The Clare Echo 24/02/22

065 671 9021

clareecho.ie

FEB 24 2022

BURREN’S FINEST CELEBRATE

Council bullying claims made by Dooley in Senate PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

I Burren Gaels Ladies Norah O Dwyer, Niamh McNamara, Blathnaid Sheedy, Orlaith O’Gorman, Aileen O’Reilly and Sally King celebrate their trophy-winning exploits from 2021 at their social in the Falls Hotel Burren Eye Photography

NTERNAL PROCEDURES to deal with bullying in Clare County Council have been slammed by one Oireachtas member.

Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) when contributing to a debate on violence against women spoke of a former female employee of Clare County Council who made a complaint of bullying in the local authority against a now ex councillor.

Had it been a man that took the case, the ex-councillor would not have “lawyered up”, Senator Dooley claimed.

A spokesperson for Clare County Council told The Clare Echo that it “takes all allegations of harassment, sexual harassment and bullying very seriously and handles them in accordance with the Council’s robust policies and procedures for Dignity at Work. The Council has no comment on the story outlined below”.

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THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

SKATING TOGETHER FOR FABIAN

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ENTERTAINMENT

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GREEN CLARE

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COMMUNITY

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COMMUNIONS

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RECRUITMENT

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SPORT

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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

NEWSDESK

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

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

Gardaí probe continues

 SUPPORT: Spectators might be used to seeing the fast paced hard hitting sport of ice hockey on TV and social feeds, but the last thing anyone would expect to see is a group of 101 hockey players from 5 counties descending on to the Corofin GAA hall. The hall is not converted into an ice rink, but with modern advancement in skates and pucks, the difference between ice hockey and in-line hockey now is negligible, allowing this group of amature athletes to skate hard and hit plastic pucks at over 160km/k at a well padded goalies.

Members of the Cork Wolf Pack, Mayo Bulls, Flying Ducks, Clare Badgers and Longford Jokers in-line Hockey teams joined forces to raise funds for Fabian Czarra (a junior member of the Clare Badgers) currently going through complicated chemotherapy for non granular Lymphoma. A pre existing heart condition prevents Fabian from receiving the normal doses of chemotherapy, making his treatment significantly more expensive and prolonged.

More than the funds raised, the hockey community wants to show their moral support, and encourage Fabian to keep his chin up and fight like a hockey player! €1,100 was raised on the day.There is a Polish Go Fund Me running to support Fabian: https://zrzutka.pl/7b7ngt

EPEATED frustration has been voiced by a Clare TD over the lack of progress on an ongoing corruption probe into members of the Limerick Garda Division.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Cathal Crowe TD (FF) aired his disappointment at the continued suspension of eight Limerick based Gardaí. The suspension which he called a “witch-trial” has been in place since November 2020.

Deputy Crowe told Garda Commissioner Drew Harris at an October meeting of the JPC that the investigation was “tearing lives apart”.

He said the matter should have been discussed in-depth before the Commissioner’s tenure was extended for two years by Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG). Referring to Commissioner Harris’ attendance at the JPC meeting, Deputy Crowe commented, “The Limerick Garda Division covers 6,000 to 7,000 people in the people of Clare but nothing has progressed since that day and I think that is wrong”.

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THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

Ex councillor 'not held to account' for bullying, says Senator Dooley A FORMER elected member of Clare County Council “lawyered up” to counteract complaints of bullying by a female employee of the local authority, writes Páraic McMahon.

Speaking in the Seanad during a debate on violence against women, Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) relayed details of the case which he believed highlighted weak internal procedures in Clare County Council.

Senator Dooley outlined, “A former county council employee shared a story with me last week relating to a female former colleague of his who believed she was being bullied in the course of her work by a male who was, at the time, an elected member of the council. She followed the proper procedure and made a complaint but the councillor was never brought to book or held to account”.

According to the Mountshannon native, the fact that

it was a female employee of the Council ensured there was no consequences.

“He lawyered up and defended himself and it seems the internal procedures were not strong enough to deal with the situation because he was not an employee of the council.

"The view of the person who shared the story with me was that, if it had been a man, the councillor would not have got away with it and would not have tried his hand in the first instance.

"He was trying to advance the case for some particular issue he was involved in but the woman felt she was bullied just for doing her job”.

Such cases undermine the confidence of women to flag instances of abuse in the workplace, Senator Dooley stated.

“When other women in the workplace see that concerns are not being taken seriously, it further undermines their self-confidence.

'We miss you beyond words, Stephanie'

We need to resolve that because women cannot be made feel they are not being taken seriously and cannot expect a positive outcome when they are being bullied or harassed in discharging their duties in the workplace”.

Dooley concluded, “It is up to men in society to do right by women they see being undermined and abused in a sinister way by other men and to call that out.

We cannot stand idly by any longer”.

Responding to subsequent queries from The Clare Echo, a spokesperson for Clare County Council outlined, “The Council takes all allegations of harassment, sexual harassment and bullying very seriously and handles them in accordance with the Council’s robust policies and procedures for Dignity at Work.

The Council has no comment on the story outlined below”.

 TRAGIC: Stephanie Fitzpatrick lost her life in a road crash over the weekend

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

I

NVESTIGATIONS continue into the fatal road crash which claimed the life of Lisdoonvarna woman Stephanie Fitzpatrick on Saturday night.

An alarm was raised to emergency services at approximately 6:40pm on Friday evening of a single-vehicle collision on the N67 between Lahinch and Ennistymon.

Fire crews from Ennistymon and Ennis responded to the incident.

Thirty seven year old Stephanie was a passenger in the car which is reported to have struck a tree before overturning in the middle of the road. She was pronounced dead at the scene with a post-mortem later held at the University Hospital Limerick.

A male driver of the vehicle aged in his thirties escaped serious injuries. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink-driving, he was taken to Ennis Garda Station and was released without charge, pending the conclusion of the Garda investigation and completion of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Garda Eimear McDonagh of Ennis Garda Station outlined that Gardaí are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the collision or persons in the area to make contact with them. “Gardai in Ennistymon are investigating a fatal road traffic colli-

sion which occurred on the Lahinch Road, Ennistymon on Saturday 19th February 2022 at approximately 6.40pm. Anyone with dash cam footage or any information relating to this incident are asked to contact Ennistymon Gardai at 065-7072180 or any Garda Station”.

From a family of 10, Stephanie’s sudden death has caused heartache in North Clare. She was the youngest of the five boys and five girls in her family. Three of her siblings are making the difficult journey home from Australia. Sinead Fitzpatrick in an online tribute described Stephanie as a “beautiful, fun loving, gentle, kind, talented, funny baby sister, sister in law, auntie” who “was cruelly snatched from our hearts at the weekend.

“She adored her family with a love so fierce, you felt it the minute you were with her. So difficult to make sense of this senseless loss. Hug your loved ones a little longer, and a little tighter today as nobody knows what life has in store. We love you and miss you beyond words Stephanie,” she added.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Lahinch’s Bill Slattery expressed his condolences to the Fitzpatrick family on the “very sad” death of their youngest member. “She came out that day to enjoy herself and didn’t get to come home,” he said. Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG), a native of Lisdoonvarna detailed that the “whole community was saddened to the core”.

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

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Admissions impacted at Ennistymon hospital S

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

TAFFING deficits have impacted on the amount of admissions that Ennistymon Community Nursing Unit (CNU) can cater for.

Long stay and short stay respite care is provided at the North Clare facility for older persons in the community. Currently, the 17 long stay beds are all occupied with a waiting list already in place. Admission to long stay care was not impacted by the pandemic, the HSE have confirmed.

Within two multi-occupancy rooms at Ennistymon CNU, there are eight respite beds. A representative of HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare stated, “during the first phases of the pandemic long-term care facilities were closed to respite admissions, however emergency respite was facilitated where possible. As the services opened, admission guidance for respite required the patient to isolate in a single room suite for seven days in line with public health guidelines”. Remedial works were completed in Ennistymon CNU to reconfigure a single room with an en-suite.

She confirmed that admissions to respite in Ennistymon were impacted by “current

RESPITE: Joe Carey TD (FG) has made representations Photo by Natasha Barton staffing deficits” with an ongoing recruitShe added, “HSE management are comment campaign to address this. mitted to the resumption of respite services

Shannon Estuary can be 'economic powerhouse' THE Shannon Estuary could become “an economic powerhouse,” the Tánaiste has stated following publication of the terms of reference for a taskforce to examine its strengths and identify future opportunities, writes Páraic McMahon.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet approved the creation of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce which is to assess the strengths and advances of the Estuary while also scoping potential opportunities for the area.

A report is to be produced by the group by October 2022 specifying the action which can be taken to create jobs in the region. A programme of engagement with relevant local authorities such as Clare County Council will form part of the taskforce’s work.

Members of the taskforce will be carrying out their role on an unpaid basis, except for travel expenses.

The membership will be selected through an open expression of interest process which will include the position of Chair of the Taskforce.

The taskforce will also be supported by senior officials from Government Departments and agencies.

Additional experts may be invited to attend meetings of the Taskforce.

Speaking on Tuesday, Varadkar commented, “The Shannon Estu-

ary has the people, connectivity and natural resources to become an economic powerhouse. There is huge potential for economic development and job creation in the region, in areas such as wind, hydrogen and solar energy for example. The newly established Technological University of the Shannon will add to the talent pool and research and development capacity of the area, providing the skills and innovation needed for the region to exploit new and exciting opportunities”.

He continued, “Since the foundation of the State, the Shannon Estuary has a proud history of leading industrial development; Ardnacrusha, Shannon Airport, Moneypoint, the Shannon Free Zone and the growth in industry we’ve seen in and around Limerick City as well as the development of UL. Now we must look ahead to the future."

According to Senator Martin Conway (FG), the Shannon Estuary has “potentially enormous economic benefits for Clare”. He welcomed the “tight reporting deadline” in place for the taskforce which is “critical for West Clare infrastructure and jobs potential”.

Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) said the creation of the taskforce recognised necessary support for the area.

in Ennistymon CNU and are actively working on delivering this much needed service”.

Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) made public representations to both the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) and HSE on empty wards at the facility. He described Ennistymon CNU as “a wonderful facility with hard working committed staff that provides tremendous care to the local community. It is a critical asset for North Clare”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy Carey detailed that constituents in North Clare shared their concern on the lack of access to respite and short stay beds at the facility.

“It’s critical that admissions to respite and short stay beds in Ennistymon Community Hospital begins without further delay. I acknowledge the HSE’s commitment further to my representations that they are actively working on delivering upon their commitment to recommence these much needed community services for North Clare”.

He added, “The HSE commitment to reopen these vital beds needs to be honoured as soon as possible. Respite and short stay beds provide a lifeline for families and their loved ones. It’s really important that every effort is made to bring these vital beds back into immediate use”.

'Overcrowding unfair to hospital patients and staff'

by PÁRAIC McMAHON HIQA have confirmed they are to undertake inspections of the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) while the Minister for Health has said more emergency medical doctors are needed at the Dooradoyle facility.

Along with carrying out inspections, HIQA are to work with UL Hospitals Group to develop a strategic plan to address capacity issues at UHL, Minister Stephen Donnelly TD (FF) confirmed.

Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) earlier this month called for an independent inquiry into ongoing overcrowding at UHL. He stated, “UHL is the most consistently overcrowded hospital in the country with over 76,000 attendances in 2021, up 16% compared to 2020 and up 7% on 2019”. He added, “Hospital management and staff appear to be firefighting on the issue of overcrowding as opposed to identifying and rectifying the issues that are causing the problem”.

Overcrowding has worsened rather than improved since the delivery of the 60-bed modular ward block and the provision of an additional 38 inpatient beds,

Deputy McNamara flagged. “A full review of operations within the UL Hospitals Group is required if we are to ultimately find lasting solutions to the overcrowding issues”.

Speaking following a visit to UHL, Minister Donnelly outlined, “It’s very clear to me that in University Hospital Limerick, one of the things we need is more healthcare professionals, we need more nurses, we need more allied professionals, more junior doctors, more NCHDs, more specialists”.

Claims of a clean-up operation prior to the Minister’s visit were made by hospital staff and Senator Paul Gavan (SF) which Donnelly labelled “a very unfair allegation”.

He commented, “I met the nurses and the hospital porters last night, they are under so much pressure that they didn’t have time to be finding places to put patients. The reality is there was a lot of patients who had been admitted who didn’t have a bed and who were on trolleys, they shouldn’t be and they don’t want to be, it’s not fair on them and it’s not fair on the people working in the emergency departments either”.

During his visit to UHL, Minister

Donnelly met with nurses, CHDs, specialists and doctors.

“I got a clear picture of the extraordinary healthcare professionals we have, they are unbelievable but also the unacceptable pressure they are under, that is not to blame anyone, from hospital management right through they are all doing their best, they need more staff, they need more nurses, they need more allied health professionals and more doctors, that is the reality”.

On Deputy McNamara’s recent call for an independent review at UHL, Minister Donnelly said, “I know that question gets asked a lot, I wouldn’t be ruling anything in or out, I’m a great believer that most of the answers are known locally, I was talking to hospital porters who were showing me how to solve the issue they would be dealing with, I met NCHDs who said this is how we deal with our bits, I met nurses this morning and they had idea after idea after idea, the hospital managers have very ambitious plans, in my experience the local teams know what needs to be done, what Government has to do and what the HSE have to do is give them the freedom to do these things themselves”.

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Liscannor farmers 'terrorised' by group of rabbit hunters

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

F

ARMERS in Liscannor have been “terrorised” by a group of men with shotguns hunting for rabbits, a Clare TD has highlighted.

An Garda Síochána are currently investigating the ongoing tension in the North Clare village following representations from some of the county’s Oireacthas members within the past fortnight.

Cathal Crowe TD (FF) told Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, “there are a group of farmers in Liscannor that are being terrorised at the minute. Very frequently people come on their lands with shotguns hunting for rabbits. The farmers have tried to clear them but they have been told the guns will be turned on them instead of the rabbits”.

Local farmers are “combining in resisting this thuggery on their collective lands but it needs a response from An Garda Síochána,” he stated.

Subsequent to his contri-

bution, Crowe then presented Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran with six registration numbers of cars “that are frequent in the area” at the time of the incidents. He claimed that the vehicles have no tax or insurance, “if you can’t get them for the heavy stuff then get them for this,” he remarked.

Chief Supt Colleran advised the meeting that he spoke to Joe Carey TD (FG) on the matter last week with numerous complaints already received by the Gardaí. “If anyone feels something is not right or appropriate, we need to make sure they contact us in An Garda Síochána, we are a taxpayer funded service, make sure you report it so we are fully aware”.

He confirmed that Gardaí have been assigned to the case to pull together different patterns of behaviour, “we don’t want to go into too much detail at this meeting on our investigation but we wish to remind the public don’t ever be afraid to contact An Garda Síochána, we’re there 24/7 and we will always answer the phone”.

Face masks linked to spike in thefts from Clare shops

by PÁRAIC McMAHON WEARING of face masks aided robbers in thefts from shops were CCTV was not in operation, Clare’s Chief Superintendent has admitted.

A 69 per cent increase in thefts from Clare shops was recorded from November 1st 2021 to January 31st 2022 when compared with the same time twelve months previous.

Over the 2020/21 period a total of 52 thefts from shops were reported to Gardaí, however this jumped by 36 to 88 for the 2021/22 equivalent.

Chief Superintendent, Seán Colleran acknowledged it was “a big jump”.

He added, “It coincides with an opening up of the economy and back to the way it used to be for opportunist criminals, there is quite a high detection rate in that. The figure can be alarming but we have strong investigative processes”.

This rise in crime in some instances has been aided by the wearing of

face masks, the Chief Supt revealed. “Everyone started wearing masks and it suited one area of society greatly to wear a mask and not to draw attention to themselves”.

This issue is eliminated in settings where working CCTV is in place, Colleran said, “as much as we think masks will stop us from being identified, CCTV will help us to identify them”.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) described the rise as “a frightening increase”. The Ennis representative said, “I know of shops in town that can’t afford CCTV but have their shops robbed every day of the week”. He appealed to the county’s Oireachtas members to put in place some form of grant aid to allow businesses avail of CCTV, “every shop in this day and age should have CCTV”.

Chair of the JPC, Cllr John Crowe (FG) said the subject of shop thefts was

“very dear to my heart” due to his family’s involvement with stores in Sixmilebridge. “It is a massive jump, having been in business for years I can under-

stand the pressure on the people trying to run their business, they are there from 6am to 10pm, they are doing their very best for communities”.

 CRIME: Face masks

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THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

Pyrite Action Group question support for Kilrush centre

 CRACKS: Creek Lodge, Kilrush

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE County Council continued to try secure €8m in Government funding to advance a maritime training centre for a building in Kilrush without testing it for pyrite despite it showing signs of cracking.

As first reported by The Clare Echo in July, members of the Clare Pyrite Action Group raised their concerns that a prominent building in Kilrush, Creek Lodge located in the Marina was showing signs of pyrite defective blocks with vertical and horizontal cracking visible on the exterior walls of the property.

Despite the feared presence of defective concrete blocks, core testing was never carried out at Creek Lodge and instead the building was put forward as an application under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.

The €8m maritime training centre is viewed as having the potential to create 28 jobs and train 1,200 people annually.

In December, Cathal Crowe TD (FF) visited the Kilrush Marina and was later questioned by members of the Clare Pyrite Action Group if Creek Lodge was tested for the presence of pyrite.

“My understanding is that all tests came back negative and cracks on rear gable are considered to be standard settlement cracks,” he responded.

At a meeting between senior Council officials and the Clare Pyrite Action Group last week, an update on the status of the

building was sought.

At this sitting, it emerged that core testing was never carried out at Creek Lodge despite the comments from Deputy Crowe which prompted confusion from representatives as to how the building could be deemed to be pyrite free and suitable for consideration for an €8m application.

Council officials gave assurances that testing would take place.

Founder of the Pyrite Action Group, Dr Martina Cleary visited Creek Lodge on Tuesday.

She said it was evident core testing had been completed but questioned how fifteen cores could have been taken in the space of four working days, “it would be a miracle to have it tested to that extent in that space of time”.

She said there was “very clear signs of the damage associated with defective pyrite ridden concrete blocks, similar to what we are seeing up and down the county”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Dr Cleary outlined that it was “absolutely shocking to see the condition of the building, that this was going on for so long and an €8m application was submitted for a building in this state”.

She said Clare’s chances for redress could have been strengthened if the Council had completed the testing prior to giving its submission to the Department of Housing.

“This could be the very same blight so many homeowners in County Clare now have destroying their homes”.

The Clare Echo contacted Clare County Council for comment but none was received at the time of going to print.

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J.P.'s legacy lives on

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by PAT O'BRIEN HE unexpected passing last autumn of J.P. Guinane cast a gloom over Kilkishen and surrounding countryside.

J.P. was held in high esteem in Kilkishen and O’Callaghans Mills due to his involvement with many organisations, dating back to the bygone era of the marquees and Muintir na Tíre.

A farmer, block-layer, hurler, singer and historian, that was J.P. all in one.

A man with a great memory for dates and events and when called upon his answers were always taken as correct.

J.P. was noted for having a fine singing voice and had a good repertoire of songs.

Organisers of singing sessions always sought his company and he never let them down- the bigger the audience the better his performance.

He was a passionate GAA man and could recall great men and deeds of the playing fields all over Ireland.

Nearer to home he loved to talk about the matches he saw in the local Hamilton Park and all the drama and excitement around the village and venue when Newmarket-on-Fergus, Sixmilebridge, Clooney/Quin, Broadford and Tulla were participating.

His story about two long serving local referees hav-

Award-winning film and TV studio to deliver workshops

 RIP: J.P. Guinane

ing only one whistle between them also deserves a mention, this all being in pre-COVID times of course.

J.P. walked tall in the 1990s when local hurlers PJ O’Connell and Ger Moroney experienced All-Ireland glory at the highest level and again in 2013 when his neighbour Patrick Donnellan walked the steps of the Hogan Stand to bring home the Liam McCarthy Cup with clubmate Conor Cooney.

He was present that historic Monday evening when the Tulla Pipers paraded the cup, players, management and backroom team through Kilkishen’s crowded street.

Later in Gallagher’s Bar, his rendering of that soul stirring local ballad ‘The Beautiful Vale of Belvoir’ brought the curtain down on a never to be forgotten Kilkishen evening.

As a hurler himself he gave many years to the green and gold as a solid,

determined corner back.

His hour of glory came in October 1968 when the Mills were crowned Intermediate Champions at the expense of a Jackie O’Gorman led Cratloe fifteen.

Turning the other side of the coin, the pangs of County Final defeats in ’54, ’77, ’86, ’90, ’93 and 2020 leaned heavily on J.P.’s hurling heart. He bemoaned the fact that his close friend Sean Hehir failed so narrowly to land that coveted County Senior medal.

Despite those disappointments few people enjoyed the game of hurling more than the affable J.P. At the time of his passing he was President of the local GAA Club, an honour he so richly deserved. His home in the townland of Killanena overlooking Clonbrick Lake stands silent now but J.P. Guinane will live long in the minds of all who knew him, especially those who live around the picturesque village of Kilkishen.

Over €255k spent on West Clare Greenway so far

by PARÁIC McMAHON OVER a quarter of a million Euro has been spent to date on the West Clare Railway Greenway.

Between feasibility studies, surveys, a strategic assessment report, a constraints study, consultant fees and options report, Clare County Council have already incurred a bill of approximately €255,000 on what is aspired to become a major tourist attraction. Of this spend, €150,000 has been on the feasibility studies.

An opening date of 2025 has been set by officials driving the project for the local authority. Initial estimates placed the expected cost at €80m.

The 85km route is split into four sections, Kilrush to Kilkee, Ennis to Ennistymon, Ennistymon to Miltown Malbay and Miltown Malbay to Moyasta. Additional funding to the tune of €800,000 was secured in December, €500,000 of which will be spent on the Kilrush to Kilkee section.

Officials in the Council’s project manage-

ment office are hopeful to submit a planning application to An Bord Pleánala in 2023 for the Ennis to Ennistymon section but are hopeful to have the Kilrush to Kilkee equivalent with the planning authority later this year.

Following the first phase public consultation event for the project held in September, feedback was received from the public and landowners on possible route options. The second phase is due to commence and will include possible routes and the emerging preferred route.

There is an estimated cost of €25m for the Ennis to Ennistymon section which will travel via Corofin.

Seán Lenihan of the project management office acknowledged that extensive engagement and consultation was “absolutely vital to the success” of the Greenway.

He cautioned that it could take An Bord Pleánala up to twelve months to make a decision, the matter goes straight to them owing to “environmental concerns and constraints”.

 TRAINING: Award-winning Odyssey Studios will deliver an exciting series of Prop-Making, Prosthetics and Model-Making workshops this March THE film industry in the Mid-West region has enjoyed great growth over the past few years and Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board continues to partner with Innovate Limerick through Film in Limerick to deliver new training initiatives in this area.

The ETB continues to work on these innovative training programmes with Film in Limerick and is excited to announce its latest project, delivered by Odyssey Studios located on the Dock Road in Limerick.

Odyssey Studios is one of Europe's largest model-making studios, providing a comprehensive in-house design and fabrication service, using the latest in modern technology.

It provides crucial support to the international film industry with model making, set design/props and unique prosthetic developments. The studio uses cutting-edge 3D computer design technology, and 3D printing and robotic manufacturing processes, allowing seamless transition from concept, to design, and into production.

Mark Maher is CEO, Founder and Creative Director at Odyssey Studios, bringing with him nearly twenty years of international experience in the industry. His credit list includes The Hobbit - The Battle of the Five Armies, The Desolation of Smaug and An Unexpected Journey, Alice Through the Looking Glass, Penny Dreadful and Into the Badlands, to name but a few.

Now Mark and his team will be bringing this much sought-after expertise to a series of fully-funded programmes at their Limerick studio, starting this March.

Commenting on the news, Paul Patton, Director of Further Education and Training

at Limerick and Clare ETB said: “We are delighted to be working with Odyssey Studios and Film in Limerick in delivering these specialised programmes as we develop the skill pool in the region for employment opportunities in the film industry.”

Programmes will include a Prop Making Workshop which will focus on prop design, moulding and casting, hero, fight and stunt weapon fabrication. It will also cover painting, weathering and ageing techniques.

A Prosthetic Make-up Workshop will cover sculpting, moulding and fabrication of gel-filled material. This programme will also cover flat mould prosthetics.

The last offering in this series is a Sci-Fi Miniature Model-Making Workshop which will cover the design and fabrication of a scifi miniature model from concept to construction. This workshop will focus on key techniques such as vacuum forming, fabrication of sheet materials, moulding and casting.

Speaking about these new programmes Paul C. Ryan, Regional Film Manager at Film in Limerick, said: “It's great to be working with Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and Odyssey Studios to deliver in-person training again and we are delighted to see new programmes in model-making, props and prosthetics set up to train and upskill local talent to work in our growing screen industries. Odyssey Studios are at the top of their game with their incredible work in film and TV in recent years and this is a fantastic opportunity to train the next generation of local talent.”

For more details on these inspiring workshops check out learningandskills.ie/film

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

NEWS

11

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Airport announce new route to Barcelona PÁRAIC MCMAHON

CITY BREAK: Barcelona

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Airport have unveiled a new service to Barcelona from Ryanair.

Commencing on Tuesday March 29th, the new service will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

This is the second service by Ryanair to the Catalonia region from Shannon Airport.

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine stated, “We know that restoring connectivity is important to our airport customers and that is why we have been working hard with our airline partners to create exciting holiday opportunities.

This is incredibly positive news for Shannon Airport. We have been working closely with Ryanair to deliver this service and are looking forward to the commencement of it at the end of March.”

Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason McGuinness said, “Girona is the perfect

destination for anyone seeking an authentic Spanish city escape, with its winding cob-

bled streets, medieval architecture and tasty Spanish cuisine”.

Girona is an exciting destination with an impressive medieval quarter at its centre and a rich heritage. Its proximity to Barcelona makes it a great base from which to explore the Costa Brava.

Barcelona is considered by many to be both the cosmopolitan and cultural capital of Spain and is famous for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural heritage, lively nightlife, sandy beaches, wonderful cuisine, and a world-class football team! Just two and a half hours flight time from Shannon, Barcelona is a popular destination for sunseekers and those looking for a city break.

In November 2019, Aer Lingus had announced new routes from Shannon to destinations including Barcelona and Paris but these services never took flight due to COVID-19.

The addition of the route to Barcelona has been a long-term target of Shannon Airport management.

Drumgeely ‘ploughed up’ as road design slammed

by PÁRAIC McMAHON AREAS of Drumgeely have been “ploughed up” by lorries traversing by St John’s National School and surrounding houses, an elected representative has claimed.

A reduction of the green space opposite the Shannon primary school was sought by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) at a recent sitting of the Shannon Municipal District.

She explained, “this is quite a small area and delivery trucks are having to go up on this area to turn around. This being directly outside a school is causing safety concerns. I am also requesting that the white lines be repainted in the parking spaces in the same area”. McGettigan said “severe damage” had been caused by the trucks with “serious safety concerns” as the trucks are turning in close proximity to the school.

Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett outlined that a request had been issued to the road design office to check the turning capacity at the location so that the required scale of adjustment could be recommended.

While seconding the proposal, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) commented, “there are quite a lot of road markings in the area that could do with refreshing, the same as a lot of areas in Shannon”.

Recalling a recent trip to the school, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) stated, “I couldn’t believe the design, layout and kerbing in the area”. He noted that waste collection services had to try manoeuvre past the kerb when doing their rounds, “the whole design

needs to be reviewed, it doesn’t make sense”.

Lorries are going into the back of housing estates throughout Shannon “and are ploughing up areas,” Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) flagged. “When they were built they weren’t built for large lorries, the whole place has been ploughed up”. O’Gorman spoke of one family living in the area which includes a pregnant woman that had to park their car at the back of the house for when they had to “race to the maternity” due to the difficulties in getting to parked cars at the front.

SAFETY: The green outside St John’s National School

Photo by Joe Buckley

13

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

in association with

Donnelly faces hospital dilemma PÁRAIC MCMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

N ORDER to tackle ongoing overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), a decision on whether to equip hospitals such as Ennis or Nenagh with more services or hire more staff to UHL will have to be made, the Minister for Health has admitted.

Repeated calls have been made for Ennis Hospital to be upgraded to a model three hospital since it was downgraded in 2019, however this stance was rejected by UL Hospitals Group in 2019. UHL’s position as one of the country’s most overcrowded hospitals has deteriorated in this time.

Speaking in Croom, Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD (FF) detailed that he would “led by the doctors” on any call to upgrade facilities such as Ennis or Nenagh.

“The advice for some time has been healthcare, particularly emergency care has become more and more specialised. What can be dangerous for the patient is coming into a hospital which doesn’t have all the specialities available”.

BEDS: Stephen Donnelly speaking to members of the media including Páraic McMahon (The Clare Echo) and Dan Danaher (The Clare Champion).

He outlined that minor injury units such as those in place at Ennis Hospital “can do a lot of heavy lifting” to ease the burden on UHL. “I know there are patients arriving into the emergency department in Limerick who undoubtedly could go to a minor injury unit, we have to make sure we have enough GPs, one of the things I was hearing is we don’t have enough GPs, they need to be re-

Proposal to go to Gardaí about Ballybeg parking

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A PROPOSAL is to be forwarded to An Garda Síochána seeking the installation of double yellow lines at the entrance to Ballybeg Woods.

“Inappropriate parking” has been cited by executive engineer in the Ennis Municipal District, Barry Conway as justification for their proposal to Gardaí to clamp down on safety concerns outside the popular walking trail located on the outskirts of Ennis. “The double yellow lines will be installed following the consultation with the Gardaí,” he stated.

An appeal to carry out a review of the current situation “which is preventing pedestrians, pedestrians with child buggies, and wheelchair users from using the footpath, thereby forcing them to walk on the road,” was sought by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF). The ongoing parking on the footpath poses “health and safety concerns,” she believed.

Speaking at a meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Colleran Molloy the “wonderful work” ongoing in Ballybeg. The addition of a new footpath was hailed as “truly fabulous”. More people are us-

ing the footpath instead of the car park for parking, she flagged.

One local woman highlighted the issue with Colleran Molloy having had to move out on the road while walking with her elderly mother who uses a Zimmer-frame. Bollards could be considered “but that is too harsh, it is about building awareness in Ballybeg that there is ample parking in the car park”.

Continued use of the footpaths for parking is “frustrating,” Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) commented. “It often reminds me of what we say about parking in Ennis, people want to park right outside the shop, here they want to park in the wood”.

The addition of yellow lines would be welcome but require enforcement, the Clarecastle representative maintained. The presence of Gardaí with speed traps in recent weeks was praised, “it is good to see them clamping down on the speed”.

According to Cllr Pat Daly (FF), “the problem is the woods have got too popular, they are beautiful woods”.

An expansion of the exist-

ing car park was suggested, “parking on the main road is fine but it is dangerous, the most I’d ever see is three or four cars in the car park”.

Support for the yellow lines was voiced by Cllr Mary Howard (FG), “there is a car park further up that is very safe and has plenty of space, there is no need to use the main road for parking”.

Appropriate signage to direct motorists to the car park is needed, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) maintained. “Maybe the car park needs to be improved, some people feel the car is vulnerable if it is left there because there isn’t much activity on the road”.

This was disputed by Cllr Colleran Molloy, “there’s very little concerns of security, it’s like being in the country and there is ample room in the car park”.

Use of Ballybeg was lauded by Cllr Ann Norton (IND), “it is one thing COVID made us realise that there is a lot of amenities within a five kilometre radius of us”. The current parking habits are placing a hindrance on persons with disabilities, “they are putting them at danger by having to go onto the road, it is something people need to be aware of”.

sourced and hired, we need really good out of hours GP coverage as well”.

Too much has been asked of UHL, he conceded. “Regardless of whether it is more emergency departments, the expert advice I get is patients who are in a really bad way need to come to a big hospital for the best care, we have to make sure all of the other parts of the system are in place as well be-

cause the whole system has to do the lifting.

What I’m seeing at the moment is University Hospital Limerick is being asked to do much of the lifting for the whole area”.

Established in December, the Regional Health Areas Advisory Group is to work to actively progress the establishment of six new Regional Health Areas (RHA). This health authority will be best placed to decide whether services are enhanced at Ennis or whether more staff will be added to UHL, Minister Donnelly stated.

This will also include a link of community and hospital care, “we shouldn’t be designing healthcare around hospital or community care, we’ve got to design it around locations, that means investing in community care, GP care, public health nurses and all of that, primary care centres and the model two hospitals, almost as the last resort for the really complex stuff you have the hospitals like University Hospital Limerick”.

Minister Donnelly told The Clare Echo that he did not believe the creation of the RHAs would strengthen the argument for Department of Health Secretary General, Robert Watt to consider taking a pay cut from his salary which will top €300,000 this year.

14 OUT & ABOUT

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

BURREN GAELS CELEBRATE DOUBLE WIN BURREN Gaels celebrated their success with a medal presentation as Clare LGFA Division 2 League Champions and Clare Intermediate Football Champions of 2021 with special guest Galway’s Olivia Divilly who is an All-Ireland club medallist with Kilkerrin-Clonberne. The social took place at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon on Friday.

l CHAMPIONS: Clare LGFA Chairman Seán Lenihan, Guest of Honour Galway's and All Ireland Club Champions KilkerrinClonberne’s Olivia Divilly and Burren Gaels Club Chairperson Mary Connole; The Burren Gaels panel of players; Ladies in Black Aisling O' Brien, Caoilinn McCormack and Theresa Collins; Sisters Lisa and Sarah Shields Photos by Burren Eye Photography

Arts & Entertainment 15

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

‘Teaching kids to read is my passion in life’ and it came out.

“And I haven’t changed too much about it since then and that was about four years ago,” she explained.

Cappa-based Meadhbh puts an emphasis on providing an avenue for adults to approach important conversations with young people about sharing thoughts and feelings.

The book, which is beautifully illustrated by Béibhínn McCarthy, follows the story of a flower who overcomes feelings of low self-esteem.

“I like a book with a message, obviously it’s lovely to pick up a book and have an enjoyable experience reading it but I do love a book as a resource,” she says.

Meadhbh is extremely “passionate” when it comes to children’s education, adding, “I’m an infant teacher so I teach kids to read all the time and I love it…I love watching the world open up to them when they do read.”

She dedicates the book on the first page to her husband, four children and godson who is currently in Kenya. “I never get to see him because he lives so far away.

I thought it would be a nice way to show him that I care about him.”

by NIAMH KINNANE

A

PRIMARY school teacher from Kilrush has delved into the world of children’s books by releasing her first publication, Rosie the Daisy.

Meadhbh Chambers told

The Clare Echo that her passion for literature and children’s education were the spark that led her to creating Rosie The Daisy, which “kind of wrote itself”.

“One day I was early for an appointment and I said I’d go and get a cup of tea. I always have a book or notebook with me, and I just started writing

Rosie The Daisy is available from the Ennis Book Shop, the Lahinch Book Shop and O’Sullivan’s in Kilrush and online from buythebook.ie.  AUTHOR: Kilrush teacher Meadhbh Chambers has written a children’s book called Rosie the Daisy

Crusheen’s Christy McNamara appointed ITMA photographer in residence PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CRUSHEEN’S Christy McNamara has been appointed as the photographer in residence at the Irish Traditional Music Archive for 2022.

Born into a family steeped in Irish traditional music, Christy’s mother Biddy was a well-known set dancer and his father Joe played in the Tulla Céilí Band alongside his uncles Paddy and PJ Hayes.

A musician, photographer and artist, Christy’s debut album, ‘The House I Was Reared In’ was released in 2007.

In 1996, the release of his book ‘The Living Note’ with the writer Peter Woods was critically acclaimed and included a wide range of his photography. He has exhibited extensively both at home and abroad and his work is held in both private and public collections.

As per its 2019 strategic plan, the ITMA’s mission is to be the national public archive and resource centre for Irish traditional music, song and dance, and the globally-recognised specialist advisory agency to advance appreciation, knowledge, and the practice of Irish traditional music. A spokesperson said the ITMA is “looking forward to working with Christy and his rich collection in 2022”.

 TALENTED: Christy McNamara

At the end of January’s Christy’s appointment to the role was confirmed.

“I’m delighted to get the news today that I will be Photographer in Residence at the Irish Traditional Music Archive for 2022. I’m really looking forward to working with the wonderful team there for the coming year,” he said.

SAVE THE SPECIAL DATE ON THE MARK: Kilmihil Community in West Clare hosted a “Mark the moment” evening on the 22/02/22 to mark that date at 22.22hrs.

It’s a unique date with 9 “2’s” and also the time 22.22hrs.

Local artist Eva Dempsey has painted a canvas which was displayed for the past two weeks so that locals could place their fingerprint on it to “Mark the Moment”.

On the evening of the 22nd the community are met at 9.30pm to walk 2km around the village before returning to the community hall for a cup of tea and to view the finished canvas.

Over 350-400 people have placed their fingerprint on the canvas.

16 FEATURES

Shine a light RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

I

F YOU’VE ever been afraid of the dark, then you know how welcome a ray of light can be. Even a small light makes a big difference in a dark place. Jesus taught those who followed Him that they were “the light of the world.”

He said that you don’t light candles and put them under baskets. When you light a candle, you put it on a candlestick so that it gives light to everyone in the room. He told us, “Let your light shine before people, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (See Matt.

5:14–16.) So in this thought for the week, I want to focus on the subject of light. Every living thing needs light.

Plants, animals and people need the light of the sun to stay healthy and continue to grow. In this life, we have two choices.

We can either be part of darkness and be part of this world or shine as lights and be different. We are all called to do good works of kindness, charity and mercy and that is to become a light to those in need around us. It is too easy to just conform to this world. Just go with the flow and simply live a life with less resistance and stay within our comfort zone. We are supposed to be different.

Be The Light

In many different faith traditions as well as in the secular world, many people are encouraged to be light to others or to bring light to others. To be the light means in times of darkness you offer hope, encouragement, kindness, love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion.

In times where others are struggling you offer a way to help them to regain their light and to help them shine again. You become as is often said a light in someone else’s storm. You help them see the good and beauty of life again.

To “Be the Light” may be to offer hope, or just to sit with someone, and be the presence and guidance they need.

It may be offering strength to those that are in a moment’s weakness, or offering a smile, hug and joy to someone in random parts of your day.

When I think of being

the light, I think of the ways other people have helped my heart to glow again and in some cases even brighter than it has in the past, from a kind word that is said, through encouragement, through a smile or hug that is given or joy that is shared.

Shine Your Light

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta recounts in one of her books her visit with some of her sisters to an elderly man living alone for a long time as an outcast on the edges of society. This man was living by himself and had no family. When the sisters entered his house, they saw that it was in a terrible mess, filled with dust. This man was tired of living and was simply waiting for death. The sisters cleaned his house.

In the process of cleaning the house, they saw a very old lamp and asked him if they could clean the lamp and light it. The man refused, saying, “For whom am I going to light the lamp; there is no light anymore in my life.” Saint Mother Teresa told him that if he let them clean the lamp and light it, she would make sure that the sisters visited him regularly to share the love of God with him. The man agreed, and they cleaned the lamp and lit it and prayed and had a meal with him.

Many years later, Saint Mother Teresa received a letter from this man that simply said, “Dear Mother Teresa, I just want to tell you that the light you lit in my life is still burning.” Whenever I read Corinthians 13: 4-13, I think of this testimony of Saint Mother Teresa, and the ordinary and extraordinary acts of kindness and love that many of us show in our relationships with others.

To love is to light the flame of life in another person.

The fire of love that we are called to light in people’s lives is the divine creative energy that gives them new life, new hope, new purpose, and a new inspiration and new courage to believe and to live again. There are so many people today whose lives are covered by the dust of pain and sorrow; and whose lives are messy like the home of this lonely man that Mother Teresa’s sisters visited. Can

we be their light?

It is our calling as fellow human beings on this journey called life to raise those who have fallen, to wipe away the tears from the eyes of those who are despairing, and to bring the light of Christ in a world that is filled with so many pockets of darkness in the brokenness and wounds of these particular times in which we now find ourselves living in.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, we must remember that the most fundamental vocation and purpose of our lives is to love.

However, love without sacrifice is empty, and love without pain is vain. Saint Mother Teresa once said that humanity has cured so many incurable diseases, but one disease that afflicts humanity today is that there are many people who feel unwanted and unloved.

May each and every one of us become God’s light and hand in the world to touch a wounded soul and heal a broken heart through acts of kindness, love, charity, mercy and forgiveness that flows from a deep place of a prayer life in union with God. May we remember the immortal words of St. Therese of Lisieux: “My life is for a moment, I am only the breath of God. O, my God teach me that for loving you and loving my neighbor, I have only today for my life is only for a moment.”

Let me leave you with a daily prayer recited by Mother Teresa and attributed to St. John Henry Newman, it was said to be among her favorites. “Dear Jesus, help me to spread Thy fragrance everywhere I go. Flood my soul with Thy spirit and love.

Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly that all my life may only be a radiance of Thine. Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel Thy presence in my soul. Let them look up and see no longer me but only Jesus. Stay with me and then I shall begin to shine as you shine, so to shine as to be a light to others. Amen.”

Whatever talents, gifts, and creative ideas you have, there is an unlimited number of ways to let your light shine.

So go ahead, be a lighthouse and spread your light for you might be the bright light that others need to see through darkness and find their way home.

Eoin Neylon

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

The pandemic is now over

A

S I write, news has emerged that, from Monday, the Government will change the laws making masks no longer obligatory in any setting, instead just advising their use, bringing an end to the last of the Covid regulations.

With it, comes the official end of the pandemic phase of Covid in Ireland almost exactly 2 years after the first case was formally identified in the Republic. The aftereffects of those two years and what it will do to people’s lives going forward cannot yet be predicted but it certainly has changed many things about our society and what we want to get from modern Ireland.

Reflecting on the past 24 months, there will undoubtedly be a lot of sadness, not just for the lives lost to Covid, but also the occasions that went unmarked, the connections lost, the time with loved ones no longer with us that we’ll never get back.

This is something that will have affected everyone, not just those who were struck down by the virus.

Nevertheless, the show must go on, and we need to get back to being ourselves as soon as possible. Time to scrap the yellow and black warning signs, the constant visual reminded of the national state of fear.

I’ll keep my snood handy, if not for anything more than the warmth in cold winter months and crowded public transport.

Not for Covid per se, but for the myriad of other infectious diseases I’ve no doubt picked up on a bus or train down through the years, from the common

cold to the flu.

History will reflect on this time and, despite all the errors made, I do think the Government of the day will generally be thought well of when examined by comparison to other countries around the World.

Yes, there was huge room for improvement, and they appeared slow to act on what many people viewed as obvious steps to take, but that said, the vaccine roll out was an international success story, as is the relatively low mortality rate compared to our neighbours in Western Europe and North America.

The early intervention to support business and instituting the PUP saved many jobs and kept many people from slipping into a poverty spiral too.

On the other side of the coin, Clare’s own Michael McNamara will also come out of this time rather well. Although at times flirting with some of the more extreme elements of society, appearing to court anti-vaxxers to some small extent, he was entirely correct, in his role as a Teacha Dála, to question Government decisions and the NPHET advise it was based on. Afterall, in such a scenario, having the full facts, transparency and accountability is paramount.

As a scientist myself, I well know that science communication must be forthright and honest if it is to be bought into, and NPHET were often found wanting on that score.

McNamara was one of the few voices in the Dáil asking the right questions to get the full facts out there, something that many opposition political parties seemed utterly petrified to do.

I might not have agreed with everything he said, or even every line of questioning he probed, but having a voice seeking transparency, and doing so in a, usually, responsible manner, is always important in our elected representatives.

Science though will, undoubtedly, emerge as the big winner from all of this.

At the end of the day, it was the global scientific effort to identify, mitigate and ultimately weaken the devastation of Covid that has seen society return to normal.

Without the unprecedented global cooperation on show, Covid would have taken multiples of the 5.9 million lives it has done to date worldwide; 6,417 of which are in the Republic and 3,180 in the North at the time of writing. And for so many of those who suffered bereavement over the past 2 years, your heart must go out to them when so many had to endure that suffering alone, because of Covid regulations.

A thought that struck me and many members of my extended family over the weekend as we said goodbye to our wonderful uncle Sean together, in the company of his amazing family.

We were able to laugh and cry and tell stories together, all part of the grieving process. A process denied to far too many throughout the pandemic, including other family members that are in my thoughts today too.

May we never ever experience such an alien concept as not being able to be there for each other in our time of need ever again. Let’s get on with living. It’s what they’d have wanted.

FEATURES 17

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

GREEN CLARE

Landowners have duty of care to cut hedges PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

HEAD of the March 1st deadline for the hedge cutting season, landowners have been reminded to carry out their responsibilities in the interest of the public’s health and safety.

In a proposal to the February sitting of Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) urged the local authority to continue the hedgerow cutting programme, urging it and the local media “to redouble their efforts to make landowners aware of their responsibility in maintaining roadside hedgerows in the interest of health and safety of all road users in advance of the, fast approaching, March 1 deadline”.

Under Section 70 of the Roads Act 1993, landowners are responsible for trees and hedgerows on or inside their boundaries adjacent to public roads.

“The Act obliges landowners

and occupiers to take all reasonable care to ensure that such trees, hedges and other vegetation are not or could not become a danger to people using or working on a public road,” senior engineer in the roads and transportation unit of Clare County Council, John Leahy replied.

Restriction on the cutting of hedges during the growing season are already publicised through the Council’s website and social media channels, Leahy advised. “Where landowners are not in compliance with the provisions of Section 70 of the above act, hedgecutting notices are served.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, it should be noted that the Council does provide a budget on an annual basis to facilitate hedgecutting along the most strategically important routes across the county and we have highlighted this hedgecutting issue with the Municipal Districts”.

Landowners and community groups can also avail of the Community Hedgecutting Scheme to

Hedge cutting

access funding to assist with the cutting of hedgerows. A total of 34 grant applications have been approved from September 2021 to date under the scheme.

Hedge cutting is always “an interesting debate,” Cllr Killeen remarked, “I’ve beaten Joe Cooney to it this year, he’s usually in around February or March looking for it to commence earlier” he quipped.

The Corofin representative appealed to the media to make landowners aware of their responsibility. He acknowledged that for some

landowners it can cost thousands to trim hedges over large sections.

“Coming from a rural area, it is something that keeps raising its head all the time, I know the lads do a good job when they do it, they do it to a certain level but with lorries and tractors they are getting hit because they are only cutting it to a certain height,” Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) commented.

Consideration to cut back hedges “completely” around crossings and railway bridges is needed, he felt.

By cutting the hedges and overgrowth “it helps the road surface to last longer, that is vitally important, a lot of our roads are suffering because there are overgrown hedges,” Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) said. “Engineers are doing fantastic work, they are getting onto landowners but my belief is that the legislation needs to be changed”.

Increased awareness of the grant scheme would help, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) observed, “go out and cut them if they need to be cut,” he added.

18 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

RICOTTA AND ROCKET TART Kearney Cooks

I

THOUGHT I would carry on from last week’s idea of affordable meals and keep it going this week with a ricotta and rocket puff pastry tart. Again I had to rely heavily on Aldi to keep everything under a fiver. But I was able to get puff pastry for €1.29, ricotta for €1.09 and rocket for 89 cent. As I had a another euro or two to spend I decided to add a punnet of mushrooms and some garlic to my basket for another €1.20 bringing my total spend to €4.47.

I’m going to assume the remaining 53 cent will cover the salt, pepper, thyme and oil I had at home. Also I would only be using a third of the rocket, half of a garlic bulb, and one sheet of the puff pastry so I would have leftover ingredients to use for another recipe.

YOU WILL NEED • 1 sheet readyrolled puff pastry • One small punnet of mushrooms sliced chunkily • 7 garlic cloves, 5 finely sliced, 2

SCARIFF PREAB GHAELTACHT DÉ MÁIRT 15 Márta 2022 Preab Ghaeltacht Leabharlann Phoiblí na Scairbhe 10.30rn Beidh Preab Ghaeltacht ar siúl sa leabharlann chun Seachtain na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh. Beidh tae agus caife ar fáil chomh maith le caint, comhrá agus comhluadar. Buail isteach chugainn agus labhair Gaeilge linn!Is imeacht soar in aisce é seo agus tá fáilte roimh chách. Cuir glaoch ar Leabharlann na Scairbhe ar 061 922893

• • • •

crushed 250g tub ricotta A pinch of thyme Salt and pepper to season A tblsp of rapeseed oil

Step One Preheat the oven to 200c and put a baking tray in there to heat up. Roll out one sheet of puff pastry onto greaseproof paper and score a border around the pastry about 1cm in from the edge.

Place the pastry still on the greaseproof paper on the baking sheet and cook for 20 minutes.

Step Two While the pastry is cooking chop your mushrooms and fry them for five minutes then add your sliced garlic and thyme and fry for a further three minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside for later. Next stir the crushed garlic through your ricotta and set aside until the pastry is ready.

Step Three Take the pastry from the

GURTEEN

oven and carefully push down the risen centre.

Spread over the ricotta mixture, then horse on the mushrooms, garlic and thyme. Bake for five to 10 minutes, then scatter over the rocket and pour over a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze.

I have deliberately kept this recipe simple to keep costs down , but extra veg such as peppers, chillies or onions would also work great on here. Nutmeg would also help lift the ricotta mix.

This recipe would comfortably feed two people or four

people if it was served with some sides. I would also pair this with a light Italian white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or a Soave (the cheapest bottle of either would ironically cost more than the whole meal).

As usual if you have any questions about this recipe or others please feel free to message me on Instagram @ stevekearney37. Also keep an eye to my insta or the Clare Echo Facebook page for the instructional video that goes with this recipe.

Enjoy

Steve K

chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil.

Tuesday 15th March 2022 - Pop-up Gaeltacht Scariff Public Library 10.30am.

Join us for a Pop-up Gaeltacht in Scariff Library to celebrate Seachtain na Gaeilge.

There will be tea and coffee as well as chat and good company. Drop in and speak Irish with us!

This is a free event and all are welcome.

Call Scariff Library on 061 922893 for more information.

GORT ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE CIARA Doran, champion swimmer from Gort, will lead the local St Patrick’s Day parade as Grand Marshall on 17th March.

Ciara won the National 5k swim three years is succession from 2015 to 2017 as well as the National 10k in 2018 and the National 17k in 2016, 2017 and 2018. She has also competed successfully in Arctic waters in Russia including a gold medal in the 200m freestyle there. Ciara broke Irish records in 2018 and 2019. Ciara is studying Sports Development and Coaching at University College, Limerick. She is at present taking

part in work placement at Gort Community School of which she is a past pupil.

Meanwhile the Parade Committee is appealing to local businesses to take part in the parade which will return to the streets after three years. The parade is an ideal opportunity for businesses to promote their goods and services for free in front of a large attendance. The theme of this year’s parade is “Gort 2022” celebrating all that is good about Gort in 2022 and the potential of the area of South Galway and North Clare for further development and improvement in the future.

ONLINE INTERVIEW SKILLS WORKSHOPS CLARE County Library in association with Jayarel Consulting will host two free Skills for Interview Success workshops in March.

As part of the Work Matters at the Library initiative, Jennifer Laudat-Smith of Jayarel Consulting will lead the workshops.

The first workshop on Thursday 3rd March from 6.30pm to 8pm will cover interview preparation: Mind-set, Appearance, Speech, Self-Analysis for Confidence and

how to prepare and handle questions.

The second workshop on Thursday 24th March from 6.30pm to 8pm will cover interview performance and how to use the period after interviews effectively: analysis, moving on and using feedback.

Jennifer will invite questions at the end of each session.

For more information or to book your place, email scarriff_library@clarecoco.ie or call (061) 922893.

SHOOTING HOOPS: Ennis Macra na Feirme men’s basketball team won the county round against Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Macra recently in Gurteen. They will now go on to represent Clare at the National Finals on February 27th in UL. (pictured above) Ennis Back Row L-R: Killian McNamara, Brian Griffey, Kieran Harvey. Front Row L-R: Chris Gallagher, Cillian Griffey. (pictured below) Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry L-R: Conor Liddy, Mike Hannon, Jack Mason, Gary Dillon.

19

The changing face of Communion and how we celebrate...

COMMUNION IN MODERN-DAY SCHOOLS STATE-RUN schools are removing formal religious instruction for pupils in Ireland which includes preparation for the First Communion, it was announced last September.

The move came from Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), as schools debate the place of religion in the classroom. Nowadays, schools operate under a multi-belief programme in their classes but there is time allocated for religious instruction.

This can take the form of a number of things - but most of us will remember it as all the time spent rehearsing for our Communion before the big day finally arrived and we celebrated with our family with lunch, and possibly a visit to the Burren or Bunratty if we were lucky.

According to the changes, students will still receive religious instruction and practice for their Holy Communion but it will be done outside the school day.

SHOPPING The day itself is a happy one, but can be expensive which is why it’s important to shop around when dressing up your

loved one.

Depending on where you are based, The Family Store in Kilrush and CD2 in Ennis are very good starting points as they specifically cater for suits for the young’uns (and girls communion dresses in the case of The Family Store) Also look to Carmody Shoes in Ennis that would be happy to supply you with the perfect shoe for your loved ones big day.

WHERE DID COMMUNION COME FROM? The early Church celebrated Jesus by taking communion, sometimes every day. They saw that every time they gathered around a table to eat and drink, it was a chance to recognize Jesus and thank God for all He’s done.

Jesus started the tradition of communion. He instructed His followers to use bread and wine to remember the sacrifice He was going to make when He died for our sins on the cross.

Jesus called Himself “the bread of life,” which means that we’re nourished by Him, we survive because of Him, and He satisfies us when everything else leaves us empty.

There’s a connection between our nearness to Jesus, believing in Him, and being fulfilled by Him.

20

8 great confirmation and

W

HETHER you are celebrating a communion or confirmation, once the formalities and meal are out of the way, some families might be tempted to mark the occasion with a special day out for the newly confirmed youngster.

With Irish weather playing a great role in the opportunities for family days out, we’ve endeavored to give some indoor and outdoor options.

1

WEATHER PERMITTING OPTIONS . A DAY OUT IN THE BURREN With the bustle of everyday life, it can be all too easy to forget that we live on the doorstep of one of Ireland’s most precious landscapes. There are a multitude of marked walks available across the Burren, all varying in distance depending on your ability and enthusiasm. Go to https:// www.burrennationalpark.ie/walking-trails/ for a range of options. There are also some historical, natural and geological gems in

breathtaking. As much a historical landmark as they are a geographical wonder,

the area and a number of brilliant tourist and visitor centres such as the Ailwee Caves and Birds of Prey Centre, or The Burren Centre in Kilfenora which reopens on March 12.

2

. CLIFFS OF MOHER

Like more than the million plus visitors who come to see them each year, you can look forward to a trip never to be forgotten and it’s only a short trip in the car. There’s no better time to visit as the large crowds are still at bay. This is Ireland at its most natural, rugged, panoramic and

conservation hotspot and area of immense natural richness and importance.

3

.BUNRATTY CASTLE FOLK PARK

AND

This castle, almost like a fortress for County Clare as you pass it on the dual carriageway, brings education and entertainment together so makes for a brilliant day out for all the family. Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is a living working museum and is a window on Ireland’s Past. Set on 26 acres the experience includes a look at: Medieval Irish Life at the 15th Century Bun-

ratty Castle, traditional rural living through the 30 buildings, the thatched farmhouses and cottages of the 19th century and village life with the village street having the pub, the school, traditional shops, doctors house, pawnbrokers and 18th century Bunratty House. A typical visit varies between 1 and 4 hours and don’t forget to visit and enjoy traditional Irish farm animals, horses donkeys, pigs, sheep, deer, Irish Wolfhounds and for the little ones - the playground.

21

communion day out ideas 5

4

. CRAGGAUNOWEN

At Craggaunowen you gain a fascinating insight into how the Celts made their homes on a Crannog. Crannogs were found in Ireland during the Iron Age and early Christian periods. Though some homesteads were inhabited during the Late Bronze Age and in some cases were still being occupied as late as the 17th century.

Also operated by Shannon Heritage, this is a visitor attraction that will bring your child’s imagination to life.

. GET WET AND WILD IN KIL- ENJOYING THE GREAT...

RUSH INDOORS

As the park reopens for the season in April, West Coast Aqua Park is the perfect day out for those celebrating their communion days. West Coast Aqua Park is an epic adventure for all the family to enjoy.

Jump, slide, climb and bounce your way around our inflatable obstacle course on the water. Beat the obstacles, race your friends and family- watch them get totally wiped out - an unforgettable experience.

6 7

. PLANET ENTERTAINMENT

Bowling, laser tag, astroturf soccer, pool and arcade games. Need we say any more? Contact the team at the Planet to enquire about parties on 065 6866777.

. OMNIPLEX SHANNON

This 6 screen cinema located in the heart of Shannon on the first floor of Skycourt shopping centre is the premium

place to watch the newest releases in County Clare. Featuring laser projection, Dolby Digital surround sound, and the classic Omniplex rocker chairs, other features include Click & Collect, wheelchair accessible screens & Candy King Pick’N’Mix. For more visit https://omniplex.ie/cinema/ shannon.

8

. LET’S FACE IT, WE’RE GOING HOME

The weather of late hasn’t been the most enticing and you wouldn’t be blamed for retreating the troops home once the occasion and lunch has been taken care of.

Thank God for Netflix!

22 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

Clare Businesses encouraged to take advantage of Local Enterprise Week

B

by STUART HOLLY USINESSES across Clare are being encouraged to take advantage of the array of events and topics at this year’s Local Enterprise Week.

The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices takes place from the 7th to 11th March with over 220 events for businesses and entrepreneurs taking place in person and online across the country.

The theme of this year’s Week is “Making It Happen” and is focused on helping businesses to look forward and to future proof themselves for the years ahead. The full listings for the week and have been announced with 10 events taking place in Clare Along with the specific local events the Local Enterprise Offices have 12 national Spotlight events that are available online, taking place across the week and open to all small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. These events are free to join online and cover everything from digitalisation and exporting to future proofing your business and boosting your business online.

Cllr PJ Ryan, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council said: “Supporting start-up businesses is key to achieving a thriving local economy and Clare County Council through Local Enterprise Office Clare is playing a leading role in this regard by providing a wide range

of supports on an ongoing basis. Clare Local Enterprise Week presents the local business community with an ideal opportunity to find out about these supports, learn from each other’s experiences, and to showcase their operations, ideas or plans. I encourage people to take some time out from running their business and use the opportunity to hear from leading experts, other enterprise owners and develop new contacts along the way.”

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Clare said: “Initiatives like Local Enterprise Week are more important than ever as they showcase all the supports that are available to small businesses and start-ups now. As well as the twelve ‘Spotlight’ events, we are offering a full programme of events over the five days of Local Enterprise Week. Our advice to all local businesses and to those with a business idea, is to have a look at the events taking place by visiting LocalEnterprise.ie/Clare and to book early.”

Local Enterprise Week is the perfect opportunity for many businesses to dip into a specific area of interest and gather information on a topic that may be relevant to their business now or in the future. It also provides the perfect opportunity for someone who may be interested in starting a business to get an idea of some of the key areas of fo-

LEO: Cllr PJ Ryan, Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council, Padraic McElwee,Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Clare and Sean Torpey

Photo by Arthur Ellis

cus and how to take those first steps.

The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have helped provide a range of supports to small businesses including mentoring,

training, sector specific expert consultancy and financial supports to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.

For more Information on Local Enterprise Week and to find information on the National Spotlight Events and specific events in your area go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/ Week or www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Clare

Cliffs View Cafe, Cliffs of Moher, Co.Clare

WE ARE HIRING!

Catering Assistant, Supervisor & Manager Positions Available Full time, Permanent, Seasonal, & Part time Contracts Perks Include: Extremely Competitive Rates of Pay, Daytime Shifts, Advance Roster, Lunch Provided plus more

SEND YOUR CV TO ops@brambles.ie

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

Local Enterprise Office Clare

To book visit localenterprise.ie/clare

In partnership with

23

24 RECRUITMENT

'Covid anxiety has been replaced'

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

RISING prices is the headline story of 2022 and it’s here to stay. At 5.5 per cent, inflation is at a level not seen since April 2001 and the optimism felt by businesses emerging from the pandemic has been replaced by more uncertainty.

STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

HE Clare Echo contacted businesses across the county to investigate if the squeeze is already being felt by local companies.

The four-star Shannon Springs Hotel has not increased its prices, noting that a price review wasn’t high on its priority list when they were given the green light to reopen fully following two treacherous years of onagain, off-again restrictions. “We were just glad to be open,” says co-owner Dermot Kelly. However Mr Kelly, who is chair of the Irish Hotels Federation in the Shannon region, says inflation has been “exponential”.

“We’re seeing increases of 100 per cent.

Bills that would have been €7,000 for electricity, we’re seeing €14,000 for the same month on previous years. We’re also seeing our insurance costs – even though we have been partially closed for the last two years – have gone up despite a low occupancy and low footfall. These are outside of our control

as well but they’ve gone up by 24 per cent year-on-year.” He adds that hotels have also had to contend with increased costs on fresh produce such as meat and fish.

Margaret O’Brien, CEO of Ennis Chamber of Commerce, says retailers are already “feeling the pinch and worried about what’s coming down the track”. “It’s two-fold. Retailers are worried now because they don’t know how temporary or long-term this reaction from customers will be. There definitely seems to be more hesitancy about spending money at the moment, and obviously then in terms of running their own business, they’re facing the same inflationary difficulties as consumers are in their home. It’s about budgeting, it’s about the cost of running the business. I’d say they’re worried.”

From her discussions with retailers, Ms O’Brien says businesses “would have to think twice” about price increases. “If people haven’t got the money in their purse, how are they going to squeeze it out of them? I think one anxiety has replaced another, the Covid anxiety has been replaced by the inflation anxiety.”

The Clare Echo also spoke to Cargo King, a transport company based in Newmar-

 INFLATION: Margaret O'Brien, Ennis Chamber of Commerce Photo by Arthur Ellis

ket-on-Fergus involved in the airfreight sector and linehaul for one of the main parcel distribution companies. Their biggest variable costs each year are insurance, fuel and wages. Director Aengus King admits this year has been “exceptional” when examining their yearly budgeting. Equipment costs have increased by approximately 30 per cent, diesel has increased by 40 per cent. Cargo King recently invested in CNG gas trucks in a bid to reduce its carbon footprint and running costs, however CNG gas has increased by more than 100 per cent in the last 12 months. “We are currently negotiating pricing with our customers but we expect there is no way we can recoup the full increase in our costs,” says Aengus.

With a membership of over 300 companies in the greater Shannon area, representative of a diverse range of sectors, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said that rising costs are impacting Shannon-based companies’ competitiveness and there is a danger that some clients will take their business to Asia “which is worrying, as once the business is lost it’s very challenging to win it back in the future. This means that to compete and win business, companies must absorb the rising costs”.

“Overall, companies are feeling the pressure of inflation both on the rising cost of material and labour. Key drivers are gas,

electricity, petrol prices. Material inflation is anything up to +30 per cent and labour the same, and in some instances higher because many of the roles that companies are hiring for are in high-demand and people are opting to contract while the market is strong.

Contract costs per hour are double that for permanent positions.”

“The traditional SME is potentially where the biggest impact will be,” added Ms Downes.

Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Clare, says that while businesses for the most part have come out the other side of the pandemic in a healthy place, their clients are concerned by inflation. “They don’t use the word inflation, they see rising costs, which is effectively the same thing but it’s probably a different language. I think all of them were hoping that it would be a transitory in nature but are now beginning to wonder if it’s more sticky, for want of a better word.”

For full article, go to https://www.clareecho. ie/the-sunday-readc ov i d - a n x i e t y - h a s been-replaced-by-inflation-anxiety/ or scan the QR code with your phone.

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

NEWS

25

Beautiful homes all over the County

Property

61 AUGHANTEEROE, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

105 GLEANN CORA, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO. CLARE

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

€229,000

€220,000

7 RADHARC AN LOCHA, BALLYALLA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

26

€525,000

No.61 Aughanteeroe is a fantastic 4bedroom semi-detached dwelling located in this popular development within walking distance of Ennis town centre and easy access to the M18 Galway/Limerick motorway. The property is situated in a cul de sac of the development with the benefit of off street private parking to the front for 2 vehicles and lawn area with an abundance of colour from flowers, trees and mature planting. There is gated side access leading to the rear garden which is south west facing and meticulously landscaped. Internally, the property is presented in excellent decorative order throughout with the benefit of 4 bedrooms and an abundance of space and light throughout.

The house further benefits from a large attic room with Velux window. The property has been upgraded in the last number of years achieving a B3 building energy rating. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

FANTASTIC 3 bed semi-detached property located towards the rear of the development overlooking large communal green area, within walking distance of all local amenities in Newmarket on Fergus village and within easy access to the M18 Limerick/Galway motorway.

The property has off street parking to the front for 2 vehicles with decorative stone flower bed areas and gated side access to the landscaped rear garden. The rear garden enjoys lawn area, paved dining areas, timber storage shed and the benefit of not being overlooked to the rear.

Complete with oil central heating and access to all mains services, the property was constructed in 2008 and is presented in excellent decorative order by its current owner. Viewing is strongly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agent.

NOT often does a property come for sale in this very exclusive cul de sac of just 8 detached homes, No. 7 is a fantastic 5 bedroom detached family home just 150 meters from Ballyalla Lake and within short reach of Ennis town centre and the M18 motorway. The property is presented for sale in impeccable condition throughout boasting an elevated site with the wrap around tarmacadam drive accessed via the gated entrance which leads to both the detached garage, manicured lawns, patios, decking and a boundary boasting mature trees and hedgerows.

On entering the vast entrance hallway, doors lead to the stunning main reception and incredible open plan kitchen/living/dining which further connects to the adjoining sun lounge and utility.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

ATLANTIC VIEW COTTAGE, DOOLIN, CO. CLARE 16 BED - 12 BATH - 511 M² - DETACHED

€950,000 STUNNING development of 6 luxury cottages. Set in the heart of the Burren National Park on a stunning elevated 7 acre secluded site offering incredible views of the Wild Atlantic, the Aran Islands and stunning cliff faces, Atlantic View Cottages are superbly maintained and presented with many old world charm features, with flagstone floors, open hearth fireplaces, traditional kitchens, sash style windows, just some of the many features worth mentioning.

Each home offers bright spacious and well proportioned living accommodation and each enjoys access to the landscaped and dry stone walled central courtyard, open green area, picnic patio, hidden adventure playground and ample carparking.

Located on the edge of the historic Burren in northwest County Clare, and within easy reach of the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the unique Aran Islands, Doolin’s dramatic landscape cannot easily be forgotten.

Doolin is the home of traditional Irish music and is a vibrant home to some of the region’s best accommodation, eateries, and beautiful local shops.

Atlantic View cottages would make a fantastic investment, family or group purchase with viewing highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

24-02-22

Clare Echo THE

pg 27

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

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2, ROUND 3: ROSCOMMON 0-09 CLARE 0-09 AT DR HYDE PARK, ROSCOMMON

‘Fair result’ for unbeaten Clare COLM COLLINS, CLARE MANAGER: “I thought we did very well in the first half against the elements, we were in a really good position at half-time going in a point down. The wind was so strong, it was just as hard to play with it as against it, at the end of the day I think a point was a fair result, there’s plenty of points on offer in this Division yet, we’ve to go after them and that’s it.

“Keep the ball and not give it away handy, that was the plan in the first half. In these kind of conditions, you would need two game plans, thankfully the game went ahead, credit to Roscommon the

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Cian O’Dea

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

pitch was in great nick.

“The compacted season has a knock-on effect, you don’t have much leeway, thankfully we’ve our three games played and we look forward to Derry next Sunday.

“We’re very happy with the bunch of players we have and we think we’re a match for anybody, we just go after the points in our Division. It’s a very competitive Division, there’s very little between all the teams, we’re battle-hardened.”

at half-time, it was the sort of a day, when you had the wind you thought it was easier but sometimes it was easier play against, it was so swirly and the intensity of the wind was so high. We would be happy with our second half performance, we probably thought we did enough going three points up to have won it but fair play to Clare, they fight to the bitter end every match they play. We’re disappointed with the first half but for us we’re not defeated.”

ANTHONY CUNNINGHAM, ROSCOMMON MANAGER: “We’d have taken a draw

REFEREE: Patrick Maguire (Longford)

CLARE: Frees for: 17 (10/7) Wides: 6 (2/4) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 0-08 Top scorer: Podge Collins (0-02), Eoin Cleary (0-02) Bookings: Darren O’Neill (35), David Tubridy (72) Own kickouts won: 10 from 15 (67%)

Compiled by Páraic McMahon ROSCOMMON: Frees for: 24 (9/15) Wides: 6 (5/1) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 0-05 Top scorer: Donie Smith (0-04 4f) Bookings: Niall Kilroy (35), Ultan Harney (black) (62) Own kickouts won: 11 from 15 (73%)

Collins, Harnett out long-term

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

EXPERIENCED defenders, Sean Collins and Kevin Harnett are highly unlikely to see action in this year’s Allianz National Football League, while Joseph McGann will be available for selection when Clare welcome Derry on Sunday.

Clare boss, Colm Collins told The Clare Echo that the long-serving pair of Seán Collins and Kevin Harnett are dealing with long-term injuries and are currently not in management’s plans as they sit in fourth position in the Allianz NFL Division 2 table with four points from three games.

In their absence, Éire Óg’s Manus Doherty has been handed a corner-back berth in his debut season with Cillian Rouine of Ennistymon and St Breckans’ Alan Sweeney receiving starting jerseys for all of their League encounters to date.

Clare SFC winner Ronan Lanigan and Daniel Walsh of Kilmurry Ibrickane are also pushing for a place in the backline.

Kilmihil native, Colm indicated that Collins and Harnett along with Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Dermot Coughlan who has been dogged with ankle and knee injuries plus Darragh Bohannon are on course to be back in the mix come championship when Clare face Limerick in the Munster SFC quarter-final on April 30th.

Meanwhile, lightning quick forward Joseph McGann has returned to the panel following a brief hiatus after the McGrath Cup. The St Breckans clubman was close to making the matchday panel for Sunday’s draw, however he has not lined out in this year’s League campaign to date.

Memorably in last year’s Allianz National Football League, the Doolin man scored a match-winning goal fresh from his introduction off the bench to see Clare record their first ever win in Newbridge at the expense of Kildare.

Sigerson medal Fitzgibbon Cup glory for Clare hurlers for McInerney

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

ENNIS’ Mark McInerney is celebrating adding to a growing medal collection, writes Páraic McMahon.

Mark was part of the NUIG panel which claimed the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup, their first time winning the coveted silverware since 2003.

NUIG overcame UL 0-12 1-06 at IT Carlow on Wednesday last to make up for their disappointment in losing the 2018 decider. Maurice Sheridan’s side won the Sigerson Cup for the 23rd time and are now joint second in the roll of honour with UCC. McInerney who has been added to Colm Collins’ Clare panel has now added the Sigerson title to his medal collection which also includes a Clare senior football championship with Éire Óg in 2021, scoring a crucial goal in the final against Kilmurry Ibrickane.

Success is no stranger to the McInerney household, Mark’s father Francis was captain of the Clare footballers crowned Munster champions in 1992 while he has several Clare SFC medals to his name from the Doonbeg dominance of the 1990s. His twin sister, Alana is currently part of the Irish Six Nations squad and is continuing to impress for Munster.

Man of the match, Cathal Heneghan though from Roscommon has plenty of links to the Banner County. Although only introduced at half-time, he would kick 0-03 to put NUIG ahead in difficult conditions and his exploits were keenly watched by his relations in Feakle, Bodyke, Barefield and Newmarket.

Crusheen’s Michael O’Connor, current Vice Chairman of Clare GAA, is the gaelic games officer with NUIG. On the losing side for UL were Kilmurry Ibrickane’s Daniel Walsh, Emmet McMahon of Kildysart, Kilmihil’s Ciaran Downes, and Oisin Looney from St Joseph’s Miltown

FITZGIBBON CUP medals are making their way back to Co Clare following the success of the University of Limerick.

A dramatic finale saw Waterford’s Mikey Kiely step up with a vital last minute goal, again, to ensure victory for Brian Ryan’s UL on a score of 1-21 2-15 and deny NUIG a Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup double. It is the seventh time UL have won the competition which they last claimed in 2018.

Without question, the game turned following the dismissal of Cian Lynch on a straight red card. NUIG had led by five points up until the controversial decision to send off the two-time Hurler of the Year, UL found another gear when the Patrickswell man made his way to the sideline hitting 1-05 without reply. The call by referee Fergal Horgan and linesman Sean Cleere to issue a straight red card for a mild infringement with Bryan O’Mara has been highly criticised.

Mike Gough of Smith O’Briens featured for the full hour at corner back, Clarecastle’s Cian Galvin started and played the first thirty seven minutes at wing back, he was replaced by Ross Hayes with the Crusheen man firing a point with his first touch. Rian Considine of Cratloe, formerly a member of the county senior hurling panel was an unused substitute for UL. Scariff duo Mark Rodgers and Daniel Treacy were also part of the panel. Rodgers had been the chief goal scorer for UL

Clare representative with the UL Fitzgibbon Cup winning hurlers, Ronan Keane (gaelic games officer), Michael Gough, Rian Considine, Cian Galvin, Mark Rodgers, Daniel Treacy, Ross Hayes.

up until an injury ended his involvement in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final against IT Carlow on Thursday night, the outcome of a scan to determine to extent of his knee injury is not yet known, the promising attacker spent Saturday’s final in crutches.

Treacy had been corner back for the majority of UL’s run except the semi-final and final. Their fathers, Ger and Dan were part

of the first UL side to taste Fitzgibbon Cup glory in 1989.

Ronan Keane, an All-Ireland intermediate winner with the Kevin Kennedy managed Clare in 2011 and a member of the Éire Óg club is the Gaelic Games officer with UL while O’Callaghans Mills’ John Lenihan serves as the President of UL GAA club.

24-02-22

pg 28

ALL IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE SEMI-FINAL: SCARIFF OGONNELLOE 0-02 OULART-THE-BALLAGH (WEXFORD) 3-11 @ CLONMEL

‘Days like this will drive us on’ Compiled by Derek Dormer

OULART THE BALLAGH: Frees for: 10 (8/2) Wides: 2 (2/0) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 2-07 Top scorer: Ursula Jacob (1-05 4f) Bookings: None Puckouts won: 4 from 5 (80%) SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE Frees for: 11 (7/4) Wides: 3 (1/2) Spread of scorers: 1 Scores from play: None Top scorer: Aisling Corbett (0-2 2f) Booking: Bonnie Wiley Murphy (8) Puck outs won: 8 from 14 (57%) URSULA JACOB, OULART THE BALLAGH FORWARD: “As I said to the Scariff/Ogonelloe manager that scoreline doesn’t show how tough it was and how sore I am after a great battle. We had a nice lead at half time but those were the toughest conditions I’ve ever played in so we weren’t taking anything for granted. Our use of the ball was something we’ve worked really hard on and we needed those two goals.

“We are delighted to be back in the All Ireland final but we got some battle out there today. We knew coming here how good Scariff Ogonelloe are and all our focus was on them. Now we can focus on two weeks’ time and I’m really looking forward to it.”

DAVID SULLIVAN, SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE MANAGER: “I can’t fault the girls, we fought to the bitter end, if we want to be All-Ireland champions then these are the teams we have to beat, we have to learn through the process today. As difficult and all as it is to look at the scoreboard, the day we do walk up the Hogan Stand and do become victorious in an All-Ireland club championship, days

Scariff Ogonnelloe’s Rachel Minogue leaves the field disappointed

like this will drive us on.

“We were asking girls to play in conditions like this, the likes of Ursula Jacob, Una Leacy, Shelley and Stacy Kehoe have something like 20 All-Irelands between them, we’re asking 16 and 17-year olds to go out and be better than them, it is one bridge too far but I have to commend the girls as always, we never gave up.

“There was two girls there at the start of the second half, we could have fell to pieces and it could have been seven or eight goals but the girls got the two scores at the end to put a bit of respectability on the scoreboard, I couldn’t be more proud of their efforts and endeavour all the way

Photo by Ryan Byrne / INPHO

through the game. As great and all as it is to win, you probably find out more about yourself on days like today, if we want to go further as a club this is where we have to get to, it’s a harsh lesson but it’s a lesson we will have to learn and come back stronger from it.

“In the first round of the championship we were the third or fourth best team in Clare according to a lot of people, we had some marvellous days out this year, the Munster final and county final replay in Broadford those memories will stay with us for the rest of our lives. Today is a harsh lesson and it is tough to take because we fully believed coming down here today that we could

do it, we weren’t here to make up the numbers because we put 14 months of solid effort into this but today we met a rock that we couldn’t move.

“You could see the difference in their physicality and how they moved the ball against the wind, only three or four people on the group used today were over 24, the rest are only children still learning their game and having to develop physically.

“It won’t be always bad days when we get to this stage, I know we’ve lost twice at this stage but we will make the breakthrough but it is about perseverance and keeping the girls together, just getting them older, wiser and stronger as the years go on, we will eventually make our way up the steps of the Hogan Stand, I’ve no doubt about it.

“We have to go back and defend Clare again which is hugely important for the club. We don’t want to win one Clare like we did in 2019 and fade away in 2020 to come back in 2021, if we want to be here on a regular basis and make that step then we have to make sure we take care of our own business in our county first, that is our next aim, we’ll be back in a few weeks time but we deserve a good break because there has been a long process. Our goal is to bring on other young girls in the club, get Aoife Power, Ciara Doyle and Marian Rodgers back playing and get physically stronger, this won’t derail us, we were in bonus territory today, I tried as much as I could to say that in the lead up to today’s game but there’s eleven All-Ireland final appearances between the other three teams, we’ve yet to make one, it was always going to be a struggle no matter who we played but I’m so proud of the girls”.

REFEREE: Liz Dempsey (Kilkenny)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

NATIONAL SENIOR CAMOGIE LEAGUE LITTLEWOODS DIVISION 1, ROUND 1: CORK 2-06 CLARE 0-04 AT CUSACK PARK

Defeat to Rebels a ‘learning curve’ Compiled by Seamus Hayes

DAVY FITZGERALD, CORK SENIOR CAMOGIE COACH: “Absolutely delighted with the result but a bit disappointed with what happened on the sideline [which led to his sending off]. I don’t think that there was any need for it but that’s the way it goes.

“I thought Clare played really well and they used the ball well in the first half. I always knew in the second half that they were going to bring thirteen or fourteen bodies back which would make it tough for us to score. Clare did well and they worked the ball well but the only thing is they need to get more scores.

“We missed a goal in the first half and one or two in the second half but I was happy enough with the performance.

Coming here isn’t easy. The Clare girls did well, they are trying to do the right thing.

It was tough going”.

CONOR DOLAN, CLARE SENIOR CAMOGIE JOINT MANAGER: “We are using the league as development and preparation for the championship and our aim is to be in Croke Park later in the year.

“Conditions were shocking. We proba-

CORK: Scores from play: 1-6 Spread of scorers: 5 Top scorer: Amy O’Connor (1-02) Frees for: 9 (4/5) Wides: 7 (3/4) Yellow cards: Ciara O’Sullivan (25), Amy O’Connor (60) Red card: Davy Fitzgerald, coach (55)

bly should have built a lead when we had the wind. Our defensive structure was absolutely fantastic throughout the game.

Look, this is a learning curve. We had five girls that made their senior inter county debut and another came in for her senior debut, so that’s six playing at this level for the first time. We have the Scariff/Ogonnelloe girls to come back in and also Niamh O’Dea to co me back from injury and a few others. Its a good stepping stone.

“We can’t fault the girls. Overall maybe Cork deserved the victory but it’s slight margins and with a small bit of luck here and there things might have been different”.

CLARE: Scores from play: 0-3 Spread of scorers: 3 Top scorer: Aine O’Loughlin (0-02) Frees for: 16 (4/12) Wides: 8 (7/1) Yellow cards: Aoife Keane (10); Regan Conway (57) Red card: Conor Dolan, joint manager (55)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

REFEREE: John Dermody (Westmeath) Aine O’Loughlin scored 0-02 in the opening round defeat

Burren Eye Photography

pg 29

24-02-22

Tony Kelly returns to action in training game

THREE time All Star, Tony Kelly is in line for a return to the Clare colours after partaking in a full internal training game on Saturday, writes Páraic McMahon.

Brian Lohan’s Clare are currently without a win in two outings in the Allianz National Hurling League following defeats to Cork and Wexford. They will hope to collect their first victory of the

Ennistymon CBS celebrate their victory at the weekend

ENNISTYMON CBS claimed the Corn Risteard Uí Mhathúna (Munster Senior Hurling C championship) beating Presentation School Ballingarry 2-22 to 1-07.

An early goalmouth scramble ended up with Keith Barry raising a green flag for the North Clare school. It was a very onesided affair in the first half with CBS up by 19 points at half time.

Scoring wasn’t as plentiful in the second half, Ennistymon CBS hitting 1-05 but Niall Mullins sealed the win for the Jason Daffy managed side when he powered past the Ballingarry goalkeeper in close quarters While they were without Brendy Rouine for the provincial football success, the hurlers had to do without Inagh/Kilnamona senior hurler Josh Guyler when running out 18 point winners.

“I’m thrilled for the lads, they have played so well throughout the campaign and were up for today’s match. We had a tough game against Killmallock two weeks ago and we’ve been gunning for today’s victory since. It’s tough on the boys, playing such important games in both hurling and football the last few weekends without a break but we are just putting our heads down and

Saturday and is said to be available for selection for Lohan and his management for Clare’s upcoming League encounters against Offaly, Limerick and Galway.

Peter Duggan partook in some of Saturday’s game but is further away from a return to action.

Full article at clareecho. ie/kelly-returns-to-actionduring-clare-training-match/

Woodstock Spring league starts All photos by John Sheridan

Munster heroes pride of Ennistymon CBS

by JOHN SHERIDAN

campaign when they travel to Offaly this Sunday.

Adding a timely boost is the return to action of Ballyea’s Tony Kelly. The 2013 Hurler of the Year underwent surgery on an ankle injury in October and had always targeted a return to action by the middle of the NHL. Kelly impressed at centre forward during an internal game in Cusack Park on

getting on with it,” manager Jason Daffy said.

Principal Mary Lyons spoke of her pride at seeing the school’s success. “I am exceptionally proud of the boys and their achievement in winning both football and hurling Munster Titles. Having attended the semi-finals and finals, I witnessed the huge work rate, skill, determination and never say die attitude of the lads in both squads.

“This work rate and attitude will no doubt stand to them in their academic lives and careers in the future. Many years and great teams have passed through the CBS since the last time we had Munster Football success in 1988/89 under the guidance of Mr Clohessy.”

Tara Rynne who is manager of the victorious football side is now looking forward to the school competing in All-Ireland semi-finals. “It’s a huge achievement for our small school to reach the Munster finals in both codes, and to come away with the win both days out is extraordinary. It’s nothing short of what the boys deserve. They have put in so much work the last few months, and years and have so much talent. We will prepare now for 2 All-Ireland Semis in the next few weeks and give it our best shot”.

by SEAMUS HAYES

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Eighteen teams will compete in the Woodstock golf club’s Spring league this year with the first round scheduled for this weekend.

The big entry means that the top eight teams will qualify for the matchplay section of the competition.

The format for the opening round this week will be a team of four scramble while there will be a similar competition for those not involved in the league.

Teams taking part in the league are as follows 1: Brendan Neylon, Jonathan Clohessy, Michael Coughlan, Tyrone Kearse; 2: Ray Hallahan, Colm McEnery, Callum Hayes, Sean Crowe; 3: Kevin Toner, Seosamh O’Riordan, Mattie O’Brien, Tom O’Donoghue; 4: Cathal Nagle, Noel Moloney, John Dempsey, Eugene Killeen; 5: Paddy Meehan, Eugene Conroy, Brian Kilker, Dickie Pyne; 6: Alan Markham, Ronan O’Looney, Joe McInerney, Conor McMahon; 7: Ray, Eddie and Stephen Casey and Frank McEnery; 8: Ross Darmody, Colm O’Callaghan, John Brennan, Jonathan O’Loughlin; 9: Brian Keogh, Joe Hurley, Michael and Cathal O’Neill; 10: Cathal McCoy, Dylan Sinclair, Stephen Spencer, P.J. Carmody; 11: Aidan, Noel and Brian Mulcahy and Andrew Kenny; 12: Eoghan O’Brien, Ray Grogan, Pat O’Brien, Pat McMahon; 13: Kieran Dromey, Barry McNicholl, Jarlath Fahy, Seamus Kelly; 14: John McBride, Joe Kelly, Dermot O’Neill, Frank Tone; 15: Kieran and Michael Crosbie, Niall Higgins, Mike O’Malley; 16: Gary Thompson, Ronan Lynch, Sean Howard, Johnny Clune; 17: Colm Mullen, Bernardo Kelly, Ruairi Breen, Jimmie Kelly; 18: Kevin Hayes, Harry McEnery, Conal O’Reilly,

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Greg Fogarty Meanwhile members interested in representing the club in this season’s Pierce Purcell competition should put their names on the sign up sheet in the men’s changing room. The closing date for entries is March 20 and the team will be managed by Cathal O’Neill, Paddy Meehan and Brian Kilker.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The very inclement weather conditions last week resulted in a smaller than usual entry for the Spring league singles at Kilrush where the winner was Noel Thornton (12) with 28 points.

CLARE FOOTBALL CLASSIC: The annual team of four golf classic in aid of Clare football will take place on Friday April 29 at Woodstock. There will also be times available on Thursday April 28.

Because of Covid 19, this event did not take place in the last two years but it is returning this year and now that restrictions have been lifted another big turnout is expected.

A timesheet is in operation and teams can be booked through any of the organising committee which includes Colm Collins, Kevin Callinan, Ciaran Browne, Michael Clancy, Mary Keane, Niomh Madigan, Tommy Tubridy and Seamus Hayes or through any of the senior team management or senior panel.

COMPETITIONS CANCELLED: Like many sports events, golf competitions in many clubs throughout the county were cancelled last weekend due to the inclement weather conditions. All are hopeful that the weather will improve and that courses will re-open ahead of this weekend’s scheduled fixtures.

24-02-22

pg 30

Avenue advance to last 16 of Munster Junior Cup

Ennis Town; Aidan Jordan; Stephen Horgan, Eoin Keenan, Johnston Munumkum, Sean Perrill, Conor O’Halloran, Thomas Collins, Dean Hegarty, Donal O’Halloran, Yashir Aliu, Davy Keenan; Subs: Jason Cussen for Hegarty; Conor Meaney for D. O’Halloran; Ultan Shields for Horgan; Peter O’Brien for Collins;

by SEAMUS HAYES AVENUE United will carry Clare hopes in the last 16 of the Munster Junior Cup thanks to their 3-1 win over Youghal at Lees Road on Sunday.

A 2-0 away win to Yellowstone in Dublin a week earlier means that they are Clare’s only remaining team in this season’s FAI Junior Cup having qualified for the last 16 in that competition also.

Ennis Town and Shannon Town both bowed out of the Munster competition on Sunday when they went down to Cork opposition. Ennis Town finished at the wrong end of a seven-goal tie away to Avondale while Shannon Town lost on a 1-0 scoreline away to Carrigaline B in Cork.

AVENUE UNITED EXTEND WINNING RUN

SHANNON TOWN BOW OUT IN GAME OF FEW CHANCES Carrigaline B (Cork) 1 Shannon Town 0

A galeforce wind and driving rain made conditions very difficult for Shannon Town in this tie with Carrigaline.

Because of the difficult conditions, there were few scoring opportunities. After a scoreless first half, the home side broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half.

