The Clare Echo 23/02/23

STRIKE A POSE

Don’t be afraid of UHL, says An Taoiseach…

as hospital records worst overcrowding of 2023

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TAOISEACH, Leo Varadkar (FG) has told the public “don’t be afraid” of seeking treatment at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

He visited UHL on Friday and this week the amount of patients waiting

for a trolley at the region’s main hospital surpassed 100 for the first time this year.

On Monday, 109 patients were waiting for a trolley at UHL, the highest number so far in 2023. The figure on Wednesday stood at 102.

Due to such high

admissions at UHL, management of UL Hospitals Group have cancelled day surgeries at Ennis Hospital for the past three days.

l Liadan Fogarty models some fashion from Mods and Minis during the St Mochulla’s NS fashion show, held on Saturday to raise funds for an astroturf facility at the school, a joint venture with Tulla Camogie Club

Photo by Natasha Barton

NEWSDESK

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or

news@clareecho.ie

SALES

Email: ciaran.coote@clareecho.ie

or niall@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

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

One of the Feakle Boys

No new acute hospital beds in 2023

NO NEW acute beds will be opened in the Mid-West region for the second year in a row.

None of the six hospitals in the UL Hosptials Group will receive any of the 209 acute beds scheduled to be opened this year.

Figures from the HSE’s Acute Operations department detail that the 209 new acute beds targeted to open in 2023 will be located in Mallow General Hospital (20) and South Tipperary General Hospital (28); Portiuncula

University Hospital (12) and Letterkenny University Hospital (3); Monaghan/Cavan General Hospital (2); Mater University Hospital (96) and National Rehabilitation Hospital (6); St James Hospital (12), Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore (8) and Naas General Hospital (12); and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin (10).

Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) who received the figures in response to a parlia-

mentary question stated, “One year on from the news that no new acute beds would be opened within the UL Hospitals Group in 2022, we learn that the Mid West is once again is missing from the list of regions to benefit from such investment in 2023.

“The fact that the UL Hospitals Group is the only group in the country not to benefit from new acute beds is an affront to the people of Clare, Limerick, and North Tipperary.”

Laura Nolan, Jennifer Nicolas, Aoibhin Rochford and Eabha McInerney at the the St Mochulla’s NS fashion show held at St Joseph’s Secondary School at the weekend.

Photo by Natasha Barton

Don’t fear UHL visit, urges An Taoiseach

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MEMBERS of the public should not be afraid to seek treatment at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), the Taoiseach has said but acknowledged continued overcrowding is reducing the dignity and privacy that patients should have.

On Monday, 109 patients were waiting for a trolley at UHL, the highest number so far in 2023. Ongoing overcrowding at the region’s main hospital remains an issue with elected representatives in the county often voicing their worry that people are fearful when it comes to having to visit UHL.

Responding to such concerns in Limerick, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (FG) commented, “Don’t be afraid, it is absolutely the case that people don’t experience the conditions that they should experience and that the patient experience is not what it should be. You are still better off being in hospital if you are sick than taking the risk of staying at home. Except in a very serious emergency just don’t call the ambulance or go straight to hospital, consider your options, talk to your GP, consider GP out of hours and consider the local injury units.

“There are many ways to get treatment other than necessarily the emergency departments. No hospital is perfect and no health system is without risk but for the vast majority of people if they come to this hospital or any hospital in Ireland they will get the healthcare they need.”

On his views of the emergency department at UHL, the Taoiseach stated, “I’m a medical doctor by profession, I’ve worked in four emergency departments, I’ve visited every single one in the country at this stage. I visited the old one in Limerick which was very basic and old-fashioned, I opened the new one and I was in it again today, it is a very good, modern wellequipped emergency department, it has its own CT scanner which wouldn’t be the case in other parts of the country.”

He acknowledged, “It is overcrowded, that means there are patients who have been admitted who shouldn’t be there, they should be in a bed on a hospital ward, we do know that if people spend six, eight, nine hours or more on a trolley that it can result in reduced patient outcomes as well as reduced dignity and privacy, it’s not acceptable and I’m sad to say that it is something I’ve seen before with my experience as a relative of a patient and a doctor. I think there is a pathway forward, a new 96 bed block

Upgrade of Ennis not in plan

UPGRADING Ennis and Nenagh

to model three hospitals is “definitely not the plan”, an Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) has said.

Whilst in Limerick on Friday to turn the sod on the new 250 bed Bon Secours Hospital, the Taoiseach poured cold water on the reopening of accident and emergency departments in Ennis and Nenagh but gave a more a lukewarm response to a campaign group from the region in a meeting later that day.

When asked about the reopening of the A&Es in Ennis and Nenagh, Varadkar replied, “That’s definitely not the plan. When I talk to doctors, the emergency doctors are the ones we take our advice from when it comes to these matters, what they say to me is we have too many emergency departments not too few.

under construction here at the public hospital in UHL, plans for a second one which I strongly support, a new private hospital now under construction will be open in 2025 and will operate on a non profit basis, a public/private hospital and patients will use it.”

Bon Secours Hospital’s planned opening in 2025 and the addition of a 96 bed block at UHL will help overcrowding, he maintained. “If you think about it, 96 beds being built at UHL and plans I support for another 96 on top of it, 150 beds going into the new Bons which will be open in 2025 and 50 beds at Barringtons which I’d like to see continuing in health care use, add all that up that’s a lot of beds and there’s also plans to upgrade services at Ennis and Nenagh.

“I think it can create the conditions whereby we can dramatically improve patient experience and overcrowding here in Limerick, what I do know from other hospitals and regions is that on its own capacity isn’t enough, we have to do other things as well – build up community services in particular more people being able to get the care they need from GP, community diagnostics, also making sure there is good patient flow and the right working practices so that if a patient is admitted to hospital they get the scans, they get the tests and get what they need in three days rather than five days therefore freeing up beds for other patients”.

Varadkar added, “We’ve a very good hospital here in Limerick, I know there’s some problems with overcrowding and patients don’t get the care or attention they deserve or are entitled

to but it is a modern emergency department, I think everyone acknowledges once you get through the access problems and once you get a bed that people get a really high standard of care here. They’ve achieved their targets in terms of day case surgeries last year, the number of long waiters has gone down and the outcomes in terms of stroke, cancer, heart attack are as good as anywhere in the country, it is important to acknowledge that too”.

Addressing the constant pressure faced by UHL staff due to the overcrowding, the Taoiseach said, “I’ve worked in hospital medicine and as a general practitioner, a lot of my family and friends worked in healthcare and still do, I understand the pressures people are under when they come to work in these conditions, I understand the frustration and sense of guilt you feel when you don’t feel you’re giving your patients the quality of care that they deserve, I absolutely understand that.

“What I would say to any interest group, any union or representative body to work with the Government, when I was Minister which was not all that long ago, the budget for health was €15m, it’s €22m now and that’s a huge increase in resources. We’ve 6,000 more nurses and doctors working in the health service than we had three years ago despite the challenges we face when it comes to recruitment and retention, we’re fighting and competing with health services all over the world. We’ve a 1000 more beds in the system than we had the day COVID arrived in Ireland, it’s a huge investment and there’s more to come.”

“The bottom line is 20 years ago when I would have been studying medicine as a doctor, there wasn’t an awful lot you could do if they had a heart attack or a stroke. You took them to the hospital and you kept them comfortable, if they experienced major trauma there is a good chance they would probably die, we can now stop a heart attack in its tracks, save heart muscle and discharge people in three or four days. We can stop a stroke happening and people who have been paralysed survive but you can’t do that in every hospital or every county, that is why we need special centres like the emergency department here in Limerick, it is the right model.

“The problem is the capacity isn’t adequate and there are patients who could be seen in Ennis, Nenagh and St John’s that are coming here, that is why I foresee those hospitals being upgraded”.

During a meeting with the MidWest Hospital Campaign at the South Court Hotel, the Taoiseach was questioned on his remarks at the press briefing where he appeared to rule out the reopening by Chairperson Noeleen Moran from Ballyvaughan.

Offering some clarity, a spokesperson for the Taoiseach later stated, “as the Taoiseach had indicated, nothing is off the table until discussions have taken place with the incoming chief executive of the HSE and the Minister for Health”.

l UNDER THE MICROSCOPE: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) meeting staff at University Hospital

Photo by Brian Arthur

Respected Supt Galvin retires from Gardai

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ONE OF CLARE’s most respected Garda officers has this week retired from the force.

Superintendent John Galvin on Wednesday retired from An Garda Síochána after over three decades of service.

For his involvement in the rescue of an elderly man from a fire in Blackrock, Dublin in 1990, John received a Scott Medal citation which is the highest award that can be bestowed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and is awarded for ‘most exceptional bravery and heroism involving the risk of life in the execution of duty’.

Twenty seven years after arriving in Co Clare, John embarks on a new chapter, for all but three and a half years of those twenty seven he was stationed within the county, a spell in Galway as an inspector seeing him cross the county boundary.

Formerly the most senior detective in the Clare Garda Division, he became the thirteenth superintendent in Kilrush over a twenty five year period when he was appointed in 2016. He had first worked in the West Clare town as a sergeant. He also served as Head of the Garda Traffic Corps in Clare.

In October 2021, he was transferred from the Kilrush Garda District to the Ennis Garda District

Reflecting on his working career in the county, John stated, “I arrived to the county twenty seven years ago, I came down from Dublin on transfer as an experiment, for all of that time except three and a half years I’ve been working in Clare. It was privilege to get paid to work in the county and live among the people and be part of the community, the welcome and support I got and my family got has been incredible. There isn’t a part of the county we don’t know or haven’t walked, we’ve met the finest of people and most supportive of people you could meet”.

Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan noted it was “a special day”. He spoke of the bravery shown by John in Blackrock back in 1990, the building “was on fire and collapsing” and “he risked his own life going in to rescue a person who otherwise would have possibly died, that didn’t stop him. He has given fantastic service to Clare and An Garda Síochána”.

every situation, he was the calming voice in the room, Clare and Ennis has been very well served, I’ve no doubt his links to the community will stay strong. He’s always very happy but I’ve no doubt he will be happier from next Wednesday”.

remaining in the role of Superintendent, this was the final move of a long and illustrious career within An Garda Síochána.

Following the retirement of Chief Supt John Kerin in 2019, Galvin the former head of the Garda Traffic Corps in Clare filled the role temporarily before the appointment of Michael Gubbins and later Seán Colleran.

He added, “I’m a loyal Kerry man but a proud and vocal Clare supporter and always will be. It’s the ordinary Joe soap in Clare which gives you the privilege to serve here”. Galvin said he was always “very proud” to stand up and represent An Garda Síochána regardless of the setting. “I was paid to do something I loved to do, I was paid to do it among the community I was proud to be a part of it. I’ll see my days out in Clare, hopefully they will be long and fruitful. I won’t stay idle, I will be out enjoying the fresh air for as long as I’m lucky enough to be alive”.

Warm tributes were paid to Supt Galvin at what was his final time attending a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

O’Sullivan continued, “He is retiring out of Ennis, what he has done for his community and An Garda Síochána words can’t describe it. When we look at a person coming to retirement we look at what they’ve achieved, his resilience is fantastic. He is well prepared for his retirement”.

His successor as Chief Supt, Seán Colleran was also in attendance for the meeting. The Galway native credited Supt Galvin for the influence shown during his career. “Everyone has been influenced by people in their career, when John was an inspector in Galway in the 2000s I was a Sergeant, he had been a divisional clerk in Ennis, he asked if I’d consider it but in my opinion people in offices didn’t know what was going on, he said I’d appreciate the value of the role so I did it and I wouldn’t be here in this role were it not for John. He made my job much easier. He is an outstanding person, he brought the calm to

Director of Service with Clare County Council, Leonard Cleary noted that Supt Galvin had been “a very close friend” of the local authority. “John was in and out of the offices here on a regular basis, he always had a bounce in his step.

“I want to acknowledge John’s contribution for his service to An Garda Síochána the way he went about his business, he has immersed himself in the community but so have his family on the sporting field, your Kerry pedigree has served you well coming out the county and I say that as somone married to a Kerry woman”.

Chair of the JPC, Cllr John Crowe (FG) felt that Supt Galvin was “always very genuine, he is a straight talker and very respected”. Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) admitted he was “sad to see John Galvin leave” because “good men are scarce. I wish John well, I’ve no doubt that he will be active in town and something will come up, it’s a pity that good men leave the force at an early age”. Cathal Crowe TD (FF) paid tribute to Supt Galvin for his “great years of service”.

l RETIRED: Supt John Galvin

Motorists caught out in Bunratty Council ‘very positive’ that deal on Shannon Heritage looming

BUNRATTY is the location where the most speeding fines are incurred in Co Clare, new figures show, writes

Páraic McMahon

A total of €65,120 in speeding fines were collected in Bunratty last year. The drop in the speed limit from 120km/h to 100km/h along the M18 and N18 has seen plenty of visitors caught in the tourist village which is located within the parish of Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Indeed the section at Clonmoney West in Newmarket-on-Fergus ranked 20th in the country for the highest amount of incidences that drivers were detected going over the speed limit.

Nationally, more than €8m in speeding fines were collected across almost 400 locations last year. A quarter of the fines dished out were from 13 locations.

From fines of Co Clare drivers, a total of €53,760 was levied which is lower than the Bunratty figure as the route is traversed by motorists from multiple counties on a daily basis.

Data was released following a parliamentary question by Kildare North TD, Catherine Murphy (SD).

Acting Minister for Justice, Simon Harris (FG) said the receipts generated from the fines are used to fund the operation of speed vans. GoSafe have the safety camera contract but have no role in the collection of fines.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council have returned to negotiations over the transfer of Shannon Heritage sites with “a Cabinet decision” needed for the local authority to assume responsibility of the tourism attractions.

At the beginning of December, the Council walked away from plans to take over the sites in the absence of meaningful financial support from the Government.

A sum of €15m had been sought by the local authority after submitting a 600 page due diligence report for the the transfer of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Craggaunowen Bronze Age Park, Knappogue Castle & Walled Garden, and the Cliffs of Moher Experience.

At a meeting of the Rural Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) on Tuesday, the Council’s Director of Services for Rural Development, Leonard Cleary gave his most positive views since the process began that a resolution was in sight.

He stated, “We’re ready now for the transfer now to happen,

we would like it to happen with Government approval before the summer. It has been a top priority for the last 12 months”.

Staff at the sites were offered assurances by the Director. “The jobs in Shannon Heritage are secure, the reason we took so much time is to ensure we could give job security to staff.

There will be “a challenging number of years ahead” if the deal works out, Cleary flagged. “We will continue with our business plan, part of that will include

capital investment in site, that will take a number of years and it won’t be the flick of a switch. As you can detect, I’m optimistic and positive based on the work of the team”.

Discussions with Department officials are “almost at the final stage”, he said. “Some final items are to be fine-tuned but we’re confident we’re at stage where the Government is ready to make a decision on a final package,” the Corofin resident said.

Council officials were now

aware as to why a “delay occurred” and this was “really so everyone understood the facts around it”. Complexities regarding IT systems, land banks and trustees are believed to be among the issues to slow down the talks.

Cleary added, “At this stage, it is a Cabinet decision. I think it has been worth taking a little bit of extra time. We’ve noticed Shannon Heritage’s business has recovered since the pandemic. We’re seeing the green shoots post COVID in Shannon Heritage and that is very positive”.

Cllr Pat Burke (FG) was pleased to hear the positive update from the Director. This view was echoed by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), “Your positive attitude today gives us great hope and encouragement. It is something we all want to get off the table and move on.”

