The Clare Echo 24/06/21

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JUNE 24 2021

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Laura’s legacy lives on PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

T

WO of Ennis’ best known former residents were remembered at the unveiling of special memorial plaques in the county town on Wednesday evening.

Both Michael Tierney and Laura Brennan were remembered in what was one of the final acts of Cllr Mary Howard (FG) during her tenure as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.

Laura Brennan was one of the country’s leading patient advocates up until her death at the age of 26 in May 2019. Her campaigning led to a surge in the number of young women taking the HPV vaccine.

The HSE said that since she first contacted the organisation in 2017, the uptake of the vaccine increased by almost 20% from 51% that year, to 70% at the time of her death. Her family have continued her advocacy since her death.

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Index NEWS

2-17

GREENER CLARE

18

ENTERTAINMENT

19

THE BURREN

24-27

BUSINESS

28-29

BUY INTO CLARE

30-31

GAA FEATURE

37-58

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Doora NS receive books worth over €2000 in reading project

D

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@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

lBOOKWORMS: Students of Doora National School

Photos by Joe Buckley

OORA National School is one of 18 schools across the country selected to be part of the Every Child A Reader Project.

Almost 400 schools applied for library support from Children’s Books Ireland last year as they highlighted that teachers were having to purchase books out of their own funds with school library shelves left bare.

Since the school library grant was cut in the 2008 budget there has been no dedicated funding for school library books and the need for support of reading for pleasure in schools is stark.

As part of its involvement in the project, Doora NS has received 210 children’s books for their school library worth over €2000, the opportunity to win an additional €1000 worth of books in September on completion of ten fun reading challenges, along with meetings with storyteller Patrick Ryan via Zoom, video workshops for every class from an Irish author or illustrator, a whole school Monster Doodle plus posters, bunting, bookmarks and stickers.

“We can’t wait to hear what the students in Doora National School think of their new school library,” Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland stated.

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THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

COVID strikes cupid again as matchmaking festival cancelled PÁRAIC MCMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

OR the second year in a row, the Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival has been cancelled.

Organisers of the world renowned festival confirmed on Monday that it would not be proceeding this September.

Tens of thousands of visitors flock to North Clare from all across Ireland and sections of the globe for the Matchmaking Festival which was due to take place across the month of September and began over 160 years ago.

Cancelling the Festival for two years on the trot will lead to a €5m loss to the local economy, organisers have stated while adding that rescheduling till later in the year was not EEATION BYan option.

Festival organiser, Marcus White BERT in EATON a statement outlined, “As the Government have advised that there should be no large-scale in-

l LOVE LOST: The Matchmaker Bar in Lisdoonvarna door events until the whole popula- especially younger ones, will not be tion has been vaccinated, this year’s fully vaccinated before the end of Lisdoonvarna Festival has regretta- September”. bly been cancelled. Many people, He added, “All our events are

staged inside including the country music marquee which can accommodate up to 2,000 people which is not permissible under current

guidelines. We would not be able to manage the very large crowds that normally throng our small town for a month”. He was confident its return in 2022 would be “bigger and better than ever”.

Some business owners in Lisdoonvarna have expressed an interest in running socially distanced events, White said “which was their prerogative”. “We owe it to our customers and our performers; Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan, Mike Denver and Cliona Hagan, DJ’s and bands to provide clarity now that this year’s event would not go ahead.

To be honest everyone has been very patient, as they understand that this is not a decision we have taken lightly”.

Julie Carr, Press officer for the Festival added that international interest in the festival had been at an all-time high this year, following the release of the new Hallmark Film ‘As luck would have it’. The film which was based loosely on the festival has resulted in thousands of people from the US and Canada wanting to attend.

Winter rout e to Italy

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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RYANAIR have announced a new winter service from Shannon Airport to Turin.

In what is the first Turin service to operate at Shannon Airport since 2009, the weekly Saturday service will begin on December 18th of this year and run until March 26th in 2022.

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine congratulated Ryanair on the opening of their new Turin base as she expressed delight at the addition of the winter route.

She stated, “Aviation has a long journey ahead, but It is great at last to see some green shoots of recovery.

This is another step in slowly rebuilding

our air services and brings to nine the number of Ryanair services announced for Shannon to-date.

As the vaccine roll-out programme increases and we look forward to the lifting of the non-essential travel ban on July 19th with the introduction of the EU Digital Covid Certificate, people can again begin to plan for much-deserved holiday breaks”.

Turin is a popular destination for a skiing holiday and city breaks.

It is also known for its refined architecture and cuisine.

The Alps rise to the northwest of the city while stately baroque buildings and old cafés line Turin’s boulevards and grand squares such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo.

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6 NEWS

Nestor calls for bi-lingual packaging

by PÁRAIC McMAHON AN ENNIS councillor has led the charge to see bi-lingual packaging placed on all consumer goods for sale in Ireland.

Both Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin (GP) and Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs and Sport Jack Chambers (FF) are to be contacted by Clare County Council seeking the commencement of a feasibility study regarding the provision of bi-lingual packaging on consumer goods on sale in Ireland.

It follows a motion from Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) seeking its introduction. “We want to bring Irish into the realm of everyday life,” he stated. “Anyone who has learned language, knows that it is by speaking it that you really begin to learn”.

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) commented: “I wish I was 10 percent as good at Gaeilge as [CllrNestor] was”.

EXTENSION OF OUTDOOR SEATING & ACCESSORIES GRANT SCHEME FOR PUBLIC HOUSES 2021 Clare County Council is pleased to announce that the Extension of Outdoor Seating & Accessories Grant Scheme to Public Houses is now open for 2021 online applications.

The purpose of this Scheme is to extend the level of financial support to Public House businesses (to include non-food serving pubs), to purchase or upgrade equipment to provide additional outdoor seating capacity for the summer of 2021. This scheme is to financially assist and support Public Houses to create outdoor seating experiences in a regulated and accessible manner. Funding under the scheme is only available to existing businesses.

All applicants will be required to comply with planning codes, all other legislative requirements, and all other compliance requirements. Commercial rates due in respect of premises have been paid for the period up to 31st December 2019 or a payment plan is in place with Clare County Council. Street Furniture Licence fees will be waived this year to support the efforts of businesses to increase their seating capacity while enabling social distancing.

The scheme is open to Public Houses (to include non-food serving pubs).

Items which are considered eligible for the scheme: n

Tables

n

Chairs

n

Umbrellas

n

Electric heaters

n

Screens/windbreaks

n

Plant stands

n

Wooden Platform

Online applications will be accepted.

Online applications can be made from 9am, Friday, the 25th June, 2021. The Closing Date for submission of online applications is 5pm, 30th September 2021.

The Online Application system and scheme guidelines can be accessed from the website at: https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/community/grants/ Enquiries can be made by email to: outdoorseatingfi@clarecoco.ie

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Return of Farmers Market delayed PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

REVISION of plans are required before the return of a Farmers Market in Newmarket-on-Fergus is given the green light.

The Clare Echo understands that there has been one objection to plans to see the Farmers Market start up in the Ballycar car park of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary church in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

The issues raised will have to be dealt with before any trading can begin.Councillors in the Shannon Municipal District on Friday voted to retain the casual trading area in Drumgeely, Shannon which was not currently in active use.

Senior executive officer in the economic development directorate of Clare County Council, Carmel Greene told the meeting that there is “a bit more work to do before it is ready for full approval for a Farmers Market in Newmarket-on-Fergus”. She said that issues will have to be ironed out and that the item will come back before the Shannon MD in the coming months.

Optimism was expressed by Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) that the issues would be resolved. “Having spoken to Carmel to prepare for this meeting and the different aspects of this, she explained to me in detail the background, I would accept what she has to say”.

He outlined, “Hopefully things will turn out positive and we will have a vibrant farmers market in Newmarket-on-Fergus

l SOUR: Plans for the Farmers Market in Newmarket-on-Fergus need to be reviewed

into the future when more information is made available and it can be ran in a modern fashion”.

When questioned by Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) if the proposed location will have to change to allow the Farmers Market start

up, Ms Greene stated “not necessarily, it might change the size of it”. She pointed out that every trader “generally has a car or a van” but that a review “mightn’t necessarily” result in the identification of a new location.

Mayor of Ennis seeks free PCR tests for holidaymakers under 18

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

P

CR tests should be made available for free to under 18s wishing to travel abroad this summer, the Mayor of Ennis has stated.

Citing the permitted return of international travel from July 19th and the eagerness of many families “to get some sunshine”, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) proposed that Clare County Council write to the Minister of Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) to make PCR tests available for free to those under the age of 18.

According to the HSE, the PCR test is “the most reliable COVID-19 test available because it looks at the genetic material of the virus. It is done in a lab and is a very reliable way of knowing if you are currently infected with COVID-19”.

Norton outlined, “The state has imposed the restrictions and it is not fair that the families who have been on lock down since March 2020 should have to bear this extra cost especially since there is no time line available for vaccinating under 18s.

The cost of the PCR test is multiples of the cost of the vaccine and will add over €600 for a family with 3 children. Whereas a family of adults will not have this cost if vaccinated.”

International travel is set to resume in Ireland on July 19th when the Government adopts the European Union travel certificate. A new concept of an ‘emergency brake’ will be applied for countries outside the EU where there are potentially dangerous variants of concern in circulation.

Several families would like the opportunity to take a holiday abroad this summer, Norton told Monday’s adjourned meeting of Clare County Council. The Barefield representative detailed that “a huge number” of adults were now vaccinated. She added, “The Government haven’t given any young

person under age of 18 the vaccine, they don’t seem to have a plan in place to provide the vaccine to them”.

She appealed to the Government to bear the cost of PCR tests for children and teenagers for families wishing to go abroad. “Not everyone will want a staycation, some people want to visit family members they haven’t seen in the last 18 months. We’re getting info in dribs and drabs, we’re getting nothing concrete”.

Costs should not be based on the size of families, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) commented as she seconded the motion, “we shouldn’t have added costs based on size of families”. She was hopeful there would be high temperatures in Ireland for the people who stay at home “but let people who want to get away without penalty”.

“It is not just people going on sun holidays, they want to go and visit their families,” Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) remarked as she called the absence of free PCR tests in such scenarios “very unfair”.

l UNFAIR: Cllr Ann Norton (IND)

Photo by Eamon Ward

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

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Top Reasons to visit The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience

T H E E V E N I N G S U N S E T I S A G R E AT T I M E F O R A V I S I T

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OW lucky are we to have such beauty and variety in our native county? Beaches, adventure, phenomenal local food and drink, lakes, islands, historical landmarks, the incomparable Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, and, of course, the Visitor Experience at the Cliffs of Moher.

Towering above the Atlantic Ocean, and looking out over the expansive horizon, the Cliffs have that rare capacity to take

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Book online in advance at www.cliffsofmoher.ie, times and dates can be easily amended, arrive early morning or in the evening for the best possible experience.

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Beautiful viewing areas The 800 metres of safe, paved pathways lead to beautifully-appointed viewing areas from which the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, the Maamtaurks and even faraway Kerry can be viewed on fine days.

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Experienced guides Take some time to speak to our experienced guides on site who will illuminate the story of the cliffs with their knowledge of history, mythology, geology and folklore.

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Local pass Become a regular at the Cliffs of Moher by buying a local pass, priced from €20, and visit as many times as you wish; local pass holders can also avail of great discounts in our shops and cafe. For further information email info@cliffsofmoher.ie.

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Nature Haven Take some time to view the antics of the 30,000 pairs of seabirds that nest at the cliffs during breeding season.

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I L L U M I N AT I N G O ’ B R I E N ’ S TO W E R , CLIFFS OF MOHER

8 NEWS

Lahinch assault appeal

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A YOUNG man sustained a broken nose and cut lip following an unprovoked attack in Lahinch in the early hours of Sunday morning.

At approximately 00:45 on Sunday morning (June 20th), a young man was targeted in an unprovoked assault at Saddle Lane in Lahinch.

The suspect was not known to the individual assaulted and Gardaí believe the suspect was wearing a black or blue jumper.

As a result of the attack, the young man suffered a broken nose and a cut to his lip.

Gardaí have appealed to anyone that was in the area of Saddle Lane which is a residential lane between Lahinch Surf shop and Beach Burger Takeaway and that witnessed this assault to ring Ennistymon Garda Station on 065 6837622 or any Garda Station.

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

‘Vaccinated should be allowed at games’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

ULLY vaccinated persons should be allowed to attend championship games across the country, a Clare TD has said.

Deputy Joe Carey (FG) has written to Minister for Sport, Catherine Martin (GP), urging her Department to allow increased attendances to attend upcoming GAA championship fixtures.

Clare travel to Semple Stadium this Sunday to take on Waterford in the start of the Munster senior hurling championship. Carey flagged that 200 spectators will be allowed to attend what is a 45,690 capacity stadium. This represents 0.4 per cent of the capacity.

lSCORE: Spectators watching a match from the roof at Fr Murphy Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus last year

He also highlighted the fact that just 200 supporters will be allowed to attend the Kerry v Clare Munster football championship game

Photo by Ruth Griffin

in 38,000 capacity Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney on Saturday evening.

Persons that are fully vaccinated

should be entitled to travel to the games if they wish, the Clarecastle native stated.

“While I fully understand and support the need for us all to support guidelines and to ensure that additional variants do not reverse the progress made in this country, I feel that it would make sense to allow fully vaccinated people to attend these fixtures,” Deputy Carey added.

“As of Monday, June 21, more than 20 per cent of the Irish population was fully vaccinated.

Many of the people who are fully vaccinated are relatively elderly and have been either cocooning or cooped up for more than 12 months since the first lockdown in March of 2020. It would be a huge boost to many of these people if restrictions were eased with regard to attending sports fixtures.”

O’Loughlin banned from Instagram

by PÁRAIC McMAHON FORMER TV3 presenter Aisling O’Loughlin has been banned from Instagram for “repeatedly sharing harmful misinformation” on the issues of vaccines and COVID-19.

A native of Shannon, Aisling joined TV3’s news team in 2001 where she stayed until the launch of the entertainment show Xposé in April 2007. Prior to this, she worked with both Clare FM and The Limerick Leader.

Over recent months, Aisling shared sever-

al false claims on her Instagram account including RTÉ stars getting paid off by pharma companies and that “parastic worms” are in face masks.

Facebook which owns Instagram confirmed that Aisling’s account was removed

“for repeatedly sharing harmful misinformation and fact-checked hoaxes related to Covid-19 and the vaccines. We are taking aggressive steps to fight harmful misinformation about Covid-19 and approved vaccines and remove violating content that is brought to our attention”.

Her removal followed a video whereby she questioned if the collapse of Danish footballer Christian Eriksen during Euro 2020 was “related to the jab or the so-called vaccination”.

Aisling has labelled her ban from the social media platform as “alarming”. She is now using the encrypted messaging app Telegram to reach her followers and has used the term “truthseeker” to describe herself.

lMISINFORMATION: Aisling O’Loughlin

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THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Farid ‘delighted’ to receive protection

lRELIEVED: Sayed Farid Sanai has been granted permission to bring his family to Ireland

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

N ENNIS Direct Provision resident has spoken at his delight at the granting of his international protection application.

In May, The Clare Echo detailed how Sayed Farid Sanai was left waiting to hold an interview so that he can receive international protection which will then allow his family to move to Ireland within six to nine months.

Ongoing conflict in Afghanistan has him fearing everyday for the safety of his wife and child who he has not seen in person since 2019 when he was forced to flee the country after attempts on his life by the Taliban.

After Farid’s story appeared in The Clare Echo, he was very pleased to hear from the Department of Justice within less than a week to learn that his application would be processed.

Fifth and sixth class pupils of Scoil Chríost Rí in Cloughleigh were struck by his story. Supervised by their teacher Elaine Kenny, they put together two letters, one of which was to Farid as they welcomed him to Ireland and sympathised with him over his constant fear for his family’s safety.

A letter was also sent to the Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) by the students and highlighted their concerns and fears for Farid and his family. They questioned why

delays in protection applications were taking so long, they put it to the Taoiseach that family is everything and that this man needed help fast.

On Friday, Farid paid a visit to the school and paid tribute to the students for their solidarity. While there, he discussed his life in Afghanistan, his studies in Iran and being born into war. The pupils also presented Farid with a small green Ireland rugby jersey kit for his little boy for when he finally makes it to Ireland.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Farid outlined that his motivation for life has returned since the application for protection was granted and that he is now optimistic for his future, “Ireland is a good country with good people”. He described friends of his in the country such as Patrick and Jackie in Portarlington as his Irish siblings.

When he was contacted by the Cloughleigh students, “it was like getting an award,” the famous news anchor from Afghanistan admitted. “When I received the letter I became very happy, it showed me that you can still find kind people in the world and people who will stand with you even though they do not know you”. He said he showed the letter to each resident at the Clare Lodge after he first read it. He believed the letter from the children to the Taoiseach helped in accelerating the granting of his application.

Due to the current conflict in Afghanistan, Farid has asked the Department to speed up his family’s reunification. Ordinarily, they would be allowed to move to Ireland within the next six to nine months however this is likely to be delayed due to COVID-19.

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10 NEWS

Red Cross launch online draw

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Scams on the rise

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE’S branch of the Irish Red Cross have launched an online raffle in their attempts to purchase a second van.

Honorary Treasurer of the Irish Red Cross in Clare, James Lafferty said the identified vehicle will have one wheelchair space and four seats, it “will be new for the people of Co. Clare for medical appointments and this should be in place in late July 2021 costing €59,000.00”.

In 2016, a €2,000 donation from the Trump organisation helped to source the existing vehicle which cost €86,000.

They have now given a voucher for two nights bed and breakfast for two people at the Court Yard Bedroom in Doonbeg. This to be raffled off for €10, 500 tickets will be available. A link to the raffle is available on the Facebook page of the Irish Red Cross – Clare Area.

Historian elected to Europa Nostra

by PÁRAIC McMAHON KILRUSH historian Paul O’Brien has been elected as the Irish member of the Council of Europa Nostra.

Nominated by An Taisce, the Mary Immaculate College lecturer attended his first meeting of the Council on Tuesday morning.

Europa Nostra is the European Voice of Civil Society committed to Cultural Heritage, it was founded in 1963 and has 60 members. It is recognised as the most representative heritage network in Europe with members from over 40 countries.

O’Brien’s first publication The Glynns of Kilrush, County Clare, 1811–1940 was released in May 2019 and focused on the fortunes of the provincial entrepreneurial family.

l BITCOIN: Gardaí have warned people not to give out their personal details or to click on any unsolicited links

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

C

LARE Gardaí have warned that numerous types of scams are on the rise within the county.

Criminals have been perpetrating to be Gardaí in the latest scam which targeted one man in Shannon and a woman in West Clare within the past week.

In recent days, a Shannon man received a call from an 085 number from a male who said that there was a warrant out for his arrest and asked him what was his local Garda Station, he answered to say it was Shannon. The caller then told him

he would get a further call with instructions. He then received another call from a male saying that he was a police officer from Shannon Garda Station – the number of Shannon Garda Station had been cloned by the scammers.

He was instructed to go to a Bitcoin machine in Limerick and to lodge €5000 in cash in 5 separate transactions which he did. The man contacted Shannon Garda Station after lodging the money and due to the swift action of a member of Detective Branch in Shannon this man got his money back.

A similar incident almost occurred in West Clare only for a woman hung up the phone immediately after receiving a call from an 085 number which also asked for her local Garda sta-

tion.

Sergeant Tríona Brooks, crime prevention officer told The Clare Echo, “Gardaí will never contact you over the phone and request your bank account details or ask you to lodge money.

If you are cold called from someone saying they are a member of An Garda Síochána and they are looking for bank details or your PPS number ask them for their credentials and ring the Garda Station to verify. Do not ring a number they give you as being that Garda Station. Go to the Garda website and look up the station phone number”.

Separately, a male who bought a graphic card on Facebook Marketplace was instructed by the seller to pay the €160 via pay safe cards and he gave the voucher codes to the sell-

er. This was another scam as he hasn’t heard from the seller since.

Brooks explained, “Whilst the scammers may change their stories or methods, their goal is always the same – they want to access your sensitive information and get their hands on your money. Never give out your information be it over the phone, text or email. We need everyone to spread the word, people of all ages and all walks of life are falling victim to fraud on a daily basis. Anyone who rings, texts or emails you out of the blue and requests personal information such as bank details, they are not to be trusted. Do not click into any links they send you or call the number they contact you from or that is stated in their email”.

Ryan to become New proposal seeks to designate first citizen Shannon as Electric Airport

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

ELECTED representatives of Clare County Council are set to elect Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) as the county’s first citizen this Friday.

An elected member of the local authority since 1999, the Cratloe oil distributor is to succeed Cllr Mary Howard (FG) in the position.

Early well-wishes were extended to Cllr Ryan by Director of Service Liam Conneally at last week’s AGM of the Shannon Municipal Distirct to which the Sixmilebridge businessman sharply responded, “a week is a long time in politics”.

Ryan’s first preference vote of 1,238 at the 2019 local elections was the highest he received since entering public office.

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

A REQUEST to designate Shannon Airport as Ireland’s electric Airport is to be proposed before a sitting of Clare County Council next month.

On Monday, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) confirmed to The Clare Echo that he has already submitted a motion to the local authority for its July sitting with an approach that will assist Ireland’s climate action targets and also serve as a timely lift for Shannon Airport.

In his proposal, the Ennis representative has urged Clare County Council to seek the Government, its relevant Departments and Shannon Airport to plan for the “designa-

tion and development of Shannon Airport as Ireland’s Electric Airport using green electricity to power green aviation initially short haul and long haul in the future with battery improvement”.

Speaking on Monday, Cllr Flynn stressed, “we need to be looking for solutions rather than looking to the private sector”. As part of this, he believed the designation of Shannon as the country’s electric airport would be beneficial.

