The Clare Echo 24/01/19

065 671 9021

PROPERTY

Property feature 19

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

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PÁRAIC McMAHON

D

EVELOPMENT plans estimated to cost €40m at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland have been stalled by Clare County Council. The local authority is seeking further information from TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd on its plan to build 53 holiday cottages, a ballroom/function room, a leisure centre and a new restaurant at the West

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Michael O’Doherty on IBS. The facts and solutions 29

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Clare resort. The firm which was set up by Trump to handle the running of the Clare hotel and golf resort has been requested to submit a revised Natura Impact Statement.

Issues on some technical aspects with the proposal were queried by Clare County Council.

Up to 100 people are to be employed during the construction phase of the development if plans are approved. Last year, the Doonbeg resort recorded its best year since the Trump family took over ownership back in 2014.

Full story PAGE 4

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

Index AOIBHÍN GARRIHY

12-13

HEALTH

14-18

PROPERTY SPECIAL 19-28 RONAN SCULLY

29

REELING IN YEARS

31

MOTORING

33

SPORT

34-35

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

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Email: editor@clareecho.ie or news@clareecho.ie

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lON THE MARCH: National Ambulance Service (NAS) staff in Ennis on a 10-hour strike over the HSE’s failure to recognise their union, the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA). Ambulance service members said they would only respond to life-threatening and potentially life-threatening calls during Tuesday’s strike which got underway at 7am Photo by John Mangan

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Kilrush unveils new sustainability plan STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

K A Gift of Magic & Adventure Other premium card options also available www.bunrattycastle.ie M P N

ILRUSH is working to become one of Ireland’s most sustainable towns with the development of the town’s first Sustainability Plan, and it is looking for input from the people of the Kilrush through the launch of its public consultation survey.

The Kilrush Sustainability Plan, initiated by the Kilrush Tidy Towns, took its first steps in November when the organisation recruited Chris Dixon to lead the development of the plan. Dixon, whose academic and professional background is in sustainability, said, “The Kilrush Sustainability Plan represents an opportunity to shape a sustainable future for our town, too often we feel that the development of our town is out of our hands but this plan places the thoughts, concerns and ideas of the community at the core. The information collected in this survey will be used to inform the ultimate goals and actions in the plan.”

The first milestone of the plan was the establishment of the Kilrush Sustainability Committee, a group of 12 people who are from or either live, work or study in Kilrush and who are responsible for developing the strategic vision of the plan. Councillor Ian Lynch, also a committee member, outlined that “collectively as a

community, and individually, there are a number of actions that can be taken to make Kilrush more sustainable. There are also many simple steps that we can take as individuals in our homes, offices and daily lives which can also contribute to a more sustainable Kilrush. Many of these actions may seem small, but if everyone in Kilrush were to incorporate them into their daily lives the cumulative change would be significant.”

Paul Edson, Chairperson of the Kilrush Tidy Towns, outlined that “there are many businesses and community groups in Kilrush who are already dedicated to improving Kilrush’s environment while contributing to the betterment of the Kilrush economic, social and cultural fabric.

Kilrush is creating a Sustainability Plan because of the need to lower the town’s impact on the environment and improve the quality of life for everyone.”

The Kilrush Sustainability Plan, to be published in the summer of 2019, aims to foster community partnerships and strengthen community resiliency and will be developed in collaboration with businesses and community groups of the area.

The survey will run until Friday February 15.

To respond to the survey please visit www.kilrushtidytowns.ie, or find Kilrush Sustainability Plan on Facebook.

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4

NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

Wynne turns to politics after living in rat-infested house

PÁRAIC McMAHON

V

paraic@clareecho.ie

IOLET-ANNE Wynne, who was “at risk of homelessness”, has pledged to be “a voice for the voiceless” if elected to Clare County Council.

A confirmed Sinn Féin candidate in the Kilrush area, the mother-of-five is determined to speak up. “I could bring a hell of a lot and be a voice for the voiceless. West Clare in particular has been utterly abandoned by the elected representatives, I don’t see them speaking out on real issues. They’re out too much for themselves, they’re out for publicity. I attended all the post office meetings held in West Clare and to me it was a joke, they attended to get the picture to say they were there, to stand up and speak and to give lip service that they would do everything in their power, really and truly they did nothing for the post office closures. For West Clare, I will be that voice and the voice for the ordinary person as well. I’m for equality and I feel West Clare has been left unwatched”.

In 2011, the Offaly native moved to Kilrush with her partner having previously lived in

l PASSIONATE: Violet-Anne wants to be a 'voice for the voiceless' in Clare

Dublin. One year after the move, Wynne joined Sinn Féin and she explained to The Clare Echo her reasons for getting involved in politics. “I had my completed my degree in Trinity College in Psychology and I had planned on going on to further my education with a Masters and hopefully obtain a career in that field. At the time, fees were reintroduced and that got way too far out of reach for me so my partner and I decided to start our family first, we felt we were completely screwed over just

starting out at the beginning with a young family with all of the costs and austerity measures that were introduced since 2011, I felt like I was backed into corner, I got very angry, frustrated and felt politics was my only way of dealing with it”.

Such costs had Violet-Anne homeless for one week. “At the time through people I knew I was able to sleep on their couch for a few nights and send the kids to my mother-in-law for the few days.

"The house that I did find eventually was not liveable but it had to do for us for three or four months because there was no opportunity for another house in the area...I had a very bad experience for three to four months in a house that was rat-infested so it was a really awful experience for myself and my family. I was six months pregnant moving in there and the baby was a week old when we managed to get proper accommodation.

“It’s been a huge motivator, I will say that. After going through something so traumatic, I’ve a child with autism and it was very problematic for him, getting to sleep at night was difficult, he was waking up screaming in fear. It was that bad, you could hear the scratching noises very

closely and they were getting out in the house even when we were blocking up holes, they were creating another one right beside it. It was a traumatic experience, there are times when sometimes I get tired going out canvassing and what pushes me to get up and go is that experience, I will never forget it”.

Now that she has come out the other side, the 31-year old is running soup kitchens since before Christmas in Kilrush and has also been involved with the Tidy Towns group.

Gerry Malone was the last Sinn Féin candidate to stand in Kilrush, back in 2004 he was eliminated on the second count polling 265 first preference votes. Now that the party has a new leader in Mary Lou McDonald, Violet-Anne said, “We’re definitely not going to hold back at all, we’re not going to back down, I’m going to be doing the job that most people want to do, I’m going to be speaking out when there is something that doesn’t make sense or if people aren’t being treated properly, I am going to stand up. I probably will not be liked a hell of a lot by people for what I do but again this is not a popularity contest, it is more about making and creating change, sometimes what comes with that is a bit of a backlash but I’m not going to be afraid if it means a few people dislike me”.

Laura Brennan named Person of the Year by Clare Association THE Clare Association Muintir an Chlair has announced that Laura Brennan is to be named their Clare Person of the year 2019.

According to a statement from the Clare Association, "This award to Laura is for her courage and fortitude in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis in publically advocating in favour of the HPV vaccine so as to reduce the risk of other women developing cervical cancer."

The award follows on from Laura being recognised for her work at the Christine Buckley Volunteer Ireland Awards, where she won an award in the Campaigning and Awareness Raising category.

The Association's Hall of Fame Award, meanwhile, goes to Christy Killeen a founding member of the Friends of Clare GAA. The Association continued, "Christy has worked tirelessly over the years to promote all GAA activities associated with Clare and his love for Gaelic Games since his playing days for Cooraclare, has been evident in his endeavours as chairman to raise much needed funds for underage games in Clare.

"His leadership has resulted in over €500,000.00 raised and forwarded to Clare GAA Co.Board.

The presentation of these awards will be held at the associations annual dinner at the Red Cow Moran Hotel on Saturday 02 March 2019 and all are

l BRAVERY: Laura Brennan, Ennis has appeared on the Late Late show welcome with dancing to the well known Patrick Roche Band.

Tickets for this award night can be obtained through the associations website info@clareassociationdublin.ie or from Gerry on 0868498192.

6

NEWS

Trump €40m upgrade for hotel hits a wall

PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

D

EVELOPMENT plans estimated to cost €40m at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg Ireland have been stalled by Clare County Council.

On Monday, the local authority sought further information from TIGL Ireland Enterprises Ltd on its plan to build 53 holiday cottages, a ballroom/function room, a leisure centre and a new restaurant at the West Clare resort. The firm which was set up by Trump to handle the running of the Clare hotel and golf resort has been requested to submit a revised Natura Impact Statement. Issues on some technical aspects with the proposal were queried by Clare County Council.

Up to 100 people are to be employed during the construction phase of the development if plans are approved. Last year, the Doonbeg resort recorded its best year since the Trump family took over ownership back in 2014.

According to documents included with the plans, overnights at the resort will increase by 10 to 15 percent along with higher individual room occupancy. It highlighted that the 53 short term let cottages, ballroom and leisure

l PLANS: An aerial view of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, which is planning to build 53 holiday cottages along with a new leisure centre and restaurant

Photo www.trumphotels.com

building are necessary for the completion of the masterplan as originally intended.

The proposed ballroom and leisure facilities are intended to diversify the range of activities offered and compliment the hotel’s existing facilities. The banqueting facility that will cater for up to 300 people is to replace the marquee structure currently

Come to our

Art Exhibition and

in place to cater for weddings. Two objections have been filed against the plans.

Separately, An Bord Pléanala have yet to decide if an oral hearing will be held into the appeal on plans for the well publicised 38,000 tonne sea wall which would prevent part of the golf course being eroded by the Atlantic Ocean.

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

27 social houses for Miltown CLARE Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has welcomed confirmation that the Department of Housing has given approval in principle for a €5.4 million social housing scheme in Miltown Malbay.

Funding for the construction of 27 new homes at Ballard Road will come from the Local Authority Housing Construction Programme as part of the Rebuilding Ireland initiative and the project will be coordinated

by Clare County Council.

Deputy Carey said he was delighted that his representations to Minister Eoghan Murphy had resulted in such a positive outcome and he was anxious to ensure that construction work would get under way as quickly as possible.

“There is a clear need for a significant level of affordable housing in Miltown Malbay and I am confident that this development of 27 new homes will enable young families to remain in the area and make a positive contribution to the local community,” he added in a statement to The Clare Echo.

Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection Pat Breen maintained the housing units “will provide further social housing in Clare. The green light for these new homes is also a vote of confidence in west Clare and people’s wish to live in this beautiful part of the country”.

INTERNATIONAL FAIR AT ENNIS NATIONAL

International fair

Wednesday, January 30th at Ennis National School

6-8pm

All are welcome

 Sample foods and view crafts from our International stalls  A gallery exhibition of children’s artwork – with framed pieces for sale on the night.  Also a display of old school class photos from the past.  Take a tour..see what’s going on throughout our school.  Open to parents, pupils and the public

 Bígí linn!

ENNIS National School in Ashline, Kilrush Road will be the venue on Wednesday, January 30 for the inaugural ‘International Fair.’

The thinking behind this project is to highlight and showcase the many and varied cultures and nationalities that make up the school and town.

On the night the school hall will be transformed into an International arena with stands and displays from a selection of countries from near and far e.g Poland, Croatia, Lithuania, Nigeria, Australia, UK, USA, Spain, Morocco, Scotland.

Doors will open on the night from 6pm to 8pm and it’s important to stress that the event is open to all the general public and not just the school community. Entry is free and all are most welcome.

In tandem with the International stands there will also be a Whole School Art Exhibition featuring designs and creations produced by the school’s 600 plus pupils. All art pieces will be framed and available to purchase on the night.

There will also be a ‘Nostalgia Corner’ on the night with a wide selection of photos and memorabilia from down the years in the ‘Nash.’ Past pupils are invited to come along and take a leisurely stroll down memory lane.

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

Shannon requires regular polishing, says Slattery PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Airport is a jewel in the crown that requires regular polishing according to Ennis born aviation chief, John Slattery.

For the past two and a half years, John has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Embraer Commercial Aviation and EVP at Embraer S.A. He was in Clare last week as the keynote speaker at a Shannon Chamber lunch in Dromoland Castle.

In his youth, John and his brother Domhnall travelled on alternate Saturdays to Shannon alongside their father who counted the airport as one of his accounts for their market gardening business. It’s here that their love of aviation first took flight. “One of my earliest memories is going to Shannon Airport and driving around on the apron in front of the flight kitchen, you were right there on the apron, you could smell the

kerosene and see the aircraft in front of you. Back then in the early 70s, Ireland was a difficult place but Shannon Airport was just a standout environment, it was a hub of activity, you had stopovers from the United States coming in so you had big PanAm wide-body 747 landing in Shannon and it was super exciting. That excitement never left and throughout my academic career and early work career it was always my desire to get into aviation and now I’m lucky enough to do it”.