A full briefing with elected members of the Council will take place prior to any decision on the approval of a business plan, Cleary added. “Once we have a Government proposal for approval we will be going to the elected members.”

Health & safety breaches admitted in relation to tragic Kilkee farm death

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A WEST CLARE man has pleaded guilty to two health and safety breaches concerning a fatal farm accident which claimed the life of a farmer two years ago.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Christopher Keane (48) of Bella, Kilkee pleaded guilty to the two breaches connected to the death of Damien Carmody at Doonaha, Kilkee on January 22, 2021. Mr Carmody had only got married to wife, Elaine 12 months prior to the fatal incident.

In the case, Mr Keane trading as Christopher Keane Plant-Hire pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that in the course of work, individuals were not exposed to risk to their safety, health and welfare at Doonaha, Kilkee on January 22, 2021.

Mr Keane pleaded guilty to that in particular, an excavation at the site was unsafe and that no adequate measures were taken by him to prevent the collapse of the sides of the excavation on persons working in the excavation and as a consequence, Damien Carmody suffered fatal injuries.

Mr Keane pleaded guilty to a separate health and safety breach where he failed to ensure that adequate precautions were taken at the excavation site to guard against dangers to persons at work from a fall or a dislodgement of earth and as a consequence, Mr Carmody suffered fatal injuries.

Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly BL said that the guilty pleas were being made on a full facts basis and a nolle prosequi would be entered in relation to the remaining counts.

A co-accused in the case, John Roche (47) of Doonaha, Kilkee is accused of failing to appoint a competent project supervisor for the design process for the construction work carried out at the excavation as required by the Health and Safety Act.

Counsel for Mr Roche, Patrick Whyms BL said that his client could be arraigned in court on March 8 and his case could then move with Mr Keane’s case.

Judge Francis Comerford has directed victim impact statement evidence and adjourned Mr Keane’s case to March 16 to fix a date for sentence.

Outlining the State case at the district court last year, State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey said the case involves a fatal incident which related to an excavation being dug at a farm premises at Doonaha, Kilkee.

Ms Casey stated that it will be alleged that John Roche was the person in control of the farm and he decided to construct an underground concrete slated tank at the farm premises for the purpose of slurry storage. She stated that Mr Roche engaged the services of a contractor, Christopher Keane to build the tank.

Ms Casey further alleged that on January 22, 2021 at around noon, farmer and neighbour, Damien Carmody “died as a result of injuries sustained when a pre-existing wall within the excavation which had been dug to accommodate the slurry tank collapsed on top of him”. Ms Casey stated that “at the time of the incident, Mr Carmody was assisting Mr Keane’s employees who were engaged in pouring concrete within the excavation which was intended to form the floor of the tank”.

Good News-you might be owed a Tax Refund

IN AUGUST 2022 RTE reported ” €620m in overpaid tax still to be claimed”. There are a wide range of tax reliefs available that tax payers can claim. If you have paid too much tax, January or February is usually the best time to claim a tax refund after the end of the previous year. You must claim a tax refund within the 4 years after the year in which you made the overpayment. In 2020 Revenue changes the way you can claim refunds.

According to Deirdre PowerDevelopment Manager with Citizens Information Service in County Clare “There are many reasons why people may have overpaid Income Tax during the year, For example, their personal circumstances may have changed, they may have got married or separated, they may have only worked for part of the year, or they may be entitled to claim tax relief or tax credits for remote working, medical, nursing home, tuition and renting expenses.”

You can claim 20% tax relief on medical expenses you pay for yourself or for any other person. These expenses include the cost of GP visits, consultant fees, prescribed medications, physiotherapy and counselling sessions, hearing aids, IVF, and non-routine dental costs such as braces. It is important to note that you cannot claim tax back on any part of a medical expense that has already been covered by a health insurance policy, compensa-

tion payment or the HSE.

A new Rent Tax Credit was announced in Budget 2023 for people paying rent and people paying rent on behalf of a student. The maximum value of the credit is €1,000 per year in the case of a jointly assessed married couple or civil partners, and €500 in all other cases.

To check if you have overpaid Income Tax, you can use Revenue’s myAccount service, an online service. When you sign into the service, your Preliminary End of Year Statement will show if you

have overpaid or underpayment Income Tax for a particular year.

If you want to claim the refund or claim additional tax credits or tax reliefs you will have to complete and submit an Income Tax Return, following this you will be issued with a Statement of Liability, a final review of your tax liability for the year. Refunds will be paid into your bank account or you will receive a cheque in the post.

You do not have to wait until the end of the year to get a refund on some expenses, you can now use

the Real Time Credit facility in the Revenue’s myAccount service to claim tax relief on some of the following - medical expenses, remote working expenses and nursing home expenses during the year.

If you are unable to register for Revenue’s myAccount service, you can complete your Income Tax Return and get your Statement of Liability by filling out a paper Form 12 or Form 12S (a simplified version) and returning it to your local tax office.

Information Officer Christine

Hayes wants to point out that, if you have paid Income Tax in a particular year, you may be due a tax refund for that year.

Feedback from a Citizens Information Service client stated “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the amazing service you provide. If it weren’t for your knowledge and skills, I would never have known that I was due a tax refund or how to go about claiming it.”

Information Officers in our Citizens Information Centres throughout County Clare are available to answer any queries you may have. You may phone the Citizens Information Centres for details on our Drop in and Appointment service. Visit our website www.citizensinformation.ie which is packed full of useful information.

Ennis CIC - open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, phone 0818 07 5260

Kilrush CIC - open 10am to 4pm Monday to Wednesday, phone 0818 07 5310.

Shannon CIC - open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, phone 0818 07 5370,

Citizens Information Centres are funded by the Citizens Information Board. They provide free, impartial and confidential information, advice and advocacy services to the public on social services, rights and entitlements.

Armed support unit in Ennis ‘frequently’ to tackle simmering feuds

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S Chief Superintendent has said resources are “being used from everywhere” in the bid to quell feud activity that has been ongoing in Ennis since November.

Sittings of Ennis District Court have heard that up to ten Traveller families are involved in violent feuds across the county town.

An approximate seven people are before the Courts relating to these feuds. The Clare Echo understands that as many as five separate feuds are ongoing between different families.

Citing a “recent spike in feud activity in Ennis,” Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF) discussed the matter at this month’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

He spoke of “pretty dramatic” videos filmed from halting sites and locations around the county,

“the ordinary decent people of Ennis and surrounding communities are wondering if there is a strategy to clamp down on this. This is a pretty fantastic county town, we’d like to think these are isolated incidents”.

Deputy Crowe questioned Garda officials to try ascertain if additional resources like the armed support unit had been brought in to tackle the feud. “The public and politicians want raids and searches of these properties and halting sites, we’d all like to see a robust search of these premises,” the Meelick native commented.

Chief Supt Colm O’Sullivan told the meeting, “there’s an ongoing investigation into that so for operational reasons I can’t discuss that”.

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

He added, “I can assure you that there are resources being used from everywhere, the armed support unit have been in Ennis on a frequent basis”.

The Town Hall Bistro

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

The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session..

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

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

l CONCERNS: Cathal Crowe (TD) made comments in relation to a ‘recent spike in feud activity’ in Ennis

Photo by Natasha Barton

Clare ‘Tourism Together’ event will launch new Clare tourism website www.visitclare.ie

Go History Hunting!

A dedicated new tourism website for County Clare will be launched at the Clare ‘Tourism Together’ Networking Event 2023 at the Inn at Dromoland next Thursday, March 2nd.

VisitClare.ie is an initiative of Clare County Council and is the most comprehensive ever website dedicated to showcasing everything Ireland’s Banner County has to offer domestic and international visitors.

in and depending on tourism here in Clare to come together to find ways of creating new opportunities in the face of these challenges.”

Clare has rich cultural heritage assets that tie the county back to the beginning of human history in Ireland. There are over 7,500 known archaeological sites in the county that will connect you to thousands of years of history.

The Cathaoirleach added, “We must be innovative and continually look to play to our strengths, of which we are fortunate to have many in our county. What better way to showcase our tourism product than

Here are a few to explore. However, with so many sites around the county, it’s worth heading out to find your own discoveries!

The site features key information on tourism attractions and activities in every town and village in Clare, information on local accommodation providers, and events and festivals taking place throughout the county. There is also a key focus on the heritage and culture of the county and how visitors can learn more about Clare’s rich past and traditions.

confident it will help position the county as a competitive and attractive destination to domestic and international visitors alike.”

Séan Lally, Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, commented, “The common theme of conversation at next week’s Clare ‘Tourism Together’ Networking Event 2023 is likely to centre around

level.

He said, “We must continue to work towards a vision of developing Clare as a globally recognised and certified sustainable tourism destination. Sustainable tourism is at the core of the Clare Tourism Strategy 2030, and I know it also is at the core of the wider sector’s overall approach to tourism development in Clare. I commend everybody for their efforts to date on what has been a challenging time for the sector and the wider Irish economy.”

Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism with Clare County Council, said next week’s Clare ‘Tourism Together’ Networking Event provides a timely opportunity for the local sector to take stock of its successes to date and to examine new opportunities for 2023.

Key tourism industry personnel in County Clare will attend the website launch, which will form part of a networking event focusing on challenges and opportunities for the local sector in 2023, including marketing the county, accommodation capacity, sustainable tourism, and the proposed transfer of Shannon Heritage sites to Clare County Council. Guest speakers will include Pól O’Conghaile (Irish Independent Travel Editor) and Bobby Kerr (Irish Entrepreneur & Businessman).

Quin Abbey

Located just 10km from Ennis, Quin Abbey was founded in the 14th century and inhabited by Franciscan friars. The cloisters, which remain one of the abbey’s most prominent features, were constructed in the 15th century.

was found here in 1854.

Ennis Friary

“VisitClare.ie ultimately acts as a one-stop shop for anyone interested in finding out more about County Clare,” stated Councillor Tony O’Brien, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, who will officially launch the website next week.

“Now more than ever before, Clare tourism is operating in an extremely competitive and commercial marketplace,” he stated. “The world has and continues to face numerous significant challenges that have an impact on tourism, many of which are beyond our control. That said, the impetus rests with those working

to bring our assets and attributes together and showcase them in one place at VisitClare.ie.”

The O’Briens of Thomond, who once ruled much of north Munster, founded this medieval Franciscan friary. It grew into a huge foundation, with 350 friars and a famed school of 600 pupils by 1375. The building contains an exceptional wealth of fifteenth- and sixteenth-century sculptures carved in the local limestone.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, commented, “Clare has much to be proud about when it comes to promoting its tourist attractions, and this new website showcases all visitors need to have an enjoyable and memorable stay in our county.

He continued, “I congratulate everyone involved for their successful efforts to produce a comprehensive, user-friendly presentation of everything this county has to offer, and I am

new ways that the industry here in Clare can work together to promote the county. Clare’s reliance on the tourism economy is particularly acute in comparison to many other parts of the country and it is vital therefore, that we maintain a collaborative approach to how we market the county at home and abroad.”

Leonard Cleary, Director of Rural Development with Clare County Council, noted the Clare tourism sector’s support for the development of VisitClare.ie and its ongoing promotion of the county at local, national and international

Kilfenora Cathedral is dedicated to St. Fachtna, who founded his monastery during the sixth century. The original church was probably wooden. The present structure dates from between 1189 to 1200. The Cathedral contains some fine carvings on grave slabs, windows and doorways. Kilfenora also boasts one of the most significant concentrations of high crosses in Ireland, including the famed “Doorty Cross”.

Ms. O’Shea continued, “The Tourism Advisory Forum and Clare County Council’s Tourism Department recognise that 2023 will be another challenging year for tourism, but that a collective effort is required to mitigate against all upcoming challenges. This event underlines our shared commitment to further developing the tourism economy. Following the event, we will roll out a suite of promotions for Clare attractions, activities, and Dining options, as well as shoulder season marketing campaigns for accommodation providers. Many of these promotions will be linked directly through VisitClare.ie.”

For more detail on this Clare ‘Tourism Together’ networking event, scheduled for 2nd March from 5pm or if you have not already registered, please email tourism@ clarecoco.ie.

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Bunratty Castle, built in the 15th

Ennis Friary

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

Poulnabrone

‘Our future generations will judge this Govt harshly’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A RAINY DAY fund set aside by the Government is anything but financially prudent, a Clare TD has warned.

In the Budget announced in September, the Government detailed plans to put €2bn into a rainy day fund in 2022 and €4bn in 2023 to give itself sufficient breathing space to respond to future challenges.

Both deposits were drawn down from the State’s excess corporation tax receipts were well above the €500 million that the Government is obliged to pay under the legislation governing the fund, which was drawn down in full in 2020 to fund emergency Covid spending.

State borrowing rates rose across Europe and the US in advance of the September Budget due to fears that central banks will have to increase interest rates very rapidly to control inflation. The large allocations to the rainy day fund provides some protection for the exchequer if there is a fall-off in corporation tax, where receipts in recent years have grown way in advance of projections. More than €21bn was expected to be collected in corporation tax in 2022, and more than €22bn in 2023.

Set up in 2019, the rainy day fund was allocated an initial €1.5 billion from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, but plans to add €500 million each year thereafter were quickly revised due to Brexit and

the pandemic. The fund was then drawn down in full over the course of 2020 to offset the impact of a decline in tax receipts and an increase in emergency pandemic-related expenditure.

Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) shared his concerns, “I worry that this Government’s rainy day fund, which is presented as financially prudent is anything but. Most of it will be used as a slush fund to fund current expenditure - as it was during Covid. Sure, that makes life easier for people in the short term but it does nothing to insulate them from the challenges of the future”.

He added, “We badly need to invest in transport infrastructurea rail link from Shannon to Limerick to Dublin is just a pipe dream. There are no high speed trains on this island. All trains are diesel rather then electric. Buses don’t run in time, if at all and timetables are not co-ordinated with rail or ferry timetables - as they were 50 years ago.

“We had a better transport infrastructure relative to other European states at independence than now. That’s damning. Our ports are inadequate to accommodate offshore wind turbines, our hospitals are inadequate to meet current demand, especially in the Midwest, and we have a young population demographic by European standards but that won’t always be the case. We’re running a surplus by eco-

nomic accident, nobody can say a 25 percent increase in GDP in a year was anything other than stumbling on a crock of gold, an accident, or Leprechaun economics as the New York Times described it. The crock of gold will run out. It always does. History, and future generations, will judge us very harshly if there’s nothing to show for it”. Parallels were drawn with the Fi-

anna Fáil Government led by Bertie Ahern from 1997 to 2008 by the barrister.

“Bertie’s governments, dependent as they were in stamp duty receipts, were despised in hindsight. At least they delivered a motorway network and a surplus of housing supply. This government, dependent on corporation tax receipts, appears to plan on leaving nothing

more to future generations than a depleted slush fund”.

McNamara cautioned that continuing to defer strategic decisions will have an impact. “I’ve heard neutrality described as a historical accident and it may well be - as it is for Austria and, to a lesser extent, Switzerland - but like them, it’s one that has served us well geopolitically and economically. Now it’s in-

‘All issues resolved’ following boundary dispute

by

A LAND dispute resulted in Scariff GAA Club seeking legal advice after one of its members received a solicitor’s letter from a Clare TD.

In March 2022, a solicitor’s letter was issued to a project co-ordinator for development works within the grounds of Scariff GAA Club. The co-ordinator is actively involved as an officer of Scariff GAA.

Works to improve the car park have been completed, resulting in a better surface but also to allow for ambulance access onto the field. The works included building a 100m boundary wall to stop the slipping of soil from the hill leading down from the stands on the GAA grounds.

