The Clare Echo 23/05/24

FAMOUS FACES

239 trolley deaths since 2019 at UHL

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

ALMOST 240 patients have died while waiting for treatment on trolleys and chairs at University Hospital Limerick’s emergency department since 2019.

The shocking figures provided by UL Hospitals Group Chief Executive, Colette Cowan this week have revealed that over the last five years a total of 239 patients have died on trolleys at UHL.

In 2019, 58 patients died on trolleys at UHL, the figure reduced to 48 in 2020 and further to 41 in 2021 before rising to 51 in 2022 and 41 last year.

Ms Cowan outlined that the

figures for UHL do not include patients who died by the time they arrived in the ED “or critically injured or critically unwell patients who are brought directly to resuscitation following an accident or sudden illness”.

The figures do include patients admitted to hospital for whom a bed has been booked but who remained in the ED at the time of their passing.

Such figures for UHL are 22 percent higher than the 195 who died at University Hospital Galway on trolleys during the same period and more than double the number of trolley deaths at Mayo and Letterkenny University Hospitals.

Full Story page 4

Cllr. Joe Garrihy, Seán Kelly MEP and John Mullins

l Two familiar Clare faces in Cusack Park for the meeting of Clare vs Cork in the All-Ireland SFC. RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey from Quilty with Christy Ryan of Newmarket-on-Fergus a seven-time #ClareSHC winner and senior steward in The Park

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Tensions run high at Ennis 2040 briefing

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COMMON ground needs to be found to stop “the siege of Ennis”, a tempestuous Council briefing was urged.

gallery. They included Joan Duggan, John O’Connor, Cora Hahessy, Edel Cassidy, Michelle O’Connell and local election candidates Hilary Tonge (SD) and Bridget Ginnity (GP).

Call: 065 - 6719021

US news@clareecho.ie

An apology was issued by the Chief Executive of Clare County Council following what were labelled “very unfair comments” by the Chief Operating Officer of Ennis 2040 DAC during a briefing on Wednesday afternoon.

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or

kieran@clareecho.ie

36C Abbey St., Ennis, Co Clare ross@clareecho.ie denise@clareecho.ie

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

Appointed COO of the Ennis 2040 DAC in September 2021, Kevin Corrigan’s long-awaited presentation to elected members of Clare County Council took place on Wednesday having been cancelled last week. There were instances of councillors pointing to their watch to criticise the time given for speeches and personal comments made by across the Chamber during the presentation including references to salaries and conducting matters like “a GAA meeting”.

Retailers in Ennis and members of Save Ennis Town were among those gathered in the

While tensions were high throughout the briefing which commenced at 14:03 and ran until 15:58, it ended on a sour note when Corrigan took aim at Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) a former board member of Ennis 2040 DAC. “Every time he appears he resigned from the DAC for a different reason, he resigned with a letter over the data centre,” Corrigan commented.

Chief Executive of the Council, Pat Dowling swiftly apologised for those remarks and told Cllr Flynn he had a right to resign or not to resign as a board member if he so wished, “you can resign at any time which is your right”. Cllr Flynn said it was “a very unfair comment” by the COO.

Earlier in the debate, Cllr Flynn was pointing to his watch when trying to indicate to Cathaoirleach of Clare County

Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) that there had been 40 minutes given to speeches from Dowling, Director of Economic Development Carmel Kirby, Head of Finance, Noeleen Fitzgerald and Corrigan. Actions of Cllr Flynn prompted the Mayor to shout at him during the meeting, “who’s running the meeting, you or me”.

Respect must be restored to the Council Chamber, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) stressed. “There

isn’t a major problem, there is a small problem with a big project causing a lot of problems, that is parking, like it or lump it without parking you don’t have a business”. He claimed there was a “contempt of procedure” and added, “the manager needs to have a serious chat with himself before siege of Ennis goes further”.

For further detail from this meeting, become a Clare Echo subscriber.

Wedding Open Days

All this June Bank Holiday Weekend (Friday through to Monday)

Book an appointment now to meet with our dedicated Wedding Co-Ordinator Pauline by emailing pauline.cassidy@theinnatdromoland.ie (Pre-booking is required).

Our Wedding Open Days are the perfect opportunity to see our recently refurbished Ballyhannon Suite set for a wedding reception.

With our All-Inclusive packages starting from €70pp.

Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare. - (P): 061-368161 - (W): www.theinnatdromoland.ie

lPRESENTATION: Kevin Corrigan Photo by Natasha Barton

239 patients have died on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick

239 patients have died waiting on trolleys and on chairs at the emergency department of University Hospital Limerick (UHL) since 2019.

Figures provided by UL Hospitals Group Chief Executive, Colette Cowan this week have revealed that over the last five years a total of 239 patients have died on trolleys at UHL.

In 2019, 58 patients died on trolleys at UHL, the figure reduced to 48 in 2020 and further to 41 in 2021 before rising to 51 in 2022 and 41 last year.

Such figures for UHL are 22 percent higher than the 195 who died at University Hospital Galway on trolleys during the same period, 60 percent more than the 150 deaths at University Hospital Galway, more than three times the total at Portincula and more than double the number of trolley deaths at Mayo University Hospital and at Letterkenny University Hospital where the totals were 117 and 108 respectively.

Ms Cowan outlined that the figures for UHL do not include patients who died by the time they arrived in the ED “or critically injured or critically unwell patients who are brought directly to resuscitation following an accident or sudden illness”. The figures do include pa-

tients admitted to hospital for whom a bed has been booked but who remained in the ED at the time of their passing.

She explained, “The majority of

the above patients (90%) were triaged as the highest category (P1 and P2) indicating a life-threatening illness or patients who are at endof-life”.

Kilkee’s Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) had tabled the question for Tuesday’s meeting of the Regional Health Forum.

Friends of Ennis Hospital in a

statement to The Clare Echo said, This is a shocking indictment of our health service that 239 patients have died on Trolleys in UHL since 2019. That is an average of more than 47 patients per year. Studies have shown that the longer a patient remains on a trolley the higher the risk of death or permanent lifelong health issues”.

So far in 2024, there has been a fourteen percent (2,400) increase in the number of people presenting at UHL’s ED compared with the same time frame for 2023. Numbers on trolleys have increased by 1,600 which represents 49 percent.

“Of the five hospitals with the highest numbers of patients on trolleys, UHL is the only one showing an increase in trolley numbers for 2024. Statistics like these are hugely concerning. In our opinion, this data together with the presentation of additional data at the RHF which states that 25% of patients presenting at the ED in UHL are from Clare supports our call for an upgrade of Ennis to a Model 3 hospital to support the staff at UHL and the patients presenting there.

“Every death of a patient in a hospital is regrettable not all deaths can be prevented but patients at the end of their lives deserve privacy and dignity. There is no privacy or dignity to be found on a trolley,” the statement concluded.

Ennis upgrade must be priority over Barrington’s

“DUE DILIENCE” must be followed in acting on a motion by Clare councillors urging the Minister for Health and the Government to acquire Barrington’s Hospital, writes Páraic McMahon.

In a motion by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) and Cllr Shane Talty (FF) passed at the May meeting of Clare County Council, they called on the Government and Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly (FF) “to immediately buy the 53 Bed Barrington’s Hospital Limerick”. They insisted they were fully supportive of “every effort to have a Model 3 Hospital returned to Ennis to address the demands of our increasing population”, Barringtons can “alleviate the intolerable overcrowding in University Hospital Limerick and to ensure that these private in situ hospital beds are not lost to the public healthcare system and the people of Clare to a possible hotel, hostel, or education institution,” the motion stat-

ed.

Speaking at the May sitting, Cllr Colleran Molloy stressed that it was “not an either or situation” with regards to investing in Barringtons or Ennis Hospital.

“We have to be very aware of the stark findings of the findings from Dear Aoife Johnston’s inquest,” she said.

“We will indeed have the model three hospital that we deserve in Co Clare,” the Ballybeg resident maintained. Any effort from Government to “help the crisis at the minute at UHL is very much welcome,” Cllr O’Callaghan said.

“It is not a binary choice between one or the other, it is simply to say the overall bed capacity we can’t afford to lose anymore,” explained Cllr Talty.

Staff car parking is “a huge problem” in Barringtons, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) flagged. He said, ““The upgrading of Ennis hospital has to be our priority” and added, “we have to put our hospital as a number one priority”.

Support for the notice of motion was voiced by Cllr Mary Howard (FG), “53 beds are worth their weight in gold to us in the MidWest, it is important that they stay within the health service and HSE look at the business case”. Parking is a worry there, she admitted.

“The upgrade to model three is our priority in Ennis,” the Regional Health Forum member outlined. She said Clare’s TDs need to “take off party hats and put on their county jerseys to stand up for us in the Mid-West, it is an eircode lottery and we’re on the wrong side”.

According to Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) the motion was “hastily put together, it demands we support the call”. He warned, “you cannot do an immediate thing” and pointed out “we went through due diligence to acquire the Shannon Heritage site”. He said he could not support the motion.

Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) said she was supportive of the motion but that it needed to be expanded on.

lHEALTH: UHL CEO Colette Cowan

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Pre-renovation stock clearance sale at Home Trends

DISCOVER amazing deals at Home Trends during their Pre-Renovation Stock Clearance Sale. Located on Parnell Street in Ennis, this popular store is offering massive discounts for 3 days only, starting this Thursday 23rd May until Saturday 25th May from 09:30 am to 06:00 pm. Store owners Finbar and Eileen Keaveney have announced that all current stock must go to make way for necessary renovation work. With discounts of up to 70% off, this sale presents a fantastic opportunity to score high-quality furniture or a luxurious bed at unbeatable prices. Home Trends, a family-run

business with over a decade of experience, is planning to introduce new lines from Irish Suppliers and abroad after renovating their showroom.

All warehouse stock has been moved to the main showroom for this clearance sale. From 3-piece suites to coffee tables, dining room furniture to rugs, there is a wide variety of items available at discounted prices. With special reductions on furniture, bedroom sets, and mattresses, customers can find great deals on clearance lines and ex-display models.

For those looking to redecorate their home or rental property, this sale is the perfect oppor-

tunity to add something special without breaking the bank. Home Trends offers assembly services and nationwide delivery. They also provide the option to recycle packaging and remove old furniture for a small fee.

Customers who prefer online shopping can visit www.hometrendsfurniture.ie to browse and purchase items from the comfort of their own home. Visit Home Trends on Parnell Street in Ennis during their sale hours to take advantage of the best deals. Don't miss out on this opportunity to find quality furniture at discounted prices! Call the store on 0656797853 for more.

Judge recommends rejection of payout from bouncy castle fall

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JUDGE has recommended the rejection of a compensation payout of €32,500 for a 10 year old Shannon girl from "a bad ol day at the bouncy castle” after deeming the offer not high enough.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Francis Comerford said that he would be recommending a rejection of the €32,500 offer from the defendants in the case after a medical report was handed into court.

The medical report concluded that Ayat Farhan will require further surgery during her teenage years arising from an injury she sustained after a fall off the bouncy castle on the grounds of St Conaire’s National School in Shannon six years ago when Ayat was aged five. Ayat, who turns 11 in August has already undergone two surgeries from the fall.

The case first came before the

Circuit Court last October where Judge Comerford said that he was then “generally positive” to the recommendation of the €32,500 payout to Ayat but required one more medical report on the question as to whether she may require a further surgical correction to her arm that was injured before making a final decision.

In court last October, Judge Comerford got a close-up of Ayat’s residual scarring to her arm from her two surgeries.

Accompanied by her father, Farhad Jabed to the judge's bench at Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Comerford re-assured Ayat when he told her, "It was a bad ol' day at the bouncy castle and how are you now?”

In the case, Ayat Farhan from Shannon and through her father, Farhad Jabed is suing the Board Of Management of St Conaire's National School, Shannon, Fittest Superstars Ltd And Alan's Bouncy

Castles Ltd for personal injury damages.

Counsel for Ayat, Elaine Power BL told now Judge Comerford that the medical report he requested concluded that Ayat will require more surgery arising from her injury when she is aged 14 to 16 years of age.

Ms Power said that the report discloses what it would cost if the surgery was to be carried out privately.

Ms Power said that Ayat’s father is keen that the surgery take place.

Ms Power had recommended the €32,500 offer to court last October but with the new medical report, she said that she was no longer in a position to recommend the offer and she has communicated this to the defendants. Judge Comerford said that “the cost of the future operation would be a very significant portion of the offer made”.

Judge Comerford said that he was now recommending rejection of the offer “as it is not appropriate

because of the need for further surgery”.

Judge Comerford said that he was directing that Ayat’s father not accept the offer.

Ms Power previously stated that Ayat sustained a fracture to her distal humerus - or a broken elbowfrom the fall. Ms Power said that after the bouncy castle accident, Ayat was admitted to hospital where she first required a procedure to use wiring to stabilise the fracture.

Ms Power said that the school girl "remained in a cast and sling for six to eight weeks and then she had to undergo a second procedure to remove the wiring from her elbow under general anaesthetic"

She said, "Thereafter she was very stiff in the elbow for two weeks and was restricted in her activities. Thankfully, she made a very good functional recovery”.

Ms Power said that the fall occurred during the school holidays and Ayat "didn’t miss any school

and she was not restricted in her sporting activities”.

Outlining the background to the injury, Ms Power said that her client’s case is that Ayat was caused to fall onto a hard concrete and tarmacadam surface adjacent to the bouncy castle on June 22nd 2019 at the school premises.

Ms Power said that "the case is pleaded on the basis of negligence through the way the bouncy castle was set up so as to permit a child to fall from it onto a hard surface”.

Ms Power also claimed that there was a failure by the defendants to adequately supervise the bouncy castle and a failure to prevent footwear that was taken off by children at the entrance to the bouncy castle accumulating around the base of the bouncy castle.

Judge Comerford has now adjourned the case to July 25th to fix a date for hearing. Any payout will be held in trust for Ayat Farhan until she turns 18.

lSALE: Finbar and Eileen Keaveney

Cratloe Set Dancers raise €3,500

Cratloe Set Dancers recently presented a cheque totalling €3,500 to Slainte an Chlair, The Set Dancers meet every Monday night from October to April to learn and dance sets under the instructions of Michael Mc Inerney. that Slainte an Chlair Clare Cancer Support is a voluntary organisation at Kilnamona and Raheen, Scariff which supports the people of Clare and their families affected by cancer.

Dinny still a member of Fine Gael party

ONE of the leading Independent candidates in Clare for the local elections is still a member of Fine Gael, writes Páraic McMahon

Cree’s Dinny Gould (IND) is one of the 13 candidates bidding to win a seat in the Kilrush local electoral area.

Duagh native Dinny has lived in West Clare since 1979 and has garnered strong support since announcing to The Clare Echo that he was going forward as an Independent candidate in the middle of April.

Speaking on The Electoral Chair’s election debate for the Kilrush LEA, Dinny confirmed that he had yet to terminate his membership of Fine Gael but that he intended to do so.

Despite this, he maintained the electorate would still be backing an independent if they were to give him a vote. “They are voting for a fella that is fully independent”.

He has not set a date for when he plans to terminate his membership but said it would be done “shortly” and “maybe” before the election on June 7th.

Dinny has been a member of Fine Gael since the 1980s and previously admitted to The Clare Echo

that he would have ran for the party in this election if an offer to do so was extended to him.

“I thought I might be added to the Fine Gael ticket, I’m a member of Fine Gael for the last 30 years, I’m a personal friend of Joe Carey’s, I’ve worked with him and canvassed with him, I thought I had something to offer, I didn’t get on the Fine Gael ticket, I wasn’t asked nor I didn’t look to go on, I just said I’d have a go on my own as an Independent and see what

happens from there”.

A bookie, Gould is strongly tipped by political pundits to secure one of the five seats on offer in the Kilrush LEA. Should such a scenario transpire it will leave Fine Gael chiefs in the county red-faced and under pressure for failing to add the Cree man to their ticket.

To watch the full Kilrush LEA election debate become a subscriber of The Clare Echo at clareecho.ie/ subscribe.

Poster drama in North Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A SITTING councillor phoned the environment section of Clare County Council after one candidate in North Clare put up election posters too early.

As previously reported by The Clare Echo, Bill Slattery (FG) erected an approximate 20 posters across North Clare thirty two hours before he was permitted to do so and in the process breached the Litter Pollution Act 1997.

Speaking on the matter for the first time when appearing on The Electoral Chair’s election debate in the Ennistymon LEA, Slattery admitted, “I didn’t check the legislation myself but I was informed by Fine Gael party members that I could put my posters up, I waited until Monday afternoon to put my posters up in Lahinch.

“Unfortunately somebody reported me, the Gardaí called to my house and my wife was very hurt over that because we have two boys in Australia and one in Dublin, we thought an accident might have occurred and I was a bit annoyed at the person that made the phone call, I found out after that it was one of our candidates and I was more that disappointed that the candidate didn’t ring me to tell me they were up early,” he added.

Lahinch’s Bill said, “I apologise for putting them up, I’ve been involved in four elections and I’ve never breached the law, I understand that it is not a criminal activity to put up the posters, it is against the environment section of Clare County Council only. It was totally wrong for somebody to call the Gardaí to my house”.

Cllr Liam Grant (GP) stated that he rang the environment section of the Council on the matter but not the Gardaí. “I called the environment section to enquire if we were

allowed to put them up. I looked outside my house and saw one of Bill’s posters, I was wondering if I got the day wrong because it is my first election. Many of us have been told by party headquarters the time we could put them up and I enquired about it and I’m not going to hide away from that. It is a democratic process and it is important that it is fair to everyone and we are all allowed to put up posters at the same time and take them down. All I rang was Clare County Council, I never rang the Gardaí to clarify, I was more ringing to enquire if I got it wrong”.

Slattery responded, “It is hard to accept that because the environment section of Clare County Council were closed on Monday because it was a Bank Holiday Monday”.

“I’ve phone numbers on my phone and I can tell you who I called in the environment section and who I have messages from,” Cllr Grant outlined.

According to Cllr Shane Talty (FF) “it is a non-event” as he tried to blow down the event. He said, “I think it was a mistake, a silly mistake to not wait until the start date like everybody else”. The postmaster labelled it “a storm in a tea-cup”.

Subsequent to this, election posters across North Clare have been desecrated by vandals. Posters belonging to several candidates in the Ennistymon LEA were targeted.

Conor O’Sullivan (SF) said will not be intimidated by the actions. He stated, “Public service should be about dedication to the community and the pursuit of justice and equality.

“These bully-boy tactics will not distract me from my mission. Instead, they add even more energy and determination to my campaign. The disabled have the right to be heard, and together we will ensure that our voices resonate loudly in Clare's Council chamber”.

lINDEPENDENT: Dinny Gould speaking during the recording of The Electoral Chair election debate for the Kilrush LEA

Photo by John Mangan

Willow cycles 100km for Irish Guide Dogs

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

AN INSPIRATIONAL girl from East Clare celebrated her sixth birthday by completing a 100km cycle to raise funds for the Irish Guide Dogs.

Willow Warren who attends O’Callaghan’s Mills National School was just five years old – and not long out of stabilisers – when she decided to take the leap of faith and start the incredible fundraiser.

Willow completed the 100km cycle in sections with the help of her parents, Andrew and Trisha, and seven-year old sister Heidi. Last Friday her schoolmates and junior infants teacher, Ms Gráinne Conlon, welcomed Willow at O’Callaghan’s Mills NS as she completed the final leg of her 100km marathon alongside Dad Andrew.

“She was completely overwhelmed,” Andrew told The Clare Echo. “They made banners and were chanting her name. She didn’t know what to do but thankfully Trisha was there for her. She was delighted, obviously, only when she saw the kids coming out did she realise what she did was such a big deal.”

Willow was inspired to take on the challenge by her dad Andrew, who has completed a number of charity cycles, and her granny Carmel Warner who has regularly fundraised for the National Council of the Blind. Andrew explained that Willow’s favourite animals are dogs, adding, “When I explained to her what the Irish Guide Dogs do, she got emotional and couldn’t get over that she could get dogs to people who need them.”

Andrew describes it as “incredible” that

Willow completed 100km cycle. “She completed the cycle over about 25 journeys, it was a huge effort. Five kilometres at a time on 18inch wheels is massive.”

Andrew explained that Willow overcame the more challenging days by using her imagination, “We came up with the idea that

she was on a rocket ship and she was going to the moon or the stars, she got through it with stuff like that.”

Willow turned six last Saturday and Andrew laughs that Willow “is done with cycling” for the foreseeable future. Andrew thanked Willow’s classmates for their “huge contribution”, along with her teammates at Kilkishen Camogie Club and his work colleagues at Maverick in Ballina. Willow has raised €1,360 to date. If you would like to make a donation, please visit her idonate page at https://www.idonate.ie/ fundraiser/willows100k.

lTHREE CHEERS: Teachers Grainne Conlon, David Mescall, Ann Shalloo and Croiadh Fitzgerald (SNA) with Andrew, Patricia, Willow and Heidi Warner and students of O’Callaghans Mills National School

Finishing dates on target for Killaloe bridge and bypass

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

PROJECT completion of the Killaloe Bridge and Bypass is scheduled for the middle of 2025.

Elected members of the Killaloe Municipal District were briefed by representatives from Sisk and RPS Consulting at their May meeting to give an update on the Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Upgrade.

An estimated cost of €41m is attached to the project. The proposed Killaloe Bypass, Shannon Bridge Crossing and R494 Improvement Scheme will provide a western bypass of Killaloe, a new bridge crossing of the River Shannon and an upgrade of the existing R494 regional road from Ballina to the N7 at Bridhill. The entire scheme is approximately 6.2km and will cross the River Shannon approximately 1km to the south of the existing Killaloe Bridge and will cross the Kilmastulla River (a tributary of the River Shannon and part of the Lower River Shannon SAC) on the R494.

Liaison officer with Sisk, Padraic Cullen said progress is going well, “we’re on target, we’ve targeted the Killaloe Bypass to open in the beginning of the fourth quarter of this year, the Shannon Bridge Crossing for quarter one of 2025 and project completion by mid 2025”.

Cullen continued, “it has been challenging, we’ve had adverse weather events which have set us back but we’ve regained time lost”. There are challenges with the R464 “because it is a busy road, we’re trying to maintain access for residents

and services, there is a substantial amount of accommodation works to be done,” he advised. “It is difficult and challenging but managing landowner expectations is particularly challenging”.

Completing the Killaloe Bypass is “the easiest element, it is more or less a greenfield construction, that element of works will be the first we target to open”.

David Cawley of RPS Consultants noted, “The views are absolutely fantastic coming down the road and it will be very popular”. There will be a

New book unveils Gary Ringrose’s links to Clare parish

A BOOK on the ancient parish of Moynoe nOrbraighe will be launched this Friday night in Scariff.