Last week, aircraft leasing company Avolon and Vertical Aerospace have announced a “ground-breaking” $2 billion order for up to 500 electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The agreement will intro-

duce the ultra-short-haul aircraft category to commercial aviation, which Ennis native and Avolon CEO Domhnall Slattery said was a game changing development that will revolutionise air travel with zero emissions aircraft.

Both companies will collaborate throughout the development, road map to certification and subsequent commercial roll-out of the VA-X4 aircraft.

The VA-X4 is a piloted, zero emissions electric Vertical Take Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicle which will be capable of travelling over 200 miles an hour, with a range of over 100 miles and capacity for four passengers and a pilot.

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Decision to shut Shannon Airport cabin crew base final l TRAVEL: Aer Lingus

Photo by Arthur Ellis

AER Lingus have said the move to shut its cabin crew base at Shannon Airport was “the right decision”, writes Páraic McMahon.

Shannon Airport was “not cost effective” to have a cabin crew based there permanently due to the amount of flights out of the International Airport, Chief Executive Lynne Embleton stated.

She confirmed that the airline will not be reversing its decision to remove the cabin crew base from Shannon. Prior to the decision announced in May, approximately 60 ground staff and 98 cabin crew were employed by Aer Lingus in Clare.

Speaking at an Oireachtas Transport Committee meeting on Tuesday, Ms Embleton stated, “It’s the structure of the amount of flying and schedules that we are able to operate to and from Shan-

non, it simply didn’t support an ongoing crew base in the way that was cost-effective”.

Deputy Joe Carey (FG) outlined, “We really need answers because there has been very little feedback from Aer Lingus on Shannon, on its commitment to Shannon and its commitment to people that deliver a really good service, particularly travelling to Heathrow and North America and into Europe. Any time there is a crisis in Aer Lingus, the first place it looks to is Shannon”.

In response, Embleton said there was “no strategic retreatment from Shannon, that is not our strategic intent. In fact, I hope that we will want the same thing, that we keep Ireland connected. It is the case that there has been no flying from Shannon since March 2020 and it is the case that the cabin crew base was

expensive and an impediment to restoring flights. When I look at restoring flights, the best chance of getting aircraft back up in the air is having a cost-base that allows us to drive cash back into the business and a travel policy that encourages people to fly”.

She was unable to give a commitment to reinstate the cabin crew. “We will not be reversing that decision. It is the right decision to get Aer Lingus profitably flying, generating cash, supporting jobs,” she added. “When passengers can fly without impediments, I am confident we will be able to restore flights to the US, to Heathrow but I’m not giving a date today.”

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Cathal Crowe (FF) said it was time for Aer Lingus to stop exploiting the taxpayer and their Shannon Airport staff members. “Aer Lingus’s decision to close the cabin crew base in Shannon Airport simply doesn’t make sense, despite what we were told today. I’ve had staff members based out of Shannon tell me that it can cost up to €300,000 per annum to bus cabin crew of four down from Dublin, pay their overnight stay and travel allowances to staff flights, rather than have a few crew members based here in Shannon”.

Crowe added, “Workers in Shannon are facing job losses despite years of loyal service, whereas those based in Dublin Airport who might only be working with the company a year and a half are continuing to enjoy employment there.

The bottom line is we need to see more solid commitment from Aer Lingus to Shannon Airport. The inefficiencies referred to by Aer Lingus in talking about the closure of the Shannon base, I don’t buy”.

Draft burial review to be ready soon

by CIAN O’BROIN A PROVISIONAL date for the completion of a review of the maintenance and operation of all burial grounds in Co Clare has been set.

Last September, Clare County Council launched a burial ground review which was overseen by retired Director of Service and Ennis native Oliver O’Loughlin.

The process required a review of over 160 burial grounds within the county, with upwards of 30 managed by Clare County Council. The independent review stemmed from sharp criticism surrounding the upkeep of burial grounds as well as several recorded instances of vandalism that took place.

At a recent Rural Development SPC meeting, Acting Senior Executive

Officer Bernadette Haugh stated that consultation and engagement has been ongoing with a number of key stakeholders in the burial ground service area. These include undertakers, caretakers, registrars, burial ground staff, monument sculptures, grave diggers, MD SEOs and elected members.

“The process of engagement was delayed due to the COVID restrictions but that has now concluded.

“Additional statistical and financial information has been sought by Ollie from burial ground staff to further inform the review process, which is currently being collated.

His intention is to have a draft document available in July.”

l UPKEEP: Drumcliffe Cemetery

‘Air pollution fuelling stroke rise’ - Flynn PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

IR pollution levels in Ennis last October reached 42 times higher than what is deemed to be safe.

A review into the causes of poor air quality in Ennis as recorded by the EPA was sought by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) who appealed to the Ennis Municipal District to liaise with relevant state agencies and academic bodies with expertise in this area (such as UCC) to prepare an action plan to “protect both our environment and citizens”.

Senior executive officer in the Ennis MD, Leonore O’Neill committed to bringing the matter before the Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) “to determine the merits of undertaking a review of community and/or academic led air quality analysis in urban settings in Ireland and the success of any actions arising from same”.

Numerous awareness campaigns on ‘smoky coal’ have been promoted by the en-

l Coal fire Photo from Pinterest

vironment section of the Council in recent years across all social media outlets and in print, she added.

Cllr Flynn acknowledged that efforts to flag the issue had been ongoing. He voiced his concern with the environmental impact of the poor air quality. An increasing inci-

dence of strokes has been observed by the HSE within two days of high air pollution levels in Ennis, he said. “In Ennis we are regularly 12 times higher than world health safety levels”. Flynn believed it was as much as public health issue as an environmental one. People living in the Ennis MD are

“more vulnerable to the impact,” he warned.

Stronger conversations need to be held with coal merchants, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) maintained. She told the June meeting of the Ennis MD that one lady purchasing smokeless fuel was questioned to see if she was sure she didn’t want smoky coal by a local merchant.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Flynn suggested John Sodeau, professor emeritus of chemistry at University College Cork and member of the Centre for Research into Atmospheric Chemistry (CRAC) be asked to speak to the Council.

“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) the average safe levels of fine particular matter (PM), which are associated with burning of smoky solid fuel of air pollution measured at EPA monitors over a 24 hour period are 10mg per metre.

In Ennis to take results for example prior to Covid in 2020 when more people were staying at home, during the cold spell October and November in Ennis fine PM levels were 100mg on 16 occasions and 209mg on five occasions. On October 29, fine PM levels reached 420mg which are 42 times the safe level,” Flynn highlighted.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Cillian Murphy elected Chair of West Clare MD PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

WO years on from his election to Clare County Council, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) has been elected Cathaoirleach of the West Clare Municipal District.

Kilkee’s Murphy will succeed Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) in the role, he was unanimously backed by fellow councillors at Wednesday’s AGM. In his address, Cillian spoke of the learning experience he has had since becoming an elected representative. “Two years ago I sat here as a newly elected councillor and to be honest, I hadn’t a clue what I was at. I have always learned by doing and these past two years have been a great education. I have learned a lot about my county, the people in it and how hard it is to keep all the balls in the air to ensure the whole place runs well”.

He commended his predecessor and thanked all fellow elected members and local authority staff and gave a special mentor

to retired councillor Pat Keane (FF) who has been “a great mentor”. “The county is at a critical juncture in preparation of the County Development Plan. “We are in hugely changing times, but great change brings great opportunity, Covid has brought a stark realisation to many, many people that quality of life, time with family and friends, and the space to enjoy it all are more important then they were ever, the remote work revolution has decoupled work from place of work”. Housing will continue to be a priority for all discussions, the tourism consultant stated.

“There is no doubt for any of us, without the understanding of our families we probably wouldn’t be able to function properly, I know this to be spectacularly true in my own case. So I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my wife Mary for her patience and her wisdom in helping me every day to make the right decisions, for talking me down from the ceiling when I get a bit excited about things and for always making sure I keep my eye on the end goal, and not worrying about losing a battle as long as we win the war”.

l CATHAOIRLEACH: Cllr Cillian Murphy

Photo by Eamon Ward

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NEWS 13

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Ennis physio leads the charge in reducing hamstring issues PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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N ENNIS man is leading the charge in the attempt to cut down on the amount of hamstring injuries impacting the performance of athletes.

Damien McMahon who set up Physio Recovery Room in June of last year has now created the Nordic Hamstring T-Bar which, in association with Nordic exercises, cuts down hamstring injuries by 51 per cent.

Last winter after receiving feedback from athletes on the difficulty of doing Nordic exercises, Damien discovered that nothing existed which was compact and transportable to assist them in this regard. From here, he spoke with a manufacturer and this led to the birth of the Nordic Hamstring T-bar in February.

Ordinarily a door or the end of a rack in a gym is used as an anchor point for the T-Bar. The bar is cushioned at either side to protect heels and Achilles tendon, the strap is then fastened or adjusted depending on shoe sizes before the athlete slowly lowers to the ground as part of the Nordic exercise which McMahon

recommends completing twice a week for athletes in-season.

Several inter-county hurlers and footballers are already using the T-Bar including Tony Kelly and Darren O’Neill.

“I’ve been taken aback by the demand, I launched it online through my website and from that most of the demand has been from there. Physio Recovery Room uses platforms like Facebook and Instagram to highlight the function of it and performing the exercise as well. I want to try and launch it a bit further and get other clubs to use it to help them reduce hamstring injuries,” Damien outlined.

Based at the Quin Rd Business Park in Ennis, Damien is hopeful the product will help athletes. “The product has not been out there, many athletes are been advised to do the Nordic exercise to reduce hamstring injuries as we know the Nordic exercises reduces hamstring injuries by 51 per cent.

“If you’re a field athlete you should be doing Nordic exercises because you want to reduce your chances of injury, it is not just targetting one sport it is anybody that does high-speed running”.

High-speed running training will also limit the risk of hamstring injuries occurring, the Ennis man stated. “High-speed running training has really helped the athletes in the lockdown

this year rather than last year when a lot of athletes were using their 5kms as their main fitness without thinking of the sport returning too.

“They sat down with their strength and conditioning coaches this year and rationalised when they went back to sports they had to do faster running, I think that was brought in pre-season this time.

“From talking to the athletes that you do meet, the majority of them did do that and it can be a very positive thing to reduce hamstring injuries as well, it is not just about the Nordic exercises, hamstring injuries can be reduced by sprint training as well. I’ve always been advising the Nordic exercise as it is an evidence based exercise that illustrates the benefit of reduction in hamstring injuries”.

l FITNESS:

Damien McMahon with the Nordic Hamstring T-Bar

ESB to submit plans for world class visitor attraction

by PÁRAIC McMAHON ESB are undertaking a feasibility study to put forward a business case for a world class visitor attraction at Ardnacrusha.

Engagement with public representatives and ESB has taken place ahead of preparing the feasibility study which is planned to underline justification for its inclusion in an application to a national funding scheme such as the RRDF. Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) was among the elected representatives to meet with ESB and he has expressed his full support for the proposal at the site of Ireland’s first electricity generating station. The ESB are now commencing a period of participatory stakeholder engagement to attain key input and feedback on the project plan, this it is expected will lead to a regional project with local and community beneficial impact.

A new visitor experience which comprises of five floors, a 360-degree virtual amphitheatre, a café which will offer sustainable locally sourced food, a retail unit hosting local artisan crafts and products, and family oriented outdoor spaces are all planned for the Ardnacrusha Experience Deputy McNamara believed there would be strong public interest in the development of an Ardnacrusha visitor experience. “The Shannon hydroelectric Scheme, which led to the establishment of the ESB in 1927, was a major development by the Irish Free State to harness the power of the River Shannon at a time when the country had the second lowest consumption of electricity in Europe. The development of an iconic visitor project here would capitalise on the growth in popularity of heritage-based tourism and ultimately, provide a significant boost to the tourism sector in southeast

l TOURS: Ardnacrusha Clare.”

He felt there was scope to develop a heritage tourism project on a par with the ‘Titanic Experience’ in Belfast, which has delivered “significant, positive benefits for the city and Northern Ireland in general.”

“During my first term as a TD, I successfully appealed to the then Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte to encourage ESB to reinstate school tours at Ardnacrusha and I am delighted to see it has proven to be extremely popular. Clare County Councillor PJ Ryan (IND) has also been pushing for the development of a visitor project there over a long number of years,” McNamara added.

Expansion of the daily capacity limits at Ardnacrusha could also be expanded, the Scariff TD stated. “ESB currently runs a visitor experience in the current power station from approximately May to September each year, with visitor numbers of just over 10,000 per year. Access to Ardnacrusha is limited however, as the ESB admits only (non-commercial) groups, which are booked in advance while tours can be provided only at set times on Mondays through Fridays”.

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14 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Axel Foley scholarship established

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A DONATION by Olive Foley, wife of the late, great Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley, to the University of Limerick Foundation has created student scholarship programmes in the rugby star’s name.

Three pillars are covered in the scholarships – music and dance, access and sport.

The Music and Dance element is divided between scholarships for the MA in Classical Strings and PhD scholarships in a variety of areas at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at UL. Following Foley’s untimely death in early 2016, a number of groups organised fundraising events in his memory, following which Olive made a donation to the UL Foundation.

UL was described by Olive as the Foley’s “local university” and one in which the family share an attachment to given the amount of time Anthony spent working in the Arena during his time as Munster Head Coach.

“It is such an important institution – it is so important to us and it was so important to Anthony. Any time there was something new going up there, Anthony would come home and go ‘you have to drive in around UL and see the beautiful new building’. We just love that university and I really hope that my kids are going to go there,” Olive said.

The Killaloe native said she was particularly happy that the scholarships would cover Access programmes also. “Access is so important to us – and music and dance, well I suppose that would be more my side of the house than Anthony’s, but it is lovely to cover a wide variety of areas and not solely on sport, it is lovely that it can be spread around”.

Anthony’s compassion for young people is celebrated through the scholarship, Sarah Hartnett, Director of Development at the UL Foundation, maintained.

Hospital services resuming

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

SCHEDULED care are is being restored on a phased basis across UL Hospitals Group as systems recover from last month’s devastating cyber attack.

Outpatient appointments, day case and inpatient surgery, endoscopy and other investigations are being gradually restored at University Hospital Limerick, Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, Croom Orthopaedic Hospital and St John’s Hospital. University Maternity Hospital Limerick was less severely impacted by the cyber attack and services there continue to operate at the levels prior to the attack of May 14th.

All patients whose appointment or procedure is going ahead will be contacted directly by the hospital in advance.

‘There is an awful lot of angst’ l URGENT: An empty Shannon Airport

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tanáiste Leo Varadkar fail to acknowledge request for meeting PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

O ACKNOWLEDGEMENT has been issued to Clare County Council from either the Taoiseach and Tanáiste to a request to hold a meeting with the county’s first citizen, Council Chief Executive and Oireachtas members to discuss the future of Shannon Airport.

On Monday, it emerged that no reply has been forthcoming from either Taoiseach Micheál Martin (FF) or Tanáiste Leo Varadkar (FG) one month on from Clare County Council writing a letter to seek an urgent meeting in the aftermath of Aer Lingus’ decision to close its cabin crew base at Shannon Airport.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said the county’s seven Oireachtas members have not responded to requests to assist in organising this meeting.

Clare councillors on Monday debated two motions related to

Shannon Airport. The first tabled

by Cllr Howard and co-signed by Cllr PJ Ryan (IND), Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF), Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) and Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) appealed for Government intervention to reverse the Aer Lingus move and to secure the retention of early morning and late evening Heathrow slots plus transatlantic connectivity. Similar sentiments were included in a proposal from Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) who wanted urgent engagement between the Council, Shannon Group and the Government regarding the cabin crew base, Aer Lingus jobs and connectivity to London, New York and Boston.

Cllr Howard said there was a “deafening” silence from Clare’s Oireachtas members in recent weeks. She recalled previous protests held for Shannon Airport but warned the situation presently “is more profound or dangerous for the Mid-West”. More noise needs to come from the Oireachtas members, Cllr Ryan believed: “Aer Lingus is now a foreign airline with an Irish name which is a problem”.

Nothing is happening at Shan-

non Airport “only the odd bale of silage being made to keep the grass down, it is a pure shame to see an International Airport gone the way it is,” Cllr O’Gorman commented. He flagged that business executives don’t want to fly into Cork or Dublin when their business is located in Shannon.

Aer Lingus’ mind will not be changed by Clare politicians, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) stated. “Shannon is here and it’s here to stay, it is not going anywhere but it has to be made viable to get the best for the Mid-West”. The Clonlara man said the closure of the cabin crew base was not “the end of the world” and emphasis needed to be placed on reinstating routes to Heathrow, Boston and New York. “There is more ways of killing a cat than chalking it with butter,” he said.

Both the Taoiseach and Tanáiste are “forgetting about us”, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) remarked when he discovered no response had been issued by either party leader since the special meeting of the local authority earlier this month. Agreement was echoed

by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy

(FF), “there is an awful lot of angst, that is there because we as councillors feel national politicians are not getting this one including our own”.

Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) reiterated his view that Clare’s Oireachtas members put their party whip on the line for Shannon, “the seven Oireachtas members need to go to Cusack Park and put on the Clare jersey, Joe Cooney might have them spare anyway”.

Little impact has been evident by the Oireachtas members, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) surmised.

“Various Governments have successfully dismantled Shannon over the years, we’ve no national carrier or national aviation policy, these decisions have destroyed Shannon but helped Dublin Airport”.

Solutions are to be found in the Copenhagen Report, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) flagged. Consideration to stopping the Dublin Coach must be put on the table, Cllr John Crowe (FG) suggested, “We need to make sure that the people stay in our area by stopping the green and blue buses going to Dublin and taking our passengers to Dublin Airport”.

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Ennis touted as a possible decentralisation hub PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

NNIS has been touted as a potential location for a decentralisation hub to accommodate staff from Government agencies such as Revenue or the TII. Approaches to relevant Government departments to develop a decentralisation hub in Ennis was proposed by Cllr Ann Norton (IND) at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.

A joint reply from senior enterprise development officer Linda Earlier and head of information systems Urban McMahon insisted that Clare County Council was committed to the creation of jobs through the DigiClare initiative.

Delivery of an additional 5,000 jobs by 2040 is targeted in the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy, they flagged. “In this regard, nine transformational sites have been identified to support this growth strategy.

Within the transformational sites identified, there is opportunity and scope to develop a

range of commercial, enterprise and office accommodation suitable for inward investment, start-ups and remote workers or organisations in cities looking to de-centralise to facilitate staff working remotely”.

Construction of the Ennis Digitial Hub is nearing completion, McMahon outlined.

This facility will provide remote working facilities, hotdesks, business incubation units, meeting and training rooms. The development of an innovation enterprise centre is also at an advanced stage. “Should a Government department wish to de-centralise, the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy will be instrumental in guiding and facilitating suitable locations for such development”.

At a Government level plans to source decentralisation hubs for staff within Revenue and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is to be examined, Cllr Norton stated which would offer them the possibility of working remotely on an ongoing basis. “They want to give people the option of being able to work from home by introducing hubs to accommodate them to get out of the house without travelling outside of the county”.

Offering a hub of this nature would be a “fantastic asset”, the Barefield representative

l OPPORTUNITY: Digital hub

maintained. “We have so many restaurants and cafes, we have the ability to feed and allow people to have their meetings. As things are starting to reopen, we need to support these businesses to get themselves back up and running”.

Support for the proposal was voiced by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) who recalled “an

unfortunate negative history” with previous efforts to decentralise Government in the past. Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) believed the motion showed “very forward thinking”.

Ennis’ absence of a digital hub was lamented by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG), “It is very frustrating that four years on from request digital hub, none have opened in Ennis”.

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Crowe pledges to give 100 per cent as Chair PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

C

LLR John Crowe (FG) has been elected as the new Cathaoirleach of the Shannon Municipal District.

Sixmilebridge’s Crowe who has been a county councillor since 1999 succeeds Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) in the role.

His election was proposed byNow his

predecessor and seconded by both Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) and Cllr PJ Ryan (IND). Cllr Michael Begley (IND) takes on the role of Leas Cathaoirleach.

Speaking at Friday’s meeting of the Shannon MD, Cllr Crowe paid tribute to Cllr McMahon for “a wonderful year” in the post. He stated, “It will be a very hard act to follow with 47 years in the Council, if that is not experience I don’t know what it is”.

He previously held the role in 2016 and was Mayor of Clare in OpenHefor Dining 2014. said,Alfresco “It is an honour to

get this position here today and to be leading such a wonderful team and to take over from an outstanding man and character. Shannon MD has always been a unique office, it was always a family, we always classed each other as a family, it was so easy to get on with everyone.”

Crowe paid tribute to the team of councillors in the Shannon MD and also the Council staff attached to it and pledged to give the role 100 percent.

“The Shannon Municipal District is the most important Municipal in the county, it is unique, some of the Municipals have coastlines but I don’t think any of them are like ours, starting in Latoon working its way to Shannobanks and over to Clonlara, it might not be a massive District but we have an International Airport, an Industrial Estate, one of the famous tourist attractions in Bunratty and a lot to look forward to with the Shannon Town plan, the challenges are there for us but so are the gains”. Hope was expressed by John that there was light at the end of the tunnel for & Drinks!!!

Shannon.

lELECTED: Cllr John Crowe (FG)

Photo by Martin Connolly

Ex Minister Noonan to head up new Shannon taskforce

by PÁRAIC McMAHON EX MINISTER for Finance and former Fine Gael TD for Limerick City, Michael Noonan is expected to head up a new Shannon taskforce.

It is expected that a Government taskforce is to be created to examine an escalating crisis in Shannon.

However, this will not focus solely on aviation at Shan-

non Airport and the knockon effect to employment at the Shannon Industrial Estate but it will also come under the umbrella of the Shannon Estuary Taskforce.

One commitment from the Programme for Government (PfG) between Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party is to set up a Shannon Estuary Taskforce

which initially arose on the back of the Government abandoning support for the Shannon LNG. Michael Noonan is expected to Chair this taskforce. Tanáiste Leo Varadkar (FG) told a sitting of the Dáil in early May that the terms of reference for the group were being finalised.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG) stressed the importance of clear guidelines and specific aims for the taskforce.

“The taskforce needs to have teeth, clear aims and a short time frame. We know that the global pandemic has had a profound impact upon the aviation industry”.

“We are facing a particular difficult time in Shannon with regard to the airport and the industrial estate, brought on us by the global aviation crisis.

“However we need to be imaginative and bold in terms of coming up with practical ideas as regards how we can help to work our way out of this crisis”. l CRISIS: Michael Noonan

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Plaques unveiled to honour Ennis legends PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

WO of Ennis’ best known former residents were remembered at the unveiling of special memorial plaques in the county town on Wednesday evening.

Both Michael Tierney and Laura Brennan were remembered in what was one of the final acts of Cllr Mary Howard (FG) during her tenure as Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council.

Laura Brennan was one of the country’s leading patient advocates up until her death at the age of 26 in May 2019. Her campaigning led to a surge in the number of young women taking the HPV vaccine.

The HSE said that since she first contacted the organisation in 2017, the uptake of the vaccine increased by almost 20 percentage

points from 51% that year, to 70% today at the time of her death. Her family have continued her advocacy since her death.

Michael Tierney was a standout figure amongst the masses, unmistakable with his make-up, flashy jewellery and large collection of wigs. Born in 1917, Michael lost his father to the First World War before he was born. Michael’s increased femininity became apparent from the 1950’s onwards at a time when homosexuality was forced to steer clear of the watchful eye of the public.

He was renowned for taking people on mystery tours around Ennis and held great compassion for the elderly community of Clare.

Michael passed away in 1998 with one of the largest funerals ever seen in the town of Ennis. A memorial plaque for Michael and his loyal companion was unveiled at the former building of Tom Mannion Travel on Wednesday evening. This was where many people

l Laura Brennan’s plaque

clapped eyes on Michael distributing newspapers. The plaque dedicated to Laura was erected on Wednesday and is located at The

Turnpike Council property not painted for 20 years

by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON COUNCIL owned property in Turnpike has not been painted for two decades, residents have claimed.

A survey of St Clare’s Close by housing staff within the Ennis Municipal District was sought by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) as she said the building was in need of some tender love and care.

Chutes are clogged with vegetation while the building housing apartments four to seven “has not been painted in 20 years,” Howard stated.

Doors and windows will also need to be replaced, the

l St Clare’s Close

outgoing Mayor of Clare believed.

Seven of the nine properties in St Clare’s Close are owned by the local authority. “Each of these was surveyed during 2018 as part of our planned maintenance stock condition survey. At the time all the windows and doors were given a five year lifespan and no maintenance requests were received through our tenant contact number,” senior executive engineer Tony Neville responded.

Neville confirmed that an

up-to-date inspection will be arranged “shortly and actioned accordingly”. “The houses have been painted over the past three years” and were funded by the void property refurbishment.

Quotations to clean and paint the apartment blocks have been sought, works will then proceed subject to funding through the Estate Management.

Speaking at the June meeting of the Ennis MD, Cllr Howard commented that the residents “beg to differ” with aspects of the reply.

She flagged that apartments 4, 5, 6 and 7 were not painted in the last year, “some residents say it has been eighteen years”.

Although he seconded the proposal, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) admitted to being unsure if he was entirely in support of it. “We have the apartment units opened in Clarecastle in 2008, I wasn’t long in Council at the time and I’ve been looking for them to be painted for a long time. If you start where do you stop. It comes back to finance, it has to be across the board”.

Support was voiced by Cllr Pat Daly (FF), “it is a beautiful area at the top of the Turnpike, it does require a clean up”.

Queen’s Hotel.

Speaking prior to Wednesday’s memorial events, Cllr Howard outlined, “For many years I have tried

to have something permanent in the town of Ennis to remember the larger than life character that was the late Michael Tierney.

Last June when I became Mayor of Clare, I promised that both Michael and Laura Brennan would have a permanent presence in the town”.

She told The Clare Echo that the addition of the plaque for Tierney would compliment the walking tours of Ennis in allowing historians to recall the tales of the popular townie. A gathering is to be held in the coming weeks to pay tribute to the character, she said. “It’s great to honour our flamboyant son in the town of Ennis”.

An incredible legacy of Laura will be added to by the presence of the plaque, Cllr Howard said. The location of the Queens was agreed by the owners, the Brennan family and Mary to ensure the message of taking the HPV vaccine serves as a constant reminder to young people.

18 FEATURES

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

GREEN CLARE

Ennis Tidy Towns develop new reusable trainer bag for Ennis Track CIAN O’BROIN

E

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

NNIS Tidy Towns have developed a new reusable trainer bag for Ennis Track members in an effort to make road races more sustainable.

The project, which first began two years ago, has seen sustainable transformations take place at community cups through the use of larger water canisters, composting material after the race and a reusable water bottle for each of the children entering the competition.

This time, the thirtyyear-old committee that developed under the ethos that ‘everyone can contribute to their local environment’ found that runners after cross country races were being put into single use plastic bags.

“We came up with the idea that we would make a reusable bag, that could be put into the washing machine and be branded with nice colours that the children like,” Ennis Tidy Towns Chairman Cormac McCarthy told The Clare Echo.

Working with a graphic designer, the bag depicts an image of a boy and a girl out running cross country, along with The Ennis Tidy Towns logo. The material, Cormac informed, has great longevity. The purpose of the bag is robustness produced through environmentally friendly material. “The bag can be washed over and over again, and it will still be as good as the day it was bought,” he added.

Community collab-

orations are a key element of how Ennis Tidy Towns operates. This formularises in assistance to groups or teams that want to develop projects that “promote sustainability, biodiversity or heritage.” Working with young people lays the foundations of this community work, which includes a junior mentoring programme as well as work with primary and secondary schools.

“Environmental awareness is incredibly strong with young people. What we are doing is that we are tapping into that, we are harnessing that, and we are using that to “foster that sense of place so that they are connecting things with their locality. That is a major philosophy in Ennis Tidy Towns, that you are doing it for your local community. It is that cumulative impact that the Tidy Towns movement is having,” he stated.

With over 900 entrants two years ago, during the last official competition, Cormac admitted that the lockdown saw a number of young volunteers take to the streets for community clean-ups. Labelled as “the volunteers of the future” Cormac urges any other young people who are interested in working with Ennis Tidy Towns, to contact them via Facebook.

Meanwhile, the Annual Best Kept Garden competition is part of Ennis Tidy Towns Local Awards with this year’s deadline for entries coming up on Wednesday June 30, 2021.

lGREAT IDEA: Ennis Track members with their reusable trainer bags

Arts & Entertainment 19

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Mick Flannery and Susuan O’Neill combine for brand new album PÁRAIC MCMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

N A first for award-winning, double platinum selling, Mick Flannery, he and Clare’s own Susan O’Neill have come together for collaborative album, ‘In the Game’, set for release this September.

Written and recorded during lockdown between Cork and Los Angeles, the album was produced ‘virtually’

by LA-based, Australian producer Tony Buchen.

The album follows 2020’s single ‘Baby Talk’ which won ‘Best Original Song of The Year’ at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards and has racked up

nearly 1 million streams to date. The pair’s staggering live performances on both The Late Late Show and Other Voices ‘Courage’ were widely lauded as performances of the year.

‘In the Game’ is the first single from the album and it is released this Friday. The track showcases the pair’s inimitable vocals.

“This song arrived at night/ morning early in pandemic lockdowns.

“It was partly inspired by hopeful talk of a “reset” and/ or environmental benefits to a great slowing of human activi-

ty,” Mick explained.

Mick and Susan recorded in Co. Cork, with Christian Best engineering all the Irish musicians as well as playing drums on the track.

Tony Buchen then took over producing duties in Los Angeles, bringing in various players including ‘Death Cab for Cuties’ Zac Rae on Wurlitzer duties. The infectious feelgood video filmed in Co. Clare was directed by West Cork Director Christopher Luke.

The pair also announced a string of Irish shows in support of this record between October and December this year. Including Cork Opera House, Dolan’s Warehouse and two nights at Whelan’s in Dublin with more shows to be announced.

Joanie Madden receives National Heritage Fellowship

by PÁRAIC McMAHON JOANIE Madden has been named as a recipient of the prestigious National Heritage Fellowship.

Over the past 36 years, Joanie has been the leader of the internationally renowned Irish Music and Dance Ensemble, Cherish the Ladies.

Last week, she was presented with a National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship, the highest honour that the United States bestows upon its folk and traditional artists.

She is one of nine individuals, “national living treasures” chosen from across the nation.

Those chosen receive a one-timeonly Fellowship in recognition of their lifetime achievement, artistic excellence and contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage.

In 1984, Joanie became the first American to win the coveted Senior All-Ireland Championship on the whistle at the Fleadh Cheoil. In 2015, she was named Clare Person of the Year by the County Clare Patriotic, Benevolent and Social Association of New York at their 127th Clare Ball for all her musical accomplishments.

Considered to be one of the greatest musicians and personalities in the history of Irish traditional music in America, Joanie was born in the Bronx and is the second oldest of seven children raised in a musical household.

Her mother Helen Meade hails from Miltown Malbay and her father Joe, an All-Ireland Champion accordion player, was a native of Portumna.

Well-wishes from Miltown Malbay have been extended to the musician since her selection became known.

lSHOWTIME: SON and Mick Flannery

TWO YEARS FLYING IN WILDLIFE COMP

lWILD WEST: Local Ennis Artist Tomás O’Maoldomhnaigh is a finalist for the second year in a row in world wildlife art competition. 'Wild Atlantic Brent Geese' has been selected for the DS Wildlife artist of the year 2021 finals.

20 FEATURES

Treat yourself

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

S

OMEONE once said, “It's a funny thing, Life. If you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it”. It is very apt in today’s world of looking after our health and the Coronavirus also. Often we do not care about ourselves and do not live each moment to the best of our abilities.

We settle for second best.

If our inner heart has holes, we do not bother to refill them, thinking how does it matter? Who can see them? The truth is your body can feel it and you know it matters and that your health is truly your wealth when all is said and done! Many times, we skip meals thinking it does not matter and you think I have more important things to do in life.

Truth is, your body needs that nourishment. No one else is going to nourish your body but you! For the world to treat you well, you need to treat yourself well! If you have no pride in yourself,chances are the world will look at you in the same way. Our lives are a large collection of single days one right after the other. The sun rises, sets, and rises again. Our most precious commodities are not our smartphones, 3D TVs, brand new cars, or even our big and impressive houses. Our most precious commodities can’t be found at the bank.

They can’t be ordered online. The truth is, they are on a very short list. Amongst our most precious commodities are our purpose, time, health, and our relationships. And in the end, the lives we choose to live will be determined by how we choose to spend each day. There is a famous quote by Teddy Roosevelt that has really struck home with me over the last few years: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."

Pamper yourself a little

It is said that charity begins at home. We care for the less fortunate and the needy which is a great quality in any human being! But remember your mind, body and soul need you first. Pamper yourself, enjoy life to the fullest and make the most of what you have got. It is said that keep a clean home, nourish your body, pamper yourself and you will feel blessed! But, most of us do not invest time in ourselves.

We are so absorbed by the outside world that we forget ourselves! Most of us feel it is a sheer waste of time to invest in oneself. Pampering yourself is vanity! Well, overdoing it might be vanity but doing something you like once in a while is important to feel good, happy and

satiated in life. Everything affects everything. The way you walk affects the way you talk. The way you dress affects the way you feel. The care you give to yourself will affect how you care about others.

Nurturing and feeling good about yourself is the first step towards confidence and goes a long way in fulfilling your ambitions. There are positive vibrations all around you.

You just need to grab them and realize them. For this, you need to have strength and confidence in yourself. Be happy to make others happy. As usual a story from my Nana Scully’s prayer book might help to explain.

A Beautiful Flower

‘The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read, beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree. Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown, for the world was intent on dragging me down. And if that weren't enough to ruin my day, a young boy approached me, all tired from play. He stood right before me with his head tilted down and said with great excitement, "Look what I found!" In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight, with its petals all worn- not enough rain, or too little light.

Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play, I faked a small smile and then shifted away. But instead of retreating he sat next to my side and declared with overacted surprise, "It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too. That's why I picked it; here, it's for you. "The weed before me was dying or dead, not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red. But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.

So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Thanks, just what I need. But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, he held it mid-air without reason or plan. It was then that I noticed for the very first time that the weed-toting boy could not see he was blind. I heard my voice quiver, tears shone in the sun as I thanked him for picking the very best one. "You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play; unaware of the impact he'd had on my day. I sat there and wondered how he managed to see a self-pitying man beneath an old willow tree.

How did he know of my self-indulged plight?

Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight. Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see the problem was not with the world; the problem was me.

And for all of those times I myself had been blind, I vowed to see the

beauty in life, and appreciate every second that's mine.

And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose and breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose. And smiled, as I watched that young boy, another weed in his hand, about to change the life of another unsuspecting old man!

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Scariff honours a WW2 hero

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, make the most of what you have got.

Difficult and painful experiences shape our lives and who we are and who we become, but they can also weigh us down. They prevent us from moving forward. Much of our progress in life relies on willpower and a healthy emotional state. There is a strong connection between physical and mental health and for these reasons it’s important to address mental health first.

If you’re under immense stress and anxiety, your body and mind both require time to recover. It’s best to rest, recover, refresh and slowly build back up your strength.

Too often when we are suffering, we will focus only on physical remedies and can ignore our emotional mental health. Stigma about mental health represents a powerful obstacle toward recognizing the need for help. Remember what you’re striving for and why it is important.

It’s OK to go to family, colleagues or friends for help and if need be real professional help. Find a friendly ear and share your worries and frustrations.

Don’t be afraid to take time for yourself to recuperate and pamper yourself a bit. For me I go spend time with God in nature or in a quiet peaceful setting where I can offer up my prayers for support and guidance. For me, life is about experiences. We all have to dream, strive, and at times even fail before we can achieve success. Maybe we’ll discover along the way that the journey is more important than the destination and that we should always strive to make the most of what we have got. So don't ever be afraid to celebrate who you are. We are here to inspire one another, to help one another, to share with one another. Treasure your life and the lives of those around you. We are all in this together and remember that everybody has something to offer. Indeed, most of us have many things to offer and, in a lot of cases, special expertise is not required. We are all capable of giving that which people need most of all now in our country and world: LOVE. Love translates into time, service and the sharing of oneself. The whole meaning of our lives is bound up with love. We find happiness in loving others and being loved in return. All our experiences of love are experiences of God. And what really brings God’s love home to us and makes it real is the love of another human being. Then we feel it and know it.

lTRIBUTE: John J Kelly presents the House of Representatives Medal to Maureen Sweeney

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

S

CARIFF’S Ruth O’Hagan penned and recited a poem entitled ‘The Girl Who Changed The World’ as part of a tribute to 98 year old Maureen Sweeney on Saturday.

At an event in Sonas nursing home in Belmullet, Co Mayo, Maureen received a medal from the US House of Representatives in recognition of her role in changing the course of history through her weather reports.

A native of Kerry, Maureen forecast an impending storm from Blacksod station in 1944 which changed the timing of the D-Day landings and ultimately secured victory for the Allies.

John J. Kelly, an Irish American who led the design and production of the modern landing craft, paid tribute to Maureen and the Sweeney Family at the event on behalf of the USA. An annual visitor to Feakle, John read several letters of thanks to Maureen and her family from the US. He also presented a letter and certificate to Maureen from the President of the World War Two Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He read a signed personal note from the highest ranking military officer to ever take a seat in the US Congress. Retired Three Star Marine Corps General now Congressman Jack Bergman (Michigan First

Photo by Tom Reilly

District) sent his best wishes to Maureen. Congressman Bergman also sent a framed parchment from the US Congress which places her name in the US Congressional Record for perpetuity.

Kelly presented the House of Representatives Medal to Maureen Sweeney on behalf of the House of Representatives.

This medal was specially produced and only given to those that have performed “Laudable Deeds” for the USA. Patricia Kelly, John’s wife, presented a bouquet of Summer flowers to Maureen with the thanks of the people of the USA and of Ireland.

Eoin O’Hagan from Scariff and the founder of Cealtra Communications Ltd was the MC for the event which was live streamed utilising three cameras by Feakle native Matt Purcell of Purcell AV. A poem titled ‘The Girl Who Changed The World’ was penned and recited specifically for the event by Scariff’s Ruth O’Hagan. The poem is about an ordinary girl doing ordinary things on an ordinary night not knowing the extraordinary affect she had on World history.

Father Kevin Hegarty PP Kilmore and Erris parish offered a blessing to Maureen, her family, her fellow residents and staff of the Sonas Nursing Home and also remembered the crew of Coastguard Helicopter Rescue 116 who were lost in Blacksod Bay four years ago.

Vincent Sweeney, Maureen’s son and Lighthouse keeper in Black Sod thanked John J. Kelly and all involved in the tribute on behalf of his mother and her family.

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Community COUNTYWIDE

COMMUNITY 21 CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

MACRA AGM

AT THE recent Clare Macra na Feirme AGM, held via Zoom, Caitríona Power of Ennis Macra was elected Chairperson for 2021/2022.

Among those in attendance were outgoing Macra na Feirme President Thomas Duffy, outgoing Munster Vice President Seán Wallace and Training and Development Officer Debbie Donnelly.

The newly elected committee are: Chairperson - Caitríona Power, Secretary - Liam Hanrahan, Treasurer - Justin Mulqueen, Joint PRO’S Lucy Killackey and Laura Donnellan, Competition’s Chairperson - Brian Murphy, Competition’s SecretaryAndrew Naughton, YFDG Chairperson- Patrick McNamara, YFDG Secretary - Andrew Naughton, Rural Youth Officer - Eoin Collins and IFA Reps - Anthony Burke & Dermot Hegarty.

Sixmilebridge-Kilmurrry Macra’s Michael Cotter will represent Clare in Macra’s National Poc Fada Final in Thomastown, Kilkenny this Saturday the 26th. The farm skills county round takes place on July 4th at 11am on Hannon’s Farm Sixmilebridge where teams from Ennis, Ennistymon, Kilrush and Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry will battle it out for a place in the finals. On the 11TH of July, Munster Vice President, Elaine Houlihan and outgoing Munster Vice President, Seán Wallace will come to Clare to climb Moylussa as part of their ‘11 peaks in 11 weeks’ challenge in aid of Irish Community Air Ambulance.

Donations can be made on their Facebook page.

Club events coming up include: Ennis Macra’s Kayaking trip to White Strand, Sixmilebridge-Kilmurry Macra’s Outdoor MeetUp (Date TBC), Kilrush Macra’s Silage Themed Photo Competition on Instagram and Ennistymon Macra’s club meeting coming up in July. Keep an eye on their Facebook and Instagram pages for more information.

Macra na Feirme is a youth organisation for those aged 17-35. The next County Meeting will be held via Zoom on 6th July at 9pm. All welcome!

lBUBBLY: Thank you to everyone who supported us in the last 7 weeks while Team Lifford Childcare took part in The Irish Cancer

Society Relay for Life 2021. We had a final total of 3,922.13 kms clocked up by our team. To make it a little bit competitive between ourselves we split into two teams to see who could put up the most Kms in the 7 weeks. Team Ciara and Team Bridget. We had a lovely presentation and Team Bridget was the winner.

In total we have raised €2330 and can only say thank you all so much for donating to a very worthy cause; The Irish Cancer Society

ONLINE

ENNIS

SUMMER CAMP

ACTIVE FLAG

SCHOOL Completion Programmes in Ennis and Kilrush and Clare Local Development Company SICAP in conjunction Clarecare, Clare CYPSC, Clare Youth Service, Clare Sports Partnership have organised a Free Online summer camp for all primary and secondary aged students across County Clare. The camp www.clarecamps.ie is currently live for post primary students and content will be added for primary school children from Monday 5th of July. We worked to ensure a vast range of engaging and diverse activities – something for everyone!

The camp will have: Podge Collins and Eimear Considine giving tips and life advice to secondary school aged young people; cookery; art and crafts; soccer, hurling, football skills; dance; cycling and bike care; fun activities; beauty and make up; fitness; yoga.

All the content is available free to all. No need to register. All videos are pre-recorded with clear instructions.

We would like to acknowledge all our contributors such as FAI grassroots, Clare County Library, LCETB Creative Arts programme, Clare GAA, Breakthrough Dance Company and Strike sports. We believe it provides entertaining, fun activities for children and young people for the summer holidays.

ENNIS National School celebrated being awarded the Active School Flag, which recognises the school community as one that promotes physical activity and physical education.

They held a full week of sports such as sprints, novelty races, hurling, football, soccer, basketball and daily exercise challenges.

They had school outings like walking tours of Ennis, Activities in Eire Óg, excursions to Lees Road and kayaking in Ballyalla They held a ceremony on Friday where the Active Flag was raised on the school grounds. There was a massive effort on part of students, staff and parents in achieving it

lSPORTY: Ennis National School Principal Brian Troy raises the active flag with Ciara and Conor

22 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Kearney Cooks

TASTY BIT OF QUICHE

I

T’S getting into the season of daytrips to the beach or other beauty spots that we are so blessed with here in Clare. When I was young that meant ham sandwiches and a big old flask of tea (or a big bag of cans when I was a bit older). These days I have a few more notions about myself and try to liven up my picnic offerings, and one favourite of mine to bring along is a bit of quiche.

FOR THE PASTRY: • 350g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 170g hard block of chilled butter, cut into cubes • 5 tbsp water • A good pinch of salt FOR THE FILLING: • 60g smoked salmon, cut into strips • 50 g mascarpone cheese • 100g mozzarella, grated • 20g fresh dill • 20g finely chopped chives • 4 large eggs • 400ml single cream (milk will work too for a lower fat version) • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Step 1 First make the pastry: Horse the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and mix gently until the mix-

R

ebecca O’Neill

Step 4 When it has cooled slightly trim the excess pastry and remove from the tin.

Serve it up with a little salad and voila, perfect picnic fodder.

ture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add five tablespoons of cold water until the pastry comes together in a ball.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use it to line a 10 inch loose-bottomed flan tin. Fluted tins can really add to the look of this.

Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 220˚C. Prick the pastry case all over with a fork, to prevent air bubbles forming during baking.

Line the base and sides with baking parchment and weigh it down with baking beans or uncooked rice. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and bake the empty case for a further 10 minutes, or until the base is golden brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 180˚C.

The great thing about a quiche is you can put whatever you like in it.

Bacon and cheese, or goats cheese with red onion marmalade are great filling ideas. I have even put a full Irish breakfast into a quiche before. There really is a filling for everyone.

As usual if you have any questions about this recipe or others please feel free to message me on Instagram. Now make the most of the summer and enjoy a picnic or two in our wonderful county.

Enjoy

Step 2 Time to fill your quiche. Dot your mascarpone around the cooked pastry and spread your salmon evenly around as well. Sprinkle your dill over everything.

Steve K

Step 3 In a bowl, combine the eggs, cream, salt and pepper and chives then pour into the quiche. Sprinkle your mozzarella over the top and Bake for 25-30 minutes until it is a golden colour on top and just set.

Be careful not to overcook the quiche, or the filling will become very tough.

Hayfever season

Beauty therapist Rebecca O’Neill shares her top tips for keeping hay fever at bay this summer

A

S A lot of us are aware, the pollen count can be very high during this time of year causing some of us to have itchy noses and watery eyes.

Hay fever is a very frustrating allergy especially when trying to move on with your everyday routine.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose or mouth. Pollen can land on any surface which makes this allergy harder to prevent.

Symptoms of hay fever include a pain around your temples and forehead, itchy, red and watery eyes and puffy eyes. The pollen attacks the eye lining and the skin underneath the eyelid fills with fluid to make them puffy.

Try your best to not rub your eyes because it can damage the eye lining. Other symptoms include a runny and blocked nose, sneezing, loss of smell, earache and fatigue.

I’ve compiled a list of some tips to prevent hay fever from getting worse. Apply Vaseline around the nose to trap pollen, dust around the areas you live with a damp cloth - pollen will stick to the cloth when it is damp.

Wearing sunglasses can prevent pollen from reaching your eyes. Regularly changing your clothing after going outdoors will wash away any pollen on your clothes while having a shower will do the same for your body.

By hoovering your living space often this will also help as well as putting used tea

POLLEN: Wildflowers

bags in the fridge, they can act as a cold compress for puffy eyes.

To ease some symptoms it is also good to not dry your clothes outdoors as the pollen can stick to them. Also, you shouldn’t smoke or be around smoke as it makes all allergies much worse. For daily updates on the pollen count visit www.met.ie.

COLUMNIST 23

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With

In this week’s column, Joe Melody reflects on a recent visit to his alma mater, Clonmoney National School

L

AST week I had the pleasure of being invited to speak at my alma mater Clonmoney national school. I was there to speak about farming, the environment and biodiversity. I have spoken to schools in the past but there is a sentimental aspect to returning to your own school.

It was wonderful to see the development and progress the school has made in recent years under the guidance of its principal David McCormack with the help of the great teachers and staff. Our venue was the outdoor astro turf and after I gave my talk I encouraged the pupils to ask any questions

they might have. This part of the experience was as enlightening for me as it was for my audience as I was thoroughly impressed with the questions and the complexity of the questions that were asked of me.

It was heartening to hear not only their interest and questions expressed but also that they had their own opinions and experiences on farms whether that be their own farms or even neighbouring farms.

Questions about our pastured hens were prolific and I even found out there were young competitors in my midst who had their own hens to keep their own family supplied with eggs.

As I returned home from my lovely morning with the

HOME TO ROOST: Roll away nest boxes in the new hen house on the Melody farm in Bunratty

staff and pupils of Clonmoney, it began to dawn on me that it was beginning to feel like a deja vu of recent summers with a continued drying breeze and little rain in the past few weeks.

The challenge of grass quality faced over the past few weeks seems now a trivial matter compared to the prospect of a diminished grass quantity.

Hopefully though with our reseeded ground coming back into the grazing rotation it will help stymie the worst ravishes of a soil moisture deficit.

Paddocks that were cut as a surplus 10 days ago received an application of watery slurry at a rate of 2,500 gallons per acre which was injected and seems to have revitalised these paddocks replacing P and K that was removed in those bales.

The whole herd will be vaccinated for IBR this week. Vaccination is expensive but we have seen a marked reduction in vet call outs and production losses since adopting a vaccination program over five years ago. It is an insurance policy as much as anything else.

The hen house continues its progress with now only a few short weeks to the arrival of our new hens. There is no blueprint for what we are doing as such, so it is taking a little more thought than say in the past when we were building sheds or a milking parlour.

We are lucky to have great support and the best of people to advise and help us. There is considerable time and capital tied up in this project and we are delighted with how it is turning out.

That delight is now turning to excitement as we are getting near to supplying our new outlets and customers and bringing Melody Farm Eggs to a wider market.

FF are missing an opportunity

W

ITH a by-election coming up on July 8th, there have been plenty of opinion polls landing via various newspapers over the past couple of weeks.

No two are exactly the same, however, there are a few trends emerging that are common to them all.

The first of these is that Sinn Féin are the lead party in the polls across all polling companies.

This is hardly a surprise in that the main opposition party often does significantly better than Government parties in opinion polls between elections.

Just look at the Behaviour & Attitudes poll for the Sunday Times just three weeks out from the 2020 election that saw then lead opposition party Fianna Fáil 12 points clear of all competition on 32 per cent.

The election just 23 days later saw them a full 10 points further back. Let that be a cautionary tale for all not to rest on your laurels based on polls.

The trend though will be a boost to the Provisionals ahead of the Dublin Bay South bye-election, as they would appear to be the main challenger to Fine Gael for the seat vacated by Eoghan Murphy.

In fact, the SF vote is high with young people and urban votes across the various opinion polls, which would mirror the demographics of Dublin Bay South very well.

They’re performing better than expected with affluent voters as well, further putting a spring in their step.

Another trend is the solidification of FG support across all age groups and social classes.

They are also the firm favourites with the farming community, although between themselves and

FF, they account for almost four in five farming voters now between the two of them.

Another trend is FF’s clear issue with younger voters. Although the party has seemed to recover some lost ground on the other two of the ‘big three’, their support remains older and more rural than their rivals.

This has been an ongoing trend for a number of years now and seems a far cry from the 2014 local elections where the party was the most popular amongst the youth vote according to exit polls.

Since then, however, the party has struggled, due in no small part to party’s public reticence surrounding the repeal the 8th referendum.

Whereas Míchéal Martin was, once again, ahead of the majority of his Parliamentary Party, and the first major party leader to publicly back and campaign for repeal, the photo of a number of FF Oireachtas members with “vote no”

“

Another trend is FF’s clear issue with younger voters

“

With

signs lives far fresher in the memory of young voters than the scene of dozens of FF elected reps and activists similarly photographed at St. Stephen’s Green with vote yes signs.

Despite the Soldiers of Destiny making massive in road for the LGBTQ+ community with key pieces of legislation passed from 1989, right up to the vote for marriage equality, FF are not perceived as truly liberal by young voters, in an every increasingly liber-

al society, as a result of the abortion referendum.

This is no accident.

When you look at the social media profiles of the parties, FF are miles behind where they should be and only recently started to act to try remedy the years of missed opportunity with online campaigning.

This, despite many years of Ógra activists pleading with Mount Street HQ to do more to stem the tide.

Alas, for FF, these pleas fell on deaf ears for far too long, and now FF are facing down a similar political strategy from SF that the Provisionals used against the SDLP in the north to great effect.

They portrayed them, mainly via uncontested social media posts, as old, stale and out of touch with modernity and the needs of young people in Ireland.

It did not matter, ultimately, what the parties’ respective policies were after that.

Once the perception has taken root in the zeitgeist, it’s near impossible to turn it around.

The party’s failure to promote young activists, heavily involved with the above referenda and in turning the party’s fortunes around post the 2011 election, was another fatal flaw, as acknowledged by senior officials recently.

The result is that many of these people, aged from their late 20s to early 40s, are now no longer active, and have even left FF entirely, as a result.

They have made some attempts to redress this recently, but, for their sake, FF hope it is not merely closing the door after the horse has bolted.

If they are to retain a position as one of “the big three”, and stop SF taking their place in the political landscape entirely, they badly need to reconnect with younger voters.

24

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021 l Pictured are Roger and Brid Fahy enjoying some of their produce at Café Linnalla

The Burren

Burren cows whip up a tasty treat for ice cream lovers at Linalla

W

HAT better wat to cool down on the Wild Atlantic Way than with a scoop (or three) of delicious homemade ice cream at Café Linnalla. Brid and Roger Fahy have perfected their product over a decade and believe there is no ice cream quite like it.

“Our ice cream is different from everybody else’s because our cows are from here. We use the milk of the shorthorn cows, a native little cow of the Burren. It’s a lovely milk because were a coastal farm, our cows are eating seaweeds and grass that you wouldn’t find in oth-

er places,” Brid says.

The Fahy’s have farmed in New Quay for five generations and diversified in 2006 at the height of the Celtic Tiger, spending three years doing market research and learning their craft. Their hard work has paid off as they are proud winners of numerous accolades including being voted one of the fifty secrets of the Wild Atlantic Way and Irish Times No 21 in 50 ways to go green.

Linalla Café, part of the Burren Food Trail and affiliated with the Burren Ecotourism Network, is based just off the spectacular Flaggy Shore, a mecca for

walkers made famous by Seamus Heaney in his poem Postscript where he says it “captures the heart off guard”. The pathway connecting the café to the Flaggy Shore gives you the option of having your coffee and ice cream after a walk on the Flaggy Shore.

What’s Brid’s favourite flavour? “Usually once the blackberries come in season, I’d say it’s the nicest ice cream in the world,” she says.

Café Linnalla is open every day from St Patrick’s Day to Halloween, from 11am to 7pm. Call 065 707 8167 or visit www.linnallaicecream. ie

Unlock your adventurous side at the Burren this summer

W

ITH staycations set to boom this year and an outdoor summer on the horizon, getting outdoors and getting active is more prevalent than ever with people in Ireland seeking out places to adventure here at home.

The Burren in County Clare boasts some of the most beautiful and breathtaking vistas in the world and it’s all right here on our doorstep just waiting to be explored.

The Outdoor Education and Training Centre The Burren is a purpose-built Further Education and Training centre which is located in the heart of the Burren, just a few minutes away from the Wild Atlantic Way so it is ideally located for those looking to explore the Burren this summer.

Whether you’re a learner, part of a youth group, co-workers or a family looking for adventure, or you just want to experience the beauty of the Burren for yourself this could be the perfect way to do it.

The team at the centre are on hand to extend a warm welcome and all the local knowledge and expert skills needed to safely guide you through your adventure at one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.

With over 30 years of experience behind them, the highly-skilled and passionate team also have all the expertise, equipment and local knowledge to make

any trip to the area a memorable one.

The centre provides high quality outdoor and adventure activities to people of all ages particularly those in the education and youth work. As well as offering a unique learning environment, The Outdoor Education and Training Centre The Burren also gives learners the opportunity to engage in active, experiential and social learning through water, land and centre-based activities. This kind of learning helps to improve resilience, communication and teamwork skills and problem-solving as well as improving self-confidence, self-esteem and self-knowledge.

These kind of skills are crucial for developing creative and critical thinking whether you are preparing for employment or progressing your studies. Once you arrive at the centre you can choose from a wealth of courses on offer including Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Hill Walking, Canoeing, Caving at the Burren and so much more.

The Burren Outdoor Education and Training centre is run under the aegis of Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and is approved by the Department of Education. To find out more about what’s on offer and create your next adventure, check out www.learningandskills.ie/outdoor-education for more details.

The Burren

25

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

Clean up campaign launched ahead of busy tourism season O NE of Ireland’s leading sustainable tourism groups has launched a major clean-up campaign in anticipation of this year’s busy tourism

season.

The campaign by the Burren Ecotourism Network has the message of “Protected Zone-Bring Your Rubbish Home” and encourages people to dispose of their litter responsibly, while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of the Burren.

The tourism group have adopted a vibrant multi-prong approach in the battle against littering and illegal dumping which includes the production of new litter awareness video, the creation of a Burren tote bag for rubbish disposal, as well as working with Clare County Council and An Taisce representatives.

“We have already seen a huge increase of visitors to the area in recent weeks and we are hopeful that this campaign will raise awareness of the importance of disposing rubbish responsibly, as well as reminding

people to protect the delicate ecosystem of the Burren” commented Jarlath O’Dwyer, CEO of the Burren Ecotourism Network He said that the foundations of this campaign were symbolic of the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ whose message “Come, look, and leave it as it was.” which is part of the ethos of the Burren Ecotourism Group.

Both the leave no trace and Burren Ecotourism logos, are on the new tote bags which are for sale across the network and on the www.burren.ie website. All proceeds from the sale of the bags will go to Burren environmental projects.

Following discussions with the Conservation Advocacy Group in the network, County Council have promised pickers, rubbish bags and high-vis jackets to groups of Burren Ecotourism Network volunteers, as well as free rubbish disposal passes in the local authority waste disposal unit in Inagh.

Clare County Councillor Joe Garrihy commented: “Clare county council have increased resources in north Clare area this

season. This is in addition to the normal summer weekend staff to cover toilets, litter/ waste, traffic, etc.”

He said that measures included additional bins being provided, more toilet facilities with longer opening hours, as well as beach ambassadors and general beach operatives to deal with the large numbers of visitors to the area.

Earlier this year, the Burren Ecotourism group launched “A BIN/ NOT A BIN “campaign on social media with photos showing a household bin on one side of the poster, labelled a bin and well known beautiful Burren landscapes on the other labelled ‘Not a bin”.

Members of the network have also joined forces with other community groups in the area to tackle head on the crisis of litter management, particularly on Earth Day. Clean ups were organised in different villages in the Burren, including Lisdoonvarna, Kilfenora,Corofin, Kilshanny, Ballyvaughan and Doolin in conjunction with the Tidy Towns

l Joan Reilly, Doolin 2 Aran Ferries (left) and Thelma Hayes, Operation Manager, Cliffs of Moher

organisation. Clare County Council has also committed to working with local tidy town organisations and community organisations to ensure regular clean ups are being carried out and waste removed to civic amenity centres.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

The Burren

Great food and a Kilshanny welcome awaits this Summer K ILSHANNY House will reopen this summer under new ownership, with new ideas aplenty to attract locals and visitors alike for years to come.

Matthew and Michelle Strefford have taken the reins at the iconic North Clare establishment and hope to create a modern Irish gastropub with a strong focus on excellence and simplicity. Matthew and wife Michelle are parents to three children, Fiadh, Ellie and Jack, and are planning on opening their doors in the coming weeks with early July pencilled in.

Matthew is renowned in his field having worked internationally – including a stint at Rockpool in Sydney for Neil Perry, Australia’s biggest chef – along with six years under his belt at Adare Manor. Most recently, he acted as general manager and head chef at Moy House in West Clare for seven years. “With the help of our farm manager, Sarah Noonan, we developed a farm to fork operation there with all our own veg, fruit, herbs salads, three polytunnels, Dexter beef, free range pigs for all breakfast products and our own lamb,” explains Matthew. He held 2 AA rosettes for culinary excellence for the entirety of his time at Moy House, won best hotel restaurant at the 2018 Restaurant awards along with best customer ser-

vice in 2016/2017, among other awards.

It’s armed with that experience, the Strefford family are confident in what lays in store at Kilshanny House.

“Kilshanny House will be a modern Irish gastropub, celebrating the exceptional produce available in the area.

Simple, clean cooking, delivered with good service in a relaxed environment. A focus on seasonality of produce and big flavour. Nothing too “showy” - just good cooking!”

OUTDOOR DINING The menu will be called “Tine”, Irish for “fire”. The best produce will be cooked over fire on our wood fire grill and in our wood fire oven. The style will be similar to tapas/ small plates, designed to be shared amongst diners. You order a few dishes and everyone gets to have a taste (alternatively, they can be ordered individually). Grilled Irish meats and seafoods, wood fire roast vegetables as well as flat breads and pizzas as well as salads and sides.

Simple dishes, expertly cooked using wood fire.

A bottle bar will operate from a stable in the garden.

Outdoor dining will be available in the garden overlooking the green vales of Kilshanny, while indoor dining will also be available. Car parking available. Pre Booking essential. Follow social media for updates. www.kilshannyhouse.ie

info@kilshannyhouse

0657071300

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

The Outdoor Education and Training Centre The Burren is a purpose-built Further Education and Training Centre located in the heart of the Burren in County Clare.

We offer high-quality outdoor and adventure experiences to people of all ages, specializing in education and youth work.

Courses on offer year round range from Rock Climbing, Hill Walking, Kayaking and Caving in the Burren.

Develop your Skills Enhance your Wellbeing Unlock your Potential

Family Activities Summer 2021

Rock Climbing, Kayaking or Hiking in the Burren Fee:

Day & Date: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from August 3rd to August 19th

€99

Time: Mornings from 9.30am & Afternoons from 2pm

per family

(based on 2 adults and 2 children) per activity

Get in Touch

#FindTheBestInYou

learningandskills.ie/outdoor-education

Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

burrenoec@lcetb.ie 065 707 8066

Co-funded by the

EUROPEAN UNION

27

28 RECRUITMENT

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

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

DFP Pension & Investment Consultants announce details of their latest acquisition ELAINE TUBRIDY

D

news@clareecho.ie

FP is delighted to announce that it has acquired Dundalk based Bridge Financial Services, its 8th brokerage acquisition in the last 15 years.

DFP Pension & Investment Consultants, headed up by Ennis native Eoin Doohan, is one of the leading financial advisory firms operating in the Irish market with a 21-year track record and client funds under management now in excess of €450 million.

On welcoming Pat and his clients to DFP Pension & Investment Consultants, Managing Director Eoin Doohan commented "The firm shares many of our val-

ues and we look forward to working closely together to provide leading investment management services to Bridge Financial Services clients, helping them to achieve their financial objectives.

"With so many complex financial decisions to make during our lifetimes, the need for professional and quality financial and investment management has never been greater. Bridge Financial Services clients can now benefit from the strength of Investment Management Process and Risk Assessment, yet still enjoy our warm client relationship approach."

Established in 2000, DFP Pension & Investment Consultants has grown to become one of Ireland’s leading Pension, Investment and Financial Advisory firms, helping meet the needs and objectives of its clients through the provision of investment advice and financial planning.

Clare Youth Service Clare Youth Service

Clare Youth Service Clare Service Clare Youth Service, a voluntary organisation, is theYouth leading provider of youthwork programmes and

Clare Youth Service, a voluntary organisation, is theare leading of youthwork programmes services to young people in the county.

Applications invitedprovider from suitably qualified persons for and Clare Youth Service, a voluntary organisation, is the leading provider of youthwork programmes and young people in the county.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for theservices post of:to services to young people in the county.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for the post of: the post of:

Community Training Centre Instructor Community Instructor (Part-timeTraining -18 hoursCentre per week) Community Training Centre Instructor (Part-time -18 hours per week)

(Part-time -18 hours per week) Clare Youth Service Community Training Centre (CTC) provides vocational training and education Clare to Youth Service Community Training Centre provides vocational and education options meet the needs of young people aged 16(CTC) to 21 years from the local training area who have left Clare Youth Service Community Training Centre (CTC) provides vocational training and education options to school meet the needs of instructor young people aged 16 to 21 years from thea local who have left mainstream early.

The will be responsible for delivering rangearea of modules within options to meet the needs of young people aged 16 to 21 years from the local area who have left school early.

The instructor will be responsible for delivering a range of modules within themainstream LCA /QQI curriculum, in particular Mathematics and English. mainstream school early.

The instructor will be responsible for delivering a range of modules within the LCA /QQI curriculum, in particular Mathematics and English. the LCA /QQI curriculum, in particular Mathematics and English.

The successful candidate will have: The candidate willinhave:  successful A recognised qualification Mathematics and English, or similar discipline The successful candidate will have: A recognised qualification in Mathematics and English, or similar discipline   Experience of working with young people in non-formal settings  A recognised qualification in Mathematics and English, or similar discipline of working with young people in non-formal settings  A Experience learner-centred approach  Experience of working with young people in non-formal settings learner-centred approach  AnAability to deliver flexible and creative training options that engage all learners  An A learner-centred approachand creative training options that engage all learners ability to deliver   The capability to workflexible across a diverse range of projects  An to deliver flexible and training Theability capability to work across a creative diverse range of options projectsthat engage all learners   Excellent communication, teamwork and ICT skills  The capability to work across a diverse of projects Excellent communication, teamwork andrange ICT skills  At least 2 years proven experience of delivering one or more of the aforementioned modules.  At Excellent communication, teamwork and ICT skills least 2 years proven experience of delivering one or more of the aforementioned modules.  At least 2 years proven experience of delivering one or more of the aforementioned modules.

Responsibilities will include: Responsibilities will include:  Designing, delivering, assessing and monitoring of learner coursework to LCA / QQI level Responsibilities include:  standards Designing,will delivering, assessing and monitoring of learner coursework to LCA / QQI level  standards Designing, delivering, assessing and monitoring of learner coursework to LCA / QQI level  Reporting to the Centre Manager on a day-to-day basis standards to the Centre Manager on a day-to-day basis Reporting   Supporting learners in developing an Individual Learning Plan  Reporting tolearners the Centre Manager on day-to-day basis Plan Supporting in developing anaIndividual Learning   Direct supervision of learners  Supporting learners developing an Individual Learning Plan Direct supervision ofinlearners  Assisting with the CTC team planning, development and implementation of CTC services  Direct supervision of learners Assisting with theStandards CTC teamSystem. planning, development and implementation of CTC services within the Training  Assisting the CTC team planning, within the with Training Standards System. development and implementation of CTC services within the Training Standards System.

Salary scale will be in line with the CTC instructor scales.

Salary scale will be in line with the CTC instructor scales.

Salary scale will in line with CTC instructor scales.

Application form and Job description arebe available from:the ldack@clareyouthservice.org Application form and Job available from: ldack@clareyouthservice.org Completed application formsdescription should be are returned to the same e-mail address by 12.00 noon Application application form and Job description arereturned availabletofrom: ldack@clareyouthservice.org Completed forms should be the same e-mail address by 12.00 noon Thursday July 1st 2021 Completed application forms should be returned to the same e-mail address by 12.00 noon Thursday July 1st 2021 Application by e-mail only.

Thursday July 1st 2021 Application by e-mail only.

by Opportunity. e-mail only. Appointment is subject to Garda Clare Youth Service is committed to a Application policy of Equal Clare Youth Service is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity. Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting.

Shortlisting willisapply.

Clare Youth Service committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity. Appointment is subject to Garda Vetting. Shortlisting will apply.

Vetting. Shortlisting will apply.

Clare Youth Service Community Training Centre offers Youthreach provision directed at unemployed early school leavers Clare Youth Service Community Training Centre offers Youthreach provision directed at unemployed early school leavers aged 16 Youth to 21 years.

Clare Service Community Training Centre offers Youthreach provision directed at unemployed early school leavers aged 16 to 21 years.

This provision is supported

by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and co-funded by the Government of aged 16 to 21 years.

This provision is supported by Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board and co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Social Fund and theand Youth Employment as part of the ESF Programme forGovernment Employability, This provision is supported

by Limerick Clare Education Initiative and Training Board and co-funded by the of Ireland, the European Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion – 2020.

Ireland,and the Learning European2014 Social Fund and the Youth Employment Initiative as part of the ESF Programme for Employability, Inclusion and Learning 2014 – 2020.

Inclusion and Learning 2014 – 2020.

l FINANCE: DFP have aquired Dundalk based Bridge Financial Services

Legal Secretary required Legal Secretary required for general practice in Gort.

Please send cover letter and CV to info@colmansherry.ie

S E LR e t ail To p Q u a l i t y Till R o l l s ( Ra n g e o f Si z e s ) Vi s a Ro l l s Ther mal S ca l e L a b e l s ( Pr i n t e d o r Pl a i n )

Ca ll J i m on 0 8 6 2 5 7 9 8 8 5

BUSINESS 29

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

BayWa r.e. continues growth Support Clare with Rengen Power contract in building our future jobs

STUART HOLLY

G

editor@clareecho.ie

LOBAL renewable service provider, energy developer and distributor, BayWa r.e. has announced a new partnership with Irish renewable energy company Rengen Power, headquartered in Ennis.

This new partnership marks the further progress of BayWa r.e.’s projects business in Ireland and underpins its mission to improve renewable energy for a more sustainable future.

Together, BayWa r.e. and Rengen Power aim to develop and deliver 350 MW of wind capacity over the next three years and are set to play a significant role in wind farm development in Ireland.

The partnership will seek to explore opportunities to develop new renewable energy projects across the country.

Declan Cullinane, Country Manager Ireland, BayWa r.e. Ireland Ltd., commented: “We are delighted to expand our presence in the Irish market with this key partnership. Passionate about providing energy sources for a low carbon future, Rengen Power is the perfect partner for us as we seek to step up our

l CLEAN ENERGY: Rengen Power is leading the way in renewable resources

Photo by Eamon Ward

involvement in Ireland.”

With a focus on the provision of renewable energy that is viable, safe and in line with the Irish national policy for a low carbon future, Rengen Power is delighted to be recognised as a partner of choice in the renewable energy sector.

“Partnering with BayWa r.e. is an im-

portant marker in the story of Rengen Power,” commented company Chairman, Mike Quinn. “This partnership with a highly-reputable international brand with a wealth of knowledge and experience comes at a critical time of global need for clean energy, reducing our carbon footprint and delivering energy cost reductions.”

CLARE is a great place to live, work and visit. With the increased migration of people moving to the West of Ireland and the recent growth in flexible and remote-working accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, Clare is a destination of choice for many looking for a more balanced quality of life.

Building on Clare’s strong reputation across key sectors and its growing international business profile, Clare County Council has engaged the services of Abodoo to map the skills and talents of those currently working in the County or those considering relocating, to identify further potential opportunities for employment.

The use of Talent Mapping Technology by Abodoo provides a continuous anonymised data analysis of the skills and the location of skills in Clare.

This data highlights the most predominate skills in major areas for the use of employers. Those who sign up can opt to allow employ-

ers to contact them directly should they wish or can simply add their skills and talent to the county-wide map to allow for better opportunities for County Clare.

Liam Conneally, Director of Economic Development at Clare County Council says “hundreds of people have already signed up to the skills mapping platform with Abodoo.

"Using the anonymised data from the talent mapping platform will enable Clare County Council to position Clare as an attractive location for enterprise and inward investment building on its strength as a location that offers excellent quality of life while retaining global access through our air, road, rail and sea access infrastructure.

"I would encourage everyone to register on the platform to showcase the range of skills and talents we already have in Clare.”

To register for FREE on the platform, visit www.abodoo.com/clare

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BUILDING YOUR CAREER IN CLARE? If you live or work in Clare or would like to, we want to hear from you!

Register for FREE on the Abodoo Skills Map today! Visit: www.abodoo.com/clare Abodoo connects residents to employers hiring remotely or on-location.

And helps Clare County Council identify the skills and talent in Clare to guide and attract future investment and businesses.

Register at: www.abodoo.com/clare

THURS, JUN 24, 2021

Buy into Clare

P30

#buyintoclare

Wix & Wax: we've had our own mentor and she's been phenomenal TADHG HOLLAND

E

news@clareecho.ie

NNIS based start-up Wix and Wax has described Clare Local Enterprise Office’s mentor programme as “phenomenal” Wix and Wax was started by two long-time friends Chantelle Keane and Danielle Kenneally during the first lockdown last year. They now have a wide range of products including candles, wax melts and room sprays. With their website launched last July the business has taken off in a big way. “[Business] has been fantastic. I suppose for both of us, we never expected it to go this well. We’re both fully self employed now and we’ve both left our day jobs to work for ourselves in our company,” said Chantelle.

Since Christmas the pair have been availing of Clare Local Enterprise Office’s mentor programme, an initiative which allows new companies or those thinking of starting an enterprise to get advice on a range of topics from those who have experience in business in Clare. “We did a small start your own business course with LEO and they mentioned you could avail of a mentor. We’ve had our mentor for quite a few months now and she’s

been phenomenal. She had quite a big sales background which helped with some pitches we had coming up. Even just things like basic accountancy and bookkeeping she’s given quite a good hand with that as well,” said Chantell.

The mentor programme has been a staple of Local Enterprise Offices since they were established in 2014 giving advice on everything from marketing, website design and research to production, financial planning and distribution. Last year 350 people availed of the programme with Clare LEO, that number is set to be exceeded this year with 197 having already signed up in the first six months of 2021.

Clare Local Enterprise Office’s business advisor Sinéad Dixon-Slattery spoke to The Clare Echo about the programme. “In the enterprise office we have a panel of mentors and they have various expertise, some mentors will be experts in marketing others social media others start-ups. If somebody applies for a mentor they get a three hour session with a mentor to help them with their business. It’s a free service we offer so it is popular," said Sinéad.

If you have a business or are thinking of starting one you can avail of the mentor programme by ringing Clare LEO at 087 464 8402, emailing localenterprise@leo.clarecoco.ie or visiting the booking section of their website at www.localenterprise.ie/Clare.

Long-time friends Chantelle Keane and Danielle Kenneally set up Wix & Wax together last year

Millions of US viewers to get a taste of Clare this autumn

by PÁRAIC McMAHON FILMING took place across Co Clare this week for a production that is to air to millions of US TV viewers later this year.

Multiple locations across the county played host to Irish based Peninsula Television from Tuesday to Thursday of this week as part of its ‘Ireland: County by County’ series, which has been viewed by millions of US viewers since its launch in 2020.

Create/PBS television network will broadcast the thirty minute programme

which presented by Ciara Whelan, who is best known for hosting Virgin Media’s prime-time travel series, ‘The Holiday Show’.

Financial support for the programme is provided from Clare County Council, Tourism Ireland, the Department of Foreign Affairs, Bord Bia, National Parks & Wildlife Service and CIE Tours International. The production will concentrate on various cultural, sporting, social and heritage aspects of County Clare.

Filming commenced on Tuesday, 22nd June, with a focus on Ennis and Clare’s international reputation as home to some of the best golf courses in Ireland. The production crew will depart to Shannon Airport to highlight this key asset of the county, before taking to the fairways and greens of Dromoland Castle.

The day’s filming concluded with the spotlight focusing on Ennis as a centre of excellence for shopping and the produc-

tion crew visiting all that Ireland’s boutique capital has to offer.

Day two of the production began with a guided tour of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience and an on-site performance by the world-famous Kilfenora Céilí Band. The food of the Burren took centre stage during the afternoon as the production crew sampled some of the local produce on offer in the region, including that of the Burren Smokehouse.

A surfing lesson in Lahinch for Ciara marked the final day of filming in Lahinch with production concluding with a kayak tour on Lough Derg, highlighting just one of the many water-based activities on offer on the Lough Derg Blueway and across Clare.

Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) was confident the Clare episode would attract a significant audience. “The timing of this episode’s airing later this year couldn’t be better as people across the United States plan their overseas holiday for 2022. It is expected that it will

be next year before transatlantic visitors return in significant numbers to Ireland so it is important Clare is positioned to take advantage of a resurgence in this market. Autumn’s broadcast also coincides with what I hope will be clarity around the future provision of transatlantic services from Shannon Airport, which is essential for tourism in the county and the wider region”.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council outlined that the local authority was delighted to support the production. “The first 10 episodes were filmed last summer and were broadcast, very successfully, on Create/PBS on 240 channels across 26 of the top 30 territories in the US. These episodes have been getting repeat showings, due to increased demand for viewings.

I have no doubt that Clare’s uniqueness as a visitor destination will be brought to the fore in this programme and will deliver dividends for the county in the future”.

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

BUY INTO CLARE 31

Sport Clare Echo THE

Photo by John Mangan

24-06-21

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

Cratloe’s Naomi to represent Ireland at Tokyo Olympics PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

Naomi Carroll has been included in Team Ireland’s selection of sixteen hockey players to represent the country at the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

Off the back of an impressive EuroHockey Championships for the Green Army, the Cratloe woman has been included in the squad that will compete in Oi Hockey Stadium from the 24 July until the 6 August 2021.

Twenty eight year old Naomi has 115 caps to her name, the first of which was collected against Wales in 2012. She first took up the sport at the age of 14 and is well known in Clare sporting circles for her exploits at county level in both camogie and ladies football. A past pupil of St Patrick’s Comprehensive in Shannon, she also

represented the Republic of Ireland women’s national football team at schoolgirl level.

In November 2019 the women’s hockey team became the first Irish women’s hockey team to qualify for the Olympic Games, when they bettered Canada on Irish soil in front of a home crowd. The Tokyo 2020 team is largely formed from that record breaking crew, which also features the majority of the 2018 World Cup Silver Medal winning squad.

This summer they will compete in Pool A, alongside South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany, India and Olympic Champions, Great Britain. Their first competition takes place on Saturday 24th July against South Africa.

Ballyvaughan’s Liam Jegou was the first member of Team Ireland confirmed to take part in the Olympics. He made history in November with Ireland’s first ever canoe slalom gold in a World Cup event and this on the back of a team silver at the Europeans two months earlier.

CDSL committee elected as proposal to field two teams in Division stirs debate

by SEAMUS HAYES

THE liveliest debate at Monday’s annual general meeting of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) developed from a motion from Rhine Rovers which asked that two teams from the same club be allowed play in the same division.

“The ten best teams should be playing in the premier division”, said Rory O’Connor when proposing that rules be changed to allow for this to happen.

Opposing the proposal Brendan Wall from Shannon Hibs said “it’s ridiculous to have two teams from the one club competing for the one trophy. There would be vested interests”.

Supporting the proposal Ronnie Pyne, the league vice chairman said “at present teams finishing fifth and sixth in the First Division are expected to go up and play in the Premier League if B teams like Avenue United, Newmarket Celtic, Bridge United or Shannon Town were to finish in the first four places on the league table. It’s a good motion”, said the Turnpike Rovers clubman who went on to tell the attendance that “we did this in the

schoolboys league and where there were two teams from the same club, they played each other in the first two games”.

“The proper solution is to have a reserve league”, according to newly elected CSSL Chair Wall.

Newmarket Celtic’s Liam Murphy said “we have been strong at A and B levels but that doesn’t last forever. This motion will divide our club. The B team is used as a stepping stone for our youths”.

League PRO Jim Madden asked “if our premier league has B teams is it a premier league”.

League chairman Jason Ryan (pictured, photo by Martin Connolly) told the meeting “this is a big issue for all the clubs and it’s too big an issue to vote on tonight” before suggesting to the delegates “take time out and think about this and come back to the first delegate meeting and decide then”, a view supported by Madden and accepted by the meeting.

In his report to the meeting treasurer Tony Downey reported an income of €74,347.00 with expenditure of €64,668.00 during the two year period under review. This resulted

in a profit of €9,679.00 for the period. He thanked the clubs for their support after his report was adopted on the proposition of Mark Connellan(Inch Crusaders) and seconded by Jonathan Lane (Corofin Harps).

Earlier secretary Denis Collins (Ennis Town) read the minutes of the last AGM which took place on June 26, 2019 and the minutes of the league’s EGM on March 1 last both of which were unanimously adopted.

At the outset league chairman Jason Ryan welcomed all delegates and he also welcomed Barry Cotter from the Munster FA before informing all present that the new season will commence on the first weekend in July. He thanked all for “following the Covid guidelines” before appealing to the clubs “to continue to follow these guidelines as the new season gets underway.

Munster FA’s Barry Cotter thanked the league “for the opportunity to attend this meeting. It’s been a tough 18 months and credit is due to the clubs for sticking to all the guidelines”. He then took over as chairman for the election of officers and accepted a proposal that the committee be elected en bloc.

The following are the members of the executive for the coming season: Chairman: Jason Ryan (Kilrush Rangers) Vice Chair: Ronnie Pyne (Turnpike Rovers) Secretary: Denis Collins (Ennis Town) Treasurer: Tony Downey (Ennis Town) Fixtures secretary: Brendan Browne (Manus) PRO: Jim Madden (Shannon Olympic) Munster delegate: Thomas Leahy (Avenue Utd) Child Protection officer: Tommy Molloy (Avenue United) Women’s officer: Frank Burke (Burren United) Committee: Ger Kelly (Shannon Town) and Alan McCoy (Newmarket Celtic).

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Clare Echo THE

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Four teams share Cusack Cup top spot

by SEAMUS HAYES

T

WO rounds into the 2021 Cusack Cup (senior football league), four teams share top spot with a win and a draw each.

First round winners, ST. JOSEPHS MILTOWN and ENNISTYMON played a draw at Hennessy Park this Friday evening where a low scoring tie finished at 1-5 each.

Darragh McDonagh’s goal gave the home side a two point lead in the closing quarter but the visitors hit back with a goal from Liam Devitt before Cormac Murray shot the equalising point for Michael Neylon’s men.

CLONDEGAD who had drawn their opening round tie with St. Breckans claimed bragging rights with a two point win, 2-6 to 1-7 over neighbours KILDYSART. Clondegad scored two early goal through Daniel Kelly and Eoin Gavin. Kildysart’s goal came from Keith O’Connor while Keith Murphy had a goal disallowed midway through the second half. In the end Clondegad’s experience proved decisive.

ST. BRECKANS had a comfort-

West Clare neighbours Kilmurry Ibrickane and Doonbeg are pointless after the opening two rounds.

In Division 2 (Garry cup,) LISSYCASEY made it two wins from two when they accounted for neighbours KILMIHIL, 2-15 to 0-8. Matt O’Shea and Niall McCarthy were the goalscorers in this one.

COORACLARE put in a strong finish to snatch a one point win over ST. JOSEPHS, 0-12 to 1-8 at Cooraclare while COROFIN and SHANNON GAELS played a 0-13 each draw at Corofin.

In Division 3 there were wins for WOLFE TONES over KILFENORA (1-17 to 0-7) and ENNISTYMON over CRATLOE (2-8 to 1-10). Ennistymon’s goals came from Cathal McDonagh and Darren McNamara while David Collins got the Cratloe goal.

St Breckans’ Padraig Kelly takes on Doonbeg’s Kevin Pender Photo by Burren Eye Photography

able 2-11 to 1-5 win over DOONBEG at Lisdoonvarna. The winners laid the foundation for this win in the first half and led 2-8 to 0-2 at the interval, the goals coming from

Aiden Davidson and Cathal Guerin. ÉIRE ÓG got their first win of the campaign when they accounted for KILMURRY IBRICKANE

with a 1-8 to 0-2 win. Niall McMahon was the winner’s goalscorer while goalkeeper Nathan Murray landed three points one from a 45 and two from long range frees.

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Touhy calls time on intercounty career

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

DONAL Tuohy has called time on his Clare career after 12 years on the county senior hurling panel.

Work commitments and recent injury struggles were referenced by the Crusheen man as barriers to making a consistent effort in training for Brian Lohan’s side.

Tuohy did not feature in any of Clare’s five National Hurling League ties with Lohan and his management continuing with Feakle’s Eibhear Quilligan who last year was nominated for an All Star. Donal featured for the opening half and a section of the second half in their recent comprehensive challenge match defeat to Limerick with Inagh/ Kilnamona’s Eamonn Foudy replacing him at the final water break.

Only John Conlon had been on the senior panel longer than Tuohy who was given his senior debut by Ger ‘Sparrow’ O’Loughlin.

At senior level, he collected an All-Ireland medal in 2013 as the sub-goalkeeper to Patrick Kelly and an Allianz National Hurling League medal in 2016, both during Davy Fitzgerald’s tenure. He won the starting jersey from both Kelly and Andrew Fahey in the 2018 campaign under Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor when Clare reached the All-Ireland semi-final and Munster final.

His senior call-up came on the back of impressive displays at minor and U21 level

for his county. Donal was between the posts when Clare won their first ever All-Ireland and Munster titles at U21 level in 2009, he was in goals a year previous when John Minogue’s side were controversially beaten by Tipperary in the 2008 Munster final.

A graduate of NUIG, Donal won a Fitzgibbon Cup title with the Galway college in 2010 when they ended a thirty year wait for honours. Diarmaid Nash (Scariff), Patrick Kelly (Clarecastle), Domhnall O’Donovan (Clonlara), John Conlon (Clonlara), Cormac O’Donovan (Clonlara), Caimin Morey (Sixmilebridge) were the other Clare men to feature in their 1-17 1-16 extra time win over WIT, Conlon memorably hit the winning point.

For his beloved Crusheen, Tuohy was their reliable netminder when they their first Clare SHC in 2010 and retained the title a year later managed by Michael Browne.

In a statement on Thursday morning, Donal said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank every intercounty team manager I worked with since U14. I have nothing but great memories of all the teams I played with and the courtesy shown to me by everyone I worked with since joining Clare squads as a young goalkeeper has been exemplary. I hope that my efforts did credit to the faith people showed in me and I was never happier than when handed a Clare

Donal Touhy has called time on his Clare days Photo by Martin Connolly

jersey.

“I wish every Clare GAA side the very best for 2021 especially the Clare senior hurlers whom I will be supporting from the sidelines. I would like to reserve special mention to my school principal Gerry Kearney for giving me a love of hurling, St Flannans Col-

lege, NUIG and also to my employers Dell Technologies for their understanding over the years. I wish to thank my club Crusheen who has supported me unwaveringly over the years and I will give my all to them for the coming years as an exciting new group of players emerge in the club at all levels”.

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Bridge back on track as Feakle and Clonlara share top spot EOIN BRENNAN SIXMILEBRIDGE regrouped following their surprise first round loss to Feakle by overcoming Clooney/Quin in the second round of the Clare Cup while Clonlara and Feakle both maintained their unbeaten run to two games.

Feakle 1-18 Crusheen 1-14 Venue: Crusheen

Shane McGrath and Stevie Conway combined for all but three points of their side’s tally as Feakle kept up their perfect start to 2021 on away soil on Saturday evening.

Conway’s threat allied to McGrath’s finishing power proved difficult for Crusheen to deal with throughout and it would prove the ultimate difference as the home side didn’t pose the same level of threat.

