The Clare Echo 24/11/22

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS June vows to raise €100k for the homeless

MILTOWN MALBAY woman June Curtin has vowed to raise €100,000 for charity in December, after being named Clare’s Most Inspirational Person. June received the accolade at this year’s Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media and the Snámhai Sásta founder is now gearing up for her

Splash for Success campaign to raise €100,000 for Mid West Simon Community’s Activation and Community Engagement programme.

She is to undertake 63 cold dips, swimming three times a day from December 1st to December 21st to support people experiencing homelessness to find/return to work or education.

l Ailish Dunne, Shauna O’Gorman, Emma Fennell, Ruth Callinan and Nicola Keating pictured at the Clare LGFA victory social for the All-Ireland Minor C winning ladies football team at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon Burren Eye Photography

Curtin named Clare’s most inspirational person

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

JUNE NAMED MOST INSPIRATIONAL PERSON

MILTOWN Malbay’s June Curtin has been named as Clare’s Most Inspirational Person at this year’s Gala Retail Inspiration Awards with Virgin Media, writes Páraic McMa hon

June’s extensive and inspirational work in the mental health and charity sectors within the local community earned her the title at the awards. Sponsors Gala Retail gifted each county winner with a €1,000 in Ireland Hotel vouchers.

Snámhai Sásta founder June is now gear ing up for her Splash for Success campaign to raise €100,000 for Mid West Simon Community’s Activation and Community Engagement programme. She is to under take 63 cold dips, swimming three times a day from December 1st to December 21st to support people experiencing homeless ness to find/return to work or education.

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Building on her success over the last 2 years, June has stepped up her efforts this year by committing to raise €100,000. She will swim at 9.15am, 1.15pm and 4.15pm at Spanish Point beach.

“Getting into the sea once a day in De cember is no mean feat, never mind get ting in 3 times a day. The benefits of sea swimming are huge both mentally and physically. There are times in life when we could use a little help, and there are times we are given the chance to be that help for someone else. It really doesn’t matter where you are right now, what matters is that we are stronger together and taking a hand is just as important as offering one. Nobody escapes troubled water in life and we can all do our bit to help someone,” June said.

lBRRR-AVO: June Curtin will take on her 63 dips challenge again this year, with the aim of raising €100,000 for the Simon Community

New record set on amount of domestic abuse calls in Clare

Data Centre decision due by new year

AN BORD Pleanála are set to make a decision on the €450m Ennis Data Centre in less than two months, writes Páraic McMahon

date.

Minister McEntee said she remained “deeply committed to tackling domestic, sexual and gender based violence in all its forms, and to support ing victims of such heinous crimes”.

Protective Service Units have been rolled out across the country and are avail able in every Garda division with the Clare base located in Crusheen. “This means that specially trained officers are available nationwide who will be responsible for engagement with, and interviewing of, vul nerable victims. This ensures that when vulnerable victims of crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence present to Gardaí, they are met with specialist professional and expert assistance,” Minis ter McEntee stated.

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

ARECORD break ing number of calls were made to Gardaí in Clare re lating to domestic abuse but the county has the lowest amount of domestic vi olence criminal cases.

So far this year, 887 calls have been made to Gardaí in Clare concerning domestic abuse. The figures already sur passed the entire 2021 total of 837 which in itself was a new record. 665 calls were made to

Clare Gardaí in 2020 regarding domestic abuse.

Despite the high volume of calls, Clare has the lowest amount of charges for domes tic incidents with 120 cases pending. This compares with the national high of West Dub lin (947). 66 barring orders have been breached so far this year in Co Clare.

Representatives of Clare Haven Services have said the figures are indicative of the is sues they are dealing with and responding to on the ground across the county.

Incident counts are based on

reported date and were collat ed based on PULSE data as of 1:30am on the 11th November 2022. Crime counting rules are not applied to reflect all re corded incidents. Gardaí count domestic abuse as a domestic dispute, breach of a barring order, breach of a safety order, breach of a protection order.

Clare TD, Michael Mc Namara (IND) submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee (FG) for figures re lating to domestic abuse inci dents across all divisions of An Garda Síochána in the year to

Addressing a recent meet ing of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC) where the rising number of domestic abuse cases was referenced, Seán Colleran, former Chief Supt of the Clare Garda Divi sion commented, “For some one to come and report an offence to An Garda Síochá na, or the statutory bodies, it’s very rarely the first time it has happened. We have a process and we ensure that the people complaining are provided with the necessary supports, in the event they want it formally in vestigated, but notwithstand ing that, we have robust pro cesses in place”.

Eight objections were filed to An Bord Pleaná la following Clare County Council’s decision in August to grant planning permission for the new campus comprising of six data halls covering 145 acres or 1.3 million sq ft on lands adjacent to the Tulla Road. A decision by An Bord Pleanala is due by January 11th 2023. Parties that objected to the Council’s decision have been furnished with responses from the developer with a three week window now in motion for replies.

Planning contributions

When giving the green light, the Council con cluded that the scheme would not seriously in jure the residential or visual amenities of the area. The local authority instructed the applicant, Art Data Centres Ltd, to pay planning contributions of €2.137m when sanctioning the works.

Developers behind the Data Centre said 400 to 500 permanent jobs will be created when it is ful ly operational with 1,200 construction jobs and 600 in support services. Appeals had been lodged by An Taisce, Friends of the Irish Environment, Futureproof Clare, the Clare Green Party and four individuals, Dr Colin Doyle, Martin Knox, Colin Johnston and Christine Sharp.

Greenhouse gases

Concerns on high levels of carbon emissions associated with the development and the subse quent climate impact were raised by the objectors who argued that this impact was not adequately addressed in the planning application. In their response, the developer included a new climate impact assessment with respect to the Climate Action Plan 2021. Nearly 300,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases would be emitted each year, the climate impact assessment noted, equalling the emissions from the entire beef herd in Co Clare.

Colin Doyle in his appeal labelled, “a startling conclusion of their climate assessment is that the greenhouse gas emissions from the data centre would consume one tenth of the national emis sions ceiling for electricity generation in 2030. And that’s under the most optimistic scenario”.

Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) stated: “this is a very ill-timed data centre and will totally under mine our efforts to achieve 80% renewable ener gy by 2030. It doesn’t make sense that one data centre will use 10% of our emissions ceiling for 2030”.

'Welcome is still as warm' as more Ukrainians arrive

hard to understand what nothing is until you see them come with nothing, have they tooth brushes, have they razors, the very basics of life”.

CLARE’S céad míle fáilte is still as strong for the people of Ukraine, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has insisted.

Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicated that the Ennistymon Local Elec toral Area (LEA) continues to be the area hosting the largest num ber of Ukrainian arrivals in the country, per capita.

Ukrainian residents now ac count for 8.8 percent of the elec toral area’s population with 1,592 arrivals as of the beginning of November. It serves as forty five percent of the total amount of dis placed Ukrainians in the county with the remainder located in the Shannon Municipal District (767), Ennis Municipal District (762), Kilrush local electoral area (354) and Killaloe Municipal District (92) as of November 6th.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Si mon Coveney (FG) acknowledged Clare was one of the counties fac ing more pressure than others in terms of accommodation.

“In many ways the counties with the most hotel rooms are the counties often being asked to do the most because the majority of Ukrainian families are accom modated in hotel rooms, there is obviously a big tourist industry in Clare and a lot of hotels here, that’s why we’ve seen the numbers in Clare and we’ve seen similar in Kerry, Galway and Cork to a cer tain extent.

Showing solidarity

“I think we have to constantly remind ourselves of what we’re doing here, we’re showing solidar

ity with a country and people that are under attack and seeing thou sands of people killed, we know up to 100,000 Ukrainian troops could have been killed over the last ten months and a similar number on the Russian side, we have tens of thousands of civilians that have been killed and continue to be tar geted by Russian bombs, this is a war effort for Ireland, we’re trying to provide refuge for people fleeing very serious conflict, in most cases they have family members, hus bands, sons, daughters still fight ing in the war and they are here to seek temporary support while the war continues,” Minister Coveney added.

It has added to Ireland’s exist ing housing pressures, he said. “It is putting our systems under pressure we know that, that is not unique across Europe, the vast majority of countries are showing

remarkable support and solidari ty across Ukraine at the moment, Ireland is no different, we’re about tenth in terms of the number of refugees per head of population within the European Union. Be cause we have pressures in terms of housing anyway, this is provid ing more pressure in Ireland per haps than in other countries, this is a moral obligation for us”.

Figures for East Clare are rising with the latest influx to Bodyke and more specifically, the East Clare Holiday Village.

Having been an accommodation base for the past fifteen years, pri marily serving US and UK tourists, the village experienced an “obvi ous slowdown” with the pandemic.

Speaking on Scariff Bay Com munity Radio, Operational Di rector of East Clare Development Village, Ger Teefy revealed they were contacted by a Cork devel

oper who said he would provide a contract to help them house refu gees and assist in setting up their system for this. The first group of 32 arrived on October 27th from City Dublin with between 120-130 following suit.

Geared for families

With 51 self-catering homes, Ger said they were expecting to have close to 150 Ukrainians in total.

“The process because we are self-catering homes we would be more geared for families, they would be selected from a group of thousands, we don’t what we will have but we’ve got an introduction to it”. English classes have been or ganised with offers received from employers looking for staff in the vicinity.

He added, “You’re told they could come with nothing and it’s

Teefy said additional pressure has been placed on certain sectors in East Clare as a result. “We have the medical centre in Scariff who are wonderful, they are stretched as it is and struggling to cater for local people and now have this on top of it, the staff do more than they have to do for us”.

Minister Coveney believed the Irish welcome for Ukrainians was as warm as when the war began in February.

“I speak to a lot of Ukrainians who are here, I meet them all the time at different events, they do feel remarkably welcome here, they are enormously appreciative of that, they know they are put ting systems under some pressure. We’ve spoken in recent weeks to the Ukrainian Ambassador to ex plain we’re tight on space right now in terms of accommodation and they’ve responded, the num bers have reduced quite a lot over the last number of weeks.

Generous and responsible

“This is about managing this issue through the war in a way I hope we’ll be able to look back on in a few years time and say Ireland responded in a way that was gener ous and responsible in the context of helping a people who are under extraordinary pressure, predom inantly women and children too, let’s keep that context because it’s easy to focus on the pressures we solely face here and ignore the pressures that have driven them here in the first place, I think if we can do that we’ll get through the winter and let’s hope we’ll see positive change in Ukraine in that period, the pressure for more and more accommodation will ease over the coming months”.

Three politicians included on Russia black-list

THREE Clare politicians have been included in the list of 52 Irish politicians banned from entering Rus sia, writes Páraic McMahon

Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) was informed on Thurs day evening that he was one of the politicians affected by the travel ban while Cathal Crowe TD (FF) said he was informed by the Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday that he was “officially on the Kremlin’s black list of pol

iticians to be sanctioned”.

Joe Carey TD (FG) has also been included on the list.

In response to Western sanctions issued to Rus sia over Ukraine, over 50 officials from Ireland were among those banned entry to the country.

The Taoiseach has said that a meeting was held with the Russian ambassador today and that it was con veyed to him that Russia's behaviour was "absolutely

unacceptable".

Ambassador Yury Fila tov met Deputy Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs Sonja Hyland at Iveagh House, after he was summoned by Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney (FG).

Dooley said it was “a dis graceful action of intimida tion by a desperate dictator” to be included on what he labelled “Putin’s blacklist”.

He stated, “This is noth

ing but a dog whistle to his supporters to visit harm on those of us who have been named. I have never given way to bullies and that won’t change”.

During online interactions, he pointed out that it was “funny” no representative of Sinn Féin was not included on the list.

There is no representative of The Green Party in the list, despite their role as a junior partner in the Govern

ment.

Shortly after Russia’s first attack on Ukraine, Senator Dooley travelled to Lviv with Ireland South MEP, Billy Kelleher (FF) examined re lief efforts on the Polish bor der and later visited Ukraine at the invitation of the Ser vant of the People party, led by President Volodymyr Zel enskyy.

In a statement, Depu ty Crowe commented, “It’s a badge of honour and it

will only serve to further strengthen my resolve to support Ukraine and her cit izens.

"I look forward to the day, which is coming soon, when Russian forces are driven back over their border! Sla va Ukraini”.

Ennis resident, Kieran Burke pointed out that he himself is blocked by Deputy Crowe on Twitter and felt the ban would have little impli cation on the Meelick native.

lEast Clare Golf Holiday Village

SLEEP EVENT SALE

Everybody knows how important it is to have a good bed, but did you know that black Friday is the best time to invest in one. Home Trends located on Parnell Street in Ennis have reduced all their mattresses, bedframes, divans and bedroom furniture. With up to 50% off you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for.

There is nothing worse than tossing and turning on a lumpy mattress with the springs and broken down base audibly protesting with the slightest movement. It is the type of torment that will send you running to your nearest bed store. Since opening it’s doors in 2013, almost 10 years now, Home Trends has been synonymous with quality beds and bedroom furniture that you count on. The ongoing repeat business is testament to the professional and friendly approach by staff and excellent quality and value available in store. Home Trends is 100% Irish owned and is your one stop shop for all your Fur niture and Bedroom needs. Deposits can be taken on all stock to secure your price. At

Home Trends a number of the product rang es on display are provided directly by Irish Suppliers bringing a better-quality product to their customers at very affordable prices. The ethos of the business has always been about offering Irish products to the public which is key to protecting Irish Jobs. Home Trends’ very owned manufactured Mat tresses are engineered through spring Air, the world’s leading manufacturers in pocket sprung mattresses. Unlike many compet itors, Home Trends buy directly from the manufacturer which means bypassing the wholesaler guaranteeing massive savings to the customer with the best and lowest prices in town without compromising on quality.