Land at the other side of the boundary wall is owned by the O’Grady family who are the foster parents of Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND). Their land though not currently in use is

claimed to have been interfered with as part of this project. The project co-ordinator received a solicitor’s letter from Deputy McNamara advising him to stop the works to avoid the risk of further action.

Following on from this correspondence, a meeting of the Scariff GAA Executive took place via Zoom, the attendees included local solicitor James Nash. Correspondences were then exchanged between both parties with a resolution reached.

A lifelong supporter of the club, Deputy McNamara regularly attends championship games involving Scariff’s senior hurlers and county final appearances of the Scariff/Ogonnelloe senior camogie side. He was among the limited amount of spectators granted access to the 2020 Clare IHC final in Cusack Park when Scariff captained by Michael Scanlan defeated Tubber to seal a return to the senior ranks.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Chairperson of Scariff GAA, Ger Rodgers stated, “In every club there is always ongoing issues”. He said “all issues are resolved” regarding the situation with Deputy McNamara. “Everyone is working together towards improving amenities in the area,” he added.

Rodgers was Vice Chairperson when the letter arrived and admitted he was unaware if individuals encroached on the O’Grady’s land without permission.

Deputy McNamara when questioned on the matter for the first time insisted, “There wasn’t a legal threat to Scariff GAA, there was a dispute over land that I don’t own but have a duty of care to”. He stated that he believed the individual involved was not an officer of the club.

He added, “There was no legal letter sent to Scariff GAA Club, I conduct my business privately and discreetly”.

McNamara said the land is not in his

Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Clare TD, Michael McNamara pictured behind Scariff captain Michael Scanlan after the East Clare club were crowned Clare IHC champions in 2020 Burren Eye Phoptography

creasingly and without any great analysis seen as a bit embarrassing, rather than an asset, by people who’ve never, and will never, hold a gun and have no proposals on what we’d sacrifice to fund the military spending required to

COVID-19 committee

‘shut down’ for asking too many questions

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MOVES were made within the Department of Health to ‘shut down’ the Dáil’s COVID-19 committee for asking too many questions, its Chairman has claimed.

Established by order of the Dáil on May 6th 2020, the Special Committee on COVID-19 response produced its final report on October 9th 2020 with Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) serving as its Chairperson.

At the time, the committee questioned the rationale of the decisions implemented by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), then Minister for Health Simon Harris (FG), the HSE, the Department of Health and others.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy McNamara shared the view that the committee was shut down for asking too many questions. “A motion was moved on the last night of the Dáil in July 2020 out of the blue, we had no forewarning, the sectorial committees were being established, having shut it down so abruptly the Government then had to turn around and then extend its mandate because the Minister for Health and certain officials were saying they were too busy to come into us, I think we had to extend it twice, we said ‘you will not use this deadline as an opportunity to avoid legitimate questioning’.

“They did come in and answered some questions that they clearly didn’t like being

asked, some people it was very unfair to bring these very busy people in and ask them questions. I can see that side of it but you can say that about the Taoiseach, he is very busy but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have to answer for the exercises in power, they were given that power whether they wanted it or didn’t want it is secondary to the fact that power was given to them.

Although he doesn’t know who was responsible for shutting the committee, he has suspicions. “I did hear from journalists that would have been receiving briefings that some Department of Health officials were particularly unhappy with being questioned to the extent that they were, that is second hand information. Nobody told me to stop asking questions but I suspect that they might have felt it would have been a pointless exercise”.

His role as Chairman assisted with the Scariff native carving a bigger national profile during his second stint as a TD with frequent appearances on RTÉ Radio and TV, Newstalk, Today FM and Virgin Media Television.

On his apparent bigger profile in the Dáil, Deputy McNamara commented, “I know the Dáil better, I know the people in the Dáil better which is helpful in trying to get things and understanding, if someone has a different position to you it is easier to get entrenched whereas if you know somebody then you can understand where they are coming from.

fund an army like Finland’s or Austria’s (similarly sized-states) and a modern navy as well.

Essentially, we’re sleep walking, deferring all strategic decisions”.

near Scariff grounds

ownership and was owned by his late parents. “It is awaiting administration,” he said of its current ownership. The TD voiced his surprise that the matter was known insisting that he hadn’t discussed the matter with anyone in the past year, only to raise concerns in confidence and felt “untrue” information had been circulated on the subject.

He added of his aunt and uncle’s land, “Just because somebody is dead doesn’t mean that there is nobody to look after their position or to protect the position of their estate.

“I’m in a position that I have a legal responsibility to protect their position.

“I have always been discreet about my family ... if I have a legal duty to protect something that is a position that I hold as a legal duty to protect it, I would have hoped”.

Acting to protect people who looked after him all his life was “an understandable thing,” Michael stated.

“I was brought up by them, I lived

with them since I was two weeks old. My aunt died in Raheen, my uncle died at home, I lived with them right through that. I’ve no hesitation whatsoever in protecting them or indeed my children”.

“I don’t own any land in Scariff, I’m there to protect people who protected me when I needed protecting, I’m protecting their possession.

“I will make absolutely no apologies to anybody for that, I make absolutely no apologies to anybody, I was two weeks old and people protected me when I needed them, I make no apologies to anybody for protecting them,” Deputy McNamara told The Clare Echo

l REPRESENTATIVES: Independent TD for Clare Michael McNamara alongside Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley at last year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade in Ennis

Photo by John O’Neill

Care order is extended for baby

A JUDGE has extended an Interim Care Order (ICO) for a nine day old baby due to concerns over the baby girl’s mother’s ability to care for her, Gordon Deegan reports

At the Family Law Court, Judge Mary Larkin extended the ICO for the new born by 28 days following an application by TUSLA, the Child and Family Agency (CFA). The baby’s mother is scheduled to enter a five-month drug treatment programme next week and Judge Larkin told the mother, “I am delighted you’re going into treatment. Now get clean and put yourself in a position where the CFA are in a position to believe that you are able to manage this baby.”

Solicitor for the CFA, Kevin Sherry said that the CFA initially secured the ICO for the baby on Tuesday at a different court, the baby was only six days old at this time and had been discharged the same day from a maternity hospital with her mother.

Judge Larkin extended the ICO after a TUSLA social worker told the court that the mother, then at 36 weeks pregnant, had placed herself and her then unborn baby “at serious risk” when she initiated an assault with another person where during the course of the assault, the then expectant mother “ended up being thrown to the ground and being kicked and kneed in the stomach”.

The social worker also stated that the woman continued to smoke cannabis during the pregnancy but did state that her last number of drug tests have been negative. Mr Sherry said that the woman “to her credit has insight” into her drug addiction issues and has put herself forward for treatment

The social worker further stated that the woman has a Safety Order against her ex-partner and has continued to allow the ex-partner into her life where he recently breached the SO.

She said, “He has engaged in serious domestic violence - he has hit her with a cable and kicked her, pushed her and slapped her”.

The social worker stated that the woman’s four other children are subject of full Care Orders dating back a number of years ago.

The social worker stated, “The four older children were in severe neglect and we need to make sure that it doesn’t happen with this child also”.

The baby is currently at a general foster placement. The CFA social worker told Judge Larkin that the baby has shown no side effects from the mother’s drug taking and is healthy.

The social worker said that there would be weekly access between mother and baby while she is in the treatment centre.

The mother was representing herself in the case and told Judge Larkin, “I don’t want to be without her”.

The mother said that she was with the baby in hospital before the two were discharged and she said that a report from the hospital showed that she took really good care of her, and met all her needs including her emotional needs.

Judge Larkin told the woman, “There is a past history in relation to other children in care and past behaviour is usually indicative of future behaviour”.

Concerning the assault incident, Judge Larkin said, “You allowed your own child and your own health be put in serious jeopardy. This child cannot be subject to anything like that when it can be avoided”.

Judge Larkin extended the ICO and adjourned the case to next month.

Run of the Mills

l SCHOOL VISIT:

MEP Seán Kelly visited 5th & 6th Class students in O’Callaghans Mills N.S this week where children interviewed him as part of the Blue Star Programme, under which children learn about the European Union

says

outside Doonbeg pub

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 63 year old ‘blind drunk’ Polish man said “I am from Ukraine. I will fight ye all” after assaulting an off-duty Garda Sergeant outside a Doonbeg pub in West Clare last August.

At Kilrush District Court on Tuesday, solicitor Michael Ryan said that his client, Prezemyslaw (Piotr) Katulski had behaved “appallingly” on the night of August 15th last.

Mr Ryan told Judge Mary Larkin, “The things he said to Gardai were completely out of order and a man who says he is from Ukraine when he is actually from Poland, you have to bear this in mind”. Mr Ryan said that on the night his client “took leave of his senses”.

In the case, Mr Katulski of Merchant’s Quay, Kilrush pleaded guilty to assaulting off duty Garda Sergeant, Tim Ryan in Doonbeg village on the night.

Outlining the facts, Sgt Louis Moloney told Judge Larkin that on the night, the off duty Garda Sergeant had just arrived at the pub to watch the Premier League clash of Liverpool and Crystal

Palace when he was asked to go outside and assist the pub’s licensee.

Outside, publican Caroline Kennedy was trying to convince Mr Katulski not to drive the 7.5 miles home to Kilrush as he was drunk.

Sgt Moloney said that Tim Ryan identified himself to Mr Katulski as an off-duty Garda and told him not to drive the car.

Sgt Moloney stated that the off-duty Sgt Ryan managed to get the keys out of the ignition and in response Mr Katulski jumped out of the car and came swinging towards him.

Sgt Moloney stated that Mr Katulski - dressed in a t-shirt, shorts and a pair of flip-flops and wearing sun-glasses - made contact with his right fist against the left side of the face of Tim Ryan.

Sgt Moloney stated that after Mr Katulski struck Tim Ryan he said: “F**k you, you piece of sh*t. I am from Ukraine. I will fight ye all.”

Sgt Moloney said that Sgt Ryan was left ‘stunned and shaken’ by the punch but didn’t require any medical treatment.

Sgt Moloney said that Gardai

from Kilrush Garda Station arrived at the scene and it required three Gardai to get the handcuffs on Mr Katulski.

Sgt Moloney said that the off duty Sgt Ryan “was more than surprised about how his evening had turned out”.

Sgt Moloney said that Mr Katulski has no previous convictions.

Solicitor, Michael Ryan told Judge Larkin that there are two defendants in the case - the Mr Katulski in court today and the Mr Katulski who was in Doonbeg on the night.

Mr Ryan said that the “very embarrassed” Mr Katulski couldn’t remember what happened on the night and said that he has been living in Ireland for 10 years and has worked here throughout.

Mr Ryan said, “He gets on his bicycle every day and he is genuinely sorry. He doesn’t normally drink as he takes medication for his high blood pressure. Mr Katulski was out with a friend that night”.

Mr Ryan said that the “very conscientious publican, Caroline Kennedy had said of the two on the night “I could see that they

could hardly stand-up”.

Mr Ryan said that a Garda witness had said in her statement that Mr Katulski “made an attempt to stand up but couldn’t do so as he appeared to be so intoxicated”.

Judge Larkin said that she wished under the criminal justice system there was a way of dealing with people “who get ‘blind drunk’ and make an absolutely horrific nuisance of themselves”.

Judge Larkin said that the courts and Gardai “have to deal with mad people who are mad with drink and then they come and say ‘I can’t remember’”.

Judge Larkin said that the “poor off duty Garda was left trying to keep the peace and it is very hard to know how to deal with this in an even handed manner”.

Judge Larkin struck the matter out after Mr Katulski paid €500 to the Garda Benevolent Fund.

Judge Larkin said that she took into account Mr Katulski having no previous convictions, his age of 63 and his work history here. She said: “Remaining conviction free is probably important to him at this time of his life”.

Photo byJoe Buckley

‘Blind drunk’ Polish man

‘I am from Ukraine, I will fight ye all’ after assaulting Garda

No social housing schemes

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COUNTY Councils must return to building houses in order to tackle what is acknowledged as a housing crisis, a Clare TD has said.

In a report released at the end of January, IBEC warned, “The crisis in the availability of affordable housing in Ireland is becoming the critical barrier to the continued growth and development of business investment”.

In Clare, there is insufficient work being done when it comes to social housing, Michael McNamara TD (IND) argued. “In terms of housing, I’ve raised the lack of social housing, there is affordable housing being built in Clare but there’s no social housing being built in Clare”.

133 social housing units across the county which were officially opened by Minister for Housing, Darragh

O’Brien (FF) last year “were houses in the pipeline for a long time” when it was put to the Scariff native that the shortfall was more to do with affordable rather than social housing. “There is a shortfall of both but there are affordable housing schemes underway, there is very little actual County Council built schemes where County Council tenants will go into, there is a shortage of both I accept but there are no estates under construction from the County Council”.

Approval has been granted for multiple social housing schemes in Clare including Ennistymon (30), Drumcliffe Rd Ennis (26), Gort Rd Ennis (20), Scariff (18), Sixmilebridge (15), Doonbeg (8) and Clarecastle (2) but construction has not begin on any of the seven projects.

Deputy McNamara told The Clare Echo that reducing the role of local authorities has accelerated the housing crisis. “County Councils got out of the business, there was a perception that it was a function better performed by housing charities, those housing charities are very good but we just need Councils to realise it is

Links to Labour Party ‘storm in a teacup’ - Wynne

CLARE TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) has said there has been “a storm in a teacup” over meetings she held with the leader of the Labour Party.

The Irish Independent this week reported that the Labour Party were trying to recruit Deputy Wynne to its ranks to try increase its amount of female TDs and its presence in rural Ireland.

Ivana Bacik (LAB) has held meetings with Deputy Wynne in recent months but “no such conversations have taken place” regarding joining the party according to the Clare TD.

their core function, we’re stripping back what Councils do the whole time, planning has been stripped back with the office in Dublin, water has been taken off them.

“Clare County Council unlike most have almost found a niche with tourism and tourism management, they do that very well, I’m not saying it’s an either or but it’s not their core purpose.

“We’re going to have to get local authorities building again, there is no houses under construction by Clare Co Council. There has been a lot of talk about modular homes but still years into the crisis it is just talk”.

Fellow Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) told The Clare Echo he has also had “informal approaches” from the Labour Party.

Deputy Wynne said, “It seems a bit of a storm in a teacup has been brought about from meetings I’ve had with Ivana, they’ve been held in the visitors bar, they weren’t in secret, there was no cloak and dagger about any of our discussions. Ivana has been super supportive of myself”.

Advice was provided by the Labour leader on the childcare services within Leinster House while the Kilrush woman was heavily pregnant prior to the arrival of her sixth child, Collins. The pair have

held meetings on “legislative processes” and trying to make the Oireachtas “more family friendly”.

Elected in February 2020 as a Sinn Féin candidate, Violet-Anne left the party two years later after she said she was a victim of a campaign of “psychological warfare”.

In her one year as an Independent in the Dáil, Deputy Wynne has spoken of enjoying the freedom associated with not being under a party banner.

“When I made that the decision the only future I saw for myself in politics was sticking as an Independent, from the experience I had no interest in party politics any longer and also from the experience the levels of toxicity that can be at play, that was my experience.

“I had all full intentions for being an Independent for the duration of my political career and that is still the same at this point in time. Yes, I’ve met with Ivana, I’m heavily impressed with Ivana, her compassion, her support and her willingness to be approachable and have those conversations that are needed, she has been a great ally to me so far”.