The book, by Gerard Madden, outlines the history of the small parish going back 10,000 years including evidence of families associated with the area, including current Irish rugby star Gary Ringrose. The publication also includes a detailed history of the roadways and bridges on the southern end of the Siabh Aughties.

A native of Whitegate living in Moynoe outside Scariff since 1980, it is historian Gerard Madden’s 13th publication. The former history teacher and machinery dealer has been running Holy Island Tours since the 1990s and spends his winters

“There’s a big chapter on the roads and bridges which are since the 1840s which are still standing, the workmanship was unbelievable. One road in particular is a gem, it’s like a natural greenway,” Gerard tells The Clare Echo.

“I’m fascinated by the rivers, lakes, mountains, fields, the names. We were never taught that in school, local history is fascinating and I think it’s important to preserve the names and the history in these places.”

Family names mentioned in the book include O’Grady, MacBrody, Cormican, Samson, Broudin, and the first Ringroses of Ireland, of which rugby player Gary Ringrose is believed to be a descend-

The book is available in Bann’s Gift Shop in Scariff, at Holy Island Tours and local outlets in East Clare. The book is being launched by Dr Christy Cunniffe this Friday at McNamara’s Bistro Bar in Scariff at 8pm.

PICTURED: Gerard Madden with his publication and

safer road, the “segregation is better for cyclists and pedestrians,” he added. Cawley continued, “there is lots of trees and planting, areas fenced off for ponds and wetlands, not least of all it delivers Killaloe and Ballina back to the people as the politicians say, it will deliver economic growth back to the area, it is a great scheme and I’m delighted to be involved with it”.

Cathaoirleach of the Killlaloe MD, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) commented, “The project will enable Killaloe and East Clare to be the gateway to Co Clare. We’ve been saying it for years, the project is not just to relive traffic, it is a game changer for tourism and for business”.

Works to date are “simply fantastic,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) noted. “This is going to be a great asset to the Mid-West region, it is something we’ve been looking for”.

Similarly Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) added that he was “highly impressed”. He said, “it is a phenomenal achievement, we never believed we’d see it”.

A briefing on the project fifteen years ago was recalled by Cllr Pat Burke (FG), “we got a briefing on Killaloe Bridge and Bypass, I remember telling a fella about it at the time and he said that will never happen in our lifetime, it was fifteen years ago”. It will greatly assist those commuting to UL, he explained.

“There wil be champagne drank when it is over the line,” quipped Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF).

CLARECASTLE Tidy Towns are holding their annual Churchgate collection this weekend.

This is an important year on year source of funding, for which the group is very grateful. Funds raised goes towards the ever increasing cost of pollinator friendly planting, traditional flower baskets, mulch, paint, painting equipment etc.

Support from the community is very much appreciated. Volunteers are now out in force with a large programme of work being undertaken this year to, at a minimum, try and preserve our bronze medal status.

Volunteering opportunities exist for ongoing support during the summer months and once off projects with a shorter timeline. Further details from Gerry in the Post Office.

l The Killaloe Bypass

(left) Irish international Gary Ringrose, whose family first arrived in Moynoe according to the book

Barefield farmer (75) brands attacker a 'coward and a bully'

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 75-year old farmer and retired school teacher has branded a man who subjected him to “a horrific assault” as “a coward, a bully and a disgrace to his family”.

At Ennis Circuit Court, Noel Meere stated that himself and his wife Mary “are finally free of Ciaran Cullinan" who he said "is a violent criminal who only attacks those who are elderly and vulnerable”.

Judge Francis Comerford imposed a four year-eight month prison term on Mr Cullinan (34) last July for the “horrific assault” on Mr Meere that occurred in September 2022.

Judge Comerford said that the assault was a “cowardly attack by a stronger younger man against an older man”.

Now, Judge Comerford has imposed an additional one year prison to run consecutive to the four year and eight month term on Mr Cullinan for producing a claw hammer and criminal trespass at the Meere property at Curraderra, Barefield outside Ennis on February 4th 2022.

Mr Cullinan was living in the Barefield area at the time as part of

bail conditions relating to a separate matter before the courts.

Judge Comerford described the February 4th incident as ‘bizarre and strange’.

The court heard that as a result of a cannabis induced psychosis, Cullinan was targeting Mr Meere as he was under the delusional belief that the respected and innocent farmer was the leader of an Organised Crime Group (OCG).

In his victim impact statement, Noel Meere told the court that he was always fearful that Cullinan would assault him after he moved into the area.

He said, “On September 5th 2022, Ciaran Cullinan carried out a horrific assault on me while sitting in a jeep at the hay shed. He punched me repeatedly around the head and stabbed me in my neck. Fortunately, I survived that assault”.

Mr Meere told the court that himself and his wife, Mary “are dreading the day that Ciaran Cullinan will be released from prison. We have lived our lives since his incarceration in peace, free to go about our farming activities, free from his threats and free to walk our land. We never want to see him again in our community in Currad-

erra, Barefield”.

In relation to Mr Cullinan producing the claw hammer at his property on February 4th 2022, Mr Meere said that “only for the defence of me by son Fergal, I could have been seriously hurt or killed”.

As part of the initial sentence imposed on Cullinan last July, Judge Comerford has ordered that post release from prison, Cullinan is not to go within 15km of Barefield until 2031.

The Meeres have lived at Curraderra, Barefield since 1972 where they farm 150 acres.

In evidence Sgt Brian Spain said during the February 4th incident, that Mr Cullinan raised the hammer over his head and the Meeres returned indoors and locked themselves inside.

Sgt Spain said that in interview, Cullinan described the Meere house as "the gangland headquarters in Curraderra".

Counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly BL (instructed by State Solicitor for Clare, Aisling Casey) said at trial Garda Ger Cunningham gave evidence that none of the Meere family are known to the Gardaí to be involved in any criminal activity whatsoever.

Judge Comerford said that Cullinan’s beliefs about the Meere family’s organised crime links "are ludicrous, have no basis in fact and are completely nonsensical".

Judge Comerford said that the February 2022 incident was a harbinger of the far more serious offence in September 2022 but was in itself an offence of consequence. Judge Comerford noted that Cullinan had no record of prior convictions before 2021.

l Barefield

Doonbeg celebrates 25th Jazz Festival

Doonbeg International Jazz Festival will celebrate its 25th Anniversary over the June Weekend ( 31st May - 3rd June).

There will be 11 excellent bands with performers from Netherlands, U.S.A, Germany, Mexico, Portugal, U.K, Italy and Ireland, and with 27 performances over the weekend there will be a Jam packed programme of Swing, Dixieland, Gypsy Jazz, Soul, Jamaican Ska, and Jazz.

All Musical performances are free, and there will be daytime/ early evening and nigh time concerts, with many taking place outside to ensure accessibility for families to enjoy the music.

In addition to the scheduled programme, there is an open Jam Session on Saturday from 1-3pm, and all musicians are welcome to join in, and there are also Swing Dance Classes taking place at the Community Hall starting at 12.30 on Sat 1st June, (5 euro pp). To register for Swing Dance Classes please contact 0860890479.

All information, programme times and bands description can be found at https://www.facebook. com/doonbeginternationaljazzfestival or tel; 0860890479.

Data centre objectors ‘will apply for judicial review’

LOCAL election candidate Bridget Ginnity (Green Party) has confirmed that objectors will apply for a judicial review of the decision to grant permission for the Ennis Data Centre and will support this process.

In the recent Clare Echo podcast debate among local election candidates in Ennis, three of the ten candidates taking part opposed the data centre for a variety of reasons.

“I seem to be the only candidate to oppose the data centre on climate and environmental grounds” said Bridget Ginnity (pictured).

“If people knew the impact it will have, I expect they would do everything possible to stop it. Farmers are under pressure to cut back carbon emissions but the Council have permitted a data centre that emits more than the entire herd in Clare.”

“On a local level, the data centre will dou-

ble power consumption in Clare, risking blackouts. We could have water shortages during dry spells as the data centre will significantly increase the demand for water. On a national level, the huge carbon emissions from the project mean we will miss our targets and have to pay other countries who meet theirs”

Candidates supporting the data centre consid-

er that Ennis will benefit from a large number of jobs and that the data centre will position Ennis as a leader in digital enterprise.

“Construction workers should be building houses rather than a data centre and there are plenty of jobs in better industries. The proposed Apple data centre in Athenry didn’t go ahead because of opposition but now work has started on a Dexcom man-

ufacturing facility that will provide up to 1000 jobs.

How much loyalty would companies like Amazon have to Ennis, a company that paid 0.5% tax on profits of €4.7b?”

Even where people are concerned about the impact of data centres, many consider them essential because we use so much computing power in our daily lives. “Our daily needs are met mul-

tiple times by the capacity already there” responds Bridget Ginnity “and Ireland is already providing 30% of Europe’s data centre capacity with huge environmental costs. Other countries have more sense than to want them and the price we are paying is huge.”

“I really hope this judicial review is successful” concluded Bridget Ginnity. “All the proposed actions in the recent Clare Climate Action Plan are a waste of effort compared to this. If elected councillor, I will use every means available to stop the Ennis Data Centre going ahead.”

Fifty-nine candidates registered for local elections in the Banner

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FIFTY-NINE candidates have registered on time to contest the 2024 local elections in Co Clare which take place on June 7th.

There are 28 seats within Clare County Council to be elected and by the close of nominations at 12pm on Saturday, a total of 59 persons had entered the race.

Of these 59, there are 16 female candidates, this is the highest amount of women to contest the one election in Clare but is still less than a third of those in the field. In 2019 and 2014, there had been eleven women to put themselves forward for election, the highest prior to this was seven in 1991 while the figure remained at six in 2009, 2004 and 1985.

Five outgoing county councillors are not seeking re-election, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF), Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), Cllr Johnny

Flynn (FG), Cllr Ann Norton (IND) and Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND).

In Clare, the longest ballot paper for this election is in the Shannon Municipal District where a total of fifteen candidates have declared. There are seven seats in the Shannon MD.

Sizeable interest has also resulted in thirteen candidates stepping forward in the Kilrush local electoral area and five county councillors will be elected here.

Within the Ennis Mu-

nicipal District, there are thirteen candidates battling for seven seats. The absence of a well-known Independent candidate in the area on the ticket has caused a surprise.

Across East Clare, the Killaloe Municipal District has a nine persons running where they will battle to win the five seats on offer.

Four seats are to be filled in the Ennistymon electoral area, the smallest amount across the county and there are nine candidates in the mix.

Ennis Municipal District candidates:

Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF)

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF)

Cllr Pat Daly (FF)

Bridget Ginnity (GP)

Cllr Mary Howard (FG)

Tommy Guilfoyle (SF)

Jacek Kazimierz (IND)

Ruairí Keenan (IND)

Amanda Major (IND)

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG)

Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF)

Seamus Ryan (LAB)

Hilary Tonge (SD)

Ennistymon local electoral area candidates:

Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG)

Cllr Liam Grant (GP)

Cllr Joe Killeen (FF)

Michael Loughrey (IP)

Pam O’Loughlin (IND)

Conor O’Sullivan (SF)

Bill Slattery (FG)

Cllr Shane Talty (FF)

Denis Vaughan (LAB)

Killaloe Municipal District candidates:

Cllr Pat Burke (FG)

Martina Cleary (SF)

Cllr Joe Cooney (FG)

Audrey Flynn (GP)

Cllr Pat Hayes (FF)

Fiona Levie (SD)

Matt Moroney (II)

Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF)

Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF)

Kilrush local electoral area:

Dawn Bennett (SF)

Theresa Doohan (FG)

Dinny Gould (IND)

Susan Griffin (GP)

Kevin Hassett (II)

John Hill (IFP)

Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG)

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND)

Cllr Rita McInerney (FF)

Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF)

Michael Shannon (FF)

Alan Troy (FF)

Joseph Woulfe (II)

Shannnon Municipal District candidates:

Pat Barry (IND)

Cllr Michael Begley (IND)

Fursa Cavanagh (GP)

Cllr John Crowe (FG)

Val Gillane (FG)

David Griffin (FF)

Rachel Hartigan (FF)

John Haugh (AON)

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF)

Keith McNamara (IND)

Tony Mulcahy (FG)

Conor O’Brien (IND)

Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF)

James Ryan (SF)

Cllr PJ Ryan (IND)

Youth needs a voice on the Council says Ruairí Keenan

ENNIS’ Ruairí Keenan is the youngest candidate declared in Clare for the local elections, writes Páraic McMahon Born in Dublin, Ruairi and his family moved to Clare in 2005 when he was just two years old. He is a past pupil of CBS Ennis and Rice College.

Presently, he is doing a diploma in accounting with Pitman Training while the 21 year old is a familiar face as a retail assistant at Liddy’s Eurospar in Roslevan.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Ruairí explained why he decided to enter the election race.

“I’ve always had an interest in politics for the better part of a decade, I always had it in the back of my mind that I might run or I might not but I decided to take a leap of faith, the worst that can hap-

pen is I’ll get my name out there, the best case is I get a pretty decent job out of it”.

“It was a snowball effect, issues were coming up, in the back of my mind I was thinking maybe I will and then another issue would come up, more issues kept coming up and I said if nobody is going to do it then I’ll do it myself, if I don’t get elected at least I might be able to start a conversation about the events happening in the town like with Ennis 2040, it is flawed, it is has nice intentions but poor execution,” he added.

There is a need for a young voice on the local authority, he felt.

“There is under-representation of course, if I got on the Council I would decrease the average age for a councillor in Ennis by a decade or something along those lines.

“People my age don’t care about politics, they don’t register to vote, even if they did vote they don’t know who they voted for. My friends wouldn’t be able to name a county councillor but since I’ve gone forward I notice people my age are getting more interested”.

Plans for a mixed-use development on Abbey Street as part of the economic and spatial strategy were criticised by the Oakleigh Wood resident.

“The main one is the plans for Abbey Street car park, a lot of people see it as a car park but it has so much more of a historic value with events such as the Fleadh Cheoil and Christmas Markets which would be far less without it, it is where Muhammad Ali was in 2009, it is a very historic area of the town, it serves a much great-

er purpose than as a parking space”.

Working in retail, he is aware of the impacts to businesses as experienced in parts of the town centre with the ongoing public realm.

“O’Connell Street is being dug up, that is causing drastic decrease in footfall in the town and a lot of damage to small local businesses which need people going into town every day, they may not plan on going to the shop but they walk by and pop in”. He is “conflicted” when it comes to the Ennis Data Centre.

“A part of me sees it that a lot of green area will be destroyed for this data centre but on the other hand there will be a lot of jobs. Even if we get a few hundred jobs it will help the economy which is badly needed. It has pros and cons.

lPolling station

l Ruairí Keenan

Photo by Tom Micks

Joe Floyd withdraws his election bid

TULLA’s Joe Floyd (IND) completed a U-turn on his decision to contest the local elections in the Killaloe Municipal District, writes Páraic McMahon.

Less than 48 hours after announcing his candidacy to The Clare Echo, the Independent candidate released a statement criticising this publication for referring to events in his past and cited this in forming his decision to withdraw.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Joe outlined, “After discussing issues with family and friends in the last couple of days, I have decided not to continue in the upcoming local election as I feel that old issues being re-hashed put me at a disadvantage and is disappointing to me and my family”.

These “old issues” are his 2010 stand-off with the County Council where he protested against the hiring of outside contractors. This protest resulted in a five-hour stand-off that involved armed members of the Garda Emergency response Unit along with other gardaí, the fire service and the ambulance service.

An August 2014 sitting of the Employment Appeals Tribunal ordered Clare County Council to Mr Floyd €30,000 for unfair dismissal.

Back in 2019, Joe was a late addition to the ballot in East Clare where he polled 531 first preference votes and was eliminated on the third count. Political pundits had expected that the ex foreman would have received a lower vote five years on.

When going forward for the race this time round, the former Council employee voiced strong criticism at the expenses obtained by sitting councillors in the Killaloe MD and he was also vociferous in hitting out at a social media post from Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) which outlined his position on not using posters.

Prior to his brief entry into the race, Joe had given a commitment to Matt Moroney (II) that he would canvass for him. He joined Siptu in 1974 and had been part of the trade union for over 30 years.

Floyd did not wish to add further comment when contacted by The Clare Echo on his change of heart. He said he will never be putting his name forward for election again. He joined Siptu in 1974 and had been part of the trade union for over thirty years.

His decision not to seek election means that Tulla’s 30 year wait to have a sitting county councillor will continue.

BOWING OUT: Joe Floyd

‘This isn’t over’

“WE’RE not going anywhere,” members of Save Ennis Town insisted as they continued to fight to stop the planned developments on riverside civic amenities in the heart of the county town writes Páraic McMahon

A crowd of 200 plus attended Save Ennis Town’s biggest demonstration to date held on Saturday, it was their first public event since their silent march but they sent out a clear message that they will not be backing down when it comes to the Ennis 2040’s plans for Abbey Street and Parnell Street car parks.

Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearóid Mannion promised, “this isn’t over yet. Don’t be misled by 2040, things are rolling so be aware and keep an eye on us because we’re not going anywhere”.

Retired teacher Joan Duggan who presented a petition with 3,700 signatures to the Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) in October following the silent march as part of Save Ennis Town’s opposition to the developments was among the speakers on Saturday.

Joan who formerly taught at the Holy Family National School admitted, “when I came to Ennis to work here and set up home here, I never thought when I walked up streets of Ennis with children that I be pleading for people to get up and be counted”.

To attend Saturday’s demonstra-

tion which started at 14:04, Joan said she got the last car park in the Friary Car Park at 12:15, “if I’ve an appointment for 10am in the Market I’ve to be there at 09:15 and I’ve invalid parking,” she remarked. “If the heart of Ennis is picked out, what will happen then, Ennis will die,” she warned. “You have the power,” she urged the crowd. “Don’t be afraid to name names,” Joan added while stressing the importance of voting in the local elections. “We have to value our democracy and our right to protest”.

Questioning those involved in the Ennis 2040 strategy, Ms Duggan remarked, “I don’t know what land they belong to, they are not Clare people anyway”.

Save Ennis Town have not been shown adequate respect by the local authority and some of its elected members, she maintained. “I presented in October the over 3,700 petition that Johnny referred to, accompanied by people of all ages on a working morning to the Mayor and he is here somewhere, Pat Daly. Since then what have we been called and you by inference that you are part of Save Ennis Town, we’ve been called bananas, potholes with ulterior motives mind you but our only motive is to save your town for the future generations, your children, grand-children, great great grand-children, are you the people that in 2024 that are going to be responsible for the heart of Ennis town dying, please get on the 7th of June”.

TD slams derision directed at those who question plans

A CLARE TD has hit out at plans to construct a mixed-use development on Abbey Street car park as part of the Ennis 2040 strategy and labelled it “an illegal transfer of publicly owned property”, writes Páraic McMahon

Speaking at Save Ennis Town’s rally on Saturday, Michael McNamara TD (IND) paid tribute to councillors in Clare for their bravery in challenging management of the local authority on plans for building developments in Abbey Street and Parnell Street car parks.

The European election candidate stated, “I would like to pay tribute to all councillors who have resisted these plans despite pressure from the Executive of Clare Coun-

ty to bow to their will”. Deputy McNamara urged the public on the 7th of June to vote for representatives in the Ennis Municipal District that will not give away power of them or future elected members of the local authority. “This is what is happening with this transfer, it is an illegal transfer of publicly owned property and once it is gone, it is gone”.

Scariff native McNamara recalled that a board member of Ennis 2040 DAC told him he ‘didn’t know what he was talking about’ which prompted the barrister to commission a legal review of company law. Such a review seemed minor to the person he contacted but McNamara flagged, “to the town

‘We already have one white

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

“TOGETHER we can Save Ennis Town” was the rallying call issued at a demonstration in the heart of the county town on Saturday afternoon

Organised by Save Ennis Town, a public rally at O’Connell Square attracted an attendance of 200 plus protesting against the planned construction on riverside civic amenities in Ennis.

Two of the nine transformational projects for the Ennis 2040 strategy include proposals to build on car parks in the town centre, namely Abbey Street and Parnell Street (Harvey’s Quay).

Saturday’s rally lasted 41 minutes, beginning and ending with traditional music from the Height.

mus Ryan (LAB).

Save Ennis Town is comprised of Gearoid Mannion, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), Joan Duggan, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), Cora Hahessy, Michelle O’Connell, Feargal Ó Dualaing, Edel Cassidy, Bridget Ginnity, Garry Miley, Hilary Tonge, Ray Conway and John O’Connor.

Chairman of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion thanked the crowd for coming out “and opposing what some people are trying to foist upon us”. He recalled that it was exactly a year since a public meeting was held in Ennis, a gathering that resulted in the creation of Save Ennis Town, “we’ve built a formidable movement since”.

of Ennis it is relatively big, it is a civic space owned by Clare County Council, this is not just an issue for Ennis and Clare County Council”.

Deputy McNamara referred to the demolition of six cottages on Francis Street, an act he said was completed “with undue haste.”

“They have been reduced to dust by diggers before people had a chance to express their views on what should be done with them because it is their town. I’m very taken aback by the derision displayed by members of the board both for anybody who has shown any resistance and for ordinary people with questions, they are bananas we are told well there’s a lot of bananas in Ennis today”.

Political figures present at the rally included Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND), Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF), Mayor of the Ennis MD Cllr Pat Daly (FF), Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) plus European election candidates Susan Doyle (SD), Paul Gavan (SF) and local election candidates Hilary Tonge (SD), Bridget Ginnity (GP), Tommy Guilfoyle (SF), Antoinette Baker Bashua (FF), Amanda Major (IND) and Sea-

On the plans for car parks in Abbey Street and Parnell Street, he labelled them “speculative projects” which go “a step too far”.

The travel counsellor remarked, “we already have one white elephant in the town” which drew jeers from the crowd.

Earlier on Saturday morning, he said he managed to get the last car space outside The Snack Shack in Abbey Street and watched “everybody trying to get a parking space”. Should the mixed-

Flynn promises to go ‘as far as I

CLLR Johnny Flynn (FG) is bowing out of politics but he has promised go “as far as I can” to stop the planned development for riverside car parks in the county proceeding as part of the Ennis 2040 strategy, writes Páraic McMahon

An initial board member of the Ennis 2040 DAC, Cllr Flynn resigned from his position in September 2022 due to opposition to the inclusion of the Ennis Data Centre in the economic and spatial strategy.

Since leaving the board, Cllr

Flynn has become one of the strongest critics of the DAC and its actions. Board members have signed confidentiality agreements to uphold the decisions of Ennis 2040 DAC and protect the financial interests of the company. Private companies decisions are made by unelected Board members who sign as I did confidentiality agreements to uphold its decisions and protect the financial interests of the company.

First elected in 2004 to Ennis Town Council, Cllr Flynn outlined, “I’ve been lucky to serve for

twenty years but the last number of years I’ve found very difficult”. He said statutory documents must go through a statutory process but flagged that the Ennis 2040 strategy has no statutory basis.