Ten minutes from time the visitors had a chance to draw level.

Substitute T.J. O’Dwyer’s shot on goal was spilled by the home side’s goalkeeper but the inrushing Christopher Dunning who had also been introduced failed to control the ball in the greasy conditions

Avenue United 3 Youghal (Cork) 1 Venue: Lees Rd, Ennis

Tomás Hehir put the winners in front on the half hour mark before two quick goals in succession midway through the second half sealed their passage to the last sixteen.

Substitute Philip Talty scored in the 75th minute and two minutes later team captain Dylan Casey curled a left footed free kick to the top right hand corner.

It’s back to domestic action this weekend as Avenue entertain Ennis Town at Roslevan on Sunday morning at 11am in the premier league.

Avenue United (pictured): James Tierney; Cullen McCabe, Conor Mullen, Dylan Casey (Capt), Ja-

mie Roche; Stephen Jordan, Alan Roche, Eoghan Thynne, Mark Roche; Elias Kunz, Tomás Hehir Subs: Philip Talty for Kunz (65); Dylan Barry for A. Roche (79); Shane Brown for J. Roche (78); Gary Roche for Hehir (82); Mikey Dinan for Thynne (85)

AVONDALE’S LATE RALLY ENDS ENNIS TOWN’S DREAM Avondale (Cork) 4 Ennis Town 3

Leading 3-1 with ten minutes remaining, Ennis Town looked set to be in the last sixteen of the Munster Junior Cup but Avondale put in a strong finish which yielded three goals in fourteen minutes to send

the Clare side home empty handed.

Goals from Eoin and Davy Keenan helped the visitors to a 2-1 interval lead. Davy Keenan struck again early in the second half to put his side two clear and this was the position with ten minutes remaining.

Avondale pulled one back and the score stood at 3-2. Ennis Town attacked but a great move ended

Shelbourne success for Gort’s Fast Fit Paddy

by MICHAEL MAHER

THE best greyhounds in this part of the world were on show at Shelbourne Park last Saturday as the Bresbet Easter Cup got underway.

In heat six, Fast Fit Paddy owned by John Quinn of Gort was perfectly positioned on the fence and he made full use of his opportunity when it arose. Sadly, Jacob Tashadelek seemed to pick up an injury when in front off the second turn. As he retreated, he held up both Monraud Thunder and Cnoc Abbie. Ballymac Fairone was left in front on his comeback run but he looked short of a run and was joined on the third turn by Fast Fit Paddy and the advancing Priceless Jet. The latter was cut off as he attempted to go between his rivals, leaving Fast Fit Paddy and Ballymac Fairone to square off.

The Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained Fast Fit Paddy was in no mood to surrender his advantage. Driving to the front between the final two bends, the son of Ballymac Vic and Rosmult Martha eased on to record a fine four and a half length success in 30.00.

The opening round of the Deerjet Sydney at Stud A3 525 was the main attraction in Limerick on Saurday and of the three heats on offer, it was Coolavanny Palm who set a very high bar heading into next week’s semi finals.

Running in the last of the three heats, Coolavanny Palm hadn’t tasted victory since July of 2021 but the David Hogan of Quilty owned bitch produced a statement of intent as she went much quicker than the other two heats to cement her title as the one to beat.

There was also a brilliant treble on the night for Sixmilebridge handler Stephen Murray. The first to come home in front was Arrowhead in race one. Owned by Kevin Ryan of Ruan the July 20’ son of Pat C Sabbath and Krystalise

came out the right side of a three-way photo as he claimed a neck win over Rememberthebird in second. The time was 29.60.

In race four Non Stop landed a 350-yard event. Owned by Niall O’Riordan, Non Stop was chasing back-to-back wins and she broke moderately from trap one to tuck in behind Cuala Kid early doors. However, after running the bottom two bends expertly, the daughter of Shaneboy Lee and Raficky took charge in the closing stages to claim a length victory and bring her career tally to a brilliant fifteen wins in total. The time for the 2/1 shot was 19.25.

The treble was completed in fantastic style ias Risky Reward dominated her rivals to run out a convincing winner from Trap 6. Owned by Sean O’Riordan, the September 19’ daughter of Quietly and Galloping Bibi took no prisoners to win by ten lengths in 28.58.

Friday night’s card at Galway saw the John Maloney of Clarecastle owned Poles Apart land the fifth race, an A5 graded contest running down the pace setting Bumblebee Lana close home to score by a length and a half in 29.32.

Race six was another A5 graded contest that went in emphatic fashion to the Gary Pepper of Feakle owned Tuckeys Jet who eased home almost seven lengths clear of Shammer Dubh in 29.47 for the Donie Duggan of Tulla kennel.

The chief supporting contest on Saturday in Galway was the A3 graded tenth contest and from traps Marlay Star showed pace along the inner to lead from Astro Podge. Turning down the back the Madden-Pepper of Feakle owned Astro Podge took over to open up a three length advantage by halfway. Railing well around the final two bends the Donal Duggan trained son of Ballymac Best & Dynamic Cool Sky scored by five and a half lengths in 29.27.

with an effort rebounding off the post.

With the game in the final minute of normal time the Cork club levelled and everything now pointed to extra time.

In the fourth minute of ‘injury time’ Avondale struck again and their fourth goal ensured that they would progress while leaving Ennis Town to rue what might have been.

Shannon Town; Darren Whelan; Cody Waller, Darren Griffin, Colum Treacy, Brian Monaghan; Rob Wall, Jack Kelly, Gary O’Connell, Brian O’Connor, Kieran Hackett, Jack Ryan. Subs; T. J. O’Dwyer for R. Wall; Liam Boland for Waller; Chris Dunning for J. Ryan

DOMESTIC SCHEDULE CANCELLED: The inclement weather of the past weekend resulted in the cancellation of the full programme of games scheduled by the Clare league.

These included three preliminary round ties in the Clare Cup, all of which have been re-scheduled for this weekend.

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THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

Recent Deaths Patricia (Doris) Touhy (née Molloy) Considine Road, Cloughleigh, Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday 22nd February 2022 Kevin Moloney Carnane, Doolin, Clare Date of Death: Monday 21st February 2022 Nancy Cunningham St. Michael’s Villas, Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Monday 21st February 2022 Seamus (Shamie) Murphy Kincora Park, Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Monday 21st February 2022 Betty (Elizabeth) FALLON (née Gunning) Castleknock, Dublin / Clare

Date of Death: Sunday 20th February 2022 Noel Baker Lissoy, The Pigeons, Glasson, Athlone, Westmeath / Crusheen, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 19th February 2022 Stephanie Fitzpatrick Doolin Road, Lisdoonvarna, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 19th February 2022 Nora Fleming (née O’Neill) Capalaheen, Kilkishen, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 19th February 2022 Michael (Boffy) Whelan Brickhill West, Cratloe, Cratloe, Clare / Limerick Date of Death: Saturday 19th February 2022

Tom Burke Kilmorane Heights, Kilrush Rd., Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Friday 18th February 2022 Cornelius (Neil) McMULLAN Cloc Dara, Clarisford Moys, Killaloe, Clare Date of Death: Friday 18th February 2022 Mary Murphy (née Meehan) Lios, Brandon, Kerry / Connolly, Clare Date of Death: Friday 18th February 2022 Michael (Mickey) Naughton Kilclaren, Feakle, Clare Date of Death: Friday 18th February 2022 Sean Cotter Dysart, Maurices Mills, Inagh, Clare Date of Death:

Wednesday 16th February 2022 Séan Neylon Miltown Road, Kilkee, Clare Date of Death: Wednesday 16th February 2022 Pauline Kenny School Road, Lahinch, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday 15th February 2022 Bridget Neville Lisdoonvarna, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday 15th February 2022 Patricia (Patsy) BOURKE (née Dickinson) The Paddocks, Westbury, Corbally, Limerick / Farranshone, Limerick / Clonlara, Clare Date of Death: Monday 14th February 2022

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILCLOHER, KILMALEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Ciara Pyne and Paul O’ Donnell intend to apply for planning permission to construct private dwelling house, detached garage, wastewater treatment system and all associated site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making the copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOOLIN TLD., DOOLIN, CO. CLARE Take notice that Ber-

nice O Connor intends to apply for permission to build a Dwelling House, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOYMORE NORTH, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Gillian Conroy and Luke Underwood intend to apply for permission to build a Garage/Storage Shed & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submis-

sion or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CALLURAGH WEST, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE Take notice that John Joseph Commane intends to apply for outline permission to Refurbish and extend the existing Derelict Dwelling & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL QUILTY EAST, QUILTY,

CO. CLARE Take Notice that I Denis Murphy intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to Retain and complete revised plans of dwelling house and garage of previously granted permission (Pl Ref: P8/26220) permission to extend to first floor, complete entrance to the public road and all associated site and ancillary works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MERCHANTS QUAY, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Paddy Clancy is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for the change of use of a ground floor commercial unit into ground floor apartment including all associated layout and elevational changes. The planning

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 6 CAPPA COVE, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Sean Killeen & Mary Histon are applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for the construction of a small garden shed and planning permission to carry out alterations to their existing dwelling house, including raising the height of their dwelling along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL VACANT SITE ADJACENT TO 20 THE HAWTHORNS, LIMERICK ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Michelle Sheehan & Derek Madigan are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to demolish an existing shed, construct a new dwelling house incorporating a granny flat, construct a private garage, alter the existing entrance to create a separate access, construct an access road, provide a connection to the public sewer and water facilities along with all ancillary services/associated works at the above address.

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

ginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILLOURNEY, TUBBER, CO. CLARE Permission for the retention of (1) upgrade of septic tank previously permitted under P8/21873 to treatment unit and soil polishing filter and (2) polytunnel and storage sheds is being sought by Alan & Terri Shoosmith. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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2/21/22, 11:10 AM

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

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HOW TO PLAY

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How to play

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

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Daily Quick Crossword: 21 February 2022 ,2/21/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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Opening Hours Mon - Sat 10am - 10pm Sun 12 noon - 10pm

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Phone 065 6820914

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#supermacs heart of Ennis

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Introducing our extended delivery service available from 1pm daily O'Connell Street, Ennis

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Order through Supermac’s app

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS

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1 Hunting expedition (6) 2 Unorthodox believer (7) 3 Municipal leader (5) 5 Graceful and refined (7) 6 Imitating (5) 7 Dessert (6) 9 Usual (9) 13 Mrs. Guy Ritchie (7) 14 Close-fitting Elizabethan jacket(7) 15 Brought up (6) 16 Handsome youth (6) 18 Spin round (5) 20 More mature (5)

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The Clare Echo Crossword Daily Quick Crossword: 21 February 2022 ,2/21/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

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PUZZLEPAGE

QUIZ 35

THURSDAY, FEB 24 2022

The Clare Echo Quiz WOMEN OF COUNTY CLARE

Who will be grand marshal of the Angela Collins from Kilkishen 12019?

Ennis St Patrick’s Day parade 6 became famous by becoming Ireland’s first female what?

Sharon Shannon Biddy Early, Mary Fitzgerald

Bouncer Marathon runner Steeplejack

Which of the following Clare athWhich Ennis actress has won two 2 letes has NOT played internation7 Olivier awards? al rugby for Ireland

around 1990?

ANSWERS

How many females have been 10 elected to the Dáil in Clare throughout history?

6. Steeplejack

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

1. Mary Fitzgerald

Spot the Difference

7. Denise Gough

2 4 5

2. Chloe Morey

Mary Fitzgerald Laura Brennan Ger Naughton

lQUESTION 8: Which band did Sharon Shannon join for a short stint

8. The Waterboys

won the Clare Association’s 5 Who Woman of the Year 2019?

Nicole Kidman Andrea Corr Britney Spears

3. The book was banned

Taxi Driver The Departed Gangs of New York

Which actress starred alongside 9 Colm Meaney in the 2003 movie The Boys from County Clare

9. Andrea Corr

4

Ennis singer Maura O’Connell was cast in which Martin Scorsese film?

The Waterboys The Hothouse Flowers The Bee Gees

4. Gangs of New York

The book was banned It was the inspiration for 50 Shades of Gray Edna was banned from attending mass

band did Sharon Shannon 8 Which join for a short stint around 1990?

10.2

3

Tuamgraney’s prize-winning author Edna O’Brien published The Country Girls in 1960. But what which of the following is true?

Simone Kirby Denise Gough Kelly Gough

5. Laura Brennan

Edel McMahon Chloe Morey Eimear Considine

Last weeks Answers . Logo missing on man (right) . Marty’s pocket tie missing . Line on top missing on woman taking pic . Line on arm missing of woman (right)

. Line on ground missing (bottom left) . Crest on top missing of woman taking pic . Downpipe missing in background (left)

Clare v Wexford Photograph: Gerard O’Neill