When asked does it still have that “standout environment”, he replied, “Shannon Airport continues to be a jewel in the crown but like any jewel it needs to be polished. The initiatives that are in place to stimulate growth are taking root, I’ve seen great development around the cluster that is the surrounds of Shannon Airport in the last five years and I congratulate everybody that was involved in that, it’s critically important that we maintain a strong passenger throughput at Shannon Airport.”

lSHARED INTERESTS: Helen Downes, Chief Executive Shannon Chamber, aviation chief John Slattery, and Mary Considine, President Shannon Chamber

Photo by Eamon Ward

In 2016 he moved to Sao Paulo to take on his position with Embraer, prior to that he worked for the aerospace conglomerate for four years before taking up residence in South America. Last year, they recorded a profit of €175.4m on the stock exchange.

Having attended Ennis National and St Flannans College, John is

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disappointed at the lack of time he now gets to spend in Co Clare. “I would describe myself as a proud Townie,” he added, “I still have a home in Ennis, but unfortunately I probably don’t get to spend much more than eight nights a year there but I try come through Ennis three or four times a year if possible”.

NEWS

7

Council CEO set for Shannon Group board...

CLARE Co Council has been invited to nominate its CEO Pat Dowling for a position on the board of Shannon Group.

In 2016, Dowling began his seven year term as the Council’s Chief Executive Officer. Cllr Gerry Flynn first tabled a motion in July of the same year calling on then Taoiseach Enda Kenny “to ensure that the Government provides this Council with a representative role on the board of the Shannon Group”.

Since the motion, two additions have been made to their board by the Department of Transport, none of which represent the local authority. Present board members of Shannon Group plc include, Rose Hynes, Matthew Thomas, Kathryn O’Leary Higgins, Liam O’Shea, Tom Kelly, Kevin McCarthy and Linda Tynne. Ex-Council CEO, Tom Coughlan was a previous board member.

The Clare Echo understands that Clare County Council were invited to nominate Dowling in recent weeks by the PAC. The matter was discussed briefly on Monday last at the January meeting of the local authority as Cathaoirleach Michael Begley disclosed, “Our CEO has made a submission to fill the vacancy. We don’t know the time frame involved but we’re still hopeful”.

Cllr PJ Ryan praised the development, “I would like to welcome the news that our CEO is looking to get appointed to the board”.

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

Harty criticises Reilly over 'incoherant' HSE STUART HOLLY

D

editor@clareecho.ie

R MICHAEL Harty TD has criticised former Health Minister James Reilly who he said disbanded the HSE board in 2012 on a whim. The board was never replaced and the structures put in place, the clinical directorates and the civil servants who replaced the board members, never really worked. That has contributed to the demise of our health service that we are experiencing today, according to the Clare Independent TD. Dr Harty was speaking in the Dáil on the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2018 which he said will reconstitute the board and introduce real structural health reform.

“A Programme for Partnership Government published in May 2016 which underpinned this Government included a commitment to continue to dismantle the HSE and replace it with a new structure. Thankfully, that new structure has not appeared. In the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health’s deliberations on Sláintecare we were advised by many experts in change management that if we were to reform our health service, we should do so with the minimum structural change possible because once major

structural changes are made, it takes years to implement them.

"The report made an important recommendation, which I hope the Minister will progress, to decentralise the HSE, not down to health board level but to regional bodies where the hospital groups and community health organisations would be merged. These merged entities would have one budget and the independence to deliver services in their respective region as the regions need these services. As such, we would not have the unwieldy centralisation that we have in the HSE at the moment. I hope the appointment of a HSE board is the start of that process."

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Dr Harty continued, "We have seen how chopping and changing in our health management structures has inhibited real health reform. It has resulted in chaotic and fragmented health services. It allows for excellent and adequate care in some areas but unfortunately there are many areas in our health service that are extremely stressed and do not deliver optimum care. We have incoherent policies and a management structure that is almost impossible to navigate. We are all aware of the problems with our waiting lists and today we had 535 patients on trolleys, which in an average winter is now almost acceptable. Of course, it is

not acceptable. Trolleys are just a symptom of wider problems within our health service."

Dr Harty added that the present structure of the HSE is not fit for purpose.

"The management processes were put in place with 18 clinical directorates and a group of civil servants who must have had a conflict of interest in being civil servants and members of the board. The system became completely unwieldy and not fit for purpose. It was intended to be a temporary arrangement initiated by the then Minister, now Senator James Reilly, while he put some other structure in place. We were never quite sure what that structure would be.

The replacement structures, which are not fit for purpose, are still there seven years later. That system has inhibited health reform, integration and structural reform in our health services,” Dr. Harty said.

CLARE FESTIVAL GUIDE LAUNCH MORE than 200 events and festivals are featured in a comprehensive new guide to all tourism related activity taking place in County Clare during 2019.

Councillor Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare, this week joined representatives of Clare County Council and Clare Tourism for the launch of the Clare Festivals and Events Guide which is being made available at visitor attractions, accommodation providers, tourist offices, libraries and Council Area Offices throughout Clare. Thousands of copies of the guide are also being distributed to Tourist Offices across the region, as well as to various locations throughout the world.

Some of the event and festival highlights during the coming weeks include the Doolin Writers' Weekend (25-27 January), 7th Annual Concertina Cruinniú (15-17 February), Irish Old-Time Appalachian Music Gathering (22-24 February), Bunratty International Chess Festival (22-24 February), Irish Old Time Appalachian Music Gathering (22-24 February) and the Corofin Traditional Festival (27 February-3 March). Other highlights for the remainder of 2019 include the Clare Garden Festival (28 April), Burren Slow Food Festival (10-12 May), Dubai Duty Free Irish Open (3-7 July), Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy (6-14 July), Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan Inis (14-22 July) and the Heritage Garden & Orchard Tour (20 August).

Speaking at the launch, Cllr. Michael Begley, Mayor of Clare, said the new guide will inform the people of Clare of the wide variety of festivals and events taking place in the county during 2019.

Pictured in Ennis at the launch of the Clare Festivals and Events Guide 2019 are L-R: Joan Tarmey (Tourism Officer, Clare County Council), Eoin O’Hagan (Chair, Clare Tourism), Councillor Michael Begley (Mayor of Clare) and Pat Dowling (Chief Executive, Clare County Council).

Photograph Eamon Ward

Ryan to run for Labour SEAMUS Ryan has been selected as a Labour candidate in the Ennis Municipal District for May’s local elections.

A librarian in Ennis, Seamus was put forward as a candidate following Monday’s selection. Disability activist Dermot Hayes withdrew his nomination meaning there would be no contest which shocked his potential competitor, “I personally was surprised, I had been hoping for a contest and I had hoped the best person would win and would have the best chance of winning a seat for the Labour party in Clare”.

Thirty-six year old Seamus is from Moy but was one of the last children born at the county hospital in Ennis. He joined the Labour Party in 2008 when the views of then party leader, Eamon Gilmore struck a chord with him.

He will begin canvassing on Monday and indicated that trying to help Ennis reach its full potential will be key to his conversations on the doors. It is expected that the Labour Party will add candidates in North Clare and Shannon.

MISSING 4-MONTH-OLD LAB RETRIEVER FROM CLIFDEN COROFIN PLEASE CALL 085 772 0261

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THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

Munster Fleadh: In Clare, we know how it’s done PÁRAIC McMAHON

“I

paraic@clareecho.ie

N CLARE we know how it’s done” was the message driven home as plans for this year’s Munster Fleadh were discussed this week.

Joe Arkins, Frank Whelan and Therese McInerney addressed members of the Ennis Municipal District this week outlining their vision for the 2019 traditional music event which takes place in Clare for the second year in a row.

“The 2018 Munster Fleadh was the best one yet, the festival in the town surpassed all expectations. We had four céilí over the weekend whereas the norm is one. In Clare we know how its done”, Joe Arkins declared.

In the aftermath of last year’s event, it was questioned why more events didn’t take place in the heart of Ennis. He said that participants in the Munster Fleadh are competing in multiple events “so venues need to be

within easy walking distance of each other”. Arkins stated that the town venues did not have the capacity to match Treacys West County Hotel and St Flannans. “The Town option requires a dome, this would have cost between €20,000 and €30,000, the add ons are prohibitive. There is insufficient parking in the town and it would lead to chaos”.

“Ennis is Ireland’s friendliest town and that’s official. Ennis is a great host town for a festival, it is a perfect fit for traditional festivals”, Frank Whelan said.

He revealed that they are seeking to extend to length of time for which the Gig Rig is in operation for the 2019 Munster Fleadh. “The Abbey St gig rig is an opportunity to showcase talented young groups, it is the shop front and the way of bringing this tradition to the public, there is no better way of creating this buzz than a couple of thousand people watching various groups performing on a professional stage, we’ve come a long way from putting musicians on the back of a truck”. High profile headline acts for the 2019 Gig

lREADY FOR A HOOLEY: Ennis Mayor Clare Colleran Molloy and Joe Arkins at the launch of last year’s Munster Fleadh in Ennis

Photo by Martin Connolly

Rig are being looked at.

Of the proposed spending for this year’s provincial Fleadh, Joe confirmed they were forecasting a €35,000 spend for the town centre.

Further estimated costs include €35,000 for the Gig Rig, €7,000 for the technical crew and generators, €2,000 on security plus €7,000 for headline acts and the open air céilí. Last year, €14,000

was spent on catering for adjudicators and stewards, all of which went to Ennis eateries. Costs for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann vary between €120,000 and €150,000.

“We’re not doing this for profit, we’re aiming to break even and don’t plan on making a loss”, Arkins added.

It takes place from July 14 - 22 this year.

NEWS

9

Nat Geo to feature Clare campaigners PEOPLE in Clare campaigning against what they call “Ireland’s biggest environmental threat”, a terminal on the Shannon Estuary to import fracked shale gas from the US, are the subject of a National Geographic documentary film to be released in March.

The documentary, made as part of National Geographic’s Open Explorer series, features some of “Ireland’s seasoned conservationists and some of their newer, and younger forces of change working amidst local and global challenges such as climate change.”

As the High Court prepares to hear a Judicial Review later this month on Shannon LNG’s planning permission, campaigners are hosting awareness-raising events in Clare and Galway. At the The Cheese Press in Ennistymon on Saturday, February 9, at 4pm, organisers say you can find out how Shannon LNG would affect people living in Clare and why it would have such major implications for climate change. A similar event takes place at the Galway Arts Centre in Galway city next Friday, January 25, at 7.30pm.

Anne Marie Harrington of Futureproof Clare, one of those who features in the documentary, said: “The film-makers’ decision to come to Clare is a sign that stopping this Liquefied Natural Gas terminal on the Shannon Estuary is the frontline of climate action and the battle to stop more fossil fuels being brought into Europe.”

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

Beef farmers group a 'last chance' for hurting sector PÁRAIC McMAHON

B

paraic@clareecho.ie

EEF farmers in Clare are “on tenterhooks” with the creation of a new group labelled as the “last chance” for the struggling sector.

In November, the Beef Plan Movement was established with 790 Clare farmers signing up since then. They have produced an 86 point draft plan for beef which has been brought to the attention of the EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, and The Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed. The plan’s objectives centre around regaining control of an animal from birth to slaughter and beyond, returning a cost of production price plus a margin as a minimum and regaining respect within the beef industry.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Joseph Woulfe who is the county representative with the group

said such control has gradually been taken from farmers. “That has been a slow erosion over the last 20 to 30 years, it sped up at certain intervals like when we had Beef Tribunals, when we had horse meat coming through the industry, a massive closure of abattoirs so competition became less and less, it has eroded down to the point where there is only a handful of people organising the industry and keeping control”.

A native of Quilty, Joseph says the group has gone from a one person committee in Clare to now boasting 14, a door-to-door campaign is underway and more houses will be visited in the coming weeks. “Like a farmer casting seeds on to a field, you don’t know what seeds are going to grow but you cast out enough that enough will take root”.

Joseph took over the family farm following the death of his father Charles in 2016, the family have been on the farm for 350 years.

He explained one of his reasons for joining the movement. “I was given a two-year-old heiffer when

l CLARE'S REPRESENTATIVE: Quilty farmer Joseph Woulfe

I was 13 and I got £630; I sold a two-year-old heiffer in the mart three years ago, same age same size and weight and I got €1,100. With the currency exchange, £630 is nearly €1100. I realised since 1993 to 2015, the price hasn’t changed and it really dawned on me then”.

Prior to its creation, the group founders maintained it needed 40,000 beef farmers to row in be-

hind its proposals. Currently the figure stands between 15,000 and 16,000. “What’s sped things up has been the likes of farming breeder groups like Angus, Limousin, Shirley; when they get behind you with their 3,000 or 4,000 members.