A silent march which presented 3,700 signatures to the Ennis Municipal District from Save Ennis Town opposing plans for mixeduse developments on Abbey Street and Parnell Street car parks “was ignored,” Flynn claimed.

Addressing the crowd from the Daniel O’Connell Monument, Cllr Flynn stated, “We standing

l John O’Connor addresses the crowd at Save Ennis Town’s rally on Saturday Photo by John Mangan

use development proceed, he questioned, “where will we park, where will your customers park, where will our tourists visiting Ennis park and where will the Waterford supporters park when they come up to get a hiding from the Clare hurlers”.

Addressing the crowd, John O’Connor said it was humbling to stand in the shadow of Daniel O’Connell. He referenced previous speeches at the location by O’Connell, Charles Stewart Parnell and Eamon de Valera, their cause linked to that of Save Ennis Town in that each occasion saw people speaking up for “voiceless people,” he maintained.

O’Connor who owns Custy’s Music Shop claimed an “anti-democratic rot” started “with a group who arrived from the east with a plan and it is a reiteration of Limerick 2030”. He criticised the Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling

elephant in the town’ can’ with judicial review

here on the footsteps of people who fought for democracy for all - to vote and elect public representatives answerable to the public to make decisions for the common good of Ennis and Clare. Ennis for centuries has had an elected body or council established under Irish law to run the business of the town to the best of its ability, meetings and decisions were made in public by local politicians answerable to the public.

“The county manager or as he is called the Chief Executive Pat Dowling created a private company Ennis 2040 DAC which is bound not by local government law but by company law. Its only share-

and Director of Services Carmel Kirby for trying to replicate “a reiteration of Limerick 2030” a plan he said “has failed in Limerick”.

An absence of democracy was slammed by O’Connor who claimed Ennis 2040 DAC lacked accountability, transparency and an unwillingness to engage with the public. Councillors sitting on the board of the DAC “run with the hounds, when this was voted on a year ago three councillors who are sitting on the board who voted to cede the car park to the people, they are three women but because of a threat of litigation I will not name them, they compromised you and me as a democrat”. He continued, “we have a voice, we definitely have a voice on the 7th of June, look kindly on the people who are with us, not the people who call us bananas or a pothole in the greater scheme of things thank you Pat Dowling”.

holder is Clare County Council i.e. the Chief Executive, it is not answerable to councillors,” the Ennis native added. Initial commitments that the Abbey Street development would go through the part eight planning process have not been kept, he said. “We now know Ennis 2040 DAC are bypassing the local democratic planning process and applying directly to An Bord Pleanála. There is no appeal process available to a decision other than through a judicial review. Now that I’m stepping away from politics, I’ll be going as far as I can to ensure the town is protected”.

Cahercalla Community Care unveils €70k Memory Care Unit

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

CAHERCALLA Community Care will officially unveil its brand new Memory Care Unit tomorrow afternoon (Friday, May 24).

The Memory Care Unit includes a tapestry of murals depicting scenes from around County Clare including Paddy Con’s Hall, an old post office scene, Clare’s All Ireland successes, the Burren and more.

“What we’ve been trying to do is create familiar scenes that would evoke memories and bring back pleasant memories about people’s visits around Clare, their local environment,” explained Dr Michael Harty, Chairman of Cahercalla Community Care.

“We’ve included different scenes like the old post office and the Burren to make it a more homely, integrated experience.”

The €70,000 project was installed by Hacketts Printing Solutions and also includes the addition of an €18,000 Tovertafel magic table, which uses a projector to create an interactive experience, and promotes joyful, social connections for seniors living with dementia through its wide range of interactive games.

Each resident now has a different coloured door, to create an individual homely environment for each person. Fundraising Manager

directly towards the

Manager; Sheryl Knowles, Fundraising manager; Corina McCarthy,

President of Ennis Lions Club; Tom Carey, Ennis

Michael

O’Loughlin, District Governor of All Ireland Lions Clubs. Inset: Dr Michael Harty

Sheryl Knowles told The Clare Echo, “The idea is to make it look like a village street. They all love it, how could you not? They love having their own coloured door, it’s like their own home.”

NOTIFICATION OF SOCIAL HOUSING ASSESSMENT 2024

Clare County Council is currently preparing a Summary of Social Housing Needs Assessment for 2024 in accordance with Section 21 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.

All Local Authorities are required by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to complete this assessment for households who have been approved for social housing support.

The purpose of the Assessment is to identify the level of social housing support need across County Clare and is an important tool for informing national housing policy.

This Council is contacting households who have been approved for social housing support to confirm that they still require social housing support. Each applicant must confirm their requirements to the Council by completing the assessment form which has been issued.

Households who are approved for a social housing transfer, households who are HAP and RAS tenants are not included in this assessment. Households assessed as part of SSHA 2023 will not be included in this years review.

Completed forms are to be returned prior to Friday 31st May 2024.

If an applicant no longer requires social housing support or is no longer eligible their file will be closed.

It will be assumed that applicants who do not return their Social Housing Assessment Forms are no longer interested /in need of social housing support, and their file will be closed.

If you have any queries, please contact us on telephone numbers (065) 6846572, (065) 6846558, (065) 6846258 or alternatively email: allocations@clarecoco.ie or housing@clarecoco.ie

Dr Harty explained about the introduction of the new-look unit, “It is a recognition that memory loss and dementia is on the increase and I think units like this are going to be needed in the future and they can’t just be a standard ward because residents have particular needs and stimulating memory and remembrance therapy is an important aspect of the care of people with memory loss, that they’re seeing familiar scenes and have stimulation to help them.”

THE LIONS CLUB

Ms Knowles and Dr Harty acknowledged the support of the wider community in Clare for their efforts in raising €70,000 to facilitate the establishment of Cahercalla’s Memory Care Unit.

For the last three years, funds raised by The Lions Club Christmas Remem-

brance Tree in Ennis have been specifically designated to support the Memory unit in Cahercalla.

“The Lion’s Club have been a huge support for the last few years,” Dr Harty reflected.”

“We have a very close connection with the Lions Club, they have been a regular contributor for Cahercalla raising over €100,000 throughout the years. We are extremely grateful to them for their adoption of Cahercalla as one of their key beneficiaries. The Lions Club by its nature is trying to improve the community infrastructure and maintain a community spirit in the area and they’re very happy that there is now a tangible unit that they can demonstrate that their fundraising has gone into.”

Sheryl also moved to thank unnamed business people of Ennis for their financial support, along with local cycling clubs, schools, GAA clubs and The Ennis Players who supported the fundraiser during their stage production of Steel Magnolia.

The Official opening takes place this Friday where groups will be given a tour of the Memory Care Unit. Amongst dignitaries expected to attend the event include Mayor of Ennis, Pat Daly (FF) who will cut the ribbon on the unit, along with TDs, Senators, representatives from the Alzheimer Society of Ireland,

Clarecare, members of the local business community and more. INSPIRATION

Dr Harty acknowledged that Cahercalla was inspired by Carrigoran House in Newmarket-on-Fergus, its fellow not-for-profit community care facility. “We have developed a close connection with Carrigoran in that they’re a standalone not-forprofit nursing home. In fact, we’ve come together to lobby our local politicians in relation to the funding of the charitable nursing home sector which we feel is inadequate because we feel we’re all in the same boat.”

The not-for-profit nursing home sector has come under massive pressure since Covid-19 with increasing energy costs and salary increases which have not been met by the National Treatment Purchase Fund, a crucial funding vehicle for the sector. At least 46 nursing homes have closed in Ireland in the last three years, mainly due to funding issues required to meet the regulatory requirements set out by HIQA.

With this in mind, they will launch their ‘Friends of Cahercalla’ campaign this year with a goal to raise €200,000. Cahercalla, which has a public café on site, have identified other projects such as developing a new activities room, their walled garden and courtyard. “We’re trying to look at fundraising which has a tangible benefit for those who contribute,” added former independent TD, Dr Harty. “Activities is a big part of looking after people here, art, singing, baking. We hope to introduce a dedicated activity room where you can put in a lot of infrastructure, cooking, art, music, all in one area so it can be better developed.”

Ms Knowles added that the fundraising drive will continue this year with events including a summer community party, a country music concert in the Autumn and a black tie ball on November 2, “our crescendo for our fundraising year”.

GOOD CAUSE: Members of the Lions Club presenting a cheque to Cahercalla Community Care, funds which went

development of the memory Care Unit. Pictured (from left) are Kate Burke, General

Director of Nursing; Michael Sheedy,

Lions Club;

Neylon – Ennis Lions Club; and James

Scattery Island reopens for visitor season 2024

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works Kieran O’Donnell TD has announced that Scattery Island will reopen to visitors on Friday May 24th 2024. Access to the site is dependent on favourable weather, sea and island conditions.

Minister O’Donnell said: “I am very pleased to announce the reopening of Scattery Island for the summer season. The OPW have recently restored the Street on the Island, which was once home to the Scattery pilots and the island’s post office, before the island was finally abandoned in 1978. These views can once again be appreciated by visitors to the Street as can the historic view back to Cappa and Kil-

rush. I encourage you to visit this wonderful heritage site and take a tour of the island to enjoy the remains of an ancient monastic settlement.”

Scattery offers a calm and tranquil environment in which visitors can explore a wonderful range of interesting sites all within walking distance. Learn about St. Senan’s brave battle against the serpent Cathagh and his founding of a monastic settlement dating back to the early fifth century, and discover the fascinating history this little island holds from the early monastic times right through to the last of the islanders who inhabited Scattery.

Scattery Island contains the re-

cathedral and several medieval churches. Alongside these fascinating structures, the island also has a lighthouse, an artillery battery and a wonderfully restored village. Your tour will begin at Kilrush Marina where you board the ferry. Upon reaching the island, a dedicated OPW tour guide will warmly welcome you. Get ready for an enlightening guided walking tour that unveils the island’s rich history.

Booking details can be found at Heritage Island / Visitor Centre . Visitor queries can be addressed to scatteryisland@opw.ie

Just 250 vacant property grants paid out

DAWN Bennett, Sinn Féin’s candidate for West Clare has called on the government to introduce staged payments for the vacant property refurbishment grant. Her call was made as figures from the Department of Housing reported that just 250 grants have been paid out since the scheme was opened two years ago.

“The Department of Housing has published the latest vacant property refurbishment grant figures”, Dawn said. They show that since the scheme was opened in the summer of 2022, just 250 grants have been paid out.”

“What is particularly concerning is the low level of drawdowns despite 7,366 applications and 4,278 approvals over the last 2 years. Since the grant was introduced, applicants have repeatedly raised the need for staged payments. Currently, successful applicants have to pay for the refurbishment works up front and claim the grant afterwards. This is simply unworkable.”

“Many people who will be approved for the grant will not have the cash up front to cover the works. That is why they applied for the grant in the first place. Sinn Féin has been highly critical of this grant since its launch. It lacks ambition. The targets and funding are too low. And crucially staged payments must be introduced.”

“Minister O’Brien must introduce staged payment if this scheme is to have any chance of getting off the ground. Beyond this, the government needs far greater ambition in addressing the unacceptable levels of vacancy and dereliction across the State.”

“This would require direct funding to Local Authorities to buy and refurbish thousands of vacant homes for use as social, affordable rental and affordable purchase homes in addition to a reformed vacant property refurbishment grant. I believe it could be very beneficial to Clare towns and villages, and I intend pushing for it if elected to Staged Payments Needed for Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant Clare County Council” Dawn pledged.

mains of an ancient monastic her- itage featuring a round tower, the

‘Kind of horseplay that gets people killed’ as woman dragged by car

A JUDGE has commented “it is the kind of horseplay that gets people killed” after hearing how a woman was dragged along the tarmac by another in a moving car in the seaside resort of Kilkee last year.

At Kilrush District Court, Judge Alec Gabbett made his comments after hearing that is alleged that front seat car passenger, Ava Moloney (21) told driver, Jeffrey Ryan (24) ‘Go! Go!’ before she dragged Sophie Ryan along the length of the Diamond Rocks Cafe car-park last October.

Sgt John Burke told the court that it will be alleged that Mr Ryan drove the length of the Diamond Rocks Cafe car park with Ms Moloney holding into the arm of Sophie Ryan through the open window on October 22nd last dragging the alleged injured party along.

Judge Gabbett commented: “This lady could have been killed if she had gone under the wheels of the car. But for the grace of God that she didn’t.”

Judge Gabbett stated that “it is quite a serious incident and it could have been much more serious”.

Judge Gabbett said that the endangerment charges that Mr Ryan and Ms Moloney are facing are usu-

ally associated with serious road traffic collisions.

Ms Ryan causing harm contrary to Section 3 of the

Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on October 22nd last at the Diamond Rocks cafe car-park.

Sgt Burke told the court that Ms Ryan described having a conversation with Ms Moloney in the carpark of the Diamond Rocks cafe.

Sgt Burke said it is alleged that Ms Moloney pulled Ms Ryan’s head into the car by her hair through the fully open window.

Ms Moloney is then alleged to have let go of Ms Ryan’s hair and pulled Ms Ryan’s arm into the car and while doing so, she said to Mr Ryan to ‘Go! Go!’

Sgt Burke said that Mr Ryan drove the full length of the car-park while Ms Moloney held the arm of Ms Ryan which dragged her along the ground during the course of the incident.

Sgt Burke said that the injured party managed to release herself.

Solicitor for the two, Tara Godfrey said that both don’t have a background in criminality.

Ms Godfrey said that the injuries sustained by Ms Ryan are at the lower end of the scale in terms of the assault charges before the court.

Ms Godfrey said that Mr Ryan is to also face a charge of dangerous driving that is due to come before the court in September.

Judge Gabbett said that he is declining jurisdiction in the case which means that the case will now go before the circuit court where more serious penalties apply on conviction.

In the case, Ms Moloney is charged with on October 22nd 2023 at Diamond Rocks, Kilkee, intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct while seated in the front seat passenger seat and shouted at the driver, Jeffrey Ryan to ‘Go! Go!’ while she was holding the arm of Sophie Ryan, subsequently causing Ms Ryan to be dragged along the tarmac surface of the Diamond Rocks cafe car park, Westend, Kilkee which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another.

Mr Ryan is charged with on October 22nd 2023 at Diamond Rocks, Kilkee, intentionally or recklessly engage in conduct while knowing that Ms Moloney was holding the arm of Sophie Ryan, through the open front passenger window of the car causing her to be dragged along the ground for a considerable distance, which created a substantial risk of death or serious harm to another.

The two accused are on Garda station bail and Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to September 10th.

l Diamond Rocks, Kilkee

Mr Ryan of Towerfield, Croom, Co Limerick and Ms Moloney of

Hillcrest, Tullovin, Croom, Co Limerick are also both charged with assaulting

New traffic system for Carmody St

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

A NEW TRAFFIC signal system is to be introduced in Carmody Street based on traffic volumes rather than a time-based system.

An assessment of “the ongoing traffic congestion” on Carmody Street in Ennis was sought by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) “particularly in light of the ongoing construction works in our town”.

Traffic lights at O’Connell Street junction, Carmody Street and the Kilrush Rd are set to be the first set of linked lights in the county.

Acting senior executive engineer in the Ennis Municipal District, Paddy Tiernan confirmed that they have committed to “a full modern upgrade of the traffic signals at the Carmody Street/Upper O’Connell Street junction. These works will be carried out within the coming months in conjunction with the ongoing Public Relam Project”.

He explained, “This system will ensure priority is given to the direc-

tion of the greatest traffic flow and will ensure the junction operates more efficiently”.

Upgrade works “will cause an element of traffic disruption for approximately four to five days during the installation and commissioning of the signals”.

Speaking at the May meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Colleran Molloy noted, “there is such positive works going on in the town of Ennis but they pose an inconvenience for so many including traders and those commuting in and out of town”. She was hopeful the works

would be completed in the coming months and “will improve the flow of traffic”.

Seconding the request, Cllr Tom O’Callaghan (FF) said, “this technology will hopefully speed up the flow of traffic in the town.” Noting that the upgrade could take a week, he asked that this be flagged with businesses well in advance.

Lights on the Kilrush Rd “were altered as a result of a safety issue for pedestrians” in recent months, Tiernan replied. “The pedestrian has been prioritised at the junction, there have been some near misses where two elderly people nearly get knocked down on two separate occasions”.

Clarification on the cost of the traffic lights was requested by Cllr Colleran Molloy.

Without civil works, the lights will cost €37,000, the senior engineer advised. This will change the signals, signal heads and the controller “which tells the signals what to do”.

Assault on Abbey st

THREE YOUTHS assaulted one man and are understood to have recorded the incident.

Gardaí in Ennis are appealing for the public’s assistance regarding a serious assault which took place late at 00:30 on Thursday last.

A male in his fifties was approached by three youths, he was assaulted by one youth and subsequently treated for serious facial injuries in hospital. Gardaí believe that another youth may have recorded this assault.

Following the incident, the perpetrators fled the scene.

“We are appealing to anyone that may have witnessed this incident or has seen the recording of this assault ton social media to please contact Ennis Gardaí at 0656848100 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111,” a spokesperson stated.

Clare people to show support for those affected by cancer

CLARE people are being invited to show their support for those affected by cancer at Relay for Life Clare, taking place at Tim Smythe Park Ennis on June 15-16.

Relay for Life Clare, in aid of The Irish Cancer Society, is a 24hour event, bringing the community together to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have been lost to cancer. Participants team up and take it in turns to walk through the day and night, with someone always on the move during the 24-hour period.

The uplifting occasion features music and entertainment throughout and is a great family friendly event for all. A Candle of Hope ceremony also takes place, where hundreds of candle bags, personalised with messages of remembrance and hope are lit during a moving ceremony.

The event begins at 2pm on June 15 and local musician Seán Lyons Music; rock and electronic quartet North of Fortitude as well as Damien Gormley Live Music are just some of the acts supporting Relay for Life Clare.

Monies raised for Relay for Life Clare enables The Irish Cancer Society to provide vital services to people in the area, funding groundbreaking cancer research,

trials and crucial free support services for people affected by cancer throughout Ireland:

€30 can help provide transport for a patient to and from their chemotherapy treatment using the Irish Cancer Society’s Volunteer Driver Service.

€50 can help provide vital clinical equipment for an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse.

€60 will cover the cost of a counselling session to help a person cope with a cancer diagnosis in their life.

€455 will cover the cost of one night of Night Nursing, provid-

ing end of life care to a patient in their own home.

In 2023, your generous support provided:

Almost 230 free lifts to bring Clare based cancer patients to their treatment

Over 290 free supportive conversations with people in Clare through the Support Line & Daffodil Centres

Over 145 nights of free Night Nursing care to allow cancer patients in Clare to die at home surrounded by loved ones.

Clare Rose of Tralee, Aisling O’Connor, Relay for Life Clare

ambassador who lost her mother Denise in 2021 following a breast cancer diagnosis, urged people to support the event.

Aisling said: “Relay for Life Clare is a space for everyone who has been affected by cancer to share and listen and to remember. After getting involved with the Relay for Life Clare, I feel that there is so much strength and empowerment in this community. It’s a very positive experience and I think that everybody will get something out of the event, so I would strongly encourage everybody to come along and see what it’s all about.”

Rosemary Simmons, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Irish Cancer Society, said: “The people of Clare have enthusiastically supported Relay for Life, and in doing so have generously supported the work of The Irish Cancer Society to help fund vital cancer services and research. All of those involved in the event have showed such dedication and commitment and we look forward to seeing Clare people coming together for this special event.”

There’s still time to register a team for the event, please check out Relayforlife.ie and visit the Relay for Life Clare Facebook page.

Traveller Pride at Lee’s Road

Clare Traveller Community Development Project will Host Traveller Pride in Lee’s Road on the 24th of May 2024 at 4pm.

Clare Traveller CDP will be presenting an exhibition showcasing Traveller life in the 1950‘s for Traveller Pride 2024. The scene will include a fully restored Barrel Top Wagon, a traditional tent, a flat cart, working tinsmith, storytelling Traveller women and of course, a campfire.

Bridget Casey, Co-ordinator of Clare Traveller CDP says “This is an amazing opportunity to get an insight into Traveller heritage and history, and the contribution of Travellers to Irish History for our community and settled community”. The Living History Exhibition will provide a real insight into the heritage of the Traveller Community and their important contribution to Irish History. There will be live entertainment for both adults and children and a barbeque for all to enjoy the day!

Martin McDonagh the men’s development workers says “All are welcome on the day to share the celebration of our culture and learn about our identity. It is important our history is passed down through the generations”.

How much water to give my plants?

IT’S been a fantastic couple of days and I feel like a new lady been out in the sun all day . The big question is how much water do I need to give my plants?

Well, it’s like how long is a piece of string. I will however try my best to give you a few tips.

If your plant hangs its head and looks a bit sad, all is not lost.

I would soak it in a pan or a bucket if it’s a small one. If it’s a big container get a jug and slowly water and allow it to take in the water. Sometimes we are in a rush and hold the hose over and this can push soil out and not give the pot a chance to allow it to fully go through.

So when it comes to water-

ing I tend to be slow and steady and go over things twice.

Then I check the planter by lifting it and if it’s still very light I would do it again.

What time of day is best? If you are out and about in the morning, then that is a good time or late in the evening as the temperatures start to go down but if you have a pot in trouble, you can give it some water and maybe just put it straight into the soil - avoid the flower head and then do again later.

Now everyone has their own way to water plants, this is just how I like to do mine. I feed them every two weeks and once you can give your plants some attention they can give some extra flowers (that’s the hope).

I hope that you are enjoying getting your pots filled with lots of colour and that you are getting a chance to admire those fabulous garden you have created.

If you feel it there is a lot of green in the beds, consider some perennials and that will give colour throughout the summer like the lupins or nepeta or pop into the garden centre to get idea - maybe consider the height you need and the space available first. There is so much potential this time of year, in terms of what is available and what we want to do in our space. Keep enjoying the season, the colour and as always shoot me some questions if you have any. Happy gardening!

l Clodagh Malone Sophie White Molly O Malley and Maeve O Malley at last year’s Relay For Life event in Ennis

Delta launch daily flights to JFK

DELTA Airlines has introduced a daily JFK New York flight from Shannon Airport, writes Stuart Holly The maiden flight is scheduled to depart Shannon on this Satuday (May 25th) with the year-round service bolstering Shannon’s transatlantic capacity, adding to Aer Lingus’ routes to JFK New York, Chicago and Boston.

It marks the reintroduction of Delta’s service which ended abruptly in 2020 when Covid-19 decimated aviation schedules. Delta Airlines Vice President Matteo Curcio told The Clare Echo that the airline’s domestic network in the USA will greatly increase options for Irish holiday-makers, with Delta connecting to 70 destinations from JFK Airport. “We now have 35 flights a week going from the US to Ireland. We’ve expanded our transatlantic capacity by 35 per cent at a time when the market is growing by 10 per cent,” said Mr Curcio, adding, “Ireland is the only place in Europe with pre-clearance to the US which is a great customer experience”.