Breffni Horner had an equalising goal chance denied by goalkeeper Stephen Moloney before substitute Francis O’Grady fired an insurance point to preserve Feakle’s position at the top of the Clare Cup table

Clonlara 1-16 Kilmaley 0-15 Venue: Clonlara

A youthful Clonlara tightened their grip at the helm of the Clare Cup after keeping Kilmaley at arm’s length at home on Sunday afternoon.

After both sides had claimed opening victories, it was Clonlara who deservedly prevailed once more after leading from start to finish and limiting Kilmaley’s attacking division to only three points from play.

The pivotal juncture of the game arrived after only ten minutes when a Sean Ronan shot was saved by Garrett Kennedy at on end, only for Dylan McMahon to find the net from 65 metres from the resulting clearance, a six point swing that Kilmaley would never recover from.

Sixmilebridge 1-23 Clooney-Quin 0-18 Venue: O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Normal service resumed on Sunday evening when when three-in-a-row chasing Sixmilebridge inflicted a first defeat on Clooney-Quin in O’Garney Park.

In truth, Sixmilebridge set the pace throughout but only effectively started to pull away once Jason Loughnane brilliantly controlled and finished a Paul Corry delivery in the 37th minute.

Seadna Morey, Jamie Shanahan and Alex Morey were to the fore as the Bridge carved out a 0-13 to 0-09 interval lead.

Broadford 2-16 Ballyea 1-13 Venue: Ballyea

Seadna Morey keeps Oisin Egan at arm’s length

Broadford also got the mark in this year’s Clare Cup after receiving a major impact off the bench in a late smash and grab victory over home side Ballyea.

Newcomers Oisin Kavanagh and Shane Tuite both raided for goals while in total Broadford’s replacement accounted for 2-2.

Photograph: Gerard O’Neill

Cratloe 1-21 Inagh-Kilnamona 2-17 Venue: Pairc Micheál Uí hEithir, Cratloe

Conor McGrath fired an injury-time point worthy of winning any game as Cratloe shaded a thrilling seesaw contest with Inagh-Kilnamona in Cratloe on Sunday afternoon.

Having soared eight points clear by the break, Cratloe were almost subjected to a second successive home reverse when Inagh-Kilnamona managed to inch in front nearing the hour mark thanks to goals from David Mescall and substitute Eoghan Foudy.

However, if one could rely on any forward in the county to get them out of a hole, it would be Conor McGrath who cooly converted the last two points to save his side’s blushes.

DIVISION 1B ROUND-UP:

Goal machine O’Callaghan’s Mills, Newmarket-on-Fergus and intermediate side St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield all protected their winning starts to Division 1B of the Clare Cup over the weekend. Again youth was to the fore as Colm Cleary goals at either end of an entertaining wrestle for supremacy with Clarecastle inspired a 5-14 to 0-22 victory for last year’s county finalists.

The Blues expectedly lowered intermediate opponents for the second consecutive match, this time a rare derby with Sixmilebridge’s second team that again saw experienced pair Mikey McInerney and Colin Ryan to the fore in a 0-19 to 0-09 win.

The Parish also comfortably earned the local bragging rights albeit against a depleted Éire Óg side as a powerful second half display earned a 2-22 to 2-09 triumph.

Fellow intermediate side Smith O’Brien’s managed to get their first win in commanding circumstances too when taking the scalp of Wolfe Tones in a 0-23 to 0-13 win while the final Round 2 tie in the division takes place this evening between Whitegate and Tulla.

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Lightning start for Ennistymon and Doora Barefield in U15s

by EOIN BRENNAN

UNDERAGE ROUNDUP Last year’s beaten Under

14 Football Championship finalists Ennistymon have blazed an early trail in the Under 15 equivalent over the past week with successive opening victories over Clondegad and Kilrush/Killimer.

Goals in either half through James Hegarty and Jack Mescall began their campaign with a 2-18 to 0-05 victory over Clondegad while on Monday evening in Kilrush, an impressive 2-3 haul from Seanie McMahon helped the North Clare side to a 2-12 to 2-02 win over their hosts.

St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield are also unbeaten after shading a compelling opener away to 2020 Under 14 Division 1 champions Lissycasey by 2-11 to 1-10.

Ogie Fanning’s nine point tally proved a consistent guiding force for the Parish who finally put daylight between the sides with goals from Padraic O’Donovan and Darragh Ball midway through the opening half on their way to a 2-5 to 0-6 interval advantage.

Lissycasey inevitably fought back and through the leadership of Daire Culligan and Diarmuid McMahon actually reel their opponents in until late braces for Fanning and Niall Talty completed a rousing Doora/ Barefield win.

The Parish had a bye in Round 2 but in their absence, Lissycasey demonstrated their bouncebackability with a 6-12 to 1-04 triumph over neighbours Clondegad on Monday evening.

The Under 15 Division 2 Championship is just as goal hungry with group leaders Corofin (12 goals) and Clooney-Quin (13 goals) setting a scorching pace after only two rounds while in Division 3, St Breckan’s and Kilmurry Ibrickane are the only sides with a perfect record thus far.

The Under 13 Hurling Championships also got underway last week, with a first ever taste of competitive action along with a full sized pitch a new novelty that will take time to become fully accustomed to.

Ballyea are certainly relishing the increased space after racking up a superb total of 13 goals in opening Under 13A wins over St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield (6-12 to 1-04) and Clonlara (7-9 to 2-1) in just four days.

Clonlara had previously earned a merited draw with Newmarket-on-Fergus in Friday’s opening round at 5-06 to 3-12 while 24 hours earlier, Éire Óg claimed the early local spoils as centre-forward Luke Vaughan helped them to a 3-08 to 1-10 triumph over Clarecastle at Clonroadmore.

The leadership and accuracy of Rory Chaplin (1-10) along with a first half hattrick of goals for Zak Phelan teed up hosts Sixmilebridge to an encouraging start to the Under 13A campaign when overcoming an Odhran Murphy-led Kilmaley by 5-10 to 0-04.

In the Under 13B Championship, Clooney-Quin, Bodyke/O’Callaghan’s Mills, Crusheen/Tubber and Cratloe all recorded first round victories while in the Under 13C Championship, a more clinical Wolfe Tones eventually got the better of Ennistymon by 6-2 to 2-9 in Shannon.

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MUNSTER SNR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP Compiled by Eoin Brennan

Limerick sink Clare Limerick 2-11 Clare 1-09 Venue: Ballybrown GAA Grounds, Clarina

For match report, scan QR code with phone camera

Three-timer for Tiermana

A stunning performance from Tiermana Dash owned by Mullagh’s Noel Moroney was the highlight of the greyhound weekend.

There was a brilliant performance from the Noel Moroney of Mullagh owned Tiermana Dash in the A2 525 race at Limerick on Saturday. Chasing a three-timer he certainly didn’t disappointed as the August 18’ whelp blitzed the field to win in style. Running from trap three, the son of Kinloch Brae - Tiermana Hawk pounced from boxes and it was an easy night’s work as he came home eight lengths clear of Ocean Hugo in 28.43.

Paradise Mozart returned to Limerick after a stint at headquarters and produced a very nice performance in race nine over the 550-yard trip. Owned

by Sean Meade of Miltown Malbay, Paradise Mozart was only moderately into stride from six as he was

led early on by a number of runners. However, showing fine back straight pace, Paradise Mozart swept the penultimate bend to shoot clear and the son of Droopys Nidge - Alexandra stayed on strongly to seal a three length win over Towstar Gazza in second.

The time was a slick 29.94.

The chief supporting contest last Friday in Galway was the A3 graded 11th contest which went to the Paddy Collins of Doora owned Ballylean Rogue who proved six and a half lengths too good for Flyaway Home in 29.26.

Second to the very promising Lost Santiago on debut the Declan and Terry McDonagh of Liscannor owned Kinielty Fastfit made no mistake at the second time of asking as he routed his rivals by upwards of six and three quarter lengths in 29.37.

In race five, the Pat Hogan of Ennis owned Aulton

Jenny (Ballymac Best-Portumna West) took her career stats to four wins from six as he railed well through out this A6 graded contest as she defeated Peteles Duke by two & a half lengths in 29.24, a stunning comeback win.

The Martin Griffin of Lissycasey owned Charmed made it third time lucky in race 3 in this S9 graded sprint contest as she proved one length too good for Pal Drew in 19.72.

Race 7 was an S6 graded sprint contest which developed into a match virtually from traps as Both Barrloes towards the outer and Glynnscrosschris in the centre flew from the traps and racing towards the opening bend the Thomas Keane of Kilmihil owned Glynnscrosschris held the rails to lead the wide running Both Barrels by a length and ultimately proved three parts of a length too strong at the line in 19.18.

because Siofra Ni Chonaill Photo by Veronica McMahon

CLARE Wides: 7 (3/4) Scores from Play: 1-4 Spread of Scorers: 4 Top Scorers: Chloe Morey (0-6) PAT RYAN, LIMERICK MANAGER “We expected a dogfight today and we got that. We probably made it a bit harder on ourselves as we missed a lot of chances but knowing that Clare were gunning for revenge after the league game, we’re just happy to get over the line at all today.

“We led all the way through after our second goal and should have probably put the game to bed a bit earlier but you’ll get games like that. If things always went smoothly, then it would be easy to be a manager of any team but unfortunately that’s not the case.

“We’ve Waterford next and it would be great to get to a Munster final but I suppose it’s really all about four weeks time and the start of the All-Ireland series.

“We got a favourable draw but while it goes without saying that you have to be up for play-

LIMERICK Wides: 12 (6/6) Scores from Play: 1-4 Spread of Scorers: 5 Top Scorer: Caoimhe Costelloe (0-9) ing the likes of Kilkenny, Cork and Galway but we can’t be taking Offaly and Wexford for granted either. It’s like playing Clare there, we knew that we were probably a better team but you just can’t be lackadaisical so we have to be up for those matches as well and treat them as if they’re a top tier team.”

GER O’CONNELL, CLARE MANAGER “Overall, our performance just wasn’t good enough.

Limerick were the hungrier team and it just seemed a carbon copy of our league game against them.

“We actually started the game okay and got an early goal which I thought might settle us but Limerick just outfought us and out-battled us and that shows in our ruck count that we were just completely outfought in the middle of the field.

“Yes there was a lift in intensity today but we’re looking for more bite. I mean the levels are

THIS RUNS

just going up and up at senior so you simply can’t be off even by two or three per cent. So I think everyone is just frustrated again but we just have to forget about this game and move on, it’s as simple as that.”

“The penalty could have brought it back to a two or three point game which might have given us that bit of extra impetus finishing out in the last ten minutes. Unfortunately it was missed and these things happen but just as a collective, we need to be better and a bit more ruthless in front of goal on game day. Look, we were expecting a bounce for today and we did get it at times but not enough. So we have to put our heads down now for the next few weeks and try to be the best we can be [for the All-Ireland Championship], it’s as simple as that.”

Find out more about Jackie and other amazing greyhound stories on grireland.ie/thisrunsdeep

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Shannon captain’s prize for Eugene O’Byrne

by SEAMUS HAYES CAPTAIN Keith Buckley’s prize was played for at SHANNON on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and attracted a huge turnout of members.

Eugene O’Byrne (26) emerged as the winner with 68 winning on a countback from Patrick Ryan (21) with Fintan Ward (21) in third spot and they also had 68’s. as had fourth placed Gerard Kelly (19). Brian Moriarty (22) was fifth with 69 followed in sixth place by Harry Storan (16), also with 69.

Damian Casey (4) won the gross with 76.

Chris Maguire (7) won category 1 with 70 from Tom Keane (7) with 71 and John Madden (8) with 72.

The category 2 winner was Paul Elligott (11) with 69 from Michael Foley (12) with 69 and Seamus Hanley (15) with 70.

Fergus McGrath (20) was the winner of category 3 with 69 from Mikey Corbett (21) with 70 and Eoghan Maxwell (24) with 71.

Aidan Moloney (11) won the past captain’s category with 70 while Mark Casey (26) won the new member’s section with 66.

Brian O’Connor (7) won the guests section with 34 points while the winner of the junior section was Daithi Lohan (12) with 77.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Kilrush golf club hosted a team of four fundraiser at the weekend when the winners, with an impressive 120 points, were Pascal Looney, Eamonn Rigney, Joe Daly and Michael J King. They had five to spare over Finbarr McMahon, Sean Moran, Pat J Shannon and Michael J Hogan with third spot filled by Bernard Coleman, John Donnelly, John Robinson and Michael Hemmings with 114 points Winner of the all ladies team prize were Anne Gallagher, Claire Pyne, Margaret Donnelly and Ailish Lorigan with 109 points.

Last week’s ladies competition, sponsored

by Anchor Crafts/Linda’s Fashions was won by Margaret Donnelly (19) with 70 from Peggy Mulqueen (30) with 73.

Margaret Clancy (14) was next, also with 73 followed by Mary Bolton (20) with 74. Annie Gallagher won the gross with 85 while the 12 hole winner was Anne McMahon.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Martin O’Mahoney was the winner of the men’s singles stableford competition at Dromoland at the weekend with 42 points.

He won by two from Tony Kelly with Seamus Lawlor in third spot with 39 followed

by Thomas Halpin, also with 39. Thomas Cooney won the gross with 34.

Friday’s open singles was won by Brendan Mcdonagh with 44 points from Shane O’Brien with 42 and Jamie Stafford with 39. Killian Howard won the gross with 36 points.

Last week’s 9 hole singles was won by John Canny with 22 points from William Fuller with 21 and Brendan Lennon, also with 21.

In the June 15 junior competition Mark McGrath won off the white tees with 36 points while Cillian Moylan won off the black tees with a similar score. Eabha Brennan won the girls competition on 33 points.

In a similar competition on June 17 Cillian Mahon won off the whites with 37 points while Daniel Meehan was the winner off the black tees with 48 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Last week’s club singles at Woodstock was won by Chris Bravender 42 points from Kenneth Fielding (17) who also had 42 points. Paul Coote (14) was third with 41 points while Jason Dormer (7) won the gross with 32 points.

The Westgate modified fourball qualifier was won by Gerry Griffey(21) and Gareth Pyne (21) with 60 points. Tyrone Kearse (11) and Michael Coughlan (25) were second with 57 points followed by Noel Casey (15) and Michael Lynch (28) with 56 points.

The other five pairings that have made it through to the knock out stage of the competition are Ryan Enright and Pat O’Brien with 56 points; Dickie Pyne and Eugene Conroy with 56 points Paddy Meehan and Brian Kilker with 56 points, Mike Reen and Mike Kelly with 55 points, Joe Green and Peter Cosgrove with 55 points. The draw for the knock out stage is posted on the club noticeboard and is available to view on the ClubVI app in the knockouts section.

The Al Hayes Motors singles matchplay qualifier was held at Woodstock at the weekend when the winner was Robert Carey (15) with 44 points from John McGrath (12) with 42, Sean Williams (15) with 40 points, Podge Collins (21) with 40 points and Darragh Casey (13) with 39 points.

Ross Kenny junior (+3) won the gross with 37 points.

The remaining qualifiers are Mike O’Mal-

Captain’s Prize winner Eugene O’Byrne with Sue and Keith Buckley, captain of Shannon Golf Club.

Photograph: Joe Buckley ley (39 points), Gerry Walsh (38), Vincent McInerney(38), Kieran Cunnane(38), Kevin Toner (38), Brendan Keogh (37), Jason Moloney (37), Stephen Dunne(37), Cian Moloney (37), Gerry Kelly (36) and Colm Mullen (36). This weekend’s competition will be the June monthly medal EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: The men’s competition at East Clare at the weekend was v par which was won by Martin Breen (10) with 5 up. Andy Shanagher (14) was second with 3 up followed by Damian Noonan (15) with a similar score.

Willie O’Brien won the gross with 2 down.

The ladies played an 18 hole stroke medal competition which was a golfer of the year event. Margaret Lynch won qith 65 while Evelyn Skehan won category 1 with 69, Marie Donnellan won category 2 with 69 and Breda McCarthy won category 3 with 71. In the men’s monthly medal stroke competition Michael Mc|Mahon won off the white tees with 64 nett from Denis Rochford with 65 and Ray Steward with 68 The competition off the yellow tees was

stableford and the winner was William Hayes with 46 points from Michael Darch with 40 points and Adrian Casey with 38 points.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: The senior ladies team competition at Ennis was won by Nuala D’Auria, Mary McMahon and Kathleen Pyne with 42 points.

They had one to spare over Maureen Moloney, Mary Glynn and Una Patton while third spot was filled by Joan Tassie, Mary Murray and Eileen Corry with 40 points.

GORT Niall Diviney (24) returned 46 points to win the men’s competition at Gort at the weekend. He had two to spare over Tony Moran (24) with Joe Keane (23) in third spot with 43 points. David Callanan (7) won the gross with 35 points. Last week’s Monday open singles was won by Tom Deveney (7) with 40 points from Joe Geoghegan (16) with a similar score. The ladies 18 hole singles was won by Teresa Mahon (28) with 39 points from Anne Flaherty (46) with 37 points.

Healy Park to host schoolgirls soccer final this weekend

by SEAMUS HAYES

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FRANK Healy Park in Doora will host three schoolgirls soccer finals this Sunday as the Clare schoolboys/girls soccer league prepares to complete last season’s programme.

Proceedings will kick off at 11am with the U14 shield decider between St. Pats and Hermitage. This will be followed at 1pm by the U16 shield decider in which favourites Shannon Town will take on Corofin Harps.

The U16 up final will kick off at 3pm with St. Pats and Fern Celtic in opposition and followers of the game believe that this will be a lively affair. Fern Celtic are celebrating twenty years in existence this year and victory in this one would be a great way to mark this anniversary Clare’s SFAI delegate Tommy Molloy who is the league’s acting PRO and also the Covid officer is expecting three high quality games to bring last season to a close. “The new season of competition will get underway from July 5/6 and clubs are eagerly awaiting the opening games”, Molloy told The Clare Echo.

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Let the games begin: Banner ready for rip-roaring championship start PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HERE’S something special in the air and it’s not the rising pollen count but rather the hotly anticipated start of the 2021 inter-county championships.

Just like waiting for a bus for what seems an inordinate amount of time only to find two arrive in a matter of moments, both Clare’s senior footballers and hurlers are in action with less than 24 hours separating their throw-in times.

Unfortunately all roads don’t lead to Fitzgerald Stadium or Semple Stadium this weekend as only 200 spectators will be permitted to attend games. The Banner Roar will not be heard as a collective but it will rather serve as a unifying force from Loop Head to Lakyle, Corofin to Clonlara and much further afield all with the common aim of seeing victory achieved by Colm Collins, Brian Lohan and their respective panels.

To whet the appetite, there’s a bumper feature to pour through across these pages to really ramp up the excitement levels. Passion, pride, intensity and devotion are all traits showed by our county stars each time they put on the saffron and blue, it was also evident in abundance as the diligent Clare Echo team worked on

putting together a feature to try do justice to the magic of the Munster championship.

For the GAA junkies, there’s more to be consumed online. The Clare Echo will have video previews available to view on our social media before each game.

Matters football will be discussed with Alan Clohessy and Peter O’Connell online Thursday with the hurling analysis featuring Sean McMahon and Darach Honan available to enjoy just before the weekend.

Eye-catching moments have already been visible in the League through David Tubridy’s playmaking skills and Eoin Cleary’s dazzling shooting while the form of Tony Kelly has continued to stun the nation.

As we put on the Clare jerseys this weekend, we can also bring that approach into our everyday life by doing our bit to support the businesses and advertisers that adorn this feature.

Preparations are almost complete and they will be replaced by the action, the grips are on, the laces are tightened, let’s rejoice and savour the return of the championship.

PICTURED: (left) Clare face last year’s All Ireland finalists Waterford this weekend while (below) a tough test awaits Eoin Clear and co at Fitzgerald Stadium

Photos by Martin Connolly

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW 39

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

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Late decision will be made on Malone's involvement while Harnett returns

C

by PÁRAIC McMAHON and former U21 teammates.

*An injured Jamie Malone leaving the field

Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

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LARE’S senior football management will not make a decision on the potential involvement of Jamie Malone in Saturday’s Munster SFC quarter-final until close to throw-in time.

Corofin’s Malone who was nominated for an All Star in 2019 limped off with four minutes played in Clare’s Allianz National Football League round one clash with Laois.

He has not featured in any of the county’s matchday squads since that fixture in the middle of May. “Jamie is still struggling with that ankle injury, we won’t make a call on him until the weekend, it has taken a lot longer than we thought,” Clare manager Colm Collins told The Clare Echo.

Defender Kevin Harnett “is back in the reckoning,” Collins confirmed. The Meelick native was forced off with what was first feared to be an Achilles injury after twenty two minutes in Clare’s round three loss to Cork.

However, the Newmarket-on-Fergus clubman has made positive strides in training and is in the running to get a starting jersey and the opportunity to keep tabs on an electric Kerry forward line.

Stephen Ryan of Kilrush Shamrocks is to line out between the posts with Cillian Brennan, Cian O’Dea and Sean Collins forming key positions in his defence.

Eoin Cleary is to captain the side from centre-forward and will form the Banner attack alongside David Tubridy and Gavin Cooney.

Podge Collins made his first appearance of the year for the footballers in the four point defeat to Mayo and made a noticeable impact from the bench upon his introduction. Fierce competition is expected between him and Joe McGann for the number 15 jersey.

Tralee native Conor Jordan has the possibility of facing off with his native county

His father George hails from Kilkee and previously represented the county.

His Austin Stacks clubmate, Ger O’Keeffe is confident the Kerry man can make a positive impact to the Clare defence, “In Kerry, if you’re on the fringes, it’s very hard to get an opportunity to get game-time under your belt, and of course game-time is critical for the development of players. He’s a young guy who is committed and has good application and trains hard. He’s dependable, a good marker, good on the ball, and he has vision. He plays hard and is a quality player”.

Strong impacts from the bench has been a hallmark of Clare’s four outings this year. In this regard, Emmet McMahon, Aaron Griffin and Keelan Sexton will be putting their hands up.

Kerry boss, Peter Keane said they are “close enough” to having a full panel to choose from. “We’re in a real good shape, injuries have been a huge thing and factor, look around the country and the different counties with some of the high-profile players that have got injured, a lot of clubs are picking up injuries by the nature of it being so

compressed, the GAA did a great move much earlier with seven substitutes for the League and I certainly think they need to go there for the championship purely from a player welfare point of view and being able to look after players. It seems to be soft muscle tissue injuries that are predominantly the issue here and I would call on the GAA to go and retain the seven substitutes for the championship”.

Meanwhile, Dean Ryan and Cormac Murray have departed the Clare senior football panel.

Manager Colm Collins has confirmed to The Clare Echo that the duo left the senior squad prior to Clare’s Division 1 NFL promotion play-off against Mayo almost two weeks ago.

Murray who was introduced from the bench in wins over Laois and Kildare and the defeat to Cork has returned to club action with St Josephs Miltown where has he been in fine scoring form for Michael Neylon’s charges who are unbeaten.

Ennis native Ryan joined the senior panel in 2014 which was also Collins’ first year has also left the squad.

The Dublin based AIB employee plays his club football with Na Fianna.

CLARE v KERRY 2021 Munster Senior Football Championship QF, Saturday June 26, 7pm at Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney

LAST 5 MEETINGS

2019 Munster SFC Semi-Final: Kerry 1-15 Clare 0-12 in Cusack Park, Ennis

2018 Munster SFC Semi-Final: Kerry

0-32 Clare 0-10 in Fitzgerald Stadium

2017 Munster SFC Semi-Final: Kerry 1-18 Clare 1-12 in Cusack Park, Ennis

2016 All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final: Kerry 2-16 Clare 0-11 in Croke Park

2016 Munster SFC Semi-Final: Kerry 2-23 Clare 0-17 in Fitzgerald Stadium

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW 41

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42

‘Football has moved on for the better’ - Collins PÁRAIC MCMAHON

Sean is greeted by Geraldine Collins after a league win last year Photo by Martin Connolly

H

paraic@clareecho.ie

E WAS still a student at St Caimin’s in Shannon when he joined the county senior football panel but the years have rolled on and now Sean Collins is regarded as one of the most experienced members of the Clare squad.

That was 2008 and the change in how inter-county outfits prepare between then and now is simply earth-shattering.

Nutrition, video analysis, lifestyle plus strength and conditioning are earmarked by Sean as particular areas where the shift has been most obvious. “When I started there wasn’t a full-time S&C coach with the team so you wouldn’t have the information about nutrition that we have now, the video analysis and work on opposition teams, the kick outs have changed completely,” he told The Clare Echo.

Subsequently, he is firmly of the view that gaelic football is on a strong footing. “The game is in a really good place and you can see that by going through all the scores from the league, there is a lot of high-scoring and a lot of good attacking play with teams looking to break fast, all of the changes have been very positive. For a young player coming into an inter-county set up, they are getting the best of everything to get the best out of themselves, things have changed and moved on for the better.”

Clare did not compete in the qualifiers for Collins’ first year on the panel and instead were in the Tommy Murphy Cup as they were confined to Division 4 for 2009. In the

league just gone, they were one game away from qualifying from Division 1 of the National Football League.

Reasons like this remarkable change in fortunes have led to more people getting behind the footballers. The LIT graduate emphasised the necessity of the senior footballers to be setting a strong example. “The county senior team is the flagship team and it’s important for young players in the county when they’re at U12 and U14 that they have something to aspire from no matter where in the county they are from. It’s important to have the county senior hurling and football teams going well and for things to be done right, there’s high standards there, I definitely think it is in a good

place at the moment.”

Reflecting on their recent League bid, the Cratloe man was upbeat. “If you were told at the start of the league that we would get one of the top two spots we would have definitely taken it. There was some great scores put up, the impact from our substitutions and young players coming through on the panel was very positive, a lot of people said the void from Gary [Brennan] and Gordon [Kelly] would affect the team majorly whereas in fairness the young lads have really stepped up and done very well.”

Their four point loss to Mayo served as an ideal test prior to the championship in helping Clare players “acclimatising to that level. Mayo were in an All-Ireland final last year, they are in the top two in the country so I think a lot of our lads would have learned an awful lot”. These learnings include providing more options for Stephen Ryan’s kickouts as a defensive unit and the concession of scores from turnovers.

An All-Ireland winner with the Clare senior hurlers in 2013, Sean has lined out at centre back for the footballers this year following Aaron Fitzgerald’s defection to the hurling panel. Not alone has his position on the field changed but the Business Development Manager has taken on more of a leadership role within the dressing room. “There is a really good group there at the minute of decent people aside from good footballers, we all try to make everyone feel welcome especially the younger players and in fairness they’ve all settled in fairly well.”

His first year on the panel saw Kerry end their championship bid in the semi-final stage with no backdoor available to them, the hard-working defender is hopeful the Kingdom will not cause a repeat outcome this Saturday.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

44

COLLINS & CO FACE UNENVIABLE TASK OF SINKING KERRY IN KILLARNEY

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

C Colm Collins

Photo by Martin Connolly

LARE will need to produce their best performance of 2021 if they are to eliminate Kerry from this year’s championship, Colm Collins has stated.

In charge of the county senior footballers since 2014, Collins has rightly earned plaudits for the progress made by the Banner under his tutelage. They have gone from competing in Division 4 of the Allianz National Football League to maintaining their reputation as a strong force in Division 2 and are viewed by many pundits as the second best team in Munster.

Despite this the Kilmihil native has had the misfortune of getting paired with Kerry on a more frequent than liked basis in the provincial championship.Their last visit to Killarney saw Kerry claim a 0-32 0-10 win in 2018, that tie also coincided as the first championship appearance for the trio of David Clifford, Sean O’Shea and Micheál Burns who between them contributed 0-11.

Before that, they met in Fitzgerald Stadium in 2016 when rather than parking the bus, Clare had to contend with a bus breaking down en route to the game. That is a scenario, Colm is confident will not be replicated on Saturday. “That was very poor preparation really for the match because we barely arrived on time for it, it wasn’t ideal. Hopefully we won’t have that problem this weekend, with COVID there won’t be buses anyway.”

Speaking to The Clare Echo, he agreed with sentiments of his centre back and son, Sean that their final League clash with Mayo was the best test they could have obtained in advance of their trip to Killarney.

However he differed with him when it came to views on the format of the NFL. “I like the other format better in the sense that you play a lot more games but it was something that was important to do this year because of the type of season, I think it worked, we had no complaints but personally I would prefer the other format and the full eight games”.

Trying to beat Kerry in their own backyard is not an unenviable task but it is one Colm and his management team of Enda Coughlan, Declan O’Keeffe, Gerry McGowan and Declan Downes have been plotting.

“They are obviously the form team in the country at the moment, they are really playing some good stuff, all we can concentrate on is getting our own house in order and doing things right, the key thing will be turnovers, if we can keep possession of the football and keep doing the things we’ve been doing well, our shooting efficiency has been very good, we need to retain our kickouts and lay our hands on theirs,” the Cratloe man stated.

He added, “They have a very impressive attack, they’ve been scoring freely, the key thing is to stay in the game and not be blitzed like what happened to Tyrone and Galway in their games with Kerry. We need to stay in the game as long as we can and see where it takes us”.

This will be his first campaign without both Gordon Kelly and Gary Brennan who retired from inter-county football after last year’s championship. The burden of replacing players of their calibre has been aided by players such as Darren O’Neill, Darragh Bohannon and Daniel Walsh stepping up to the mark during the League.

Should Clare fall short against Kerry it will conclude their championship activity while the county hurlers will have the luxury of a backdoor if matters don’t go their way on Sunday. “I would have loved to have retained the backdoor, it was a great system and something that worked really well, it is a pity we don’t have it but we knew the rules before we went into it and that is it. It’s been a difficult year because of COVID, we just have to get on with it”.

With a shorter turnaround, the long-serving manager still has the championship pep in his step. “We were preparing and taking it game by game. We were trying to improve with each game, by and large I thought we did, hopefully our best performance of the season can be Saturday evening”.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW 45

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Cooney keen to make his mark against Kerry PÁRAIC MCMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

RESH from the minor ranks, Gavin Cooney was recruited onto the Clare senior panel by Colm Collins in 2018. Now off the back of a condensed League bid he finds himself as a go-to choice at corner forward.

To earn the number 13 jersey, he will have to fight off competition from Keelan Sexton, Podge Collins, Aaron Griffin and Joe McGann but it’s a battle that Cooney has the edge in given his impressive performances during the Allianz National Football League.

2021 marked the first time that he started all games in the competition. He would also contribute with a return of 1-03 in four games, the goal helping to bring to life Clare’s comeback bid against Mayo.

In the past month, he became a member of Dromoland Golf Club. Sub goalkeeper Tom O’Brien is pinpointed by the Éire Óg clubman as the worst golfer on the panel. He has found the sport and walks on the beach to be helpful in switching off from football.

Securing a starting jersey was an objective from the get-go for the Ennis native when the dust settled on their disappoint-

ing 2020 championship. “It was something I set out to do at the start of the lockdown, it gave me time to reflect and see what I was doing wrong and what could be improved.

My main aim was to get a starting jersey for the first game of the league, thankfully it all went well and I’ve managed to keep it for the whole league campaign, hopefully I can keep doing the same.”

This feat is all the more impressive given the calibre of players available to Collins on the sideline. “The competition this year is probably the hardest year to have made the starting team with the players coming through and putting up their hand, the strength in depth is evident to see. You can see it with the lads coming on off the bench.”

Personal targets were also earmarked by the LIT business student. “When I first went in back in 2018, I was one of the smallest in the country playing senior. I identified in December after last year’s championship finished that it was an area I could improve.

In fairness, we have one of the best S&Cs in the country in Rob Mulcahy, he gave me a programme and I stuck to it. I managed to build up a bit of strength which I feel is helping me greatly in the league campaign just gone, it allowed me to win my own ball a bit easier than what it was.

“I wasn’t the best for the dieting in years

gone by, I’ve really bought into it this year and in fairness I can’t complain with how it has gone, I can see myself and Rob is telling me there is a big difference. The dieting is the biggest change and trying to lift as heavy as I can. Besides the strength I’ve put a bit of work into my weak foot, my right foot, and being able to shoot off both feet allows you to put an extra doubt in the defender’s mind.

“I’m working with arguably one of the best forwards in the country in David Tubridy, I’ve been asking him for tips and seeing him stroke the ball over with his left and right really gives you a drive and motivation to be able to do the same.”

Killarney awaits on Saturday evening, the magnitude of the task is aided by their stern encounter with Mayo less than two weeks ago, Gavin maintains. “You want to keep their forwards as quiet as possible, they have six unbelievably talented forwards. Trying to keep them quiet - if we can do that - it will give us a great platform to go and attack them on the other end. It is going to take 15 men and the seven subs that come on, it will take incredible workrate and determination to get over the line.

“The best test we could have got for the Kerry match was to play Mayo, we saw in the first half when they were really motoring, it gave us a taster of what is to come. It is real-

Gavin Cooney in action this year

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

ly good to see that we were able to compete with them, we beat them fairly well in the second half which gives us a lot of confidence that we can do it against the best”.

Best of luck to all Clare teams in their 2021 Championship Campaigns roadbridge.ie

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

47

Kingdom boss Keane expecting huge Clare battle PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE’S fitness levels, scoring rate and mobility around the middle third have been pinpointed by Kerry manager Peter Keane as the key areas to tackle the Banner County in the quarter-final of the Munster SFC on Saturday.

In the world of gaelic football, facing Kerry is viewed as a death sentence for Clare and one they have been repeatedly been given due to the structure of the provincial championship which has ordinarily given the Kingdom and Cork an automatic passage to the semi-finals.

When Clare last won the Munster SFC, they famously beat Kerry in Limerick in 1992 as cows of the county had to go for a week without being milked or so Marty Morrissey would have you believe.

This fixture may be one Kerry have not lost in almost three decades but previous encounters will count for little once the ball is thrown-in on Saturday evening. “It is about winning, you have a game and would you rather win by a point or lose by a point, you

win the game, that is the key going in on Saturday, the past is the past whether that is 20 or 30 years. We’re going here, it is a one-off game in the second year of a pandemic but a year without a backdoor, you’ve no safety net,” Keane flagged.

Responding to a query from one Kerry journalist at a press conference ahead of the game which posed the question should Keane’s charges “be putting up a big statement and putting Clare to the sword pretty comfortably as Dublin would do to a lot of teams in Leinster”, it reminded the businessman of an old tale.

“We had a chef working in the hotel for us years ago, he often told me a story about the fella walking along the pier and there was a fella inside the water shouting ‘help help help’, your man says ‘would you rather be nearly saved or nearly drowned’, naturally your man says ‘nearly saved’ so he says ‘good night to you I’m going home’. If he said nearly drowned he would have thrown in the lifebuoy. I’d certainly rather be nearly drowned than nearly saved,” he commented.

Keane added, “In Cork we lost because of a last minute goal, you’re asking me if we should be giving a massacre to a team, you take one game at a time, we have one game coming up and that is what it is all about

John Shannon

whether it is a point, two points or three points, we will take it but the priority is to get over that game”.

This two point loss drew plenty of criticism in Kerry footballing circles but it taught a valuable lesson. “You’re definitely on a highwire here, there is no safety net here with no backdoor, it is killed or be killed on the day”.

He added, “There appeared to be a lot of criticism after the game, there was a feeling that we set out over defensively, I wouldn’t necessarily go along with that but you take different approaches to different games, in 2019 we went at teams and we did that again

in 2020, we’re going at teams again in 2021 where we can. Sometimes you have to mix and match, tactics change all the time”.

Displays from the Banner in this year’s League have the three-time All-Ireland MFC winning manager well versed on the challenge that awaits this weekend. “If you look at them and Colm has been with them since 2014, he has put a very good together, a very good style of play together and a very good management structure there. You can see there is great fitness in them, they kicked 2-18 against a team that played in the All-Ireland final last year, in the game prior to that they kicked 1-18 against a team that beat us last year, we’re expecting a huge battle here, they are kicking big scores, they are tough, tenacious and very fit, they will have got a lot of momentum and experience from the run that they’ve had. We’re expecting a big challenge next weekend”.

“I think they are very strong in the middle of the field, they have great mobility around the middle eight and obviously David Tubridy is a beautiful player, he is a really nice kicker, they have really good footballers, it is something that has really struck me looking at the couple of clips I’ve seen”.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

48

KERRY CAPTAIN HEEDS ADVICE FROM AMERICAN CRIME DRAMA KERRY captain Paul Murphy is heeding the advice from an American crime drama when readying for the challenge of Clare this Saturday.

2014 All Star Murphy used the lockdown to watch The Wire and found himself referencing the US show when describing the approach of having no trap door or qualifiers to fall back on if they are defeated by Clare.

“I was watching The Wire over lockdown, there was a good quote in it ‘the game is the same it just got more fierce’, that is essentially what it is, you have to go out and win every game, whatever safety blanket that might have been there is gone now,” the man of the match from the 2014 All-Ireland Final commented.

Preparing for their clash with Clare is all that is occupying the minds of the Kerry team, he said. “Going back a couple of years when there was a backdoor, we would have prepared for every game individually and wouldn’t have been looking ahead, this is no different. We’re focusing on Clare, we’re guaranteed one match and our hope is to have a second match and to plan for that then, at the moment we’re looking at Clare and no further”.

EXPERT VIEW

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

PETER O’CONNELL (above)

Journalist and former Clare Junior Football manager

“We’d love to see Clare winning, that goes without saying but realistically we have to acknowledge that Kerry will be very warm favourites. I’ve been really impressed with how Clare have set up in games this year, patience has been very noticeable and they have been very good on the ball, I expect Clare to be very competitive but when it comes down to it I think Kerry will have too much firepower. We can all point to different things over the years from a range of sports when if on a given day things go right for you and you get

Q u i n Road Bus i n es s Pa r k, En n i s, Co. Cl ar e (065) 682 4323

one or two bits of luck at either side of the field, we need to stay in the game for as long as possible and have an impact from the bench that is really vital in terms of a possible impact from Podge Collins from the bench, if you can bring in four or five players and get a real impact from three or four them by getting a couple of scores or assists, a block or winning a vital ball you never know. You can’t rule it out, I expect Clare to be very competitive but realistically it would be a massive shock if Kerry don’t win by four or five points”.

Verdict: Kerry

the tempo up, I’ve noticed this year that when they keep the tempo up that second half tempo against Mayo when they were really snappy they were hugely effective. I can’t see Clare having enough for it, you’re looking at the second best team in the country at the moment who have something to prove as well, unfortunately I can’t see Clare getting a win, it is going to be a huge ask”.

Verdict: Kerry

ALAN CLOHESSY (right)

Ex Clare senior football captain

“I’ve been hugely impressed with how Clare have gone about their business, they’ve put up high scores and been effective. The last day against a very strong Mayo team, they limited them to minimal scores in that second half, you’ve to be hoping for that sort of a thing when you can keep

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

49

Mixed news on injury front as Clare prepare for Déise showdown

T

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

HERE is mixed news on the injury front for the Clare senior hurlers as they put the finishing touches on preparations for Sunday’s Munster SHC quarter-final.

Hat-trick hero from the 2013 All-Ireland replay, Shane O’Donnell has been ruled out of the tie. The Clare Echo understands that the Éire Óg clubman sustained a concussion injury in the lead-up to Clare’s final National Hurling League clash with Kilkenny.

O’Donnell’s absence from the forward-line will come as a major blow. It is expected to lead to the championship debut of Scariff ’s Mark Rodgers who as a result of featuring in the matchday twenty six will be unable to line out in the U20 hurling championship later this year. The same could potentially apply to Shane Meehan (Banner), Paddy Donnellan (Broadford) Cian Galvin (Clarecastle).

Former captain Patrick O’Connor is to miss the entire championship after sustaining a cruciate ligament injury three weeks ago in a challenge match defeat to Limerick.

The Tubber man had yet to feature in competitive action this year before picking up the injury.

Aaron Fitzgerald will have to wait a bit longer to make his senior hurling championship debut. The former county football centre back joined Lohan’s panel following last year’s campaign and had lined out at corner

back in games against Laois, Dublin and Kilkenny. The Éire Óg broke ribs in the win over Kilkenny while making a vital block to deny the Cats from scoring a goal. He is expected to be out for the next month. Ballyea duo Paul Flanagan and Jack Browne are vying for the jersey left behind by Fitzgerald.

In what is seen as a massive lift, All Star David McInerney is said to be in the mix for a starting jersey. The Tulla man only got thirty minutes of action in the NHL due to persistent injuries including damage to his quad.

Since leaving the field during their four point win over Brian Cody’s Kilkenny, McInerney has participated in training and is in contention for a starting jersey.

Eibhear Quilligan is set for his second championship season between the posts while All Star nominee Rory Hayes, Diarmuid Ryan, Conor Cleary and John Conlon are tipped to be named in defence. Colm Galvin and Tony Kelly are likely to form the midfield partnership with the attack including Aron Shanagher, Aidan McCarthy and David Reidy.

Waterford manager, Liam Cahill has confirmed that captain Conor Prunty and vice captain Jamie Barron remain doubtful for the fixture. A final decision on their fitness won’t be made until the weekend.

Austin Gleeson and Shane Fives have recovered from injury and will be included in the starting team.

Clare manager Brian Lohan will be without Shane O’Donnell this weekend

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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2019 Munster SHC Round One: Clare 1-20 Waterford 0-22 in Walsh Park, Waterford

2018 Munster SHC Round Two: Clare 2-27

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2016 Munster SHC Semi-Final: Waterford 1-21 Clare 0-17 in Semple Stadium, Thurles

2013 Munster SHC Semi-Final: Clare 2-20 Waterford 1-15 in Semple Stadium, Thurles

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EXPERT VIEW

Compiled by Seamus Hayes FR ENDA GLYNN

Lifelong Clare hurling supporter, attended his first game in Cusack Park on the last Sunday in February in 1956

“Traditionally, we have a very good record against Waterford. We are probably underdogs but I expect Sunday’s game to be a very open contest.

There is great energy and a great unity purpose in the team and in the hurling community. I remember Brian Lohan’s father Gus scoring the winning point for Clare against Waterford in Thurles in 1968. I hope his son will lead Clare

to an encouraging display on Sunday”.

“I would be concerned with the loss of Pat O’Connor and the possible absence of David |McInerney due to injury. O’Connor has great hurling pedigree. His father and uncles were great for Clare as was his grand uncle Donal O’Grady. Pat is a huge loss to Clare and to his club. If David McInerney is ruled out it will be a huge blow.

We need all of our players. The displays of the young players like Aidan McCarthy and Mark Rodgers are very encouraging, Clare did well in Parnell Park which is a hard place to go to and they had a great win over Kilkenny and the victories against those will help”.

David McInerney and Shane Bennett in action when Clare defeated Waterford in the first round of the 2019 Championship at Walsh Park in Waterford Photo by Martin Connolly

Phone: 065 689 1199 Email: joe.carey@oir.ie

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

51

‘IT’S A HUGE WEEKEND FOR CLEARY HOUSEHOLD’ Conor eyes up mouthwatering tie with Waterford as brother Eoin lines out for footballers

SEAMUS HAYES

T

HE arrival of GAA championship time always creates huge excitement not just with players and management but amongst supporters also so it doesn’t come as any surprise to find that excitement levels are huge in Clare this week ahead of the opening rounds in both the Munsster senior football and hurling championships.

The excitement is particularly high in the Cleary home in Miltowm-Malbay as twins, Eoin and Conor prepare to fill key roles for the county’s footballers and hurlers this weekend.

Eoin will lead the footballers as they seek to upsets favourites Kerry in Killarney this Saturday evening while Conor will fill a key defensive role for the hurlers in Semple stadium in Thurles on Sunday as Clare take on Waterford.

“Yes, it’s a huge weekend for the family

and it’s particularly brilliant for our parents who have missed so many games during the Covid lockdown. It’s a proud weekend for us and it’s great for the parents that they will be able to attend the games. They have always been great GAA supporters and prior to the Covid lockdown there was always one of them at our games. Both would be there unless the hurling and football clashed. They are great Clare supporters but our involvement has been nice for them”, Clare hurling full back Conor told The Clare Echo this week.

As the Clare hurlers put the finishing touches to their preparations to plans for their meeting with last year’s All-Ireland finalists Waterford on Sunday, Conor says “we have improved a lot in recent times.

We have worked very hard and we have had very good strength and conditioning work under Shane Hassett, Mike Carmody and Trevor Slattery. Our first two games in the league were disappointing but winning the last three in the league has been brilliant ahead of facing Waterford. We know from last year that we are facing a stiff test. They

Photo by Martin Connolly

are very fit and strong and they have serious hurlers all over the field as is the case with Munster teams at that level. Look, we are focussing on getting our own game right and delivering a performance on the day.”

The secondary school teacher who was attached to Rice College in Ennis last year, agrees that “it is very disappointing to lose players like Patrick O’Connor and Aaron Fitzgerald to injury. Aaron has been a great addition to the panel this year while Pat has been a huge player with Clare in recent seasons. To lose them is a huge blow particularly knowing the amount of work they have put in.

“We are focusing on getting our campaign off to a winning start especially with the momentum we have gained from our wins in the last three league games. Players want to win every game they play and having got that winning feeling, we want to keep winning”, said the defender who made his Clare debut in 2016 when he lined out against Waterford in Thurles in the championship, a game that came two weeks after the league final. Waterford were victorious on that

occasion.

“Those three league wins in recent weeks have given us a lot of confidence in the run into Sunday’s championship outing. We would have targeted those games, they were the three to win. The last day our lads were hurling with confidence,” the team’s fullback stated.

Welcoming some supporters back to Cusack Park for their final league encounter with Kilkenny gave huge energy to the players, the Kilmaley hurler pointed out.

As the Munster quarter-final edges closer, Conor said that this week the focus will be on their own game. “It’s about keeping fresh, doing our homework on the opposition but the majority of focus is on ourselves. Look it’s great to be back playing and the focus of any player is to be winning games and we are no different”.

He won’t travel to Killarney on Saturday evening but hopes to see the game on television where he will cheer on his brother Eoin and the Clare footballers for what he hopes will be the start of a winning weekend.

52 CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

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53

Ryan making number five shirt his own PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

SHORTER run-in time for Clare’s championship opener has not diluted the buzz in the camp according to Diarmuid Ryan, who is enjoying a new lease of life while making the number five jersey his own.

Three of Clare’s defenders, Diarmuid, Conor Cleary and David McInerney all made their senior championship debuts against Waterford in the respective years of 2019, 2016 and 2013. Although Ryan’s bow saw him line out at wing-forward under the guidance of Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor, Brian Lohan has utilised the Cratloe man at wing-back and it’s a role he admitted to being more comfortable with having previously come to the fore at centre back for the county minors in 2017.

At number five, Diarmuid was one of Clare’s most consistent players during an inconsistent League campaign. “Where I am now is where I’m most comfortable, I’ve done most of my hurling in the backs. I’ve been tried out in the forwards but I think I’ve settled down nicely at wing-back, all the way up along I was known as being a back so hopefully I can stay there and hold onto the number five jersey.”

One has to go back to Mike McNamara’s time as manager for the last time Cratloe only had one representative on the senior hurling panel, it was Martin Oige Murphy then and it’s Diarmuid now following recent exits of Cathal McInerney, Podge Collins and Rian Considine. “It is strange. Usually when you’re getting on the bus at Setrights it is nearly a bus load of Cratloe people getting on but it is different not to have the lads like Cathal, Podge or [Conor] McGrath around but I’ve to get used to it but it is quite strange. Hopefully in the next couple of years we will have a few more Cratloe guys pushing through.”

With two weeks separating Clare’s final League clash and their Munster quarter-fi-

EXPERT VIEW

Compiled by Seamus Hayes CONOR CLANCY

Two-time All-Ireland winner with Clare

“Sunday’s game is a big test for Clare but hopefully they will come through it.

In their last couple of games Clare have played at a very good level. Their last game against Kilkenny, the top team in the league, is a good indicator of where they are”.

“Waterford have been hugely impressive in the last two years. They mightn’t have performed as well in the league and I believe their focus is on the cham-

(left) Diarmuid Ryan fields the sliotar from the sky in a man of the match display versus Kilkenny.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill / above photo by Burren Eye Photography

nal tie, Diarmuid has embraced the short turnaround. “I think it is a good approach because when we finished the league so well it is good to keep going in the routine we’re in with matches coming thick and fast. We don’t want to be resting on our laurels and we’re happy to be playing every weekend.

The quick turnaround is good, we reflected a bit on the League and took positives from our last couple of performances but attention quickly turned to Waterford after the Kilkenny game.”

Reflecting on their League efforts, the Mary Immaculate College student is of the view that it has Clare primed for championship especially given the “championship intensity” evident in their five point win over Kilkenny. “Obviously we started very slow in Belfast with Antrim but I don’t think people gave Antrim the credit they deserved after pionship. It was great to see David McInerney back the last day and he played a prominent role while on the field. If you are picking your best backs, he is one of the key players. Shane O’Donnell is also a key player and hopefully he will be okay to start on Sunday against Waterford who had three significant injuries in their last game”.

“If Clare do well on Sunday it will stand to them. They have looked solid in their last couple of games and hopefully they will come through on Sunday They have got a chance but they will have to perform at their best and beyond the levels they played against Kilkenny if they are to advance”.

that game, you can see from their results across the League that they put in some excellent performances. We went back to the drawing board after that game and we tried to build, the performance got better against Wexford and we were unlucky not to come away with something but in every game we improved aspects of our play and it’s coming together nicely for the championship.”

Largely forced to COVID guidelines, the Clare management have had to spend less time on collective video sessions. This approach has been welcomed by the 2018 Harty Cup winner. “You can overanalyse something to the point where it is too much analysis and to the points where lads are thinking down the line a bit further about their performances, when you’re in a room for so long there is only so much that can be absorbed, we try to keep it short and sweet

and in fairness the lads are very good and don’t over analyse things too much, they will only pick out the things we really need to work on and it has really worked well.”

Currently on placement at Gaelscoil An Ráithín, Diarmuid has pinpointed the strength in depth of the Waterford panel as one of their greatest assets. “They have a strong 26 and even a few more on the outside that are excellent players. We’re under no illusions that we’ll have our work cut out for us going down to Thurles. We’re going in as underdogs, I don’t know would it suit us or not but we’ve nothing to fear going in against Waterford. Last year they could have won both Munster and All-Ireland finals so we’re going to go down and will give it everything we can and try build on the performances of the last couple of games.”

Photo by John Mangan

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

54

Analyze that: stats playing major role for Banner SEAMUS HAYES

I

N HIS own words Wolfe Tones clubman Daithi O’Connell tries “to marry what I do for a living into sport, it interests me”.

The former Clare forward played club hurling alongside current Clare manager Brian Lohan. “I work as a continuous improvement engineer and Brian asked me to come on board as part of the stats team”, explained Daithi who continues to be a key member of the Wolfe Tones senior squad this season.

“There are six in our team and some do phenomenal work after matches. We meet on a Thursday night and I attend games.

We do pre game, in game and end game analysis, analysis on the opposition and on ourselves prior to games. There is a good automated system while the game is going on and messages are passed down to the lads” explained the Shannon man who was part of the Clare panel from November 2002 until Clare were beaten by Limerick in the championship in 2007.

“I don’t know if this type of analysis was

done when I was playing” added Daithi who has been part of Brian Lohan’s stats team since shortly after the All Star full back was appointed as the Clare manager. O’Connell’s role does not require him to be present for all training sessions only matches.

He felt that improvement has visible in Clare’s displays “after a shaky enough start”.

“The win over Kilkenny was a huge boost. A team wants to be going into the first round of the championship with confidence and the win over Kilkenny has certainly provided that”.

Although injuries have ruled out Aaron Fitzgerald and Patrick O’Connor, Daithi was of the view a depth in the panel has become apparent during the League. “There are such good players in the squad that they can slot in and out. The substitutes introduced against Kilkenny changed the game”.

While he admits that “it’s hard to see past Limerick for the All-Ireland but they did show one or two small weaknesses during the league, he believes that teams “are coming stronger and starting to understand how to beat Limerick.

“It has the makings of a fascinating championship. Strength, size and fitness have come to another level. In the last twenty five years there have been four step chang-

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es to the way the game is played. In Ger Loughnane and Mike Mac’s era it was all about fitness and the fitter you were the better. Tipp focussed on speed and Cork came with the short hurling style and the strength and conditioning side of that. All are merged together now and you have extremely fit, fast and skillful men making it so competitive. Ball retention is massive now in the game and players don’t want to be giving away possession”.

While he accepts that Limerick have the favourites tag for the 2021 championship he said “Cork Waterford and Galway are playing well while Tipp and Kilkenny can’t be written off and more so when nobody is talking about them, it will be a fascinating championship”.

Asked about the ever increasing size of backroom teams at both club and county he said “club has always tried to copy inter county. Clubs can only provide so much in terms of backroom, it’s not as elite as the county game. You need all those people now as it’s so elite. You need people to lend a hand as things need to be done quicker.

We want players to be fully concentrated on performing out in the field. That’s why teams have expanded so much. Clubs haven’t the resources to do that”.

Number crunching aside, Daithi is confident Clare are coming good at the right time. “Tony (Kelly) is a match winner on his day and its nearly all the time. Against Kilkenny Tony was not at his best and Shane O’Donnell was out and we did well. Waterford are probably looking to kick on from last year but, hopefully, Clare will stop them.

Clare coming right at the right time and the confidence from beating Kilkenny is huge”.

CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW 55

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

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Big job in store for Waterford - Cahill SEAMUS HAYES

W

AT E R F O R D are facing “a big job of work” against Clare on Sunday and unless they are fully tuned in “Clare will hurt us and hurt us bad”.

That’s according to Waterford manager Liam Cahill who spoke to the media at Fraher Field in Dungarvan on Tuesday evening ahead of Sunday’s Munster championship quarter final meeting of the counties.

“Clare were really impressive especially against Kilkenny the last day. They have put some major results together in the latter stages of the league. The Clare management has got some real good structure to their team over the last couple of matches.

They have a real strong spine and they have unearthed a cou-

ple of new young guys as well.

They are in a really good place for Sunday, I think both sides are. It’s going to be a real good Munster championship test. By all accounts the weather will be good, the field in Semple Stadium is in top class condition so

there will be no excuses come Sunday”, the Tipperary native said.

Team captain Conor Prunty and vice captain Jamie Barron remain doubtful for the tie due to quad injuries and a final decision on their fitness won’t be

made until nearer match time.

Austin Gleeson and Shane Fives have recovered from injury and are available for selection.

Curbing the form of Tony Kelly is one key test for Cahill’s side. “Tony Kelly is one of the best hurlers in the country consistently over the last couple of years and he is really coming into his prime now. Last year he was exceptional and he has carried that form right through into the league. It would be remiss of me not to say he is going to warrant attention, of course he is. We will really have to be awake as to how to counteract Tony Kelly on the day”.

Cahill went on to say “one or two of Clare’s goals against Kilkenny were got from running hard at their defence. They can go long into the square on top of Shanagher as well, They have a lot of strings to their bow as to how they create those chances.

It’s going to be a big job of work for us”, he concluded.

EXPERT VIEW

Compiled by Seamus Hayes PHIL FANNING

Gaelic Games Correspondent with The Waterford News & Star, ex Waterford senior hurling selector

“There will be little between the teams on Sunday. Since 2010 they have met seven times in the championship. Waterford have won four and Clare had won a couple prior to last year when Waterford came out on top in a game that could have gone anyway. Tony Kelly brought an injury into that game and Stephen O’Keeffe made a few fantastic saves for Waterford. Look the outcome comes down to a break of the ball. Waterford have big doubts about the fitness of Conor Prunty and Jamie Barron. Barron got injured in training on Friday and if he is out it will be a huge blow as he brings great energy to the middle of the field. Prunty, who is the team captain, would also be a big loss if he is out”.

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087 125 4365 dergisle.com

Sinead and Shauna Doyle (above) from Tuamgraney pictured during the half time break in Walsh Park in 2019 when (left) Aron Shanaher and co defeated the Déise in the first round of the Munster Championship Photos by Martin Connolly

Derg Isle Adventure Centre @dergisle

58 CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

THURSDAY, JUN 24 2021

PLANNING

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

59

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MERCHANTS QUAY, LEADMORE WEST, KILRUSH, CO CLARE Take notice that Europiping Engineering, intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to replace the existing side cladding with new cladding and associated gutters to an existing commercial building and to install offices, canteen and toilet facilities within the foot-print of the building and to connect to public sewer at the above address. Please note that these works will be carried out within the curtilage of an existing protected structure.

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 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 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submission or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS CLONLARA, CO. CLARE PLANNING REF: P20/740 Development Description: For Permission for the Construction of a total of 70 Dwelling houses (including 14 no. Detached 4 Bed houses, 4 No. split level 4 Bed houses, 12 No. SemiDetached 4 Bed houses, 36 No. Semi-Detached 3 Bed houses, 4No. Semi-Detached 2 Bed houses) and for new connections to public services including water & foul sewerage including pumping station, rising main and associated plant. Permission is also sought for vehicular and pedestrian entrances, access roads, footpaths, landscaping works, parking areas, boundary treatments & all ancillary site works Location : Clonlara, Co. Clare Take notice that D.T.W Construction Ltd has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P20/740. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cos t of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council , Planning Department , Áras Contae an Chláir , New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of prescribed fee, not later than 5 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SMITHSTOWN, SHANNON CO. CLARE Take Notice that Flan O Neill intends to apply to the planning authority for planning permission to construct a storage yard at Smithtown, Shannon, Co. Clare. The purpose of the yard is to provide storage for material such as Gravel and also to provide a display area for Walling & Patio

materials.

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 Co. Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis Co. Clare, 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.

use together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ABBEY WEST, BELLHARBOUR, CO. CLARE FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P20/1004 Development Description: Permission for the construction of a dwelling house, garage, treatment unit and all associated services.

Location: Abbey West, Bellharbour, Co. Clare Take notice that Ciara Daly has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P20/1004.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYCAHILL, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie. Intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Sylvester Mullins for permission to a) retain sheds and storage structures as constructed b) retain use as farm storage, hobby storage, plant & machinery storage along with repair c) retain ground clearance works and construction of external storage yard together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

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

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL. NEWPARK, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE. Take note that Stephen Creamer & Sarah Counihan are applying to Clare County County for Planning Permission to construct a dwelling house, separate garage, site entrance, sewer treatment unit with percolation area including all ancillary site works as previously granted under Planning application P13-39 at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLARE ROAD, CLONROAD MORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of the Board of Management, St Flannan’s College for permission to reopen former college entrance to Clare Road for pedestrian

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CROVRAGHAN, KILLADYSERT, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Carmel Madden for permission to retain fenestration changes to garage as constructed together with all ancillary site development works at the above address.

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

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CULLENAGH, ENNISTYMON, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Euro Plant & Machinery Sales Ltd for permission to a) demolish existing workshop, office, store and remove temporary structures. b) Extend existing site boundaries c) Construct new larger replacement building to include workshop, offices,

stores and welfare facilities with connections to existing services together with all ancillary site development works and signage at the above address.

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

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TULLYGARVAN WEST, LAHINCH, CO. CLARe Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www. foudyconsulting.ie.intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Jason Sexton for permission to (a) demolish existing derelict substandard cottage, (b) construct new dwelling house and garage (c) widen and realign access roadway (d) install wastewater treatment system with soil polishing filter (e) Install bored well together with all associated site development works and services at the above address.

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

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NO. 11 THE LINKS, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE V95 FP84 Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 ww.foudyconsulting.ie.intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Michael Gilmartin for permission to construct a single storey extension consisting of a sunroom and store to the side and rear of existing dwelling together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

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

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

CLARE CO. COUNCIL MOUGHNA, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE. Take notice that John Vaughan intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a dairy with a waste water treatment system, slatted cubicle unit and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe

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 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 BURRENFADDA, CRANNY, CO CLARE Take notice that David McGuane intends to apply to the planning authority for (a) permission to demolish an existing shed and for (b) permission to construct an extension to the north & west side of an existing dwelling house along with alterations to the existing house (c) permission to construct a garage and (d) permission to upgrade the existing sewage treatment system and to upgrade the access road servicing the dwelling, along with ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYMACEA, QUILTY, CO. CLARE We Ontower Ireland Ltd are applying for Planning permission to replace a 12 meter monopole with an 18 metre monopole tower carrying telecommunications and broadband equipment, together with associated equipment and cabinets enclosed within a 2.4m palisade fence compound with access track at Ballymacea, Quilty, Co. Clare.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority 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 (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions and observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, LISSYCASEY, CO.CLARE. Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Dermot O’Brien & Denise Considine for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, private garage, site entrance, on-site wastewater treatment system and all other associated site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, RINEMACKADERRIG, CARRIGAHOLT, CO. CLARE. FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P20/500 Development Description: Planning permission to develop a mini glamping site consisting of 2 no. glamping pods, site entrance, access road, parking area, wastewater treatment system and all other associated site works at the above address.

Location: Rinemackaderrig, Carrigaholt, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Sean Murphy has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P20/500.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, MOCARRAH CARNAKILLA NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS CO.CLARE Take notice that Diarmuid Keane + Associates Ltd. (065-9083667, www.diarmuidkeane.ie) intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Vivienne & Don Murphy for planning permission to construct an extension to the side of the existing dwelling house and elevational changes to the house along with all associated site works at the above address.

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

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

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

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THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JUNE 24

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

6/18/2021

Aeschylus

Sophocles

Aristophanes

Tacitus

4

4

3

1

3

5

9

5 5

2 2 7

5

8

Livy

How to play

Ovid

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.

ANSWERS

frica (6)

5

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8

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6/18/2021

Seneca

7

Sappho

5

Plautus

3

Plato

4

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.

1

HOW TO PLAY

8

Martial

3

2

9

4

4

7

Horace

6

9

8

Homer

7

1

6

Hesiod

3

4

Euripides

3

Cicero

9

Catullus

Virgil

7

7

hich down is obtained How(5) to play

Caesar

Suetonius

7

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.

Apuleius

8

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The Clare Echo Crossword

's not too difficult - just ak.

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Phone 065 6820914

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#supermacs heart of Ennis

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(065) 682 0914

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O'Connell Street, Ennis

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

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Order through Supermac’s app

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Introducing our extended delivery service available from 1pm daily

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS H

1 Upper-case letter (7) 2 More competent (5) 3 Hard stone (7) 4 Vast desert of North Africa (6) 5 Snares (5) 6 Look up to (7) 7 Purchaser (5) 13 Impartial (7) 15 Vents (7) 16 Dwelt (7) 17 Spanish rice dish (6) 18 More sagacious (5) 19 Plunges (5) 21 Duck species from which down is obtained (5)

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1 Alterations (7) 5 Pulsate (5) 8 Lively dance (5) 9 Rumour (7) 10 Breed of dog (7) 11 Young ox (5) 12 Yearned (6) 14 Straw hat (6) 18 Injure (5) 20 Female thespian (7) 22 Wither (7) 23 Terminated (5) 24 Regulations (5) 25 Made certain (7)

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QUIZ 63

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz

SHARON SHANNON QUIZ Tubber

What instrument does Sharon play?

2 Accordion Banjo Concert Flute

Since 1988, Sharon has lived in what 3 city?

London New York Galway

4 11

At what age did Sharon tour the US with Disirt Tola?

14 19

5

Her first album was released in 1991 and was the best selling album of traditional Irish music. What was it called?

Saints and Scoundrels Sharon Shannon Out the Gap

At which Clare adventure centre was 7 Sharon filming for TG4 in the past fortnight?

UL Adventure Centre Kilrush Aqua Park Derg Isle Adventure Centre

Which college awarded Sharon an 8 honorary doctorate in 2018?

University College Dublin University of Limerick National University of Galway

Which of these is not a Sharon Shan9 non track??

Tickle Her Leg The Box of Frogs Cavan Potholes

Which instrument did Sharon take 10 up during the first lockdown last year?

Violin Saxophone Electric Guitar

l Where in Clare is Sharon from?

Before becoming a solo artist, Sharon 6 toured with which famous folk-rock band?

ANSWERS

The Byrds The Pogues The Waterboys

6. The Waterboys 7. Derg Isle Adventure Centre 8. National University of Galway 9. The Box of Frogs 10.Electric Guitar

Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

Ruan Accordion Galway 14 Sharon Shannon

Spot the Difference

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Where in Clare is Sharon from?

1Ruan Corofin

Last weeks Answers . Leg on camera stand missing . button missing on Norma Foley’s top . chain missing . Light on top of pole missing

. Tower in background missing . Crest on top missing . Pole (left) in background missing

Historian Padraig Óg Ó Ruairc speaking at a commemoration for those who lost their lives during the War of Independence.

Photograph: Aidan Ryan

AND GUTTERING CLARE

ROOF MOSS CLEANING