"We have nearly all of the breeding societies behind us. It takes people time to sit down and chat before they initially think what this new group is about, people’s minds are quite alike when it’s come down to what it has that being survival. People would maybe fight over certain points ten years ago but now they are looking at the bigger picture which says farmers are not making end's meet and they are going out of business”.

According to Joseph (36), “quite a number” of farmers in the group are also members of the Clare IFA. He felt the Beef Plan Movement can ease the IFA with its duties.

“My own feeling with the IFA is that it has quite a big task, agriculture is not a small thing, the largest sector of agriculture is worth €13.3 billion, within that the beef industry is there in at around €3.3

BALLYVAUGHAN TRACTOR RUN...

l LEADING THE WAY: Mort O’Loughlin leads the way as the fourth Ballyvaughan Tractor Run passes through the town at the weekend. The Ballyvaughan Tractor Run started off as a transition year project and raises money for different charities every year. This year the event was held in honour of a local vintage tractor enthusiast, Mikie Irwin, who sadly recently passed away. All money will go to the Stella Maris Day Care centre in Lisdoonvarna Photo by Robert Wainwright

billion. IFA has to take care of fisheries, crops, dairy, forestry, they cover an awful lot and perhaps they are spread too thin. Farmers were annoyed, the number of farmers in the IFA has dropped”.

Woulfe admitted beef farmers have been struggling for a while.

"I have to go back to 2017 and say that we experienced incredibly wet weather, the summer closed around July, it just turned wet and some people didn’t get the second crop cut... The cattle were in very early in 2017 which led into 2018 having a big requirement for feed and feed not being there, it had to be imported from other countries.

"In 2018 we had a lot of storms, we had snow in March, a drought in May and June which led to low grass yields, it has been terrible, Brexit has hit in, a drop in cattle prices and demand. There is talks that a lot of farmers as part of a tactic to survive, they’ve not put cows in calf last summer so they would have a less demand for feed in the winter in case the winter turned out to be as nasty as the previous year. They are on tenterhooks”.

New Macra club launch in Kilrush

CLARE Macra na Feirme are to launch of a new club in Kilrush. The launch will take place in The Haven Arms, on Saturday January 26 at 8:30pm.

Macra is a youth organisation for people aged 1735 interested in socialising, travel, sports, community involvement, public speaking, performing arts and agriculture.

From weekly 5 a side soccer to set dancing and jiving, horse riding and dinner dances, members could be found anywhere in the country. Members attend and compete in Macra competitions and events such as quizzes, bowling, 7 a side GAA, basketball, volleyball, farm skills, debating, capers, public speaking, welding, greyhound race nights, set dancing, Macra's toughest club, Personality competitions and balls/dinner dances.

Clubs have arranged groups to travel to the Willie Clancy Festival, Lisdoonvarna and the Fleadh.

In between Macra events members take part in first aid courses, go karting, paintballing, charity tractor runs, mountain walks, cycling trips, ice skating and kayaking.

The new club will be based in Kilrush with members welcome from all surrounding areas. There is no parish rule and all professions, students etc are welcome. Clare Macra will make a short presentation at the launch on January 26. Members from the Ennis and Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry clubs will also be in attendance to go through any questions. Finger food will also be served on the night.

Speaking ahead of the launch of Kilrush Macra na Feirme, Chairperson of Clare Macra na Feirme, Cillian Griffey stated "This is a valuable opportunity for young people in West Clare to get involved with a youth organisation which is open to all not just farmers."

Further info can be found on www.macra.ie.

OUT & ABOUT 11

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

The scene

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

twitter.com/ClareEcho facebook.com/clareecho instagram.com/theclareecho

l CLASS AND QUALITY: The stunning function room at the Falls Hotel Ennistymon which hosted a wedding fair at the weekend

Photo by Martin Connolly

l GOWN FOR IT: Victoria O’Connell at the Ennis Bridal Boutique display stand Photo by Martin Connolly

Easy to Fall in love with venue

H

UNDREDS of brides and grooms to be took a step closer to falling in love with one of the top wedding venues in Clare at the weekend.

The Falls Hotel Ennistymon hosted their Wedding Inspiration Day on Sunday with many local wedding industry

l LOVE IS IN THE AIR: Bride and groom to be Mary Teresa Barry from Inagh and Richard Greally who will be getting married on June 22 and will be holding their reception in The Falls Hotel and (below) engaged couple Sinead O Loughlin from Inagh and Mark Garry from Meath Photos by Martin Connolly attended the Wedding Fair

l HOT STUFF: Mr Ireland Wayne Walshe from Gort on the catwalk at the Falls Hotel Ennistymon Wedding Fair

Photo

by Martin Connolly

experts displaying some of their wares, including Patrick Bourke Menswear, Ennis Bridal Boutique and celebrant Gabrielle O’Brien.

For information on wedding packages at The Falls Hotel Ennistymon contact their wedding coordinator at weddings@fallshotel.ie or 065 707 1004.

l MATCHMAKER: Ennistymon celebrant Gabrielle O’Brien on hand to meet couples Photo by Martin Connolly

12 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

Blue January behind us THE NOTEBOOK

B

LUE January saw us at BEO Wellness launch a brand new website and home of all things self-care (we thought it as good a day as any!). It’s been a very busy month as we’ve visited

several counties and welcomed over 1000 women and are delighted to return to Clare for our Spring series this April.

This week Knight and Day jewellery launched their brand new SS19 collection at Showcase in Dublin and I’m delighted to be part of another fabulous season with the Irish brand. Check out a shot from the recent lookbook shoot. Available in store and online now.

This week, Feile Luimnigh kicks off for the students of Actors and Reactors School of Speech and Drama and I’m so proud of all their hard work this year. I would like to wish them the very best of luck in Limerick this week....and speaking of drama, I’m off to the Bord Gais Energy theatre for Calendar Girls on Friday night. I’ve always wanted to see it and am very much looking

HAPPENINGS

JOANNE MCNALLY

Ireland’s comedy sweetheart (self-titled) will perform in glór, Ennis on 26 January 2019. Joanne is feeling powerful and she hopes Vogue Williams & Amy Huberman are sh*tting themselves because she’s coming for their emerald crowns, and if she can’t take them fairly, she will joust them right off their immaculately groomed heads! See glór.ie for more

LET’S RUN CLARE TOGETHER

The 1st 5k run of Run Clare’s 4 races will be in East Clare, starting this Saturday at 11am.

The 5 mile will take you to Barefield, where the route will take you past beautiful Ballyalla Lake.

Next race will be Ennis for the Eamon Moloney 10k, then finally we are heading to West Clare and stunning Lahinch for the 10 mile, you’ll have spectacular views over Atlantic Ocean in your last event.

forward to a night at the theatre with my mom!

I want to congratulate the incredible Laura Brennan for becoming this year’s Clare Person of the Year. I saw her speak last year on the Late Late Show and thought “wow, what an inspirational lady”. Despite her own depreciating health she has continued to advocate for improved women’s healthcare in this country and is an amazing role model and a very deserving recipient.

l KNIGHT AND DAY: (above) This week Knight and day jewellery launched their brand SS19 collection and (left) Laura Brennan becomes Clare Person of the Year.

COVET IN

CLARE

BE BOLD All new Lennon Courtney arrives in Dunnes Stores today and it’s sure to banish any case of the January blues. Check out the full collection in store or online.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Aya Magnesium and vitamin B6 supplements are your answer to tiredness or fatigue. Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and plays a role in muscle function too. It is also involved in the maintenance of bones and teeth so stock up! Available in all good health food shops.

NEW BRAND ALERT Introducing Emme from the Max Mara stable collection now exclusively available at The County Boutique. This little beauty is €150 and is the perfect transitional piece, ideal for this time of year.

THE CLASSIC Give yourself a head start this year and invest in a good watch.

This Rosefield classic from Seoidin Eile will have you looking the part before you ever do business! €99

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HOOPS Knight and Day showcased their brand new collection launching this month and I’m particularly in love with their new gold hoop earrings. Available online and Carraig Donn.

COLUMNIST 13

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

Top 5

1

Top Five Nutrition Tips this January

I spoke with Nutritional Therapist, Claire Grady and owner of ANU Wellness instagram.com/anuwellness at BEO for her top 5 tips for a balanced lifestyle

FUEL YOUR BODY!

I know you’re busy but aim to have BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER every day. Your body likes routine and works better for you when you eat at regular mealtimes.

4

2

EAT A RAINBOW!

Get creative and include as much COLOUR and VARIETY of fruits and vegetables at each of your meals. Aim to include all 7 colours of the phytonutrient spectrum daily.

EATING IS A FORM OF SELF CARE

Look at the food you eat as an opportunity to nourish, energise and fuel your body. Show yourself lots of love by choosing life giving fresh, whole foods and organic where possible.

5

3

HYDRATION IS KEY!

Aim for 1.5litres of non-caffeinated drinks daily. Choose Water, Herbal Teas, Homemade Smoothies, Coconut Water and Vegetables Juices

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Bring you awareness to the food choices that energise you, uplift you and raise your vibration. Are there any foods that slow you down or make you feel sluggish? Eat more of what makes you feel good and less of what slows you down.

Health & Wellbeing

2019

Eye Candy tackles DryEyes

W

ITH Eye Candy Opticians celebrating 13 years on Abbey Street, Linda has complimented her practice establishing her Dry Eye Clinic over a year ago.The sole purpose of this clinic is to provide treatment to sufferers of dry, gritty, watery eyes. More and more people are complaining of dry eyes with lifestyle and environmental factors being the main contributer.

Dry Eye is commonly noted in one out of every four persons attending a routine eye examination, so being able to provide patients with the knowledge and tools to manage their occular discomfort is the first step in treatment. Patients attending this dedicated clinic are assessed using various instruments to establish the cause of their discomfort.

Wearing spectacles or contact lenses is all well and good for clear vision but having comfortable eyes is also essential. Eye Candy Opticians boasts being one of only three practices on the Island of Ireland to offer the combined IPL laser and heat modulation treatment to patients suffering from dry eye symptoms. IPL may be their last resort in treatment. The success from this treatment has been enormous

for these individuals, many citing on average an 8 out of 10 improvement.

Treatment involves using Intense pulsed laser (IPL) at a specific wavelengths to target blocked glands, thus releasing oils back into the tears. Following this a red LED mask is placed over the face for 15 mins which enhances the oil production.

Research has shown that the recommended number of treatments to cure a dry eye is four sessions spaced out over a couple of months, followed by a maintenance treatment six months later.

Along with treating “Dry eye”, Blepharitis is a very common complaint in all ages seen in practice and is also being treated here with the recently purchased BlephEx. machine. This painless treatment involves the cleaning of lids and lashes to encourage a more healthy biofilm and not only gives great relief to the patient but also helps to eliminate the “red rim” appearance of the lids that patients complain of. Many patients will be able to manage their condition at home post treatment limiting or reducing the number of further treatments.

Please call us on 0656868800 to schedule an appointment or email us at info@eyecandyopticians.com

Tel 065 686 8800 Email info@eyecandyopticians.com

2019

Health & Wellbeing

Supplements & pregnancy

P

REGNANCY, while being a wonderful time, is also one of the most physically and mentally demanding processes a woman’s body can go through. Her body will supply the baby with the building blocks it needs to produce a hopefully healthy baby. It is vitally important that an expecting mother has a steady supply of nutrients, not just for the baby but also for her own body’s processes also.

Ideally preparation for having a baby starts a few months before conception with a good diet and healthy lifestyle for both father & mother. While a good diet is the best place to get the nutrients the body needs there are supplements such as Viridian Fertility for Men / Women, that provide extra specific nutrients needed for good fertility.

Once pregnant the focus almost totally switches to the mother, but of course the father still has a hugely important role to play offering physical and emotional support when needed. The pregnancy can put a higher demand on a mother’s body and though she might try to do her best to implement a nutrient rich diet there can still be short falls. A good general place to start is a quality prenatal supplement. When deciding which one will be best for you

there are a few factors to take into account such as is there a good range of vitamins & minerals, what quantity of each nutrient is in a dose and how absorbable are they.

At Open Sesame we stock a wide range of prenatal supplements, such as Solgar, Viridian, Biocare, Oxylent and NHP, in a few different forms, so call in and speak to one of our staff to find one that suits you.

They’re best taken alongside a good fish oil supplement. Prenatal fish oil supplements will contain higher levels of DHA which is vital for the development of the babys brain, eyes and nervous system.

Moderate exercise like swimming, walking, pregnancy yoga or pregnancy pilates are fine to start or continue during pregnancy.

While every woman’s experience is different, often the initial bliss of a positive pregnancy test can give way to the lesser desired symptoms of pregnancy, such as: • Morning Sickness – from mild nausea to not being able to keep anything down, morning sickness is a pain! Eating frequent, small meals and snacks can be easier to keep down than big meals.

Ginger’s anti-nausea properties can be a big help, so we recommend products like Pukka 3 Ginger Tea, Solgar Ginger Root Capsules or even just ginger sweets.