Delta’s only Shannon route comes in addition to its Dublin routes to

JFK New York, Boston, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. At the time of writing, The Clare Echo found that a Delta flight (standard economy) to JFK costs €409 on May 25 while the cheapest

Aer Lingus flight available on the same date from Shannon could be purchased for €524.95. When asked if Delta would be expanding its services and routes from Shannon, Mr Curcio noted that the airline is “al-

ways looking for growth opportunities” and that he will be tracking the success of their Shannon to JFK route closely. Mr Curcio noted that flyers will experience a “different class of service” with the reintro-

duction of the route being served by the wider Boeing 767, which will give flyers the option of Delta’s “award-winning business class, premium economy, with wider seats and the ability to pre-select your meal on the app before the flight.” They hope to introduce full Wifi to the service by the end of 2024. Mr Curcio added that demand for experiences over goods has increased since the global pandemic and that Clare is well placed to facilitate the American tourist market.

CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine said, “Shannon was the first Irish airport that Delta chose to fly into back in 1986 and its fantastic to see them return to Shannon. We are delighted with the restoration of the Delta New York/JFK service. The additional daily service to this important gateway of JFK will further boost connectivity to the US, helping our customers to reach global export markets, attract Foreign Direct Investment and bring international visitors to the West of Ireland - all of which help drive economic activity. We have worked closely with the airline to make it happen”.

'Nothing short of a disgrace' - councillors slam protest

A RETIRING Clare county councillor has criticised an “illegal blockade” which impacted on passengers using Shannon Airport, writes Páraic McMahon

Traffic was brought to a standstill at Shannon Airport in April with a protest by Shannonwatch attracting numbers in the region of 500 including a strong cohort of IPSC groups from Clare, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, Kerry and Cork, Múinteoirí ar son na Palestine, Pals for Palestine.

In what was his final proposal before a meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) called on the local authority to condemn “the illegal blockade of passengers seeking to access Shannon Airport”.

Speaking in the Council Chamber, Cllr McMahon pointed out that Shannon Airport’s access road “had to shut down” over the protest on April 10th. “It meant passengers had to walk with their cases for over a mile”.

Groups marched from Drumgeely along the N19 as part of Shannonwatch’s protest which they later described as their “biggest demonstration in years”, this began at 2pm and lasted just under an hour. Soon after, persons attached to the demonstration then proceeded to block access for motorists trying to get to Shannon Airport until approximately 4:40pm on. Passengers attempting to get flights were forced to leave their vehicles and travel on foot for 2km to the Airport while others were given lifts by An Garda Síochána positioned at the other side of the blockade.

“It is the first time I’ve seen an international airport impacted by such a situation,” Cllr McMahon flagged. He said he was fascinated by the regular demonstrations held outside Shannon Airport and pointed out that 53 percent of tourists to Ireland are from America. “Any strong tourist country are protected by their cousins because ships are moving in and out as we are all aware of,” he said. The Newmarket-on-Fergus native added, “the American Navy is our protector whether we like it or not”.

Seconding the motion, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) highlighted that it was “very serious”. He commented, “it closed down our International Airport on that particular day, people are entitled to a peaceful protest but they are not entitled to close down an international airport, it was an absolutely crazy situation”. The Cratloe man said, “Gardaí had to bring

passengers and their luggage into the Airport but they missed planes”.

On the day of the protest, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) said he was working in the Shannon Industrial Estate and went over to assess the situation, “it was nothing short of a disgrace,” he remarked.

“Nobody has any problems with people putting up blockages but not to our international airport,” stressed Cllr John Crowe (FG). “It is absolutely scandalous that this should happen,” the Sixmilebridge representative maintained.

Persons are entitled to have a peaceful protest, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) argued. “Shannonwatch need to be able to protest,” she said. “The next time there is a peaceful protest, there needs to be a plan,” the Shannon woman said. She disagreed with councillors attempting to take away the right to protest.

A similar stance was taken by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND). “Gardaí and the powers that be were well warned, I’ve no issues with a peaceful protest”.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) paid tribute to Cllr McMahon “on all you’ve done to fight for Shannon Airport” during his time as an elected representative.

In his final contribution on one of his motions, Cllr McMahon used the opportunity to “compliment the wonderful men and women who have worked in Shannon Airport”.

lBIG APPLE: Statue of Liberty, New York and inset, Matteo Curcio

Scariff library renamed in honour of Edna O'Brien

SCARIFF public library has been officially renamed in honour of Edna O’Brien, writes Páraic McMahon

Supreme novelist and Tuamgraney playwright Edna O’Brien now has the Scariff library named in her honour.

An official launch was held on Tuesday evening which was attended by members of the local Blake family. Edna’s son Carlo Gébler, a well-known novelist, biographer and playwright who lives in Northern Ireland had been due to attend.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) was joined by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) who proposed in January that the library be renamed in honour of Edna to “recognise her contributions in a meaningful and lasting way”, Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) and Cllr Pat Burke (FG).

Speaking at the launch in Scariff, Cllr Cooney outlined, “Clare County Council has a strong tradition of remembering those who have contributed to the cultural, political and social fabric of the county. We are proud that Edna lived among us and drew on her experiences of growing up in rural East Clare, and that this significantly shaped her perspective and undoubtedly influenced her writing”.

Cllr Hayes commented, “When I proposed this motion I wanted to recognise Edna’s contribution to literature and the arts. What better way of doing so than by renaming her local library, a bastion of learning and cultural life in the area, in her honour.” He emphasised the value of the library to East Clare and how he was struck by the fact that “we had no public building

named after a woman” and “he was motivated to set this right in choosing such a luminary as Edna to honour in this way”.

Helen Walsh, Clare County Librarian said it was a delight to have the library “named after such an influential author whose reputation is applauded internationally”.

Community Radio to broadcast from home of the BBC

EAST CLARE’s biggest radio force is to team up with one of the biggest public service broadcasters in the world, writes Páraic McMahon

Ahead of its ninth birthday, Scariff Bay Community Radio (SBCR) will be collaborating with the BBC with a special broadcast from London next month.

Flagship show, Saturday Chronicle will broadcast live from the home of the BBC on Saturday June 15th. Presenters Tom Hanley, Timmy Hogan, Jim Collins, Terry Hogan and Daragh Leamy will be heading across the water to go live to the East Clare masses from BBC’s broadcasting house.

Station manager, Jim Collins explained, “this is an idea that we had before COVID. Our aim is to serve and promote our communities of East Clare, wherever they currently live, and there is a large number of East Clare people living in and around London.

“We contacted the BBC, they agreed to host us and we are really excited to be transmitting Saturday Chronicle from BBC's

Broadcasting house. We will be at the Irish Centre in Camden Town, London on Friday 14th to record interviews with those who are unable to join us live on the Saturday morning”. Persons with East Clare connections who would like to participate in SBCR’s London shows are asked to make contact with the production team by emailing sbcrinfo@gmail.com or by contacting +353 (0) 89 2582647.

Serving the East Clare area from Tulla to Killanena and over to Killaloe, SBCR has volunteers embedded across its catchment area. SBCR broadcasts on 88.3 and 92.7Fm in East Clare and online on www.scariffbayradio.com. Podcasts of interviews and talk shows are also hosted on all major podcast platforms.

A retired principal, Jim who founded the station in 2015 added, “we aim to provide a service to people of all ages across our community. Not everyone has time to listen in on a Saturday or Sunday so it’s great that they can catch up with local events at a later time.”

Putting Ennis first: My commitment to our community

I RECENTLY participated in an online debate with other candidates running in the upcoming local election for the Ennis LEA.

During the debate, we discussed the council’s proposal to develop the Abbey Street carpark. One of the candidates asked a thought-provoking question: “Can anyone remember the last time a private developer made a significant investment in Ennis?”

None of us knew the answer, and the questioner eventually pointed out that it had been many years since a significant private investment was made in the centre of Ennis. The implication was clear: Ennis is not attractive to investors, and the current councillors aren’t doing enough to change this. The question seemed designed to make us feel inadequate.

After the debate, it struck me that the question was quite extraordinary. Surely, more pertinent questions for council-hopefuls would be: When was the last time we had

adequate health services in Ennis?

When did we last build a quality community centre? Where are our public parks, our innovative public transport projects to reduce car dependency? Where are the proposals for underground parking (like they have in towns of similar size to Ennis all over continental Europe)? Where are the desperately needed social houses?

The questioner clearly has a very different view of a councillor’s role to the one that I hold. S/he seems to believe that a councillor’s main job is to facilitate private investment in the community—a perspective that is reminiscent of the business-first Thatcherism of the 1980s. In contrast, I believe the primary responsibility of a local councillor is to ensure that all community members have access to high-quality services. While councillors shouldn’t obstruct appropriate development, their priority should always be to protect and serve the community’s interests.

This fundamental difference in views has recently been highlighted by the proposal to develop the Abbey Street carpark. Some councillors support the council’s involvement in property development, but I most certainly do not. If elected, I will unequivocally oppose the council’s attempts to develop public lands and I will never advocate for private developers. My focus will be on ensuring that the community has access to services that genuinely enhance their quality of life. My vision for Ennis is one where the wellbeing of the community is paramount. I promise to prioritize the needs of the community members over private investors. I will work tirelessly to ensure that Ennis remains a vibrant and supportive place to live for everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from. For this candidate, at least, the people of Ennis will always come first.

- Hilary Tonge, Candidate Ennis LEA

lRALLY: Susan Doyle and Hilary Tonge

l Edna O’Brien

More promotion needed for shuttle bus

GREATER advertising of the free shuttle bus to the Burren National Park is needed, writes Páraic McMahon

“As a matter of urgency,” Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) said both Clare County Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service must advertise the free Shuttle-bus for the Burren National Park.

From the months of May to August, a free shuttle bus service runs from the Information Point in Corofin to the trailhead at Gortlecka Cross, in the Burren National Park, dai-

ly every 30 minutes from 9.30am to 5pm.

UNESCO Geopark Manager, Carol Gleeson said, “Due to lack of onsite parking, we strongly encourage visitors and locals to use this shuttle bus to visit the Burren National Park during the summer”. She added, “The Burren national Park is a gem at the heart of the Burren. While it falls within the area of the Geopark it is state-owned and managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) on behalf of the people of Ireland. The Burren

National Park operate an Information point in the nearby village of Corofin”.

This bus service has been prompted by the Burren Ecotourism Network via the Visit the Burren Facebook page, Ms Gleeson stated.

Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Killeen outlined, “The service has been running for a number of years and going really well”. He continued, “The advantages of having the shuttle bus to that location is it reduces traffic congestion”.

Tourism is also supported by the bus, the former primary school principal maintained. “It is a service that needs to be more widely advertised. In Corofin we are waiting for new departure point if and when the National Park and Wildlife Service get funding for a new office block”. He added, “Since I’ve gone on Council I’ve been advocating for a shuttle bus for North Clare and to support the Burren Centre in Kilfenora”. Killeen’s proposal was seconded by Cllr Shane Talty (FF).

You will need

n 2kg free-range chicken, preferably organic

n 150g of butter

n 2g of salt

n 300ml of lager beer, in a can

n 570ml of lager beer

n 90g of malt extract

n 2g of chilli powder

n 2g of mustard powder

n 2g of smoked paprika

n 2g of dark muscavado sugar

n 1 garlic clove, crushed

n 600g of chicken bones, roasted

n 100g of onion, sliced

n 2 sprigs of thyme

n 100ml of Madeira

n 800ml of chicken stock

n 1 garlic clove

n 1 tbsp of olive oi

n 200g of haricot beans

n 50ml of olive oil

n 100g of onion, finely diced

n 1 garlic clove, crushed

n 1l chicken stock

n 200ml of tomato juice

n 20g of chorizo sausage, diced

n 4 plum tomatoes, skinned, deseeded and cut into petals

n 80g of broad beans, podded n 40g of runner beans, sliced

n 40g of green beans

n 40g of fresh peas, shelled

n 1 lime, juiced

n 1 pinch of basil, chopped

n 1 pinch of parsley, chopped

n 1 pinch of tarragon, chopped

n 3 bulbs of garlic

n 1 tbsp of olive oil, plus extra to drizzle

n 30g of fresh yeast

n 325ml of warm water

n 450g of strong bread flour

n 1 tsp salt

n 1 tsp dried thyme

Method

1) For the chicken, remove the wishbone with a sharp knife, then make 3 incisions into each of the legs of the chicken.

2) In a bowl, mix 70ml of the beer with the rest of the marinade ingredients to make a paste, rub the paste into the chicken all over, place into a ziplock bag and seal. Leave to marinade for 3 hours in the fridge.

3) After 3 hours add the rest of the beer and reseal in the bag, then leave for 24 hours to marinate then remove from the bag and pat dry with a cloth.

4) Rub the butter under the skin and around the chicken, then season the whole chicken with salt.

5) Open the can of beer and pour out a little of the beer so it’s not quite full. Place the can into a beer can chicken holder (or prop up in a deep tray) then place the chicken onto the holder.

6) Place the chicken onto a hot barbecue or in an oven at 190°C. Cook for 40 minutes (or until cooked through), basting the chicken twice during cooking. Once cooked, remove from the barbecue or oven, and leave to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

7) To make the chicken sauce, in a heavy-based pan add the oil and caramelize the onions for

2–3 minutes. Add the chicken bones, garlic and thyme cook for a further 3–4 minutes.

8) Add the Madeira and reduce the sauce by three-quarters, then add the chicken stock and bring to the boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and reduce by half until it reaches a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

9) Remove the sauce from the pan and pass through a muslin cloth, or fine sieve, into a pan. Season to taste.

10) For the summer beans, in a large pan sweat the onions in the olive oil for 2-3 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and haricot beans and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add the tomato juice and stock and bring to the boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 45 minutes – 1 hour until the beans are tender.

11) Remove the lid, add the chorizo, fresh tomatoes, runner beans, broad beans, green beans, peas and salt and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Just before serving add the fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime.

12) To make the bread (you can start this ahead), preheat the oven to 160°C/gas mark 4. Drizzle the whole garlic heads with olive oil and wrap tightly in tinfoil. Place onto a baking tray and bake in the oven for 40 minutes until completely soft. Leave to cool slightly then push

each garlic clove individually from its skin. Pass through a fine sieve and weigh out 40g of the roasted garlic.

13) Dissolve the fresh yeast into the warm water. Sieve the flour and salt into a mixing bowl then add 30g of the roasted garlic paste. Mix in a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment, adding the yeast and water bit by bit. Mix the dough for 5 minutes until smooth.

14) Cover the dough with a cloth and leave in a warm place to prove for 15–20 minutes. Once

proved remove from the bowl and press into a tray rectangular baking tray. Cover with a cloth and leave to prove again for 15 minutes.

15) Preheat the oven to 200°C/ gas mark 6. Bake the bread for 12 minutes until golden brown. Mix together the remaining roasted garlic paste, a little olive oil and the dried thyme and brush over the bread.

16) To serve place the chicken, sauce, vegetables and tear and share bread on the table and let everyone help themselves.

lHOP IN: Shuttle bus for Burren National Park

Community groups & inspirational figures receive Cathaoirleach awards

COMMUNITY groups and volunteers from Galway were celebrated at the 2024 Cathaoirleach Community Awards held in the Clayton Hotel last Thursday, writes Páraic McMahon

Organised by Galway County Council in partnership with Galway County Public Participation Network (PPN) and hosted by Cathaoirleach Cllr Liam Carroll (FG), the awards were announced during the annual Cathaoirleach’s Ball which this year raised much needed funds for local charities ACT for Meningitis and i4Life. Each of the winners were presented with a specially commissioned award designed and hand-crafted by Craughwell-based Sean Mahony, along with a certificate and a cash prize of €500 to use for their work.

Galway Bay FM’s Ollie Turner was MC for the evening. “These awards recognise the tireless efforts of individuals and groups who work diligently behind the scenes to strengthen our communities. On behalf of Galway County Council and the people of the County, I am delighted to be able to recognise and honour their commitment to making our local areas better places to live,

work and visit,” Cllr Carroll stated.

There was double success for Kinvara Tidy Towns which was one of two groups to be named winner of Price of Place Awards who will represent County Galway in in the IPB National Pride of Place Competition 2024. Kinvara will be represented in the ‘Climate Action and Biodiversity’ Award category, to showcase the town’s collaborative efforts towards climate action and biodiversity. These efforts include the planting over 9,000 native trees in conjunction with Burrenbeo and Kinvara Ballinderreen Tree Gang, building on this through a multiplier orchard project, habitat mapping, a biodiversity trail, and a series of wildlife and biodiversity citizen science exploration projects.

The other Pride of Place Award winner was Williamstown Development Company, who have been selected to represent County Galway in the ‘0300 Population’ Award category. Following the presentation of the Cathaoirleach’s Community Awards, Councillor Liam Carroll presented two Posthumous Special Recognition Awards to the families of the late Saoirse Ruane

from Kiltullagh and the late Martin Horgan from Oranmore. Saoirse Ruane passed away at the very young age of 12 after her valiant battle with a rare form of cancer. Her appearance on the 2020 Late Late Toy Show captured the hearts of a nation and inspired the launch of the first Toy Show Appeal, which has since raised over €17.5 million to support children's projects and initiatives. Her legacy is a testament to the profound impact one individual can have and her story continues to inspire acts of generosity and kindness, ensuring that her influence will be felt for years to come.

Martin Hogan passed away suddenly in January 2024. Martin's dedication to inclusivity and development in sports has left an indelible mark on his community. His work with Maree Oranmore FC stands as a testament to his belief in the power of sport to unite and empower. The 'Football for All' initiative, which he championed, has been instrumental in opening doors for players with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the beautiful game and his achievements in this regard will be a lasting legacy.

Almost 1,000 waste complaints received last year

958 waste complaints were received by Galway County Council last year, writes Páraic McMahon

A new environmental initiative aimed at fostering public involvement in the fight against litter has been announced in Galway.

Launched in Oranmore on Monday, the Galway County Council Anti-Litter Ambassador Programme presents a pro-active and non-confrontational way for individuals, groups, communities and businesses to declare their support for a litter-free county.

Under the new initiative, Anti-Litter Ambassadors will sign a pledge committing not to litter and to participating in the numerous anti-litter initiatives supported by Galway County Council, including National Spring Clean, the gum litter campaign, dog fouling campaign and the Picker Pals programme.

Last year, 958 waste complaints were received by Galway County Council, each of which were investigated by the Environment section’s 15 Community Wardens. 83 fines

were issued during 2023, up 24% on 2022, while 36 litter and waste cases were referred to Law Agents during the year.

Cllr. Liam Carroll (FG), Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway said, “Litter takes from the beauty of our county and the simple solution to the problem is not to litter. The vast majority of people who live in and visit Galway are hugely responsible when to comes to litter management, but that does not mean that the war on litter is won. By becoming an Anti-Litter Ambassador, those who sign the pledge will be declaring that they are part of the solution”.

He added, “The Anti-Litter Ambassador programme is all about getting people to lead by example so that others may follow. This new scheme presents an opportunity for the public to declare their support for a litter-free County Galway and to showcase the pride they have in their local community responsibility”.

Liam Conneally, Chief Executive

of Galway County Council said, “I want to acknowledge the wonderful work done by so many in our Coun-

ty to help keep Galway Litter-Free. We look forward to seeing people from all walks of life and from com-

munities the length and breadth of County Galway coming together in support of this important initiative, which is the latest in a series of anti-litter schemes supported by Galway County Council”.

Eileen Ruane, Director of Services, Environment commented, “With the support of Elected Members, we are delighted to deliver this Anti-Litter Ambassador scheme and we encourage everyone to support it as higher participation will lead to a greater impact in our county”.

Galway County Council will be rolling out public awareness campaigns in the coming months to promote the Anti-Ambassador programme including visits by staff of the local authority’s Environment section to primary schools across the county.

Visit www.galway.ie/en for more on how to become Anti-Litter Ambassador or contact the Environment section of Galway County Council on 091-509510 or environment@galwaycoco.ie for more info.

lFOR SAOIRSE: Roseanna Ruane, mother of the late Saoirse Ruane, is presented with a Posthumous Special Recognition Award by Cllr. Liam Carroll, Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway Photo by Murtography

lFIGHT AGAINST LITTER: Jim Ryan, Cliona Kavanagh, Mark Molloy, Environment Section, Cllr. Liam Carroll the Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Chris Hanley and Liam Conneally Photo by Mike Shaughnessy

Fourteen spots receive Blue Flag & Green Coast awards for 2024

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FOURTEEN Clare locations have been awarded Blue Flags and Green Coast awards for the upcoming 2024 bathing season.

All thirteen recipients last year have retained their awards for 2024 while Quilty has been recognised as a Green Coast winner for the first time.

Blue Flags have been retained in Kilkee, White Strand (Doonbeg), Spanish Point, White Strand (Miltown Malbay), Lahinch, Fanore, Ballycuggeran and Mountshannon.

Green Coast awards have been issued for Carrigaholt, Seafield, Quilty, Ballyalla Lake and Bishop’s Quarter. It is the second year in

succession that Cappa has missed out on winning a Green Coast award, this is despite Clare County Council expressing confidence last year that it would regain its status in 2024.

Nationally, 94 Blue Flags and 70 Green Coast Awards awarded were awarded this year. The 85 Irish beaches and 9 marinas that have

achieved this accolade must adhere to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management for the duration of the bathing season.

year that beaches and marinas have been awarded here in Ireland.

An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2024 at a ceremony held in the Galway Bay Hotel overlooking Salthill Blue Flag beach on Monday afternoon.

The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised environmental awards. Originating in France in 1985 it was launched as an International programme as part of the European Year of the Environment in 1987.

In 1988, the first year sites were awarded outside of France 19 beaches and 2 marinas received the Blue Flag in Ireland. 2024 is the 37th

Government Chief Whip, and Minister of State at the Department of Education, Hildegarde Naughton TD (FG) stated, “As a Galway Minister, I am particularly proud to see the return of the Blue Flag to one of my own local swimming spots,

Traught Beach in Kinvara, I know that this will be of particular note and celebration for many Galway swimmers”. She added, “As we get warmed up for the bathing and swimming season this year we are breaking the record with some 70 Beaches receiving the Green Coast Award. We all know just how lucky we are to have such beautiful water quality and natural beauty across our shores and this year’s recipients are testament to just how exceptional and rich in diversity that our beaches are”.

Kildysart students win UNESCO nods

A GROUP of young people from St. John Bosco Community College in Clare were highly commended at this year’s ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards (YEA) 2024, writes Elaine Tubridy

The group from St John Bosco Community College, in Kildysart, raised awareness of the waste created by cotton pads and encouraged the use of environmentally friendly alternatives. They were among 26 eco-projects to receive awards at this year’s competition.