“Labour would definitely have not been a party I would have considered when I entered politics in the first place”.

l A shortfall in social housing exists says McNamara Photo by Joe Buckley

Clare & Cliffs of Moher Retail Expo 2023

Expo shines a spotlight on Clare’s artisan food and crafts suppliers

Artisan food and crafts suppliers from across County Clare received a unique opportunity to meet with potential new consumers and retail buyers in an event hosted at the Cliffs of Moher and the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon on Sunday and Monday last.

Supported by the Clare Local Enterprise Office, Clare County Council and the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, the inaugural Cliffs of Moher and Clare Retail Expo was attended by more than 3,000 people and featured 24 local craft suppliers and 50 quality local, regional and national trade buyers from all over Ireland.

Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre DAC, said, “The Expo was not only about introducing Clare’s rich array of quality suppliers to new customers and retail buyers, but it also afforded them a unique opportunity to learn how they can expand their market and further improve their respective marketing techniques in an age of increased competition in the marketplace. Successful events such as this help to reinforce the County’s status as a world-class source of artisan foods and crafts.”

Geraldine Enright, Director of Cliffs of Moher Experience, commented, “This inaugural event builds on the success of the ‘Meet The Makers’ initiative at the Cliffs of Moher, which has opened new opportunities for participating suppliers by introducing their products to new customers. We hope that members of the public who engaged with exhibiting suppliers will be enticed into discovering more about Clare’s artists, producers, and craftspeople.”

Ladonna McCartan of the Portlaoise-based Nook and Cranny Gift Store, “It was wonderful to meet with new, early stage and established Clare suppliers and to share tips on guiding businesses from start up to

retail listing. We were delighted to place orders with two exhibitors during this exciting and worthwhile event and we also have returned with information for others which will be considered, for the future.”

Patricia Farrell of Tuamgraney-based Wilde Irish Chocolates, commented, “Events like the Expo demonstrate the huge number of amazing food and crafts businesses in the county, and we were delighted to join them in showcasing our products to a very receptive audience of consumers and buyers.”

Séan Fitzgerald of Cratloe Hills Sheep’s Cheese added, “We are very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Expo, which introduced us to potential new customers and buyers for our sheep’s cheese products.”

Other participating artisan food and crafts suppliers included McConnell Woollen Mills (Killaloe), Airmid Soap (Kilfenora), Anchor Crafts (Kilrush), Western Herd Brewery (Kilmaley), Moher Cottage (Liscannor), Creative Clay (Sixmilebridge), Brideog Trad, SIAR Photography and Wix and Wax (Ennis), JJ Corry Whiskey (Cooraclare), Clare Jam Company (Doolin), Bunratty Mead (Bunratty), Quin Art (Quin), Doreen Drennan Art Studio, Burren Smokehouse (Lisdoonvarna), Irish Slate Craft, Wild Kitchen Salts (Lahinch), Ballymorris Pottery (Cratloe), Flaggy Shore Oysters, Linalla Ice Cream (New Quay), Rowena Sheen Jewellery (Ennistymon), Palm Free Soap and McKernan Woollen Mills, (Tuamgraney), Wild Irish Seaweed (Quilty), Burren Premium Beef (Boston), St Tola Goats Cheese (Inagh), Aillwee Cave, Burren Distillers, Hazelwood Bakery, Burren Fine Wine & Food (Ballyvaughan) and Ramona Mulvey Jewellery (Newmarket on Fergus).

Chantelle Keane and Danielle Kenneally from Wix and Wax

Ola Szostak and her husband Tolek Szóstak from Brideog Trad, Ennis

Kevin Lynch Airmid Soap, Ennistymon.

Hannah Arnup owner of Ballymorris Pottery showcasing at the Cliffs of Moher Expo on Sunday and Monday.

Bunratty Mead promoting Mead and Bunratty Irish Whiskey.

Pictured L-R are Padraic McElwee Head of Clare Local Enterprise Office, Carol Gleeson Manger Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Mark O’Shaughnessy Head of Operations at the Cliffs of Moher Experience, Geraldine Enright Director of Cliffs of Moher Experience, Bobby Kerr Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre DAC, Mayor of Clare Tony O’Brien, Michelle Guthrie, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, Deirdre O’Shea Head of Tourism Clare County Council, Melanie Lennon, Sales and Marketing Manager Cliffs of Moher Experience, and Jarlath O’Dwyer CEO Burren Ecotourism Network.

Media movement sees exits from Clare FM & The Champion

TWO NEWS REPORTERS are to leave Clare FM while there has also been an exit from the newsroom of The Clare Champion writes Páraic McMahon.

The Clare Echo understands that both Josh Prenderville and Rebecca O’Sullivan both handed in their notice to the local radio station within the past week.

A native of Hospital, Co Limerick, Josh joined Clare FM in the summer of 2020. Prior to this he had worked as a communications officer for both the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) and the Limerick Institute of Technology which has since been rebranded as TUS.

During his three years with Clare FM, Josh also began presenting a business podcast, titled Clare Means Business. The weekly podcast had helped to give businesses in the county a platform and shared many stories on adapting post COVID-19.

He is to return to communications next month and is among the new additions to Limerick City and County Council, he will be in the Active Travel unit of the local authority. Chair of the Clare JPC, Cllr John Crowe (FG) paid tribute to the reporter at this month’s sitting noting that he was moving on to “greener pastures” and acknowledged that he was attending his final JPC gathering.

Fellow Limerick native, Rebecca O’Sullivan from Kilfinnane is to also depart the newsroom of the county’s

most listened to radio station. She joined Clare FM in August 2020 where she initially served as producer of the current affairs show, Morning Focus. Rebecca remained as producer on the show, now fronted by Alan Morrissey, until February 2022 when she moved to the role of a news reporter, this transition also saw her presenting the weekend show ‘Hindsight’.

A graduate of Mary Immaculate College, Rebecca was heavily involved in the current affairs output of the college’s student radio station, Wired FM during her time at MIC.

There has been further media movement within the Banner County. Kevin Corbett who had been Deputy Editor of The Clare Champion left his role with the newspaper earlier this month, having been there since 2021. Also from the Treaty County, Corbett has been credited with increasing The Champion’s online presence since joining from The Limerick Leader where he had been a sub-editor, a post whereby the individual is responsible for laying out and designing pages within the newspaper. He had been a sub-editor with The Champion before returning to The Leader. Corbett has exited journalism to join the Office of Public Works’ communications department.

Management of The Barrack St based newspaper are now working to find his successor with an outside appointment likely.

Plan Your Wedding Day

l The Inn at Dromoland were thrilled to receive two awards at the Brides of Munster Magazine Wedding Industry Awards Winners 2023 last Sunday night at the Woodlands Hotel. Pauline Cassidy was crowned Wedding Co-Ordinator of the year in Co. Clare and they also brought home the title of Bridal Suite of the Year 2023.

From left to right – Nico Hernandez (General Manager), Olive O’Connor (Front Office Manager), Pauline Cassidy (Wedding Co-Ordinator) and Dermot Hogan (Sales & Marketing Manager)

Photo by Juliette Rowland Photographer

Trόcaire marks 50th Anniversary with appeal to Clare people

TRÓCAIRE has marked its 50th anniversary with an appeal to the people of Clare to support its annual Lenten Appeal to support the millions in crisis in Somalia.

Established in 1973 by the Irish Bishops, Trócaire has changed the lives of tens of millions of people around the world over the past five decades. Its annual Lenten campaign sees the iconic Trócaire Box displayed in hundreds of schools, Churches, and homes all over County Clare in the build up to Easter.

Trócaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, said today that the agency's history is owned by people in Clare and the rest of Ireland, who over 50 years have devoted unyielding solidarity to those who are suffering in our world.

“It is also owned by our brave partner organisations overseas, who work every day to better their own communities. But most importantly, it is owned by the people who benefit from our work and who have hope for a better future in their joined humanity with Irish people.”

Trócaire’s 50th Lenten campaign is focusing on Somalia, where repeated failed rains have led to nearly eight million people – al-

most half of Somalia’s population - struggling to find food. “Millions of people are facing the prospect of starving to death. Thousands have already died. This is a shocking scandal,” said Caoimhe de Barra.

She thanked the people of Clare for their support and continuing generosity.

“Since Trócaire was set up a half a century ago people in Clare have been unstinting in their support of the work we do and the difference that support has made cannot be underestimated. The number of lives not just changed but saved is huge.”

“We work in countries that are most at risk of conflict, climate change and poverty, and the work we do is as important now as it was when Trócaire was set up. We will continue to support and work with those who are most vulnerable both to develop long-term solutions to the challenges they face and in times of crisis.”

Ms de Barra said the terrible events recently in Syria and Turkey show just how vital humanitarian organisations are when disaster strikes. “As part of the second largest aid network in the world, Caritas Internationalis,

we are able to respond on the ground through our partners very quickly in emergency situations,” Caoimhe de Barra said.

She said the story of Josiane Umumarashavu from Rwanda who featured on the Trócaire Box in 2004 sums up the impact of the work of the agency and the support of the people of Ireland.

Appeal for Somalia

l

de

“Josiane lost her dad and siblings in the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. She featured on the Trócaire Box in 2004. Today she is working for Trócaire in Rwanda as a finance officer. This is a powerful story of how together we can influence change and improve people’s lives.”

Fender benders in Dromard flagged

FADED LINES are to be repainted at an Ennis housing estate following an increase in “fender bender accidents” over recent months, writes Páraic McMahon

Minor accidents within the Dromard housing estate on the Lahinch Rd in Ennis were brought into focus by Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

In her view, the “number of minor

accidents” were “due to the lack of white lines on the road”. She appealed to the Ennis Municipal District to paint white lines within the estate as soon as possible.

Acting senior executive engineer, Paddy Tiernan committed to assessing the existing line markings within estate. “Lines which

have faded will be refreshed. Where appropriate additional line marking will be installed. These works will be completed in their entirety within the coming weeks,” he stated.

Speaking at the February meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Howard outlined that the matter was brought to her attention by an individual working from home. “They are more fender bender accidents

that anything else,” she explained. Howard added, “There has been quite a few in recent months of cars banging off other cars, there’s been no injuries thank God”.

Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) seconded the motion and felt her colleague received “a good positive response”.

End of watermain woes for Ennis residents dependent on Irish Water

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

RESIDENTS of five housing estates in Ennis are awaiting confirmation from Irish Water that a watermain serving their households will be replaced this year.

An update on the replacement of the old watermain between Captain Mac’s Cross and Station Rd roundabout was sought by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) at the February meeting of the Ennis Municipal District and seconded by Cllr Mary Howard (FG).

Cllr Murphy highlighted, “this watermain serves St Flannan’s Terrace, Castlewood Park, Saint Michael’s Villas, St. Anne’s Terrace and Ard na Gréine and poor water quality as well as frequent breaks in water supply have been experienced by these residents over a long period of time. I also propose that full road overlay is provided for in the 2023 Schedule of Municipal District Works”.

Senior engineer in Clare County Council’s en-

vironment section, Cyril Feeney confirmed that the request had been forwarded to Irish Water, “An update will be provided once received from them,” he added.

Hundreds of residents are impacted at present. The Clarecastle representative said, “There’s been issues behind there for a number of years between low water pressure and bad water quality but also due to elevated levels of iron”.

Acting senior executive engineer of the Ennis MD, Paddy Tiernan gave a positive update to the meeting. “Irish Water haven’t fully committed to the project just yet but it looks that section of watermain will be replaced this summer, as such we’ve included overlay from Captain Mac’s Cross to the Quin Rd on schedule of municipal district works for this year. Hopefully will have a new surface in place by the time the children go back to school in September”.

A pleased Cllr Murphy said he was “very happy” with the provisional plans, “I hope Irish Water do come to the table”.

Caoimhe

Barra (CEO of Trócaire) and Mohamed Mohamud Nuh, from Gedo, Somalia with Trócaire Intern Charity A.A. Boateng (left) from Ennis, pictured at the launch of Trócaire’s annual Lenten appeal

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Shannon deserves temporary digital hub

by Páraic McMahon

PRIOR to the construction of the One Shannon Hub, a temporary digital hub needs to be established within the town, elected representatives have argued.

In a motion before a recent sitting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) asked that the local authority “investigate the possibility of providing a digihub in Shannon Town Centre in the near future as there presently seems to be a great need for this service”.

Before the pandemic, a remote working hub operated in a building owned by Shannon Commercial Properties was in use and proved to be popular among remote workers in Shannon and surrounding areas. This facility has not reopened since the onset of COVID-19 and is not planned to come back into use as a remote working hub.

Anne Griffin, acting senior executive officer in the Shannon MD advised that the One Shannon Hub which is an integral part of the Shannon Town Masterplan “will incorporate the provision of a digital hub/multi-service

centre. The proposal will include remote working facilities similar to those being provided in other locations through Clare County Council’s DigiClare initiative”.

A funding application will be made for

Bunratty toys appeal

the One Shannon Hub for the next round of the Urban Regeneration Development Fund. Even if this is successful, its delivery is not expected for a number of years.

“I had known there was one provided in

the One Shannon Hub which might take some years to complete, there are quite a lot of vacant properties in Shannon Town Centre which could be rented to facilitate the people of Shannon,” Cllr Ryan responded. He added, “there are a quite a lot of people that require it, there are a couple of facilities in Shannon but they are not very private”.

Using a temporary facility can inform how best to make the One Shannon Hub a success, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) believed. “it is something which would give us an idea of what is required in the hub. A lot of people are working from home now, they are scrunched up at the kitchen table and back issues are developing”.

Shannon is deserving of such a facility, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) maintained, “they are everywhere else, no reason why not Shannon”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) said the motion could be brought to the attention of the Council’s IT section but Cllr Ryan interjected, “I contacted them and they advised me to bring it up at Municipal District level”.

l HUNDREDS of toys donated by the public at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park are making their way to patients of Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and care centres. Following an appeal by Shannon Heritage employees, large boxes of gifts were collected at Bunratty Castle & Folk Park to support a toy appeal for Children’s Health Foundation, which is one of the company’s chosen charities.

Notes

A bilingual event titled Teach will take place in Seán Lemass Library, Shannon, on March 2 at 19:30 for Seachtain na Gaeilge. Teach - House ‘Léamh filíochta dátheangach mar aon le scór ceoil bunaidh. Cruthaíonn an cnuasach nua dánta dátheangacha seo pictiúir chorraitheacha de theach na hóige in imeacht na mblianta.

Arna tacú ag Foras na Gaeilge, ba í an ceoltóir agus an t-amhránaí Emer O’Flaherty a scríobh na dánta agus an ceol, agus an saothar á léamh ag ealaíontóir i réimse na bhfocal labhartha. Joanne Callinan, le tionlacan ó Emer. Sa dlúthspás i Leabharlann Sheán Lemass, Baile na Sionna, Co. an Chláir, is ócáid an-speisialta i bhféilire Sheachtain na Gaeilge a bheidh ann.

Fad - 45 nóiméad gan briseadh

Tuilleadh Eolais - Leabharlann Sheán Lemass, Baile na Sionna - 061-364266

Teach - House Spoken word bilingual poetry reading accompanied by original musical score. This new collection of bilingual poems paints evocative pictures of a childhood home tempered by the passing years.

Supported by Foras na Gaeilge, poems and music written by musician and singer Emer O’Flaherty, the collection will be read by musician and spoken word artist Joanne Callinan, with musical accompaniment by Emer. In the intimate space of Seán Lemass Library, Shannon, Co. Clare, this will be a unique event in the Seachtain na Gaeilge calendar.