• Heart burn – there’s a number of causes for heart burn in pregnancy, including diet, hormonal changes, foetal movement or relaxing lower oesophageal sphincter.

Again eating frequent small meals and snacks, avoiding spicy or sugary foods & coffee that increase acidity. I have found New Nordic Frutin Tablets particularly good also.

• Strange Cravings – also known as Pica, these cravings can often be for more than foods and may indicate deficiencies.

Dust, charcoal, dirt and ice cravings may indicate an iron deficiency, or chalk and plaster cravings may indicate a calcium deficiency.

• Hemorrhoids or constipation – especially common in the third trimester when the expanding uterus puts increased pressure on your pelvis. Increasing fibre may help, this can include fruits and veggies, flaxseeds, prune juice, chia seeds, whole grains and beans. Make sure to keep hydrated. If you do get hemorrhoids apply witch hazel to the area after using the toiletas it may help reduce them. Also bring a small stool into the bathroom, raising the knees to above hip height when on the toilet helps the bowel to unkink and allows for easier bowel movements.

• Immunity – during cold season it can be particularly hard on pregnant women as they are very restricted on what they can take. For coughs and colds vitamin C is excellent to boost the immune system, and in pregnancy it is safe to take up to 2000mg per day. Garlic is another natural immune booster and pregnant ladies can take up to 1200mg of garlic extract a day. Probiotics are also great to not just boost immunity but they can also help reduce constipation, aid in the absorption of nutrients and repopulate the gut after antibiotics.

• Stretch Marks – while many women wear these with pride to some they are an unwanted reminder of pregnancy.

Not every woman will get stretch marks but there are ways to help prevent their appearance. Staying hydrated and taking nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin D and Zinc have all been shown to reduce the risk of getting them. A common and popular way is to apply a stretch mark oil, such as Dr. Hauschka Blackthorn Toning Body Oil, which helps firm and moisturize the skin.

For more information make sure to call into us in Open Sesame!

Elaine Melican Nutritional Therapist & Open Sesame Store Manager

Buy any 2 Dr Hauschka products and get 20% off BOTH!

Exclusively at Open Sesame

Open Sesame Healthfoods

www.opensesame.ie

35 Parnell St, Ennis. Ph: 065 6821480

Market Hall, Gort. Ph: 091632778

Terms and conditions apply

Health & Wellbeing

2019

Therapist Maureen provides pampering and healing

W

HETHER you need relief from physical symptoms, a safe space to manage emotional challenges, or just want to experience blissful relaxation and pampering while feeling nurtured, there is something for everyone at Maureen Grogan Therapies. Maureen’s goal is to provide a haven for healing, where there is time and space for you. Through continuous training since 2004, Maureen (pictured right) provides the highest standard of treatments and aftercare to her clients. She provides nurturing hands on therapies that aim to treat the whole person on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.

As each client is on their own unique path of healing, treatments are often combined to ensure the best possible outcome. A list o f the therapies Maureen offers in her clinics include; Foot R e f l e x o l o g y, Fertility, Maternity & Baby R e f l e x o l o g y, Facial Reflexology, Award Winning Zone

Facelift, Facial Cupping, Ear Candling, Integrated Energy Therapy, Release of Trapped Emotions, Life Coaching and Personal Development Workshops.

Maureen is the first therapist in Clare to offer Zone Facelift with Facial Reflexology, having trained in 2017 at the prestigious London College of Reflexology with Ziggie Bergman, Facial Reflexologist to the stars.

Renowned for removing as much as 10 years of ageing in a 12 week programme this treatment provides all the benefits of conventional reflexology with Japanese Facelift Massage, Gua-Sha tools, Facial Rollers, leaving your face rejuvenated with a fresh not frozen complexion and eliminates the need for Botox or dermal fillers. Due to the close proximity to the cranial nerves some of the conditions this treatment may benefit include: Bells Palsy, Migraines, Sinus Problems, IBS, Joint Pain and Depression. Zone Facelift is available as a single deluxe treatment, 4 or 6 week Bridal or special occasion package or a full 12 week programme.

Reflexology: (Foot or Facial) may be beneficial in the treatment of: Allergies, Arthritis, Respiratory conditions, Back problems Constipation, Fertility Issues, Insomnia, Joint and Muscle conditions and many more. Chakra balancing is included in all Reflexology Treatments.

For further information on all the treatments available call 0879610242 or visit: www.maureengrogantherapies.ie

2019

Health & Wellbeing

IBS - The facts and the Solutions By Michael O’Doherty founder of Bioenergy Healing in Ireland

I

RRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) is a digestive disorder and while many see it as just affecting the large colon I believe it is much more than that. Inflammation or infection is the real issue in the digestive area and that is what I believe leads to the multiple of symptoms that people experience.

SYMPTOMS Symptoms range from feeling bloated, constipation, abdominal pain, Fatigue, and can also lead to headaches, skin conditions, hormonal issues, heartburn, nausea even depression. It is absolutely essential that should you have any of the above symptoms that you have a proper medical assessment.

I believe that this condition/syndrome which effects practically everybody at some stage of their lives, some worse than others should be called Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome not Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Inflammation is an immune response to something going wrong in the body affecting the digestive system and emotional stress is often where this all starts. You then adapt a behaviour regarding your food and this leads to a wors-

ening of symptoms as your ability to process your food is compromised causing fermentation and inflammation leading to the symptoms mentioned above.

What you have to understand is this, your digestive system is either functioning correctly or its not and if its not you need to find out why. Putting a medical term on it changes nothing and is not going to resolve it. While certain medications can be of benefit evidence is now emerging that this same medication can have similar side affects.

Modern day life is the perfect environment for conditions like IBS. as the continuous stress and pressure together with poor nutritional choices lays the foundation for a weakened immune system and susceptibility to various health issues.

IBS seems to affect more women than men, but I see as many men with these problems, it’s just that women seek medical help and assessment much more than men.

MICROBES The most up to to-date research seems to be on the right track as medical science is at last beginning to realise the important role that microbes play in the gut and in conditions like IBS. 90% of you is made up of microbes (microscopic organisms) and while they reside all over the body the vast majority reside in the large colon and it is when these microbes become imbalanced due to overuse of antibiotics or the stress and pressure I mentioned above that the body then produces inflammation resulting in the many unexplained symptoms or syndromes like IBS. As Gastroenterologist professor Fergus Shanahan in Cork says you need to mind your microbes and they will mind you because the diversity of what you eat on a day to day basis determines the type of Illness you will suffer from.

SOLUTIONS

1. Learning to transform your daily stress is critical because this stress just doesn’t affect your muscles alone, it overloads the enteric Nervous system, which is embedded in the gut area and tightens up everything in the gut area affecting the digestive function.

So, practicing abdominal breathing, massaging the abdominal area in a clockwise motion with relaxing oil is very helpful. Add visualisation skills like imagining energy like a river flowing through your body washing away all the stress out of your body is fantastic. You are consciously letting go the days stress and best to do it last thing before you sleep.

Use some relaxing music while you do it can also help.

2. Dairy, sugar, red meats, red wine, excess coffee will have to be minimised so instead of dairy use almond, rice, oat or coconut milk. Use white meats instead of red. Tea is better than coffee and better still some herbal teas like mint, and sugar is a no, no as it further inflames an already inflamed situation.

3. Spelt bread is better than normal as it’s easier wheat to digest.

4. Take a good digestive enzyme before you eat. From the health shop.

5. Don’t drink liquids while you eat as it washes down your food and dilutes your digestive juices. Chew your food well and avoid the phone while eating.

6. Take a good probiotic in capsule form morning and evening.

7. Get out and walk amongst nature like the beach or woods.

You can be in control of your own health if you are willing to engage in a proactive strategy rather than waiting for someone else to solve your problem. So take the steps now and you can overcome conditions like I-B-S.

Coping with Grief after Suicide.

You are not alone!

C

LARE Suicide Bereavement Support are facilitating an Information Evening in The Hope Café, Smithstown, Shannon on Wednesday 30th January 2019 at 7.30pm. All are wel-

come.

When suicide occurs in your family or to your friend it is a traumatic experience. The feelings and reactions are more intense and last longer than with other bereavement.

There is no set formula for these reactions.

Different people will react in different ways and in different order.

These reactions and feelings may be difficult to understand and may sometimes cause confusion and misunderstanding. Following an initial feeling of shock there is disbelief, sadness, denial, loss and anger. There is a need to come to terms with what has happened and there is endless questioning – why? why? why?

There can be a sense of shame, self blame, blame of others, aloneness and the feeling that others may not understand or even judge and blame the bereaved person. These emotional reactions can cause a reluctance to talk to others because of the fear that they may not understand.

Help and support is only a phone call away.

You may find it difficult to make this call but be assured that you will be accepted with empathy and understanding. After the initial phone call a Support Worker will make con-

tact within twenty four hours. An arrangement can then be made to meet the Support Worker either at the Clare S.B.S premises at Roslevan Centre, Tulla Rd., Ennis or at another venue more convenient for the bereaved person. Strict confidentiality is offered and the support service is free of charge. There can be a series of meetings and the bereaved person is free to break contact at any time.

It is never too late to grieve. The suicide death you are grieving may have happened a week, several months or years ago. The reason it is necessary to grieve - to feel all the pain and all the emotions associated with grief, is to help us rebuild our lives without the person we loved so much. The support volunteers are trained for this work and are aware that coping with feelings after a death by suicide can be difficult and believe that talking about these feelings can help.

Clare S.B.S also offer a group Healing Programme over an eight week period and there is also a monthly group support meeting.

Clare Suicide Bereavement Support are also happy to respond to requests to speak to parish and community groups on Suicide and Suicide Bereavement.

The Numbers to contact – 086 0565373 087 3698315 www.claresuicidebereavementsupport.com.

Information Evening Providing Help & Support for people bereaved by suicide.

Supporting Individuals, Families and Communities Bereaved by Suicide

Venue: Hope Cafe

Smithstown, Shannon

on Wednesday 30th January 2019 at 7.30 pm Facilitated by Clare Suicide Bereavement Support w 086 0565373 / 087 369 8315

information evening a4.indd 1

14/01/2019 15:28

Health & Wellbeing

2019

How can you make 2019 your best yet?

The Mindset Corner with Cillian Keane Fitness, Personal Trainer

W

E all set goals and resolutions straight away in January but after two weeks are they slowly forgotten about.

Do you find yourself making excuses? We set fitness goals and career goals but do you constantly say to yourself: “I’ll start when I am fitter....” “I’ll start when I have more confidence...”

This turns into another day and another day, then it leads into a week or months gone by I have been in the exact same situation before with my fitness goals and was constantly going around in circles.

So what would I suggest for you to stay motivated for January and beyond?

Look at the overall picture and actually learn to love the whole process of training and eating healthy foods instead of focusing that you have X amount of weight to lose. You will amaze yourself how that shift in mindset will benefit you in the long term for you to reach your resolution goals.

Do you feel good when you exercising?

Do you feel good when you are eating healthy?

I’m sure a resounding yes is the answer to both these questions above. So make the conscious effort to do more exercise and eat healthier for 2019. It will benefit you in so many ways.

So what would be my tips this week to stay motivated for the whole year and to keep momentum high?

Start when you say you will. That is totally down to you and the decisions you make. You can do it.

Have the patience and perseverance to keep up the training until you reach your goals and then keep going for a very long time.

Make training a part of your life that you love doing over and over again.

Hopefully, these tips will give you that inspiration to keep the faith that with hard work and consistency, you can reach all your targets for 2019.!

PROPERTY

78 AUGHANTEEROE, ENNIS

H

ELEN GALLERY Auctioneers & Valuers are delighted to bring 78 Aughanteeroe to the market. Aughanteeroe is located just off the Galway Road in a mature development of detached and semi-detached homes. It is situated approx. 2km from Ennis Town Centre and close to the ByPass Interchange. The development is a stones throw from Secondary Schools, Ennis swimming pool and Leisure Centre, National Schools, churches, shops, restaurants and pubs. No. 78 is a semi-detached home to the rear of the development. The property is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout and is well laid-out with spacious family accommodation. The ground floor comprises of living room, study/bedroom 4, kitchen/dining room, WC and utility room. Upstairs there are three bedrooms (one en-suite) and bathroom. There is a Stira stairs fitted with a floored attic and velux window fitted.

2019

CLON ROAD, ENNIS

D

AL GCAIS, Clon Road has what one could only describe as the prefect location in Ennis, a quiet residential area, within 200 meters walking distance of Ennis town centre and yet just two kilometers from the M17 & M18. This much sought after area is within a short stroll of the amenities Ennis town has to offer including Ennis Bus and Train Station, Ennis Pro-Cathedral, The Old Ground Hotel, The Holy Family National School, Glor and many shops, supermarkets and restaurants. Dal gCais is a charming, extended, old style, bungalow with garage, standing on a mature site with a large private rear garden overlooking the River Fergus to the rear. The property itself offers bright, spacious, modern accommodation while maintaining the features of the original bungalow throughout.