The awards recognise the work of young people who are tackling key issues in relation to climate and biodiversity loss, taking environmental action in their school or community and coming up with creative solutions to

solve environmental issues. Now in its 25th year, the YEA programme has reached people in every county of Ireland, with a total of over 65,000 young people participating and 6,000 projects entered down through the years.

Commenting on the awards, Elaine Nevin, National Director, ECO-UNESCO said: “Since the Young Environmentalist Awards began 25 years ago, we’ve seen the programme go from strength to strength each year. I’m so impressed by the number of projects and the high standard this year from students in Clare and across Ireland.

“Our young people are the heart of the YEA programme, using their passion, creativity and dedication to make a lasting impact on their communities. We

have created a strong tradition of effecting environmental change over the last 25 years and I’m proud of the work that’s been done to date. When we started the YEA programme, there were five awards categories, since then it has grown to 12, reflecting the sheer scale of environmental issues that impact our planet and our young people.

“I would like to congratulate all of our awardees, acknowledge those who took part in our regional semi-finals and thank all our funders who make this all possible every year. Each and every project that entered this year’s awards deserves to be celebrated. We look forward to continuing to inspire youth environmental action for the next 25 years!”

‘The past is our future’

ON FRIDAY 24 May 2024 Cuimhneamh an Chláir will hold a public event in Kilfenora Community Hall, exploring the rich heritage of traditional farming stories in our archive and examining what lessons they have for us today for care of the environment and biodiversity. Biodiversity Week takes place from 17-27 May this year.

“We’ll hear about Burren farming,

hay-making versus silage-making, seed-saving, what animals to let graze your orchard, how hares play, what plants will heal broken bones, and much more,” said a spokesperson for Cuimhneamh an Chláir.

Join them in Kilfenora Hall, Fri 24 May at 7pm for this Biodiversity Week celebration. The event is free and all are welcome.

Whitegate GAA team up with Healthy Clare to host mental health workshops

by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie

A PROACTIVE Clare GAA club has joined forces with Healthy Clare to deliver nutrition and mental health workshops to its community.

Last Autumn, Whitegate GAA Club made the decision to support young people’s mental health in the community following a tragic event in the locality. Having secured funding from the Healthy Clare micro fund, a team of officials at Whitegate GAA led by Terence Fahy (inset) took a duel approach blending healthy nutrition and mental health.

We ran that project on a bi-weekly basis in the months of January, February and March in our community in Whitegate. We had four workshops on nutrition and two workshops on mental health.

Enlisting the services of local nutritionist Cathy Colbohm and Cork-based life coach Dessie Fitzgerald, six workshops covering

nutrition and mental health were held in the local GAA club throughout January, February and March.

Clare U20 hurling manager Terence told The Clare Echo it was the first time Whitegate GAA Club ran this type of project, “Our community had suffered a few blows in recent times and we wanted to run a mental health project for young people in the area. We were made aware of the Healthy Ireland fund and when we saw that, we said that would be a perfect fit for the needs of people in our community.”

Terence maintains that running mental health projects in small communities “opens up the discussion around mental health and healthy living”.

The former Whitegate Senior Hurling manager said, “In a rural community in Clare, normally you’d be going to the big towns or education centres for anything of that sort, so that was one dividend, being able

to bring a project like that into our own community and we were able to localise it.

“The other benefit, it raises awareness to mental health and raises the link between mental health and nutrition. If your mind runs your body, your body only runs on the way that you nourish it so there was a big education piece around that. Anything we can do to educate people on better ways to live a healthy lifestyle and keep people healthier, there’s a great dividend in that for everybody from every community.”

Terence noted that the talks targeted a wide array of audiences. “We wanted our nutritional education to focus on more distinct groups, the first one was a general introduction to healthier living and diet, the second one focussed on young adult men, the third one focussed on young females and the fourth one focussed on healthy diet as we age.

“So, there was something for every body, it was a community project and it was very important that it catered to every strata of the community.”

Terence stresses that as a club, Whitegate GAA are “very conscious of strengthening the health of everybody in our community, especially the young people.

“It’s not a tick-thebox exercise now that we’ve completed a mental health pro ject... So we would be looking at running another project to

build on the very positive spin-offs of the last project.”

Terence says that in rural and isolated areas of County Clare, other community groups would benefit from similar schemes, “When you start a discussion around mental health, there is nothing only positive benefits for everybody involved.

“There’s merit in any project of this type and it would be great to see similar projects taking place in other areas because there are a lot of people struggling in our society and a lot of people struggle silently and if anybody can reach out to provoke an initiative or change for them, there’s huge merit in that.”

Terence spoke glowingly about the Healthy Clare Micro Fund, adding, “It’s fantastic to see that there are initiatives like this being put forth in local areas by the County Council

“Prevention is always better than the cure so if you can help people on the road to learning about healthy living and minding their mind and making their mind stronger, that’s great.

“It’s been fantastic to be part of the Healthy Ireland fund and initiative and I’d recommend people to look at the opportunity that lies within it in County Clare.”

Healthy Clare Micro Fund open for applications

CLARE’S Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is reminding community and voluntary groups in Clare that the Healthy Clare Micro Fund for 2024 is open for applications until 14th June, 2024.

The fund will support targeted actions in response to the identified two priority outcomes for a healthier Clare: 1. Healthy weight 2. Positive mental health promotion.

The types of proposals

considered for the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2024 are the following:

1. Support fund for promoting a healthy weight under the following four pillars (max grant €2,000): healthy eating; physical activity; stress management; and sleep hygiene

2. Support fund for promoting positive mental health (max grant €2,000).

To apply for the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2024, please visit: https://clarecoco.submit.com/

Before completing the on-

line application form, please read the grant guidelines carefully.

Closing date for receipt of application forms is Friday, 14th June, at 5:00pm. For more information on the Healthy Clare Micro Fund please contact the Healthy Clare Co-ordinator, Samantha McCarthy, at healthyclare@clarecoco.ie or 087-9878785.

The Healthy Clare Micro Fund is supported by the Clare LCDC, Healthy Ireland, the Department of Health, and Pobal.

Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg ar RTÉ Raidió

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

BA MHÓR an spóirt éisteacht leis an gclár speisialta de ‘’An Saol Ó Dheas’’ le Helen Ní Shé a craoladh beo ó Ghaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta an tseachtain seo caite.

Agus an scoil ag ceiliúradh dhá fhichead bliain ar an bhfód, bhuail daoine isteach le labhairt faoi stair na scoile, labhair foireann na scoile, agus chas na daltaí agus an fhoireann ceol den

Imeachtaí/Events:

chéad-scoth, agus dúirt siad amhráin gleoite freisin. Is féidir éisteacht siar leis an gclár, a craoladh Dé hAoine seo caite, an 17ú lá de Bhealtaine, ag www. rte.ie/rnag/an-saol-o-dheas/

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

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

• CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

• INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

• AN SCAIRBH – ‘’Lón i nGaeilge’’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé “An Gáirdín’’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

lCOMPETITIVE: St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games Pitch and Putt winners

Community games in full swing

ST FRANCIS Credit Union

Clare Community Games had three more competitions completed this week; the U10 Gaelic Football, Art and Pitch and Putt. The next few weeks will be very busy.

The Pitch and Putt competitions for boys and girls U16 was held in glorious sunshine in the magnificent course in Kilnamona. It was coordinated by Jimmy Maher and Enda Clune. Many thanks to Ann and Martin Commane for the use of the facility and providing refreshments for children and adults. The standard of play was very competitive with some placings decided on

count backs. The first three boys and three girls qualify for the National competitions on 11 th August in Westport.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Mon 20th May – U12

Girls Soccer – Kilmihil

• Mon 20th / Tue 21 st –Boys Soccer – Newmarket – on – Fergus

• Sat 25th /Sun 26th May –National Finals – Futsal, Cross Country, Mixed Distance

• Relays, Handball, Cycling - Gormanstown

• Sat 25th /Sun 26 th May –National Finals - Indoor

Soccer – Keenagh, Co Longford

• Sat 25th /Sun 26 th May – National Finals –Draughts – City North Hotel, Co Meath

• Sat 25th May – Camogie – Kilmaley GAA @ 9am

• Mon 27th May – Girls U15 Soccer - Kilmihil

• Tue 28th May – Rounders – Clarecastle

• Sun 2nd Jun – County Athletic Finals – John O’Sullivan Pk, Ennis @ 9.30am

• Mon 3rd Jun – Hurling –Newmarket – on – Fergus @ 10am

‘I want to make a difference’

Bridget

LIKE many, I am concerned about the climate crisis. Individual actions are important, but action is also needed in local and national government and business.

The impact of local politics has been shown by the controversial Ennis 2040 strategy. Ennis Data Centre will have about the same carbon emissions as all the cattle in Clare, yet no councillor raised this issue. I believe our riverside car park areas can be a fantastic public amenity, not a massive department store and offices.

I have wide experience. I’m a scientist and played a leading role in Europe

in bans on “forever chemicals”. I’ve helped develop instruments for measuring air pollutants, undertaken air quality surveys and written environmental impact assessments. I’m a chemicals safety consultant, was a business owner and have worked in multinational companies and the European Chemicals Agency. I’ve also worked as a waitress, chambermaid and in bars. I’ve lived in Ennis town for over 30 years and also in various places in Ireland and abroad. I hold a certificate in governance and am a board member of the Ennis Book Club Festival and Clare Local Development Company.

I’m involved in Save Ennis Town, Ennis Sub Aqua Club, Ballyalla Bravehearts and Clare Haven. I want to see better travel options, better housing and a better environment in Ennis with value for money a priority. I want to take actions that improve our physical and mental well-being and also save money and carbon emissions. For example, the large budget for cycling and walking should be used first on the most unsafe sections. Housing is in crisis. Ennis needs more affordable housing and to bring vacant and derelict properties back into use as homes and businesses. Reduced air pollution,

pleasant parks and safe options to walk and cycle are good for our health. Small, practical steps can make Ennis an even better place to live. I’m a doer. I’ve prepared a timetable to make it easy for people to get Local Link buses within Ennis and I got the waiting times at pedestrian lights reduced from as much as 40 seconds to almost immediate. I envisage a town that is family, mobility and climate friendly, where business and arts thrive, where the air is clean and we are surrounded by nature, where we are healthy and happy. By voting for me, you can help to make that difference.

Macalla an Chláir

NOTICE OF POLL

Local Authority: Clare County Council

1. A poll for the election of members for this local electoral area will be taken on Friday, 7th of June 2024 between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. 2. The following are particulars of the candidates, whose names will appear on the ballot papers in the order shown:

Local Electoral Area: Ennis

SURNAME OTHER NAME(S) ADDRESS

Baker Bashua

Antoinette 8 Hermitage, Ennis, Co. Clare. V95 PHP6

Colleran Molloy Clare 7 Kilone Grove, Ballybeg, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Daly Pat 53 Gallows Hill, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Ginnity Bridget Cottage Gardens, Ennis, Co. Clare. Scientist

Guilfoyle Tommy Barntick, Clarecastle, Co, Clare. V95 CYC3 Postman

Howard Mary Claureen, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Keenan Ruairí 11 The Willows, Oakleigh Wood, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. V95 T8P3

Kwasny Jacek Kazimierz Apartment 8, Old Mill Apartments, Ennis, Co. Clare. V95 K85P Software Engineer

Major Amanda 13 An Cosán Gheal, Limerick Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. Energy Consultant

Murphy Paul Barntick, Clarecastle, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Representative

O’Callaghan Tom Beechvilla, Clareabbey, Clarecastle, Co. Clare. Postmaster

Ryan Seamus 138 Cahercalla Estate, Ennis, Co. Clare. Trade

Tonge Hilary 57 The Maples, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

Local Electoral Area: Ennistymon

SURNAME

Garrihy Joe Ardeamush, Lisdoonvarna, Co. Clare. V95 H228 Public Representative

Grant Liam Lahinch, Co. Clare.

Killeen Joe Baunkyle, Corofin, Co. Clare.

Councillor / Retired

/ Farmer

Loughrey Michael Kilcrimple, Gort, Co. Galway. Stone Mason

O’Loughlin Pam Shyan, Kilmihil, Co. Clare. Farm Worker

O’Sullivan Conor Cooga, Killeen, Corofin, Co. Clare. Retired

Slattery Bill Ennistymon Road, Lahinch, Co. Clare. Farmer

Talty Shane Post Office, Main Street, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.

Vaughan Denis Ardnaculla South, Ennistymon, Co. Clare. Impresario

Local Electoral Area: Killaloe

Party/ Comhaontas Glas

Burke Pat Dromaan House, Whitegate, Co. Clare. Farmer

Cleary Dr Martina Loughwood, Crusheen, Co. Clare. V95 X2F9

Cooney Joe Ballymcdonnell, Bodyke, Co. Clare.

Flynn Audrey Mountshannon, Co. Clare.

Hayes Pat Maghera, Caher, Feakle, Co. Clare. Community Supervisor Fianna Fáil

Levie Fiona Mountshannon, Co. Clare. Lecturer / Business Consultant

Moroney Matthew Barbane, Broadford, Co. Clare. Farmer

O’Brien Tony Cross Roads, Killaloe, Co. Clare. Public Representative Fianna Fáil

O’Callaghan Alan Rossroe, Kilmurry, Co. Clare. Public Representative Fianna Fáil

PAT DOWLING, RETURNING OFFICER

ADDRESS: CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, ÁRAS CONTAE AN CHLÁIR, NEW ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. V95 DXP2

Comhaontas Glas

DATE: 20TH MAY, 2024.

NOTICE OF POLL

Local Authority: Clare County Council

1. A poll for the election of members for this local electoral area will be taken on Friday, 7th of June 2024 between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 10.00 p.m. 2. The following are particulars of the candidates, whose names will appear on the ballot papers in the order shown:

Local Electoral Area: Kilrush

SURNAME

Bennett Dawn Moveen East, Kilkee, Co. Clare. V15 V854 Salon Owner Sinn Féin

Doohan Therese Moyglass, Mullagh, Co. Clare. Support Worker, Brothers of Charity Fine Gael Joanna Doohan, Moyglass, Mullagh, Co Clare.

Gould Dinny Cree, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Griffin Susan Tiermaclane, Ballyea, Ennis, Co. Clare. Teacher Green Party/ Comhaontas Glas

Hassett Kevin Lislanahan, Kilkee, Co. Clare. V15 RW01 Self Employed / Farmer Independent Ireland Hill John Decomade, Lissycasey, Ennis, Co. Clare. Farmer Irish Freedom Party (I.F.P.)

Keating Gabriel Cross, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

Lynch Ian 2 Cappa Cove, Kilrush, Co. Clare. Safety Officer Non-Party McInerney Rita Mountrivers, Doonbeg, Co. Clare.

Business Owner / Public Representative Fianna Fáil

Murphy Cillian Forge Farm, Doonaha, Co. Clare. V15 NX44 Public Representative / Tourism Consultant Fianna Fáil

Shannon Michael Ballymakea, Quilty, Co. Clare.

Troy Alan Frure North, Lissycasey, Co. Clare.

Clerical Administrator, Aer Lingus / Farmer Fianna Fáil

Woulfe Joe Emelagh, Quilty, Ennis, Co. Clare. Barber / Farmer

Local Electoral Area: Shannon

SURNAME OTHER NAME(S) ADDRESS

Barry Pat 7 Fana Gheal, Tullyvarraga, Shannon, Co. Clare. V14 F436

Fáil

Ireland

DESCRIPTION

Retired Civil Servant Non-Party

Begley Michael Clonlara, Co. Clare. Public Representative Non-Party

Cavanagh Fursa 32 Aylesbury, Clonmacken, Limerick. Airport Security Officer Green Party/ Comhaontas Glas

Crowe John Riverview House, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. Full Time Public Representative Fine Gael

Gillane Val Parkview House, Gillogue, Clonlara, Co. Clare. Retired Fine Gael

Griffin David Ballycalla, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare. Parliamentary Assistant Fianna Fáil

Hartigan Rachel 49 Keelgrove, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare. V94 H6D9 Student Fianna Fáil

Haugh John The Orchard, Drumline, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare.

Project Manager / Film Maker Aontú

McGettigan Donna 17 Purcell Park, Shannon, Co. Clare. V14 FW94 County Councillor Sinn Féin

McNamara Keith 72 Cluain Airne, Shannon, Co. Clare. Data Assistant Non-Party

Mulcahy Tony 6 Tullyvarraga Crescent, Shannon, Co. Clare. Catering Manager Fine Gael

O’Brien Conor 9 Fana Glas, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. Businessman Non-Party

O’Gorman Pat O’Gorman’s Cross, Ballinfonta, Cratloe, Co. Clare. Fitter Fianna Fáil

Ryan James 104 Clonard, Westbury, Corbally, Co. Clare. V94 W2HW Artist / Teacher Sinn Féin

Ryan P.J. The Island, Cratloe, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare. Public Representative

PAT DOWLING, RETURNING OFFICER ADDRESS: CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, ÁRAS CONTAE AN CHLÁIR, NEW ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE. V95 DXP2

Non-Party

DATE: 20TH MAY, 2024.

Predicted innovations in surveillance systems

SURVEILLANCE, which has become an integral part of modern security systems, continues to develop rapidly.

In the next decade, surveillance systems could undergo significant changes, becoming even more efficient, intelligent, and integrated into everyday life. Let’s explore some of the predicted innovations that could dramatically change the landscape of surveillance in the near future.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND SUPERCOMPUTERS

One of the key innovations will be the further development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into surveillance systems. Supercomputers and advanced machine learning algorithms will be able to analyze vast amounts of video data in real time, detecting even the slightest deviations from the norm and predicting potential threats with high accuracy. These systems will be capable of self-learning and adapting to new types of threats, ensuring continuous improvement in their effectiveness.

QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES

Quantum computing, which is currently in an active development stage, could become the foundation for new surveillance systems in the near future. Quantum computers will be able to process massive

datasets instantly, enabling video streams to be analyzed with incredible speed and precision. This will allow for the prediction and prevention of incidents before they occur, using complex models and algorithms.

NEUROMORPHIC SYSTEMS

Neuromorphic systems, inspired by the structure of the human brain, may become a reality in the next decade. Such systems will be capable of self-management and instantaneous reactions to changing conditions. Neuromorphic cam-

but also people’s intentions, which will significantly enhance security levels.

HOLOGRAPHIC AND 3D CAMERAS

In the next ten years, we may see the widespread implementation of holographic and 3D cameras, which will be able to create three-dimensional images with high detail. These cameras will allow not only for observation of what is happening but also for the analysis of the spatial characteristics of objects and people. This is

eras will be able to “understand” the context of what is happening, analyzing not only visible actions

particularly important for accurately analyzing complex scenes and identifying potential threats.

NEXT-GENERATION BIOMETRICS

Biometric technologies will continue to evolve, becoming increasingly accurate and multifunctional. In the near future, systems capable of identifying people by their unique energy emissions, which are impossible to forge, may emerge. Such systems will be able to analyze physiological parameters like heartbeat and breathing rhythm to determine levels of stress or aggression.

INTEGRATION WITH NEURAL NETWORKS

Surveillance systems may be integrated with neural networks and direct brain-computer interfaces. This will allow operators to receive information directly into their brains, bypassing traditional screens and input devices. Such technologies will ensure incredibly fast response times to threats and increase monitoring efficiency.

NANOTECHNOLOGY AND INVISIBLE CAMERAS

Nanotechnology will open new possibilities for creating miniature and even invisible cameras. In the next ten years, these cameras will be able to be embedded into almost any object or surface, remaining unnoticed. This will provide a higher level of stealth and the ability to observe in the most unexpected places.

ENERGY AUTONOMY

The future of surveillance is also linked to the development of autonomous energy sources. Cameras will be able to use solar energy, kinetic energy from movement, or even ambient energy for their operation. This will ensure continuous operation of systems without the need for a constant power source.

ETHICS AND PRIVACY

With the development of surveillance technologies, numerous ethical issues related to privacy and human rights will arise. In the next decade, international standards and regulations may be established to balance security with the right to privacy. Developing ethical algorithms and transparent control systems will become an important aspect of this field’s advancement.

CONCLUSION

In the next decade, surveillance systems will undergo significant changes, becoming not only more technologically advanced but also intelligent, autonomous, and integrated into everyday life. Artificial intelligence, quantum and neuromorphic technologies, biometrics, and nanotechnology will open new horizons for enhancing security and comfort. However, with these innovations will come new challenges, requiring a careful approach to ethics and privacy issues.

‘Please don’t turn a blind eye to suffering’

Clare Echo columnist and Self Help Africa founder Ronan Scully has recently returned from Ethiopia

RONAN SCULLY

IN APRIL, temperatures soared to over 48 degrees in a region across the Sahel in Africa, that belt of land directly below the Sahara Desert.Unfolding away from the spotlight of the international media and our world, Ethiopia is in the midst of an unprecedented hunger crisis, with many areas of East and southern Africa also affected. A deadly combination of drought, conflict and crop failure has left millions of people in a desperate situation. The awful conflicts and loss of life being endured by people in Gaza, and the ongoing war in Ukraine, have allowed little space for

Africa’s precarious challenges to break through and into wider public consciousness. From Sudan and Somalia to Ethiopia and northern Kenya, East Africa these days is a region in crisis, with experts describing it as caught in a lethal vice formed on one side by conflicts and on the other by extreme weather events and are now fueling one of the world’s most severe food crises. Across the Horn of Africa alone which takes in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Somalia, nearly 64 million people are in need of humanitarian and protection assistance. The region accounts for around 22% of the global humanitarian caseload.

A DIRE SITUATION IN ETHIOPIA

According to the UN,

conflict and successive climate shocks have pushed over 21 million people in Ethiopia into humanitarian need in 2024. And the worst could be yet to come. Almost 11 million people are predicted to be critically food insecure in the country during the upcoming lean season from July to September.

Those that have lived through the atrocities of the war that has left over 600,00 civilians dead of which many of them starved to death and if one adds fighters who died in combat, the total number of deaths could approach close to 1 million, are now facing crisis levels of food insecurity and hunger.

Most of North Ethiopia is now classified as having ‘emergency’ levels of acute food insecurity. It has been prolonged by a terrible

food crisis, with abandoned farms, dead cattle and crops at a standstill. In the meantime, famine has set in and the death toll is rising. Also many parts of southern Ethiopia have been affected by drought and extreme climate shocks, as well as flash flooding in places. Millions of people and children have been displaced.

SELF HELP AFRICA ON THE GROUND

Self Help Africa in partnership with Irish Aid, UNICEF, the World Health Organisation and the Regional Health Bureau, Self Help Africa’s local team are using their logistics experience to deliver lifesaving aid kits containing cholera, malaria and medical supplies to families and health facilities in conflictaffected South Gonder,

East Gojam, West Gojam and Awi zones. Having worked with rural farmers in Tigray, Amhara, Afar and other regions in Ethiopia for the last 40 years, we’re also using our agricultural expertise at Self Help Africa to distribute 69 tonnes of seed to 3,200 farmers in 13 districts with the World Food Programme.