Further information - Seán Lemass, Shannon -061-364266

l Cllr PJ Ryan has asked the local authority to investigate the possibility of providing a digihub in Shannon Town Centre

Photo by Natasha Barton

paraic@clareecho.ie

Stage set for return of drama festival in Doonbeg

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CURTAINS WILL BE

DRAWN for the West Clare Drama Festival in Doonbeg with the week-long activities returning on Saturday March 4th.

An exciting and entertaining festival is promised at the 2023 West Clare Drama Festival, Doonbeg. The full length drama festival is part of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland Drama Circuit where drama groups compete in the Open and Confined Sections in participating festivals to qualify for the All Ireland Finals.

Andrew Killeen who is the new festival chairperson said, “Hosting a festival of this magnitude is possible through a strong committee of volunteers and the support of our patrons, sponsors and local businesses. We have been fortunate to have loyal audiences and are looking forward to welcoming them again this year”.

Doonbeg Community Hall will be transformed into a theatre style auditorium with tiered seating

which was introduced a few years ago to add to the occasion with the stage almost set.

Irene O’Meara is this year’s adjudicator, she is familiar to many on the drama circuit as she adjudicates regularly for the past few years at One Act and Full-Length Festivals.

This year’s festival takes place from Saturday March 4th to Sunday March 12th . Bridge Drama Group present ‘Big Big Sky’ by Tom Wells in the open section on the Saturday. The following night welcomes Thurles Drama Group with ‘The Seafarer’ by Conor McPhearson also in the Open Section.

On Monday, Enniscorthy Drama Group present a new play by directed by Fintan Kelly titled ‘Farsiders’ this time in the Confined Section. Also in the Confined Section St Patrick’s Drama Group, Westport present ‘Dear Frankie’ by Niamh Gleeson on Tuesday.

Clare’s first representatives take to the stage on Wednesday with Clare Castlewood Players of Cratloe showcasing John B Keane’s classic ‘The Chastitute’ in the Confined Section.

Then it’s the turn of the Corofin Dramatic Society on Thursday as they present ‘Stolen Child’ by Yvonne Quinn and Bairbre Ní Chaoimh this time in the Open Section. Friday night sees Confined Section Ray Leonard Players bring to the stage Jimmy Murphy’s ‘The

Kings of the Kilburn High Road’. As tradition, the second Saturday (March 11th) brings Kilmeen Drama Group in the Open Section with Noel Coward’s iconic ‘Blithe Spirit’. On the final night (Sunday March 12th), Hinterland showcase another classic ‘Playboy of the Western

World’ by John Millington Synge in the Open Section. This will be followed by the final adjudication and presentation of prizes.

On each night, doors open at 7pm with curtain at 8pm. A new initiative this year for final night will see doors open at 6.30pm and curtain at 7.30pm to accommodate earlier final adjudication and presentation of awards.

Tickets are €12 for adults and €6 for children with a €60 Season Ticket available. Booking is available online www.westclaredramafestivaldoonbeg.com or at Doonbeg Community Development Office on 065 905 5288.

Notes

WEST CLARE MENTAL HEALTH

The West Clare Mental Health Association is hosting free weekly Peer Support Meetings in The Lighthouse Centre Kilrush. Tuesday 7-9pm and Friday 5-7pm. Weekly Woodland for Wellbeing Walk, Tuesdays Vandeleur Woods, 11am. Contact 085 8559511 for details.

Kathryn retreats to the Armada Hotel

PURE RESULTS, the wellness company owned by television presenter Kathryn Thomas will be hosting their first retreat in West Clare, next month.

From March 26th to 31st, Pure Results will run their first ever hike, yoga and swim re treat. The five day immersive retreat will be based in the Armada Hotel on the shores of Spanish Point Beach.

Every morning clients have the option of plunging into the Atlantic Ocean with Kathryn Thomas, June Curtin and all the Snámhaí Sásta sea swimming com munity followed by breakfast before departing for a day’s hiking.

Hikes include the headland walk at White Strand beach in Miltown Malbay, Mul laghmore in the Burren and the the Cliffs of Moher. Hikes will be guided and options for shorter or longer routes made available to clients depending on individual energy levels on the day.

Yoga and meditation are key components to this retreat too and will be incorporated into the daily schedule.

Organisers have promised that the menu which has been carefully devised with the Armada team will give guests the chance to sample West Clare by enjoying a specially pre - pared ‘Blue Menu’ where each dish uses ingredients and cooking methods proven to increase longevity, wellness, and mental

During the week retreat clients will also get to visit the Armada Farm, where the soil is nourished with local seaweed and where the veg picked from the ground on that day will be enjoyed on our plates that night.

All inclusive prices are available from €1299. Log onto https://pureresults.ie for more information or email Elodie on info@ pureresults.ie or call 0874417090 for more details.

l The Kings of the Kilburn High Road

On the catwalk

Stories of boglands celebrated

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CONNECTION with Irish Boglands is celebrated in a month-long exhibition currently running in Scariff.

Interwoven, a visual celebration of connection with the Irish Boglands is currently on display at Scariff Library Gallery and runs until March 16th of this year.

Clare Arts Office in conjunction with the Scariff Library Gallery have presented the work of several artists through different mediums themed around the Irish Boglands, including painting, sculpture, photography, video and text.

Ian Kelly, Nathalie El Baba, Shane Hynan and Eoin O’Hagan are the artists involved with contributions from Martin Mason.

The exhibition draws attention to the roles which peatlands play in our living cultural heritage and invites us to reflect on bogs as places of recreational, ecological, cultural, historical, and artistic interest.

It aims to celebrate our interactions with the boglands whilst opening a space for conversations to take place around regeneration and community involvement in the future of our bogs.

As part of the month-long event, an ‘intergenerational story exchange’, sharing stories of the bog, will take place between Transition Year students from Scariff Community College and older members of the East Clare community.

Contract signed for €6m Scariff social housing scheme

by Páraic McMahon

A CONTRACT has this month been awarded for the construction of a €6m social housing scheme in Scariff.

Galway company, Coolsivna Construction Group this month signed the contract with Clare County Council for the construction of the eighteen home development.

Coolsivna have carried out a number of large-scale education projects within Co Clare including the construction of 24 new classrooms at St Finnachta’s NS in Sixmilebridge in 2016 and more recently the €12.5m upgrade of Ennis Community College.

Following the collapse of Keating Con-

struction, the Galway firm took over the construction of the County Library in Ennis after signing a €8.7m contract with the County Council in May 2022.

They were also the appointed contractor for the Baile na mBan social housing development on Ballard Road in Miltown Malbay. With an approved budget of €5.6m, it consisted of 27 social housing units provided through a direct build scheme by Clare County Council.

Having received the Scariff contract, a spokesperson for the company said they were “delighted” and added, “We look forward to working with all involved”. ‘Droichead Nua’ will be located on the Feakle Road

in Ballyminoge, Scariff.

Fourteen apartments, twelve of which will have two bedrooms will make up the development which will also have two semi-detached, two-storey, three-bedroom houses, with adaptations.

Construction of the Scariff scheme had been due to commence before Christmas however the County Council experienced a hiccup in the form of “post-tender administration” according to Director of Services, Anne Haugh.

This two-month delay has resulted in the targeted completion date moving back from the first quarter of 2024 to the third quarter of next year.

Notes

MELLICK WINDFARM ACTION GROUP

Meelick Windfarm Action Group invite you to an Information day on Sunday the 5th of March in Meelick Community Hall.

This is about the impact of a proposed windfarm in our community.

Our small group has collected a lot of information on this project which we feel that the wider community should be aware of, the facts are quite concerning.

We invite members of the public to drop in for twenty minutes anytime between 11am and 4.30pm.

Call for a cup of tea some cake and a chat. We also have a cake sale on the day.

paraic@clareecho.ie

l FUNDRAISER: Aimee Lou O’Connor models some communion wear at the St Mochulla’s NS fashion show held at St Joseph’s Secondary School at the weekend; (left) Peggy McInerney, Martha Corry, Ann Hanrahan and Trisha Murphy, all from Tulla, at the event which was held to raise funds for an astroturf pitch for the school in conjunction with Tulla Camogie Club

Photos by Natasha Barton

Extra Garda resources unlikely for Lisdoon despite population increase

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

INCREASED GARDA resources are needed in Lisdoonvarna on the back of a surge in the North Clare town’s population due to the arrival of hundreds of Ukrainian refugees.

Last April, Clare TD Michael McNamara (IND) asked the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG) to “ensure a permanent presence of gardaí with Ukrainian language skills in Lisdoonvarna given the increase in population numbers” but no extra resources followed.

At this month’s sitting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC), fellow TD Cathal Crowe (FF) this time

North Clare’s Untold Stories in War of Independence to be recounted

was the one seeking a stronger Garda presence in the area.

“Lisdoonvarna more than any place welcomed more Ukrainians, there was a fourfold increase in its population, maybe not a fourfold but an increase”.

Extra Gardaí would give a stronger presence but also assist with the many items of paperwork dealt with by the refugees. “The presence of a Garda there more often would be hugely welcome”.

Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan outlined that a Garda is currently based in Lisdoonvarna and the “community policing team in Ennistymon works very closely” with the local authority on the issue of refugees.

Meanwhile, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) queried if the future model of policing would see a Superintendent based in Ennistymon.

O’Sullivan in response noted that the model includes one Chief Superintendent in each Garda division and that it was not planned to put a Superintendent in Ennistymon. “There are a number of districts where you are going to have community engagement areas, there are four community engagement areas in this Division with six Superintendents, one of them will be a Detective Superintendent who will be responsible for all serious crime and the protective services unit”.

Fire & Rescue still assisting the Doolin Coast Guard

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

MEMBERS OF THE Clare County Fire and Rescue Service continue to attend incidents along with the Doolin Coast Guard.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Clare County Council, Cormac Falvey confirmed that the emergency services continue to play a role alongside the Doolin Coast Guard.

Queries were tabled by Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) at this month’s sitting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) on the current input of the Fire Service to the Coast Guard unit in North Clare.

The topic for the North Clare's Historical Society's next talk is Untold Stories of the War of Independence In North Clare.

Following further research into the War of Independence, Colm Hayes, author of “North Clare’s Fight for Irish Freedom”, will present some new information on the Revolutionary period in North Clare. Among the stories outlined will be :

- An unusual family situation brought about by the conflict;

- The unsung heroes - the medical practitioners of the time;

- Increased defiance of the Authorities in 1917;

- The exploits of members of Cumann na mBan;

- An example of the tragic effect of the War on a North Clare family. The talk will take place on Monday, February 27 at the Courthouse, Ennistymon at 8pm.

Deputy Crowe recalled that the Unit was stood down in November 2021, was reconstituted and is now operating again. “There was a number of transfers of roles to the Fire Service, the public and politicians were concerned it was putting more responsibilities over to ye, are ye still fulfilling those duties,” the Meelick native asked.

Falvey outlined that staff within the Ennistymon Fire Brigade got trained up while the Doolin Coast Guard unit was stood down. “As of now we’re still attending incidents with the Coast Guard,” he confirmed.

Prior to the standing down of the unit fifteen months ago, two members resigned over numerous unresolved issues with management at a national level before a further four members then tendered their resignations.

Last month, Galway Senator Gerard Craughwell (IND) urged the national Coast Guard to issue an explanation as to why it sacked ten people who remained in the Doolin Coast Guard Unit. He said the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport could investigate why private and confidential

information provided by Doolin members during previous meetings with outside consultants was given to independent mediator, Kieran Mulvey.

Senator Craughwell stated, “Instead of leaving the remaining ten as the interim level, the Coast Guard sacked these ten people who should have been left because they could have done all the disciplines and were fully certified to do all tasks. Instead, the Coast Guard took back four who had resigned and took on two members who had retired a few years ago”.

Clare Hoteliers welcome extension of 9% tourism vat rate and energy supports Targeting Nordic tourists for Co Clare

Clare hoteliers have welcomed the Government’s decision to extend the 9% tourism VAT rate and reform the energy support scheme for businesses.

Stephen O’Connor, Chair of the Shannon Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Branch, said that the measures announced now give tourism businesses greater certainty as they grapple with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on Irish consumers and key overseas markets.

“Today’s announcement is a clear recognition by the Government of the challenges facing tourism and hospitality, Ireland’s largest indigenous employer

which currently supports over 250,000 livelihoods. It will go a long way in helping to sustain the recovery of our industry at a time when businesses and consumers are facing significant economic and financial headwinds.”

“A vibrant tourism industry is one of the most effective ways to spread employment opportunities and prosperity throughout the entire country. That is why the decision to extend the 9% VAT rate is so critical for communities and regions that rely on tourism as a major employer and driver of economic activity.”

Mr O’Connor noted that most

European countries apply a reduced rate VAT rate to tourism accommodation: “When you look at the tourism VAT rates among our key European competitors, it is clear that the 9% rate is the right rate for Ireland.

At 9%, Ireland is in line with our European neighbours, in particular those countries where tourism plays a key role in their economy.”

Mr O’Connor also welcomed changes to the TBESS energy support scheme designed to provide greater assistance to businesses experiencing exceptional increases in energy costs.

IRELAND was promoted to more than 50 top tour operators and travel agents from Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland – at Tourism Ireland’s 2023 Nordic trade workshop, which took place last week in Copenhagen.

Twenty-two (22) Irish tourism com-

panies – including the Burren Smokehouse – took part in the workshop, meeting and doing business with the Nordic travel professionals, to encourage them to extend their Ireland offering, or to include Ireland for the first time, in their programmes for 2023 and beyond.

Birgitta Hedin-Curtin, The Burren Smokehouse; Tom Christiansen, Expert Reiser; and Karen van der Horst, Tourism Ireland, at Ireland’s Nordic trade workshop in Copenhagen

23 events announced for Clare’s Local Enterprise week 2023

SMALL BUSINESSES and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 23 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Clare. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 6th-10th March this year across the country.

While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, including 5 Spotlight events that are available for free online, there are plenty of events in Clare open to all. These events will focus on Supporting Businesses in the challenge of recruitment, Identifying the Importance of Digital to Business and a female focused event on International Women’s Day centered around Pitching to Win.

A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week includes representatives from leading recruitment agencies, academics from University of Limerick, Joe Lynam of Newstalk and local businesses AIP Thermoform and Palm Free Soap.

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise said “Local Enterprise Week

is a fantastic marker in the road for any business. It’s an opportunity to take stock of where you are, see where you can grow, where you can innovate or maybe become more sustainable and see what resources are available on your doorstep. There is something for everyone and those who maybe always had that ambition to start on their own, or a great idea, this is the week to see how to get started and make it happen.

“There are hundreds of events taking place all over the country covering everything from exporting and digital to going green or growing that idea. We also have 5 National Spotlight events taking place online and open to everyone that include experts from a range of industries.

So online or on your doorstep, I would encourage everyone to check out the schedule of events and get involved.”

Each of the 31 Local Enterprise

the opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from financial skills, raising funds, exporting and boosting your business online to future trends such as sustainability and digitalization.

nationally and begin to find new markets.

Offices will be running a full programme of events in their area that will tackle a variety of areas relevant to small businesses and starting up. The events are open to all from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and gives them

Deirdre O’Neill, Senior Regional Development Executive with Enterprise Ireland, said; “Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support and be involved in Local Enterprise Week. Working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices across the year, this week is a chance for small businesses to focus on key areas, the areas where they can make a real difference for their future ambitions. This may be in relation to digitalization or becoming more sustainable, or those who have ambition to grow inter-

5 National Spotlight Events (Online & Free to attend)

Monday 6th March – 9:30am to 11.30am

FIRST STEPS TO EXPORT SUCCESS

If you are a business who wants to grow, internationalise or innovate, then there is something for you at Local Enterprise Week and we would encourage every small business out there to see what is happening in their area this year and take that next step.

Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien said “Local Enterprise Week offers a great opportunity for anybody who wants to start or grow their business to get inspired and motivated. Events during the week will give you insights and add to your knowledge on important topics that can make a real difference to your business competitiveness. The week also puts a spotlight on the range of supports, advice and information available to businesses through their Local Enterprise Office. We would urge everyone to make the most of the week and to remember that your Local Enterprise Office is also available year-round to help your business to thrive.”

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 6th to 10th, are available at www. LocalEnterprise.ie/Week.

Considering expanding into international markets? Or are you an earlystage exporter? Then this Spotlight event is for you. This webinar is designed to outline the steps to export success.

Tuesday 7th March – 9.30am to 1:00pm

YOU’RE THE BUSINESS @ LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK

No matter where you are on your digital journey, You’re the Business is the programme to help you go further. As part of Local Enterprise Week, Google are hosting three online trainings, live from Google in Dublin, for businesses that are looking to Get Online, Grow Online, or Go Global.

Wednesday 8th March – 11.00am to 12.30pm

GREEN, SUSTAINABILITY & COMPETITIVENESS

The Green Panel aims to inform, inspire, and engage owner managers and their key staff in how they can implement Green technologies, processes and products to their business in order to be more competitive.

Thursday 9th March – 2.30pm to 3.30pm

DRIVE COST SAVINGS WITH LEAN

Looking for ways to improve competitiveness and productivity in your business? This online panel discussion is a must for all businesses ambitious for growth.

Friday 10th March – 10:00am to 11:30am

INNOVATE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS

Innovate: to introduce improvements through new methods, ideas or products. Hosted by Noel Davidson of The Entrepreneurs Academy, this lively event will feature expert speakers. It will also outline the range of government and financial supports to drive innovation in your business.

PIctured L-R Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise LEO Clare, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien and Michelle Guthrie, Senior Enterprise Development Officer, LEO Clare

Photo by Arthur Ellis

GREEN CLARE

€50K in bulky waste collected by Council in five years Rural bus routes enhanced in Clare

by Páraic McMahon editor@clareecho.ie

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

BULKY WASTE collected by Clare County Council over the past five years has a combined total value of approximately €50,000.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

cil to seek funding from this Department “to have a free bulky waste amnesty at key locations once or twice per year”.

ing from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.

Various locations across the county have been used by the local authority in the last five years to host amnesty days. The Council have been supported by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications with this anti-dumping initiative.

She said, “This will help alleviate the ongoing issues with illegal dumping and the effect it is having on our environment, this may also help with the cost of clean-up and would lead to a reduction of bulky waste ending up on our bonfires”.

paraic@clareecho.ie

MINISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.

Senior engineer in the environment section of the Councill, Cyril Feeney stated, “the amnesty days are advertised on our social media platforms and are well supported by the local communities”.

He explained, “the amnesty days have dealt with mattresses, bulky waste furniture and hazardous waste. In that space of time, we have collected 2,148 mattresses and 13 tonnes of bulky furniture at a cost of approximately €50,000”.

“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he stated.

In his response, Feeney detailed, “it is our intention to continue with this initiative annually subject to Department funding”.

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that electricity onto that grid to power the country.

Speaking at the February meeting of the County Council, Cllr McGettigan remarked that she wanted to see these amnesty days held at “key locations in towns and villages. If they were concentrated in towns and villages, it might work better,” the Shannon representative added.

Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using -

Feeney made his comments in response to a proposal by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) for the Coun-

Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.

Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding the Shannon Estuary.

Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 per cent of the country’s energy com

Offshore wind energy by Moneypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come into shore at the Shannon Estuary, that’s where we have the deep-wa-

“It is something the Council have done for many years,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) advised while seconding the motion. Cllr Michael Begley (IND) recalled, “We’ve had this system before, the difficulty was having a location where the system was ran”.

“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technology, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate power and you run the power out on the same grid, you have a continuous stable electricity source,” he explained.

el, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the

by Páraic McMahon editor@clareecho.ie

THREE BUS ROUTES in Clare are to be enhanced as part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan for 2023 with two new services announced for the county.

Routes in the county to benefit under the plan include Ennis to Whitegate (344 service), Ballyvaughan to Ennis (331) and Kilkee to Ennis via Miltown Malbay (333). The Whitegate and Ballyvaughan services are expected to be operational within the second quarter of this year with the Kilkee route planned for the third quarter of 2023.

A new Kilrush to Loop Head route is planned and will be on stream by the second quarter of this year while an Ennis to Galway service is targeted to be operational by the third quarter of 2023.

All of the Clare routes remain in the planning and design stage, at present.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) launched the plan last week which proposes 67 new or enhanced bus services. It has been labelled as one of the most ambitious plans for rural transport in the country.

Last year, Connecting Ireland delivered 38 new and enhanced bus services across various counties, bringing new bus services to 67 additional towns. In 2022 almost €4m was invested in implementing Connecting Ireland bus services, but this year that figure will double to €8.5m provided by the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority (NTA). Bus Éireann, will be a key partner in delivery of new Connecting Ireland

services this year.

Minister Ryan stated, “Massively improving rural transport is one of my key priorities as Minister for Transport. The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, launched in 2021, has already played a key role in towns and villages across Ireland and providing people with new choices to travel by bus. But now, we want to go further and build on that success with many more new and enhanced routes planned for 2023.

“It’s clear that when you build it, they will come. We know from last year’s statistics that people respond positively to new routes and services, backed up by our new cheaper fares. Young people, in particular, are choosing to use public transport more which is great. It’s more convenient, it’s more accessible and frequent than it’s been and it’s cheaper than driving and paying for a parking spot all day in college or school. The more people choose public transport the better it is for our environment as well. Public transport, both rural and urban, is a key to Ireland meeting our emissions targets,” he added.

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said the plan “will deliver better access to safe, reliable, and more frequent bus services connecting towns and villages. The NTA is continuing its efforts to improve rural bus services by identifying areas that require additional services, and we are committed to continuing to develop connectivity and mobility in rural areas through the phased rollout of new and enhanced bus services this year and in future years”.

Annual seed exchange for savers in Scariff this weekend

by Páraic McMahon editor@clareecho.ie

AN ANNUAL COMMUNITY seed exchange

will be hosted by Irish Seed Savers this Saturday in Scariff.

In what is described as an exciting event for individuals, gardening and community groups to come together to share and swap seeds, it runs in two time blocks from 12pm to 2pm and from 2pm to 4pm.

Attendees have been encouraged to bring their own spare or saved seeds to share and swap with other growers. From the rare to the everyday varieties, this event helps promote biodiversity and by sharing seeds we are building a more resilient food system. Seed bank curator, Deirdre Morrissey explained the benefits associated with their work. “Growing your own food from seed is an amazing way to reduce your food costs and expend the right kind of energy, physical effort.

An added bonus is improved mental health from being outside working the soil and connecting with nature. The Annual Community Seed Exchange is the perfect opportunity to share the excitement of the emerging springtime by sharing any extra seeds you may have and if you don’t have any seeds saved yet, you are still very welcome to come get some”. As Ireland’s leading food crop conservation organization, Irish Seed Savers have been saving and sharing rare heirloom seed varieties for over thirty years. It is through seed sharing events that these rare seed varieties continue to thrive in local community gardens and allotments all around the country.

This is a ticketed event and we are urging everyone to purchase their tickets in advance via Eventbrite.ie. Tickets for non-supporters are €6.

Food by the East Clare Community Co-Op Garden Café will be available in the café from 12pm to 4pm.

Macalla an Chláir

le MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

An Clár as Gaeilge Teo

Togra Páirtnéireachta Forbairt Teanga Pobail do Chontae an Chláir

Tá an Carghas buailte linn / Lent is upon us!

DIA dhaoibh a Chairde!

Más duine cráifeach thú nó nach ea, is leithscéal iontach í aimsir an Carghais le dhuil ar an diet sin, nó tosaigh ar dheá-nós nua b’fhéidir. Dhéanfá go leor dul chun cinn i dhá fhichead lá. Chuirfeá feabhas ar do chuid Gaeilge nó ar theanga éigint eile, nó d’fhéadfá foghlaim cén chaoi uirlis cheoil nua a chasadh.

Éistigí le The West Wind/An Ghaoth Aniar chuile thráthnóna idir 7-9pm ar Clare FM áit a chloisfidh sibh mír speisialta ó

Thought for the week: A time to find God

Spreading the word of positivity

Imeachtaí/Events:

• Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

• Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, i gCill Iníne Baoith, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag

7.30pm

• Rith le Ruairí, chuile Dé Máirt ag

7.30pm, ag Local Motion, Inis

• Caint agus Comhrá, chuile Dé

Gluais/Glossary:

Dhiarmuid de Faoite faoi amhráin ó cheantair áirithe de Chondae an Chláir.

Bígí linn, join us, ag Halla Scoil an Teaghlaigh Naofa, an Dé Domhnaigh beag seo, this coming Sunday, ag 12pm don ÓCÁID IN AISCE / FREE EVENT seo le Stephen McGinley. Contact us at / Déan teagmháil linn: Fón: 065-6864474/ e-mail/rphost: anclarasgaeilge@gmail.com

Lean ar na meáin-shóisialta muid ag @ClárAsGaeilge, Twitter, Facebook agus Instagram. Until next week/Go dtí an tseachtain seo chugainn, tógaigí go réidh é!

WE LIVE in strange and chaotic times. As we look at the global landscape, we see war and violence, illness and grief, economic uncertainty and fear, injustice and polarization ruling the headlines and impacting each of our lives in some way. But during the season of Lent, we are given a reminder: even now, God says to us, “return to me with all your heart.” The spirituality and gospels of Lent ask us to find God in all things and to see all people, things, and circumstances as gifts that can bring us closer to God. So, yes, even now, even in the strange and chaotic state of the world we now live in, we are called to find God.

BACK ON TRACK

For me the season of Lent is an attitude of honesty and humility and a time where I reflect on where I find God in my life. Lent offers us a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we’ve done and failed to do, and

to be generous to those in need. But Lent is also an attitude of relief and joy, knowing that our sins have been forgiven, that we have the chance as Pope Francis said, “To get back on track” and that our slate has been wiped clean as we seek to serve our God with our lives. These next weeks of Lent are a time for us to look deep into our hearts, to think about our lives and how we have been living them. If people want to temporarily give up certain things for Lent as a sign of love for God, that’s fine. But what Christ is really concerned about is what’s in our hearts. Resolve this Lent to be emptied out, to make room in your heart and soul for God to bring about great work in you for the good of yourself and others especially those most in need in our world.

HELPING THE POOR

What I have found in reflecting on my life especially during times like Lent is that I find God in helping others. It might not be a big thing for everybody, but it changed me a lot. God gave me the dream to help the poor and those in need in our community and in our world. I realized that a dream is one thing, but trying to achieve it is another. From that day, I promised myself, whatever it may take, I will help lots of people to live in a more caring and loving world if I can. I am still doing my best to try and

do that but I need help and I need your help and at the end of the day, we all need one another’s help. It’s important to keep trying and not to quit. The serenity prayer has helped me greatly with that. I find God all the time when I am helping others in need. I would like everybody, if you see anybody who requires help, don’t just pass by. Try to give possible help to them. Maybe God sent you to help them.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, remember each one of us has a purpose and a place in the world. Each of us experiences pain, loss, sadness, joyfulness, love, hope and many other feelings. If we look more intently this Lent at the people we encounter on a typical day, we will see who they truly are, persons loved by God and an opportunity for us to love God in them. Regardless of appearance or situation, the woman, man, or child before you each of the days of our lives are brimming with holy possibility.

Consider that you are gazing into the eyes of God and understand that Jesus comes to us in many faces and places and it’s there we will find God in our lives. Let me leave you with this Lenten prayer for spiritual renewal that I like to pray - God, heavenly Father, look upon me and hear my prayer during this holy Season of Lent. By the

good works You inspire, help me to discipline my body and to be renewed in spirit. Without You I can do nothing. By Your Spirit help me to know what is right and to be eager in doing Your will. Teach me to find new life through penance. Keep me from sin, and help me live by Your commandment of love. God of love, bring me back to You. Send Your Spirit to make me strong in faith and active in good works. May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness, open my heart to Your love, and prepare me for the coming feast of the Resurrection of Jesus. Lord, during this Lenten Season, nourish me with Your Word of life and make me one with You in love and prayer. Fill my heart with Your love and keep me faithful to the Gospel of Christ. Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness. Give me new life by Your Sacraments, especially the Holy Mass. Father, our source of life, I reach out with joy to grasp Your hand; let me walk more readily in Your ways. Guide me in Your gentle mercy, for left to myself I cannot do Your Will. Father of love, source of all blessings, help me to pass from my old life of sin to the new life of grace. Prepare me for the glory of Your Kingdom. I ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

15 years on: the global crisis revisited

by

Heydemann

IN 2008, Ireland was hit by the global crash. 15 years on, The Clare Echo looks back on the months leading to the crash to see why it hit our Celtic Tiger society by surprise.

In 2007 and early 2008, many were quite confident about the economy, refusing to heed the warning about an impending crisis. The reason for this was most likely a majority of economic institutions and experts that continued to project confidence in the economy.

Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in Insomnia (Tesco), oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, Inis, 11am-12pm

• Scéalta agus Rannta le Chéile, chuile Dé Céadaoin i Leabharlann Shráid na Cathrach ó 10.30 – 11am, Saor in aisce / Free of charge

Irish/Gaeilge English/Béarla

For example, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) published its bi-annual medium term survey in May 2008. The Clare People reported that ESRI would be “extremely optimistic about the country’s prospects” and said that it predicted “a return to full employment within two years.” Bank of Ireland’s Chief Economist commented the report as follows: “It’s good to see medium term context and the report is timely. We are in a cycle and at the bottom of the cycle during 2008/9. We should be at the top of it by 2012.”

‘Keeping the faith’ was the title of a November 2007 article, in which the respected expert Jas Kalsi recommended to “keep faith in property investments”.

However, the then Mayor of Clare Patricia McCarthy (IND) predicted a “tricky tourism year” for 2008 while

noting the economic competition of Limerick. “Unless Clare fights back against the lure of Limerick’s shopping facilities, three-quarters of all the money spent on consumer goods will be gone across the border by 2013.”

Another issue concerning many people was the so-called Shannon Heathrow crisis. Aer Lingus was eliminating the route from Shannon to London. An article from Bernie English in November 2007 reported that further Aer Lingus cuts were ‘inevitable, and just days later, there were already official strikes taking place. The last Shannon-Heathrow flight left on January 13, 2008, after which more than 50 people were unemployed in one fell swoop. Hours after the final flight left for Heathrow, it was revealed the number of passengers using the service increased by more than 10,000 over the past year. In June 2008, Aer Lingus announced it would eliminate even more flights from Shannon.

The first article to really address the crisis is from December 2007, titled ‘Jobs drop starts to hit home’: “The recession has started to bite into Clare’s employment figures with a steady decline in the number of jobs on the Shannon Free Zone reaching crisis levels in recent weeks”, Gordon Deegan wrote.

“Thomson Financial and John Crane have recently announced combined job losses of 110. Employment Minister Michael Martin has confirmed that job

numbers have decreased from 7472 to 7188 in the years 2004 to 2006.”

In Jan 2008, there was more bad news according to the headline ‘Gloomy forecast for job creation in 2008’: “The new year is not holding out much promise on the jobs front, according to the latest Manpower employment outlook survey which shows that only three per cent of employers in the Munster region expect to increase their workforce in the next three months.”