Finishes include a modern fitted kitchen with integrated appliances and plenty of storage units, solid fuel stove in the living area, newly fitted windows and doors, rewired and replumbed, modern shower rooms, oil fired central heating, off street parking and much more. The accommodation is bright and spacious and includes living room, kitchen/dining room, two bedrooms (one en-suite), dressing room and shower room. This really is a charming town centre bungalow, in a perfect location, at a realistic reserve. Viewing of this very fine home is recommended.

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 29481 & 086 250 4671

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 29481 & 086 250 4671

GIVES YOU 12 MONTHS’ APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE TO MEET YOUR PERSONAL MORTGAGE ADVISOR JEAN STACK CALL: 086 783 2994 OR EMAIL: jean.c.stack@aib.ie DROP INTO AIB ENNIS

Warning: The cost of your monthly repayments may increase.

Warning: If you do not keep up your monthly repayments you may lose your home.

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

WARNING: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. WARNING: THE PAYMENT RATES ON THIS HOUSING LOAN MAY BE ADJUSTED BY THE LENDER FROM TIME TO TIME. The amount you can borrow depends on how much you can afford to repay, typically no more than 35% of your disposable income but will depend on your individual circumstances. Factors considered include your income, financial status and evidence of your ability to repay (including capacity to repay at higher interest rates). Maximum loan amount is 90% of the property value. Minimum loan amount is €25,000. Loans not available to people under 18. You must provide proof of income. Mortgage loans must be secured on the property. Mortgage protection and home insurance are required. You must pay for a valuation of your property. You must use a valuer from the list of AIB approved valuers and the valuation must be dated within 4 months of drawdown. Legal fees will apply, these fees will be determined by negotiation with your solicitor.

A typical €100,000, 20 year mortgage for an Owner Occupier Residential Property with LTV >80% will have a variable interest rate of 3.15%% and APRC 3.22%, and 240 monthly repayments of €561.72. If the interest rate does not vary during the term of the mortgage, the total cost of credit i.e. the total amount repayable less than the amount of the loan would be €35,088.04 (inclusive of €215.00 valuation report fees and security release fee of €60.00). The total amount repayable would be €135,088.04. The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates for such a mortgage will add €51.43 to the monthly repayments.

Source: CCPC.ie August 2018. Lending criteria T&Cs will apply. Rate is available to new and existing Private Dwelling Home mortgage customers. AIB’s variable rates may not always be the lowest. Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is an authorised agent and servicer of AIB Mortgage Bank in relation to origination and servicing of mortgage loans and mortgages. AIB Mortgage Bank and Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

PROPERTY

2019

EXPERT TAKES ON THE 2019 MARKET IN CLARE ‘Ennis development hinges on 2040’

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IARMUID McMahon of Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon, Ennis, says that the property market will continue to grow but only by a single digit percentage. In his role as Ennis Chamber President, Mr McMahon also believes the growth of Ennis will be a strong conductor of market growth.

“As you start to come into Spring, stock starts to come into the market and people are thinking of selling. Some of the trends we’re seeing is landlords getting out of the market, landlords who maybe paid down their debt and they can see there’s been good capital appreciation, the market is solid but the big growth in the market has probably happened and over the next couple of years the growth is going to be single digit percentage rather than double digit percentage.

“You can already see that – the first half of last year there was a lot of competitive bidding. The second half of last year the market was liquid, transacting, it was going well but the prices weren’t being blown through anymore. There’s a general air of confidence out there that the economy is on a better foundation as to what was there in the mid-2000s so if people have that confidence in the economy, property reflects that.

“But within that, when you get certain properties, if two people want them you certainly get anomalies within that - really strong variances between one property and another - but in general the market is stable, it’s liquid, but we’re not going to have the same growth rate we’ve had over the last few years. That’s my prediction for 2019.

“If you look at the medium to long-term in terms of growth and population, Ennis by 2040 is expected to grow by 15-20,000 people. The greater area is over 30,000 people at the moment, you’re talking about getting up to 45,000 people, and that’s a lot of houses that are required. The thing we have that’s different from other areas, we are really, really well geographically located. We’re between two cities, we’ve great employment options and we’ve got affordable housing. We’ve good infrastructure, we’ve good quality of life, there’s a lot of big plusses here which I think means you will see that growth in terms of housing in the next couple of years.

“The 2040 Ennis plan, in terms of 2019, is a key moment for the future of the town in terms of setting a strategy for how the town grows and grows beyond just being a commuter town. The 2040 plan will be a key moment for Ennis in terms of setting the tone of how the town is going to develop both residentially and commercially in the years ahead.”

‘Coastal growth while rental market headed for disaster’

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NG O’Sullivan Hurley in Ennis are agents to new developments including Cluain Fia in Crusheen and Sycamore Drive in Ennis. Cormac O’Sullivan tells Clare Echo Editor Stuart Holly that we’ll see more new developments come onto the market as secondhand house prices continue to recover, while he gives a stark warning about the rental market.

“If you look at what’s happening with the likes of Brexit, whenever anything negative happens globally, we tend to over-dissect it and it always has an impact on our biggest talking point, the property market. But in the last, particularly three years, we’ve seen significant growth in the housing sector, and while that significant growth has softened, you are still going to see increases over the next two years because the market is still below cost to build. That’s why you don’t see a significant number of developments under construction. So while the second-hand market is certainly active, the supplyof housing is up almost 100 percent in Ennis town and suburbs over the last three years, I think the next three years in 2021 you will see new developments coming into the open market because the second hand prices are starting to recover somewhat.

“The demand is there for new-builds. People do like new, and they like to have an input into what they’re spending their hard-earned money on. You look at a typical house and mortgage where you’re borrowing €230,000, you’re going to be repaying this for the next 25 years. So some people want to have 100 per cent input into the type of kitchen, flooring, every type of finish, so that’s where the real appeal is for new housing – plus, all new homes being built have to be an A-rated home and people are starting to embrace energy efficiency.

“It is still difficult to go out and value a property as an agent ... because there are pockets that have seen continuous growth. Coastal towns particularly, like Kilkee, Lahinch , Ballyvaughan, Liscannor, Fanore... have tripled in value from base in a lot of cases. So that’s where I see the coastal market going, having a far more considerable jump than maybe Ennis and surrounding areas.

“To get new homes built, the Government need to start looking in areas that aren’t seeing significant growth like your cities such as Cork, Galway, Kilkenny; they have to look at towns like Tralee, Ennis, Sligo, towns that are trying to encourage new businesses to come into the various parks that are there and they can’t do it because the housing stock from rentals; landlords are being forced out due to taxations and conditions and everything else that’s on top of them, so theyr’e exiting the market at a phenomenal rate. So be under no illusion, the rental market is going to get an awful lot worse than what we see right now – and I mean an awful lot worse.

5 COLLEGE GROVE

€325,000

ENNIS

28 PHOENIX COURT ENNIS

€175,000

28 THE CRESCENT

€179,000

ENNIS

OPEN VIEWING: SATURDAY, 26TH JANUARY: 11.00AM TO 11.30AM

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Spacious well proportioned family home in excellent location Attractive 4/5 double bed. det. across from St.Flannans College.

Generous private back garden and patio area 4 minutes from M18 and less than 10 from Ennis BER No. 101946416. 218 sqm 2,347 sq.ft.

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3 bed mid-terraced house Popular family development Well-proportioned family accommodation Ideal investment property or starter home BER No. 111670980 90sq.m (968.40 sq.ft) approx.

€269,000

BAREFIELD

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Superb 5 bed detached home c. 0.84 acre (0.34ha) site Popular location of Ballyogan in Barefield 4 minutes from M18 and less than 10 from Ennis BER No. 111222550 152.8sqm (1,644 sq.ft)

MOYRIESK

ENNIS

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€285,000

4 bed detached house Superb location on the Lahinch road in Ennis Popular, mature residential development Private back garden BER No. 102491081 140.6 sq.m. (1,513 sq.ft.) approx.

Call Tiernan O’Malley 065 68 67866

€319,000

QUIN

Superb 5 bed detached house 5 double bedrooms (2 with en-suite) Superbly located 10 minutes approx. from the M18 motorway 0.5 acre (0.21 hectare site) BER No. 102576329 186.5sq.m (2,006.74 sq.ft) approx

Call Tiernan O’Malley 065 68 67866

18 VICTORIA COURT

Spacious 4 bed semi-detached home Superb value for a quality home close to Ennis Town Centre Much sought after residential location Private, low maintenance back garden (not overlooked) BER No. 103210993 130.5 sq.m (1,404 sq.ft) approx.

Call Tiernan O’Malley 065 68 67866

Call Tiernan O’Malley 065 68 67866

Call Diarmuid McMahon 065 686 7866

CHIPFIELD

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35 GLENSHEEN

€210,000

ENNIS

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Bright and spacious 4 bed semi-detached home 4 bedrooms (2 are en-suite) Popular cul de sac development Walking distance from town centre BER No. 109240135 132 sq.m (1,420 sq.ft) approx.

Call Tiernan O’Malley 065 68 67866

Call Tiernan O’Malley 065 68 67866

CANNON’S FIELD

€150,000

TULLA

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An attractive 0.67 hectare (1.66 acre) site in the town of Tulla.

The site is zoned low density residential in the Clare County Development Plan 2017–2023.

Locally known as part of the Cannon’s field.

Across the road from the recently built St. Josephs secondary school.

The site has excellent development potential subject to planning permission.

The land is made up of Folio CE11010F.

Call Diarmuid McMahon 065 686 7866

It’s not just about property. It’s about people

PSRA NO. 001212

2019

PROPERTY

Over 20 years of expertise

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UINN Property Management is now one of the largest property services companies in the Munster and the Mid-West region. The firm headquartered in Ennis provides property advice to clients from as far north as Sligo all the way down the western seaboard. This family firm was founded more than twenty years ago to specialise in the provision of managing agent services to apartment blocks and commercial estates. Neal Quinn joined Quinn Property Management after more than a decade trading in capital markets for international banks both in Ireland and abroad. He took over the running of the company in 2015 from his father Fintan Quinn.

Quinn Property Management provide property expertise across a range of areas, including Block Management, Lettings, Sales and Valuations. We are accredited with the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and our experienced property managers are registered with the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA).

Our professional services are

targeted towards property owners, landlords and tenants in the areas of Property Management, Residential and Commercial Lettings, Sales and Valuations.

Our Property Management Services cater for residential estate management, industrial estates and commercial management along with the management of mixed use developments. No two developments are the same therefore we tailor our service packages to suit each individual development. We are always interested in opportunities for the possible appointment as managing agent for any management company type.

We offer a straightforward and open book approach to commercial estate management allowing all owners an understanding of the outgoings involved and input into how the estate is enhanced.

Quinn Property Management currently provides Managing Agent Services to in excess of 3000 units throughout the West of Ireland.

We offer a professional service and in particular access to a significant knowledge expert base through our team of property managers. Our firm has been offering Managing Agent Services

for over 20 years, having been one of the founder members of IPFMA and now being accredited to SCSI/ RICS. We have combined experience in excess of 50 years and as such have seen many different scenarios that occur in multi-unit developments.

In terms of residential lettings, we are looking for good quality properties to match with superior tenants. We provide very competitive rates for one-off lettings and in addition offer day-to-day management of rental units, allowing landlords to take a backseat when it comes to dealing with tenant queries.

Quinn Property Management is one of the leading letting agents operating in the Ennis, Shannon and surrounding areas. We have a number of qualified and licensed property managers on hand to handle any query you may have.

We welcome all landlords, whether they have one property to rent or a whole portfolio. Our business has been built one landlord at a time, ensuring that we provide a quality service.

Should you be interested in any of our services outlined above, do not hesitate, contact us today on 065 6824343, or email info@quinnproperty.com

Clear evidence that price growth has eased

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LARE property prices rose by 12% in 2018, the third highest growth over a 12 month period underlying demand remains strong.

However, according to the experts at Location Location, we are still not building sufficiently to meet demand. This will continue for some years, leading to further house price and rent inflation. But the supply/ demand gap will narrow and, as it does, inflation will moderate.

The outlook for 2019 is good. The banks are lending again at the start of the new year, which will lead to an improved level of sales in both the new and second-hand markets. Currently, a number of exemptions that allow new borrowers to exceed the Central Bank’s mortgage rules are available. Up to 20pc of mortgage lending to first-time buyers (FTBs) can be above the 3.5 times loanto-income limit. Only 10pc of second and subsequent buyers can avail of the exemptions.

As we wait for more houses to be built, Clare residential property prices will continue to rise, although there is now clear evidence that house price growth has started to ease, price growth staying in positive territory on a year-on-year basis for a while yet.