With financial support from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA), Self Help Africa worked with over 15,250 vulnerable community members in Ethiopia, through life-saving interventions in East Gojam, Amhara region. It is hoped that these interventions, including climate-resilient seeds - will enable particularly vulnerable farming families to kickstart their food production - improving

both their income, and their access to nutritious food. This is crucial in addressing startling malnutrition rates, particularly amongst young children.

WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The capacity to lend a helping hand to those who need it most, is a measure of our humanity. War, drought and hunger have a human face. I understand that these are difficult times, and we are facing many local, national and global challenges. But if you can spare any amount, no matter how small, to support Self Help Africa’s work, it all adds up to make a huge difference to the lives of families in Ethiopia and beyond. To find out more about our work or to make a donation, please visit www.selfhelpafrica.org.

WALKING through the doors of OxyGeneration, a hyperbaric oxygenation clinic in Galway, I am constantly reminded of the incredible power of this treatment. Every day, I witness firsthand the transformative impact it has on people’s lives. The joy of seeing individuals reclaim their health and vitality is immeasurable, and it is this joy that fuels my passion for hyperbaric oxygenation (HBOT).

At OxyGeneration, we are changing lives by enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from chronic illnesses, helping them return to work and normalcy. It’s a privilege to see people who have been sidelined by debilitating conditions regain their independence and resume their careers. The relief and happiness on their faces when they realise they can return to their routines and responsibilities are beyond words.

Athletes, in particular, have found a valuable ally in HBOT, especially during the height of the playing season when injuries can be devastating. Accelerating healing times is crucial not just for the players but for the teams that rely

on their performance. Witnessing an athlete’s swift recovery, allowing them to get back on the field sooner than expected, is a testament to the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygenation. The gratitude from these athletes, who can continue to pursue their passions and contribute to their teams, is deeply rewarding.

While the FDA has approved hyperbaric oxygenation for a limited number of conditions such as non-healing wounds, post radiation damage etc., it’s becoming increasingly clear that its potential extends far beyond these approved uses. In my opinion, it’s only a matter of time before the list of approved conditions grows. One significant obstacle is that oxygen, a free and abundant element, does not present a lucrative opportunity for the pharmaceutical industry. This lack of financial incentive means fewer large-scale clinical trials, leaving most research to smaller studies, case studies, and personal testimonials. Despite these challenges, a significant body of evidence from these smaller studies shows the benefits

of HBOT for a variety of conditions. Who will fund the necessary largescale trials to further validate these findings? This is a question that remains unanswered.

However, the current state of knowledge—grounded in the laws of physics—demonstrates that HBOT increases oxygen delivery to cells and tissues that are otherwise oxygen-starved. We know that oxygen is vital for healing, involved in every step of the recovery process, and essential for the general maintenance of bodily functions. Is this enough for doctors to unquestionably recommend HBOT to their patients? Perhaps not yet. But it certainly warrants a more open-minded approach to the potential benefits that hyperbaric oxygenation can provide.

As someone deeply involved in this field, I am committed to continuing to advocate for the broader acceptance and utilisation of HBOT. The joy of seeing lives transformed is a powerful motivator.

Contact OxyGeneration on 091394444 or email info@oxygeneration.com

THE word “doula” comes from the Greek word “doulē” which directly translates to “female servant”.

In more recent times, a doula has come to be known as “one who mothers the mother”. Both interpretations of the word encapsulate in a way the role of a doula in a woman’s life. The doula is a relatively new concept to Irish culture, and even more so in the west of Ireland. I did my training with a Dublin based company and even there it seems there is a better understanding of the role of a doula and how instrumental they can be for a woman during her pregnancy, labour, birth and postpartum period. Most people I say it to here in my day to day life have never heard of a doula. But when I do explain it, most women say something like “wow, I really could have done with that support when I had my babies.”

Some women train as either a birth doula or a postpartum doula, but a lot train as both which is what I have had the pleasure of doing. A doula’s role starts during pregnancy. A doula can provide antenatal support and support during labour, birth and postpartum. And her role essentially is to be there for the mother in whatever way she should need. The aim is to make the mother feel supported, held, prepared and empowered during one of the most important times of her life. Although most effective if you have hired a doula when you are pregnant, you can hire a doula at any stage on this journey and I have

been contacted by women after they have already given birth looking for postpartum support. It is never too late to call in this amazing resource. In antenatal sessions, it could be helping a couple prepare their birth preferences, discussing their options, & preparing them mentally and emotionally for their labour, birth and postpartum. During labour and

birth, a doula is there in a non medical capacity to support the mother through comfort measures, advocacy and emotional support. We also provide a lot of support to the woman’s birth partner so they can fulfill their role and have the best possible birthing experience. This can be done in a hospital or at home. Doulas are trained in natural comfort measures and tools for emotional sup-

port to help a woman through her labour. In postpartum, the doula is there to support the family in whatever way they should need through this transition.

Having a new baby is going to be a huge adjustment no matter what. My goal as a postpartum doula is to make sure you are fuelled with nourishing food, sleep & rest, and empowered by resources and support. And maybe even pampered with a holistic treatment or two. A doula can also help in very practical ways like looking after older children and helping with light housework.

I have found that this support is so needed in Clare and especially in more rural parts of the county where women might not have family or friends close by, and are quite a distance from a hospital or even just a shop! Years ago mothers and neighbours would support the woman and bring her food, offer a listening ear, help with other children, even be present at the birth! But in todays world we have become much more isolated, and not everyone may have that close support network. A doula can help a family feel safe and supported and can really help with this adjustment; before, during & after your little bundle of joy arrives.

If you would like to know more about my doula services please don’t hesitate to contact me on 083 3629532 or check out my Instagram page @lauramcauliffe_draiochthealing for more detail on these services.

Supporting people to lead full, valued and independent lives

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout County Clare.

Cliffs of Moher Experience is now hiring for

• Tourism Traffic Ambassadors / Customer Service Agents

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying, or would like to know more about this position, contact careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications Friday, 31st of May 2024 at 5pm.

THE Brothers of Charity Services in Ireland (BOCSI) is the State’s largest provider of intellectual disability services. It provides a variety of supports to over 7,000 people with an intellectual disability or autism, and their families.

BOCSI operates in almost 1,000 locations throughout Clare, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Limerick, Roscommon, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Waterford. Services are provided in residential, day, home-based, respite and host family settings, and are delivered by over 5,000 staff whose terms, conditions and pensions are aligned with the HSE. BOCSI is an innovative organisation which recognises each person’s right to determine their life goals and wishes.

Guided by a strong ethos, inclusion is a fundamental principle that underlies all aspects of their services.

Staff are recruited from a wide variety of backgrounds including Social Care, Psychology, Speech and Language Therapy, Social Work, Physiotherapy and Nursing.

From providing staff supervision, to co-ordinating community living

programmes, the role of the Person-In-Charge is diverse. Roisin Glynn has been working with BOCSI for 17 years, after graduating from Athlone IT with an Honours Degree in Applied Studies in Social Care and completing a Master’s in Family Support Studies at NUIG. She is Person-in-Charge at Ennis Services in Clare.

“As a Person-in-Charge, I support people who live in a residential setting. I have a responsibility to build good relationships with all stakeholders, to provide a high level of leadership to my team, and ensure plans, goals, supervision and training are met.” Roisin says she has gained knowledge of what a human rights approach is and applies this to the services BOCSI offers.

“I love working with the individual, family, staff team and community to help make a vision a reality. Whether it’s gaining paid employment, applying for housing, or going on a holiday abroad. We can change someone’s life for the better. We’re a team, all working for a brighter, more inclusive, tomorrow.”

Visit careers.brothersofcharity.ie

Double delight for Shannon Springs

SHANNON Springs Hotel is celebrating on the double after their team picked up two awards at the annual Yes Chef Awards, writes Stuart

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

• IS Project Leader (Cyber Security) (Grade VII)

• IS Analyst Cyber Security (Grade VI)

• Visual Arts Coordinator (Grade V)

Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Only applications completed online will be accepted.

Closing date for all above positions: 12 Noon Monday 10th June 2024.

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

Holly.

The four-star Shannon Springs Hotel picked up the overall award for Best Front of House team in Ireland, while chef Rawah Veer was ‘highly commended’ in the Young Chef of the Year category.

Co-owner of Shannon Springs John Gavin told The Clare Echo that nine members of their team were in the Fairways Hotel in Dundalk at the ceremony to collect the awards, and praised his front of house team including Joan, Linda, Aisling, Megan and Ola for the latest accolade.

“The feedback was very good from the judges and it was a great boost for the team. The mystery judges stayed a night at the hotel and noted in their feedback that the team was very professional, that the staff were friendly and couldn’t do enough for them on the night so it was nice to get that feedback.”

Meanwhile, Shannon Springs’ Chef de Parti Rawah Veer was ‘highly commended’ in the Young Chef of the Year category, after dazzling judges with his four-course fusion of Irish and Mauritian food. 21-year old Rawah has worked at Shannon Springs for two years.

John noted, “His level of progression in the kitchen, he has really come into his own and he is an outstanding young chef.”

The awards come just months after Hannah Pike was named as the winner of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) Rising Star Award and John notes that creating an award-winning culture at the hotel has been an important marker for career development of their team of staff.

The four-star hotel employs 70+ people during the summer and has recently completed a series of upgrades, now boasting some 71 bedrooms.

Visit www.shannonspringshotel.com for more.

l SUPPORTS: BOCSI is an innovative organisation which recognises each person’s right to determine their life goals and wishes

Photo by Michael Reen

I’VE come to a point in my journey as a business owner, where I truly value the benefits that collaboration with others brings.

Collaboration, a concept often overlooked in the pursuit of individual success, in my view, holds the key to unlocking greater achievements in both business and life. In a world that often glorifies individual achievement, it is crucial to recognise the immense value that collaboration brings to the table.

By pooling together diverse talents, skills, and experiences, teams and individual business owners can tackle challenges with greater efficiency and creativity. The synergy generated through collaboration not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and rewarding journey towards success. As a solo business owner, it can also help with the ‘loneliness’ associated with having to make a vast array of decisions by oneself on a regular basis.

Drawing inspiration from the legendary musician Bruce Springsteen (inset), who has been visiting the Emerald Isle in recent times with his sell-out stadium concerts, on the topic of collaboration here’s what The Boss himself has to say; “You

never know what will happen when you play new music live. I love collaborating with people from my past, but I also love the challenge of finding and working with new collaborators.”

By embracing new collaborators while cherishing the connections from his past, Springsteen embodies the spirit of growth and evolution that collaboration fosters. Just as Springsteen thrives on the spontaneity and creativity that collaboration brings to his music, leaders and business owners can harness this energy to drive innovation and success in their endeavours.

COLLABORATION, THE FRUIT OF A HEALTHY ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE

A thriving organisational culture is the foundation upon which successful cross-functional collaboration is built. One of the key benefits of focusing on building a healthy organizational culture is the ability to drive progress through multi-functional projects. By bringing together stakeholders from various departments, such as marketing, sales, product development, and finance, organizations can leverage diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise to tackle complex challenges. This

cross-pollination of ideas and approaches often leads to innovative solutions that would be difficult to achieve in silos.

Moreover, a culture that values collaboration and teamwork encourages employees to break down departmental barriers and work together seamlessly. This level of cooperation not only enhances productivity but also fosters a sense of shared purpose and ca maraderie among team members. When employ ees feel that their contri butions are valued and that they are part of a larger mission, they are more likely to go above and beyond in their efforts, driving the organization forward. I hear time and time again in the work that I do that the longer most people feel undervalued, underappreciated and as a result more disen gaged from the organ isation’s mission, they more likely they are to

find a role elsewhere that will provide a more connected experience.

The concept of collaboration is not new, but its significance has grown exponentially with the advent of digital tools and the increasing complexity of modern challenges. Collaboration is the process of working together towards a shared goal or vision, where individuals with diverse skills, perspectives, and expertise come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This synergy can lead to innovative solutions, increased productivity, and improved outcomes.

Moreover, collaboration is essential for personal growth and development. When individuals work together, they learn from each other, build stronger relationships, and develop essential skills in the arena of emotional intelligence such as communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. These skills are vital for success in both personal and professional life.

To foster a culture of collaboration and creativity within an or-

Be Part of our Team

empower

ganization, several key criteria and fundamentals need to be established from the top down. Here are three to get started with:

1. Listen and Value Every Voice: Listening is foundational to collaboration. Every team member’s perspective matters, and it is crucial to create an environment where all voices are heard and valued.

2. Identify Common Goals: Establishing common goals upfront provides a roadmap for teams to follow. By aligning on shared objectives, teams can focus their collaborative efforts effectively.

3. Create Equality in Accountability: Encourage a culture where every individual understands their impact on the overall outcome. By promoting equality in accountability, individuals become equal partners in the success of projects, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

By embracing the joy of collaboration, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities, where the collective efforts of many can achieve far more than the sum of individual endeavours. Let us heed the wisdom of Springsteen and embrace the power of collaboration in our pursuit of excellence in business and in life.

Kunz & Cullinan big injury doubts for Clare Cup final

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

TWO of the top players in the Clare District Soccer League are major injury doubts for the showpiece event for the sport in the county.

Rivals Avenue Utd and Newmarket Celtic do battle on Saturday in Frank Healy Park. Pa Gleeson has been appointed as the match referee for the Ennis Carpets Clare Cup final which kicks off at 17:30.

Elias Kunz has been out of action since Avenue Utd were knocked out of the Munster Junior Cup semi-final by Tipperary side St Michael’s. An ankle injury has kept the talented striker out of action since that clash in February.

For Newmarket Celtic, one of their key men is also poised to miss out on the Cup final. Centre-half Harvey Cullinan has missed out on Newmarket’s final encounters in the Premier Division and was an absentee in their Cup semi-final win over Fern Celtic.

As part of the build-up to Saturday’s Clare Cup final, The Clare Echo has recorded a special edition of The Water Break previewing the game. Become a subscriber of The Clare Echo for full access to this video podcast.

l Both key players Elias Kunz and Harvey Cullinan are major doubts for Saturday's Ennis Carpets Clare Cup Final.

Photo's by Gerard O'Neill

Newmarket captain Eoin Hayes is chasing a 10th cup winner’s medal

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

Newmarket Celtic captain Eoin Hayes goes into this Saturday’s Clare cup final searching for a tenth cup medal.

The much decorated player who has represented Ireland on a number of occasions has previously captained his club to the title and was ever present when the club won this coveted Clare title on nine successive occasions. They were beaten in the final two years ago and didn’t get to the decider last year but last season will always hold a special place for the club as they became the first Clare club to win the prestigious FAI junior cup title while also contesting the Munster cup final.

In recent times they have won the President’s cup and he Tom Hand cup, beating Rockmount in the latter.

Acknowledging that there is “ a little bit of a shift in power in Clare soccer”, the

secondary school teacher at St. Anne’s College in Killaloe noted “we did win the league title last year, something many seem to forget, but Avenue knocked out out this year. We didn’t get to the cup final last year for the first time in a decade.

We are seeking to win back the cup title”, the talented sportsman who is the holder of an All-Ireland under 21 hurling medal which he won with Clare said.

In the recent meeting of the sides in the league, a tie which decided the destination of the title, Eoin believes Newmarket “played well. We gave it our all and played quite well. We were 1-0 and 2-1 up. They (Avenue) are a very good side, there is no doubt about that”.

Continuing he said “ for us it has always about what we do ourselves. If we realise that we are playing the game and not Avenue United we should do well. Look it’s great for Clare soccer to have clubs like Newmarket and Avenue. Avenue have really improved and so have Bridge

United and Shannon Town and this can only be better for Clare soccer.

There is no shortage of experience in the Newmarket Celtic panel which is managed by Paddy Purcell who has Eoin O’Brien, Steve Austin and Daniel Cregan in his management team.

David O’Grady is another who has been on nine winning cup sides while Colin Smyth and David McCarthy have helped the club to a lot of success. Jack Kelly and former Clare footballer Kevin Hartnett are also key members of a side that is likely to be without the injured Harvey Cullinan for Saturday’s eagerly awaited decider which takes place at Frank Healy park.

As the soccer season draws to a close, it doesn’t mean that Eoin Hayes will be able to take a break as he is expected to switch attention to hurling and join the Blues senior squad as they step up their preparations for the upcoming race for the Canon Hamilton trophy.

For now all the focus is

on Saturday’s Clare soccer cup final and while there are mixed views amongst Clare soccer followers as to who

will win a tie in which the Newmarket skipper is likely to be a key player, Celtic fans remain confident that he will

be accepting the cup for the seconnd time in his career.

l Newmarket Celtic captain Eoin Hayes.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Eoin Hayes in action against Newmarket Celtic.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Roche adding a spark in Avenue's bid to win three in a row

AVENUE UTD are chasing a third Clare Cup title in a row, having weathered a long stretch without silverware when representing the club, Mark Roche is eager for them to grasp their latest chance of success.

Back to back Clare Cup titles were achieved by Avenue Utd after overcoming Newmarket Celtic (2022) and Lifford FC (2023), David Russell’s side won the double in 2022 to end a nine year trophy drought for the club’s junior side.

Having been part of the team for twelve years, left winger Mark Roche is one of their longest serving players alongside centre-half duo Conor Mullen and Dylan Casey. “I didn’t feel it going but there was a lot of tough years that would remind you that it was a long hog, there’s been a lot more success now than at the start but in the middle when we weren’t winning it did feel like a long time”.

Strengthening both their squad and mentality has been key to Avenue’s reunion with silverware, Mark maintained. “Our squad this year is as good as any I’ve played with, some of the lads on the sideline are really pushing for places. There used to be

a stage where you turned up and got on the team without merit but there’s none of that anymore”.

He looks to home and his younger brother Jamie when expanding on this, “my younger brother Jamie didn’t the start the FAI game against Tallaght or Newmarket or some big games last year or this year but ask anyone who has been our player of the year and they will say it’s been him”.

On their mentality, Sparky said there is now an annoyance within the club if they go a season without winning a trophy.

To be chasing a third Cup title in a row is a position Mark doubted that he’d be in as an Avenue player. “I remember we lost the 4-0 to Newmarket one year, we had trained really hard that year and it really put us down but we are more resilient now, a lot of us have dug deep for years and we’re getting the rewards now”.

Based in Dublin where he is a business and geography teacher, Sparky admitted that his business acumen has been a big help in assisting brother Gary to become such a popular figure in St Francis Credit Union in Ennis, “I’m the reason he’s there, all credit to me,” he remarked.

Commuting between Clare and Dublin does take a toll, the thirty one year old admitted. “To be honest this year

“going up and down from Dublin I picked up a couple of injuries, it’s a long drive up and down, the money I’m spending on physio is increasing and I’m spending a lot of my time stretching”.

Roche told The Clare Echo, “I’ve been carrying knocks for some big games but I’ve been doing of work as of late to make sure I’m right and I’m just hoping it was a once off year in terms of the amount of injuries. He added, “I’ve been very lucky in the past when it came to injuries, it’s just the last couple of games that I’ve picked up injuries, I’ve spoken to the physio and done whatever was needed and I’m still feeling fit”.

Saturday’s final in Frank Healy Park pits them against their rivals Newmarket Celtic. “The rivalry is huge, there is no two ways about it, when you win you’re happy for a day or two but when you lose you’re not right for a week and down through the years I haven’t been right for a couple of weeks”.

Both sides have a mutual respect for each other despite the rivalry, he maintained. “I have huge respect for them, I know it got ugly in some of the games but none of us want to be involved in that. There’s a huge mutual respect between the players, I’ve played with a lot of them with Clare like Eoin O’Brien, David O’Grady, Eoin Hayes, Colin Smyth and Shane Cusack, they are all great lads, we’d have a great chat if we met but on the pitch I won’t sugar-coat it there is a hatred there. It has made us a better team, it has upped the standard and it is good for Clare as a whole. We are rivals but we’ve huge respect for each other, to do it for so long too, I’m into my thirties and I see them doing it year in year out. I’ve twelve years done and some of them are going for seventeen years”.

There have been many meetings of the two sides during his twelve years on the Avenue side and two constant figures at those games are Mark’s parents, John and Marie. “They go to all the matches, my mother is usually away with the running but any time she can be there she is, my father we call him Eamon Dunphy, you could score a hat-trick and he’d say why didn’t you get the fourth”.

Constant support from John, a striker on the Avenue side which reached the 1990 FAI Junior Cup final is one

“of the bigger reasons I’m still involved. If I was thinking of leaving, he’d still be able to guilt me into staying,” Sparky quipped. “Mannix, Jimmo Purtill, John O’Malley and Brian Punch, these lads are always at the games, they will spur you on, we’ve got great support the last couple of years and it is great to have the family involved, we lost Alan (cousin) this year, his father Seamus is still up at every game, Eamnon Dunphy eile. The family involvement makes it all the better”.

His two younger brothers Gary and Jamie are likely to receive more criticism from him than what he might dish out to any other player, Mark admitted. “Me and Jamie struggle to play down the same wing to be honest because we’d be giving out to each other but we’ve improved a bit. They are as harsh on themselves well maybe not Gary, you could lose 4-3 but if he scored three then he’d be happy and you know that yourself”.

An extra time semi-final win where two goals by

Steven McGann in the dying stages saw them survive against Bridge Utd. “To get over the line was massive,” Roche reflected. “Bridge are really coming, there’s no secret about that, they are a really good team. Eoghan McNulty is a brilliant coach and I’ve been involved with him with Clare and they have one of the best goalkeepers in Ireland in John Mulready who doesn’t get enough credit in my opinion”.

Lining out in the Cup final is the target for Avenue Utd each season. “It’s the bread and butter, we’re on for three in a row and that is a huge thing. We want to do the double, the first goal was winning the league, the second was the cup and anything else is a bonus,” he outlined. “To be honest we’ve been lucky in this cup campaign, against the Bridge it could have gone either way and we were very poor against Ennistymon, to win the league we had six away games to win the title. You’ll have poor performances but when you have the mentality that we now have

where we’re a little bit harsher on ourselves it is a big help because down through the years we’ve lost those games, we can now see out games and win”.

Ninety minutes separate Mark from winning the double for the second time in his career. “Some of the lads joined the squad in the last two or three years whereas some of us had a long stint without winning leagues or cups, we know this is a huge game. The likes of Dylan, Mully and myself have been there for years, we came fourth one year and we’ve lost semi-finals to other teams”.