An article from February 2008 titled ‘New year, old problems’ said that “The housing outlook for 2008 is not much changed from 2007 as it faces a tough start in an uncertain economic climate.”

By summer 2008, the writing was on the wall. A Clare People article from June stated: “It seems every day now there is more evidence to support previous claims that Ireland’s economy is in for a worse time than previously envisioned. The entire population is beginning to feel the effects of the Global Credit Crunch; huge oil and food prices hike. There is an overwhelming feeling of uncertainty gripping the country at present where inflation has jumped again this month to 4.7 per cent from 4.2 per cent (…) Unemployment has also increased to 207,300, which is up by 19,400 since March.” Three months after those lines were written, Lehman Brothers collapsed and the peak of the crisis was reached.

Tobias

transition year student, Mountshannon

'Referee didn't cost us game'

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2, RD3

Clare 0-15 Kildare 0-16

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

KILDARE:

Frees for: 19 (11/8)

Wides: 4 (1/3)

Spread of scorers: 8

Scores from play: 0-09

Top scorer: Jimmy Hyland (0-04 4f) and Neil Flynn (004 2f)

Yellow Cards: Robert Houlihan (10), Darragh Kirwan (56), Jimmy Hyland (65)

Red: Ben McCormack (49)

Own kickouts won: 16 from 20 (80%)

REFEREE: David Murnane (Cork)

CLARE:

Frees for: 21 (10/11)

Wides: 5 (4/1)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 0-08

Top scorer: Eoin Cleary (008 6f)

Yellow Cards: Manus Doherty (30), Dermot Coughlan (36), Ikem Ugwueru (65)

Black Cards: Alan Sweeney (20), Stephen Ryan (72)

Own kickouts won: 17 from 20 (85%)

MANAGER COMMENT “

“I could see what was coming from a long way off. It wasn’t the reverse (of the Louth game), we should have won that game comfortably, okay we snatched it at the end but we were totally dominant in that game, we had a load of shots on goal but the radar was off. This was a game we could have won no question but it’s ourselves that lost the game not that Kildare won it”.

“Everything is fixable but what we did there in that second half is complete football suicide, that is all it was. You could see it was going to happen”.

“To be brutally honest, the referee was not the cause of us losing the game, we lost the game ourselves one hundred percent, we’ve no

referee to blame for that”. “We were going crazy on the line, it was exactly the direct opposite of what we wanted them to do, I’d be very interested to see where this came from”.

“When Ben (McCormack, Kildare forward) got sent off it seemed to be the signal for us to do stupid stuff, that was it. The first half was excellent, five turnovers and really the type of football you want to be playing, Ben’s sending off seemed to be the signal for us to play stupid”.

“We just went into our shell when it happened instead of attacking Kildare and keep going after the result, it’s done now, that’s it, we have to get ready for Saturday night”.

MANAGER COMMENT “

Glenn Ryan, Kildare:

“Clare did something very similar to Louth here in their first game, you’re always very conscious of that, there’s always the opportunities there. It was a stiff breeze, it allowed us to push up with the Clare goalkeeper kicking against that significant wind, it created

opportunities from us to kick from further out, it was great to get the two points in the end.

“Whether it was drifting away from us or not I’m not sure, maybe Clare were playing the better football than us, sometimes sendings off can disrupt the flow

of a game, I think it did from a Clare perspective. We were finding it hard to deal with their running game in the first half and the second half, maybe with the extra man their priority wasn’t going forward but we had enough to worry about without worrying about Clare. Our lads started playing more direct but showed

PLAYER WATCH

the greater hunger around the middle of the field for the scraps on the ground, we managed in comparison to the first half a lot more turnovers in the tackle which gave us a platform going forward.

Clare Ladies do it 'the hard way'

LADIES FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 3, RD4

Clare 2-11 Offaly 1-13

Venue: Clara, Offaly

Compiled by Derek Dormer

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 13 (5/8)

Wides: 9 (3/6)

Scores from play: 2-9

Spread of scorers: 3

Top scorer: Fidelma Marrinan (1-5 2f)

Own kickouts won: 14 from 22 (64%)

OFFALY Frees for: 27 (12/15)

Wides: 8 (5/3)

Scores from play: 1-10

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Emma Hand (1-4 1f)

Bookings: Roisin Mealiff (56)

Own kickouts won: 18 from 22 (82%)

REFEREE: Aaron Clogher (Roscommon)

MANAGER COMMENT

Wayne Freeman, Clare:

"We just can't put our finger on why the second halves in matches have been so poor. We were seven points up and looked to be in control. What was most disappointing

was how defensively open we were at times. Maybe there was some complacency there which there never really should be.

We have structures for basic work rate and defending and at times we got involved in a running all out attacking game which suited Offaly.

“There are green shoots in every performance. The last kick out where we worked the ball out was brilliant and relieved the pressure at a crucial time. Maybe we just like doing things the hard way! "Chloe was closer to goal today. It worked well, we just couldn't get her on enough ball. We changed a few things today but we should never throw away a seven point lead. We have to improve our game management and with experience we will.

"Today was all about getting the three points. I know it's a cliche but winning is a habit. One or two other results have gone our way so we are right in the mix. We are so looking forward to playing in Cusack Park now against Down. The pitch will suit us. It's a wide open field. We love to attack and Cusack Park is made for attacking football."

PICTURED: Lizzy Roche holds off Nicole Farrelly

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Colm Collins, Clare:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Clare goalkeeper Stephen Ryan is dispossessed in additional time

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

'Very pleasing' win for Carmody

NATIONAL CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 1A, RD1

Clare 2-07 Kilkenny 0-11

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 14 (5/9)

Wides: 8 (4/4)

Spread of scorers: 7

Scores from play: 2-06

Top scorer: Áine O’Loughlin

(1-01) & Caoimhe Carmody

(1-01)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 12 from 17 (71%)

REFEREE: Ray Kelly (Kildare)

KILKENNY

Frees for: 8 (5/3)

Wides: 6 (3/3)

Spread of scorers: 6

Scores from play: 0-08

Top scorer: Denise Gaule (0-04 3f)

Bookings: Katie Power (61)

Own puckouts won: 14 from 17 (82%)

MANAGER COMMENT “

“What pleased me most is that Kilkenny came out, they had the four point lead wiped out in five minutes, we were thinking they could push on but we knew we had the players on the bench to come in and freshness to it and by God we got that impact. Once Orlaith Duggan and Linda Daly came in, that’s no disrespect to girls who

came off and had put in a huge shift, but we got the lift from the bench coming in. We learned from last year’s experiences where we drew games and lost games by a point when we didn’t push on and win games, that was the most pleasing aspect is that we really dominated the last twenty minutes into the breeze. We made

plenty mistakes and if we can eliminate them going to Cork we will be in with a shout in that game.

“When you’re playing the All-Ireland champions who came with a fullstrength team if you’re not going to match them on the breaking ball you will not be in the game so we

were very conscious with that, we were delighted with the intensity the girls brought to it, delighted they stuck to the gameplan when the game was beginning to go against us, we worked the ball through the lines and worked some good scores, scores were hard to come

by but the scores we got were quality scores. All in all, it’s a very pleasing win. The All-Ireland champions coming to Cusack Park and great for the girls to get to play in front of the crowd, I think the crowd got behind our girls in the last ten minutes and it certainly played a

factor, those are the margins. I want to compliment Deirdre Murphy for allowing us in here today and the use of the facilities, we’re thrilled to play in this environment with a crowd filling in, a good experience and they will grow for us.

“We have to recover well now and we’ll be full of confidence going to Cork, we don’t fear Cork. The camogie Division 1 is a fantastic product, that game came down to the wire, I’d encourage supporters to come and see the games, the quality and these players are role models, they are professional athletes almost, five days a week and the sacrifice they make to wear the county jersey, they are a credit to future generations of Clare players, hopefully we will get a decent crowd the next time we play here, I think it’s Dublin on the 22nd of March before Clare play Limerick in the football.

“Ladies sport is on the rise, thankfully we’ve a great County Board behind us, it’s coming together with the GAA Board and we’re a step ahead with the integration in Clare”.

David Russell joins Doonbeg senior football management

EX-CLARE footballer, David Russell has joined the management of the Doonbeg senior side.

Russell, a two-time Clare SFC winner with St Senan’s Kilkee, who now resides in Doonbeg joins their management for the coming season. He had been involved in the Kilmurry Ibrickane management for the past two years and prior to

this had managed Cooraclare.

John Keane remains as manager this year with former players Kieran O’Mahony, Padraig Gallagher and Conor Whelan also continuing as members of the management team. Gallagher, Whelan and Russell lined out beside each other for the county senior footballers.

Shane McNamara, who had been

S&C coach, is not involved with the club this year as he has emigrated.

Pitted against Kilmurry Ibrickane, Clondegad and Ennistymon in Group 3 last year, the Magpies failed to record a win, losing their games by three, one and two points respectively.

They defeated St Joseph’s Miltown 2-19 1-16 in a relegation play-off to

consolidate their senior status.

Incidentally John Keane’s brother Pakie, now a resident in Lissycasey, is part of the Lissycasey management team this year. He is a former chairman of the Lissycasey club and filled that position when Lissycasey won their only senior championship title, back in 2007.

Clondegad have appointed a

new management for 2023. Dermot Gavin takes over from Martin Brennan.

Dermot’s backroom team will include former Éire Óg player Robert Ford and former Clondegad player Colm Quinlivan as coaches, club chairman Keith McNamara and former chairman Joe Hehir as selectors and Mike Weaving.

Darragh Leahy scores a header

Photo by Joe Buckley

John Carmody, Clare:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

PICTURED: Abby Walsh receives her final instructions from Clare manager John Carmody before her introduction. Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Munster champion Fitzgibbon success for Clare

SEVEN CLARE hurlers have claimed Fitzgibbon Cup medals as part of the victorious University of Limerick panel.

UL claimed back to back titles defeating the University of Galway 4-19 1-13 in a one-sided decider played in Waterford.

Scariff’s Mark Rodgers was Vice Captain of the UL side, he scored 0-02 from play. Mike Gough of Smith O’Briens was introduced at corner back with forty four minutes on the clock. They collect their second Fitzgibbon Cup medals alongside Clarecastle’s Cian Galvin, he was wing back for UL in 2022 but didn’t see game-time in Saturday’s final.

Galvin’s clubmate Killian McDermott was sprung from the bench in the closing moments, he replaced Rodgers who started the game at corner forward.

Patrick Crotty from Scariff was a substitute for Brian Ryan’s side, he previously captained the college’s Freshers Hurling team to All-Ireland glory. Wolfe Tones’ Dar-

ragh Lohan had been part of the UL defence during the Senior League but has been out of action since sustaining an injury for the Clare senior hurlers during the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League.

Clonlara’s Colm O’Meara also formed part of the UL panel, the defender was part of the UL intermediate side that won the Munster championship on Wednesday, his clubmates Paraic O’Loughlin and David Fitzgerald also were involved.

Darren O’Brien, a forward with the Éire Óg senior hurlers and ex member of Brian Lohan’s county panel captained University of Galway, their semi-final win over UCC which went to extra time was played in Gurteen on Thursday.

Full-forward Michael Kiely who is part of Davy Fitzgerald’s Waterford side scored four goals in the final, netting his hat-trick in the opening half, they led by 3-07 0-09 at the interval.

Owner of the year award for Cummins

by MICHAEL MAHER

NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS’ Myles Cummins has been named as owner of the year by the Limerick & Clare Greyhound Owners & Breeders Association. Snuggie Archie, Shug Avery and Snuggie Rangers were just some of the dogs owned by Cummins to have recorded success in Limerick across 2022.

Meanwhile, Wednesday night saw Galway Greyhound Stadium host its first ever dedicated Student Race Night with six races down for decision and despite the inclement weather a fantastic crowd was in attendance.

The Pat Hogan of Ennis-owned Aulton Lulu recorded her second career success in race 3 which was an A7 graded contest as the daughter of Skywalker Rafa and Rylane Dubh led off the home bend before drawing clear to score by four lengths from Ballygibbon Gift in 29.94.

Racing towards the opening bend in race four for this A6 graded contest, Erril Sue led by over a length from Cragbrien Sydney with Burnpark Patsy in third place as they entered the back straight. Racing down the back straight, the Maria Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Patsy came through along the inner to lead approaching halfway. Approaching the penultimate corner the daughter of Pat C Sabbath and Burnpark Leanne took command and stayed on well to defeat Cragbrien Sydney by a length and a half in 29.81.

Race five was an A5 graded contest where Returning Hero and Ballyfort Lulu both came away smartly. Turning down the back the Jacob Ward of Spanchill owned Returning Hero went out front, and from halfway the son of Kinloch Brae and Brookville Dash began to extend his advantage as he stayed on powerfully to defeat Ballyfort Lulu and Abigails Logan by nine and a half lengths in 29.36.

The feature event on Friday was the A2 graded eighth contest over 525 yards and from traps all six runners were well enough away. With the benefit of the inside line at the turn, the Mathew Harte trained Jumeirah Champo led Abigails Hope by over two lengths down the back. Rounding the bend things began to tighten up but the well-known country and western singer Jimmy Buckley owned Jumeirah Champo dug deep in the straight to prevail by a length in 29.44.

The Thomas Keane of Kilmihil owned Glynnscross Liz made it three wins from her three career starts in the A4 graded sixth contest as despite missing the kick slightly the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Glynnscrosstyler muscled her way through along the rails at the opening bend on her way to a three and a half length success over So Its Wild in 29.62. .

Maria Browne had more reason to cheer when Burnpark Ronaldo recorded his sixth career success in the S2 graded 350 yards contest as he lead at the opening before drawing clear to defeat Flyers Magu by four and three quarter lengths in 19.34.

The opening contest on Saturday night was an A6 graded affair and following a pretty level break the Seamus McMahon of Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Sox broke rank to lead on the run towards the opening bend from Springwell Honey on the outside and Waynflete Star along the rails. Racing down the back Lissatouk Sox opened up a three length advantage on his rivals and he eased home six and a half lengths in 29.63.

The S7 sprint contest was taken by the Thomas Keane owned Glynnscross Phil in 19.58 while trainer Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge was in the winners enclosure following the A5 graded contest as the Sean Hayesowned Miss Scion just lasted home by a rapidly diminishing neck from Tessie Teabag in 29.48.

l Ryan Crotty, U13 Division 2 singles winner of the Munster Closed competition, from An Droichead badminton club

Ennis RFC celebrates its

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

DETAILS of a packed programme of events to mark the centenery of Ennis Rugby Club were revealed at the launch of Ennis RFC 100 which took place in the council chamber at Clare County Council last Wednesday afternoon.

Congratulating the club on reaching 100 years, Clare County Council CEO Pat Dowling welcomed club officials past and present to the official launch.

“It’s great to be talking about rugby in the council chamber of Clare County Council as there is many a battle in this room," he said. "It's great to be celebrating 100 years, it’s a fantastic achievement. The boys in green are flying high right now and we are all looking forward to a grand slam."

Councillor Anne Norton, Mayor of Clare and Councillor Clare Colleran-Molloy, Mayor of Ennis, both extended their congratulations to the club.

Congratulations were also extended to the club by Munster Rugby President, Ger McNamara. “Rugby is not all about winning”, he told the gathering. “It’s like a small parish where community is important”, he added.

The Munster official went on to commend Ennis Rugby Club for its succesfull youth structure, adding "your underage section is outstanding”.

Former club President Brian Considine recalled some of the highlights of the club’s development and he paid particular tribute

to the work of the founders.