Whether you are upgrading your own Mattress, your child’s or guest room Mat tress, this is an excellent time to invest in that quality piece. Home Trend’s Black Fri day Sale features up to 50% on top rated brands that won’t be beaten on price.

The team at Home Trends will work with you if you have a specific budget and also cover the commercial, rental and airbnb

at Home Trends

market with prices to suit every budget. All size mattresses are on Sale and if you are looking for a particular size, we can also accommodate you. 3ft Single Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattresses now only €129, 4’6 Double Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattress only €189. If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, the 4’6 Royal Coil Pillow Top Mattress is a great choice. It fea tures a 7 zoned pocket sprung support sys tem providing excellent support for spine, lower back and hip alignment, retailing at just €499, HALF PRICE, with all sizes avail able. Love a firm Mattress, our very own back master hotel quality Mattress is the one for you! It provides exceptional support and spreads the body weight to prevent the build-up of pressure points particularly in neck, back and hips. It features a high-lev el air ventilation system to circulate air, ex pel stale odours and is hypo-allergenic. As part of our Black Friday Sale, Home Trends are offering you this sensational Mattress at HALF PRICE, with prices starting from only €259. Their Christmas savings club

is now open in store where you can secure your item of choice with a deposit and pay off over a 4-5 week period, and have it just in time for Christmas.

The experienced staff at Home Trends will ensure you have a very positive shopping ex perience and will go the extra mile to ensure your needs and requirements are catered for. The delivery Team do nationwide delivery and can take away your old mattress, bed frame for a nominal fee. All packaging will be recycled free of charge. Home Trends, have fantastic value on wooden bedframes, divans and storage beds. With the divan bases, customers have the option to add drawers or if the customers prefers, they can opt for a gas lift storage bed. All stock has been reduced in store with prices that won’t be beaten.

Don’t miss out on this amazing Black Friday Sale where you will save up to 50%. SALE must end this Saturday 26th November at 5.30pm. Home Trends Parnell Street, Ennis - OPEN Mon-Sat 09:30am-06:00pm. Call (065)6797853 / www.hometrendsfurniture.ie.

Spirit of Christmas kicks off at Crescent Shopping Centre

JOIN in the Christmas spirit at Cres cent Shopping Centre this coming weekend.

Not only is it a Black Friday Bonanza weekend with lots of great offers in up to 90 stores, Friday also welcomes the much anticipated occasion of Switch on of Christmas Lights with a very special dual performance from Limericks own Niamh Nolan (The Voice UK contestant) perform ing alongside Corpus Christi Children’s Choir Moyross. A performance not to be missed!

This kick off of Christmas cheer will be followed closely on Sunday with the Arrival of Santa at the Crescent at 1pm to the City Mall entrance (Milanos) – Santa’s first pub lic appearance at Crescent since 2019 and promises to be a fun-filled occasion. Santa will do his much loved parade through the Centre to his new residence on the Gar ryowen Mall next to H&M.

Book your Santa Visit online now. Find all the details on Crescent social and website.

Lots of great additions will also come into force at Crescent this coming December also with the return of TUS, Limerick School of Art & Design Pop Up showcasing a diverse range of unique contemporary art across all areas along with a Gift Wrap Station

on the City Mall and much loved interiors favourite EZ Living Furniture on the City Mall a treasure trove of Christmas décor and home accessories not to mention a host of Irish and international brands & stores, including Zara, Shaws Department Store, Penneys, Next to name but a few to browse for gift ideas this Christmas Crescent Shopping Centre Centre Manag er John Davitt said: “We are truly excited to return to our traditional events for Christ mas at Crescent – and this year is shaping up to be one to remember, we look forward to the weekend of events ahead and welcom ing families and children from all across the region to Crescent to shop for loved ones, enjoy a Santa Visit throughout December, and relax in our many eateries and pop ups while enjoying the atmosphere of Christmas at the Crescent ”

Keep an eye on Crescent social media for all happenings & events for this Christmas at Crescent.

Crescent Shopping Centre’s late night hours kick off from December 1st and all details on opening hours, where to purchase Crescent Gift Cards, and social offers can be found on Crescent social channels and web site www.crescentshoppingcentre.ie

with

Focus Ireland to help you with your Christ mas shopping this festive season.

This December also sees the arrival of Pop Ups Inglot along with Calendar Club

lVisiting Santa

Sinn Féin accused of 'historical hijacking'

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE TD, Cath

al Crowe (FF) has become embroiled in a spat with Sinn Féin, hitting out at the party’s alleged failure to respect the family of deceased hero Peadar Clancy.

Deputy Crowe has accused Sinn Féin of “historical hijack ing” through its use of Peadar Clancy’s name for its Ennis cumann. He outlined that family members have written to the party’s headquarters asking them to “desist from us ing his name for political gain” but have been “ignored”.

Sinn Féin activists in Clare including the branch’s chair, Tommy Guilfoyle said the branch had “family consent” to use the name.

Descendants of Clan cy’s family including his

lPeadar Clancy

grand-nephew Michael Ney lon have disputed this. “Sinn Féin are totally disrespectful of my grand-uncle and all he stood for by attempting to as sociate his name with the Sinn Féin as we know them today.

My dear grandmother (Pea dar's sister) would turn in her grave. Our family or my close relatives were never consulted or permission sought to use his name in this way,” he stated.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy Crowe said: “You can’t

take somebody’s name with out their permission or that of their family, where does it be gin and end,” he added. “What next, are they going to have a Nelson Mandela cumann, they can’t wrap their arms around everything and take credit for it all,” the Meelick native re marked. “History is history but the will of the family is not be ing respected, the man is dead, he is an Irish patriot and hero, his family’s wishes should be central to any commemora

tion, it is reprehensible that Sinn Féin have ignored this”.

Deputy Crowe concluded, “I think it’s time that Sinn Féin respect the family and choose an individual more synony mous with their party; which can trace its roots back to the streets of Belfast and Derry in the late 1960s, not the epony mous party founded in 1905”. \

Sinn Féin’s press office did not respond to queries from The Clare Echo at the time of going to print.

Born in Cranny in 1888, Peadar Clancy served with the Irish Volunteers in the Four Courts garrison during the 1916 Easter Rising and was second-in-command of the Dublin Brigade of the Irish Re publican Army (IRA) during the War of Independence. Along with Dick McKee and Conor Clune, he was shot dead by his guards while under de tention in Dublin Castle on the eve of Sunday, 21 November 1920, a day known as Bloody Sunday.

Farmers hold talks with Minister

FARMING delegations from Clare met with the Minister for Agriculture on Tuesday amid mounting concerns regarding the Agri Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), writes Páraic McMahon

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue (FF) and Minister of State, Pippa Hackett (GP) spoke with farmers from the Burren Programme and the Hen Harrier Project at Agriculture House in Dublin. The meeting covered a wide-ranging discussion on the current Burren programme and its successor in the Burren region – ACRES Co-operation Project (CP) Burren Aran.

Concerns have been raised that farmers will be paid less for carrying out environmental measures under ACRES than under both programmes.

Planned changes to the Burren Programme which is estimated to have contributed €23m to the local economy is feared to see the average Bur ren farmer lose €7,000 to €8,000 under ACRES.

ACRES Co-operation will be open to around 20,000 farmers in areas of the country which were deemed as being high-priority areas (CP zones), including the Burren and Slieve Aughty.

300 farmers are involved in the Slieve Aughty hen harrier project. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) who was part of the delega tion admitted he was “deeply concerned” with ACRES. “It means special projects like the hen harriers is losing its momentum and there is now a high risk that the same buy in from the farmers won’t be in place going forward”.

O’Brien

Jacqueline

Movement sought to bring DAC off the shelf for marina

training college project in Kilrush Marina, and to liaise with the off shore renewable sector to maximise the potential opportunities presented by the de

velopment of off shore renewable energy to the communities of West Clare”.

A DAC was set up in 2018 un der the name of the Clare Mari time Economic Zone (Clare MEZ) DAC) as part of the application for funding under the Enterprise Ire land – Regional Enterprise Devel opment Fund.

This resulted in a successful funding application for resources to hire a business manager yet no appointment has been made in the four years since.

Securing €3.5m under the Ru ral Regeneration Development Fund (RRDF) was “the biggest an nouncement since Moneypoint in the 1980s,” Cllr Lynch remarked. He said the plans for the maritime training centre and offshore re newable research base represent ed “a huge project for West Clare”. He continued, “The project speaks for itself, its potential is absolutely massive”.

Kilrush based Lynch was ada mant the Council cannot rest on its laurels regarding the project.

“Just because we got good news doesn’t mean this project is dead in the water. We’re not here to ad minister funds, we’re here to pro vide services.

"This project cannot sit there, it needs to start now, just because we have it in West Clare doesn’t mean it won’t happen elsewhere. We need to get timelines on it”.

Up to €1.75m was set aside for the granting of the DAC in 2018 with €375,000 of this to deal with the employment of a business de velopment officer, Cllr Murphy recounted. He said if the positive

announcement of RRDF funding had not come to fruition “we’d be roaring and shouting to see why this person was not in place”. He felt a hiring was “imperative” and he equated it with the “significant outcomes for the town of Ennis” since Kevin Corrigan was appoint ed Chief Operating Officer of the Ennis 2040 DAC.

Murphy said the DAC needed to be activated “because it’s been sitting on the shelf”, money from Enterprise Ireland had to be drawn down to procure the employment of a business development officer and to lodge planning permission quickly. “I cannot think of any sin gle bigger opportunity that West Clare has at its feet, this is rural development at its core and it has the capacity to deliver jobs directly very quickly”.

An office must now be estab lished to lead the project, Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) stated. “I’d an idea the grant was on the way, we’ve the wherewithal to make an office available”.

Director of Rural Development, Leonard Cleary advised the meet ing that it would be a “practical approach” to invite his Economic Development counterpart, Liam Conneally to address a future meeting of the West Clare MD.

lKilrush Marina

Business raises over €4,500 for local causes

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

OVER €4,500 was raised for charity by one Ennis business to celebrate their first year in operation.

Abbeyfeale native, Dr Nadine Smith Quinn opened Dr Nadine Aesthetics on Chapel Lane in No vember 2021.

To celebrate the first year in business, Nadine was conscious to give back to the people of Clare in some capacity.

“To mark one year in business, we held a one year client appre ciation, in conjunction with that, we ran an in-house charity raffle dividing funds between Clare Ha ven Services and the Brothers of Charity”.

A total of €4,310 was raised with the Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Mol loy (FF) making a contribution of €100 to each organisation bringing the overall sum to €4510.

In 2017, Nadine received her Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from University College Cork with Honours in 2017.

In 2019 she completed training in botulinum toxin and dermal fillers at the prestigious Avanti

Aesthetics Academy, Harley Steet, London.

In 2020, she began practising fa

on the Tulla Rd in Ennis, the cou ple purchased a house in Ruan two years ago and have been living there since.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Nadine shared her reasoning for selecting their two beneficiaries. “I wanted to do more for local charities, the fact that in our own church gate collection in Abbeyfe ale the donations are really drop ping, it was a good idea to get a small contribution.

£I was pretty happy with how much we managed to raise given the times we’re in. We wanted to donate to local charities based in the Ennis catchment, I feel both those charities have touched most families at some point and Brian would have a lot of the guys from Brothers of Charity giving a help ing hand”.

She added, “I want to extend my gratitude to the Clare people for the warm welcome I’ve received, I would have had a bit of anxiety opening a new business post pan demic but I definitely feel I’ve been welcomed with open arms and En nis being named the most friendly town recently is most apt given the welcome I’ve received”.

Commemorative plaque to the late Pat Liddy to be unveiled in Cois na hAbhna this Friday

of branches throughout County Clare, but set dancing was his true passion. Along with his wife Nora, he ran the hugely successful Cine Rínce set dancing club in Cois na hAbhna for many years. Pat was an excellent and highly regarded set dancing tutor, and was in great demand at workshops throughout Ireland. A regular teacher at Scoil Fleadh Nua, he also adjudicated at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.

Apart from Set Dancing Pat had a great love of traditional singing, travelling to singing clubs in Co. Clare and beyond. He was a great supporter of the First Friday ses sions at Duggan’s pub in Spancil hill hosted by his longtime friend and neighbour, Robbie McMahon.

Frank Whelan, Chairman of Cois na hAbhna stated, “We are all proud of Cois na hAbhna and its achievements, and we owe much of its success to Pat’s hard work and perseverance down through the years. In 2016, Pat published his history of Cois na hAbhna chronicling the growth of Comhal tas in Co. Clare from its beginnings in 1954 as well as the development of the centre itself. The book is just one part of Pat’s great legacy to the organisation he loved, Com haltas Ceoltóirí Éireann”.

