise tame Premier Division in the Clare District Soccer League back to life. Avenue ended last season by dethroning Celtic as League and Cup champions, ending their bid for a historic ten in a row. It has proven to be a wake-up call for Newmarket who have started this season the better, signing new talent in the brief off-season and defeating Avenue in all their tense affairs to date. There’s a lot of soccer to be played between now and the end of the season with the clashes between these two certainly worth attending.

Quote of the year –0.75 paywall but a great read

PPS silverware. Terence Fahy’s charges collected wins over De La Salle, St Colman’s College and Christian Brothers College. Their success resulted in an almighty Harty Party which even brought Marty Morrissey to East Clare. A fairytale was ended by St Kieran’s College in the All-Ireland semi-finals while Ard Scoil Rís despite losing the provincial crown would go on to win national honours.

Mic drop moment –Pat Fitzgerald’s exit

Manager of the year –Michael Blake

Team Ireland won the most famous piece of silverware in showjumping in The Nations Cup at The Dublin Horse Show in the RDS. The success was the first for Ireland in seven years and their twenty fourth time since 1926, at the helm as Chef d’Équipe was Tuamgraney’s very own Michael Blake. The win has also resulted in early qualification for the 2024 Olympics in Tokyo, indeed they are the first representatives of Team Ireland to have sealed their seats on the plane to Japan. Michael’s late father John had previously been successful in the 1963 Grand Prix and his mother Eileen is a sister of the famous writer Edna. He fulfilled a lifetime

ambition in 2019 when he became Chef d’Équipe, from 2012 to 2016 he was in charge of the Ireland Youth Showjumping team overseeing the return of an impressive haul of medals, he became Development Manager in 2017 where he began working with Chef d’Équipe Rodrigo Pesso helping Ireland to European championships that year be-

fore making the step-up. Blake also serves as the team psychologist and his selection of Tipperary teenager Max Wachman proved to be a masterstroke. In 1997, the Blake family built the East Clare Equestrian Centre and has since hosted four international shows.

After 32 years as secretary of Clare GAA, Pat Fitzgerald managed to depart on his own terms when announcing that July was when he moved out via stage left. His final three years saw increasing pressure piled on the Sixmilebridge man with the shortage of games during the pandemic seeing a national media campaign bring a focus on the standard of Caherlohan, strengthened by the decision of the Clare senior hurling management not to train on the Tulla facility, they are now training in Caherlohan despite no major improvement works having taken place there. A former Aer Rianta Director, Fitzgerald’s service to the county must be commended, becoming a paid official in 2009. His struggles with delegating and dealing with criticism plus an arguable lack of foresight when planning developments in Cusack Park and Caherlohan would be cited as possible weak points by his detractors. His intelligence, work ethic, commitment and drive was always to the fore with plenty of success notably three All-Ireland SHC titles, one Munster SFC title and numerous underage honours achieved during his tenure. Fitzgerald possessed a knowledge of the rule-book which was abundantly clear at County Board meetings and has been visibly absent in the running of the Association since. Sounds of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ could accompany the way in which Pat announced his exit.

Unsung sporting hero –Danny MacDonald

For the first time since 1991, Clare had a team of riders racing in the Rás Tailteann with stage three, a gruelling 175km trek from Newcastlewest to Lisdoonvarna serving as the stage of the Rás. Burren Cycling Club was represented by Bellharbour’s Mark Shannon, a multiple Rás winner is one of Cycling Ireland’s top ranked riders with Clarecastle’s Ger Troy the reserve rider with Richard Meaney, Simon Kelly and Paul Kennedy. The team’s youngest member was twenty year old Danny MacDonald from Clooney who finished 74th overall. As well as competing in the Rás for the first time, Danny claimed the Lacey Cup in March, winning the Munster season opener in Tralee in what he admitted was the first time he was fully fit for a race since 2020. He also had an eighth place finish in the Bobby Power Memorial. MacDonald’s name may not be one of the most recognisable in Clare sport but expect him to continue to go pedal to the metal.

Proud day for Broadford U21s

STORY OF THE GAME

MANAGER COMMENT “

“We are a small club but a proud one. We have had a lot of difficulties over the last couple of years. Performances have always been there but we came out at the wrong side of a few results.

"I am so proud of those boys, they played massive in the second half when our backs were against the wall and I couldn’t ask anymore from them. We have been saying all year to them, when we concede we have to reply. Everyone of them, they manned up, they won the puckout and got the score, the ball broke inside and we were first to pounce, that’s the way it goes, we had missed a few.

"We were trying to make a sub for ten minutes but we couldn’t pick a man to come off as everyone of them really drove it on in the second half. Hopefully we can drive on at senior level now”.