Recalling a quotation he had heard some years previous which was “if you always do

what you always did, you will always get what you always got”, he said.

“Back in 1923 a group of young men

came together and decided to do something different and as a result of that we are now celebrating one hundred years”, the life long member said.

“Hurling was the thing when I was growing up in Frances Street and I had never heard of rugby until I visited the Queens Hotel which was the unofficial clubhouse of Ennis RFC. I was hooked,” he said.

He went on to pay particular tribute to “the people who have led the various developments over the years” and he paid particular tribute to Aidan Deegan for starting the underage section.

He also paid tribute to the people responsible for the purchase and development of the club grounds and he recalled the various fundraising events such as the rugby celebrity golf classic and the fashion shows which were organised to raise the necessary funds.

Continuing, the long-time club official said, "The club wasn’t just an Ennis club. It was always open to people from around the county” and he expressed confidence that the club’s history, which will be published later this year, will reflect the great progress made by the club over the years.

The club will lead the upcoming St Patrick’s Day parade and they are confident that they will have a big turnout of all age groups from minis to adults.

An end of season party and BBQ will take place in April/May and the club will hold a golf classic on May 27/28 at Ennis Golf Club. The club history book will be launched in

Ennis Rugby Club celebrating 100 years

Ennis Rugby Club celebrating 100 years

100th year

the summer when there will be a memorabilia exhibition at the Clare Museum. A Munster interpro game is also planned

to take place in the club during the Autumn while many charity events are also being planned.

l (opposite page); Ciara Clohessy, Orna Moynihan, Lyndsay Clarke and Grainne Burke of Ennis Rugby Club Photo by Natasha Barton; (above) Ben Quin in action for the Ennis RFC senior team this season during a Munster Junior Cup game

Photo by Joe Buckley

'A very exciting time for the club' says President Hallahan

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

ACCORDING to the president of Ennis rugby club, Dermot Hallahan “the foundation of Ennis rugby club is almost in parallel with the foundation of the state".

"It’s a very historic time and it speaks for the efforts of those that went before us. We are trying to reflect on and acknowledge that over the next twelve months”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo just prior to the launch of the club’s centenary celebrations last week, he said “we have a number of events planned for the year ahead and we are hoping to have a really big presence at the St. Patrick’s Day parade".

"A couple of our players will be presenting the concept of rugby as part of Seachtain na Gaeilge. Our own senior team will represent the country at an amateur rugby World Cup festival in France in September. There is a lot happening and it’s an exciting time to be involved”, he said.

In addition to planning for the centenery celebrations, Dermot noted that the day to day running of the club continues with many teams playing weekly.

“We are in the thick of the playing season at this stage. This is the time where various play-offs are being decided. The 14s, 16s, the 18s are all competitive sides and they are there or thereabouts and we will know in the next week or two who progresses further. The

women’s teams are also doing well and you are trying to keep pace with so many results and so many different teams and then you

go down to the minis and there are numbers there from under 7s to under 12s”, accordig to the president.

He paid tribute to the volunteers who are working with the various club teams. “In each of those grades you are looking at half a dozen people involved in varying degrees at every age grade. When you do the maths from under 7 all the way up to adult you have 60 plus people giving of their time for the betterment of others”.

Continuing, he said “the values are very important, the basic stuff of respect, sportsmanship, enjoyment. That’s the kind of message we want to get out there. The elite level we all watch and we enjoy but rugby is a sport for everyone. That’s reflected in our playing base as we have players from North, East, West and South Clare, so we have big a very big catchment area and we are glad that we can provide the facility.”

The club is proud of the fact that they have provided players to a number of Munster teams. “We are fortunate that we have had

players represent the club at the various development squads and representative grades through 16’s and 18’s. The Munster junior team is the pinnacle for Munster junior rugby and we have a long tradition of people who have represented the club at this level. That is something we are very proud of and each of those people should be proud of that also," the president added.

“Our 18’s won the double last year for the first time in our history and that challenge is there for them this year. We are fielding two competitive teams at 18 level this year. Our junior team are awaiting details of the Munster junor bowl having bowed out to Nenagh in the junior cup”, he said

“When we see people like Ethan Coughlan and Tony Butler who have represented the club going on, we want all of our players to be playing at the greatest standard that their capabilities allow but we would, of course, like to have them continue playing for Ennis”, he concluded.

Ennis Rugby Club celebrating 100 years

l (left) Tony Butler, Munster Rugby; Ann Norton, Leas Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council; Clare Colleran Molloy, Mayor Ennis Municipal District; Dermot Hallahan, President of Ennis Rugby Club and Ethan Coughlan, Munster Rugby

Photo by Natasha Barton (above) Ethan Coughlan in his Ennis playing days lined out for Munster in the United Rugby Championship last weekend

Photo by Helen McQuillan

Brendan Foley recalls battles against Ennis

by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Former Munster and Ireland player Brendan Foley, Killaloe this week recalled pl\ying against Ennis at junior level.

Speaking to The Clare Echo after the launch of the Ennis club’s centenary celebration activities the Munster rugby vice president said “I played with St. Mary’s from Limerick and we played Ennis, not sure if it was a league game or the cup and a man that I played against many times, big John Madigan was playing. It was a lovely day. He was playing in runners which was unusual at the time. I was competing against him for a number of years after that. We were competing against each other for a place with Munster”.

Brendan went on to recall

“when I moved to Murroe after getting married I was roped into helping Newport and they wound up playing Ennis in the junior cup. A fine Ennis side beat Newport that day”.

The Munster official recalled

the Ballina-Killaloe club and we used to have matches with the Ennis underage teams on a regular basis. Ennis had planty of players, a good club. They are b ringing a lot of players through now and they have a lot of girls coming through.

being “invited to a few dinner dances held by the Ennis club when Moss Keane and myself had a couple of good nights at these functions”

Brendan added “in latter years a few of us were involved with

I was the under 18 game in Dublin last week and Munster had three Clare girls.”. Continuing he said “its good to see rugby improving and Ennis are producing some very good players such as Tony Butler and Ethan Coughlan. Ethan is with Shannon at the minute and I have seen him play a few times this year”.

l (left) Brendan Foley, former Irish international and father of the late Anthony Foley with Gerry Norton, father of Mayor Ann Norton Photo by Natahsa Barton; (above) Nicolis Roos celebrates scoring a try with his teammates in last year's Bank of Ireland Munster U16 Cup Final at Musgrave Park INPHO/Ryan Byrne; (below) the Ennis RFC men's XV mark the club's centenery earlier this season

Photo by Joe Buckley

PLANNING

CLARE CO COUNCIL CAPPADUFF, MOUNTSHANNON, CO CLARE.

Permission is sought to construct a dwelling house, domestic garage, entrance, bored well, effluent treatment system including all ancillary site works and services at above address. Applicants, Liz Dooley

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LEITRIM, CREE, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Paul Conway Architects, Knockbrack, Ennistymon intend to apply to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council on behalf of Maura Conway for planning permission for development at Leitrim, Cree, Kilrush, Co. Clare

The development will consist of the construction of a 68sqM single storey Granny Flat Extension and shared link to the existing two storey dwelling, with associated site works.

That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on

payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROW, CARHUE, COORACLARE, CO CLARE, V15FX95

Take notice that Thomas and Imy Breen intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to extend dwelling house at the above address. The planning authority may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five (5) weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the 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, KNOCKLISCRANE, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Further Information / Revised Plans

Planning Ref: P22/876

Development Description: Planning permission to construct a new dwelling house with private garage, site entrance, on-site wastewater treatment system and all other associated site works at the above address.

Location: Knockliscrane, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Take notice that Seanie & Orlagh Malone have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/876. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RINELEA, TUBBER, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie.

Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of David & Claire Balfe for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage, bored well, waste-water treatment system and soil polishing filter together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation

LICENCE APPLICATION

in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYLANNIDY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Further Information / Revised

Plans

Planning Ref: P22/263

Development Description:

Permission for a development which will consist of the following (a) 16 No. dwelling houses in total consisting of 2.No. detached two storey dwelling houses and 14. No. semi-detached two storey dwelling houses (b) all ancillary site development works and connections to public services

Location: Ballylannidy, Ennis, Co. Clare

Take notice that Darvin Trading Company Ltd has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/263. This information and 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 5 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL,

AN CHUIRT CHUARDA (THE CIRCUIT COURT) SOUTH WESTERN CIRCUIT COUNTY OF CLARE IN THE MATTER OF THE LICENSING ACTS 1833 – 2011 AND IN THE MATTER OF THE COURTS (SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS) ACT 1961 AND IN THE MATTER OF SECTION 2 OF THE LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1902 AS AMENDED BY SECTION 23 OF THE INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT, 1960 AND IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION BY BRIAN LYNCH APPLICATION

TAKE NOTICE that Brian Lynch whose place of abode is Lisroe, Kilmaley in the County of Clare, intends to apply to the Circuit Court sitting at The Courthouse, Ennis in the County of Clare on the 3rd April, 2023 at 10.30 am in the morning or on such day thereafter as this Application may be taken in its order in the Court List for such Certificate as is mentioned in Section 5 of the Licensing (Ireland) Act, 1833 entitling and enabling the said Applicant to obtain an Excise Licence (commonly called an Ordinary Seven Day Publican’s On Licence) to sell intoxicating liquor for consumption on and off the premises known as “BOGDALE HOUSE” and situate at Lisroe, Kilmaley in the County of Clare which said premises are more particularly described on the plans and drawings accompanying this Application.

Dated this 16th February, 2023.

Signed: Brian Lynch Applicant

Cahir & Co

Solicitors for the Applicant

36 Abbey Street Ennis, Co. Clare

To: The County Registrar Courts Service Office First Floor, The Courthouse Ennis, Co. Clare.

To: The Superintendent of the Garda Sìochàna Garda Station, Ennis, Co. Clare

To: The Judge of the District Court c/o/ the District Court Clerk Courts Service Office, First Floor, The Courthouse Ennis Co. Clare

To: The Chief Fire Officer, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare

LACKAMORE, LAHINCH, CO CLARE

Take notice that P. & J. Frawley intend to apply to the Planning Authority for retention permission of site boundaries at variance with that granted under planning reference P07-845 at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TOOR, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Further Information / Revised

Plans

Planning Ref: P22/741

Development Description:

Permission to construct a dwelling house, garage, proprietary wastewater treatment system and ancillary site works.

Location: Toor, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare

Take notice J.Organ has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/741. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further

information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LEADMORE, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Kevin Murphy & Gemma O’Connor are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

2 OLD MILITARY BARRACKS, KILRUSH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Jade Brigdale intends to apply to the planning authority for permission of a back garden log cabin to be used for commercial reasons, as a hair salon. That the planning application may be inspected, or

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MUNNIA, BURREN, COUNTY CLARE

Breda Joyce intends to apply for permission for works at Munnia, Burren, County Clare. The development will consist of The construction of a domestic shed – gym for use ancillary to the existing dwelling house together with all associated site works.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority at the Planning Office, Clare County Council, Áras Contae, New road, Ennis, County Clare during office hours 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of a fee of €20.00, within the 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.

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT S.I. NO. 174 OF 2009 NO. 68.3

LICENSING ACT (IRELAND) 1874, SECTIONS 9 AND 10

INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 2008, SECTIONS 6, 7 AND 8

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE FOR A NEW WINE

RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE

DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 Donal Garrihy Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Donal Garrihy of Boherboy, Doolin, Doolin, Clare intends to apply to the Court at Ennis District Court on the 22 Mar 2023 at 10:30 for a certificate to hold a WINE RETAILER’S OFF-LICENCE in respect of the premises situate at Aran View Filing Station, Boherbue, Doolin, Clare, . in court area and district aforesaid.

Dated this 14 Feb 2023

Signed Hassett Considine LLP

Solicitor for Applicant

Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare

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

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

PRINTING

St. Patricks Day

Now taking orders for Banners, Flags, Props, Signs, Selfie Frames, Stickers & Flyers.

PERSONAL ASSISTANT

Anniversary Prayer Thanksgiving

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

Oh, Star of the sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth! I humbly beseech from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity.

There are none who can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3x).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3x). Amen

Christy SHANNON (6th Anniversary)

In Loving Memory of a dear father, father-inlaw, grandfather,great grandfather, brotherin-law, uncle, friend & Scouter, Christy, of 86 Hermitage Ennis, who died on the 21st February 2017. As we sit here with our memories, we think of days gone by, of times we had together, our ups, our downs, our joys. The home you left is lonely now and we are lonely too, those left behind are good and kind but no one replaces you. If we could visit heaven on this your special day, maybe for a moment our pain would go away. Rest in peace dear loved one and thanks for all you’ve done we pray that God has given you, the crown you’ve truly won. Will those who think of Christy today, a little prayer to Jesus say Sadly missed by your loving family.

Anniversary Mass in the Cathederal on Saturday 25th February at 6.30 pm

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

Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Mount Carmel for having granted my petition.

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.

Oh, Star of the sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth! I humbly beseech from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There are none who can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3x).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3x). Amen

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

Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Mount Carmel for having granted my petition.

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the son of God; Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. Oh, Star of the sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth! I humbly beseech from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity.

There are none who can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3x).

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (3x). Amen

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

Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Our Lady of Mount Carmel for having granted my petition.

Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary Our Lady of Mount Carmel for all favours received with Grateful thanks. N.H

The Clare Echo Quiz

1 . How many times has Clare been in the final of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship?

a. Three times

b. Five times

c. Seven times

2 . How many times has Clare won a final?

a. 3 times

b. 4 times

c. 5 times

3 . When was the first time Clare won a final?

a. 1914

b. 1923

c. 1934

4 . And when was the last time Clare won a final (so far)?

a. 1997

b. 2002

c. 2013

5 . What is Clare’s place on the rank of counties that have won the most finals?

a. 5th

b. 8th

c. 12th

6 . How many times has Clare been in the final of the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship?

a. One time

b. Two times

c. Never

7 . How many of the 38 players in the Irish national rugby union team are from Munster?

a. 8 (a)

b. 11

c. 15

8 . How many times has the ROI men’s national soccer team participated in a World Cup?

a. Three times

b. Four times

c. Five times

9 . How many times has the ROI women’s national soccer team participated in a World Cup?

a. Two times

b. Three times

c. Never

10 . What kind of sport is the most popular in Ireland in terms of support and attendance?

a. Hurling

b. Gaelic Football

c. Soccer

By Tobias Heydemann

Spot the Difference

Can you spot the 7 differences

l QUESTION 1: How many times has Clare been in the final of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship?

Last weeks answers

. Writing missing on screen (top right)

. The letter ‘L’ missing in ‘Ireland’s Hotel Group’

. A gold line missing going under writing

across the screen . shoes different colour . line missing on floor

Coláiste Muire team wins 22 medals in the Munster Schools Swimming Championships

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Feb 23rd

Best Daily Word Search: 20 February 2023

HOW TO PLAY

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

The Clare Echo Crossword

February 2023

not too coffee

ACROSS

1. Wonderful(10)

7. First letters(8)

8. Cab(4)

9. Wet thoroughly(4)

10. Erudite(7)

12. Amused(11)

14. Bunch of flowers(7)

16. Second-hand(4)

19. The Orient(4)

20. Broken down, worn out(8)

21. Dramatist(10)

DOWN

1. Collieries(5)

2. Withdraw(7)

3. Dutch cheese(4)

4. Nevada city famed for casinos(3,5)

5. Express in speech(5)

6. Stretch out(6)

11. Amiable(8)

12. Self-centred person(6)

13. Savings(4,3)

15. Game bird(5)

17. Float along(5)

18. Mark left by wound(4)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS