The Clare Echo 23/03/23

Cancer shock for Clare woman on day preganancy was confirmed

A CLARE MOTHER of two found out she was pregnant with her third child on the same day she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day takes place this Friday (March 24th) and a Clare women currently undergoing treatment is

encouraging people to support this in any way possible.

Late last year, Ciara Jones was diagnosed with breast cancer and discovered she was four weeks pregnant, all on the same day. She is now twenty six weeks pregnant and undergoing treatment, she will have one more session of chemotherapy before the baby is induced

at 36 weeks and then her chemotherapy will recommence at four weeks postpartum.

l Clare Echo photographer Joe Buckley is joined by his grandson Cillian Bailie on St Patrick’s Day in Shannon, where Joe was selected as Grand Marhsall of the Parade

Photo by Keith Buckley

Host carers needed for Disability Home Share Short Breaks service

Home Share Short Breaks, a community based service enables people to give children and adults with disabilities fun and enjoyable breaks away from their normal home environment and, in turn, gives families respite from continual caring.

Disability services across the Mid-West are now appealing for hosts across Clare to open their doors for a day or weekend in 2023. Breaks can be for a couple of hours, overnight,

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

weekends, or even longer and each break is arranged around the person’s preference and each host carer’s preferences and availability. Making the call for new host carers, Catherine O’ Sullivan Avista Home Share Coordinator in Limerick and Tipperary said: “Host caring is practiced widely within the Mid-West and has been described as a most worthwhile experience by those who are already providing care in their home. The

feedback we receive from host carers is extremely positive. For some, it is a way of giving back to society and for others, it has given them a real understanding of the struggles that families dealing with disability face daily.

“The benefits are twofold. Host carers feel really fulfilled from the joy they derive from sharing their home with someone new and giving those being cared for, the opportunity to experience a new environment and meet new people.”

Outlining the process involved becoming a host carer, Karen Downes from the Brothers of Charity Home Share service in Co. Clare stated: “It’s a very simple but thorough process. All it involves is an initial phone call or email and we will take it from there. As with all services of this nature, there is a thorough assessment process to safeguard both the host carer and the person being cared for.

“All host families require Garda, TUSLA, and medical clearance, and references. Whilst previous caring experience is not a requirement, we do need some reassurance that the person is caring, empathetic and that they have discussed the option with their own families.

“Home Share training and support is provided, and host carers are matched with each child or adult looking to avail of a short break. All host carers will be renumerated for stays.”

Ann Norton, from Co. Clare has availed of the host carer service since her daughter Nicole, who is now 25, was a child and has been linked with the same host carer throughout those years.

“Nicole is 25, she has cerebral palsy, she is visually impaired and has some speech impairment but that has never stopped her doing what she wants to do. I chose host caring as I knew I needed extra support from someone other than our family and it has been such a wonderful experience. Nicole is a big part of her host caring family’s lives, she was flower girl at her host carer Julia’s daughter’s wedding, their children have always treated Nicole as their older sister. It’s lovely to be a part of the Home Share family.”

If you or any member of your family is interested in finding out more, contact: homeshareclare@bocsi.ie or Contact Brothers Of Charity Home Share Coordinator Karen Downes on 087 9235130 for further information.

Chief Supt warns of huge sums lost in romantic fraud

A CLARE TD has said he is looking forward to acting as a witness for a court case later this year while the impact of romantic fraud has been flagged by the county’s Chief Superintendent, writes Páraic McMahon

Cathal Crowe TD (FF) has confirmed he will be testifying at a case in 2023. He claimed he will be a witness to an incident where a claimed “bogus tradesman” obtained money from an individual living in the county.

Speaking at a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Deputy Crowe commented, “I think it’s criminal to come up through someone’s passageway and through coercion take money from them”.

Chief Superintendent Colm O’Sullivan said that crimes to do with bogus tradesmen continue to occur within Clare. “Unfortunately it is something that happens, we’ve been highlighting it for a number of years but it continues to happen, if it seems too good to be true then there is something wrong, if someone calls to your door that you don’t know then don’t entertain them or don’t open your mouth”.

O’Sullivan stressed the need for the public to become more vigilant.

He asked the meeting how many of the persons present would leave €1000 sitting on the promenade in Lahinch or their own smart phone behind on a shop counter, “We’re creating opportunities for criminals but we need cooperation of communities to catch them”.

Reported case of fraud and economic crime have decreased in Clare by 43 per cent. In January 2021 there had been 378 reported cases of fraud and economic crime within the county, the number had dropped to 215 by December of last year.

Economic crime “hit Ireland quite hard during COVID,” Chief Supt O’Sullivan stated. He explained that vulnerable people have been target-

ed on dating apps whereby scenarios are created that a person they believe they have made a connection with asks for money to fly over and meet them in person, initial sums of €1000 have been paid to cover flights before further funds are sought to pay for VISAs.

He added, “People have lost between €40,000 to €60,000 and there are people that have lost €2000 to €3000 but the impact of the €2000 to €3000 could be their life savings. For some people, a loss of €5000 could be quite significant. A huge amount occurred in this region, the financial institutions will never contact or ask for your login details”.

lRESPITE: Nicole Norton (25) from Barefield, pictured with her host carer Julia Hayes from Newmarket on Fergus

l People are being targeted on dating apps

Taoiseach’s intervention sought for Greenway

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN INTERVENTION from the Taoiseach into “an ongoing impasse” at a section of an identified route for the Lough Derg Greenway project has been sought.

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) urged the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar (FG) to directly intervene on the claimed impasse at O’Briensbridge which has the potential to delay the greenway linking Limerick City and East Clare.

Stretching 43km, the Greenway is viewed as having massive tourism potential for East Clare. The Clare Echo understands that officials from Waterways Ireland will hold a meeting with ESB counterparts in early April in Ardnacrusha to try progress the scheme.

Ecological constraints along the River Shannon, Parteen Basin and Lough Derg have seen sections along the riverbanks and shorelines ruled out for inclusion in the Greenway.

Waterways Ireland, Clare County Council and Limerick City and County Council are currently engaged in the phase 2 option selection process. All reasonable feasible route corridors will be examined and their costs, benefits and effects on the environment will be interrogated to identify a preferred option, the Taoiseach outlined.

Discussions continue on the preferred route option but Deputy McNamara spoke of his concern at a potential “pinch-point” at O’Briensbridge. “Waterways Ireland has developed a greenway running from Dublin to Athlone. It will continue from Athlone to Galway, dipping south through Portumna, Woodford, Gort and Kinvara and across the Slieve Aughty mountains,” he said during Leader’s Questions.

Potential to walk or cycle along a greenway from Dublin to Kerry via east Clare was cited by Deputy McNamara as he referenced

Setback in €10m p/a legal row

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

CLARE Council Council has suffered a setback in its ongoing legal row with a private firm over its €10 million per annum Cliffs of Moher visitor centre business.

This follows the Court of Appeal overturning a High Court ruling that there had been an inexcusable delay in park and ride firm, Diamrem Ltd bringing court proceedings against the Council concerning the operation of the Council car-park that serves the world renowned visitor attraction.

As a result, Ms Justice Nuala Butler has directed that Diamrem promptly lodge a fresh Statement of Claim concerning its legal dispute with the Council.

Pre-Covid the Council owned Cliffs of Moher visitor operation generated annual revenues of €9.7 million with the bulk of income made from the car-park fees at the visitor attraction.

In the Court of Appeal judgement, Ms Justice Butler records how Diamrem purchased lands and constructed two Cliffs of Moher park and ride car parks for Liscannor and Doolin in 2010 and entered a contract with the council to operate the buses along these routes to serve the Cliffs of Moher.

This followed negotiations with the council about putting in place park and ride facilities.

the existing greenway, along the old Limerick to Kerry railway line, the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways and those under development.

“There is a pinch point, however, at O’Briensbridge,” added Deputy McNamara. “It is ironic, really, because it is a village that was effectively bypassed by the Shannon scheme. It is a beautiful village but one that needs investment and tourists coming into it as it would have had historically.

“That pinch point is the ESB and Parteen Weir, which is a fantastic project that I saw as recently as this morning. It is something to which tourists would flock.

“ The ESB has said that it cannot have a greenway with tourists going along its embankment. That may be the case. It may have legitimate concerns. If the civil engineering

capability existed 100 years ago to harness the River Shannon, the civil engineering capability exists now to overcome this minor point”.

He stated, “The ESB wants it to go elsewhere and obtain land through a CPO. That is not the Waterways Ireland approach. It is the ESB approach”,

In response to Deputy McNamara’s invitation to visit O’Briensbridge, the Taoiseach said he would be happy to do so.

The Taoiseach confirmed that the project is at phase 2 where technical advisers are examining options for a preferred route and undertaking extensive stakeholder engagement. “Proposals to allow the use of ESB lands for the greenway are currently being considered by the ESB and further meetings are envisaged”.

‘Holy Row’ over €25m hospital intensifies

THE ‘holy row’ between a Catholic diocese and St Flannan’s College in Ennis over plans by the diocese to sell off green space at the secondary school for a €25m HSE community hospital has intensified, writes Gordon Deegan

This follows College Principal, Fr Ignatius McCormack telling Clare Co Council that the college’s Board of Management is not in favour of the 100 bed hospital being built on St Flannan’s College grounds.

In its first public statement on the matter by way of a submission to the Council on behalf of the Board of Management, Fr McCormack has stated that “the board is of course well aware of the need for a suitable site for the proposed hospital, but respectfully suggests that other suitable sites, which do not cut across existing intensive use by a large pro-

portion of the youth of the area must be available.”

Fr McCormack goes on to state that “it surely cannot be the case that the provision of proper healthcare and the provision of sporting facilities for the youth of the area must be placed in conflict.” Fr McCormack said that the board of management “endorse the apprehension expressed by the planning authority that the scope of future expansion (of St Flannan's College) will be curtailed by the proposed development”. Pointing out that the playing pitches at St Flannan’s College are intensively used throughout the year, Fr McCormack stated that “the loss of a pitch is not something that can be easily absorbed without curtailing student sporting activity”.

Secretary to the Board of Management, Fr McCormack said, “A

soccer pitch developed at considerable expense, and which will be lost if the development proceeds, is used on a daily basis for the playing of matches and training.”

The intervention by the College Board of Management places it at loggerheads with the Bishop of Killaloe, Fintan Monahan who confirmed last month that the diocese intends to proceed with the land sale to facilitate the hospital development despite the opposition of teaching staff at the College. In January, staff at the college released a statement outlining their opposition to the hospital plan and now their views have been supported by the Retired Teachers of St Flannan’s College lodging a group objection to the planned hospital.

In a submission to the council with the names of 27 retired teachers attached, they state that

they "wholeheartedly support the present staff and board of management in their campaign to prevent the alienation of a portion of the college grounds".

Last month, Fr Albert McDonnell on behalf of the diocese’s property arm, the St Flannan’s (Killaloe) Diocesan Trust provided a letter lodged with the Council which stated that the Trust do not intend to use the planned hospital site for the future development of the school. Placing the diocese at odds with the St Flannan’s staff and board of Management, Fr McDonnell stated that “this area is on the periphery of the campus and in the event that the school requires expansion in the future, the Trust believes that there is ample space in the remaining lands for this to occur”.

A decision is due on the application next month.

However, Diamrem state that it was unable to operate its Park and Ride business on an economic basis because the Council continues to operate its own large 480 space car park at the Cliffs of Moher.

Diamrem claim that the continued use of the car-park is unauthorised and Ms Justice Butler stated that needless to say, the Council “does not agree with this characterisation of events”.

Crucially, Ms Justice Butler says, the Council contend that the provision of Park and Ride facilities was not a condition of the 2002 grant of planning permission for the visitor centre.

Ms Justice Butler said that “these disputed facts have already given rise to three sets of litigation” with Diamrem issuing its first set of proceedings in 2016.

The judge records that during the timeframe, Diamrem lodged four separate Freedom of Information (FOI) requests with the Council seeking to ascertain the profits made by the Council from its Cliffs of Moher operation.The Council refused all FOI requests on the basis that the information was commercially sensitive and/or prejudicial to the outcome of negotiations. On Diamrem’s successful review to the Office of the Information Commissioner, the Council was directed to grant access to the records.

Ms Justice Butler records, “Somewhat surprisingly, notwithstanding the decision of the Commissioner on the first review on 14 June 2018, the respondent continued to refuse subsequent requests made in July 2018, August 2018 and February 2019 on the same grounds.”

The Council launched an appeal to the High Court against the first decision of the Commissioner but withdrew that appeal before it was heard in January 2019.

As part of the three judge Court of Appeal ruling on Diarmrem’s successful appeal, Ms Justice Butler has awarded costs against the Council.

Ms Justice Butler has made an order awarding Diarmrem’s costs of the appeal to include the costs of the High Court and an order setting aside all of the other Costs Orders made by the High Court.

Clare Youth Service showcased at European Social Fund Plus launch

Gardaí ‘tied up at courts amid scarcity’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“SCARCE” Garda resources have not been aided by the amount of officers “tied up at the courts all day,” a South-East Clare elected representative has said.

Garda recruitment, retention and resources were debated at the most recent sitting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) with the matter brought into focus by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF).

Referencing the amalgamation of the Clare and Tipperary Garda Divisions, Cllr O’Callaghan remarked, “nationally we’re seeing massive problem of recruitment”. He added, “if we can’t get numbers in what is the alternative. A lot of Gardaí are tied up at the Courts all day, going forward if we can’t get new recruits, what is the alternative to free up the Gardaí we have at the minute because they seem to be scarce”.

Chief Superintendent, Colm O’Sullivan stated, “An Garda Síochána has a problem with retention but so does every other organisation”. He said, “Our target figure is 15,000 people, which is what Oireachtas has given us, that figure has not increased,” the figure includes the recognised level of Garda sworn numbers and individuals who provide administrative support.

At the end of 2022, staffing levels were an approximate 14,103 according to O’Sullivan. “We always had resignations and people in organisation who decided the job wasn’t for them or they weren’t right fit, people are more

transient in their attitude to job opportunities today, when we joined the guards it was a job for life and it was a vocation for us”.

Chief Supt O’Sullivan continued, “30 years ago the amount of people going to college was much less than what are going to college today, we have a more highly educated workforce which is sought after by the private sector. Before Christmas, the Government announced an extra recruitment of 1,000 people, that was on top of 800 last year which we didn’t reach last year, I don’t know if we will make the 1,000 this year”.

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) believed “resources are going to be a challenge” for Gardaí into the future.

Management are not aware of the extra supports they will be provided, the Chief Supt admitted. “I don’t know how many additional resources I’m going to get this year, it’s like looking into a crystal ball and asking for answers, the next batch of recruits won’t be out till July”.

In response Cllr O’Callaghan asked what he could see changing within the force.

“We have the numbers we have currently. When something happens, we have to deal with it,” replied O’Sullivan. He said An Garda Síochána have “no control” over the amount of officers it can have at the courts.

He explained, “Court requires Gardaí to give evidence and that takes time, it might be only one Garda involved or more, we’ve no control over it”.

E-scooters making public 'very nervous' of accidents

MEMBERS of the Clare public have become “very nervous” over the potential of accidents due to e-scooters, a disability activist has claimed while the Chief Superintendent has stressed that such vehicles need to be insured, writes Páraic McMahon

CLARE was at the centre of the launch of the €1 billion European Social Fund Plus on Tuesday where the local Youth Diversion Projects operated by Clare Youth Service and Clare Gardaí were showcased as examples of the impacts of European social funding in local areas, writes Páraic McMahon Minister at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science and acting Minister for Justice, Simon Harris (FG) hosted the launch.

A live presentation was made by the Youth Diversion Projects in Clare who also showed a pre-recorded video and conducted a Q&A.

Pat McMullin of Clare Youth Service said it was a great honour to be chosen from all the European Social Fund projects in Ireland. “We are very proud of this project and of our partnership with Clare Gardaí that has steered so many young people into positive futures. Today’s event was a great endorsement by the Commission and the government here of

the huge impact of the work”.

The partnership between Clare Youth Service and Clare Gardaí goes back over 50 years but was given extra impetus and resources with the creation of the Diversion Projects two decades ago.

Ennis Superintendent John Ryan has hailed the impact of the Clare projects, “this work in Ennis and Kilrush takes place quietly but very effectively with great results for the young people, their families and communities. We are delighted that the EU and the national exchequer has recognised the results today.”

The ESF Plus programme will see Ireland benefit from €508 million in ESF+ funds from the European Union for the 2021-2027 period. This, together with a planned national contribution of €573m, will amount to a total budget of over €1 billion. The Programme will fund a range of schemes, implemented by different Government Departments and Agencies.

The Youth Diversion Projects are one of the activities that will be co-funded under the programme.

Dermot Hayes of the Clare Leader Forum said issues relating to e-scooters has frequently been brought to their attention. “People are very nervous about accidents,” he told a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC).

Corofin native Hayes asked what legislation Gardaí were working off to deal with e-scooters, “What authority have you for people parking on footpaths and streets, what measures can be taken”.

Chief Superintendent, Colm O’Sullivan responded that new legislation was proposed but that he wasn’t overly familiar with it at this stage.

“An e scooter is classed as a mechanically propelled vehicle, for that you have to have a licence, it has to have tax or insurance. We are seizing those vehicles but they are being used, until new legislation

comes in I don’t know what is going to happen in the future, they have to be insured”.

O’Sullivan explained, “Under the road traffic act, it is illegal to park on the footpath, if it is parked on the footpath they can get a fine on the spot, it doesn’t attract penalty points but it is a fine of €6080”.

A new Road Traffic and Roads Bill which will allow for the regulation of the use of e-scooters is expected to be passed by the Oireachtas by the end of this month. It is currently illegal to use e-scooters in a public space.

Gardaí recorded a total of 746 traffic incidents involving e-scooters last year, including 554 collisions, while 305 of the vehicles have been seized since 2020. Setting a 20km/h factory set speed limit for e-scooters and larger wheels has been recommended by the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) who also maintained the use of helmets should be made compulsory for using e-scooters, as well as a minimum age of 16.

In a report by the ETSC in conjunction with the UK Parliamentary Advisory Council

for Transport Safety, a proposal was issued to ban the use of e-scooters on footpaths as well as users carrying passengers. The recommendations were made in what it called a rapid growth of e-scooter usage over the last five years.

Hospital studies, vehicle safety testing and international research were taken into account by the ETSC when compiling the report.

They showed that both a rider and pedestrian were likely to suffer severe injuries in a collision with an e-scooter travelling at 20km/h, with the pedestrian more likely to suffer fatal injuries.

Studies estimated that collisions resulting in injury are up to 10 times higher for e-scooter riders than cyclists.

The ETSC said the number of casualties from collisions involving e-scooters were underreported but studies to date had shown 20-50% of casualties attending hospital had suffered head injuries with very few riders wearing helmets. In addition, a majority of riders were involved in single vehicle collisions, while intoxication of e-scooter users appeared a problem.

lPOSITIVE FUTURE: Pat McMullin and Julie Queally of Clare Youth Service at the launch of the European Social Fund Plus

‘A bolt from the blue’ - Ciara discovered cancer and pregnancy on same day

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie l

A Clare mother of two found out she was pregnant with her third child on the same day she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Irish Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day takes place this Friday (March 24th) and a Clare women currently undergoing treatment is encouraging people to support this in any way possible.

Late last year, Ciara Jones was diagnosed with breast cancer and discovered she was four weeks pregnant, all on the same day. She is now 26 weeks pregnant and undergoing treatment, she will have one more session of chemotherapy before the baby is induced at 36 weeks and then her chemotherapy will recommence at four weeks postpartum.

She explained, “The reason I go off treatment is because I need the strength to have the baby, my immune system is suppressed, my energy levels are shot and to actually give birth I need to have the power behind me, it gives my body the time to rebuild after the session, whether they do it four weeks or six weeks after the baby, I will go back into my last four rounds”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Ciara who grew up in Shannon, outlined “The baby is fine, they are monitoring me very closely, it’s not everyday you see pregnant women coming in for treatment, the cases are few and far between but overall

it is going well”. When Ciara went to the hospital last November, cancer and pregnancy were far from her mind. “This

was a bolt of the blue. At the moment, my biggest reason for the awareness is early detection, it is so important. I had a lump, I had no

other symptoms, there was no misshapes, you hear all the different things that could be there but I had none of them, just a lump which was very similar to a cist. When I initially went in, I was thinking it was a cist and then I was going to get it removed and that would be it but it wasn’t, they very quickly told me that I was wrong”.

That day still remains “a blur”, months later, she admitted. Ciara’s medical team advised her to wait until 12 weeks to begin treatment because of her pregnancy. “There are no words for how I felt in those weeks. I had a lot of fear around losing the baby, that was really hard especially because I was told I wouldn’t be able to have any more kids. I couldn’t just try for another, it was a scary thought. But the pregnancy also helped me and gave me a focus. At 10 weeks, the lump had increased so they decided to do the mastectomy then. If it wasn’t for the baby I don’t know where I’d be, it was what powered me on”.

Efforts to get information on cases of women who had cancer and were pregnant were difficult to find, the Newmarket-on-Fergus resident recounted. “Finding out either thing is big news but you feel very alone, you feel you are the only person this is happening to”.

The 34 year old added, “I remember making my first reel on Instagram with my story of what happened from the minute I found out and where I was at after surgery, I

made it and left it in my drafts for four or five weeks, it was my way of telling the world rather than the world finding out, that was my way of reaching out to not only people who knew me but also to anybody who might be going through it or knew someone going through it. Once that happened, you do notice that the support is there”.

Ciara has setup an Instagram page to raise awareness about the importance of early detection. She is encouraging everyone to get involved this Daffodil Day, so that other cancer patients like her have the vital support they need throughout their diagnosis.

Through her Instragram page (ciara__jones_) she has discovered more examples of women going through or that have been through the same experience. “Everybody deals with things in their own way, you can’t force people to do things in a loud manner as I did, for me if I can be example for one person to say you’re not on your own that is all that would matter to me, you do get a lot of people saying I never knew that or their mother or sister just found out. I’m telling my story but also documenting day by day so I’m showing the good, the bad and the ugly of everything going on, people going for treatment can relate, when you see it and know somebody is going through it, it’s not easier but it helps with coming to terms with it”.

Visit https://www.cancer.ie/

DAFFODIL DAY: Ciara Jones

Photo by Natasha Barton

Hit and run leaves cyclist shaken

by Páraic McMahon @clareecho.ie

GARDAÍ are appealing for information into a hit and run that occurred in Ennis last week.

Members of the Clare Roads Policing Unit continue to investigate a hit and run that saw a young cyclist dragged into the middle of a road by a black ford focus on Wednesday (March 15th).

Between 5:25pm and 5:40pm, a young lady was cycling her bike on the Dunnes/ Friars Walk roundabout between Dunnes Stores and glór when she was struck by a vehicle that was coming from the Temple Gate side. She was dragged into the middle of the roundabout and the vehicle left in the direction of Dunnes Stores towards Station Road.

According to Gardaí, the car that failed to stop is described as a small black Ford Focus 2005 to 2011 model with an L or N plate in the rear window. The young lady wasn’t seriously injured in the incident but was hurt and shaken.

The Roads Policing Unit are asking anyone who witnessed this hit and run or anyone that may have camera or dash cam footage to contact Ennis Garda Station on 065 6848100.

Moohane wins best in show

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

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 Poet's Corner Bar

is 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.

John Meehan’s Moohane herd won gold in the medium herd category at the Clare Limousin Club Herd Competition recently. He is pictured receiving his award from Club Chairperson Owen Flannery (right)

Malbay

by Páraic McMahon @clareecho.ie

ENERGY bills of €1000 have been received by residents of social housing in Miltown Malbay since Christmas.

Upset has been voiced by Baile na mBan residents over the impact the air to water heating systems has had on their bills during cold snaps this year. The development comprising of 27 social housing units was completed last October with an approved budget of €5.6m.

The Clare Echo has learned that residents were left shocked and upset when they received bills in the region of €1000 for the first two months of this year.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) sought a report on the average monthly costs of heating one of the new homes in Baile na mBan “on the air to water heating systems being ran off by electricity”. He also requested advice for tenants to reduce their energy costs.

Monthly costs associated with the heat pump systems are “susceptible to a number of factors, both directly associated with management of the system and indirect,” acting senior executive officer in Clare County Council’s social development directorate, Padraig MacCormaic stated.

Factors include the level of heating or water required by the tenant on the thermostat setting, the level of activity within the house, energy tariffs, payment plans, electricity prices, weather conditions and the time of year. MacCormaic added, “the housing section are conscious that the management of new sys-

tems is a concern for a few of our tenants. We are happy to continue to work with any tenant to help maximise their use and understand the overall benefits”.

Speaking at the March meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Talty noted that the delivery of new housing is “a key target” of the Council and the

addition of the 27 units in Miltown Malbay was more than welcome.

“All of the tenants have come from older traditional fossil fuel heated houses, they were given state of the art houses which they were delighted to occupy, they are environmentally sustainable operating off underground heat pumps”.

He outlined, “traditionally in social housing, reality dictated the budget of the house, I am not advocating that people sit in the cold but the way this is, it would be like in the traditional system advocating for people to heat their house with a credit card. It is an education piece, there is huge upset with the bills received after Christmas. We can talk of the benefit with no bills in the summer but there is an education piece needed around this”.

There has been “a huge cost” incurred by residents, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) acknowledged. He described it as “a vicious circle” that when persons have tried to turn off the systems that the air tight houses has resulted in the appearance of mould.

Having an air to water heat pump in a home is not cheap, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) confirmed. “We are living in a house that we upgraded ourselves, it has air to water heat pump, we came from standard fire and gas. We went through the ESB bill for 12 months to December 2022, our whole bill was €2000 which is €175 per month, it is not cheap, it is not something you can just turn off. I have watched my electricity usage drop by 20 per cent because I’ve learned to use the thing. I’ve dropped 200 units because I’ve learned how to use it.”.

lHEAT PUMPS: Baile na mBan in Miltown Malbay

Victim of West Clare sex abuser urges others to come forward

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A VICTIM of jailed West Clare serial sex-abuser, Patrick Larkin (68) has urged others to come forward if they have been sexually abused by the former Clare County Council worker.

Larkin’s first known victim said, “It is important that Patrick Larkin is prosecuted for the full extent of his crimes, including those that may yet to be heard. For the victims, it is important to be heard and to know that you have been believed. It is not an easy process, I can’t say that it is healing, but there is a sense of freedom in it”.

Asked what she would say to Larkin today, the woman said that she would tell Larkin “I hope that in jail you are living in fear every day and night in the same way your victims did”.

At Ennis Circuit Court in the past fortnight, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a prison term of 11 years and four months on Mr Larkin of the Marian Estate, Kilkee.

In the case, Mr Larkin - referred to in court as a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ - pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of four girls spanning five decades over four separate time periods from 1976 to 2018.

Judge Comerford said that Larkin was a ‘predator’ and his crimes “did very great damage to his four victims”.

Mr Larkin told Gardai in an interview, “it was the devil inside that made me do these things”.

Mr Larkin was named for the first time this week by court order and speaking publicly for

the first time since the sentence, Mr Larkin’s first known victim said, “I would say to anyone who is a victim of Patrick Larkin’s crimes, to come forward - you will be believed”.

Larkin abused the complainant “on numerous occasions” when she was aged between six and 10 from 1976 to 1981.

She said, “There are anecdotal reports that there are numerous victims who have been afraid to come forward or who don’t feel able to for whatever reason. I can understand being frightened to come forward. Although Larkin was outwardly outgoing and pleasant he was a very threatening character when he was insisting that I stay quiet, that no one would believe me.

“If he was in the area when I was walking home from school he would stare at me in a threatening way- I was frightened to walk home alone. Until he was jailed, I still had the underlying fear that I would meet him somewhere and I am a grown woman now. There is a great sense of relief to know that cannot happen now”.

Urging others to come forward, the woman said “my experience has been that the Gardai are really excellent in supporting victims. In my own case, I had never spoken about what actually happened to me in any detail. The Gardai were sensitive to this and empowered me to verbalise what happened and to recall events and details required to make the case”.

She said, “There have been incidents which are alleged to have occurred outside of the existing case that suggest that Mr Larkin’s activity has been ongoing and perva-

sive. However, these incidents could not be addressed within the existing case as there are no official reports or statements”.

On the local reaction to the sentencing, the woman said, “There has been a general feeling of shock around the extent of his crimes and the length of the sentence. He was highly visible in the town as a council worker and widely known”.

Asked has coming forward and going through the legal process helped with her own healing, the woman said, “I expected to feel a lot more relief than I did, as if everything would be erased when Patrick Larkin went to jail. But that is not the case.

“In reality I am the same as I was the day before and my experiences are still there. However, knowing that he will be in jail for the next nearly ten years gives me a sense of freedom from him, especially now that I know I won’t meet him anywhere accidentally. In that sense I feel freer”.

Asked to describe her own emotions on Larkin receiving his lengthy prison term, the woman said, “I have had moments of feeling glad, sad and mad. Glad that it is over and glad that he is in jail, sad that my life isn’t what it could have been if things had been different, sad for the other victims and mad that Patrick Larkin got away with what he did for so long. This week I am trying to get back to my normal routine, keeping busy, waiting for this to pass over”.

Judge Comerford suspended the final 18 months of the 11 year four month prison term. Mr Larkin heard Judge Comerford pass sentence from his prison via video link.

Judge Comerford said that Mr Larkin - 69 later this month - had committed his crimes across a very long period of time “and had moved from victim to victim”.

He said, “He was a predator and he did harm to his victims and these completely innocent people were victimised by the deeply grave and deeply terrible crimes by Patrick Larkin”.

Judge Comerford said, “This case is extreme because of the length of the offending”. In evidence, Det Garda Conor Flaherty of the Clare Division’s Protective Services Unit said that Mr Larkin admitted to Gardai that he was attracted to nine and ten year old girls.

Mr Larkin was first charged with 221 counts of sexual and indecent assaults between 1976 and 2018 concerning four complainants.

In the case, Mr Larkin pleaded guilty to 53 sample counts concerning the first three victims and pleaded guilty to the single count relating to the 2018 sex assault on the fourth girl.

The sexual abuse of the first victim spanned 1976 to 1981 with the second victim aged six to 11 in the years 1991 to 1996.

A third sex assault victim, aged six to eight was sexually assaulted from 2002 to 2004 while the fourth female victim was sexually abused at the age of 10 in the summer of 2018.

Larkin who worked for Clare County Council for 35 years, started his catalogue of abuse at the age of 22.

Clare Garda Division Protective Service Unit phone no 065-6890132.

SHANNON NEWS

in association with

Vueling scrap Shannon to Paris

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

VUELING Airlines are to cease operations of its service from Shannon to Paris in June.

Shannon Airport Group have confirmed to The Clare Echo that Vueling will no longer run the service to Paris Orly Airport from June 14th.

Only launched last September, the removal of the twice weekly service from Shannon’s schedule is a setback to boosting tourism connections between the Mid-West of Ireland and Paris.

Management for Shannon Airport Group said the route to the second largest airport in France “had been growing in popularity in recent months, signifying the demand for the service”.

A spokesperson for Shannon Airport Group told The Clare Echo they were “disappointed| with the decision. “We understand the reason for this is in relation to capacity issues at Orly Airport”.

“Our team worked hard to secure this destination for the region, and we will continue to work with Vueling Airlines to secure further destination options in the future,” the spokesperson added. “We will now be exploring alternative opportunities with other airlines to provide a Paris service for our passengers. We would advise customers booked to fly to Paris from Shannon with Vueling after June 14th to contact the airline directly”.

Vueling is the largest carrier in Spain with hubs in Barcelona, Paris Orly and Fiumicino in Rome. It operates over 100 services to 31 countries, including many European cities and Middle Eastern countries. lThe ow-cost Spanish airline which a member of the International Airlines Group (IAG) which also owns Aer Lingus, has also pulled its service from Cork Airport.

This year’s summer schedule from Shannon offers 32 destinations to 11 countries across Europe, the UK and USA.

Clare TD Cathal Crowe (FF) said he

was “deeply disappointed” with the scrapping of the service. “It shows how challenging it can be for airports to retain routes beyond a seasonal basis. Support for airports like Shannon needs to continue and be guaranteed on a multi-annual basis. Shannon is, however, in a good place – it had almost 90% on growth on 2019 levels and this summer will have 32 routes and I’m confident that Mary Considine and her team will do all in their power to secure more.

“I once again reiterate the importance of having connectivity to a European hub. Since the advent of Brexit, Shannon no longer has a service into an EU hub and whilst Heathrow is, and will remain to be, an extremely important service for Shannon Airport, we do need a connection to either Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt, or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airports. I will continue my efforts as Aviation Spokesperson to promote Shannon and ensure that it’s well represented within the ranks of government,” Deputy Crowe added.

Erin appointed Chair of Chamber’s HR Forum

GROUP HR Manager with Enva, Erin Hooban has been appointed as the Chair of Shannon Chamber’s Human Resources Forum, writes Páraic McMahon

A member of the Chamber’s forum since its formation in 2017, Erin replaces Caroline O’Brien chief people officer with Shannon Engine Support (SES) Ltd who held the chair in 2022.

Erin has experience working within manufacturing environments and interacting with a diverse range of clientele from business leaders to operations including a global HR team. She currently works with Enva, a leading provider of resource recovery and sustainability solutions to customers in Ireland, UK and Scotland.

Shannon Chamber’s HR Forum comprises senior HR practitioners and HR directors representing the multi-sectoral base of companies in the region, who are tasked with leading out on HR strategy within their organisations, exploring emerging HR and sectoral trends and identifying strategic HR challenges within their organisation.

The purpose of this Forum

is to create the space, time, and an environment to support the thinking, reflection, sharing of ideas, best practices, and planning for the future of strategic HR.

A meeting is held every quarter by the forum which enables peer to peer learning and sharing through a structured process designed to support the ability to pivot HR strategic priorities.

Commenting on the appointment, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said Erin “has the ideal credentials to steer the HR Forum

in 2023. She is conversant with strategic and operational HR activities and will use her unique leadership skills to take the Forum on a new trajectory.

“With issues such as gender pay gap reporting, employee retention, learning and development, wellbeing, workforce management, new technologies and the general employment market forecasted to be top of the agenda for HR managers in 2023, the Forum will have lots to discuss in the year ahead,” Downes added.

lParis

lErin Hooban

€25m price tag for Greenway

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AFOUR year timeframe and cost of €25m has been earmarked for the Ennis to Ennistymon section of the West Clare Railway Greenway.

Multiple design options have been sketched out, the second public consultation phase ran from February 10th to March 3rd where the various options were detailed. Events were held in Ennistymon, Ennis and Corofin at the end of February with large numbers in attendance.

Officials working on the ambitious project hope to submit a planning application by the summer of 2024. In the scenario where consent is given, funding is available and no challenges are made to the decision, construction would commence in early 2026 with a finish period of summer 2028.

Seán Lenihan, senior engineer in the project management office of Clare County Council is one of the key persons involved in the project. He outlined, “the estimated cost for this particular section is expected to be in the order of €25m”.

Lenihan advised, “In recent weeks, we were allocated just over €2.1m for the various Greenway proposals in Clare by the TII with €300k ringfenced specifically to advance the Ennis to Ennistymon Section in the year ahead”.

He was pleased with the initial progress on the Ennis to Ennistymon section. Roughan O’Donovan Consulting Engineers are the technical advisors for this particular phase. “They are working through the various stages of design in accordance with the Code of Best Practice as agreed by the Government and the

Sod turned on Clarecastle community facilities

main Farming Representative Bodies,” he explained. Lenihan said the project team would review the feedback from the public consultation “and use it to inform the preliminary design and route selection”.

An update had been sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) at the March meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. He has also requested a revision to include the section from Corrovorrin to Lees Rd which would add between €250,000 to €300,000 to the total bill. He stated, “Since 2004, Clare County Council has been advocating for greater walking trails” and acknowledged the attempted launch of the Shannon Trails programme by Shannon Development in 2007.

Flynn suggested than an updated EarthRoutes report be submitted by the Ennis MD to the project team for the Greenway.

This project needs to be embraced, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) commented. “I am very supportive of the Greenway concept, I believe it will be very beneficial for the entire county. It is quite staggering that we’re talking millions of a difference in a couple of years”.

“Greenways are the future,” declared Cllr Pat Daly (FF). “Micheál Martin said on the radio about two years ago that there would be millions coming for Greenways and I hope it happens,” he said while expressing surprise that the project was not moving quicker. He recalled a recent trip to Mayo “and it was hopping in Westport”, the level of activity largely influenced by their Greenway, Daly remarked.

Similarly Cllr Mary Howard (FG) wished for the pace of the project to be swifter.

“We’ve been hearing about it for a long time, I would like to see it progress further”.

CLARECASTLE Community Amenity Company has turned the sod on its new Community and Recreation Park writes Elaine Tubridy Located on lands donated by Clarecastle GAA, the park will include a full-sized all-weather playing pitch with a surrounding walking track and trails. The park is part of a wider phased programme

Temporary fence installed to allow reopening of laneway

A TEMPORARY fence has been erected to enable the reopening of a lane providing connectivity between Francis Street and the Clonroad in Ennis, writes Páraic McMahon

Located near Tesco Shopping Centre, the lane which acts as a handy shortcut for pedestrians had been closed for months.

At this month’s sitting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) called for the reopening of the lane. “This lane provides walking connectivity for the public between Francis Street to Clonroad and has been closed for several months,” he stated.

Acting senior executive engineer, Paddy Tiernan explained that the lane had been closed following the collapse of a section of private wall along the route. “Ennis MD have liaised with the landowner and are actively attempting to reach agreement regarding the re-build of the wall,” he said.

Tiernan added, “Following consultation with the landowner Ennis MD have agreed to remove the collapsed wall from the area and install a temporary fence so the

path can be re-opened. These works will be complete by the end of the week”.

“This is where local politics can be very effective, I’m delighted to hear that is has reopened,” Cllr O’Callaghan commented.

“These small things while they can be very small are very big to the people in the area,” he maintained.

of development that will include a spectator viewing area, floodlighting and female changing rooms. It will feature the first full-sized all-weather pitch in County Clare.

At the sod turning, Tadg Collins, chairman of the Clarecastle Community Amenity Company said: “Today is the culmination of a number of years’ work to de-

velop a facility that has been long identified by members of our community as filling a gap in terms of facilities for young and old. It will provide a community resource that we hope will encourage more year-round physical activity and participation in a safe environment.”

Roche Ireland part-funded the project.

An email had been issued by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) seeking action on the matter in January. “It is great to see that it is going to be reopened,” he said. Presence of local authority staff carrying out the works was a welcome sight, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) observed. “It is nice to have an impact,” she told her colleague Cllr O’Callaghan.

lRECREATION: Joe Murphy, Roche Ireland pictured with Clarecastle GAA President Christy Collins and members of the Clarecastle Community Amenity group at the sod turning for the development of a new full size all weather pitch and walking trails in Clarecastle

Cahercon remains ‘under-utilised’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CAHERCON pier is currently “under-utilised” and the cruise industry has once again been pinpointed by a West Clare elected representative as an avenue to amend this and try bring an economic lift to Kildysart and the surrounding areas.

Senior planner within the economic directorate of Clare County Council, Helen Quinn has acknowledged, “the potential ability of Cahercon Pier to tender passengers to the northern shore of the Shannon Estuary in Co Clare would see considerable economic benefit for West and North Clare through the provision of tours, site visits and excursions which would otherwise not be possible if passengers were tendered to the southern shore and predominantly Foynes Port due to time restrictions on cruise calls”.

September 2021 was the most recent meeting between members of the economic directorate and Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC).

They discussed Foynes’ requirements regarding the potential tendering of passengers from cruise ships docked in the Shannon Estuary to the pier at Cahercon which is owned by the County Council.

Clare County Council has also collaborated with SFPC and other adjoining local authorities to form Cruise Shannon Estuary. Ms Quinn explained that this is an initiative “to sustainably grow the cruise and sustainable marine tourism industry and establishing the Shannon Estuary and Co Clare as one of the top destinations for cruise liners in Europe”.

Since the engagement 18 months ago, the Council have undertaken preliminary investigations into the

engineering feasibility of the pier meeting the requirements of the Marine Survey Office (MSO). “The MSO must be satisfied with the infrastructure prior to any cruise calls taking place which will involve both the shore and land-based elements for this industry,” the senior planner stated.

She flagged that funding to support upgrades to Cahercon Pier must also be explored “not only in the context of the cruise sector but also to facilitate the future use of the pier by the offshore renewable energy sector”.

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) had appealed for “possible opportunities available to Kildysart in relation to a partnership approach with Foynes with regards cruise transfers” to be examined by the local authority.

Speaking at the March meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, he said, “we’re not looking for any more, we just want our fair share.

Kildysart a great town and community, it is crying out for it, it has an under-utilised pier. The Ryder Cup is coming up and people will be coming into the region”.

Efforts to transfer sites such as Bunratty Castle and Folk Park into the Council’s ownership could also be used to promote the cruise industry in Kildysart, he believed. “There is potential to manage it, set up Cahercon to get them in and slow them down. Kildysart needs a hand and the investment, if we can get them in and then manage the tourism side after it”.

Speculation of a hotel being mooted for Kildysart was referenced by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG).

Head of Business Development at SFPC, Jerry Hallissey has expressed a willingness to brief councillors in the West Clare MD with Cllr Shane Talty (FF) hopeful that this will take place during their May meeting.

Clare will get no benefit from the cruise industry, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) insisted. The tourism consultant remarked, “There is some very sketchy economic development document around as to the benefit of the cruise industry. If I never saw them come up the river it wouldn’t bother me. I’m not saying we should get our share, I’m saying there should be none”.

“They are coming to Foynes anyway,” replied Cllr Ian Lynch while the Cathaoirleach, Cllr Talty moved the meeting swiftly on, fully aware that his counterparts in Kilrush and Kilkee were capable of letting off enough steam on the subject to power one of the cruise liners.

Active Travel scheme suggested for Kilmihil

funding from the NTA at the next round of funding in November 2023.

“A concept design would have to be prepared and possibly approval received from affected landowners before the scheme could progress to a request for Active Travel funding from the NTA”.

Kenneally acknowledged, “I am aware that the L-2074 is increasingly used for exercise and leisure as it is a quiet road”.

ATTENTION is needed to make Kilmihil village “a safer place”, writes Páraic McMahon

Calls for an Active Travel plan to be initiated for the road linking Kilmihil and Cahircannivan Rd were issued by Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) at the March meeting of the

West Clare Municipal District and seconded by Cllr Bill Chambers (FF).

Senior executive engineer, Alan Kenneally advised that he would forward the proposal to the road design office of Clare County Council.

“They may be able to seek

Quiet it may be to some but Cllr Kelly flagged that “it is busy with traffic coming off the N68”. He said, “I suggest with respect to put a focus on that and get an Active Travel scheme going to include footpaths and lights to make the village of Kilmihil a safer place”.

l POTENTIAL: (Above) Adare Manor will host the Ryder Cup in 2026

l AMENITY: (Right) Cahercon Pier, Kildysart

l Kilmihil

Scoil Mhuire to acknowledge legacy of Ennistymon with series of events

by Páraic McMahon

SCOIL Mhuire Ennistymon are to hold a programme of celebrations ahead of the school’s upcoming closure.

With the long-awaited amalgamation of Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon, Ennistymon CBS and Ennistymon Vocational School set to see a new school open this coming September, events are to be held to acknowledge Scoil Mhuire’s contribution to the area.

Since its opening in 1925, the Convent of Mercy/Scoil Mhuire Secondary School in Ennistymon, has prepared generations of girls for success in school and life. The pending closure offers a chance to reminisce and credit its historic impact on the community.

An opportunity to revisit Scoil Mhuire, a celebration mass, book launch and gala concert are among the events to take place. The first planned event is an invitation to revisit Scoil Mhuire on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April from 2-5pm.

Former students, staff, families and members of the community will have one last chance to roam the school and view an exhibition of material connected with the school.

To mark the 98 years contribution to education, Ennistymon Parish Church will host a celebration mass with chief celebrant Bishop

Michael Duignan on Monday 24th April at 11.30am.

In May, ‘Scoil Mhuire Through the Decades’ will be launched, it

will be a publication of articles, stories, newspaper clippings and memories of the school.

A Gala Concert is scheduled for

Thursday June 1st at 7pm featuring past students and the school choir.

Principal Seosaimhín Uí Dhomhnalláin stated, “We want to honour the past generations of students and teachers and all that Scoil Mhuire has meant to this community over the decades. The rich history and heritage of the school will be the focus of the celebration. This is a time to honour all who played a part in making Scoil Mhuire a place where girls could learn without limits so they go on to lead lives without limits”.

She added, “For so many people, Scoil Mhuire was the place that lifelong friendships were formed and rewarding careers launched”.

It was 1872 when the Sisters of Mercy first came to Ennistymon, they embarked on a mission that would change the course of girls’ education in Ennistymon.

Current teacher Mary McGlennon explained, “The Sisters dedicated their lives to making sure girls were given the same opportunities as their brothers at a time when opportunities for girls to be educated were scarce and hard won. Their mission has burned bright ever since and is reflected in the school today. Scoil Mhuire will be celebrated by girls and women for generations to come”.

Lahinch’s

outdoor

showers out of action for over six months

REPAIR parts have been ordered for the outdoor showers at Lahinch beach, writes Páraic McMahon

For over six months, the outdoor showers at Lahinch, one of the busiest beaches in the county have been out of action.

Calls were voiced by Cllr Liam Grant (GP) for the West Clare Municipal District “to fix and maintain” Lahinch’s outdoor showers at the beach. His proposal was seconded by Cllr Shane Talty (FF).

Enda MacNamara, senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD confirmed, “the area office has ordered parts to carry out repairs to the showers at Lahinch beach”.

While he praised how engaging MacNamara and acting senior executive officer, Siobhan McNulty had been after making contact multiple times on the issue, Cllr Grant admitted “I am a bit disappointed with how slow this has been. I would love to see it fixed”.

Speeding ‘stressful’ for school teachers

SOUNDING of the belL at the end of a school day may be a happy time for students but it is “very stressful” for others, a North Clare representative has flagged, writes Páraic McMahon

Calls for a speed limit review in the vicinity of primary schools at Doolin and Fanore was made by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) who welcomed the reduction in the speed limit outside Kilnaboy NS.

Speed limits can be appealed by the public via the Department of Transport, senior executive engineer in the West Clare Municipal District, Enda MacNamara advised.

80km/h speed limits outside schools is “too fast”, Cllr

Notes

Killeen stated. He said the outside of Doolin NS was not tarmacked and that the approach road was “very narrow”.

He said, “it can be dangerous at the end of each day”. A former primary school principal, Killeen commented, “the bell at 3pm might be happy for some people but for staff of a school it can be very stressful because of the dangers”. He asked the West Clare MD to make the appeal on behalf of the public.

Senior executive officer, Siobhán McNulty clarified that the West Clare MD do not instigate the speed limit process.

“If there are a third party to instigate the review of speed limit process, that can be done”.

POST OFFICE SESSIONS AT X-PO

The Post Office Sessions continue at the X-PO this Friday March 24th at 8.00 p.m. The monthly event showcases some of the finest singers, musicians and poets from North Clare and beyond. Troubadours and listeners alike are very welcome to this special evening in an intimate, historic space. Admission free. Donations welcome. More info 087 292 54 87 or just walk in on the evening! Bígí linn/be with us.

lTUNING UP: Scoil Mhuire students prepare to honour the school’s 98 year history

l REPAIRS: Lahinch beach

paraic@clareecho.ie

Clare Drama Festival kicks off in Scariff

SCARIFF hosts the 74th Clare Drama Festival with the curtains to be raised this Friday (March 24th) in the Community College Hall, writes Páraic McMahon

A feast of entertainment over nine nights is promised by Clare Drama Festival Chairperson, Eamon Moroney. The festival will be officially opened by Mr. Coman Keaveny, Chairman of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland.

The adjudicator Mr. Tom Byrne ADA is no stranger to Scariff audiences in a different capacity, having directed Bradán Players for many years.

The first performance will be Brideview Drama Group from Waterford with ‘The Father’ by Florian Zeller. Saturday sees Kilmeen Drama Group from West Cork with ‘Blithe Spirit’ by Noel Coward. Clare Drama festival audiences have fond memories of Scariff’s 1993 All Ireland winning performance of this comedy.

On Sunday, Ray Leonard Players from

Claremorris bring Jimmy Murphy’s ‘The Kings of the Kilburn High Road. This shares the stories of six young men who emigrated to London in the 1970s. Twenty years later they gather for a funeral, only one is successful and only one makes it home albeit in a coffin.

Sliabh Aughty Drama Group are the first of the local acts to take to the stage and they perform two comedy pieces ‘The Last of the Last of the Mohicans’ by Hugh Leonard and ‘Losers’ by Brian Friel on Monday.

Castlewood Players bring ‘The Chastitute’ by John B. Keane on Tuesday 27th. It tells of a bachelor farmer on a quest to find a good woman.

Wednesday welcomes Thurles Drama Group with a performance of ‘The Seafarer’ by Conor McPherson. During a poker game fuelled by drinking and fighting they gamble for high stakes.

Corofin Dramatic Society bring ‘Stolen Child’ by Yvonne Quinn and Bairbre Ní Chaoimh to life on Thursday (March 30th). Set in 1990, this

humorous yet moving play tells the story of a woman adopted at birth who enlists the help of a colourful private detective to search for her mother and uncover the secrets of her family history.

On Friday (March 31st) Wayside Players from Wexford present ‘The Field’ by John B. Keane.

The final night Saturday (April 1st) welcomes Dalkey Players with ‘By the Bog of Cats’ by Marina Carr.

Clare Drama Festival was one of the founding members of the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland in October 1952 when members of drama festivals from across Ireland met in Athlone to discuss plans for an All-Ireland Drama Festival as part of the 1953 An Tóstal celebrations. Despite the many challenges it has faced over the years, the ADCI continues to be a thriving organisation in Ireland today, working to host drama festivals in communities across the country, featuring drama groups who travel from near and far to entertain audiences.

O’Briensbridge teen Saoirse appointed by UN Secretary-General to climate advisory group

O’BRIENSBRIDGE teenager, Saoirse Exton has been appointed by the UN Secretary-General to a special advisory group on climate change, writes Páraic McMahon

Saoirse is one of seven young people that have been selected to participate in the United Nations Youth Advisory Group on climate change. They were shortlisted from a large pool of candidates nominated by respected global youth and climate organisations.

They will have to report directly to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and will work alongside international climate experts while consulting with youth climate movements.

Of her new role, Saoirse explained, “It’s about bringing the concerns of young people directly to the Secretary General.

“One of the biggest things we experience is climate anxiety and that was only very recently recognised as a legitimate mental health concern.

“I also think we’re just ignored even though we’re the ones who will bear the brunt of

the crisis, it’s really important our voices are there and that we are heard so that we contribute directly to the writing of the policy”.

For the past four years, Saoirse has been a climate justice activist with Fridays for Future in Limerick.

In 2021, she was one of 100 inaugural winners of the Rise Global Scholarship programme for her work researching and rewriting Irish mythology from different perspectives, including bringing women and queer characters to the foreground.

A student at Gaelcholáiste Luimnigh, the 17 year old is a proud Gaeilgeoir and is of the view that the wealth of knowledge held in traditional languages and storytelling can re-establish the vital concept of Earth as sacred within capitalism-imposed mindsets. She is a member of the C40 Cities Global Youth and Mayor’s Forum.

l SLIABH AUGHTY: Shay O’Neill, Noel Hogan, Edel O’Grady, Eavan Brennan and Michael Kelly

l YOUNG ACTIVIST: Saoirse Exton

Photo by John Mangan

Macalla an Chláir

le MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

An Clár as Gaeilge Teo Togra Páirtnéireachta Forbairt Teanga Pobail do Chontae an Chláir

Ná déanaigí dearmad an t-am a athrú ar na cloig

Don’t forget to change the time on your clocks

DIA dhaoibh a Chairde!

Is cuimhin liom babhta agus mé i mo scorach óg in Inis Oírr go raibh orm an chéad léacht a léamh ag Aifreann an Domhnaigh / I remember once as a young strapping lad on Inis Oírr one Sunday that it was my turn to read the first reading at Sunday Mass. / Bhí chuile rud thar cionn gur shroich mé an Séipéal / Everything was fine until I reached the Church. / Cheap mé go raibh mé ró-luath,

mar ná raibh deoraí thart. Sagart ná duine cráifeach ar bith a bhí le feiceáil ach na préacháin ag breathnú orm agus mé ag scríobadh mo chloigeann / I thought I was too early as there was nobody around. There wasn’t a Priest or devout parishioner to be seen, only the crows and them looking at me scratching my head. / Is ag baile a chuimnigh mé gur athraigh an t-am / It wasn’t until I was back home that I remembered that the time had changed.

EUROSPAR Newmarket-on-Fergus supports local food bank

EUROSPAR Newmarket-on-Fergus recently presented Feed Clare, a local Food Bank for those in need, with their funding of €1,000 after being nominated as a worthy group that goes above and beyond to help the people of their local community. Bridget Oyedeji, a regular shopper in EUROSPAR Newmarket-on-Fergus, nominated the group.Pictured are Kate Sikorska, EUROSPAR Newmarket-on-Fergus with EUROSPAR customer Bridget Oyedeji.

Thought for the week: Grace of Humility

Spreading

RONAN SCULLY

the word of positivity

THE faith needed to live out the Christian life is directly related to humility. But one of the things that gets in the way of humility is a performance-driven mindset.

to maintain and when one does meet an admirable person with this virtue, it is beautiful beyond measure. Humility is not putting yourself down or lacking pride, it is not excessive modesty or submissiveness.

the One who exalts the humble and brings down the proud.

SEAN-NÓS singing lessons for secondary school students starting tonight at 7pm, the 23rd of March! / Ranganna amhránaíocht ar an sean-nós do dhéagóirí ag tosaigh anocht, déardaoin an 23ú Márta, ag 7pm!

Cuirigí scéala chugainn má bhíonn suim agaibh freastal ar ranganna sean-nóis i gCois na hAbh- na le Domhnall Ó Braonáin as Conamara! / Contact us if you are interested in these sean-nós singing classes in Cois na hAbhna with

Imeachtaí/Events:

Oireachtas Comórtas na bhFear winner 2022, singer Domhnall Ó Braonáin from Conamara!

Please contact us at / Déan teagmháil linn: Fón: 065-6864474, e-mail/r-phost: anclarasgaeilge@ gmail.com

Lean ar na meáin-shóisialta muid ag @ClárAsGaeilge, Twitter, Facebook agus Instagram.

Go dtí an tseachtain seo chugainn, bígí ag caint i nGaeilge le chéile!

• Scéalaíocht do pháistí / Story time i nGaeilge le MacDara, Dé

Máirt, 28ú Márta, Leabharlann De Valera, Inis, 15.00 – 15.30am, Saor in aisce / Free of charge

• 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 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

When we live this way, our need for the Lord diminishes and our pride begins to flourish. Serving others, not lording it over them, pastoral care and humility is the message from this week’s thought for the week.

SECRET OF HUMILITY

Unfortunately in modern times we’ve developed some false connotations for the word Humility, such as blind obedience, self abasement, shyness, not standing up for ourselves or taking credit for our success. In a highly individualized, competitive world where we must promote ourselves constantly to get jobs, be popular and succeed in many areas, the old fashioned notion of humility seems to only hold one back.

However, the secret of Humility is that the more successful, the more recognized and loved you are, the harder it is

Change to become a better person is possible, but it is very, very difficult, so we will be far more successful if we approach our goals with humility. This is why St. Augustine says, “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues.”

Everything we do will go better with a dose of humility, so it’s worth thinking about. What is humility? Let’s start by listing what it’s not. Humility is not feeling ashamed of yourself for no good reason, low self-esteem, lack of willingness to take risks, or passivity.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

Let me finish with a favorite prayer I pray about trying to be a humble person that always tries to show real humility. “Dear Lord, Your truth runs counter to our self-exalting world: humble service is the path to a life well lived.

This truth isn’t weak or foolish as the world would think, but is a blessed and honorable gospel garment donned by those who love You,

Oh, that the entire world would live in humility before You and each other! While I aspire to a life of godly humility, the pull of pride seems too strong to overcome at times.

I so often desire to sit on your throne instead of bowing before You. I think highly of myself and my accomplishments and forget I am a human being made of dust who at best can be called a servant.

Oh, Lord, rescue me from foolish pride and help me learn from Your gentle and humble heart! Gracious Father, reprogram my soul with your Word to remember the world is all about Doing good and kind acts for others in Jesus name and not myself.

Help me not think more highly of myself than I ought, but to delight in regarding others as more important.

Rescue me from the self-deception of pride by giving me a realistic view of my life, talents, and relationships with others and with you; always looking to the cross which reveals both the wrath I deserve and Your costly grace.

In my battle against pride, keep me from a false humility that fails to recognize Your gracious gifts. Rather,

help me steward what you have given me as a faithful servant—a servant ready to wear the garment of humility and serve you in whatever way would most help Your Kingdom and to help especially those most in need in our society and world and bring praise to Your Name.

Lord, Your Son left the pleasures of heaven for a life of service on earth—and He gave his life for all people.

Help me have His attitude, remembering that You oppose the proud and gives grace to the humble. You must become greater; I must become less—only then does the glorious reality shine forth that Christ is highly exalted above every name in heaven and on earth.

May my entire being bow before You in loving allegiance, confessing You as Lord over all of my life and all of creation, to the praise of Your glory. Amen.”

There is no better way for the beauty of Heaven to shine gloriously through our lives than when we get out of the way and allow Jesus to increase in our hearts and lives. If pride has been a stumbling block in your past, bring that to the foot of the Cross and repent of it. Then ask for His amazing grace to change your heart and enrobe it in humility.

l Cloig

GREEN CLARE

Planning application to be lodged for Ballyvaughan wastewater plant

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A PLANNING application for a new wastewater treatment plant in Ballyvaughan is to be submitted by the end of June.

Irish Water have confirmed that it is to lodge the planning application this summer and that the development is on track for completion in 2025.

Pending a successful grant of planning for the Ballyvaughan wastewater treatment facility, construction is expected to commence on site in the second half of 2024

with construction completion at the end of 2025. Once completed, the infrastructure will stop untreated wastewater being discharged directly into the sea at Ballyvaughan Bay.

Ballyvaughan’s “important infrastructure project has been met with delays” over recent years, Clare TD Michael McNamara (IND) acknowledged.

Speaking in the Dáil, the Scariff native said increased funding is required to address the dearth of adequate wastewater infrastructure in the county. “While the Minister

has announced a pilot scheme of €50 million to introduce wastewater treatment plants in towns, villages and settlements where there is no treatment plant whatsoever, unfortunately, the sum of €50 million is entirely inadequate. It would not come near solving the problem in Clare alone, much less across the entire State.”

Highlighting the lack of infrastructure in Carrigaholt, Deputy McNamara said, “It is on the verge of the lower River Shannon Special Area of Conservation, but there is no sewage treatment plant in place

Quotations received for long awaited EV charging points

APPROXIMATE costs of €100,000 and €30,000 have been calculated for the installation of electric vehicle charging points in East Clare, writes Páraic McMahon.

As more and more people continue to be encouraged to buy electric cars, the entirety of East Clare still is not served by a single charging point.

Ten months ago, Clare County Council staff said “worthwhile” locations in Killaloe had been identified as part of ongoing work with the Clare

EV Strategy. Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan (GP) previously told The Clare Echo “particularly for the likes of East Clare in my mind EVs are part of the future and they are coming quicker than people think”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) at Wednesday’s sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District sought the latest position on the installation of the EV charging points, “it is a hugely important piece of infrastruc-

ture”.

Quotations have been received by the roads section of the Council from an EV charging point supplier, acting senior executive engineer Derek Troy confirmed. Quotes for a high speed charger and a standard charger had been obtained and they cost an approximate €100,000 and €30,000 respectively. “A decision needs to be made,” he acknowledged and outlined that the roads section were dealing with the matter.

which obviously has environmental impacts and a serious impact on the potential to develop what is a beautiful village with significant potential for sustainable tourism. There is a real impetus in Loop Head to develop that type of tourism but without a sewage treatment infrastructure, it cannot proceed”.

Deputy McNamara stated, “While I acknowledge that progress is being made in Ballyvaughan, as well as in Broadford and Cooraclare, there is an urgent need to deliver adequate wastewater treatment systems to a large number

of other communities including Spanish Point, Carrigaholt, Doolin, Kilbaha, Barefield, Kilmaley, Tubber, Meelick, O’Briensbridge and Ardnacrusha”.

He added, “The unacceptable practice of discharging untreated wastewater to the sea and other waterways is prevalent in Clare”. McNamara concluded, “The only solution to this problem is the construction of new Wastewater Treatment Plants, pumping stations and sewer pipes in the areas currently not served by adequate infrastructure.”

lBallyvaughan

Ennis law student involved in organising UCC Green Week

AN ENNIS man was among the main organisers behind the annual Green Week festivities at University College Cork (UCC) writes Páraic McMahon Peadar Ó Rathaille is a member of UCC’s Environmental Society and a native of Ennis. His family hail from the Lahinch Rd, he attended Gaelscoil Mhichíl Cíosóg and Rice College graduating in 2016.

UCC’s Green Week concluded on Thursday last (March 16th). A large crowd gathered to hear Natasha Sutton, UCC Students’ Union Environmental Officer host a COP 27 Reflection Event with RTÉ Environment correspondent, George Lee. They both gave a thorough briefing to this well attended event on their observations of COP 27

which was held in Egypt.

A panel discussion on a referendum to enshrine a constitutional right to the environment and what format the planned environmental court in Ireland might take was the final event of the week.

Jim Moriarty of the EPA’s Enforcement Team noted that having specialist judges on an environmental court would render Environmental Enforcement more efficient in Court, given that a dedicated and experienced judge would have a professional grasp of the relevant case law and legislation. Clíona Kimber SC, a prominent Environmental Lawyer, noted that the ease at which employment disputes can resort to the WRC, with low costs and swift decisions, is the model on which any environmental court should be

based.

Cork City based, Cllr Colette Finn (GP) noted that the Green Party’s efforts to ensure Ireland established an Environmental Court are close to fruition. Professor Mark Poustie, UCC Dean of Law and International Environmental Lawyer, remarked that where there is political will anything can happen, citing the thousands of Environmental Courts established by Decree in China.

Final year law student, Peadar was pleased with the engagement all week. “We were especially pleased at how well attended our Outreach Events for Residents in the University quarter were. We were pleased to team up with the Magazine Road Residents’ Association this year, paving the way for a positive future community spirit between UCC & Residents”.

l GREEN SCHOOL: Professor Mark Poustie Dean of UCC Law, Dr. Jim Moriarty EPA Enforcement, Clíona Kimber SC & Environmental Lawyer, Cllr Colette Finn Cork City Green Party, Peadar Ó’Rathaille UCC Environmental Society, Diarmuid Byrne UCC Environmental Society, Natasha Sutton UCC Students’ Union Environmental Officer

Say ‘Hello, How Are You?’ in the name of mental health

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

PEOPLE of County Clare are being urged to say ‘Hello, how are you’ at a series of events, in a bid to promote mental health in the region.

Mental Health Ireland are coordinating a national campaign to help people connect and chat about mental health, with a number of events happening in Clare next week.

Established in 1966, Mental Health Ireland aims to promote mental health and wellbeing, and create a culture where we are all

respected and supported, especially when mental health is challenged. In doing so, they work with policy makers to inform decisions around mental health and work in a more hands-on capacity amongst our communities.

Claire Flynn, Development Officer for Mental Health Ireland covers the area of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary, tells The Clare Echo that the campaign was inspired by a similar campaign in Australia called ‘R U OK?’ which outlines how a conversation could save a life. “Our Mental Health Ireland Association colleagues in Car-

low started the Hello, How Are You campaign in 2015 and it went really well,” Claire explains. It was introduced to Mayo, Meath and Westmeath before last year, a national campaign was rolled out. “We’re inviting communities all over Ireland on March 30 to say ‘hello’ and ask the question, ‘how are you’. Claire notes that in Ireland, ‘how are you’ has become a stock greeting however on March 30 she is urging people to “actually ask the question with meaning and hold onto for the answer from the person, try and encourage those positive conversations and encourage the

person to be more open about what is going on for them.”

Among the free events happening in Clare on March 30 is a social sunset hike for mental health in the Burren at 6:15pm, while West Clare Mental Health association will be in the Farmer’s Market and will also support a coffee morning on March 31 in the TUS Ennis campus. For more information on events visit hellohowareyou.info.

Claire is encouraging everyone to get involved and join an event in their area. “It really is open to anybody because mental health is everybody’s business. When we think about mental health we can sometimes think of the darker aspects of it and that is part of it but everybody has mental health and we’ve all had a day that hasn’t been the best and being able to chat to somebody about it has helped to lift us. It’s all about connection, having that positive social interaction which can be really mood boosting.”

Outside of the ‘Hello, How Are you’ campaign, Mental Health Ireland also provides workshops to the community in County Clare free of charge, which offer support on mental health, information on the resources which are available and what people can do to support themselves and others around them. They collaborate with local support groups including North Clare Mental Health Association, and the Lighthouse which is run by the West Clare Mental Health Association.

“We work with people aged over 18. We’ll work with any community group, it could be a men’s shed or a residents association in an estate who want to learn about mental health and wellbeing. I’ve presented to women’s organisations, GAA

clubs. What they generally want to learn is ‘how can I support my community’ and along the way we hope they learn how to support themselves as well.”

Mental Health Ireland also run workshops which support carers in conjunction with Family Carers Ireland to support carers, and this year they have piloted workshops supporting the mental health of Special Olympics Ireland athletes taking part in the world games this summer in Berlin.

For more information on Mental Health Ireland, visit mentalhealthireland.ie. A dedicated website hellohowareyou.info carries information on where ‘Hello, How Are you’ events are taking place and how to host an event. To speak to Claire, phone or email.

clairef@mentalhealthireland.ie 0858768522

CLAIRE FLYNN Mental Health Ireland, Development Officer for County Clare and Limerick

St Francis Credit Union renew sponsorship deal with CDSL

ST FRANCIS Credit Union have renewed their partnership with the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL), writes Páraic

McMahon.

As the main sponsors of the CDSL, St Francis Credit Union have reiterated their commitment to soccer in the county by agreeing to continue in that capacity.

Operating in the county for over 57 years, St Francis Credit Union provides valuable savings and loan services to its 46,000 members.

Dave Noble, lending and business development officer with St Francis Credit Union said they were pleased to continue supporting the CDSL. “Sport in Co Clare is close to everyone’s heart and the Clare Soccer League is no different. The league is highly regarded as one of the premier leagues in the country. Evidence of this is Newmarket Celtic currently looking forward to semi-finals in the FAI Junior and Munster Junior Cups in the coming weeks. We know our member base are happy to support the Clare Soccer League and we very much look forward to working with all involved with the league in the coming months”.

Jim Madden who recently resigned as CDSL PRO was the key official in orchestrating the initial sponsorship deal and the renewal. “We are delighted with the partnership with St Francis Credit Union. Their ethos of social responsibility and community development is very much in line with our own core ethos here at Clare Soccer League. We are very happy to work together with the credit union as they help us in raising much needed funds for our 2023 season,” he stated.

Simply Blue launch public consultation

THE Simply Blue Group have launched a Public Consultation for the Western Star Floating Wind Project, a proposed floating windfarm situated at least 35km off the West Coast of Clare and in waters 90 to 125m deep, writes Elaine Tubridy. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping report describes the key elements of the Western Star Floating Wind project, the baseline conditions, and sensitivities of the environment likely to be affected, and the studies and assessments proposed. It provides an outline of the proposed approach and content of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR). The scoping report provides an opportunity for stakeholder engagement, with feedback sought from the public to further inform the content and scope of the EIAR. The EIA scoping report is now available for virtual public consultation and can be accessed here SimplyBlue - Virtual Exhibition (3dwtech.co.uk)

The Western Star Public Consultation will take place: On Tuesday 28th March from 2pm8pm at “The Foyer” Temple Gate Hotel, The Square, Ennis, V95 HOXK; On Wednesday 29th March from 2pm-8pm at Merchants Quay, Business Quarter, Frances Street, KilrushV15 FN53; On Monday 24th of April from 2-8pm in the Ballybunion Community Cen-

tre, 5 Lartigue Road, Ballybunion, V31TV25.

A live virtual exhibition will run from Friday 24th March to Friday 26th May 2023 SimplyBlue - Virtual Exhibition (3dwtech.co.uk)

The Western Star Floating Wind project is being developed in response to Irish Government policy and commitment to deploy up to 7GW of offshore wind projects in Ireland by 2030. It will harness the wind potential off the Atlantic Ocean, potentially creating enough energy to power over 1 million homes. The innovative floating technology proposed for this project will allow the turbines to be located far from shore and in water depths that are suitable for the technology.

Val Cummins, Operations and Project Director at Simply Blue Group said “The Western Star Floating Wind Project will be sustainable and transformative for the west coast and will enable local communities to benefit from the opportunities in the blue economy, leading to a brighter future for generations to come. We are committed to engaging with all our stakeholders and communities at each stage of the project and we would encourage them to participate in the consultation of the scoping report.”

For further information visit https://westernstarfloatingwind. com/

HAVE YOUR SAY…… PROPOSAL TO RENAME ‘VICTORIA BRIDGE’, CUSACK ROAD, ENNIS TO ‘THE MIKE MCTIGUE BRIDGE’

Ennis Municipal District is inviting members of the public to make a submission on a proposal to rename ‘Victoria Bridge’, Cusack Road, Ennis to ‘The Mike McTigue Bridge‘ (in honour of the 1923 world boxing champion who hailed from Kilnamona). The public consultation will open online on March 24th and continue until April 7th at 4pm. Each individual will be limited to one response. Prior to completing the survey, online applicants will be required to register on Clare County Council’s online engagement platform, enabling the individual to contribute to all future online consultations. This registration process will require an email address.

Alternatively one can post a submission to Ennis Municipal District, Buttermarket Building, Drumbiggle, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 RR72 in the following format ;

Do you agree with renaming ‘Victoria Bridge’, Cusack Road, Ennis to ‘The Mike McTigue Bridge’

Yes No

Postal respondents are required to ensure that surveys are posted in sufficient time to be received by the deadline. If you have any queries please email ennismunicipaldistrict@clarecoco.ie or call 065-6821616.

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• TECHNICIAN GRADE II (CIVIL, ARCHITECTURAL & BUILDING) PANEL, 2023

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Tuesday 11th April 2023.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846250, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie

Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community.

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

Representing the parish in New York

Representatives of Clare County Council met with senior executives from Tourism Ireland during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York, USA. They were briefed on Tourism Ireland’s promotional programme in the United States for 2023.

This year, Tourism Ireland is rolling out an extensive programme of promotions in the United States, to rebuild overseas tourism to Ireland and to drive the return of revenue from American holidaymakers to pre-pandemic levels.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “Our St Patrick’s Day programme includes an extensive and targeted programme of trade, media and consumer activity to rebuild overseas tourism this year. Our aim is to remind American holidaymakers that Ireland offers the warmest of welcomes and great fun, as well as wonderful scenery and heritage. We are taking every opportunity to capitalise on Ireland’s heightened profile around this St Patrick’s Day period.” Pictured are Ashling Scanlon, Tourism Ireland; Cllr Tony O’Brien, Mayor of Clare; Pat Dowling, Clare County Council; and Jeffrey Yau, Tourism Ireland, in the Tourism Ireland office in New York.

l LOCAL SUPPORT: St Francis Credit Union’s David Noble and CDSL PRO Jim Madden

Compiled by Stuart Holly

Quin Road

Part of the furniture at Quin Road Business Park

QUIN Road Business Park is the premiere location for shoppers in Clare when it comes to home, gardens and DIY. Established in the 1990s to cater for the growing demand for commercial space in Ennis, the business park comprises of more than 40 units and has become an important hub for industry and commerce in Ennis.

Ennis Home Furniture has been integral to this evolution. Established nearly 11 years ago by Brendan Reidy, when a dedicated team of three set out to build a furniture store with excellent quality and customer service at the core of its values. The business has steadily grown since, with a showroom expansion four years ago this week and a team of eight staff now working at Ennis Home Furniture.

Today, over a decade later, customers are still greeted warmly on the floor by either Brendan or Sales Manager Aideen Keane who has also been part of the team since Day 1.

Aideen tells The Clare Echo that they have dealt with an increase in demand which coincided with 2020 and the arrival of Covid. “Usually February and March would be our quietest months but this year it hasn’t quietened down. I didn’t expect it this year with things going back to normal but it has been very busy.”

Ennis Home Furniture sets itself apart from

major retailers by offering short lead-times to customers as a result of their well-stocked showroom while they also offer free delivery. One new home-owner in West Clare was stunned in recent months when Ennis Home Furniture furnished their entire home just one day after the customer visited the store in the Quin Road Business Park.

That reputation for customer service is a trait synonymous with Ennis Home Furniture, which is a truly family-friendly setting with children’s recliners and bean bags to help the little ones feel at home while parents are shopping. “Customers are the biggest thing. That’s always what we set out to do, keep the customers happy. We have the chat with everyone, you’ll often see five or six return customers coming in on any given day.”

Aideen adds that the customers from all corners of Clare are “so good for keeping it local, they love to shop in Ennis and they’re really lovely people to deal with.” They add that the location on the Quin Road has made them popular with East Clare shoppers.

Ennis Home Furniture specialises in all areas from suites, bedroom furniture, mattresses; to traditional and contemporary dining furniture, rugs, lamps, television units and more. They stock a wide range of Irish-made furniture which Aideen and Brendan tell The Clare Echo has become hugely popular

in recent years. Brendan notes, “Since Covid especially, people like to spend their money in Ireland, and support Irish businesses - and the Irish made furniture would be of better quality.” Aideen adds, “The Irish-made suites come in loads of colour types and loads of

options for sizes, they’re all made to order.”

Ennis Home Furniture are online at https://ennishomefurniture.com. To speak to the team, call (065) 686 6704 or visit them at Quin Road Business Park.

Quin Road

John thriving as new owner of Midwest Electrical Wholesale

MIDWEST Electrical Wholesale may be the last stop in Quin Road Business Park, however in recent years it has become the first stop for many Clare people shopping for electrical supplies, power tools, tiling gear, welding equipment and more.

Established eight years ago by Ruairí Brennan, Midwest Electrical Wholesale has this year been acquired by Clooney native John Moran and his wife Nicola. John has been an integral part of the business since it first opened its doors in October 2015. “I was member of staff the day it opened. I went from stores to manager to now owning it since January of this year.

John welcomes the general public and a range of tradespeople to his store, which is located across from the Peppermill Restaurant. While electrical supplies remains at the core of their business model, John – who worked as a tiler prior to his life in tool and electrical retail – notes that Midwest Electrical Wholesale is now a multi-faceted business with a strong clientele for power tools, tiling equipment, welding gear, power washers, generators and more.

Despite being a new business owner, John has a wealth of experience in the industry and is grateful for the support he has already received in his first year at the helm of Midwest Electrical Wholesale. “I’m delighted with how

it’s going. It’s gone from strength to strength, January and February have been great and we received serious support from people that have been shopping here over the years. They all got behind me, as did the staff who really put the shoulder to the wheel and they have driven it on nicely.”

Although his title and responsibilities have increased, John notes that he tries to be on the shop floor as often as possible and he continues to carry out deliveries. “Not much has changed on that side, the only difference being now that I’m paying the bills,” he quips.

John and his team have developed a rep-

utation for a massive range of stock and being able to source products for customers, while they also offer a delivery service. “It’s well stocked for tilers, plasterers, welders, 11 metres of power tools, clothing. I think the stock factor is the wow factor.”

Midwest Electrical is growing its online presence and recently, John gave away a barbecue and firepit to celebrate Mother’s Day. He is encouraging shoppers to keep an eye on their social media channels for upcoming competitions while he also plans to resurrect show days at the store whereby customers will meet suppliers and avail of sale prices, while they will also host

a powerwashing show in the coming months. They launched an online store three years ago where a wide range of stock is available, and John is excited about growing the company in the coming years.

John stresses his gratitude to Ruairí Brennan for the opportunity to purchase the business, adding that he was an excellent employer. Ruairí continues to run his business R&D Engineering Solutions above Midwest Electrical Wholesale. “It’s great to have him overhead here and there are six or seven electricians upstairs who are willing to pass on their advice to us here which is a great help.

“I would like to thank my customers for getting behind me, I would also like to thank the staff for their hard work and support, who are all highly knowledgeable. Michael Egan is our electrical sales manager; Rory Halpin looks after our website, and the rent free star gas as well as dealing with the public day in, day out; Joe Lydon sells all our welding tools here in the shop with me. I have Michael Healy who is over purchasing, and my wife Nicola who is in accounts.”

Compiled by Stuart Holly

Quin Road

Compiled by Stuart Holly

Quin Road

Martin Daly praises warm welcome of Quin Road neighbours

MARTIN Daly Autos was established in Quin Road Business Park in January of last year – a move which its proprietor says has been a huge success story.

From his modern premises, Martin and an expert team of technicians are on hand for all customer needs, whether it be tyres, servicing, repairs, NCT preparations, timing belts, clutches, diagnostics and more. Martin Daly Autos now employs six people, a measure of Martin’s success having started in business on his own.

The former Clare footballer previously operated a franchise on the Tulla Road for almost 10 years, and the Lissycasey man tells The Clare Echo that the warm welcome and support he has received from neighbouring businesses and people in the Quin Road locality has contributed to a flying start to his new business.

“There’s a great community there and in fairness, from the first day I moved in all the people around me here locally – from Chadwicks, Classical Décor, James McMahon, Martin Darcy, Eric Flynn from Ennis Electri-

cal, Barry Smythe – all of them have shown great support and I noticed from the first month that I was here that they all support each other and keep it local as much as they can. I’ve noticed that great support since I first moved.”

Reflecting on his move to Quin Road Business Park, Martin continues, “We had grown a lot and space was an issue so it was the right time to break out on our own and thankfully it has been a great success in the Quin Road.

“Obviously when you’re changing business and moving to the other side of town, there’s a worry if people will come with you – but we had a great trust built up with our customers so thankfully most people followed us to the Quin Road and we generated a lot of new business over here because there’s a huge amount of people employed in this business park and word is getting around and it’s convenient for them to leave their car with us here for either tyres or servicing.”

Martin, who this month celebrated his 50th birthday, has been in the industry since the age of 17 when he

joined his father at Francie Daly Motors on the Limerick Road.

Martin notes that while Francie is fully retired, “like any man who worked hard all his life, he still is a getup-and-go man at 78 years of age and he’ll appear around the corner most days and see if there’s anything he can do to help, and in fairness he does lots of errands around the town and he’s contributing something to the business as well.”

Visit Martin Daly Autos at Quin Road Business Park or call (065) 686 7336.

BUSINESS PARK

Compiled by Stuart Holly

Quin Road

Compiled by Stuart Holly

Quin Road

Compiled by Stuart Holly

Ozone Health and Fitness 15 Years and Growing Stronger

needs, from young athletes to our members in their 70s and even eighties”.

We are most proud of the fact that the majority of our clients have never used or been to a Gym in the Past. They often are of older persuasion that are now focusing on their own health after raising family or moving on in their careers.

Ozone Health and Fitness, in the Quin Rd Business Park opened its doors in 2009 and every year since the business has grown, to become the leader in the delivery of Health and Fitness to thousands of Residents of the Banner County and beyond. Owner Kenneth O’ Malley, attributes the business success

and continued growth, to focusing on, and getting the basics right, every time. “When our clients come through the door, they are greeted by name by all the Team here, and we take a genuine interest in helping them achieve their goals in every way we can. We develop training programmes to meet each client’s individual

We are certainly not the cheapest Facility in the area in terms of membership fees, but there is an old business saying “You can be the best or the cheapest, but you can’t be both” Mr O Malley continued by saying that although the business environment, rising costs, and external factors have presented challenges over the past couple of years, the loyalty of our wonderful customers and our amazing Team, means we continue to grow and reinvest in our customers experience. We recently have invested almost a quarter of a million euro on the latest range of Technogym Cardio equipment, and a full strength range being installed in the coming weeks. This allows our clients to digitally track and interact with their Trainers through a simple to use app. This keeps them and us accountable for the results we promise to deliver. We are in a fortunate position to be able to reinvest back into the Clare Community, through our sponsorship for schools sporting equipment, local soccer Teams, Golf competitions and are proud main sponsors of the Clare Soccer Referees Society.

We are very proud of our Involvement in our “Christmas Clare Food Drive”, with the partnership of local community Volunteers led by Kathleen Austin. Over the past number of years, our generous community of Clients and beyond have helped us get hundreds of food hampers to the families in our community at Christmas, when it is most needed.

Why our Clients Join Ozone….

• Dedicated Trainers who really care for our customers.

• Unrivalled Customer Experience, you are joining a community.

• Safe comfortable Training Environment Options for Group Training Classes or Gym Membership.

• Access to the most advanced Fitness Equipment available in the World.

• Facility Cleanliness second to none.

• Select Clientele.

• Secure and FREE parking, right outside the door.

BUSINESS PARK

l The Ozone Team: Kenneth O Malley-Owner, John Allan-Trainer, Joanne Cusack-Trainer, Colm Mcnamara-Trainer, Emma Barry-Customer Care, Mark Ryan-Trainer, Mike Hogan-Business Development Manager

5 picks from Ennis Electrical

ENNIS Electrical Supplies Ltd. has been providing the people of Clare and beyond for more than 47 years. A family business to the core, it’s run by the Flynn family and along with its flagship premises at the Quin Road Business Park, it has bases on Parnell Street in Ennis and in Nenagh.

Ennis Electrical stock a full range of market-leading brands from AEG, Bosch, Siemens, Neff, Miele, Whirlpool to mention just a few. From cookers (both built in and range style), American fridges, kitchen appliances, washing machines to vacuum cleaners, televisions, laptops and much more .

Here, The Clare Echo takes a look at five popular products available at Ennis Electrical.

Ennis Electrical is open 9am until 6pm five days a week (and until 5:30 on Saturdays).

Tel: 065 6829684; Email: info@enniselectrical.com; Web: www.enniselectrical.ie

Compiled by Stuart Holly

Barry Smythe DIY thriving at Quin Road Business Park

BARRY Smythe DIY has served the people of Clare for more than three decades. Established by Barry in Tobarteascain in 1990, he later moved on the opportunity to buy their own unit in Quin Road Business Park. It’s a move that has served them well and some 33 years later, Barry Smythe DIY has an unrivalled county-wide reputation for general hardware and furniture fitting.

Barry’s son Tim is at the helm of the business now, but it wasn’t written in the stars that he would continue the family business. Flannans graduate Tim is a qualified physiotherapist and was working at St Joseph’s Hospital up to five years ago when he took the opportunity of a career break. What was intended as a one-year sabbatical has become his new career path, with Tim now integral to the running of Barry Smythe DIY, which employs seven people.

“I said I’d take a career break for a year and help out until they found someone and I’ve been here since. So I’d say I’ll be here for the long haul,” says Tim.

“We kind of do everything,” he laughs, when asked for an overview of Barry Smythe DIY, which he refers to as “one of those old school hard-

ware shops” where almost anything can be sourced. “We can usually root out something that will sort someone’s job out!”

He continues, “We make bespoke furniture, we supply kitchens, wardrobes, slidrobes, individual pieces, vanity units, TV units, any furniture people want for the house, if they bring in dimensions we can plan it out and draw it up and make it. In the shop we offer general hardware, some homeware, cutting service, we sell sheeting products, loads of different timber products that we can cut to size.”

Such is the family business’s reputation, in recent years they have taken on hotel fit-outs and supplied bathroom units for a large apartment complex in Dublin however residential and office is their bread and butter locally. “Any need for the inside of your house, we tend to have it and furniture-wise we make anything up. We can do jobs for all budgets from an €80 job up to €20,000. We fabricate it and deliver it onsite and then the carpenter will install it.”

Barry Smythe DIY deal with a number of expert contractors in the area and are happy to advise customers who need a fitter and make those connections.

Tim praises the community spirit that

exists among businesses at Quin Road Business Park. “You can get anything for your house once you drive in the gate and we all know each other so we tend to refer people and other businesses will do the same.”

He notes that Barry Smythe DIY has been no exception to the increase in demand for home and DIY services in recent years. “Covid was crazy. The shop footfall doubled for the two years after Covid. Footfall has definitely levelled to pre-Covid levels over the last two months and the kitchens and wardrobes side is still really busy.”

An increase in remote working has also meant that more customers are reaching out to Barry Smythe DIY to design bespoke home offices. “People are spending a lot more time at home in the last few years; so it could be a storage space in a dining room, or they might want a hidden nook that can work as an office space if they need it and it’s interesting to try and figure those things out.”

Tim notes that they have plans to renovate the showroom in the coming months and he looks forward to welcoming customers, loyal and new. Call Barry Smythe DIY on (065) 682 4323 or visit them at the Quin Road Business Park.

Compiled by Stuart Holly

l Tim Smythe

Rain doesn’t dampen Ennistymon joy

lCELEBRATIONS: There were smiles all round at the Ennistymon St Patrick’s Day parade Photos by Gerard O’Neill

It’s Gort to be the Paddy’s day parade

lGREEN: Enjoying the St Patrick’s Day parade in Gort were (Clockwise from above): Colourful floats lined the streets; Indiana, Ruby and Gabriella Donovan; Ryan Murphy with his dad Leonard Murphy; Alan, Maribel, Michael and Michaela Lyons; A bird’s eye view for Keelin Murphy; Gort Biogas Concern Group Photos by John Mangan

No show like a Joe show in Shannon

lSHANNONSIDE: Snapped at the St Patrick’s Day parade in Shannon were (Clockwise from above): Derek Clune anoints the crowd; Grand Marshall Joe Buckley and Cillian; Two leprechauns show off their beards; Diarmuid O’Donovan and Aodan Fox; Singing in the rain; Solidarity with Ukraine Photos by Keith Buckley

Celebrating St Patrick’s Day in Tulla

lIRISH PRIDE: Crowds took to the streets to enjoy the St Patrick’s Day parade in Tulla Photos by Martin Molloy

Characters galore in Kilrush parade

lDAY OUT: Pictured at the Kilrush St Patrick’s Day parade were (Left): Michael & Rua Dolan, Aoife Taylor, Kyle & Layla Dolan, Jennifer Walsh, Ava, Keevan, Aodha, Kayden & Dean Nestor; Grand Marshall Michelle Dillon and Hannah Jane Dillon; A collie takes his Massey Ferguson for a spin; NASA touches down in Kilrush and (above) One man and his goat Photos by John Mangan

lWARHAMMER: Andrew Tubridy strikes a pose in his ‘Trazyn the Infinite’ cosplay Photo by Margaret Tubridy

St Patrick’s Day in Ennis

lCARRYING THE FLAG: The St Patrick’s Day parade in the county town was full of action from start to finish Photos courtesy of Clare County Council

Clare lose Division 2 status

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIV 2, RD 6

Derry 0-14 Clare 0-04

Venue: Owenbeg

Compiled by James O'Sullivan

STORY OF THE GAME

DERRY:

Frees for: 12

Wides: 6 (1/5)

Spread of scorers: 8

Scores from play: 0-12

Top scorer: Shane McGuigan 0-5 (1m, 1f)

Bookings: C McKaigue (48)

Own kickouts won: 9 from 11 (82%)

CLARE

Frees for: 11

Wides: 7 (6/1)

Spread of scorers: 3

Scores from play: 0-4

Top scorer: Emmet McMahon 0-2

Bookings: C Russell (40), K Sexton (48)

Own kickouts won: 13 from 20 (65%)

REFEREE: Paul Faloon (Down)

CLARE’S seven-year stay in Division Two came to an end on Sunday when Kildare saw off Limerick after the Banner men fell to high flying Derry in Owenbeg.

The combination of both results also sent Limerick back down, leaving this weekend’s meeting of the Munster rivals a non-event ahead of the forthcoming championship.

It was Rory Gallagher’s side’s third win over the Banner in two seasons and it clinched the promotion spot they narrowly missed out on last season.

The home side had the breeze in the first half and led by nine points with Dermot Coughlan’s wide registering Clare’s first shot at posts in stoppage time.

Clare started with Eoin Cleary and Keelan Sexton inside. The late change, Ikem Ugweru started ahead of inside forward Gavin Cooney as Colm Collins’ men flooded the midfield.

In the early stages, Darragh Bohannon played at full-forward, almost as a ploy to pull Brendan Rogers out of the middle.

Clare brought width to their game, but with Gareth McKinless sitting the otherwise vacant scoring hotspot the wind in the visitors’ faces and attack with searing pace was going to be ate up.

Indeed, apart from Cooney second half wide, Emmet McMahon’s missed free and point from play seconds later, Derry limited Clare to pot shots. The Oaks had the ball over the bar inside two minutes when Gareth McKinless played in Niall Loughlin for a score after the home side kept the ball from the throw-in.

Both teams played the same way, but the difference was in how Derry moved the ball on the turnover.

Conor McCluskey and Ethan Doherty were always pouring forward. Brendan Rogers was also heavily involved and setup Shane McGuigan with his first score of the game.

MILTOWN & ÉIRE

McCluskey and Ethan Doherty summed up the first half with a swift breakaway before skipper Conor Glass kicked Derry 0-3 to 0-0 ahead after 14 minutes.

Derry poured everybody forward on Clare’s kick-outs with McKinless passing to Doherty to slot over.

At the other end, McCluskey forced a turnover in midfield and when Conor Doherty passed to Shane McGuigan foe an advanced mark, the Slaughtneil man made it five.

Clare did have a half goal chance when Darragh Bohannon was played through, but Lynch was off his line to intercept and danger was averted.

Derry’s attacking game was relentless. With every turnover, they poured forward with Paul Cassidy curling over a second, Conor Doherty and McGuigan making it 0-9 to 0-0 at the beak.

The Banner management brought Podge Collins and Cillian Rouine on at half time, but it was Derry who hit the first score. A Clare pass skewed wide and when Derry built from Lynch’s short kick-out, Gareth McKinless fisted over the bar.

Collins then hit one of Clare’s six second half wides before Lynch started another attack where McGuigan was fouled and he slotted over the only free of the game, putting Derry 0-11 to 0-0 ahead.

Clare eventually hit their

first score of the game from a curling Pearse Lillis effort from the wing.

The game got heated for a moment with Keelan Sexton and Chrissy McKaigue shown yellow cards.

Podge Collins was then shown a black card in the closing stages, but Derry didn’t full build on their numerical advantage.

The Oaks may had hit the net when Glass plucked a kick-out but Benny Heron’s bullet flew over the bar. Glass then had a better chance, but his placed effort went wide of the top corner. On another occasions goalkeeper Ryan made a fine save from Loughlin after Pearse Lillis has initially clawed a McKinless pass into Loughlin’s path.