During those years when success was in short supply, the interest shown from Limerick clubs posed very tempting offers for players such as Sparky. “There was a stage when I said was it worth it, a lot of lads went into Limerick, there were a lot of opportunities and even Newmarket lads will tell you that, you’d have to question it when offers come but the love for the club and the loyalty comes through”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Mark Roche.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Clare keep Munster final hopes alive with one point win over Waterford

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 4

Clare 4-21 Waterford 2-26

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 7 (3/4)

Wides: 14 (5/9)

Scores from play: 4-16

Spread of scorers: 11

Top scorer: David Fitzgerald (1-4)

Bookings: Cian Galvin (33), Conor Cleary (54), Brian Lohan (61)

Own puckouts won: 23 out of 37 (62%)

REFEREE: Liam Gordon (Galway)

“

WATERFORD Frees for: 12 (5/7) Wides: 9 (5/4)

Scores from play: 1-20

Spread of scorers: 14

Top scorer: Dessie Hutchinson (0-6, 5f's)

Bookings: Iarlaith Daly (26) Stephen Bennett (44), Kieran Bennett (55)

Own puckouts won: 30 out of 39 (77%)

MANAGER COMMENT

Brian Lohan, Clare manager

“Losing to Limerick put us under pressure. Having tuned out for a period in that game, we have responded well and our players have shown great resilience to get four points on the board”.

“We are in a good position going to Thurles, We will take it on and see how it goes.”

“It’s the Munster championship, it’s going down to the last weekend and we are in there and we will see how we get on”.

“We are delighted with them and with how they responded after a lot of set backs in that second half today”.

Davy Fitzgerald, Waterford manager

“Gutted, disappointed.

“Rodgers was right on five to six steps of the goal. We looked at it three times inside. Definitely between five and six, so could feel aggrieved at that one. It was tough there today. But we gave up two goals we shouldn't have gave. Think Jamie had a pass for the first one, Tadhg had a pass for the second one into the middle, and they

got two goals out of them two passes into the middle. But the two lads were outstanding. We just made a few small errors today. I think the character was unreal. We played with unbelievable character. Them boys gave me everything they had today.

“We should have got something out of that game, there is no doubt about it. I've played Clare the last few years and we were well beaten. We weren't beaten today. Waterford kept coming back, then the sucker punch of a goal.

“It is. But it is a serious character builder at the same time. We are giving away them soft ones, and if we can eliminate them, it'll be a big thing. But the character we are showing is in incredible. That has been questioned over the last few years with this bunch. But I think they showed how much they have come on. We are disappointed but I am seriously proud of them.

Classy Cork edge out U20's in Munster semi-final

2-16

1-23 Venue: Cusack

STORY OF THE GAME

for: 9 (5/4)

8 (4/4) Scores from play: 1-14 Spread of scorers: 8

Stritch (2-1), Conor Whelan (0-7, 4f's, '65)

scorer: William Buckley (0-9, 3f's) Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 18 out of 29 (62%)

“You were always hoping but we always knew that these things go down to sixty four or sixty five minutes, it is never over until the final whistle, they are lethal and they were lethal when they turned over ball, that’s hurling”.

“We were creating the opportunities, we weren’t shooting from good positions, our shooting was a little off, we were very clinical last week but we were happy enough last week, we were getting those opportunities and we needed to stay at it, I’m very proud of the lads”.

“We’ve players who love playing for Clare, they give

everything to prepare to play for Clare and they give everything out there, we’d be very proud of them and we’re privileged to be able to help them on their journey, hopefully a share of them will move onto senior”.

“Look at the calibre of the team we were playing against, we never had them finished, they have depth, they have quality and they are champions, they didn’t give it up”.

“Their goal came from a turnover, we were trying to get up the field and they were very potent inside. It’s very hard to compute at this stage, I’m very disappointed for the lads”.

PLAYER WATCH

DAVID FITZGERALD (WING-FORWARD)

Minutes played:

Possessions:

Scores: 1-4

Passess: 2 (1/1)

Short Pass: 2 (1/1)

Hand Pass: 2 (1/1)

Tackles: 6 (2/4)

Shots: 8 (4/4)

Dropped Short: 1 (0/1)

Wides: 1 (0/1)

Saved: 1 (1/0)

Turnovers For: (0/1)

PLAYER WATCH

SHANE WOODS (WING-BACK)

Minutes played: All

Possessions: 10 (6/4)

Scores: 0-0

Passess: 10 (6/4)

Long Pass: 0

Short Pass: 10 (6/4)

Hand Pass: 8 (4/4)

Foot Pass: 2 (2/0)

Tackles: 5 (3/2)

Turnovers For: 0

Turnovers Against: 1 (1/0)

Frees For: 0

Frees Against: 1

l John Conlon bounces off the challenge of Kevin Mahony.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Jack O'Neill strikes under pressure from Ben Walsh.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Terence Fahy, Clare manager

Minors tripped by Tipp in bid to win back to back Munster titles

ELECTRIC IRELAND MUNSTER MINOR HURLING FINAL

Clare 0-16

Tipperary 2-17

Venue: TUS Gaelic Grounds, Limerick

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 16 (6/10)

Wides: 9 (3/6)

Scores from play: 0-11

Spread of scorers: 11

Top scorer: Matthew Corbett

& Harry Doherty (0-3, 2f's)

Bookings: Damien O'Halloran - coach (22), Paul Rodgers (42), Michael Vaughan (52)

Own puckouts won: 18 out of 28 (64%)

TIPPERARY

Frees for: 8 (6/2)

Wides: 9 (8/1)

Scores from play: 2-13

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Stefan Tobin (13) & Eoghan Doughan (0-6, 3f's)

Bookings: Josh Donnellan Houlihan (52)

Own puckouts won: 19 out of 25 (76%)

REFEREE: Ciarán O'Regan (Cork)

“ MANAGER COMMENT

“When you’re chasing a game everything goes out of it the whole shape and pattern, you end up trying to force a couple of things that aren’t really on, at times that can look really poor. The most pleasing thing from the defeat is the fact they died with their boots on, they tried until the bitter end and forced stuff but even in that tried to force goals, you could see the character was there in trying to break lines, stay in the tackle and win the breaking ball, that is the pleasing aspect is the character they showed, I’ve known and we’ve known from the get-go that this is a characteristic that this team has, we’re proud of them but we’re really disappointed”.

“In all the other games if you go ahead or go behind we know that we can just get out and see out rough patches, in hurling you will have the opposition getting on top at times, tonight was the first couple of minutes but we weathered the storm and the goal crippled us in the second half, after that we were chasing and left ourselves wide open when we were chasing and we tried to force stuff that wasn’t on. We’re disappointed but we have to dust ourselves off because we’re out in two weeks again, we need to see if we can build ourselves up again, I’ve often said that losing a game you find out an awful lot

PLAYER WATCH

MATTHEW CORBETT (MIDFIELD)

Minutes played:

Possessions:

Passess: 3 (2/1)

Long Pass:

Short Pass:

Hand Pass:

Hurley Pass:

Shots: 4 (2/2)

Scores: 0-3

Wides: 1 (1/0)

Dropped

Short: 1 (0/1)

Tackles: 1

Malone appointed as referee for Munster U20 hurling final

about yourself so we’ll have a look at that again and see what we can learn from it, it is a good stepping stone in the lads development to experience this and see if they can put it right in two weeks”.

Conceded two goals today, hadn’t got one yet –“It is just disappointing. We’ve been so solid in the back and had conceded the least amount during the round robin of the championship so to concede two goals and the timing of them as well doubled down on Tipp’s momentum, it took the wind out of us, it is what it is and we’ve to get on with it”.

Club championship draws put intriguing ties on the horizon in Clare

CLUB teams across Clare have discovered who they will be facing in this year’s championships.

TUS’ Ennis campus on Bindon Street was the location for Tuesday evening’s draw officiated by Clare GAA Chairman, Kieran Keating.

While teams have been competing in the various leagues, the scent of championship is edging closer with training set to go up a notch as opponents became known at the draw.

In each group, the first placed team will take on the second drawn team in round one with the third and fourth drawn sides doing battle. The second round pits, team one versus team three and team two against team four. In the final round, the first drawn club is against the fourth drawn side with team two meeting team three.

Reigning Clare SHC champions Clonlara have been paired in an almighty tough group which includes Ballyea, Éire Óg and Clooney/Quin, all four teams capable of lifting the Canon Hamilton.

Intermediate winners Corofin have been drawn against Feakle, Cratloe and Kilmaley in a very even group.

Inagh/Kilnamona who are emerging as one of the favourites to lift the Canon will

expect to top group three with the East Clare trio of Scariff, O’Callaghans Mills and Broadford battling it out for the final spot.

There will be a repeat of last year’s quarter-final in the first round of Group 4 when 2023 finalists Crusheen renew rivalries with Newmarket-on-Fergus, the group is completed by Sixmilebridge and St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield.

To kick off the Clare SFC, Éire Óg and Kilmurry Ibrickane will lock horns in Group 1, they are joined by the newly promoted Kilmihil and Lissycasey who are under the stewardship of championship winning Kilmurry Ibrickane captain and manager, Aiden Moloney. Beaten senior finalists St Breckan’s are joined in Group 2 by St Joseph’s Doora/ Barefield, Kildysart and Corofin.

Current title holders Cratloe and St Joseph’s Miltown are joined in Group 3 by Ennistymon and Doonbeg, three of the four teams here will advance to the quarter-finals while the remaining quarter-final spot will be claimed by the winner of a play-off between the teams which finish third in group 1 and group 2.

TUS Clare senior hurling championship:

Group 1: Clonlara, Ballyea, Éire Óg, Clooney/Quin

Group 2: Feakle, Cratloe, Kilmaley, Corofin

Group 3: Scariff, Inagh/Kilnamona, Broadford, O’Callaghans Mills

Group 4: Crusheen, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Sixmilebridge, St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield

TUS Clare senior football championship:

Group 1: Éire Óg, Kilmurry Ibrickane, Kilmihil, Lissycasey

Group 2: St Breckan’s, St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, Kildysart, Corofin

Group 3: Cratloe, St Joseph’s Miltown, Ennistymon , Doonbeg

TUS Clare intermediate hurling championship:

Group 1: Clarecastle, Ruan, St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, Smith O’Brien’s

Group 2: Sixmilebridge, Tubber, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ogonnelloe

Group 3: Wolfe Tones, Broadford, Killanena , Bodyke

Group 4: Tulla, Parteen/Meelick, Whitegate, Inagh/Kilnamona.

TUS Clare intermediate football championship:

Group 1: Kilrush Shamrocks, Banner, Coolmeen, Liscannor

Group 2: Naomh Eoin, Clondegad, Shannon Gaels, Ennistymon

Group 3: Wolfe Tones, O’Curry’s, Cooraclare, Killimer

ENNIS’ Niall Malone has been appointed as the referee for the Munster U20 hurling final.

It will be the second time Éire Óg’s Malone officiates the provincial U20 final having overseen the 2022 decider between Limerick and Tipperary when the Shannonsiders prevailed 1-25 2-18.

Clare’s loss to Cork on Friday in the Munster semi-final sees the Ben O’Connor managed Leesiders take on Tipperary in TUS Gaelic Grounds at 8pm. Munster GAA confirmed Niall’s appointment on Tuesday while also announcing that Limerick referee Johnny Murphy will take charge of the meeting of Clare versus Tipperary in the final round of the Munster SHC and Michael Kennedy of Tipperary will handle the clash of Limerick and Waterford, both games commencing at 4pm on Sunday.

Niall has been a referee since 2012, during this time he has been the man in the middle for two Clare SHC finals (2019 and 2023), he joined the referee’s provincial panel in 2021 and had been on the Munster Development Panel since 2020.

This season, he has also been active with games in the Allianz National Hurling League including the meeting of Carlow and Kerry while Malone and his officials had to travel to London in April when officiating the meeting of London and Sligo in the Christy Ring Cup.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Niall Malone

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Liam Murphy has a late shot on goal through a barrage of Tipperary hurleys.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Brian O'Connell, Clare manager

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Clare come up short in winnable contest versus Cork

ALL-IRELAND

SFC GROUP 3 ROUND 1

Clare 1-11 Cork 1-13

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 7 (1/6)

Wides: 3 (1/2)

Scores from play: 1-5

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Emmet McMahon (0-5f's)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 17 out of 20 (85%)

CORK Frees for: 14 (7/7)

Wides: 6 (4/2)

Scores from play: 1-10

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Brian Hurley (0-3, f) & Seán Powter (1-0)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 12 out of 15 (80%)

REFEREE: Seán Lonergan (Tipperary)

“ MANAGER COMMENT

Mark Fitzgerald, Clare manager

“I wasn’t happy with the first half, I thought it was sloppy. We trained well, it is a challenge coming from the high of the Munster final to this, albeit it is the same competition and challenge but the lads will learn from it, I’m not saying it is the reason I don’t know. You could see in the second half, the honesty and commitment from the lads, we played good football but we gave ourselves too much to do, the effort to get level was significant, we made a couple of mistakes coming down the stretch with rushed shots but again that is learning”.

“This is where we want to be, these are the teams you want to play. I’m not interested in moral victories, I thought we did well, we gave Cork a lot to look at in the second half, Tyrone again will be a tough test but we look forward to it”.

“The first half was so bad, we were five down at half time against a really good Cork team full of running that had four weeks to prepare for this. I definitely thought we rushed shots whereas against Kerry we were good at working that ball around to get chances but I’m pleased with the effort of the lads but we’ve a lot of work to do on those turnovers because they are absolutely killing us”.

John Cleary, Cork manager

“We came up here last year to win and we didn’t win, we were very disappointed, it cost us a lot and it cost us a lot in terms of seeding for this year. We know that Clare playing here are a formidable side

and I thought at times we played very well but we didn’t put it on the scoreboard and we got over the line”.

“Clare hadn't scored from play in the first half. They were bound to come out with a... and we said that at half-time, to try and keep Clare at bay. The one thing we spoke about was not giving away a goal, but we did give away a goal after half-time. That gave Clare fierce oxygen and got the crowd behind them. The pleasing thing about going into the last 10, 12 minutes on level scores was that we steadied the ship and we kicked three or four very good points there at the end to get us over the line.

Brian Mc rues Clare's slow start

A ‘slow start’ from Clare’s senior footballers left them with too much to do in their opening round defeat to Cork in the All-Ireland SFC.

Midfielder Brian McNamara lamented Clare’s opening half display when reflecting back on their 1-13 1-11 loss to John Cleary’s Cork in Cusack Park on Saturday. “When you’re playing the teams the quality of Cork you can’t afford to start as slow as we did. As soon as we started playing we started to match them but we just gave them too much at the start of the game. We’ve plenty to build on going to Omagh”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Cree native was at a loss to find out what attributed to Clare’s below par opening half where they failed to score from play. “They did bring massive intensity to be fair, I can’t put my finger as to why we started so slow but we’ll have to sort that for the next day because we can’t do against the top teams around the place”.

UL student Brian continued, “We were playing more individually in the first half than we had during the year when we were getting good moves together but we were nearly going in ones which is what they wanted us to do and we had a massive amount of turnovers in the first half which hurt us a lot going backwards and

we will have to work on that for the next day, move forward as a unit because we won’t get away with going in ones and twos against Cork, they only want you to bring it into contact”.

Currently on placement with Clare County Council, Brian was an interested onlooker in the gallery of Áras Contae an Chláir at the May meeting of the local authority during a heated debate where elected representatives questioned the removal of a briefing from Ennis 2040 Chief Operating Officer Kevin Corrigan from the meeting’s agenda. Such tenacity exuded by county councillors had it been displayed by the Clare footballers would likely have made matters more even in the opening half.

On the challenge posed by Cork, Brian explained, “You know when you’re playing Cork that it is going to be hard running and it is going to be physical and they brought that today, anytime they got the ball they were gone up the field, they don’t wait around”.

Matters improved from Clare in the second half with McNamara leading the charge straight away, once again winning the ball from the throw-in and charging forward to set up Daniel Walsh for Clare’s first score from play. “We can’t afford to be leaving it to the second half, we have to start from the word go the next day,” he outlined.

Tyrone and Donegal await Clare in their remaining Group 3 ties. “It will be

PLAYER WATCH

CILLIAN BRENNAN (CORNER-BACK)

Minutes played: All

Possessions: 5 (2/3)

Passess: 5 (2/3)

Long Pass: 0

Short Pass: 5 (2/3)

Hand Pass: 5 (2/3)

Foot Pass: 0

Tackles: 4 (4/0)

Turnover For: 1 (1/0)

Turnovers Against: 0

Frees For: 0

Frees Against: 0

O'Loughlin leading Clare side into 'massive' opening championship encounter

Clare camogie’s joint senior team captain

Aine O’Loughlin believes that the squad “have learned a lot from being in a tough group in the league. We know where we are at, we know our structure better and we are better prepared”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo ahead of Clare’s opening game in the All-Ireland championship on Saturday, Áine noted that they are beginning their campaign with two “massive games”.

very exciting to go up to Omagh and play Tyrone, they are the teams we want to be playing, we’re looking forward to it in two weeks time,” the Cooraclare footballer said.

The hero of last year’s Clare senior camogie championship final when she drilled a last minute 20m free to the net to see Truagh/Clonlara win their first county title said, “we have a new team this year, a lot of young players had to step up and a lot will be starting for the first time in the senior championship. They are well able to live up to what we are expecting and we will be going into Saturday’s game with all guns blazing”.

The teacher who recently graduated from Mary Immaculate College in Thurles went on to recall last year’s meeting with Down. “It was a very warm day and they were a very physical team. We know what they are going to be like, we got nothing easy last year and we expect that to be the case again this year. We got a late goal last year to win it. It will go down to the wire but hopefully we are well prepared”.

Commenting on the fact that Clare will play five group games in the competition in six weeks the Truagh/Clonlara player said “we are heading into a very busy few weeks and it will be about getting the bodies right after each match for the next fixture. We are starting out with two massive games and we will be looking for wins in those. We know what we have to do”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

l Brian McNamara

Photo by Gerard O'Neill l Tony Kelly

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Brian McNamara leaps into the air.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Schauffele steals the show

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

The PGA Championship took place at Valhalla Golf Club over the weekend, and the event was packed with all kinds of action and memorable moments. Not least of all was Xander Schauffele’s tournament-winning final putt on the 18th hole that placed him one stroke in front of Bryson DeChambeau and pronounced the victor in front of a roaring crowd.

An Olympic gold medal winning athlete and Ryder Cup team member, Schauffele is an incredibly talented golfer, and with 11 tournament wins to his name, he was surely going to bag a major trophy sooner or later. Xander has come tantalizingly close a couple of times before, including coming second at the 2018 Open and 2019 Masters, as well as third at the 2019 US Open.

I've been expecting this major for the past few years but it has taken longer than I expected, Xander has been one of the most consistent golfers on the tour for several years now, surely a major was on the cards. Winning a major Championship has proven talent will get you close but believing you can do it is what's the key. I myself followed Xander at the JP McManus Pro Am at Adare in 2022. All the crowds that day were following Rory, Padraig and Shane and less than ten spectators were following Xander on the opposite nine. As it turned out I watched him

shoot -8 a course record that day which still holds to this day. The tempo of his golf swing is incredible to see in person and we can all learn a lot from watching golfers with an exception tempo, it truly is the key to hitting consistent golf shots and more importantly achieving consistent distance control, which I consider the fundamentally the most important aspect if you are to improve as a golfer regardless of what level you are at.

Schauffele came charging out the gate by carding an initial round of 62 that positioned him as the first-round leader. He played consistently well the following days making a 68 on the Friday and Saturday, and a final incredible positive effort of 65 on Sunday even after going a shot behind on the backnine he stayed patient and never panicked. With the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa right on his heels, he did well to keep his composure among the mounting pressure. Schauffele’s resolve ensured he only carded four holes above par over all week.

In his post-round interview, Schauffele admitted his relief of not having to battle Bryson in a playoff.

“I’m really proud of how I handled certain moments on the course today. I really didn’t want to go in to a playoff with Bryson, with his length it’s not something I was going to have a whole lot of fun with. I just kept telling myself I needed to earn this and be in the moment, and I was able to do that.”

What’s next for the now World No.2 golfer? Beating Scottie Scheffler. Despite winning the PGA Championship this weekend, Schauffele admitted that Scheffler’s recent successes makes him the prime target to beat. Schauffele directly missed out on winning the Players Championship this year when Scheffler beat him by one stroke.

“All of us are climbing this massive mountain and at the top of the mountain is Scottie Scheffler. I got one good hook up there in the mountain up on that cliff, and I’m still climbing.”

I now expect Xander to go from strength to strength from this win on Sunday and I think he will now make a huge charge at knocking Scottie off his number one position. It won't be easy however if anyone can achieve it I definitely believe a consistent golfer like Xander can definitely be the one to achieve this feat. Watch this space its going to be an exciting finish to the 2024 PGA Tour now this season in my opinion.

It was also fantastic to see Shane Lowry showing some form again after a difficult start to his year. He has been struggling with the putter since the beginning of the season however he has changed his stance and is now standing open to his putts which seems to have helped him to hold putts again this week. Changing your body alignment and ball position can help you find a new position that improves your performance.

Flan Lyons leads the way in St. Flannans PPU outing

by Seamus Hayes

The annual St. Flannans College past pupils outing was held at the weekend and resulted in victory for Flan Lyons (13) with 42 points. He had one to spare over Brian P Kelly (20) with third spot filled by Fintan McEvoy (24) with 39 points. Seamus McEnery won the gross with 29 points while the staff prize was won by Shane McCarthy.

In the Ennis golf club members category the winner was Gerard O'Brien (12) with 40 points followed by John Gavin (18) with 38 points, Noel Kenny (14) with 38 points.

Last Sunday the Ennis ladies intermediate foursomes team of Mary Lenihan and Claire Bracken, Kitty Morris and Mary T. McMahon, Bridie Hanrahan and Yvonne Keohane, Peig Hanrahan and Anna Marie Darmody defeated Dromoland. The team is managed by Brid Cunningham and Della Burns.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

The ladies 18 hole medal, a golfer of the year stroke competition at East Clare last week was won by Noreen Skehan (24) with

Category 1 was won by Noreen Doyle (22) with 73 nett, category 2 by Loretto

(24) with 75 nett and category 3 by Maureen Clune on a countback.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Pat McNamara, Gerry O'Brien and Jim Fahy.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Mary McNamara and Hannah O'Brien with 37 points were winners of the Granard cup fourball last week.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Clean Ireland sponsored the weekend competition where the overall winner was Declan O’Donovan (9) with 41 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB

Friday’s open singles at Gort was won by Pat Connolly (40) with 40 points while the gross was won by Kris Finnegan (1) with 36 points. Noel O'Shaughnessy had a hole in one at the 16th.

The overall winner in the Giblin Financial Services weekend singles competition was Gerry Burke (16) with 40 points

Double for Parteen syndicate

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PARTEEN'S Shanakyle Syndicate scored a double in Galway last Thursday night.

Shanakyle Blue (Malachi-Our Blue Velvet) has been very consistent of late and recorded his fifth career success in the A7 graded fourth contest proving a length and a half too strong for Pierview Brindy in 30.09.