From the time

The evening will begin with a re ception at 8.30pm followed by the unveiling of the plaque, a singing session led by John Condon and the Spancilhill singers club will bring the evening to a close.

cial aesthetics. Married to Brian Quinn of Quinn’s Four Seasons Fruit & Veg

lSUPPORT: Brian Quinn, Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy and Dr Nadine Smith Quinn Photo by Ruth Griffin

A COMMEMORATIVE plaque to the late Pat Liddy, acknowledging a lifetime of work for Cois na hAbh na and Comhaltas will be unveiled in Cois na hAbhna this Friday (No vember 25th) by Dr. Labhrás Ó Murchú Ard Stiúrthóir Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, writes Páraic McMahon

Newmarket-on-Fergus native, Pat died on Monday December 21st 2020 and although his fu neral mass on Thursday 24th De cember at Clooney Church could only be attended by close family members, many made the journey from all over the country to line the roadside in a fitting Guard of Hon our to a man whose parting gift to all of us was the legacy of a living tradition that is Cois na hAbhna.

he became a member of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, in the 1960’s Pat was very active, setting up a number

lPat Liddy

Handy leaflet shows winter health options

PUBLIC health services in the Midwest are redoubling their efforts this Winter to keep people on the right track for the best and most appropriate healthcare ser vice for their needs, as close to home as possible.

With increases in both COVID-19 and Influenza infections anticipated to create a significant surge in hospital admissions, UL Hospitals Group and HSE Mid West Community Healthcare are promoting a new HSE information leaflet, distributed across Lim erick, Clare and Tipperary, to guide people through the various treatment options available locally this Winter. Complementing the online guide to local health services at bit.ly/MyHealthMidwest, the leaflet outlines routine and urgent healthcare services.

The leaflet highlights such useful HSE website re sources as the Health A To Z at https://www2.hse.ie/ az/. This comprehensive guide to almost 400 individ ual conditions has details of treatments for each, and contact information for accessing care when you need it. Phone details are included for the national HSELive Freephone Help Line at 1800-700-700 and the local Shannondoc out-of-hours GP service at 0818-12350 or 061-459500.

Contact details and opening hours for the Injury Units at Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital and St John’s Hospital.

For people experiencing mental health difficulties this winter, the leaflet outlines the supports at Your MentalHealth.ie, a Freephone service available day and night at 1800-111-888, and the free 24-7 text ser vice at 50808.

Get in the groove for Strictly Blue

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

NEWMAR KET-ON-FER GUS GAA club will be getting in the groove next month as part of plans for continued development with in the grounds.

Twelve different couples have partnered up for ‘Strict ly Blue’, a dancing fundraiser that will be part of a three day celebration in the village tak ing place from December 9th to December 11th.

Music and dance will re place hurling, camogie and ladies football at Fr Mur phy Memorial Park in the big fundraiser that will go towards constructing an in door facility. One Septem ber joined by Fionn Hayes and Dylan Jack will start the weekend while The Tumbling Paddies finish the festivities

with their Sunday night con cert. The intervening act of a host of local dancers will offer some Saturday night fever. Weekend passes worth €55 are available to buy on Eventbrite and from local GAA officials while tickets for each night can also be pur chased, Friday (€10), Satur day (€25) and Sunday (€20).

Speaking at the recent launch of the fundrais er, Chairman of Newmar ket-on-Fergus GAA, Fred dy McInerney predicted it would be “a festival of fun on our hallowed pitch”. He explained, “we are running this to bring the community back together after a horrific two years, it is a chance to do

something which hasn’t been done in a long time”. It is set to cost the club over €30,000 to run the “festival of fun”.

McInerney outlined that it was the third phase in the club’s development following on from the €110k clubhouse refurbishment and the €355k Astro-turf, the latter is “al most all paid for after three years which is testament to the community”.

Phase three will be a fa cility for the whole family, he promised. “We want to build something that is family orientated, coaches are con cerned about their teams but it is our job as an Executive to be concerned with the club as a whole, we’re a one club model, we’re all under the one umbrella and rowing in the same direction. Now more than ever with mental health and physical exercise, every one is looking in the one di rection”.

We have now begun closing accounts

Ulster Bank is closing, and our team has begun to close current and deposit accounts. If your six month closure notice period has passed and your deadline has been reached, your account is now queued for closure. You must take action now. If you are still relying on your personal or business bank account and in need of support, please contact us immediately.

Visit ulsterbank.ie, your local branch, or call 0818 210 260

Need extra support? Call our Vulnerable Customer Line on 1800 656 001

Call costs may vary and calls from mobiles may not be free. Ulster Bank Ireland DAC is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

lSTEPS: The dancers lined up for Strictly Blue Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Clare residents to have their say on sustainable tourism

ANEW countywide sur vey has been launched to inform the local tourism sector as it pursues a strategy de veloping Clare as a globally rec ognised and certified sustainable tourism destination.

Third party verified and inde pendently carried out by research ers at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Sligo, the resi dent survey comes from one of a number of measures that Clare County Council, the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Visit Clare and the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum are cur rently implementing to measure and monitor tourism impacts on Clare’s economy, communities, heritage and environment.

Visitors to the county were al ready surveyed this summer and tourism businesses in the county will be surveyed early next year.

Cllr. Tony O’Brien, Cathao irleach of Clare County Council, commented, “Resident participa

tion is one of the most important indicators of sustainability and I would hope as many people as possible engage with this survey in an effort to better inform how tourism is being developed and managed in Clare.”

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, stated, “Sustainable tourism is at the core of the Clare Tourism Strategy 2030 and the Local Authority’s overall approach to tourism development in Clare. A collaborative approach

to achieving this goal is key, which is why the input of everyone who lives in the county is being sought.”

“We are delighted to partner with ATU Sligo to develop systems for measuring and monitoring the ongoing development of a genu inely sustainable and regenerative tourism product in Clare,” stated Deirdre O’Shea, Head of Tourism in Clare County Council.

Sean Lally, Chair of the Clare Tourism Advisory Forum, said, “Obtaining the views of Clare resi dents is key to informing the tour ist sector and how best to achieve its sustainable goals. We are for tunate to have an industry-led approach to developing a sustain able tourism product here, but it is important that the communities in which tourism operators are based also contribute to the process. I would urge people across the county to have their say in what is a completely confidential survey, the results of which will be of ben efit to everyone who lives in and visits the county.”

The survey can be accessed through scanning the QR code. For those who have difficulty in completing the online survey, please contact Fiona.mckenna@ atu.ie where a printed, paper ver sion of the survey can be sent to an address via post, or a call can be organised to complete the survey over the phone.

The Town Hall Bistro

Providing a welcoming environment with great value food championing local ingredients.

The Poets Corner Bar

A traditional Irish pub that opens its doors onto the main town street of Ennis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or traditional Irish music session.

The Brendan O’Regan Restaurant

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

lSURVEY: L-R: Leonard Cleary, Fiona McKenna, Pat Dowling, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council Councillor Tony O’Brien, Deirdre O’Shea, Carol Gleeson, Sean Lally Photo by Eamon Ward

North Clare

Recordings donated to Cuimhneamh an Chláir

Introduction of charges mooted for Spa town

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

PARKING charges are under consideration for Lisdoonvarna.

A call for the development of parking bye laws for Lisdoonvarna was made by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) at this month’s sitting of the West Clare Municipal District. He was hopeful these could be in place for the 2023 summer season.

Senior executive engineer in the West Clare MD, Enda MacNamara outlined that the area office would work with the roads and transportation section of Clare County Council to create the parking bye laws for the spa town.

With high levels of footfall for the month of September due to the popularity of the Matchmaking Festival, it was part of “a lot of issues over the years” that prompted Cllr Garrihy to table the proposal.

amenities we’re all calling for,” he ques tioned.

“In case we’re accused of chasing the rev enue, it is a management tool,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) retorted.

He recalled conversations with a Kilkee shopkeeper who flagged that all car spaces in the vicinity of his shop are gone by 10am by “people going to the beach and leaving no space for customers”.

He added, “Through parking by laws we can make sure there is a proper flow of traf fic”.

Having raised the issue of parking bye laws across North Clare on several occa sions, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) stressed the im portance of catering to areas where tourists and the public are flocking to.

“We need to support our revenue in the county,” he said.

EUGENE Lambe has donated to Cuimhneamh an Chláir his import ant collection of video recordings of singers, musicians, dancers and sto rytellers from North Clare, writes Páraic McMahon

To celebrate this, Cuimh neamh an Chláir will host an illustrated interview with Eugene next Thursday (December 1st) at The Old Ground Hotel. Refresh ments for the free event will be served from 6:30pm with the event starting at 7pm sharp. The interview will be recorded for Cuimhnea mh an Chláir’s podcast ‘The Clare Oral History Podcast’. Eugene came to live in Fanore in the 1970s, there he played music, made in struments, and listened in tently to the older carriers of stories and music in North Clare. In the 1980s he en gaged Paschal Brookes to

travel with him around that part of the county filming some of these singers, musi cians and tellers of tales.

They recorded in kitch ens and pubs, heard the last remnants of the Irish language spoken in Doolin, listened to music played on fire tongs, Indian whistles and more besides.

This resulted in the cre ation of an engaging collec tion which creates a picture of a time that now seems much further back than 35 years ago.

In conversation with Pau la Carroll, Eugene will intro duce us to some of the stars of his archive: among them the legendary Paddy and John Killoughery at home in Ballyfaudeen, musician and funnyman Joe Cunneen, captivating singer Pat Keane from Aughinish Island, the inimitable Brud Petty from Lisdoonvara and Dinny Jim from Doolin, old style danc

er Mick Carrucan, Doolin native Irish speaker Paddy Phádraig Mhichael Shannon and Kilfenora Céilí Band flute player Paddy ‘Organ’ Mullins. Mary Ellen Cur tin from Doolin provides us with a rare (for the time) public glimpse of an older woman playing music out side her own home.

Cuimhneamh an Chláir / Clare Memories is an inde pendent, voluntary group, which digitally records, archives and shares the oral heritage of Co. Clare, through interviews with the county’s older citizens in its diverse communities.

Also on the night, Cui mhneamh an Chláir will be launching their new website www.clarememories.ie and their strategic plan 20222025. Dr Maura Cronin, founder of the Oral History Centre at Mary Immaculate College is the guest for the launch.

He highlighted that “an excellent heritage” plan is also to be completed for the area.

Multiple areas need an update of their bye laws, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) commented while seconding the motion.

“Are there towns where car parking charges be implemented better to support

Rumblings on the return of parking bye laws “is good news in some way,” Cllr Ian Lynch (IND). He emphasised, “we need to make sure the communications is done right, it is not a revenue tool” and suggest ed discussions commence with Chamber of Commerce in Kilrush.

Senior executive officer in the West Clare MD, John O’Malley detailed that they intend ed to organise a briefing in December with the roads department and councillors based on the information they have compiled.

New skate park under discussion for Lahinch

AN UNUSED piece of land south of the cliff park in Lahinch is to be examined and potentially turned into a skate park, writes Páraic McMahon.

Renewed calls were voiced by Cllr Liam Grant (GP) to bring to life the unused piece of land south of the cliff car park in Lahinch with an amenity area or skate park suggested. “This is unused land which should

be brought into communi ty use,” he emphasised. The proposal was seconded by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG).

Senior executive officer in the West Clare Municipal District, Siobhán McNulty outlined that they intend ed to undertake a survey of the land “with a view to ascertaining the possibility of developing this area for amenity use.

The initial scoping exer

cise will focus on the iden tification of possible uses of the land with reference to zoning, planning and other environmental consider ations”.

Speaking at the November meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr Grant highlighted that it was “very beautiful” but also a site of “anti-social behaviour”. He continued, “it could be an area for posi tive development ”.

DUE to popular demand and having performed a completely sold out Supper-theatre run in The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis Players is delighted to announce a very special per formance of 'One-Acts on Tour', two one-act plays in Hotel Doolin on Sunday, November 27th next. Set in a retirement village in the sweltering Nevada desert, Elysium Nevada by Barry McKinley tells of two residents reflections on life, youth and how they got there.

Trapped, by Barry Woods – When Faye responds to a distressed phonecall from her best friend, they discover information that is both profound and life changing. 'One-Acts on Tour' shall take place on November 27th, in Hotel Doolin Doolin, Co. Clare. Tickets are priced at €10 and will be on sale on the door on the night. Suitable for audiences 15+. A wonderful night of music and seasonal celebrations are taking place in Lisdoon varna at the Corpus Christi Church on Sunday 11th December 2022, when country and gospel singer James Kilbane brings his Christmas concert to the parish starting at 6 pm. The reason for the concert is that the church is in some desperate need of renovations and repair. Corpus Christi Church was constructed in 1868 and now sections of the roof are in great of repair. Tickets are €15 and are available from Howley’s Shop in Kilfenora, Dolly Jordan shop in Lisdoonvarna, the church committee members or direct from 087 9763559. Event starting at 6 pm. All support will be much appreciated.

lORAL HERITAGE: Patsy O'Grady

Construction to begin on €6m Scariff social housing scheme before Christmas

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

SENIOR officials in Clare County Council are hope ful to start construction on a €6m social housing scheme in Scariff in the next three weeks.

In November of last year, the lo cal authority lodged plans for the 18 unit social housing scheme at the Feakle Road in Ballyminoge, Scariff which is to be called ‘Dro ichead Nua’. Stage three approval was granted for the development in July of this year by the Depart ment of Housing, Local Govern ment and Heritage.

The development will be made up of 14 apartments, 12 of which will have two bedrooms. It will also include two semi-detached, two-storey, three-bedroom hous es, with adaptations.

An update on the signing of a contract for the scheme was

sought by Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) at the November sitting of the Killal oe Municipal District.

Director of Social Development with the County Council, Anne Haugh confirmed that successful and unsuccessful tenders had been notified last week. Engagement is now to commence prior to the signing of contracts, she said. “We hope to be on site before Christ mas”. There is an emphasis placed on local authorities from a nation al level “to turn approvals around fast and not to delay housing,” Haugh advised.

Approval was granted with an all-in budget of €6,093,289 in cluding VAT in July. Beginning construction before Christmas has always been the target of the local authority.

Over 140 people in Feakle, Scar iff and Whitegate were looking for housing, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) re called. “I didn’t realise there would be that amount of people in the area, hopefully they will be looked after when the development comes to fruition”. Initial

Eimear branches out to raise funds for Kenya

by EOIN BRENNAN

CLARE Senior Camogie star Eimear Kelly is among 50 inter-county players that flew out to Kenya on Friday as part of the Plant the Planet Games fundraiser.

The initiative orchestrated by former Gal way dual play Alan Kerins in association with Self Help Africa and the GPA aims to highlight the impact of climate change and raise sufficient funds to plant one million trees in Africa.

Each player participating in the games has committed to raising €10,000.

The funds raised will go to Self Help Af rica to support the planting of trees, essen

Notes

tial not only to combating the increasing impact of climate change but also as a way of providing sustainable income for local communities.

Truagh/Clonlara forward Eimear is joined by fellow Banner players Podge Collins and Dean Ryan who will participate in a first ever inter-county match in Kenya.

In addition to the games, the players will also take part in a series of cultural events to highlight the work being done by chari ties such as Self Help Africa and Brighter Communities Worldwide in the country.

To donate to Eimear’s fund, check out her social media accounts or go directly to www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/EimearKelly1

A KILLALOE “rat run” is to be subject to a speed survey to determine if it fits the bill for low cost safety improvement funding, writes Páraic McMahon

An appeal for traffic calming measures “to slow down traffic” between the tennis club and The Benson Box factory in Killaloe was voiced by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF). The area is located within an existing 50km/h speed limit on the L3084.

Derek Troy, acting senior executive engineer in the Killaloe Municipal District ac knowledged that housing estate entrances, a creche and playground were all along the road “which results in a large volume of both vehicular and pedestrian movements”. He said a speed limitsurvey would be completed. The results of this and consultation with An Garda Síochána will influence if the location is considered for submission for low-cost safety improvement funding next year. “If funding was granted to implement any traffic calming measures including the construction of ramps and associated sig nage, the local authority is required to comply with Section 38 of the Road Traffic Act 1994 which includes a public consultation process”.

Speaking at a recent sitting of the Killaloe MD, Cllr O’Brien flagged that the road was “heavily traversed by kids, it’s used as a rat run”.

lDEVELOPMENT Feakle Rd, Ballyminogue in Scariff Photo by Ruth Griffing

assessments had been

€5m and now the scheme has risen to over €6m, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stated while referring to “inflation ary costs”.

West Clare

GRADUATION DAY

Potholes put forward as solution to speeding

pal District, Alan Kennelly said, “The new social hous ing development on Shanakyle Road is very much at the conceptual or planning stage".

Citing the possibility of new social housing units on Shanakyle Road in Kilrush, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) asked for Clare County Council’s housing section and road design office to work in conjunction “to address the traffic management and road safety issues that persist for a number of years in the area but have not been actioned”.

Design, finding and constructing appropriate traffic calming measures, junction realignment and school traffic management “must be addressed prior to in creasing traffic movements in the area,” he maintained.

At the end of October, Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) announced that the Department of Housing were to grant “approval in principle” to Clare County Council for a new turnkey housing development for 28 homes at Shanakyle Road in Kilrush. He said 20 would be two bedroom homes and eight would have three bedrooms. Senior executive engineer in the West Clare Munici

He added, “Our colleagues in Housing will consult with us as the development evolves and we will of course stress the need for the development to enhance road and traffic safety for all users.

"I would anticipate that at a minimum additional foot paths and public lighting along the public road will be an inherent part of the development”.

If needed, Kennelly said road and traffic safety ap praisals such as road safety audits or transport assess ments would be conducted “to ensure that the opera tion of the existing road network will not be adversely affected from increased traffic volumes and / or altered traffic flows because of the proposed development”.

Speaking at the November meeting of the West Clare MD, Cllr PJ Kelly (FF) suggested potholes may be the answer when it comes to traffic calming in Kilrush.

“There is a very cost effective way of dealing with speed problems, put in subterranean speed ramps, they automatically slow down everything”.

Notes

DOONBEG deserves a playground! Do you want a facility for your chil dren to meet and play? Do you want to hear more? Then come along to a public meeting, Thursday, November 24 at 8pm in Doonbeg Community Hall. Express your interest in attend ing by texting 086-8340426. Meeting organised by Doonbeg Community Development.

CUAR, the Irish chamber music ensemble founded by Neil Ó Lo clainn from Ballyvaughan, will play in Cultúrlann Sweeney, Kilkee, on Thursday, 24th November, 2022.

Neil’s talents have been recognised by some of the greatest traditional musicians from Clare in terms of his groundbreaking work.

Cuar explores composition and im provisation within the framework of Irish traditional music, playing new music written especially for them. Citing influences as varied as Tom mie Potts, Tony MacMahon, sean-nós singing and uilleann pipe music, on the one hand, and the Karnatak (South Indian) music tradition, com posers Morton Feldman, Béla Bartók and downtown jazz on the other, the music creates a boundary less style rich in melodic detail. Together they forge a unique sound.

Cuar will play in Cultúrlann Swee ney, Kilkee, on Thursday, 24th No vember. See www.clarearts.ie.

'We can't stick our hands in the sand' - Council acknowledge need to improve Seafield facilities

COUNCIL officials have admitted they can’t keep their head in the sand on the need to make further improvements at Seafield.

In a bid to “maximise the ben efits of this wonderful location for locals and visitors alike,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) appealed to the local authority to assess the feasibility of purchasing a tract of land at Sea field to “provide all the necessary amenities that will ensure the pier and beach are man aged appropriately”.

Senior executive officer in the West Clare Municipal District, John O’Malley detailed that improvement works have been complet ed at the pier and beach. “Recent attempts to upgrade parking in the area were not suc cessful due to difficulties in getting overall agreement on the proposed works,” he stated.

O’Malley said the MD was “interested in making further improvements to enhance the existing Green Flag area and to deliver facilities for such a popular location”.

Discussions have been held regarding pos

sible opportunity sites in the area “but more work needs to be progressed here. If a suitable tract of land is available work will commence to ensure that full consideration is given to this. Funding and planning and environmen tal consents will have to be part of the overall discussion,” he added.

“It’s a challenging location but a spectac ular location,” Cllr Murphy commented. He highlighted the challenges that exist for emer gency access when required. “We should be taking on some responsibility of upgrading amenities at the location so the very many people that visit have access to toilets or car parking”.

No agreement could be reached on previ ous car parking works, the Kilkee man re called. “If there is a piece of land that might be available or if it could be open to being sold to solve this problem, then a group of people might say come and have a chat to us,” Murphy added. “COVID has opened up a lot of our lesser-known locations to more peo ple, the traffic there is chaos and it is also an area of conservation with the dunes”.

According to Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) at tempts were made within the last 18 months to try get land for extra facilities in Seafield. “That approach could be made again be

cause it was different times. I believe if these people were approached again in a different way we would have success. It is something we need off the west coast at a beautiful lo cation”.

Such optimism was not reflected by Cllr PJ Kelly (FF). “There’s a very entrenched atti tude going back many years with the person alities involved, I cannot see an agreement in the near future, I have personally tried, I know many of them involved, some of them are my past pupils but I can’t see it being sort ed out that’s being straight out. I hope there is a solution there. This goes back to 20 or 30 years ago, previous councillors were involved and lot of time went into it and no solution”.

Getting a final agreement to try obtain funding has been “very difficult,” O’Malley advised councillors.

“It’s a sensitive area and environmentally sensitive but there is something further back to prevent traffic going onto the beach, we will continue to try and improve it, it’s not going away and it’s becoming more popular. We would like to provide the facilities, we have people going there for a day and there’s no toilet for them, you can’t stick your head in the sand, there is an onus on us to provide

the facilities”.

lEDUCATION: Crona O'Dea from Kilmurry McMahon who recently graduated from TUDublin Blanchardstown Campus on Saturday 5th of November. Crona achieved her Level 6 Higher Certificate in Science in Process Technologies. Crona is currently undertaking The Level 7 Bachelor of Science in Process Technologies. Crona will pursue a career in the Food, Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Life Science Sectors

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

TRAFFIC management issues need to be addressed in advance of expected positive news for a new turnkey housing development in Kilrush, writes Páraic McMa hon.

lKilrush

Residents 'scared out of their wits' by anti-social behaviour

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

HOMEOWNERS in Shannon were “scared out of their wits” when flower pots were thrown through their windows by “people stoned out of their minds,” a local representative has said.

Recent incidents in the town prompted a behind closed doors organised by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) recently between members of the public and An Garda Síochána held at Treacy’s Oakwood Hotel.

Speaking at the November meeting of the

Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Flynn re layed details of the gathering. He said he met local residents who were “scared out of their wits” because “people stoned out of their minds were throwing flower pots through windows and breaking into houses”.

One homeowner had their house intrud ed by an individual who proceeded straight to the toilet where they locked the door be hind them as they hid in fear from persons who did not seek access to the property.

“I’ve never been on drugs so I don’t know what visions were going through their mind,” Cllr Flynn commented of the shock ing behaviour ongoing within the town. “I’ve been contacted by misfortunate people who have been tormented,” he added. The gath

ering with Gardaí had to take place in the morning “because you don’t want the rent a mob turning up who will attack the Gardaí”.

Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) called on the Shannon MD to work with local Gardaí to form a multi-agency group to help re solve anti-community hotspots in the town “caused by a small few”.

Acting senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Anne Griffin insisted they were committed to working with relevant communities and key stakeholders “to ex plore collective solutions to tackling anti-so cial community hotspots in Shannon. Com munity-based, collaborative interventions such as promoting positive behavioural change will be considered in addition to

other appropriate practical measures”.

On anti-social behaviour, Cllr McGet tigan admitted she had “several calls from people” across Shannon. Following on from this, she did a walk around Shannon Town Park with Sergeant Seamus Mulligan to try get a better understanding of the issue. “I think it needs a multi-agency approach. It is a very small number of people”. She lament ed the damage caused by such behaviour in Shannon. “The bad news makes good press and it drowns out the positive side”.

Noting the role of the Joint Policing Com mittee in Clare, Cllr Flynn believe “some thing at a smaller level” was needed to tackle the issues in Shannon, “it will stop Gardaí from regionalising the problem”.

St Tola's bid for sensory room reaches €10,000

OVER €10,000 has been raised by a Shannon school in their quest to create a sen sory room for their multiple disability class called Aoibh neas, writes Páraic McMa hon.

St Tola’s National School is one of a very few amount of schools in the country with a multiple disability class attached to their school al lowing the children to be integrated for part of the day into a mainstream class room.

Five pupils with signifi cant medical needs are cur rently enrolled in the class. The fundraiser which is on GoFundMe has the goal of creating a sensory room for the children in Aoibhneas.

Fiona Burke who is the teacher of Aoibhneas ex plained, “A sensory room can help them improve their visual, auditory and tac tile processing and fine and gross motor skills. It's an area that provides a sense of calm and comfort.

A sensory room will also be a fantastic addition to the school for the pupils in our ASD class and any children in our school who may need a quiet space during the day”.

To donate to the fundrais er, scan the QR code.

lGOAL: The GoFund me aims to raise €15,000 to create a sensory room for the children in Aoibhneas class

Aviation Museum is just the ticket this Christmas

SHANNON Aviation Museum is an interac tive, fun, educational and inspirational ex perience for all ages. Learn more about aviation with real world theory les sons, exciting simulated flight lessons, amazing aircraft ex hibits, and passionate presen tations on the world of flight and aviation!

If you are looking for an ex citing family experience with older children in mind, check out our Aviation Discovery Tour which includes a virtual flying lesson! After that you will be guided through a great collection of aircraft, jet en gines, cockpits and memora bilia in the aviation museum. Sit behind the controls of a light aircraft and participate in a live life-vest demonstration. Get dressed in Top Gun or Airline Pilot style for some great photos and memories to

lINTERACTIVE: Shannon Aviation Museum

share!

If you are a parent of a bud ding Aviator, Aviation Camp experience is just the ticket. We also cater for the older teenagers considering future careers with Aviation Acade my and we even do Birthday parties!

For the ultimate experience check out the amazing B737 real cockpit simulator, if it was any more real, you’d be paying

for the fuel!

Gift Vouchers are available at www.atlanticairadventures. com and make an amazing Christmas gift.

You can learn more about Shannon Aviation Museum and book Aviation Discovery Tours, Museum Tours and all our activities on www.shan nonaviationmuseum.com call us on 061 363687 with any questions you have.

SHANNON Springs Hotel kicked off the Christmas season in style last week, throwing a huge com munity party and inviting ev eryone to join them in switch ing on the lights on their beautiful giant Christmas Tree. “After the 2 years we have all put down we wanted to bring a little joy and celebration to the occasion this year,” said Shannon Springs Sales and Marketing manager Lisa Glynn.

Santa arrived and with the help of all the children lit up the magnificent tree outside the hotel.

Muse Productions provided Carol Singers that entertained everyone and got them into the Christmas spirit while they enjoyed some festive refreshments. Santa had gifts for all of the children who arrived to help him celebrate the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year.

“What a turn out we had and thank you to all the families that came out to join us for the occasion. It was the per fect way to start this festive season,” Lisa added.

Kids of all ages joined Santa to switch on the Christmas lights at Shannon Springs Hotel

Photos by Joe Buckley

lSANTA: John & Sinead Gavin & family, Shannon Springs Hotel

Source Local where possible asks Shannon Chamber

for my business?

Having listened to a presenta tion from Vitalograph Group’s managing director Frank Keane at the recent Mid-West Lean Net work conference on the benefits the company has gained since re-shoring its sub-supply back to Ennis, Chamber chief executive Helen Downes believes that there will be many more such changes in the months and years ahead.

“There are so many excellent indigenous companies capable of supplying into the multinational sector and there are so many col laborative opportunities opening up as businesses plan their sustain ability journeys and seek to reduce their carbon footprints,” she said.

source local, she said.

As an organisation that is closely linked to business in Shannon and beyond, Shannon Chamber is also seeing an increase in the number of companies looking towards its Skillnet Business Network for pro grammes to enhance the skills of their employees.

“It was very interesting to note at a recent seminar we hosted on trends in human resources within enterprise, that 58 per cent of com panies recently surveyed on their plans for 2023 said that they plan to increase their spend on learning and development through allocat ing 9.04 per cent of overall payroll to skills’ development.

next three years to support our members’ upskilling needs and to equip those unemployed with the skills they need to secure employ ment either in Shannon or else where in the region.

“With such a shortage of skills and companies seeking to retain the employees they have, we are delighted to play a role in position ing this region as a great place to work.

“Prior to applying for this fund ing, we held a roundtable discus sion with member companies in Shannon Airport House and the range of training they have re quested to make their employees best in class is quite amazing.

AT A time when sus tainability is on ev eryone’s mind, Shan non Chamber is asking people to se

riously consider where they place their personal and business orders and to continuously ask them selves – is that shopping trip nec essary or can I use a local supplier

The same will apply to personal shopping when people start ques tioning the ‘greenness’ of their buying habits, what they buy, where they buy it and can they

“That confirms what we are see ing on the ground, and it is great to see that they are looking to source the programmes they need locally. We have applied to Skillnet Ireland for a new funding stream for the

"To know that they are looking to source that training locally is a great endorsement, not just for our Skillnet network, but for the re gion,” Ms Downes added.

Shannon Chamber encourages Shannon residents, Shannon’s workforce & Chamber members to SHOP & SOURCE LOCAL.

Shannon Chamber

lSUSTAINABILITY: Helen Downes, chief executive, Shannon Chamber and Alan Kelly, manager, Shannon Chamber Skillnet are available to discuss companies’ and individuals’ training needs

Photo by Eamon Ward

Pedestrian crossing to be assessed for repairs

WHEELCHAIR US

ERS, cyclists and “peo ple pushing prams” are finding the road sur face “very rough” at the Tullyglass pedestrian junction, writes Páraic McMahon

Resurfacing works and a realignment of the pedestrian crossing at the junction of Tul lyglass and Coil Mhara in Shannon was sought by Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF).

“This pedestrian crossing is not fit for purpose as the sur face is very rough for wheelchair users and people pushing prams,” he flagged.

An assessment of the crossing is to complet ed “with any required works to follow,” senior executive engineer in the Shannon Munici

pal District, Tom Mel lett stated in response. “The Gaelscoil adjacent to the crossing will be carrying out works on their site at some point, we will need to en sure that our timelines do not clash with the school’s”.

Speaking at this month’s meeting of the Shannon MD, Cllr O’Gorman cautioned that the pedestrian crossing “has gone rough on top” and ex pressed his satisfaction with the commitment of the senior engineer to carry out works.

“It is very rough, particularly for young children on bikes,” Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) commented when seconding the propos al.

Winter ready with Shannon Trailer Sales & Servicing

SHANNON Trailer Sales & Servicing is at hand to ful fil your trailer needs this winter. Book in for a free service check to make sure your trailer is winter ready or up grade your trailer to a new Nugent for the new year.

With many of us driving to and from work in the dark over the winter months, it’s even more im portant to have all trailer lights working. As well as making sure brake and reverse lights are func tional, rear, side and front marker lights are equally as important and can also be added to any trailer. If your trailer has bulbs, why not up grade to LEDs to really stand out?

Tyres should also be checked and maintained as we approach icier driving conditions, with hitch head coupling connections in working order, including break

away cable. A Nugent trailer would make the perfect Christmas gift for any budding DIY enthusiast, gardener, farmer or sportsperson.

Nugent General Purpose, Utility and Quad trailers are easily towed, manoeuvred and adaptable for multi-purpose use. View the full range of Nugent trailers in stock

now at Shannon Trailer Sales & Servicing.

This local business has gone from strength to strength since opening at Shannon Airport in 2019 under the care of Catherine Nugent, who relocated to Clare from her native Tyrone 15 years ago and is part of the Nugent fam

ily, who are the largest trailer man ufacturers in Ireland.

Catherine’s wealth of experience in the family business, coupled with a comprehensive knowledge of the industry, led her to choose Shannon as Nugent’s Munster base due to its central location and di verse business network.

Her awareness of the market has proven resilient during the challenges of the past couple of years, resulting in further growth and expansion of the yard, where she now stocks the full range of Nugent trailers and machinery, as well as servicing all brands and types of trailer with a full-time, qualified mechanic.

Catherine has established a di verse customer base ranging from local farmers, households and lei sure to construction, government bodies and public sector organisa

tions, with many returning to grow and maintain their fleet of trailers.

Nugent’s depot in Shannon stocks a full range of trailers at any time, including Livestock, Flatbed, Plant, Tipper, Beavertail, Tiltbed and the smaller Utility, Quad and General Purpose trailers. With something to suit everyone, Cath erine and her team will be on hand to advise you.

Walk-ins are always welcome for a free visual inspection and a full range of trailer spare parts for most major brands are in stock.

Regular servicing is essential, give Catherine a call now, or pop into the Shannon Airport depot for your free winter service check.

Call: 065 671 9111 or 087 052 2785, email catherine@nugen tengineering.com or visit www. nugenttrailers.ie. Follow us @Nu gentTrailers.ie.

Affordable housing scheme 'urgently needed' for Shannon

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON needs to urgently put forward for an affordable housing scheme, one of the town’s elected representatives has stressed.

In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) called on the Director of Social Develop ment in Clare County Council which has responsibility for housing “to urgently sub mit an application for funding” to the Min ister for Housing, Darragh O’Brien (FF) “for the development of a scheme of affordable housing in Shannon to support the lower to middle income earners that want to pur chase their own homes locally”.

As previously reported by The Clare Echo, the Council engaged with O’Brien’s Depart ment in July on the potential to have both Ennis and Shannon approved for eligibility

to the Affordable Purchase Scheme. The lo cal authority have requested a meeting with the Department of Housing to gain further information on the application criteria.

Director of Social Development, Anne Haugh outlined that this application must be supported “by a detailed and robust evi dence based submission which will demon strate an affordability constraint in the local market." Minister O’Brien visited Clare last month to officially open a number of social housing schemes across the county. Cllr Flynn used the visit to raise the matter with the Fingal TD. “It was my first time meeting him and I was very impressed, he was very frank,” he recounted.

A degree of “procrastination” is evident, the Shannon councillor maintained, “while this is going on people can’t find a home and they are homeless, we can’t consider them for social housing because they are outside of the income threshold, it is not right that all of this delaying tactics have been em ployed”.

Cllr Flynn who chairs the Social Devel opment SPC, said the design of housing schemes takes up to a year with a 15 to 24 month period for building houses, “the bottom line is while we’re hanging around wait ing we’re increasing the anxiety of peo ple waiting to buy a home”.

Action is needed, Cllr Donna McGetti gan (SF) agreed while flagging “contradic tory” approach es were evident. She highlighted that homeless figures within the Council’s database were not taking into account “people living on couches”.

“We’re all getting representations on a daily and weekly basis from people looking for housing,” Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) stated.

“We are seeing people on decent jobs, they can pay €800 per month for rent but they can’t buy a house because the availability of housing isn’t there.” he added.

Concluding the debate, Cllr Flynn re minded councillors that the housing needs assessment showed that

able housing scheme but areas like Ennis and Shannon with populations

“My job is to try get more ply, we’ve a line which is frightening, they are looking for clarification on process and data

WONDER Photo Shop in Ennis is slashing prices for next coming week to celebrate 15 years in business.

Having issued more eight million photo prints to the people of Clare since 2007, the Fujifilm lab on High Street is celebrating 15 years in business by offering 15 per cent off

all products and services in-store between now and Saturday, November 26.

Locally owned by Niall Considine, the Kilmihil native is urging customers to take advantage of this offer by safeguarding their precious memories in print forever. “It’s im portant to print off the photographs that you

absolutely don’t want to lose. People tend to leave photos sitting on their phones which can be a danger because you can lose the photos if they’re not back up. Paper is a bril liant way to back up your precious photo graphs, ” advises Niall.

Looking ahead to Christmas, some of Wonder Photo Shop’s big sellers include large can vas prints, block prints and Instax cameras, all of which fall under the 15 per cent off offer. “Be cause we’re 15 years open, we’re offering 15 per cent off every single thing we sell in here which is a sub stantial saving. Whether it’s a canvas, blocks which all wall-mounted, framed prints, film, Christmas gifts like mugs, premi um photo slates, they’re all 15 per cent off at the moment.” Further offers

will be happening on Black Friday on Instax cameras courtesy of Fujifilm Ireland.

The Fujifilm branch opened in Ennis in November 2007 when digital cameras were the market standard, the store has success fully grown and evolved with market trends while navigating a recession and more re cently the global pandemic.

The popular store became one of Fujif ilm’s premium brand Wonder Photo stores in 2019, one of only four shops in Ireland to do so alongside its sister store in Galway City. This included an impressive refit which brings the experience of printing your pho tographs to the next level, while this year their machinery also underwent a full up grade to bring customers the most up-todate technology.

Visit Wonder Photo Shop at O’Connell Square, Ennis to take advantage of the 15 per cent off offer (in-store only); call (065) 684 8635 or visit https://fujiennis.ie/ for your online printing requirements.

Shop local for Christmas and support Clare businesses

Shopping locally always makes excellent sense, especially during challenging times. It supports local businesses, helps sustain employment, and is good for the environment. It can save you time and money too. Here are a few ideas for your Christmas shopping and gifting.

• Give a Clare Gift Card. Ennis Chamber’s Clare Gift Card is the perfect gift. The Gift Card allows the lucky recipient to spend in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and pharmacies throughout County Clare. The card is operated and managed by One4all and is available to buy in post offices in County Clare and online. You can get more information and buy online at www.ennischamber.ie

• Give a gift of the Burren. The Burren Ecotourism Network feature a range of unique Burren products on their website - ideal for Christmas gifting. Buying from their online shop helps support the featured businesses. You can buy a fabulous ‘Burren Basket’ of artisan foods or a beautifully produced Burren Dinners Cookbook. You can also buy a Burren Gift Voucher, which can be sent to anyone worldwide. The gift voucher can be used across various accommodations, experiences, and restaurants in the Burren. You can buy online at www.burren.ie/shop

• Gift them Loop Head Peninsula. Loop Head has introduced an all-new monetary gift voucher in time for Christmas. The voucher can be redeemed at over 20 businesses on Loop Head. If you are shopping for someone interested in water sports, wellness, food, art, kids’ summer camps, or family-friendly accommodation, then this voucher has you covered. You can buy it online at https://shop.loveloophead.com/

• Head to a local market. Visiting markets is a great way to pick up food and craft gifts that are unique and locally made. You can buy thoughtful Christmas gifts that match the recipient’s interests and personality. The farmer’s markets will also have fresh and tasty foods to enjoy at Christmas. Some markets to visit, include:

o The Chapel Lane Craft and Gift Market, Ennis. Days: Normally Saturdays, but extended opening hours during December. Open Saturdays and Sundays between December 3 and 18. Saturdays, 10.00 to 17.00h and Sundays, 13.00 to 17.00h

o Craft Works, Craft Shop, Parnell Street, Ennis. A co-op shop supporting over 60 crafters. Days: Open Wednesday to Friday, 10.00 to 18.00h and Saturdays, 10.00 to 17.00h

o Ennis Farmers Market - Roslevan Shopping Centre. Days: Fridays, 08.00 to 13.00h

o Killaloe Farmers Market - The Bridge, Killaloe. Days: Sundays, 11.00 to 15.00h

o Kilrush Farmers Market - The Square, Kilrush. Days: Thursdays, 9.30 to 13.00h. Their Christmas Fair is on Saturday, December 17, from 16.00 to 21.00h

o Kilkee Community Christmas Market, the Greyhound Bar, Kilkee. Day: Saturday, December 10, 14.00 to 18.00h

o Myles Creek Christmas Market, Kilkee. Day: Saturday, December 3, 12.00 to 18.00h

• Personalised gifts from WowWee.ie. Clare-based Wow Wee provide an extensive range of personalised gifts for all occasions - including a special Christmas range that can include the names of the recipients. Personalisation helps to make the receivers feel special. You can see their range and buy online at www.wowwee.ie

• Go direct to Clare shops, hotels, and restaurants for gift vouchers. Most Clare businesses provide their own gift vouchers. It means you can easily match gifts to your recipient’s interests. You can give a gift of fashion, jewellery, and crafts or help them to chill out by gifting vouchers to restaurants, coffee shops, local attractions, activities, accommodation, spa treatments and more.

Employers:

Give a Gift of Clare to your employees, tax-free!

The recent budget allows employers to give employees up to two gift benefits, tax-free, each year provided it is not cash and that the combined value does not exceed €1,000. Therefore, employers can give Clare Gift Cards and Vouchers taxfree. Now there’s a Christmas thought!

•

Kearney Cooks

AS I write this the weather is absolutely miserable. The rain is pouring, the evenings are dark and frankly I am fed up of it. So I thought feck it ! We are going to start the Christ mas recipes early. This week I am bringing you a very easy starter or snack, and a wonderful little jam that can be served on the side. I have deliberately made the jam recipe too large so that you will have extra that can be put into a sterilized jar and used with cheeseboards over the Christmas period. As usual I will post an instructional video on my Instagram this weekend, just look up @ kearneycooks. Anyways time to get cheesy!

YOU WILL NEED:

For the jam

• 200g frozen blackberries

• 30ml balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 a tsp black pepper

For the Camembert

• A 250g ring wheel of Camembert

• 50g flour

• 100g breadcrumbs

•

• 1 beaten egg

•

Step One Horse all the jam ingre dients into a small pot and simmer on a medium heat until a sticky jam consis tency is reached. This usu ally takes about 20 minutes. Once this is done set aside for later.

Step Two

Put your flour, egg, and breadcrumbs into a bowl each. Split your spices between the flour and

crumbs to add another layer of flavour. Cut your Camembert into six pieces and dip them in the flour first, followed by the egg then the breadcrumbs. Put them in a freezer or fridge for an hour so that they are nice and firm.

Step Three

Heat a fat fryer to 180c and fry your cheese wedges until your crumbs are golden. This usually takes about two to three minutes (if using an air fryer cook until the crumbs are proper golden brown).

Step Four

Put three wedges on a plate, alongside a big old dollop of your blackberry and balsamic jam. Serve it up with a massive glass of Claret and a bib if you're a messy eater like I am.

Enjoy Steve K

Buyer beware – top tips when buying online

BUYING online continues to be a popular choice for consumers. Buying online offers more choice, is convenient and allows custom ers to make purchases from the comfort of their own home.

CSO published figures record, “The volume of Retail Sales in June 2022 was 2.4% higher than pre-COVID-19 levels in February 2020”.

When you buy online, you have the right to the same protections under consumer law as buying in a shop and are entering into what is known as a “distance contract”. As you cannot check the products before you buy you have addition al protections under EU law.

Caroline Rowley based in Ennis Citizens Information Centre ex plains “When you buy online from a seller based in Ireland or else where in the EU you have 14 cal endar days to change your mind and cancel without having to give a reason. This is known as the ‘cooling-off period’. If you bought a product online your 14 day ‘cool ing-off period’ starts when you get the product. The cooling-off period does not apply to certain purchas es. Examples are leisure services such as hotel bookings, car rental or concert tickets or if the product was made especially for you.”

When shopping online it is al ways important to do your re search and pay securely. If you are worried about whether you are buying from an authentic website, research the company to make sure it’s a legitimate business. You should check:

• Contact details such as phone number, email, and physical ad dress. Beware of websites that only have a contact form and no other contact information.

• Online reviews, to find out about other people’s experienc es. Don’t just use one source of reviews as these could be fake. Check reviews on social media channels or independent online re sources like Trustpilot.

• Terms and conditions, so you know exactly what you are agree ing to.

• The website is secure by look ing for a closed security padlock symbol in the browser window bar (where the website address is lo cated). Click on it to check for an encryption certificate. The website address should begin with ‘https://’ - the ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’.

• For spelling or grammatical mistakes which are a sign of scam.

Shopping online is convenient, but it can be harder to sort out problems. If things do go wrong,

you should contact the seller (in writing if possible) explaining what the issue is and how you would like it to be corrected. If the problem is not resolved within a reasonable period of time there are several op tions available to you.

• You can contact your Bank and reverse the payment. This is known as chargeback.If you paid with PayPal you may be able to avail of PayPal’s Buyer Protection Scheme.

• You can use an independent third party service such as the On line Dispute Resolution service, or the European Consumer Centres Network to resolve the dispute.

• Depending on the location of the seller you can use either the Irish or European small claims court procedures.

Deirdre Power - Development Manager with Citizens Information in Clare notes that gift vouchers and electronic money gift cards

“are becoming increasingly popu lar. Gift vouchers can be issued by a single business or for a group of shops.The Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Act states that gift vouchers must have no expiry date or be valid for at least 5 years.”

Electronic money gift card are cards that can be used in a num ber of different shops, for example, One4all gift cards.The European Communities (Electronic Money) Regulations 2011 sets out that you must be informed of the conditions for using the e-money card, includ ing any fees before you buy the card and any fees must be propor tionate and in line with the costs actually incurred by the e-money issuer, that is, the business who issues the card to you.

Information Officers in Citizens Information Centres throughout Clare are available to answer any queries you may have about consumer rights or buying online. Available from Monday to Friday, centres assist clients by phone and email, face-to-face appoint ments and drop in service. Contact 0818 07 5260 and ennis@citinfo.ie or visit www.citizensinformation.ie.

Citizens Information Centres are funded by the Citizens Information Board.

GREEN CLARE

Landowners need to 'roll up their sleeves & cut hedges'

particular focus on road user safety.

AN APPROXIMATE budget of €53,000 has been allocated to the Killaloe Municipal District for hedge cutting this year.

Frequently raised by East Clare councillors, hedge cutting always proves to be a thorny subject with com promises between passing motorists essen tial on roads due to overgrowth in certain patches.

Not one but two councillors tabled mo tions on the matter recently with Cllr Joe Cooney (FF) seeking an update on works done while Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) wanted junctions and roads targeted “im mediately”.

Discretionary funding to the tune of €53,000 has been allocated to the Killaloe MD to undertake hedge cutting in 2022.

Acting senior executive engineer, Der ek Troy detailed that from June to August hedge cutting was completed at junctions and bends “on a prioritised basis” with a

Hedge cutting formed part of the road works undertaken on both regional and local roads totalling 71km as part of the Improvement and Maintenance Grants this year. An approximate 6km of hedge cutting in addition was done for both Communi ty Improvement and Local Improvement Schemes.

Three hedge cutting contractors have been engaged by the Killaloe MD since the end of the bird nesting season on September 1st “to undertake the more extensive hedge cutting programme,” Troy advised.

All regional roads in full are intended to be cut within the Killaloe MD working out at 213km, a small number of high traffic vol ume local roads will also be dealt with. “Each hedge-cutter cuts approximately 5km per day, therefore it will take a number of weeks from now to complete the programme,” he added. Landowners will also be reminded of their responsibilities with letters to be is sued by Clare County Council “where trees or vegetation have clearly been identified as being a danger to road users”.

In the eyes of Cllr O’Callaghan “a vast im provement” was evident in 2021 with the

work done by the Council and landowners in assuming responsibility for hedge cutting.

“This year it looks to be a bit slow on the ground, a lot of regional roads haven’t been done, maybe they are under pressure to get out and get them done,” he observed. The Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD ques tioned, “Are contractors fulfilling ther duties to look after these hedges, a push needs to be done, some regional roads are way behind, we’ve been lucky enough that the weather has stunted growth which is no harm, it’s be hind I feel a good bit, it needs to be pushed on”.

Differing views were voiced by Cllr Cooney. “A good bit of work done on region al roads and no point saying there hasn’t”.

He felt that homeowners paying local property tax were entitled to the hedges to be cut on their roads. “It is time to get land owners to carry out their responsibility, I had a motion passed a number of years ago that all hedges on road sides be cut at least once a year. I don’t know is it a waste of time

writing to some landowners, maybe they just throw it in the bin”.

Landowners in certain parts of Mount shannon, Scariff and Whitegate are fulfilling their duty, Cllr Pat Burke (FG) informed the meeting.

“Where one landowner will trim and manicure their hedges, the neighbouring landowner I don’t know what they do be thinking with their hedges hanging out on the road, it beggars belief. We need a major culture change among landowners to roll up their sleeves to get the work done on minor and local roads. If landowners cut the hedg es and left the local authority to look after the roads we’d have a great county”.

“Most of farmers and landowners are cut ting their hedges but it’s the land that it is in no man’s land,” which is not getting the necessary attention, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) be lieved. He queried if two different types of letter were issued, one giving two to three weeks for action and another reminding landowners of their duty to cut hedges.

lPhoto by Pat Burke

EV charger to be installed in Killaloe by Spring next year

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

AN ELECTRIC vehicle charger is targeted to be installed in Killaloe within the first three months of next year.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) ecently tabled a mo tion before the Killaloe Municipal District pleading for the electric vehicle (EV) charging points be installed in Killaloe “as a matter of urgency”.

Work is continuing on a EV and

EV charging point strategy for Co Clare. Both the Council and ESB are trying to ascertain a suitable location for a EV charging point within existing public car parks in Killaloe. “The timeline for instal lation subject to a public procure ment process is Q1 2023,” Clare County Council senior engineer Anne O’Sullivan confirmed.

Citing the mobility plan pre pared for Killaloe and Ballina, Cllr O’Brien remarked, “we have a plan for the Killaloe area”. He continued, “we want to attract tourism and be a gateway for Co Clare, electric

vehicles and charging points are a hugely important part of that”. O’Brien was confident a number of the public car parks in Killaloe would be suitable. “This would really enhance the area and be of huge benefit to locals and tourists alike. I hope to see movement on that and that it’s not just one”.

Such a proposal needs to focus on more than just Killaloe, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) stressed. He remind ed the meeting he has raised the matter “on several occasions”. The Maghera native continued, “We’re far behind where we should be as

lEV Charging

a Council and county in providing charging points, a slow and fast

charging point are critical for ev ery town now”.

Macalla an Chláir

MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

An Clár as Gaeilge Teo Togra Páirtnéireachta Forbairt Teanga Pobail

LE

Give thanks for life's blessings

DIA DHAOIBH! An bhfaca sibh an oiread báistí riamh agus a dhéan sé le roinnt seachtainí anuas?! Agus mé ag scríobh, tá sé ina dhóirte! Ach cén mhaith a bheith ag gearán, nach gearr go mbeidh sé ina Nollaig agus gliondar inár gcroíthe!

Tá ríméad orm a fhógairt, go mbeidh Féile na hInse ar siúl i mí an Mhárta, mar sin a bhunscoileanna agus a mheánscoileanna bígí i dteag mháil linn, tá fáilte romhaibh cuir isteach ar na comórtaisí anois. Beidh tuilleadh eolais faoi seo agam dhaoibh sna seachtainí amach romhainn.

Tá an ciorcail cainte anseo in Inis ag ceiliúradh deich mbliana ar an bhfód i mbliana agus beidh teacht le chéile speisialta againn dhó sin go ge arr! Beidh Preab-Ghaeltacht (Pop-up Gaeltacht) na Nollag ag tarlú i gceann roinnt seachtainí, mar sin, bígí ag réi teach bhur gcuid feistis!

Anocht (Déardaoin, 24 ú Sam hain) ag 21:30 ar TG4, beidh Hec tor Ó hEochagáin i gcathair ghleoite Kraków sa bPolainn, agus beidh sé ag sciáil i Zakopane! Bainigí taitneamh as sin! Cuirigí scéala chugam ag: lion ranahinse@gmail.com má tá scéal ar bith agaibh. Go dtí an tseachtain seo chugainn mar sin, tóg go réidh é!

Ina dhóirte Enjoy Irish

GROWING up on Inis Oírr, during what seemed to be much longer win ters, apart from the wonderful Raidió na Gaeltachta the only Irish we'd hear on the radio and television was An Nuacht and Cúrsaí or a few random words here and there on different pro grammes, and one cartoon a week. Everything else was in English.

Now luckily, we all have TG4 to en joy, on TV and globally online in the form of the player, or Seinnteoir TG4, and Bloc (The Irish language shortform video content hub) and Molscéal (video stories that are community sourced and created by mobile and video journalists). And it keeps get ting better, as just last month, Arts Minister Catherine Martin, announced

that a new Irish language children’s channel, Cúla4, had been approved! Until then, and I'm sure many of you do, why not record yours or your kids favourite cartoons, and watch them whenever you wish.

Now, also there have never been so many books for all age-groups com pared to just 20 or more years ago.

I'll be sure to recommend a few titles in the coming weeks, and we will defi nitely be giving away a few books as prizes, so make sure to check in with us! Say ''Dia dhaoibh!'' on Facebook, Mastodon, Twitter, and Instagram @ AnClárAsGaeilge. Irish belongs to all of us. Let's have fun with it! Is linn ar fad an Teanga. So, until next week, tóg go réidh é!

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

•

•

•

Gluais/Glossary:

Irish English

• an oiread

• ina dhóirte

• Is linn ar fad an Teanga

• ríméad

• ag ceiliúradh

• teacht le chéile

• go gearr

• feistis

• gleoite

• tóg go réidh é

• so much/so many

• pouring down (rain)

• The Language belongs to us all

• excited/delighted

• celebrating

• a get-together

• soon

• costumes

• beautiful, gorgeous

• Take it easy!

AS I write this thought for the week I am in East Africa where there is a serious drought affecting over 30 million peo ple who are starving of hunger, thirst and where a person is dy ing every 48 seconds at present and it is so hard to feel thank ful for anything. But many of the people that my colleagues in Self Help Africa and myself are helping are so thankful and grateful for what we are trying to do so that we can help them and in a lot of cases keep them alive thanks to the support we get from the Irish public.

Also at this present time many people around the world and especially in America are thankful to be celebrating Thanksgiving and this week my beautiful daughter Mia will also be feeling thankful to cele brate her sweet 16th birthday. So this time of the year even though Covid 19 is still lurking around I have been giving a lot of thought about personally needing to develop a deep er gratitude for those things which I am truly thankful for. Great power comes into our lives when we choose to live with thankfulness and grati

tude in our lives.

Happy birthday

So I want to dedicate this thought for the week to Mia whom myself and my wife Jacqui and our other beautiful daughter Sophie, love very much and we are so thank ful for her especially now as she celebrates her sweet 16th birthday. We want to start off by saying how much we love you and always will. You are one the most special gifts along with your sister we have ever been given and we will remem ber that always.

From the moment we knew you were on the way, we felt the love that is so overwhelm ing. We never knew a love so fierce as the love we felt for you the moment you were placed on our chests. We heard there is nothing like a parent’s love, but we never understood what it meant until that moment.

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, always remember that you and your sister and all chil dren are the greatest joy and miracles in our world. When you both arrived into our lives we were so blessed, honoured

and grateful beyond words. All our prayers were answered.

We always tell you that when you are happy, we are the happiest. When you cry, we cry harder.

Our beautiful daughter, when all else fails in your life, where things get rough and you don’t have any glimpse of hope, keep in mind that very moment when Mammy and Daddy are holding your hands and telling you that everything is going to be alright. Life is too short to be hanging around people who keep you down. Be as confident as you can be and speak up for yourself, for your sister and for what is right.

Remember this: What you have to say and offer this world matters. You are an inquisitive, gentle, loving, caring, kind, generous and beautiful young woman. Don’t let the world rob you of that. When you see something wrong, do some thing about it. Don’t accept an inferior status for yourself or those around you. May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart.

Always know that even in your weakest moments, we are so proud, blessed and hon oured to be your Mammy and Daddy who will always be your biggest fans.

Thank You for being our daughter and thank God for letting it be so.

do Chontae an Chláir

Don’t hibernate this winter, Clare people warned

STUART HOLLY

CLARE people are being encouraged to remain physically active all year round, with local experts warning that participation levels in physical activity and sports in Clare drop during the winter months.

Clare Sports Partnership runs a variety of programmes to help the people of Clare engage in physical activity and sports, with tailored programmes for a number of target groups including older adults, women in sport, teenagers, people with disabilities, men over 45, and people from ethnic backgrounds such as the Travelling community and most recently the Ukrainian community.

Clare Sports Partnership is an independent not-for-profit company funded through Sport Ireland with support funding from organisations including Clare County Council and the HSE. It employs seven people in Clare who are tasked with getting people involved in sport (primarily noncompetitive) and physical activity and to support the organisations and sports clubs.

John Sweeney, its Chief Executive, tells The Clare Echo, “Very often because of the colder and wetter weather and the evenings getting darker, some people drop off in their physical activity levels so it’s very important we stay healthy and active all year round. It’s about making time within the winter.”

Clare Sports Partnership is involved in promoting a major new national campaign called the #winterinitiative to get as many people as possible out exercising and participating in physical activity this winter. Running across November, December and January, the Winter Initiative encourages women, men, children, grandparents, cousins, neighbours, friends, work colleagues who find it hard to ‘get going’ over the dull winter months to set goals and

track their minutes of activity weekly aiming to hit 90mins per week. Those who register will be directed to an online activity tracking calendar, where you can set your goals and get tracking your weekly active minutes.

John explains, “This can be done through organised events like park runs or just getting out for walks in your own time. Definitely in the winter time we see a drop off in physical activity, we call it the dark season, people tend to hibernate a little bit but it is so important to keep active and keep healthy.

“As young people we should be active up to 60 minutes a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity, and as an adult that should be 30 minutes a day or 150 minutes over a week. An example of that would be going out for a walk where you can just about hold a conversation with the person beside you, you’re a little bit out of breath, the heartrate is being raised. Or it could be playing 5-a-side soccer, whatever it might be.”

Clare Sport Partnership programmes have had lasting impacts on many people’s health locally. John says that last year’s ‘Men on the move’ program in Kilrush, which helps men aged over 45 to get physically active, experienced a 100 per cent retention rate. “I think 100 per cent of the men who took part last year are still participating as a group together or have joined the local gym down there in order to continue their physical activity.”

John is also encouraging those who haven’t been physically active in years to get in touch with Clare Sports Partnership. Over the years, CSP has worked to help establish park runs in Ennis, Kilrush, Shannon and Killaloe and John says these are a great resource for people returning to physical activity.

“Any of the programs we run are designed or targeted at that type of person, there’s no need to be worried about getting back into physical activity because you can build it up in small steps. Just getting up from the couch and going for a walk is very important, even if it’s only for 10-15 minutes. I always say to people, Don’t worry about distance, just

Exercise is a great way of staying physically and mentally healthy. Even a small amount of activity can improve how you feel. The HSE and Healthy Ireland have developed a series of FREE online exercise videos, led by qualified exercise instructors. These include Yoga, Pilates, Strength & Conditioning and Chair Yoga. Designed for beginners they are suitable for most people

Scan the QR Code to view the exercise videos

worry about time. Try and build up to your 30 minutes a day but take things slowly and build them up. Our programs are all designed and run by people who understand the challenges of not being physically active and trying to get back into it.”

Clare Sports Partnership has a wide range of programmes to support people across society. In some cases, through school TY programmes, some young people are given a pathway to obtain coaching qualifications and badges. Separately, two years ago they teamed up with Clare GAA to run an autism Cul Camp. John continues, “That led onto a number of GAA clubs taking on the All Stars program where they become inclusive sports club. So children from an area will go into a GAA club, such as Corofin GAA club for example on a Saturday morning, and there will be appropriate activities in the club run by a coach. Those clubs have all been supported by our resources and we’ve offered them training. We’ve done the same with organisations like Derg Athletics Club, who ran a multi-disability summer camp with us this year. It’s very much based on building the capacity of the leaders and coaches in the clubs to roll out initiatives that are suitable be they inclusive or targeted for children with disabilities.”

John says the feedback from children and parents to these initiatives “has been immense”. “We’re very adamant that such as a Cul Camp, the children will get the same kits, the same jerseys, the same bags as the

children from the mainstream camps. Following on from that a number of those families and children have gone on to join some of the inclusive clubs we’ve partnered with to participate in sport in a more regular and normalised basis.”

Encouraging people to do something this winter to get physically active, John adds, “When a person is physically active, there an immediate release of endorphins which makes us happier, makes us feels better.

If you go out for a walk, a swim or cycle, whatever it might be, it might be tough but you’ll come back saying ‘I really enjoyed that’. So if you start getting active, people begin to notice the benefit in their mood in terms of their mental health. It’s about the real enjoyment of being physically active.

If we can experience the happiness and enjoyment of doing it, we’ll continue it for as long as we can.”

To learn more about Clare Sports Partner ship visit www.claresports.ie or call 065 686 5434 or find @claresport on social media platforms

Two in a row best in Ireland award for Wild Atlantic Opticians

Extended Closing Date

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

Retained Fire-Fighter Panels (Part-Time)

Clare County Fire & Rescue Service is currently recruiting staff for inclusion on panels for the following stations:

• Kilkee

• Kilrush

• Shannon

Candidates must live and work within 2.4 km of the Fire Station and be available to attend drills and fire alerts. Garda vetting will apply prior to any appointment(s) that are made.

Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Friday 30th December 2022.

Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846439, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie

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

Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

paraic@clareecho.ie

WILD Atlantic Op ticians in Kilrush have been hon oured for the sec ond year in a row by Retail Excellence Ireland.

A two in a row has been complet ed by Wild Atlantic Opticians after they were once again named as op tical store of the year.

Receiving such an accolade was an honour according to proprietor, Julie Moore-Neylon.

“We are just over the moon to have our tiny shop in the wonderful Kilrush, recognised for the second year in a row as the best opticians in Ireland,” she added.

Julie paid tribute to their “amaz ing customers and staff, it’s fantastic for our team to get recognition for their years of hard work”.

Now six years in operation, Wild Atlantic Opticians extended the business in 2020 to include a gift shop offering upstairs in the Fran ces Street premises.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

EAST Clare soap producer Palm Free has strengthened its reputation for being environmentally friendly, picking up a prestigious national award for waste management.

The Tuamgraney-based company founded by Kathy and Tony Hoynes has since its foundation been visionary in its dedication to sustainability. Palm Free Irish Soap is a company that prides itself on using less chemicals, being zero waste, with a commitment to sustainability. While the term zero waste didn’t exist in 1996 when the Hoynes family began making alternatives to mass-produced soaps, it was a natural fit as engineer Tony and entrepreneur Catherine began their business journey in Killaloe. A decision was made from the outset that packaging was going to be kept to a minimum, with customers cutting the soap themselves to encourage minimum excess packaging.

Tony tells The Clare Echo that the latest award, Repak’s Pakman Award for Waste Prevention, is credit to Palm Free’s practices.

“It was our first time entering, and we were delighted and shocked to win. Our award was about waste prevention and we generate very little waste now in our whole process. In everything we do, we tend to recycle. We use rainwater to make the soap. Our waste is very minimal but we were up against some

stiff competition and were shocked to win.”

They recently began their journey towards becoming paperless and with the assistance of Clare LEO’s Digital Start grant, have restructured their ordering system to eliminate paper.

“Clare LEO have been exceptional,” Tony reveals. “We took a step into digital this year and we’re doing our best to go paperless. So we’ve got a digital ordering system now where people ring up or email for an order, instead of writing out an order book, we put it into a system and it pops up in the packaging department, they fill it out and it’s dispatched.”

Such is the recent success of Palm Free that operations have moved from a converted barn at the Hoynes family home in Killaloe not once but twice, to where they now reside in Tuamgraney and Clare LEO also provided Palm Free with a capital expansion grant which contributed towards new machinery in their new production plant.

Palm Free, which is part of the ‘Guaranteed Irish’ umbrella, is adjusting to a post-Covid world which Tony tells The Clare Echo has been a rollercoaster. “The huge surge online really took us by surprise in recent years, that side of things is tailing off a bit now. I think people were forced to do it with Covid and there was a novelty to doing all your shopping online but it appears people are excited to be back out shopping again and have the whole social aspect of that. The shops are back on track again in terms of ordering soap in anticipation for Christmas. We’re blessed at the moment because ahead of Christmas we’re very busy.”

Palm Free have been working behind the scenes on bringing a new line of products to the market and will attend Gifted at the RDS next week, Ireland’s largest Christmas craft fair. “We test the waters there, we meet our customers face to face and meet our wholesale customers and we trial our new products. This year we’ll be trialling our new lip balm which we’ve developed. We’ll work on the feedback from that to either roll it out or tweak it.”

Palm Free products are available in health food stores across Clare including, An Siopa Beag in Killaloe; Bia Follain in Tulla; Eileen Clair Holistic Therapy Centre, Kilrush; Ennis Health Store in Dunnes Stores; Open Sesame, Ennis; and The Grainey in Scariff. Visit https://palmfreeirishsoap.ie for more or call 061 374392.

Tony Hoyne of Palm Free (Zero Waste) Irish Soap Ltd., and Kieran Mullins, Project Director at Dublin Waste to Energy

Photo by Naoise Culhane

Buying your homeWhat you need to know

BUYING YOUR HOME is a very exciting time in your life but can also be very stressful. A house is probably the most expense thing that you will ever buy, so, it is important to be fully informed about what’s involved and to be ready for the experience.

Finances

You should prepare your budget to ensure you can afford all costs involved in buying a house in addition to the pur chase price, such as

• Stamp Duty (1% of the purchase price)

• Engineer Survey fees

• Legal Costs

• Property Valuation (for your mortgage)

• Life Assurance (for your mortgage)

• Mortgage repayments

• House Insurance

• Local Property

Tax

If you are getting a mortgage, you should liaise with your lender/broker well in advance of your intended purchase, to ensure your finances are in order and you will be able to meet all the bank’s lending requirements.