Emmet McMahon floated over a fine score with 10 minutes to go with Dermot Coughlan scored a third Clare point.

Derry were always able to keep tipping away and ten points ahead. A McGuigan right-footed effort stretched it to 11 before McMahon completed the scoring.

Clare did have a goal chance when Padraig McGrogan gave away cheap possession but Chrissy McKaigue did excep-

tionally well to dispossess Killian Sexton in front of an open goal in the last play of the game.

Scorers Derry: Shane McGuigan 0-5 (1m. 1f), Ethan Doherty 0-3, Conor Glass 0-1, Conor Doherty 0-1, Niall Loughlin 0-1, Paul Cassidy 0-1, G McKinless 0-1, Benny Heron 0-1 Scorers Clare: Emmet McMahon 0-2, Dermot Coughlan and Pearse Lillis 0-1 each

Derry: 1: Odhran Lynch (Magherafelt)

2: Chrissy McKaigue (Slaughtneil) 3: Eoin McEvoy (Magherafelt) 4: Conor McCluskey (Magherafelt) 5: Padraig McGrogan (Newbridge) 6: Conor Doherty (Newbridge) 19: Gareth McKinless (Ballinderry) 8: Conor Glass (Glen) 9: Brendan Rogers (Slaughtneil) 11: Paul Cassidy (Bellaghy) 14: Shane McGuigan (Slaughtneil) 12: Ethan Doherty (Glen) 10: Niall Toner (Lavey) 13: Benny Heron (Ballinascreen) 15: Niall Loughlin

(Greenlough) Subs: 7: Padraig Cassidy (Slaughtneil) for Eoin McEvoy (40) 18: Shea Downey (Lavey) for Conor Doherty (56) 24: Matthew Downey (Lavey) for Niall Loughlin (64) 20: Conleth McGuckian (Glen) for Benny Heron (64) 23: Niall O’Donnell (Ballinderry) for Brendan Rogers (67)

Clare: 1: Stephen Ryan (Kilrush) 2: Ma- nus Doherty (Éire Óg) 3: Cillian Brennan (Clondegad) 4: Ronan Lanigan (Éire Óg)

5: Ciarán Russell (Ennis) 10: Jamie Malone (Corofin) 7: Alan Sweeney (St Breckan’s)

6: Pearse Lillis (Cooraclare) 8: Cathal O’Connor (Coolmeen) 9: Darragh Bohannon (Shannon Gaels) 25: Ikem Ugweru (Éire Óg) 12: Dermot Coughlan (Kilmurry Ibrickane) 15: Emmet McMahon (Kildysart)

14: Keelan Sexton (Kilmurry Ibrickane) 11: Eoin Cleary (Miltown Malbay) Subs: 19: Pádraic Collins (Cratloe) for Ikem Ugweru (HT) 24: Cillian Rouine (Ennistymon) for Alan Sweeney (HT) 13: Gavin Cooney (Ennis) for Ciaran Russell (43) 18: Michael Garry (Cooraclare) for Ronan Lanigan (55)

23: Brendy Rouine (Ennistymon) for Manus Doherty (64)

WINNING START FOR BRICKS,

Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Martin McMahon

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Philip Talty had his shooting boots on for Éire Óg

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l GOING DOWN: Clare's latest defeat in Derry means they will be competing in Division 3 next season Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Clare set to appeal Fitzgerald red card

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

AN APPEAL is set to be launched by Clare GAA into the proposed one match ban for David Fitzgerald which would see him miss the county’s first round clash against Tipperary in the Munster SHC.

Inagh/Kilnamona’s Fitzgerald was issued with a red card by Waterford referee Thomas Walsh after he was involved in an altercation with Cork’s Robert Downey, ten minutes from the end of Sunday’s tie which finished in a draw.

Although the Cork clash was in a separate competition, the All Star is now set to miss Clare’s crunch opening round tie with Tipperary in the Munster senior hurling championship, a game fixed to take place in Cusack Park on April 23rd.

A vital member of Clare’s team and a crucial component of the middle third, Fitzgerald’s absence would be a big loss to Brian Lohan’s side and it’s why Clare GAA officials will appeal the sending off in a bid to get the UL graduate cleared in time for the Tipperary game once Walsh’s report is submitted to Croke Park chiefs.

Speaking to reporters before he saw video footage of the sending off, Lohan remarked, “I didn’t see a huge amount in it. Maybe if there was a video view of it but I didn’t see too much in it, there was a good bit of jostling there, sometimes if one guy is a little bit more aggressive than the other guy he can be pulled out, you have to be very cute especially when you’re up against inter county players”.

U20s set for action

CLARE’S U20 hurlers' delayed start to the Munster championship will see them play two games in four days. Terence Fahy’s side welcome Tipperary to Cusack Park this Saturday with Eamon Stapleton set to commence proceedings at 2pm.

Due to be played on Wednesday evening, the tie was rescheduled as resodding works to O’Garney Park in Sixmilebridge were delayed.Subsequently, Clare will play Tipperary on Saturday and then face Limerick on Wednesday evening at TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Oisin Clune a Harty Cup winner with St Joseph’s Tulla, Clarecastle’s Rory O’Connell, former minor captain John Cahill and Ogonnelloe’s Gearoid Sheedy are ruled out for the opening round with injury. Adam Hogan of Feakle who has been a regular starter for Brian Lohan during the Allianz National Hurling League captains the U20s.

'Massive' few weeks in store for Clare hurlers

NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 1A, RD5

Clare 2-18 Cork 2-18

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees For: 12 (5/7)

Wides: 10 (6/4)

Scores from play: 2-9

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Aidan McCarthy (1-11 0-9f)

Bookings: David Reidy (44) Red Card: David Fitzgerald (61)

Own puckouts won: 26 out of 35 (74%)

CORK

Frees For: 14 (4/10)

Wides: 14 (8/6)

Scores from play: 2-12

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Seamus Harnedy

1-3

Bookings: Ethan Twomey (40), Conor Cahalane (44)

Own puckouts won: 24 out of 30 (80%)

REFEREE: Thomas Walsh (Waterford)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Brian Lohan, Clare:

“Whatever about the result we definitely needed an improvement in performance from the Galway game. I am happy enough with how the lads played. It’s crucial to get guys back, the experienced guys we have and it was a good match to come back into.

“There is a huge amount of focus on the last result in the league. After the Galway result we would

have been very disappointed with the league but after that performance today we are happy enough but Cork were missing a good few.

“I didn’t see a huge amount in it. You have to be very cute when playing against inter county players.

“We have a massive couple of weeks now. We hope to be picking from the full panel”.

MANAGER COMMENT “

Pat Ryan, Cork:

“We are delighted with the effort the lads are putting in. There are lots of games where the lads could have played a lot better. I’m absolutely thrilled with the first half performance there, the way we played. There are obviously areas we need

to work on but we were against a very good Clare team.

“There are a lot of teams throwing it (the sliotar) and there is no doubt about that. I would say go with a handpass of the hurley and that would sort this fairly quickly,

that’s a fantastic skill. If you bring in the handpass off the hurley, fellas can’t be grabbing your spare hand because you are trying to throw it up on the hurley and that would be a free straight away. It would clean it up an

awful lot. It would also bring in another element that is a very skillful part of the game that we don’t use enough. It would also make the referees’ job easier. The game is about striking the ball, it’s not about handpassing it and

running up and down the field. That’s a different game. The game is about striking the ball and that is unique to our sport. I would be encouraging us to strike the ball as much as we could”.

Barry hits 40 at Woodstock Golf Club

by Seamus Hayes sports reporter

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

The weekend club singles at Woodstock at the weekend was won by Pat Barry with 40 points. He had three to spare over Kieran Browne with Noel Moloney a point further back in third spot.

The Spring league continued last week when the format was modified fourball betterball.

The winners with 51 points were Ray Casey and Frank McEnery and they had two to spare over Alan Markham and Michael Lynch. In third spot with 48 points were Eoin F Hanrahan and Ronan Lynch followed by Tony Neville and Liam O’Connor with 47 points.

This week’s format will be a modified team of four with two scores to count and a minimum of two drives per person must

be taken while players must play their own ball on the par 3’s.

SHANNON GOLF CLUB:

The ladies 15 hole stableford competition at Shannon last week was won by Liz O'Sullivan (20) with 32 points. She had one to spare over Sandra Ferguson (29).

ENNIS GOLF CLUB:

Frankie Meaney and Diarmuid Meere with 46 points won the men’s fourball at Ennis at the weekend. They had a point to spare over Michael Kearney and Eddie Glenny with Flan Downes and Barry Lee a point further back in third place. Alfred Jones and Fergal Croke, also with 44 points, were in fourth place.

Helen Harnett (27) won the ladies 14 hole singles at Ennis last week with 28 points and she had one to spare over Ann Casey (29) while third spot was filled

by Claire Kenneally (41) and she also had 27 points.

In the 9 hole competition Anne Kelly (14) was the winner with 19 points from Liz Kelly (21) with 17 points. Mary Leahy (16) was third with 17 points followed by Mary Woulfe (15) with 16 points.

Last week’s ladies seniors competition was won by Jean Maloney, Margaret Flanagan, Mary Glynn and Carmel Verling with 39.5 from Brid Cunningham, Mary Woulfe, Frances O'Reilly and Anne McMahon with 39.9.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

Dominic Enright (9) was the overall winner of the men’s singles competition at Kilrush at the weekend with 30 points. Bernard Coleman (12) was second with 27 points followed by Sean Moran (15) and Thomas Coffey (8) and they also had 27 points.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

The St Patrick’s Day scramble at Dromoland was won by Gordan Daffy, Mark Reynolds, Cathy Casey and Doreatha Madden with 54.2.

In second place with 56.1 were Declan Burke, Paudie Dorgan, Mathew Fahy and Maureen McKeogh while third place was filled by Eanna, Noel and Anne McMahon and Carola Wixted with 57.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

Conor Shields (10) won category 1 with 43 points in the 18 hole singles at Gort on St. Patrick’s Day. Michael Ryan (15) won category 2 with 42 points while the category 3 winner was Gerry Broderick (18) with 46 points. Kieran Reddy (24) won category 4 with 38 points.

In the weekend singles Conor Shields (10) again won category 1, this time with 37 points.

l Ryan Taylor is challenged by Conor Cahalane

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

'Unacceptable' from Clare

NATIONAL CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 1A, RD4

Tipperary 1-20 Clare 0-07

Venue: The Ragg, Tipperary

Compiled by Derek Dormer

STORY OF THE GAME

TIPPERARY

Frees for: 15 (9/6)

Wides: 4 (4/0)

Scores from play: 1-12

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Cait Devane (0-9 3f, 1’45)

Booking: Caoimhe Maher (15)

Own puckouts won: 10 from 10 (100%)

CLARE:

Frees for: 14 (9/5)

Wides: 3 (0/3)

Scores from play: 0-6

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Lorna McNamara & Orlaith Duggan (0-2 each)

Bookings: Ciara Grogan (12 & 34) - red card

Own puckouts: 17 from 25 (68%)

REFEREE: Gavin Donegan (Dublin)

MANAGER COMMENT “

John Carmody, Clare:

"That performance is unacceptable and we both players and management have to take responsibility. We came out in the first half like a team that have never played together. We will see what we are made of now. We have a week to circle the wagons and prove we are better than what

went on out there.

"We had everything to play for today. Now we are playing for our lives. Tipperary were sharper. We seemed to abandon our game plan. We will have to look at this and pick holes in the performance and there'll be plenty to pick from”.

"The mistakes out there are unacceptable at this level. We have to take it on the chin and learn from it but I wouldn't be dressing it down. This is simply not acceptable. We have to get working and turn it around. Despite the defeat

we did have some brilliant performances. Doireann was incredible. Niamh O'Dea immense and Orlaith Duggan when she came on was outstanding."

"Conditions were a factor but Tipperary still won both halves. We are chopping and changing but I can't understand why we have been so inconsistent. The sending off was harsh and it did influence the second half. They had an extra player for puckouts and it told”.

Purcell proud as Celtic continue to meet each hurdle head-on

NEWMARKET Celtic are meeting every challenge coming their way and it’s filling their manager Paddy Purcell with an immense sense of pride, writes Páraic McMahon.

Celtic are preparing for semi-final clashes in the FAI Junior Cup and Munster Junior Cup against Ballynanty Rovers and Fairview Rangers respectively, the former at home and the latter an away tie.

On Sunday, they sealed their place in the semi-finals of the provincial competition with a 3-1 win over Ferrybank AFC in Waterford. “It’s a good result, we’re really happy with the performance overall bar a 15 minute lull either side of half time, they are a good side with a lot of experienced players, they made it difficult for us but I think the Astro suited us, we’re happy to be going home with the win and into the next round,” Purcell said reacting to their latest victory.

Their familiarity with training on the Astro surface aided their dominance with players like David McCarthy and Eoin Hayes really getting to demonstrate their skill and superb first touch on the ball.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the former long-serving captain of Limerick FC commented, “It’s great to be on the Astro because you know what to expect with the surface, they’ve some very experienced players, lads

Scariff fall at final hurdle of U15s Munster schools soccer

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

to be crowned Munster U15 soccer champions came undone at the hands of an impressive Coláiste Muire Réalt na Mara Crosshaven.

They travelled to Buttevant as the underdogs and Scariff came up short in their bid for provincial glory. They trailed 1-0 at the interval but were unable to find a spark capable of seeing them return home with silverware.

An extra time semi-final sent the East Clare school through to the decider but on the day they were outplayed by a superior Cork school who were full value for their win.

Conor Breen who has shown his ability to mastermind memorable cup runs in the past most notably with Rineanna Rovers was unable on this occasion to guide Scariff to what would have been a historic victory.

Soccer is a relatively new addition to the extra-curricular sports offered in Scariff Community College. The school currently has five team; four boys (Under-14, Under -15, Under-17 and Under-19) and one girls team (Under -14). In 2019 and 2022, the Under-17 boys reached the Munster Final, coming up short on both occasions.

that have played with Waterford and have been around the block for a long time, I’m happy with us that for the first thirty minutes we were really solid, created a few chances, then we had a sticky patch for about ten minutes, I’m glad that we saw it out. We conceded just before half time, that can really derail a team and give the other team momentum but we dealt with the first five or ten minutes of the second half really well, we got the ball down and played it well, a different challenge but we’re happy to have got the win”.

Conceding a goal right before half-time had the potential to throw their challenge off kilter but Newmarket re-emerged a calm and composed outfit on

the restart. The message at half time was simple, he explained. “It was to get back to doing what we did for the first thirty or thirty five minutes which worked really well for us, we made it into a bit of a scrap, we were playing really well in the first thirty minutes. I thought getting the ball to ground and making them work, they are physical, I thought when we played around them it made it difficult for them to get near us but when we made it into a battle and didn’t get the ball down and played ping pong in the air they were very physical, that played to their strengths. The focus was on getting back to what we did in the first thirty minutes and we did that”.

Purcell continued, “It’s a massive learning curve for all the lads. The newer guys coming through are seeing all types of conditions and surfaces, at home and away, we’re learning a lot and it shows the character of the team that they are not getting fazed, it doesn’t matter where you are playing if you are concentrating on what you need to do, you’ll get used to the pitch, the conditions or the referee, the rest can look after itself”.

Minor tweaks have been made to training by Paddy and his management of Eoin O’Brien and Stephen Austin in preparing for the opposing teams which are becoming more and more

dangerous the further they advance.