Unit 2 Summerhill Market place, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel: 065 682 3718 E: info@locationlocation.ie

PROPERTY

Bungalow style home Ballycar Road, Newmarket-on-Fergus

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€120,000

Charming home

A refurbishment opportunity

Main Street, Newmarket-on-Fergus

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2019

Clarehill, Carecastle €320,000

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UNGALOW style home within walking distance of all amenities. The property is in need of some refurbishment works and has spacious accommodation comprising of a living room, a kitchen, 3 bedrooms and hot press with dual immersion.

Ancillary to the residential accommodation there is separate accommodation which can easily be incorporated in to the main house. There is a small low maintenance garden area, with secure side gate.

HOME of immense charm and character located in the heart of the village. The property has been meticulously upgraded and transformed with style and is presented for sale in exemplary condition. The delightful manicured extended gardens are enclosed by natural stone boundary walls and incorporate patio, lawn and planting areas. There is a large detached stone fronted garage and workshop that could be suitable for converting (subject to planning permission) into a home office or independent apartment.

Contact: Patricia McCarthy & Associates

Contact: Patricia McCarthy & Associates

Contact: Patricia McCarthy & Associates

Patricia McCarthy & Associates, Main Street, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare Tel: (061) 476 276

Patricia McCarthy & Associates, Main Street, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare Tel: (061) 476 276

Patricia McCarthy & Associates, Main Street, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare Tel: (061) 476 276

Fantastic Investment

Luxurious Home

€139,000

OUR bedroom, semi-detached home, located within walking distance of the local primary school, supermarket, pharmacy, post office and Church. Clarecastle is located c. 2 km south of Ennis and access to the M18, connecting the area to Shannon Industrial Estate and the employment centres of Galway/Limerick and Ennis - is just a few minutes drive away. The property has huge potential in that the accommodation is spacious - and the location is very accessible to local amenities and the M18.

Townhouse

Cuirt na hEaglaise, Main Street, Newmarket-on-Fergus

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PRICE ON APPLICATION

WN front door, duplex, 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhouse. Located in a secure gated development this townhouse is conveniently located on the Main Street beside all local amenities. The development is maintained in impeccable order and the complex provides an opportunity for low maintenance living. Parking. Newmarket-on-Fergus is close to the M18 linking the area with all major cities - and with Ennis (c.8km), Shannon Airport (c6km) and Limerick.(24 km) - the location is hard to beat for access.

Cluain Ros Leamhain, Roslevan

Ballycasey Park, Shannon

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€120,000

ROSS return of upto 7.5% currently available. Ballycasey Park is a very well established residential area in Shannon Town. It is located within a short walk of the Industrial Estate and Skycourt Shopping Centre and close to bus stops. There is a high demand from tenants who wish to live in this area. This one bedroom, second floor apartment has it’s own front door - and provides very spacious accommodation The apartment is presented in immaculate condition. Gas fired central heating.

Parking.

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€215,000

ANTASTIC location just a 15 minute walk to Ennis town centre and within 0.5 km from the Ennis by-pass.

Built c. 2008 this property is very well presented and has an ultra modern decor to include porcelain tiling / wooden flooring throughout. The accommodation comprises of livingroom, kitchen/dining, guest W.C., 3 bedrooms, ensuite bathroom and main bathroom. Driveway parking for two cars. Fully enclosed rear garden. Not overlooked at the front. Natural gas central heating.

Contact: Patricia McCarthy & Associates

Contact: Patricia McCarthy & Associates

Contact: Patricia McCarthy & Associates

Patricia McCarthy & Associates, Main Street, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare Tel: (061) 476 276

Patricia McCarthy & Associates, Main Street, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare Tel: (061) 476 276

Patricia McCarthy & Associates, Main Street, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare Tel: (061) 476 276

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

29

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

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BE FORGIVING

FEW years ago, as some of you might be aware Pope Francis who was physically among us recently, dedicated a full year to Mercy and Forgiveness. If our hearts are to be truly moved by mercy and forgiveness then we will necessarily desire to do something good and loving about it. Each of us is called to change the world we inhabit in some way, and for most of us that means in small acts of love, mercy and forgiveness. We begin in our homes. with our families, in our workplaces and we extend those acts of love to our friends, work colleagues, and wider communities. Mercy and forgiveness are the ready willingness to help anyone in need, especially in need of mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, acceptance, care and love.

Dedicating our life to forgiveness and mercy is a call for all of us to become missionaries of forgiveness and mercy in a world where there is so much that needs healing and cries out for mercy and forgiveness. In the past year or so there have been millions of people and children displaced by war and also thousands of people and children risking their lives trying to get to Europe to find a safe place to live. Also our figures of homelessness in Ireland has gone over 10,000 people and children.

This is a situation in need of the mercy, forgiveness and welcome that we can show.

We have also witnessed and become more aware that even our beautiful planet earth is itself in danger. The poorest and especially those living in ever increasing drought ridden climates in parts of the developing world and homelessness in Ireland are suffering most because of the climate change caused in no small part by those of us living in the so called developed world due to greed and the selfish over use of energy and resources and also because of selfishness of people in our own country.

By being more loving and more caring about how we use our energy and our resources we can act with mercy, forgiveness and greater care for our beautiful world and lessen the effect climate change has on the poorest living or trying to live in our world. I can see from my travels around Ireland and indeed around the world to the many parts my work brings me too that the gap between the rich and poor is growing even greater. Here in Ireland for example this has been marked by an

increase in homelessness and poverty. We can and must show forgiveness and mercy by supporting organisations that help our poor and our homeless.

Our actions, our willingness to pardon and forgive, the help, care and support we give to family, neighbours and strangers are acts of wonderful forgiveness and mercy that help to make our country and world a better caring and more loving, forgiving and more just planet. A lot done as was said before but a lot more to do, indeed much more needs to be done if we are to make our country and our world a better place to live in for the many who suffer and in a lot of cases suffer in silence or without a voice to speak out for them on a daily basis because of the greed of the few. A wonderful country and world. Just Imagine!!!

A True Story of a Forgiving Heart

A story I found among my Nana Scully’s prayer stuff after she died is taken from a book by Fr. Ken Barker, called ‘His Name is Mercy and Forgiveness’, and it goes as follows - “A true story of a man haunted by the past, whose life had been totally miserable due to the harrowing burden of guilt, was told by Sr. Anne Shields at a conference some years back. A priest was preparing to go to bed on a Sunday night after a busy day when the phone rang. It was a nurse at the hospital which was a couple of hours drive away. A man was dying. He was a Catholic and would “Father” come.

The priest was reluctant because there was a storm raging outside. But he decid-

ed to go. Upon arrival he entered the room of the dying man. He introduced himself and was gruffly told to “go to hell.” The conditions of the storm had worsened, so the priest decided he would hang around for a while. An hour later he approached the man again. “I am a Catholic priest. You are dying. Are you sure I can’t help you in any way?” Again the man rebuked him, demanding that he be left alone.

For some reason the priest decided he would try once more. He waited another hour. Then he entered the room for the last time. To his surprise the man responded, “Well, I may as well tell you.” Then he began to relate the story of his life. Forty years previously he worked on a railway signals box. Everything was done manually in those days. It was Christmas time, and he had been drinking. When the train was approaching he pulled the wrong lever. The train went down the wrong track and collided into a car as it was crossing the lines.

A woman and her two children were killed instantly. He told the priest that from that day onwards he had lived with the guilt of that accident. He kept to himself, never married, and gave up on life. He lived in quiet despair. The priest, who had been listening very intently, asked him a few more questions about the date and time of the accident. Then he said to the dying man, “I want you to listen closely to me.

You did not know this. But there was another little boy in that car. He lived. And when he grew up he became a priest. And he is speaking with you right now! And I want you to know, I forgive you.” That man, who had spent his whole life in such an awful prison of selfhate, guilt and self-recrimination, was able to hear from the priest the words of forgiveness that set him free.

He was finally able to forgive himself as he heard the words of abso-

lution from the priest, but also the words of forgiveness from the little boy who had lost his mother and siblings in an accident 40 years previously. He died in peace.” Those of us and I definitely include myself in this, who are dogged by feelings of anxiety and guilt about past mistakes need to learn to love ourselves. This comes in the light of God’s great love and mercy for us.

He does not hold an accusing finger pointing towards us, nor has he been counting our faults with the intention of paying us back with future punishment. Once we have repented we receive the free gift of His forgiveness. Basking in the sure knowledge of His unconditional love for us and mercy towards us we can let go of the condemning attitude we have had toward ourselves and in doing that we find our true selves again.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week say this beautiful prayer of mercy and forgiveness which has become a favourite of mine this past year and which goes as follows, “Help me, O Lord, that my eyes may be merciful and forgiving, so that I will never be suspicious or judge by appearances, but always look for what is beautiful in my neighbours’ souls and be of help to them; that my ears maybe merciful and forgiving, so that I will be attentive to my neighbours’ needs, and not indifferent to their pains and complaints; that my tongue may be merciful and forgiving, so that I will never speak badly of others, but have a word of comfort and forgiveness for all; that my hands may be merciful, forgiving and full of good deeds; that my feet may be merciful and forgiving, so that I will hasten to help my neighbour, despite my own fatigue and weariness; that my heart may be merciful and forgiving, so that I myself will share in all the sufferings of my neighbour. As you have been fed, go to feed the hungry.

As you have been set free, go to set free those imprisoned by guilt and sin, brokenness and pain. As you have been received – give. As you have heard – proclaim. As you have been forgiven - forgive. And may the blessing which you have received from the Creator be always with you. Amen.”

30 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

Seven groups in sports grant boost

l NATIONAL GLORY: Three Ennis Track boys were part of the Celtic International Gold Winning Team Dean Casey, Mark Hanrahan and Dylan Casey. Also winning a Silver in the U17 Girls Irish Team was Neasa Ni Hainifein (pictured in action, inset).

ENNIS CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ For those who have an interest there is now and will be conversation and chat on in Irish every week in these following locations Luan : Zest, 11 pm Ceádain : Sweet + Green, 11 pm Diardaoin : Temple gate, 8 pm Aoine : Sweet + Green, 11pm Satharn : glór, 11 pm All are welcome SEPARATE BEDS IN CLOUGHLEIGH Cloughleigh Amatuer Drama Group of Ennis Co Clare Presents at Cloughleigh Community Hall Ennis Co Clare; Sam Cree’s hilarious Comedy Separate Beds One of Sam Cree’s best known Irish comedies full of colourful characters and chaos. Arthur and Claire Marshall are separated; but for their daughter and blushing bride to be they agree to act like a happily married couple to impress the strict, old fashioned and soon to be Mother-inlaw. A task which isn’t easy when also dealing with a forgetful, old Priest and a maid and painter who can’t keep their hands off the drinks tray.

Not to mention a lusty neighbour after Arthur’s affections.

Dates & Times Friday Feb 1 2019 @ 8.00 Pm Saturday Feb 2 2019 @ 8.00 PM Saturday Feb 9 2019 @ 8.00 Pm PUPPY TALK IN CLARECASTLE A “Puppy Talk “ for charity will take place Saturday 2nd February at 11am in Abbey Hall in Clarecastle (beside shop). It is being given by Deirdre Ryan ,owner of Peter Barks Dog Grooming and Deirdre’s Dog Training . It is suitable for anyone with a puppy or thinking about getting

one or anyone just wanting to get some advice .

It will help get you on the right track with topics such as puppy selection , house training ,chewing ,nipping , kids and pups and much more .

There will be the opportunity to ask questions also.

Deirdre has been grooming and training in Ennis for over 15 years . A graduate of science from NUIG, she has fostered and rescued hundreds of dogs and competes successfully in obedience , working trials and agility competitions. She runs basic obedience classes in the hall also,with advanced classes coming soon . She is owned by her 3 border collies ,Meggie ,Tilly and Cassie. All proceeds will go to Babydog to the Rescue.

Cost is ten Euro per person. No need to book.

For further information please contact Deirdre on 0656848684

WEST CLARE KILRUSH CHORAL SOCIETY PUB QUIZ Kilrush Choral Society who are in Rehearsals for the Musical “OKLAHOMA” are holding a Pub Quiz in the Haven Arms Pub On Saturday 9th February @9.30 Sharp Teams of 4 @ 20 euro, Prizes for 1st ,2nd and 3rd .Raffle for Spot Prizes also on the night And finger food during the interval .Please support as this is our Main Fundraiser for the Society.

FINE Gael TD Joe Carey has confirmed that seven Clare sports group have been awarded a total of €241,200 in funding under the latest phase of the Government’s Sports Capital Programme.

The biggest single allocation of €59,600 was made to the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board for upgrading athletic tracks.