MANAGER COMMENT “

“It’s very disappointing. We gave it our all, we went out

to win the game and it went down to the wire. We will rue a few chances in the first half where we were on top but couldn’t capitalise. We lost our way a bit in the second half. Credit to Broadford. There was a super response from Broadford to our goal.

"No complaints, we gave it our all. The hope is that we

will get these players to play as some adult level next year. It’s all about the future of the club.

"We are trying to win the Canon and these lads are capable of going on and achieving great things. Gearoid O’Grady was a huge loss but credit to the lads they stepped up to the mark”.

Craig Chaplin, Broadford:

Stephen McNamara, Kilmaley:

l CELEBRATION: Broadford goalkeeper Peter O’Farrell is hoisted in the air

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

David Tuohy and Patrick Crotty both look in the direction of referee Joe Mullins as a free is awarded

Photo by Ruth Griffin

Eoin Fitzgerald races away from Conner Hegarty

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Lynch set to link up with Clarecastle

CLARE hurling great, Colin Lynch is set for a new coaching role with Clarecastle.

Following the conclusion of a two-year term as coach to the Kilmaley senior hurlers, the club he won a Clare SHC medal with in 2004, Colin is on course to link up with Clarecastle in a newlook Magpies management for the 2023 campaign.

Brian Russell has stepped down as manager, ending a two-year stint where he successfully managed to help the 11 time champions retain their senior status. Clare’s two-time All-Ireland winning captain, Anthony Daly who got involved this year and Shane Mullane who was coach for the past two years will remain on the sideline for 2023.

Having served as a selector under Russell, Eric Flynn, a three-time senior championship winner with Clarecastle and the holder of a Munster club medal from 1997, is to make the step-up as manager. Colin Higgins will remain as a selector.

During Lynch’s two-year stint with Kilmaley, they were crowned Clare Cup

champions in 2022 and despite only losing two competitive games all year did not progress past the group stages in the race for the Canon Hamilton. The side managed by Conor Clancy reached the quarter-finals in 2021 where they lost by a single point to eventual winners, Ballyea.

Since hanging up his playing boots with Clare prior to the 2009 championship, Colin has been involved with Newmarket-on-Fergus, St Thomas’, Roscrea, the Clare U21 hurlers plus the Ennistymon senior footballers.

STACK BACK WITH BRIDGE

Meanwhile two-time National Hurling League winner, Sean Stack is to continue as manager of the Sixmilebridge senior hurlers.

Stack was appointed Bridge boss in February and saw his side storm through to the knockout stages of the Clare SHC with comprehensive wins over Newmarket-on-Fergus, Feakle, Clonlara and Whitegate.

They had a 13-point quarter-final win over Wolfe Tones before coming out on the wrong side of a pulsating semi-final with Éire Óg where it finished 2-23 2-17 in favour of the Ennis club following extra time.

A holder of seven Clare SHC medals, Stack previousy took charge of The Bridge’s senior side in 2004. The 1981 All Star managed Na Piarsaigh to win their first ever Limerick SHC title in 2011, helping them to win two county and provincial titles during his five year tenure.

He has also been involved with Tipperary club Toomevara and was over Clonlara

when they reached the Clare SHC final in 2015.

Niall Gilligan who was a selector during Stack’s first year back with The Bridge will not be involved for 2023, the club have confirmed. Two-time All-Ireland winner Michael O’Halloran remains as selector along with Adrian Chaplin and Jim Fitzgerald.

Pat Keane succeeds Jamesy Hassett as manager of the

Bridge’s intermediates.

Ex-Clare minor hurling manager, Terence Chaplin is to manage Sixmilebridge’s Junior A side while the Junior Bs will be managed by Mikey Corbett.

Brian Culbert is to continue in charge of The Bridge’s U21 side where his management of Aidan Quilligan, Ian Chaplin, Caimin Morey, Noel Flannery, Mark O' Donovan and Noel Purcell remains unchanged.

CULBERT TO KILMALEY

Culbert will also coach the Kilmaley senior hurlers next year.

He will be hoping to utilise his experience in coaching teams to glory in the Canon Hamilton when he links up with Kilmaley.

As coach to the John O’Meara-managed Bridge side, they claimed three county titles in 2013, 2015 and 2017.

He also has inter-county experience, having been coach of the Kerry senior and U20 hurlers and in 2021 was manager of Offaly side Coolderry who reached their county senior final, losing out to St Rynagh’s in the decider. He has also been involved with the Freshers hurling team at TUS.

A winner of a Munster

club medal in 2000, Culbert scored 1-04 from play as Sixmilebridge defeated Mount Sion of Waterford. During his own playing career, Brian won two Harty Cup medals and an All-Ireland title with St Flannan’s College.

It will be the first time since that the club have opted for an outside coach since Gort’s Evan Kilroy was involved in 2016 and 2017.

Ex-Kilmaley defender, Conor McMahon is on board as the club’s senior manager, making his first foray into adult management. He succeeds Conor Clancy with the two-time All-Ireland winner and coach Colin Lynch stepping down at the end of this year’s championship.

McMahon was corner back on the Kilmaley side which won the club’s second Clare SHC title in 2004 and represented the side at all levels, calling time on his career in recent years. He was previously a member of the Clare senior hurling panel alongside his brother Diarmaid.

They will be blooding new players in 2023 with the reigning Clare Cup champions without the services of midfielder Cathal Darcy who has emigrated while other panellists are considering a move abroad.

Claregolf Christmas scramble held in East Clare

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

THIS year’s Claregolf Christmas Scramble took place at East Clare and was won by Brian Torpey, Joan McNamara Mat Houlihan, and Pat McNamara.

This annual event is the main fundraiser for the staging of the junior county championships which will take place in 2023. Claregolf would like to thank all the clubs and players for their support and participation during the year and we look forward to seeing everyone on the fairways next year.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

2023 is Rachel Whelan with Noreen Doyle as vice captain.

The men's captain for 2023 is William Hayes with Maurice Costelloe as vice captain. The 2023 East Clare golf club president is John Duffy.

In the ladies 9 hole re-entry competition the winner was Bridget Minogue from Noreen Doyle with Ann Harte in third place.

COURSES CLOSED:

Last week’s heavy frost resulted in the closure of golf courses across the county for a number of days. Earlier this week the courses re-opened for play.

The East Clare golf club ladies captain for

l COACHING ROLE: Colin Lynch Photo by Gerard O'Neill

THREE-TIME Clare SHC winning manager, Robbie Hogan has called time on his second tenure in charge of Ballyea's senior hurlers.

Hogan will forever be remembered as the manager behind Ballyea’s maiden senior glory in 2016, and bringing home back-to-back senior hurling titles for the first and only time in their history.

Over the weekend, he announced to players via the panel’s WhatsApp group that he would be stepping down as manager.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the tiler outlined that it was no easy decision. “Before you hit the button a part of you goes off with the message. The players are a big part of your life, you have to take into consideration the effort those boys have put in over the last two years. It’s a decision that you don’t make easily but you have to factor in your family and work com mitments”.

Selectors Raymond O’Connor and Diarmuid O’Sullivan are bow ing out due to the family and work commitments

last dance'

respectively with coach Adrian O’Brian added to Brian Lohan’s Clare backroom team, fellow selectors Jude Quinlivan and Alan Duggan have also ended their involvement. Hogan’s colleagues in the management have given “tremendous service,” he acknowledged. Fergal Hegarty served as coach for their breakthrough in 2016 while Kevin O’Grady filled the role in 2021.

Only the sharpest of Ballyea supporters would have noticed that Robbie had always intended to walk away at the end of the 2022 season. “I had said last year at the social when Syl O’Connor interviewed me on the stage, I did say 2022 was going to be my last dance, I’m not sure how many heads it flew over. You can’t keep going to the well.”

Full interview at www.clareecho.ie

Treaty return for Devitt

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

NEWMARKET-on-Fergus man Lee Devitt has committed to Treaty Utd for the upcoming season. Devitt was one of four players to renew their loyalty to the Limerick club for the upcoming campaign in the Airtricity Men’s First Division, alongside Enda Curran, Conor Barry and Stephen Christopher. In the 2022 season, Lee made more appearances than any other Treaty United player, lining out on 38 different occasions.

His regular presence on the field of play has become a trend. During his two-year stint with Cobh Ramblers, he was one of only two players to feature in every single game in all competitions for the Cork club.

Last season, Lee found the net on two occasions for Tommy Barrett’s Treaty, finishing off a sublime team-move against Maynooth University Town in the Extra.ie FAI Cup and he also hit the target versus Waterford FC in the second leg of the First Division playoffs.

A past pupil of St Caimin’s Community School, Lee rose through the ranks of Shannon Hibs before

representing Limerick FC at U17 and U19 level then progressing to make his senior debut for the Blues in 2019.

Exploits of the Devitt family are familiar to soccer followers in Co Clare. Both of his uncles Michael and Kieran are the holders of Premier Division and Clare Cup titles from their time in action with Newmarket Celtic and Rineanna Rovers.

Highly regarded among Treaty fans off the back of a season where he demonstrated his work ethic and superb movement on and off the ball, Lee said he was “buzzing” to be back for the 2023 season.

“My first year back in Limerick was a memorable one, so it was an easy decision for me to commit again for the new season," said Lee. "The Markets Field is a brilliant place to play your football and I’m looking forward to getting back out there in front of our fans and seeing the place rocking again,” he added.

In June, Lee established his own one on one coaching enterprise LD 1on1 which has proven to be very popular with young and emerging footballers in the county.

Bobsleigh Dream claims €30k Irish St. Leger

by MICHAEL MAHER

THE 2022 Matchbook Betting Exchange Irish St. Leger may have been deferred by one week in Limerick but it was certainly worth waiting for as the €30,000 decider was landed in exceptional fashion by the favourite, Bobsleigh Dream.

After five weeks of incredible action, the final classic of the year came to a close on Sunday and it was fitting that Bobsleigh Dream, who landed the very first heat of round one, brought down the curtain on this year’s Irish St. Leger.

Trouble all round at the first bend left Mustang Jet in the clear. Jointly owned by Paul Horig and Sean Bourke and trained by Dolores Ruth, Mustang Jet was in full control entering the back straight and his chances increased passing the pick-up as Trinity Junior checked off the back of Mustang Jet, which in turn hampered the improving Bobsleigh Dream.

Now some eight lengths clear of both Wi Can Dream and Bobsleigh Dream, even the most loyal of followers of Pat Buckley’s star would have questioned her ability to bridge such a gap. However, approaching the penultimate bend and it was clear that patrons were in for a power-pack finish with Bobsleigh Dream getting home at the line with a length to spare.

Friday night’s Galway card featured the semi-finals of various stakes sponsored by the Western Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association and once again credit must go the track ground staff who ensured racing took place on both nights despite the terrible weather throughout the week.

In the third semi-final of the Stephen Murray Top Kennel 2022 A3 Stake, Danemesbuzz and Insidethehuddle were both away well towards the outside of the track with Dana mesbuzz taking a definite advantage round ing the opening bend. Racing down the back straight the front pair began to leave their rivals toiling as the Lads-Dayout-In Dublin syndicate of Clarecas tle owned Insidethenhuddle took closer order as they reached halfway. Strik ing the front heading for the exit from the back straight the son of Ballymac Best & Ballydoyle Grace quick-

ly set sail for home as he scored by five & a half lengths in 29.46.

The second semi-final of the Sean Scully A5 Stake went to the Gerry O’Donoghue of Tubber-owned On The Radio who made all the running to see off the late challenge of Springwell Sugar by three parts of a length in 29.97. In the opening semi-final of The Remembering Our Friends S7 Stake Ballyfort Sky was best away ahead of Charmed and Astro Keva. The Damian and Gary Pepper of Feakle owned Astro Keva (Droopys Sydney-Astro Abby) extended her advantage steadily as she raced clear to defeat Sports Sky by two and a half lengths in 20.08.

The second semi-final of the Non Winners 525 Stake went to the Rachel Murray of Sixmilebridge owned Derra Viva who got off the mark at the seventh attempt as she proved three and a half lengths too good for French Fury in 30.22.

The outcome of the A7 graded 525 yards contest was in little doubt from early on as the Jack Browne of Ballyea-owned Cascade Phoenix had already put her rivals to the sword. Very smartly into her stride the daughter of Skywalker Logan and Couldkevinbewrong aced to a five length victory over Copper Swood in 30.21.

Saturday night’s Galway card featured the Semi Finals of some Christmas Sweepstakes as well as the three heats of the Paul McKenna Memorial A3 575.

In the final heat of the Paul McKenna Memorial A3 575 Stake Bumblebee Sally was away well on the wide outside with Ballygibbo Lad and Burnpark Crash showing pace along the inner as the opening bend loomed. At the bend the Maria Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Crash just got the better of the argument to take a one length advantage entering the back straight. Racing along the back Burnpark Crash was closely attended to by Ballygibbon Lad who tried his best to get on terms but Burnpark Crash(Crash-Ballyea Beauty) gamely saw the challenge off by a length and a half at the line in

l MISTER CONSISTENT: Lee has barely missed a game with Treaty or his previous club, Cobh Ramblers

'I had always said 2022 would be my

Prayer Recent Deaths

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

(Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise Publication.

O’Shea (née Mulvihill), Teresa Ballynacally, Clare

Date of Death: Wednesday 21st December 2022

Crowe, Mary Ennistymon, Clare

Date of Death: Monday 19th December 2022

Houlihan, Mary (Sr. Cecilia) Ennis, Clare

Date of Death: Monday 19th December 2022

Johnston, Aoife Shannon, Clare

Date of Death: Monday 19th December 2022

Lynch (née Naughton), Anna Cross, Clare

Date of Death: Monday 19th December 2022

Mc Inerney (née Mc Mahon), Marie Parteen, Clare

Date of Death: Tuesday 20th December 2022

McMahon, Michael Ennis, Clare

Date of Death: Tuesday 20th December 2022

McMahon (née Kinoulty), Mary Miltown Malbay, Clare

Date of Death: Monday 19th December 2022

Dillon, John Clonlara, Clare

Date of Death: Monday 19th December 2022

Lorigan (née O’Leary), Josephine (Jo)

Kilmurry Mcmahon, Clare

Date of Death: Sunday 18th December 2022

Churchley, Ronald Edward (Ron) Scariff, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 17th December 2022

Coughlan, Pat (Paddy) Kilfenora, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 17th December 2022

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYBREEN, KILFENORA, CO CLARE

Take notice that Ian Tobin intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling house, install a wastewater treatment system & all other site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRAG, LAHINCH, CO CLARE

Take notice that John Leahy intends to apply for permission to RETAIN & COMPLETE the new Machinery Shed & all other site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Kate Redington intends to apply for planning permission for development at Lisheen, Ballynacally, Co. Clare. The development will consist of a new dwelling house, garage/shed, site entrance, wastewater treatment system and 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 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 KNOCKALUSKRAUN, BAREFIELD, 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 Collette Margaret Leamy for outline permission to construct a new dwelling house, site entrance, access road, private on-site wastewater treatment system, private bored well and all associated site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. 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

KNOCKALUSKRAUN, BAREFIELD, 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 Marie Clare Leamy for outline permission to construct a new dwelling house, site entrance, access road, private on-site wastewater treatment system, private bored well and all associated site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

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

KNOCKALUSKRAUN, BAREFIELD, 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 Gerard Anthony Leamy for outline permission to construct a new dwelling house, site entrance, access road, private on-site wastewater treatment system, private bored well and all associated site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. 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 KILMOON, LISDOONVARNA, CO. CLARE

We, David and Claire Prince, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission for the construction of a new single storey extension to the side of an existing dwelling, modifications to the existing dwelling, demolition of an existing

shed and all ancillary site works at O’Dea cottage, Kilmoon, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FINNOR MORE, MULLAGH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Thomas Garrahy intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a slatted unit and associated site works at the above address.The planning application maybe

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FURROOR, LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Anthony and Kayleigh Kelly intend to apply to the planning authority of Clare County Council for permission to construct a new dwelling and garage with a new entrance, sewage treatment system 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, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

Colouring Competition

The Clare Echo Quiz of The Year

On what date in November, were the Christmas lights in Ennis turned on? 15th of November 20th of November 25th of November

Clare artist Mick O’Dea was given permission to paint a portrait in the Imperial Hotel Co.Cork of which historical Irish figure to commemorate the centenary of his death?

Eamon de Valera Arthur Griffith

The Ennis Christmas Market held in Abbey Street car park in December, occurred on what dates? 1st to the 4th of December 5th to the 9th of December 10rd to the 14th of December

The Ennis Book Club Festival which takes place every March, started in what year?

Micheal Collins 9 In February, which Clare TD ‘called on the HSE and government to publish findings of a review by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA)’ in the trolley crisis?

Over the Halloween period, there were only seven callouts to the Ennis fire department over bonfires which is a reduction of what percentage from the previous year? 70% 40% 10%

In May, Bunratty Castle celebrated how many years open to the public? 42 years 62 years 82 years

Micheal McNamara Cathal Crowe Violet- Anne Wynne 10 Clare won against Wexford in the All-Ireland Hurling quarter-final on June 1st but how many points did they win by? 5 points 3 points 4 points 11 The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking festival which is 165 years old takes place in what month?

February September May 12

As of July 8th, which Aran Island is the most visited?

Inis Oírr

l 10 : Clare won against Wexford in the All-Ireland Hurling quarter-final on June 1st but how many points did they win by? Photo by Ger O’Neill

1. 5% 2. 127,419 3. 1st to the 4th December 4. 2007 5. 70% 6. 62 years 7. 25th November 8. Micheal Collins 9. Micheal McNamara 10. 4 points 11. Inis Mór 12. September

Quiz by Zoe Howell

Last weeks answers

Plaque missing on the bench

Cliona’s nails different colour

Part of Window missing in background

Scariff Ogonnelloe v Clarecastle

Photo by Ruth Griffin

HOW TO PLAY

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