“We’re changing certain things but changing too many things, of course it was difficult because we hadn’t a chance to see Ferrybank before we played them, we’d a small bit of information on them which turned out to be completely incorrect so as preparation goes it wasn’t ideal. Each of our training sessions each week is slightly different, we trained on Friday morning this week to get full use of our pitch rather than on Thursday night in the dark on an Astro, even though it was counter-intuitive because we ended up on Astro but we didn’t know that until Saturday. We’re looking for the little angles to get as much team shape as you can, those little things and getting into more eleven v eleven games where you can work on different shapes and scenarios”.

Facing Fairview in the Munster semi-final will be an occasion to savour. “Fairview are Fairview, they have a lot of tradition and success over the years, it’s going to be a massive test, we’ll look at them and worry about them to a certain degree but the rest we’ll be looking at ourselves and seeing what we can do to work it out on the day”.

Scariff Community College: Michael Vaughan; Cormac Gunning, Jake Gibbons, Leo Bogenberger, Liam Tuohy; Paul Rodgers; Sean Reilly, Juan Aguilera, James Foley, Luke Madden; Danny Ryan.

Subs: Donnacha McKenna for Reilly, MJ Buckley for Madden, Cathal Madden for Aguilera, Caimin Dinan for Gunning

MARCH ON

PICTURED: Paddy Purcell Photo by Joe Buckley

Coláiste Muire Réalt na Mara Crosshaven 3 Scariff Community College 0 SCARIFF Community College's bid

Photo by Joe Buckley

PICTURED: Caoimhe Kelly

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

'We couldn't live with Cork'

NATIONAL CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 1A, RD2

Clare 1-10 Cork 2-19

Venue: Pairc Uí Rinn, Cork

Compiled by Derek Dormer

STORY OF THE GAME

CORK

Frees for: 9 (6/3)

Wides: 8 (6/2)

Scores from play: 2-11

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Amy O’Connor

1-8 (4f, 1’45)

Bookings: Saoirse McCarthy (30)

Puckouts won: 10 from 15 (75%)

from winning last week.

"What pleases me most is we came back at them twice and we never gave in. They just had the legs on us. They played quality hurling. That's a learning for our girls. Our legs weren't up to it today.

MINORS OFF TO A FLYER

CLARE

Frees for: 16 (9/7)

Wides: 4 (2/2)

Scores from play: 1-3

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Lorna McNamara

0-6 (4f, 1’45)

Bookings: Chloe Morey (39)

Puckouts won: 14 from 29 (48%)

REFEREE: Justin Heffernan (Wexford)

MANAGER COMMENT “

“We never seemed to get to the pitch of it today. We battled away. We scored 1-10 and conceded a soft goal. Cork are the standard bearers. We are where we are and we are happy, very happy with this bunch of girls.

“We only had a six day turn-

around from a massive physical battle against Kilkenny. Cork were waiting for us today and hats off to them. They played at a pace we weren't able to compete with. They had the legs on us and opened us up. It's not easy playing the top three teams

three weeks in a row coming from the base we are but that's where we want to be and that's the games we want to play. We probably learned more from today than we did

“Look it no more than last week we didn't take too much heed to the slaps in the back after beating Kilkenny abd we won't get too despondent over today's result. We have three points on the board after two games. It's only February and the league. We will analyse this and go again next week.

"There will be no panic stations. We created goal chances. We were just flat in the legs. We have to learn from it. We have to take it on the chin. There's always setbacks but we are making progress. Camogie is a marathon season. We are learning all the time. We will regroup and freshen it up."

Greyhounds: Hehir's Ivy Hill Jaguar sets Galway alight

by MICHAEL MAHER

NOEL HEHIR’S Ivy Hill Jaguar roared to life in Galway claiming the top graded contest of the night in Galway last Thursday.

2023

Starts Saturday 25th March

Be part of the action & support your local GAA Club! Runs every Saturday night until Semi-Finals 15th April

FINAL: FRIDAY 21ST APRIL

Learn more & book your night out, including our fantastic March Madness offer on www.LimerickGreyhoundStadium.ie

#Kirby2023

Thursday nights nine race card at Galway Greyhound Stadium was an all graded programme with the concluding A3 525 yards contest the top graded event of the night. The night certainly came to life in race six, a Novice 525 yards contest as the Noel Hehir of Inagh owned Ivy Hill Jaguar routed his rivals by upwards of twelve lengths in a sizzling 28.78.

All six runners were away in terms but on the run towards the opening bend the son of Droopys Sydney and Affane Beauty showed plenty of pace to eat by three lengths taking the turn from Da Ultimate and Foxwood Diva. Tracking well the winner really lengthened his stride racing along the back straight and from halfway it was just a matter of how far as he powered clear with every stride for a very impressive success.

At the ninth time of asking the Grove Syndicate owned of Roslevan Groves Joy (Droopys Sydney-Astro Abby) who had not enjoyed much luck in running on a few occasions finally got his reward in race eight as he led at the halfway mark on his way to a length and three quarter victory over Erril Daithi in 29.93. The Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained winner tracked the early paced Croaghill Sam and Pinnacle Rio as they led to the opening bend. Racing down the back Pinnacle Rio, Errill Daithi and Groves Joy battled it out at the head of affairs but once Groves Joy struck the front the result was never in doubt.

In the concluding A3 graded contest Master Of Magic broke smartly form his trap two berth and led on the run towards the opening bend from Clareabbey Rebel and Drombeg Jake. Tracking well around the opening two bends, Master Of Magic opened up a three length advantage on his rivals racing down the back straight. From the halfway mark Drombeg Jake went a clear second and began to chip away at the lead and off the home bend the gap was down to a length but although all out the Thomas Connor of Ennistymon owned Master Of Magic (Skywalker Farloe-Daves Ace) lasted home by a neck in 29.24.

On Saturday night’s card at the College

Road venue the opening semi-final of the €4000 to the winner competition produced a cracking finish with the judge unable to split Ballygragie Ten and Lissycasey Flor who crossed the line as one in 29.28.

In the second semi-final, Glynnscross Liz just about got the better of the battle for the early lead along the rails as they rounded the opening bend and racing down the back she led from Crafty Orlando and Eileens Daisy with Raining In Paris also close up. Approaching the penultimate bend Glynnscross Liz still held the call but off the home bend Eilleen’s Daisy and Crafty Orlando were now almost on terms and as the trio charged towards the line it was the M.J. Corrigan owned Eileen’s Daisy (Skywalker Logan-Eileen’s Blue) that prevailed by a neck over Crafty Orlando in 29.28.

Racing opened with an A3 graded 550 yards contest and on the long run towards the opening bend Blaze Bill and Anyharminasking disputed the lead with Derra Viva in third place as the field rounded the opening bend. Racing along the back straight the Tony Brigdale of Ennis owned Blaze Bill opened up a five length advantage over Derra Viva and Ballygibbon Lad who gave chase with the latter going a clear second at the third bend. Out front though Blaze Bill (Rising Brandy-Drahbeg Princess) made the best of his way home as he scored by three and a half lengths from the staying on Lissycasey Harpa in 30.76.

There was an air of anticipation at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Monday morning as the trap draw for the tenth hosting of The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial was made. With 72 greyhounds starting in the first round on Saturday night, it promises to be an exciting curtain raiser for what is one of the richest juvenile events in the world.

What makes the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial (sponsored by JP & Noreen McManus) unique is the partnership with Limerick GAA and the prize-fund The McManus Family have put in place for clubs. Each of the starting greyhounds will be allocated a nominated Hurling, Football, Camogie, LGFA or Handball team and that draw will be overseen by Limerick GAA HQ. Gates open on Saturday at 6.30pm with clubs asked to register on arrival. First race will be at 7.40pm and full details can be found on www.limerickgreyhoundstadium.ie

PICTURED: Lorna McNamara

Photo By Gerard O'Neill

John Carmody, Clare:

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Michael Collins on his way to scoring a memorable goal

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS

CRAGGAN, RINROE, QUILTY, CO. CLARE

Planning Reference: P 22 / 1074

Development Description:

Planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, new entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works on an infill site at Craggan, Rinroe, Quilty, Co. Clare.

Location: Craggan, Rinroe, Quilty, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Michelle Galvin King has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P 22 / 1074. 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 Chontae 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

BEAL AN INBHIR, SHANAKYLE ROAD, KILRUSH, CO CLARE

Take Notice that Spanish Point Homes Ltd intends to apply to

the Planning Authority for Planning Permission to construct 18 no. social housing units together with all associated ancillary site works and services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours 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 STATION ROAD, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

We, Mulkear Partnership intend to apply to Clare County Council for Permission to construct a gymnasium / fitness centre with ancillary café and inclusive of roof mounted solar panels together with all ancillary site works and services including site entrance, circulation, bicycle and car parking, EV charging point, site boundaries, landscaping, rain water harvesting system and connections to public utilities at Station Road, Lahinch, Co. Clare. 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 Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKAGULLIA, LISDOONVARNA

CO. CLARE

I Aiden Fitzgerald B.Eng. MIEI of AF Engineering, Doolin, Co. Clare, 087-9955689, intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Guss Fitzgerald for planning permission at the above address, the development will consist of the construction of a calving shed with under slat effluent tanks together with ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GLENDREE, FEAKLE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that David Hodgson and Enric Muniente Fillat intend to apply for planning

permission for development at Glendree, Feakle, Co. Clare. The development will consist of change of use and extension of existing shed for use as Alternative Healthcare Consultancy Room and associated facilities for the owners of the property to work from home. 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.

Signed: Miles Sampson Architects; www.milessampson. com

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SMITHSTOWN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, S MITHSTOWN TLD. SHANNON, CO. CLARE FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS Planning Ref: P22/723

Development Description: For Permission for the construction of A Light Industrial Building consisting of Open Plan Warehouse, Offices, Toilet Facilities & Canteen. Also For permission for external yard areas, Loading Docks, car parking, proposed boundary fencing and connection to public services & to utilise entrance and car park areas previously approved under planning application P19-965 including ancillary site works at above address.

Location : Smithstown Industrial Estate, Smithstown Tld. Shannon, Co. Clare Take notice that Fortview

Properties Ltd has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/723. 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 prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CLOONAGOWAN, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (0659083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Micheal Roseingrave & Deirdre Sexton for retention permission to retain the partially constructed site entrance and access road and planning permission to revise the proposed house & garage location and site boundaries previously authorised under planning permission ref no. P21/1279 to include the completion of the site entrance and access road along with all associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CARROWDUFF, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Further Information / Revised

Plans

Planning Ref: P22/878

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: Carrowduff, Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare Take notice that Louise Walsh & Brian Quigley have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P22/878. 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, ARMADA HOUSE, LEAGARD SOUTH, SPANISH POINT,

CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Armada Hotel Holdings Ltd. intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for development at Armada House, Leagard South, Spanish Point, Co. Clare which is a protected structure. The works involve the following a) new pedestrian path b) new opening on the existing stone boundary wall c) setback a section of the existing stone boundary wall d) low lights beside the new pedestrian path along with associated site works 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.

Anniversaries

Managers required for Shannagh Foods Ltd to supervise staff and to manage the unit operations. We are based in County Clare,Ennis. Nine positions; Fourty hours per week.

Annual salary €33000/- Hourly salary €15:87. Minimum one year experience required.

Email- shannagh@wardgrouplimited. com

Mobile- 0894461284

Managers required for Jmm Dominos Ltd to manage the unit operations. We are based in County Clare, Ennis. Ten positions; Fourty hours per week. Annual salary €33000/- Hourly salary €15:87/-. Minimum one year experience required.

Email- jmm@wardgrouplimited.com

Mobile- 0894461284

Managers required for Revington Foods Ltd to supervise staff and to manage our operations. We are based in County Clare, Ennis. Five positions; Fourty hours per week.

Annual salary €33000/- Hourly salary €15:87. Minimum one year experience required.

Email- revington@wardgrouplimited. com

Mobile- 0894461284

FOR SALE

GLYNN, PAUL (7TH ANNIVERSARY)

Have you ever known someone, Whose been special in your life, Whose been at every corner, Through the struggles and the strife, Have you ever known someone, Who taught you right from wrong, Who taught you to be gentle, Yet taught you to be strong Have you ever known someone, Whose kindness shone right through, Whose thoughts were never of himself, But always thought of you, Have you ever known someone, Whose smile would warm your heart, Have you ever dreamt this person, From you one day would part I have known this person, And I loved him till the end, And God I pray You’ll mind him, Until we meet again

For many years the family chain, Was closely linked together, But, oh, that chain is broken now, The main link gone forever, The sunshine of our happy home, Must always clouded be; But Thou, O Lord has sent this cross, We bear it all for Thee

Mass in memory of Paul on Sunday 26th of March at 11:45 am in St Joseph’s Church, Ennis.

Prayer

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.

NMcN

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.

NMcN

The Clare Echo Quiz FAMOUS FIGURES IN CLARE’S HISTORY

1

Brian Boru claimed which title in the year 1002?

Lord of the Shannon, King of Munster, High King of Ireland.

2

Brian Boru was slain in 1014 at which battle?

Battle of the Boyne, Battle of Clontarf, Battle of Dysert O’ Dea.

3

John Phillip Holland of Liscannor is know for his invention of?

The Fling Dance of Clare, The bodhrán, The Submarine.

4 Michael Cusack founded the GAA in which year?

1884, 1886, 1882

5 Eamon De Valera was elected for which Clare Constituency in 1919?

West Clare, East Clare, North Clare.

6 The Clare election of 1828 was a turning point in which political figure’s career?

Daniel O’ Connell, Stuart Parnell, Michael Cusack.

7 Clare Schoolmaster Peter O’ Connell is most noted for? His maps of the Burren region, His Irish-English dictionary, His poetry of

19th c. Ireland.

8 Bishop Michael Harty created which Parish in 1967?

Scariff, Shannon, Kildysart

9 Sharon Shannon is renowned for her mastery of which instrument? Accordion, Fiddle, Tin-Whistle

10

Harriet Smithson was a famous _ from Ennis?

Women’s Rights Activist, Actress, Novelist.

Spot the Difference

Last weeks answers

Bernadette, Peter, Lauren, Elaina and Dylan Fox enjoying the St Patrick’s day parade in Kilrush

photo by John Mangan

lQUESTION 3: John Phillip Holland of Liscannor

l QUESTION 1: Brian Boru claimed which title in the year 1002?

Defend against cyberthreats with enterprise-grade protection

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES Mar 23rd

Best Daily Word Search: 21 March 2023

TIP TOP

WORD SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

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.

ACROSS

1. Dairy product(6)

4. Day nursery(6)

8. Regretting(5)

9. Lunacy(7)

10. Female ruler(7)

11. Sufficient(5)

12. True to life(9)

17. Small flock of game birds(5)

19. Dishonourable(7)

21. Taken for granted(7)

22. “La Traviata” composer(5)

23. Small(6)

24. Method(6)

DOWN

1. Gents’ hairdresser(6)

2. Away-day tourist(7)

3. Large bird of prey(5)

5. Glowing(7)

6. Move furtively(5)

7. Simpler(6)

9. Bewildered(9)

13. Appalling(7)

14. Floor show(7)

15. Scribble(6)

16. Gas used in balloons(6)

18. Call upon(5)

20. Manual worker(5)

CROSSWORD ANSWERS