Two Shannon projects were among the recipients with €54,200 allocated to Shannon Town soccer club for the construction of dressing rooms and €48,000 to St Senan’s Rugby Club for an extension to the clubhouse. €51,800 was allocated to the Clare Agricultural Show Society for the upgrading of the indoor and outdoor showjumping arenas at Drumbiggle, Ennis; €10,400 to O’Callaghans Mills GAA Club to upgrade drainage system at the club grounds; €14,500 to Coolmeen GAA Club to upgrade shower facilities and dressing rooms and

€2,700 to the Clare District Soccer League for a safety project at Frank Healy Park in Ennis.

“This initial round of Sports Capital allocations has been made to clubs and organisations that had their applications ruled invalid in the last round of the Sports Capital Programme. They were given the opportunity to amend their applications which were then reassessed by the Department of Sport,” Deputy Carey explained “Local sports organisations are constantly trying to improve their facilities and I know the difficulties that they encounter in trying to raise money. So being able to deliver this money to the constituency is important for me.”

“Minister of State for Sport, Brendan Griffin has also told me that he hopes to be in position to make the next funding announcement for the Sports Capital Programme in the coming months,” Mr Carey added.

COLUMNISTS 31

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

REELING IN THE YEARS

Eoin Neylon

1969

Our Government could learn from 1919’s patriots

with Cian O’Broin

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

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EEK three of this 52-part series brings readers a reminder of a tragic event in Clare’s history along with the foundation of Clare’s Youth Service, which has had such a positive impact on so many Clare lives.

OYSTER BOAT TRAGEDY Our first piece of news takes us down a dark and windy road all the way up to New Quay. The height of summer in 1969 was marked with great tragedy when an oyster boat capsized, taking the lives of nine children.

Distressed locals congregated in large numbers for days on end following the accident on June 29, hoping for some miracle as rescue attempts were launched. The story takes a darker turn, with the advent of the new boat initially being a cause for celebration within the parish. The priest even blessed the boat at a coming together organised for the local community.

Ironically, people were brought together under unfortunate circumstances.

A group of schoolgirls begged the captain to take them on board following the conclusion of the celebrations. Over 40 more like minded individuals jumped on and the boat set sail around the bay. A turn in weather conditions impeded the boat from returning to land and panic began to set in amongst those on board as the bow began to flood. Seconds later brought pandemonium with the boat capsizing. Quick witted locals with access to boats immediately took action picking up any stragglers whilst those competent enough, swam to shore. Despite the heroic acts of the people of New Quay, nine children failed to make it home that day. A sad day for Clare.

FRIARY RETURNED AS ‘ECUMENICAL GESTURE’

Whether it’s tales of local individuals or the many historical buildings that have stood the test of time, there is a rich history in Ennis. We are all familiar with the Ennis Friary, its imposing structure marking the outskirts of the central town itself. It was built in the 13th century by the O’Brien Family, their roots sown deeply into the history of the town.

During the 17th century it was handed over to the Church of Ireland as a place of worship, where it served that function until the 19th century whereby it fell into ruin. The Friary itself has witnessed great changes in the landscape of Ennis as well as its various semantic meanings and purposes, acting as a great learning hub for scholars as well as standing tall during times of religious persecution in Ireland.

Finally, in 1969 the Church of Ireland agreed to return the Friary to the Franciscans out of good faith labelling it as an ‘ecumenical gesture’.

CLARE YOUTH SERVICE FOUNDED 1969 saw the origins of the Clare Youth Service in the county, devised as a way of organising activities, education and training to the young people of Clare. Initially identifying as Clare Regional Youth Council, programmes were designed to reintegrate young people into education. From the beginning there was an impetus on upskilling the youth of County Clare both in terms of a hands-on approach as well as a theoretical one. Participants took workshops in a number of disciplines ranging from cookery, woodwork and sewing to classes in English, Irish and Maths. This newly established foundation paved the way for the youth of Clare in 1969, adding to the efforts of Clarecare set up the previous year. Nowadays, Clare Youth Service boasts 68 clubs throughout the county, helping over 3,000 young people.

LAST OF THE TELEPHONISTS The end of the sixties saw Clare progress in the technological scene.

It may seem ubiquitous today but in 1969 a simple telephone call was far from ‘simple’. A telephonist manually operated a switchboard to push your call through to the other side. A task requiring a great degree of integrity as well as aptitude.

In 1969 Ennis’s last nine telephonist girls moved on to work in Limerick and Tipp as automatic telephone exchange graced parts of the county.

Ennis, Corofin and East Clare made the transition whilst West and North Clare were still using the old system. In typical fashion, a celebration was organised at the Queens Hotel to honour the dutiful work carried out by the ladies. Sean O’Shea commended their contribution as trade unionist and the contribution of both the indoor and outdoor staff at Ennis Post Office.

UBLIN’S Mansion House witnessed one of the greatest acts of democratic self-determination in the history of Europe 100 years ago this week. There, on January 21, 1919, elected members of the then-Sinn Féin party met to convene the 1st ever Dáil Éireann. Having won a landslide victory in the General Election, the MPs who refused their seats in Westminster instead did exactly what they said they would do; meet not as MPs but as TDs in a parliament that was to represent the Irish nation free of outside influence. Unionist and Irish Parliamentary Party MPs were invited but did not take their seats. It did not matter to the 3,000 strong crowd that packed in around the Mansion House for the historic meeting, nor to the international press who had gathered there. What they focused on was the democratic programme which was voted on, the links fostered with the 1916 Rising through Cathal Brugha’s election as President of the Dáil and ratification of the Proclamation. They were also at pains to point out that for roughly half the Sinn Féin TDs, the words “fé ghlas ag Gallaibh” was recorded beside their names in the roll book. “Imprisonment by the foreigners”.

This included Clare TDs Eamon de Valera (pictured) and Brian O’Higgins. Proceedings were conducted through Irish but English and French translators were made available to press.

As we look back, we must think about the vision the men and woman who met as the first Dáil put forward and how we’ve stacked up. Equality and liberty backed up by fraternity formed key planks of the speeches of the day. The Democratic Programme that was voted through proved controversial. It was mainly written by Labour Party leader Thomas Johnson, who agreed not to contest the 1918 election in exchange for writing the Programme.

Most SF TDs had not read it as it underwent extensive

re-writes right up until the morning of the 21st. The few that had read it expressed serious misgivings about private property rights among other concerns but were reminded of their deal plus the importance of the image of unity at the first meeting. The document was ratified in full with no amendments. This document was arguably a key driver behind the Fianna Fáil government of the 1930s embarking on major housing construction in order to clear the tenements and provide social housing.

But, 100 years later, we find ourselves once again gripped in a housing crisis. Our health service never once lived up to the ideals expressed that day.

Our over reliance on market forces in recent years stands in grand contradiction to the vision of Ireland those first TDs put in front of the people.

As we look back, it’s clear that the lesson of the first 100 years of Irish democracy is that the State must ensure that no-one is left behind. The Proclamation and the Democratic Programme were clear that all Irish children should have an additional guardian for their welfare from the moment of their birth in the form of the State. With child homelessness at an all time high and youth mental health so badly funded, it’s safe to say these ideals are laudable ones we still need to work very hard on these days.

But a purely democratic programme wasn’t the only thing the Irish people voted to support 100 years ago. The people were also casting their vote on the use of armed force, should it be deemed necessary. Few would have predicted the day of the first Dáil meeting would be the

same day as the first shots of the War of Independence. The raid on an explosives transport, without sanction from IRA GHQ, at Soloheadbeg in Tipperary did not go to plan. The killing of the two RIC escorts to the Gelignite, both Irish men, proved to be the opening salvo of a gruelling guerrilla war that would lead to the Anglo-Irish Treaty two years later.

The people knew the IRA were preparing for such a campaign long ahead of any election. People like my greatgranduncle Peadar Clancy, of Cranny, were going around the country recruiting and training.

The dog in the street knew it but the authorities could not stop it. Clare would see some of the most bitter fighting like the Rineen Ambush and the subsequent reprisal by Black and Tans in Ennistymon and Lahinch. Ultimately, upon conclusion of the Civil War that followed the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the people had grown weary of bloodshed and, as the rest of Europe descended into madness and fascism, Ireland embraced democracy. This saw the first transfer of power between Government and Opposition without incident after the 1932 election. Parties proclaiming violence or insurrection would never again win popularity.

It wasn’t until after the Good Friday Agreement that Provisional Sinn Féin won popular support among the Nationalists in the North. In light of this, the action this week of idiots purporting to represent the IRA in Derry should be met with utter derision.

We’ve come an awful long way in 100 years but as the old Irish saying goes; “Tús maith, leath na hoibre”. We’ve started well here, despite some bumps along the way. But we’ve only half the work done. There’s no reason we can’t establish ourselves as a country where no-one needlessly suffers in a health system of long queues or working families find themselves without a roof. Our Government should open its ears as they listen back to the debates from that 1st day of Dáil Éireann. They could learn a few things from those patriots.

32 BUSINESS

BUSINESS

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Scariff woman leads way at LIT

l SCHOLARSHIP: Shirley Costelloe from Scariff receives her 1916 Bursary Fund from Prof. Vincent Cunnane, President, LIT, Neil McDermott, Senior Manager, Access Policy, HEA, John Kiely, Limerick Hurling Manager and Deputy Mayor of Limerick City Michael Collins

Photo by Alan Place

MORE than €1 million has been invested in LIT’s scholarship programme in just five years, thereby ensuring higher education accessibility through financial support to more than 100 students.

This academic year alone 45 LIT students received scholarships - 26 through the Leaders@LIT Student Scholarship Programme and a further 19 via the HEA 1916 Bursary Fund – Programme for Access to Higher Education.

The recipients, along with the donors who have contributed more than €1million to the scholarship fund to date, were recognised at a special ceremony earlier this week at Limerick Institute of Technology, Moylish Campus.

Shirley Costello from Scarriff was the first person to complete her bursary application this year.

LISCANNOR WOMAN HAS SUPER’ NEWS

L

ISCANNOR-based business woman, Raychel O’Keeffe has secured a listing with Supervalu through her participation in the Food Academy Programme.

The successful products include a superfood gluten free batter for seafood and vegetables and superfood gluten free tortilla wrap/pancake mix.

Raychel’s first business, Seagreen Catering was established in Liscannor in 2016. Raychel has over 20 years of practical cooking experience, and formal training from Hotel & Culinary School Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), and completed further culinary studies at Ballymaloe, The Cooks Academy, and the Organic Centre, Ireland. From this business she set up Seagreen Foods. She was the only business in Clare to be selected from the Food Academy Programme to have a listing with Supervalu.

The Food Academy Programme is a joint initiative between Local Enterprise Office Clare, Bord Bia and SuperValu and was established to support early-stage Irish food businesses. Participating companies gain access to expertise in branding, market research, business development and distribution, to allow them to scale up and secure listings with SuperValu.

She told those attending the ceremony, “The day I got the phone call to say I got the bursary a weight was lifted off my mind. It was the best feeling ever. The bursary allowed me the freedom to focus on college.”

Having left school as a soon to be young single mother just after her junior cert, Shirley acknowledged education took a back seat for a long time, and a series of jobs left her unfulfilled.

Then she opted to change the course of her life and return to education. She was drawn immediately to the renewable energy electrical engineering course at LIT as it would benefit her professionally and benefit the environment, but financing her time in college remained a concern. The 1916 Bursary allayed those concerns.

Congratulating the scholarship recipients guest speaker, Limerick’s All Ireland Hurling Winning Manager and School Principal, John Kiely, compared them to a “great full forward” taking advantage of every opportunity. But he added, “No one said it was going to be easy.”

Mr Kiely said, “You the scholarship winners have demonstrated you have the work ethic and ability to achieve in your studies over the coming years and in your professional lives, and this scholarship will give you the best opportunity to maximise that potential.

“You are about to join an elite group of those that went before you, a group that can and will go on to make significant difference in many fields of work in Ireland, Europe and the world in years to come.”

Farmhouse repair grant scheme THE Heritage Office of Clare County Council is encouraging farmers to consider applying for an annual grants scheme for the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings and related structures.

The Heritage Council, , in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is opening the annual 2019 GLAS (Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme) Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme to farmers approved in the GLAS Scheme.

The principal objective of this scheme is to ensure that traditional farm buildings and other related structures that contribute to the character of the landscape, and are of significant heritage value, are conserved for active agricultural use. Grant amounts vary between €4,000 and €25,000. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine make all grant payments on this scheme following certification by the Heritage Council.

A grant award will not be for more than 75% of the cost of the works with a maximum available grant of €25,000. The grant is available for the conservation of tradi-

tional farm outbuildings, including roof, walls, structural repairs, windows and doors.

The grant is also available for other related farm structures including historic yard surfaces, walls, gate pillars and gates. The key conservation principle of minimum intervention applies, that is, carrying out a repair to fix what is wrong but not setting out to do too much work.