The Parteen-based Syndicate completed a double on the night in the A5 graded eight contest as their Shanakyle Sally proved three lengths too good for Uimhir A Seacht in 29.99. Bumblebee Hayley broke best in the centre but rounding the opening bend Shanakyle Sally railed well to take over in front but she was then headed by Echo Faith early in the back straight . Approaching the penultimate corner though Shanakyle Sally (Malachi-Aarons Sensation) was back on terms with the leader before kicking clear off the home bend to win going away and complete the kennel double .

There was no doubting the most popular winner on the night was the Mrs Kay Lynch of Quin-owned Cragataska Black who recorded her second career success by a length and a half over Glasheen Razor in 29.56.

The daughter of Skywalker Logan & Drombeg Dancer trapped well but was headed on the run to the opening bend by Glasheen Razor by two lengths. Racing down the back the lead reached five lengths but the eventual winner is as game as anything and was in the clear passing halfway and taking dead aim at the leader. Exiting the back straight the lead was down to two lengths and stride by stride Cragataska Black reeled her target in before striking the front in the final twenty five yards to the delight of connections.

Former Clare residents Albert Long & John Collins are enjoying a tremendous run of form and they added to their tally in the concluding A6 graded contest as Brickhill Julie (Ballymac Bolger-Brickhill Layla) made just about all to defeat Five Alley Duke by a neck in 29.42.

nett 72.

O’Donnell

l Xander Schauffele

Clare come up short in winnable contest versus Cork

ALL-IRELAND

SFC GROUP 3 ROUND 1

Clare 1-11 Cork 1-13

Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

CLARE

Frees for: 7 (1/6)

Wides: 3 (1/2)

Scores from play: 1-5

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Emmet McMahon (0-5f's)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 17 out of 20 (85%)

CORK Frees for: 14 (7/7)

Wides: 6 (4/2)

Scores from play: 1-10

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Brian Hurley (0-3, f) & Seán Powter (1-0)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 12 out of 15 (80%)

REFEREE: Seán Lonergan (Tipperary)

“ MANAGER COMMENT

Mark Fitzgerald, Clare manager

“I wasn’t happy with the first half, I thought it was sloppy. We trained well, it is a challenge coming from the high of the Munster final to this, albeit it is the same competition and challenge but the lads will learn from it, I’m not saying it is the reason I don’t know. You could see in the second half, the honesty and commitment from the lads, we played good football but we gave ourselves too much to do, the effort to get level was significant, we made a couple of mistakes coming down the stretch with rushed shots but again that is learning”.

“This is where we want to be, these are the teams you want to play. I’m not interested in moral victories, I thought we did well, we gave Cork a lot to look at in the second half, Tyrone again will be a tough test but we look forward to it”.

“The first half was so bad, we were five down at half time against a really good Cork team full of running that had four weeks to prepare for this. I definitely thought we rushed shots whereas against Kerry we were good at working that ball around to get chances but I’m pleased with the effort of the lads but we’ve a lot of work to do on those turnovers because they are absolutely killing us”.

John Cleary, Cork manager

“We came up here last year to win and we didn’t win, we were very disappointed, it cost us a lot and it cost us a lot in terms of seeding for this year. We know that Clare playing here are a formidable side

and I thought at times we played very well but we didn’t put it on the scoreboard and we got over the line”.

“Clare hadn't scored from play in the first half. They were bound to come out with a... and we said that at half-time, to try and keep Clare at bay. The one thing we spoke about was not giving away a goal, but we did give away a goal after half-time. That gave Clare fierce oxygen and got the crowd behind them. The pleasing thing about going into the last 10, 12 minutes on level scores was that we steadied the ship and we kicked three or four very good points there at the end to get us over the line.

Brian Mc rues Clare's slow start

A ‘slow start’ from Clare’s senior footballers left them with too much to do in their opening round defeat to Cork in the All-Ireland SFC.

Midfielder Brian McNamara lamented Clare’s opening half display when reflecting back on their 1-13 1-11 loss to John Cleary’s Cork in Cusack Park on Saturday. “When you’re playing the teams the quality of Cork you can’t afford to start as slow as we did. As soon as we started playing we started to match them but we just gave them too much at the start of the game. We’ve plenty to build on going to Omagh”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Cree native was at a loss to find out what attributed to Clare’s below par opening half where they failed to score from play. “They did bring massive intensity to be fair, I can’t put my finger as to why we started so slow but we’ll have to sort that for the next day because we can’t do against the top teams around the place”.

UL student Brian continued, “We were playing more individually in the first half than we had during the year when we were getting good moves together but we were nearly going in ones which is what they wanted us to do and we had a massive amount of turnovers in the first half which hurt us a lot going backwards and

we will have to work on that for the next day, move forward as a unit because we won’t get away with going in ones and twos against Cork, they only want you to bring it into contact”.

Currently on placement with Clare County Council, Brian was an interested onlooker in the gallery of Áras Contae an Chláir at the May meeting of the local authority during a heated debate where elected representatives questioned the removal of a briefing from Ennis 2040 Chief Operating Officer Kevin Corrigan from the meeting’s agenda. Such tenacity exuded by county councillors had it been displayed by the Clare footballers would likely have made matters more even in the opening half.

On the challenge posed by Cork, Brian explained, “You know when you’re playing Cork that it is going to be hard running and it is going to be physical and they brought that today, anytime they got the ball they were gone up the field, they don’t wait around”.

Matters improved from Clare in the second half with McNamara leading the charge straight away, once again winning the ball from the throw-in and charging forward to set up Daniel Walsh for Clare’s first score from play. “We can’t afford to be leaving it to the second half, we have to start from the word go the next day,” he outlined.

Tyrone and Donegal await Clare in their remaining Group 3 ties. “It will be

PLAYER WATCH

CILLIAN BRENNAN (CORNER-BACK)

Minutes played: All

Possessions: 5 (2/3)

Passess: 5 (2/3)

Long Pass: 0

Short Pass: 5 (2/3)

Hand Pass: 5 (2/3)

Foot Pass: 0

Tackles: 4 (4/0)

Turnover For: 1 (1/0)

Turnovers Against: 0

Frees For: 0

Frees Against: 0

O'Loughlin leading Clare side into 'massive' opening championship encounter

Clare camogie’s joint senior team captain

Aine O’Loughlin believes that the squad “have learned a lot from being in a tough group in the league. We know where we are at, we know our structure better and we are better prepared”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo ahead of Clare’s opening game in the All-Ireland championship on Saturday, Áine noted that they are beginning their campaign with two “massive games”.

very exciting to go up to Omagh and play Tyrone, they are the teams we want to be playing, we’re looking forward to it in two weeks time,” the Cooraclare footballer said.

The hero of last year’s Clare senior camogie championship final when she drilled a last minute 20m free to the net to see Truagh/Clonlara win their first county title said, “we have a new team this year, a lot of young players had to step up and a lot will be starting for the first time in the senior championship. They are well able to live up to what we are expecting and we will be going into Saturday’s game with all guns blazing”.

The teacher who recently graduated from Mary Immaculate College in Thurles went on to recall last year’s meeting with Down. “It was a very warm day and they were a very physical team. We know what they are going to be like, we got nothing easy last year and we expect that to be the case again this year. We got a late goal last year to win it. It will go down to the wire but hopefully we are well prepared”.

Commenting on the fact that Clare will play five group games in the competition in six weeks the Truagh/Clonlara player said “we are heading into a very busy few weeks and it will be about getting the bodies right after each match for the next fixture. We are starting out with two massive games and we will be looking for wins in those. We know what we have to do”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

l Brian McNamara

Photo by Gerard O'Neill l Áine O'Loughlin

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Brian McNamara leaps into the air.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Schauffele steals the show

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

The PGA Championship took place at Valhalla Golf Club over the weekend, and the event was packed with all kinds of action and memorable moments. Not least of all was Xander Schauffele’s tournament-winning final putt on the 18th hole that placed him one stroke in front of Bryson DeChambeau and pronounced the victor in front of a roaring crowd.

An Olympic gold medal winning athlete and Ryder Cup team member, Schauffele is an incredibly talented golfer, and with 11 tournament wins to his name, he was surely going to bag a major trophy sooner or later. Xander has come tantalizingly close a couple of times before, including coming second at the 2018 Open and 2019 Masters, as well as third at the 2019 US Open.

I've been expecting this major for the past few years but it has taken longer than I expected, Xander has been one of the most consistent golfers on the tour for several years now, surely a major was on the cards. Winning a major Championship has proven talent will get you close but believing you can do it is what's the key. I myself followed Xander at the JP McManus Pro Am at Adare in 2022. All the crowds that day were following Rory, Padraig and Shane and less than ten spectators were following Xander on the opposite nine. As it turned out I watched him

shoot -8 a course record that day which still holds to this day. The tempo of his golf swing is incredible to see in person and we can all learn a lot from watching golfers with an exception tempo, it truly is the key to hitting consistent golf shots and more importantly achieving consistent distance control, which I consider the fundamentally the most important aspect if you are to improve as a golfer regardless of what level you are at.

Schauffele came charging out the gate by carding an initial round of 62 that positioned him as the first-round leader. He played consistently well the following days making a 68 on the Friday and Saturday, and a final incredible positive effort of 65 on Sunday even after going a shot behind on the backnine he stayed patient and never panicked. With the likes of Bryson DeChambeau and Collin Morikawa right on his heels, he did well to keep his composure among the mounting pressure. Schauffele’s resolve ensured he only carded four holes above par over all week.

In his post-round interview, Schauffele admitted his relief of not having to battle Bryson in a playoff.

“I’m really proud of how I handled certain moments on the course today. I really didn’t want to go in to a playoff with Bryson, with his length it’s not something I was going to have a whole lot of fun with. I just kept telling myself I needed to earn this and be in the moment, and I was able to do that.”

What’s next for the now World No.2 golfer? Beating Scottie Scheffler. Despite winning the PGA Championship this weekend, Schauffele admitted that Scheffler’s recent successes makes him the prime target to beat. Schauffele directly missed out on winning the Players Championship this year when Scheffler beat him by one stroke.

“All of us are climbing this massive mountain and at the top of the mountain is Scottie Scheffler. I got one good hook up there in the mountain up on that cliff, and I’m still climbing.”

I now expect Xander to go from strength to strength from this win on Sunday and I think he will now make a huge charge at knocking Scottie off his number one position. It won't be easy however if anyone can achieve it I definitely believe a consistent golfer like Xander can definitely be the one to achieve this feat. Watch this space its going to be an exciting finish to the 2024 PGA Tour now this season in my opinion.

It was also fantastic to see Shane Lowry showing some form again after a difficult start to his year. He has been struggling with the putter since the beginning of the season however he has changed his stance and is now standing open to his putts which seems to have helped him to hold putts again this week. Changing your body alignment and ball position can help you find a new position that improves your performance.

Flan Lyons leads the way in St. Flannans PPU outing

by Seamus Hayes

The annual St. Flannans College past pupils outing was held at the weekend and resulted in victory for Flan Lyons (13) with 42 points. He had one to spare over Brian P Kelly (20) with third spot filled by Fintan McEvoy (24) with 39 points. Seamus McEnery won the gross with 29 points while the staff prize was won by Shane McCarthy.

In the Ennis golf club members category the winner was Gerard O'Brien (12) with 40 points followed by John Gavin (18) with 38 points, Noel Kenny (14) with 38 points.

Last Sunday the Ennis ladies intermediate foursomes team of Mary Lenihan and Claire Bracken, Kitty Morris and Mary T. McMahon, Bridie Hanrahan and Yvonne Keohane, Peig Hanrahan and Anna Marie Darmody defeated Dromoland. The team is managed by Brid Cunningham and Della Burns.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

The ladies 18 hole medal, a golfer of the year stroke competition at East Clare last week was won by Noreen Skehan (24) with

Category 1 was won by Noreen Doyle (22) with 73 nett, category 2 by Loretto

(24) with 75 nett and category 3 by Maureen Clune on a countback.

Last week’s senior men’s competition was won by Pat McNamara, Gerry O'Brien and Jim Fahy.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

Mary McNamara and Hannah O'Brien with 37 points were winners of the Granard cup fourball last week.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Clean Ireland sponsored the weekend competition where the overall winner was Declan O’Donovan (9) with 41 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB

Friday’s open singles at Gort was won by Pat Connolly (40) with 40 points while the gross was won by Kris Finnegan (1) with 36 points. Noel O'Shaughnessy had a hole in one at the 16th.

The overall winner in the Giblin Financial Services weekend singles competition was Gerry Burke (16) with 40 points

Double for Parteen syndicate

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PARTEEN'S Shanakyle Syndicate scored a double in Galway last Thursday night.

Shanakyle Blue (Malachi-Our Blue Velvet) has been very consistent of late and recorded his fifth career success in the A7 graded fourth contest proving a length and a half too strong for Pierview Brindy in 30.09.

The Parteen-based Syndicate completed a double on the night in the A5 graded eight contest as their Shanakyle Sally proved three lengths too good for Uimhir A Seacht in 29.99. Bumblebee Hayley broke best in the centre but rounding the opening bend Shanakyle Sally railed well to take over in front but she was then headed by Echo Faith early in the back straight . Approaching the penultimate corner though Shanakyle Sally (Malachi-Aarons Sensation) was back on terms with the leader before kicking clear off the home bend to win going away and complete the kennel double .

There was no doubting the most popular winner on the night was the Mrs Kay Lynch of Quin-owned Cragataska Black who recorded her second career success by a length and a half over Glasheen Razor in 29.56.

The daughter of Skywalker Logan & Drombeg Dancer trapped well but was headed on the run to the opening bend by Glasheen Razor by two lengths. Racing down the back the lead reached five lengths but the eventual winner is as game as anything and was in the clear passing halfway and taking dead aim at the leader. Exiting the back straight the lead was down to two lengths and stride by stride Cragataska Black reeled her target in before striking the front in the final twenty five yards to the delight of connections.

Former Clare residents Albert Long & John Collins are enjoying a tremendous run of form and they added to their tally in the concluding A6 graded contest as Brickhill Julie (Ballymac Bolger-Brickhill Layla) made just about all to defeat Five Alley Duke by a neck in 29.42.

nett 72.

O’Donnell

l Xander Schauffele

CLARE CO COUNCIL

SCART, TULLA ROAD, KILKISHEN, CO CLARE

Permission sought to construct a 2 storey dwelling house, detached domestic garage, vehicular entrance, connection to the village wastewater treatment system & public watermain, including all associated site works and services at above address / Applicant’s: Tracey Byrne and Adrian Donovan. 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. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

BALLYNOTE WEST, KILRUSH, CO CLARE

Take notice that Barry Keane & Stephanie Levesque intend to apply to the planning authority for permission for alterations to the proposed dwelling house as granted under application P23/60278 to include a childcare facility on the ground floor along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours 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 planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

SHANNON AIRPORT, COUNTY CLARE

Shannon Airport Authority

DAC intend to apply for permission for development at Shannon Airport, Shannon, Co. Clare.

The development will consist

of a single storey extension to existing Gates 1 to 5 departures terminal, provision of external plant area and covered external circulation routes. Other works include minor elevational changes to adjacent areas and alterations to personnel access/ egress locations and routes. With all associated site works.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

KILMOON WEST, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE

Take notice that Fr Robert McNamara intends to apply for development at Toovahera Church, (which is a Protected Structure Number 175), the development will consist of creating an area for use as a Church carpark with a new entrance from the public road to the carpark, altering the existing roadside wall of the Church & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FITZS CROSS, DOOLIN

Take notice that Ahakista Property Development Ltd. intends to apply to the Plan-

ning Authority for permission to revise planning Ref No P22/283 and to retain 2No ground floor apartments 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 VERDANT HILL, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE

Further Information/ Revised Plans

Planning Ref: P24/60018

Development Description: Full Planning Permission to construct a new vehicular entrance and parking area together with associated site works.

Location: Verdant Hill, Tulla Road, Ennis, Co. Clare V95 T65X.

Take notice that John and Catherine Flynn has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P24/60018. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A

submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE

COUNTY COUNCIL DROMEEN, RUAN, CO. CLARE

Further Information/Revised Plans

Planning Ref: P23/508

Development Description: to carry out alterations and construct an extension to existing cottage, to remove existing septic tank and construct a new septic tank, percolation treatment system, widen existing entrance gate, construct a new access road and to construct a new bat house. The site is within a Heritage Landscape (SAC 0057) and the application is accompanied by a Natura

Impact Statement Report.

Location: Dromeen, Ruan, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Ian Keane has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/508. 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 5 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority. A Natura Impact statement has been lodged as part of this application.

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you This special favour. (Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise publication. TOR

Recent Deaths

Geary, Michael Kilkee

Healy, Jimmy(James) Ennis

Tuohy, John Feakle

Halley (née Mason), Margaret Clonlara

Molloy (née Fox), Mary Ennis

Sherlock, Joe Meelick

Brady (née King), Bridie (Brid)

CARRIG (née Flood), MAUREEN Kilrush

Devanney-Rog, Regina (Gina)

Shannon

McGreene, Patrick (Pat) Kilkee

SHANNON, Sr. Maeve Kilkee

Barry (née Hillery), Nancy Ennistymon

Barry, Tom (Tommy T.) Kilnamona

Cotter, Martin Paul Ennis

McMahon (née Maguire), Maureen Ennistymon

Earley, Martin Crusheen

Hehir (née Murphy), Bridget Tulla

Hehir (née Murphy), Bridget Kilmaley

Hanrahan, Anthony Shannon

The Clare Echo

CO.CLARE QUIZ

1

Icarus statue in Ennis was gifted to Ennis Town Council by Guinness Peat Aviation in 1990 to mark what?

Ennis’ 750-year celebration

50 years of Shannon Airport

A record year for peat sales

2

The statue is often referred to as another mythical Greek figure named Daedalus. He was what relation to Icarus?

Son Father

Second cousin once removed

3 The monument on Frances Street in Kilrush is dedicated to what?

Manchester Martyrs

Easter Rising

The Peru Two

4

According to a recent survey, which Clare town has the most pubs per head in Ireland (one for every 26 people!)

Lahinch

Scariff

Liscannor

5How old is the sign hanging over the door of Knox’s Pub in Ennis?

6 In the 1800s, what was located inpresent day Abbey Street Car Park?

An outdoor theatre

Roman baths

A brewery

7 What is the area known as Cora Chaitlín (Caitlín’s weir) in Irish?

Lisdoonvarna

Newmarket on Fergus Cooraclare

8Clarecastle was once known simply as...

Castletown

Clare

Maggieluf

9 In 1881, two men digging a drain near Lissycasey discovered what?

A box full of gold coins

A bear’s skeleton

The book of Kells

10 The name Scariff is derived from the Gaelic “Scairbh” which means what?

A rocky ford House of Scars House of Scarfs

Fergus

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES MAY 23rd

WORD SEARCH

The Clare Echo Crossword

ACROSS

1. Mythical winged horse(7)

5. Manufacturer(5)

8. Card game(5)

9. Young hare(7)

10. Confection made with crushed nuts(7)

11. Lure(5)

12. Easily offended(6)

14. Third sign of the zodiac(6)

18. Impertinence(5)

20. Relevant(7)

22. Tied up(7)

23. Brownish-grey colour(5)

24. Take it easy(5)

25. Ordained(7)

Sudoku

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.

DOWN

1. Low wall(7)

2. Letter after beta(5)

3. Fashionable(7)

4. Precious metal(6)

5. Shifted(5)

6. Pakistan’s largest city(7)

7. Irritable(5)

13. Out of the ordinary(7)

15. Capricious(7)

16. Stained (anag)(7)

17. Frank(6)

18. Indian stringed instrument(5)

19. English county(5)

21. Stop temporarily(5)

John Hill: Why I’m asking for your No1 vote

I AM first-time candidate. I am running in these elections for the Irish Freedom Party, because I believe our country is on a dangerous trajectory under the current political establishment.

For the last decade in Ireland, we have been enduring an ever worsening list of crises and scandals. I will mention just three of them here.

HOUSING

We are in a housing and homelessness crisis. In 2017, 27% of working 25-34 year olds in Ireland were living with their parents, by 2022 that figure had risen to 40%. There are currently 13,500 people living in emergency accomodation, 4000 of whom are children. These figures don't include the "hidden homeless", people who are living in cars, on couches or in their parents houses. Our Government does not seem to have any cohesive plan to tackle the issue of

homelessness amongst the Irish population in the coming years.

Yet the same Government announced in March a plan to create capacity to accommodate up to 35,000 asylum seekers by 2028. When TD Mattie McGrath asked in the Dail "Why can we not make this effort to house our own people?", he received no answer, but was instead admonished for using "worrying language".

All over rural Ireland, young people are being refused planning permission to build on their own land. They may make multiple attempts to obtain planning, at great financial cost, only to be repeatedly turned down on the most spurious of grounds.

In Clonmel, Co Tipperary, the State has bypassed the legal planning process in order to build 82 modular homes for Ukrainian refugees, on a site formerly owned by the HSE. Simultaneously, only 9 miles away,

pensioner Sean Meehan is facing prison for building a log cabin without planning permission on his own land. This is a reprehensible case of double-standards, and it should not be happening.

HEALTHCARE

Our healthcare system is in a state of crisis, and nowhere is that felt more acutely than in the MidWest region. Waiting times in UHL are the worst in the country.

Patients find themselves left on trolleys for 48hrs and longer. UHL is consistently understaffed and underresourced. Staff are constantly overworked, describing conditions there as being "like a warzone". People in need of medical care are afraid to present themselves to UHL.

Last year, the Government ruled out the possibility of reopening Ennis and Nenagh ERs. Now, only two weeks ago, the Department of Health announced that a review would be launched

"to consider the case for a second emergency department in the Mid-West region".

Just one week before that, the Government announced that two further hospitals will be built in Dublin, while two more are under construction in Galway and Cork. This is a gross insult to the people of the Mid-West region. It is not good enough.

NGOs

Another issue which I believe must be urgently addressed is the current proliferation of NGOs operating in Ireland. There are over 33,000 NGOs in Ireland, an extraordinary number in a country of only 5.3 million people.

The majority of these receive state funding at the taxpayers expense, totalling over €6 billion annually. Most of them have an executive staff who are paid salaries well in excess of what the majority of working people could ever hope to earn.

As Gript media put it "lreland’s NGO sector is 100 RTE scandals waiting to be uncovered". I myself believe the number is much higher. We need to examine what all of these taxpayer-funded organisations are doing, what purpose they serve to our society and if they serve no useful purpose, then their state funding should be discontinued. We cannot afford to continue using taxpayers money to fund the high lifestyles of a small section of our society.

In closing, I would express my hope that the electorate will use their vote wisely in these upcoming elections. I believe our politicians are failing us, and it is time to elect new ones.

I am therefore asking you for your No 1 vote for the locals in the Kilrush LEA, and to give Micheal Leahy your No 1 in the EU elections for Ireland South.