Works which are, in the opinion of the Heritage Council, restoration works, are very unlikely to be supported with grant aid. The process is highly competitive and it is expected that 50-70 projects will be supported each year.

The closing date for receipt of applications (hard copy ONLY) is 5:00pm Tuesday 19th February 2019. Applications made by email or fax will NOT be accepted.

Forms and accompanying documentation such as photos, maps etc should be posted to: Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme 2019 The Heritage Council Church Lane Kilkenny

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

HONDA’S NEW CR-V SWERVES

THE BLACK PUMP NEW CR-V PROVES YOU DON’T NEED DIESEL TO BE A GOOD SUV

H

TEST DRIVE HONDA CR-V

ONDA Honda has taken the decision to drop diesel from its range, and while you’ll still be able to buy diesel-engined versions of the current Civic and HR-V, from now on it’s a brave new petrol, hybrid, and (eventually) electric world.

Honda does seem to be making things slightly difficult for itself by kicking this policy off with the new CR-V. After all, a major cornerstone of our recent, collective, passion for SUVs is that thanks to modern diesel tech, they’re all pretty frugal. Honda is going to launch, very shortly, a hybrid version of this new CRV, but for now the only engine available is a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder shared with the Civic.

It’s not the only thing the new new CR-V shares with the Civic. The entire chassis and underlying mechanical package is also shared between the

two cars, but it is the engine that’s the most noticeable carry-over. Its vital stats are actually pretty good; 173hp, and a decent, but hardly Earth-shattering, 220Nm of torque.

What it really has, though, is smoothness. And quietness.

When we all started rushing for diesel power, from 2008 onwards, we kind of all silently accepted that there would be no silence. For all their technical advancement in recent years, diesels are just inherently noisy. Well, this petrol engine certainly hammers that point home, although it definitely does so without shouting — it’s a tremendously smooth and refined engine. To judge from the way this engine smoothly revs up to its redline, you’d have to assume that the inside of those cylinders shine as if they’ve been worked by a master jeweller.

On-paper performance is actually quite brisk, with a claimed 9.3sec 0-100km/h

time. That’s OK, but it never quite feels that swift on the road. In fact, I’d say languid is a better word for it. The CR-V never feels slow nor underpowered, and you can make good progress as long as you keep stirring the six-speed manual gearbox to keep the engine in its sweetest spot, but it’s no sports car, that’s for sure.

Which is fine, as driving gently is the best route to good fuel economy, and you should easily get past the 40mpg mark if you’re not going nuts. Not only is that a pretty good figure, it’s also, in real-world terms, not much worse than the old 1.6 iDTEC diesel. The only downside is that Co2 emissions are a little steep, at 143g/km for the frontwheel drive ‘Lifestyle’ spec test car we were driving, so your annual motor tax is going to be €390. A bit steep, but not terrible in the context of how much the CR-V costs to buy, because it actually comes with a tempting price tag. The well-equipped base model starts at €33,500 and our test car, which felt entirely adequately equipped, clocked in at €35,500. That’s comparable with a well-specced Qashqai or Tucson, for a car with a classier image and a bigger cabin.

Ah yes, the cabin. The CR-V, especially since the third-generation model of 2007, has almost always

been the most spacious and practical of the SUV hoard (it’s one of the main reasons that we’ve long-since loved it so much) and this new model is no different. In fact, it’s even better, thanks to a wheelbase that’s some 40mm longer, in spite of the whole car being more or less the same size as the outgoing model. It means you get such an acreage of rear legroom that it’s tempting to start sewing crops. The boot, at 561-litres, isn’t quite the biggest one in its class, but it’s deep, and perfectly square in shape, and expands to more than 1,700-litres if you fold the rear seats flat. For the first time, you can now also get a seven-seat version of the CR-V, and if the extra seats in the boot are on the tight side, then they are at least useful for short hops.

The rest of the cabin is broadly impressive. There is, arguably, a bit too much grey and black plastic on show, but I quite like the fillets of

FACTS & FIGURES Model Test: Honda CR-V 1.5 VTEC Turbo Lifestyle Pricing: €35,500 as tested; CR-V starts at €33,500 Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol Transmission: CVT, four-wheel drive Body style: SUV CO2 emissions: 143g/km (Band C, €390 per annum) Combined economy: 44.8mpg (6.3 litres/100km) Top speed: 210km/h 0-100km/h: 9.3 seconds Power: 173hp at 5,600rpm Torque: 220Nm at 2,000 to 5,000rpm Boot space: 561-litres EuroNCAP rating: Not yet tested

(fake) wood scattered about. It’s a divisive look, for sure, but to my eyes they visually warm the cabin up, making it feel more welcoming.

SPORT

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

35

County sides set for league campaigns

C

LARE’S senior intercounty sides will begin their competitive seasons in earnest this weekend.

Clare’s hurlers will hope to learn more about youngsters such as Colin Guilfoyle, Aidan McCarthy and Diarmuid Ryan while maintaining Division 1A status as they begin their National Hurling League campaign in Semple Stadium, a place they have fond memories of from 2018.

The Banner take on Tipperary at 7pm on Saturday in a repeat of the Co-Op Superstores Munster SHL final which Clare won comfortably last week. Clare’s first home game will come in the second round of fixtures, when they will take on Kilkenny at Cusack Park, February 2 at 2pm.

Defending champions Kilkenny defeated Tipperary in last year’s final but having had an unremarkable Championship, the Cats will now be eager to test the depth of their squad.

An away trip on February 16th to Páirc Uí Chaoimh for Clare will then be followed by two home fixtures against Wexford and neighbours Limerick respectively.

The relegation and quarter final playoffs will take place on Sunday March 10,

with the top 4 teams from Division 1A being matched with the top four sides from Division 1B. Clare’s footballers, meanwhile, face the very stiff task of remaining in the ultra-competitive Division 2 of the National Football League.

On Sunday, January 27, at 2pm Clare welcome Donegal to Cusack Park as they look to get their league campaign off to a winning start.

Donegal will be among the favourites to gain promotion to Division 1, having last year won the Ulster Championship while they unlucky to lose their status in the top tier of league football.

This fixture will be followed by an away trip to face Armagh, the side who ultimately knocked Clare out of last year’s Championship with a heartbreaking late defeat that Colm Collins’ men will be eager to avenge.

Like the hurlers, Clare’s footballers will take confidence from a preseason campaign which saw them claim the McGrath Cup with a final win over Cork, a side they will meet again in Cusack Park in the league on February 9.

This will be followed by an away trip to Kildare, so many will see the Armagh and Cork games as crucial for Clare’s chances of a succesful league campaign.

Banner Ladies Jnr A claim league success l UP AND COMING: Pictured above is the Banner Ladies Junior A Team, under the Management of Gerry Keane and Martin Nolan, who won the Division 4 League Final in Kildysart on Sunday. Played under perfect conditions for football, it was a cracking game from beginning to end, but the Banner eventually won it out on a score line of 2-11 to 2-4.

The Banner team: Tara McInerney, Nicole Talty (Captain), Leah Talty, Olivia Tuohy, Sarah Ni Cheallaigh, Roisin Martin, Candice Brennan, Eabha Keane, Elena Sanz, Alannah McNamara (0-2), Deirinn Finnerty (0-1), Emily Cahill (1-3), Eilish Cahill (1-1), Aoibhin Ryan (0-4), Jenny Healy, Eva Carey, Chloe McNamara, Gabriella Norwich, Caoimhe Meehan, Michaela Roughan, Laoise Ryan, Katie Browne, Sonja Petric, Shannon O’ Donovan,

CAPTAINS DRIVE IN AT The Scorecard KILRUSH GOLF CLUB in association with

ENNIS GOLF CLUB CLUB SCRAMBLE JANUARY 19 1ST GERALDINE O’ ROURKE,STEVE BURNS, ML CUMMINS, DECLAN HANLEY 64-3 61PTS 2ND ETHNA MURPHY, JOHN KEARSE, CON DALY 59PTS 3RD CARMEL VERLING, PAT RUTHERFORD, PETER QUINN 59PTS Team of Four(Two to Count) 19th / 20th January 2019 1st Matthew Whelan( 4), Dermot Doheny(5), John Byrne(12) Mark Geraghty(10) 87pts 2nd Andrew Mc Gloin(12), Ml Meagher(10), Ml Moroney(14) Ollie O’ Loughlin(11) 87pts 3rd L Mc Namara(12), E Glenny(17), N Normoyle(13) Flan Lyons(12) 86pts 4th Matt Flynn(20), Sean Ryan(23), Eamon Kelly(20) Frank Sheedy(19) 85pts Men’s Seniors Social Group Thursday 17th January 2019 1st Martin Coffey & Tommy Heath (36) 2nd Aidan Lynch & Kevin Murray (35) 3rd Liam Roche & Noel Pilkington (34) 4th Tom Pilkington & Pat Rutherford (34) 5th John Cullinane & John Kearse (34) 6th Eamon Murphy & John O Flynn (34) 7th Johnny Cullinan & Eric Hanrahan

l SWING AND A HIT: Captains drive in at Kilrush Golf club last Sunday. Pictured above is (L-R) Cyril Kelly, Past Captain, Alan Howard Captain, Mary G. Nolan Lady Captain, Ann Brennan Lady President, Lucy Blake Past Lady Captain, Tom Cleary President

(34) 8th S. Hanrahan & Pat G McInerney (34) 9th Paul Higgins & T J Kerins (33) 10th Matt Flynn & Ger O Brien (33)

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Tue 15 Jan.Senior Ladies Scramble 1. Margaret Clancy, Mary McCarthy, Margaret Hehir, 41.89 2. Mary Young, Agnes Shannon, Loretta Browne, 43.33 3. Marie Bartlett, Colette Glynn, Margaret Griffin, 43.89 Wed 16 Jan. Senior Men Scramble 1.Seamus O’Doherty,Michael Hogan, Dermott Hammond 61pts 2.TJ Lyons, Michael McNamara, Gerry Duffy, Fred Kirk 60.5 3.Noel Thornton, Sean Moran,Tom O’Dea, Murt Collins 59 14th to 20th Jan. Weekly Comp.

1.Anthony Gilmartin 26pts Sun 20th Jan. Captains (Mr Alan Howard & Mrs Mary G. Nolan)Drive in Scramble 1.Joan O’Malley, Tom O’Dea, James Murtagh,Jim Young Jr 34.17 2.Margaret Hehir, Alan Hogan, Cyril Kelly, Gerry O’Malley 37.83 3.AM Donnellan,Shane Howard, Michael Shannon Jr,Michael Hogan 38.00

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JAN 24 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz PRESIDENTS, HEADS OF STATE AND COUNTY CLARE 1 6

he pictured drinking Irish coffee?

Scariff, Killaloe, Sixmilebridge

Current Irish President Michael Former Taoiseach Eamon de Val4 D Higgins attended St Flannan’s College when growing up in Ballycar. 9 era was elected via by-election in 1917 in which constituency?

Fidel Castro, former Cuban 5 president, left what as a gift for then-taoiseach on a Shannon stopover in 1982?

Box of Cuban chocolates, Box of Cuban cigars, A traditional Cuban hat

ANSWERS

Ennis, West Clare, East Clare

10

In 2015 Prince Charles fulfilled a lifelong dream to the Burren in 2015, but while helping to build a stone wall, what did he tell local farmers?

I’ve spent my life thinking about this This is a great wall Where’s the closest toilet?

6. Declined invite to Prince Charles’ wedding

Snowball, D-licious, Horse

1.Boris Yeltsin

But what nickname was he given in his schooldays?

l QUESTION 6: President Patrick Hillery from SpanishPoint

7. Greg Norman

Dwight D Eisenhower, Harry S Truman, Franklin D Roosevelt

8. Sixmilebridge

cede Kennedy?

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2. have a day off in

Every US president since JFK has 3 landed at Shannon Airport – but who was the US president to pre-

which it is attached?

Darren Clarke, Greg Norman, Dermot Bannon

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Conquer, Hide out in, Have a day off in

3. Dwight D Eisenhower

of any country in the world I would rather [blank] than Ireland’

Current US President Donald 7 Trump owns Doonbeg Hotel – but who designed the golfcourse to

4. Snowball

When president Richard Nixon 2 gave a public address from Shannon Airport, he said ‘I don’t think

Voted Ireland’s sexiest man Tried out for Ireland’s basketball team Declined invite to Prince Charles’ wedding

10. I’ve spent my life thinking about this

Nelson Mandela, Boris Yeltsin, Bill Clinton

President Patrick Hillery from Spanish Point served two terms as Irish President. What did he gain notoriety for in 1981?

5. Box of Cuban cigars

On 30 September 1994 which President failed to get off his plane when it landed at Shannon Airport for a State visit to Ireland because he was “very tired”

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

The Cathedral Ennis, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: Lawrence Photograph Collection