Sale Agreed

Once you have decided on a property to buy, the Auc tioneer will inform your Solicitor that your booking depos it has been paid (usually between €5,000 and €10,000) the property’s details, the price and terms agreed, the Vendor’s name and their Solicitor’s details.

Survey – ‘Buyer Beware’

You should have an Engineer carry out a survey of the structural condition, boundaries, services, and the plan ning status of the property. This survey will help highlight

any issues you may not have been aware of when you made your offer, and which need to be addressed before signing Contracts.

Signing Contracts for Sale and Mortgage documents

Once your Solicitor is satisfied with all the contacts, title, planning and mortgage paperwork, they will arrange for you to sign. At this stage you are required to pay the de posit 10% of the purchase price (minus the booking deposit you have already paid to the Auctioneer).

Closing the Sale – ‘Completion’

If you are getting a mortgage, your Solicitor will liaise with your bank/broker to request funds. You will at this time have to work closely with your bank/broker to ensure the property valuation, house insurance, life assurance, direct debit mandate and all pre-drawdown mortgage require ments are complied with in full.

If the house you are buying has just been built, you should have your Engineer inspect the property to prepare a “Snag-List” which is then given to the Builder to remedy any defects identified. If you are buying a second-hand house, you should view the property one final time, before closing, to ensure that it is in good condition and cleared of any unwanted items so that there are no surprises when you move in.

When the balance purchase funds are available, your Solicitor will arrange closing (completion) of the sale with the Vendor`s Solicitor, which involves the exchange of the legal documents for the agreed purchase monies, and conducting legal searches against the property, you and the Vendors. Once everything is in order, you can then collect the keys to your new home.

After Completion

Your Solicitor will pay and file a Stamp Duty Return with the Revenue Commissioners, and then lodge an application with the Land Registry (Property Registration Authority) to register the property in your name. If you have a mort gage, the title deeds will be sent to your lender, and held by them until the mortgage is fully repaid.

Timescale

The time involved will vary, depending on the legal issues that may arise and also any complexities around drawing down your mortgage funds, but on average, it takes be tween six to eight weeks to complete the purchase, from the date the property goes ‘sale agreed’.

To download our FREE BOOKLET about buying proper ty, visit our website www.cashinclancy.ie/property/ or for a free, no obligation quotation, please contact us on 065 6840060 or email enquiries@cashinclancy.ie .

Making sure your bid counts

SELLING property has changed a lot in the last 120 years since the McMahon family started providing property services in Co. Clare. This fourth generation fami ly business has always strived to be at the forefront of changes in how business can be done including be ing the first franchise member of Sherry FitzGerald in 1998. Technol ogy has changed all our lives and if you have bought or sold a property you will know how important the internet has become to market and present a property at it’s best.

However Sherry FitzGerald have gone a step further and have intro duced an online private portal, My sherryfitz, for purchasers and now vendors. Mysherryfitz provides 24 hour access to bids and automatical ly notifies purchasers and vendors of other bids on their properties.

“This is a fantastic step forward in providing purchasers with a real time platform to make their bids at a time that suits them. We find that most bidding happens in the eve nings and on the weekends when couples have an opportunity to speak with one another and agree their next step in a bidding process. The system is simple to use and both

purchasers and vendors find the system excellent. Most important is that purchasers trust the system as they are being treated fairly. We believe that this encourages bidders to bid at times where in the past they may not have chosen to do so. ”

Diarmuid McMahon of Sherry Fitz Gerald McMahon.

All purchasers must go through a qualification process to ensure they have proof of funding and have viewed the property. This is of paramount importance to give all bidders confidence in the system. Where there are multiple bidders, every bidder is made aware of the current bid at the same time. Ev eryone ,including the vendor, is brought through the bidding pro cess simultaneously in real time. The agent has an important role in ensuring that everything is running smoothly and that the best result is achieved for their vendor.

PICTURED: Diarmuid McMahon, of Sherry Fitzgerald Ennis

Clare’s top auctioneers advertise with

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Match winner Brandon 'had no choice' but to shoot final score

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

AS FAR as fortnights go, Brandon O’Connell will find it hard to surpass the last 14 days in a hurling sense. Not alone did he get a phonecall from Clare senior hurling manager, Brian Lohan adding him to his pan el for 2023 but he stepped up to get the match-win ning score to send Ballyea back to their second ever Munster club final.

O’Connell’s score proved to be the difference as Ballyea defeated 14-man St Finbarr’s to seal a provincial final date with Ballygunner in Semple Stadium on December 3.

“I won’t do corner forward! It’s a good op portunity and I’ll give it a lash,” he remarked of his county call. “It’s a good opportunity, I’ll knuckle down and do the best I can. We had an up and down year, it was tough going, we knuckled down with the four week break which was the longest break we had, it was good to get a few weeks off and get a couple weeks hurling under the belt”.

Brandon (pictured) admitted that the lack of options to offload the sliotar to prompted him to shoot for the posts on 61 minutes. “With the extra man it was hard to know whether to go or not, having the extra man can be a good or a bad thing, it depends on what you do with it and obviously the other side picks up and try a lot harder, they are a good side. I saw an opportunity and went, I had no choice but to at that stage, I looked up and saw no one so I said I might as well go for it”.

Ballyea’s supporters are used to tense finales and they certainly got that in Cusack Park on Sunday with teenager Ben Cunningham agonisingly missing a chance to equalise from a 65 with the last shot of the contest. “Yeah we do things the hard way and I don’t know if it’s a good or a bad thing, we eked out the win which is the main thing. We tried to play our own performance and hoped it would be enough, it was in the end but we weren’t exactly happy with it but we’ve two more weeks to knuckle down”. They’ll renew acquaintances with Ballygun ner in the Munster final, the third meeting between the sides since 2016. “In a final anyone can win, it’s unreal and some feel ing to be back in a Munster final,” defender O’Connell concluded.

ENNIS ATHLETES SET FOR TURIN

Ballyea hang on in 'tense' contest

ROBBIE HOGAN, BALLYEA SENIOR HURLING MANAGER:

“It’s harder they seem to be getting, one point, two points, so long as you get one score ahead at the final whistle that’s all the matters, we’re delighted to get the result in the end. A one point win is as good as a 20 point win at times, whatever it takes and whatever means necessary to get the score if you’ve to punch it or kick it or do whatever to just get it over the line.

“Brandon was looking around for some one to pass to and I think we were looking for him to pass it to as well! In fairness to Brando he has been playing great and has been added into Brian Lohan’s set up this year, we’re delighted to get over the line.

“I think Tony got two scores from near the sideline, typical off the left on the run and it engages the crowd and lifts everyone, two massive scores from a great lad.

“It’s winter hurling, it’s the simple things that will win a hurling games this time of year, it’s two hands on the hurley, doing the basics right and we’re delighted to get over the line, the boys are experienced at this stage, they showed great composure at the end, there was no madness.

“Definitely (thought it was going to extra time), the way Cunningham was shooting them I definitely we thought it would be ex tra time. In fairness to the man, it’s a tough place to be, you’d have sympathy for him and the Barrs brought a massive contest, sometimes the extra man I don’t know if it can be a help or a hindrance at times.

“The boys seemed to think the 65 was a wide, you just go with the referee because he is the one making the decisions at the end of the day, there was a bit of a breeze that he was striking into it.

“They were like two teams afraid of losing the game really, it was tense, dark and dreary like the day itself but it was an arm wrestle in the end.

“I didn’t see it (the sending off incident) but Jack Browne doesn’t go down unless there’s something wrong, the same as the 65 at the end, we don’t blow the whistle that’s the officials who made the call and it’s tough

on young Cahalane.

“In the purists eyes the final was on in the Gaelic Grounds between Ballygunner and Na Piarsaigh but we’ll turn up and look to give a good account of ourselves”

GER CUNNINGHAM, ST FINBARR’S SENIOR HURLING MANAGER:

“When you lose a match, it is obviously

FACTFILE

BALLYEA: Frees for: 10 (4/6) Wides: 10 (4/6)

Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 1-08

Top scorer: Tony Kelly (0-05 2’65 1f)

Bookings: Gearoid O’Connell (35). Own puckouts won: 19 from 24 (79%)

ST FINBARR’S

Frees for: 10 (6/4) Wides: 9 (4/5)

Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 0-09

Top scorer: Ben Cunningham (0-09 5f)

Bookings: None Red Card: Conor Cahalane (9) Own puckouts won: 16 from 23 (70%)

REFEREE: Michael Kennedy (Tipperary)

very disappointing. We came up to Ennis to get to the Munster club final, that was our aim. We wanted to build on what we have done all through the year. But, in the cir cumstances of the way the game went, to play with 14 men for 50 minutes, the lads showed massive character and massive pride for 50 minutes. I am so proud of them in the performance they gave.

“I thought the sending-off was harsh. He meant to throw the hurley away, it wasn’t intentional in any shape or form that he was going to throw it at the player’s throat. It looked dangerous, but it wasn’t. It was a yellow card. The lads galvanised. Conor has been massive for us all year. He is our vice-captain and one of our most influential players. There is not a dirty stroke in Conor. He plays it hard, he plays it tough. He has been magnificent all year. Losing him was a blow. In fairness to the lads, they responded for him as well as everything else. We dug in there and we took the game to them. Nearly got there. We had opportunities.”

l CELEBRATION: James Murphy is outnumbered by St Finbarr's players Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Ballyea 1-12 St Finbarr's 0-14 Venue: Cusack Park, Ennis

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

Speaking to The Clare Echo,

l Dean Casey and Mark Hanrahan of Ennis Track have been selected to represent Ireland at the Europeans U20 XC Championships on in Turin in December. Picture here are Mark Hanrahan, Dylan Casey and Dean Casey. This marks a fantastic achievement for the club with only 6 on the team, to have earned 2 places is an outstanding success for athletes, coaches and club

MUNSTER INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Crucial goals sink Doora-Barefield

MICHAEL GUILFOYLE, ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/ BAREFIELD INTERMEDIATE HURLING MANAGER:

“The two goals were big moments, they got one early and one late in the game. I don’t want to advocate dirty or cynical play but we should have taken down their man for the second goal, the exact opposite hap pened when we had a goal chance and one of our guys was brought down. They are the margins. We played well overall, I felt a few frees went against us, we’re happy to have got 100 percent off the lads but it is disap pointing and sad to be finished.

“The last match between the teams in the Munster club, Doora/Barefield were well ahead and ended up being caught at the end. The conditions for this one were tough, we emptied the bench as we’ve done in the last few games but it wasn’t to be. Monaleen are a good side, we knew what we were facing into, the Gaelic Grounds would have made for a faster game but I’m not making any excuses.

“The action was to get the video and watch it, Conor Hurley reviewed it for sev eral hours and we cannot see where anyone extra was on the pitch, there’s no proof of it on video and we decided as a panel on Sun day to move on, we’ve no sour grapes we were beaten fair and square.

“Our main objective was achieved in winning promotion to the senior but there is huge work ahead for the club, our young lads need a lot of S&C work, there are a good few still involved with the U21s but they will need to have a busy winter. Our objective for next year has to be stay safe and stay senior, everything else is a bonus but it is important for player development to make a push from

“The objective was achieved a year later than we thought, the clubs needs to drive it on now. We’ve competed in most finals at A

Éire Óg set for Kerry kingpins

ÉIRE ÓG will challenge for a place in the Munster club senior football final when they take on Kerry champions Kerins O’Rahillys this Sunday, writes Páraic McMahon.

Paul Madden’s side make the journey to Tralee for the 1pm start with a place in the provincial decider the prize at stake.

A devastating third quarter which includ ed a 3-05 rally without reply saw the Ennis side on their way to a 3-11 0-05 win against Waterford champions, The Nire in Cusack Park a fortnight ago.

For that tie, Jarlath Collins was handed a starting jersey at the expense of corner for ward Philip Talty, the Harty Cup medallist impressed with an industrious display that saw him fulfil a deep role. Talty, a student at Mary Immaculate College did well on his in troduction, kicking 0-02 during his 13 min ute appearance.

The return of David Reidy to their panel is another lift. The Clare hurler was centre for ward on the side which won the Clare SFC

in 2021 but only made his first competitive appearance of the year when brought on two weeks ago, having focused solely on hurling up to then.

On the task ahead, Madden told The Clare Echo, “We’re going down to the home of the All-Ireland senior champions with about five of those lads playing with Kerry, they will be favourites but we’ll turn up anyway”.

For their county final win over Templen oe, Kerins O’Rahillys welcomed back star players Jack Savage and Cormac Coffey into the fold. The pair are presently living and working in Dubai, having moved there since the group phase of the club championship. Savage kicked 0-06 while corner back Cof fey also raised a white flag in their 0-15 0-14 win.

David Moran’s battle with Darren O’Neill in the centre of the field plus the showdown of Tommy Walsh versus Aaron Fitzgerald are among the anticipated match-ups for the weekend.

level this year, it’s good and now the play ers need to be developed, the club are on the right path and hopefully the supply lines will stay flowing. There will be about ten under

FACTFILE

MONALEEN

Frees for: 13 (7/6)

Wides: 6 (5/1)

Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 2-07

Top scorer: Mark O’Dwyer (1-06 6f)

Own puckouts won: 20 from 28 (71%)

ST JOSEPH’S DOORA/BAREFIELD: Frees for: 13 (5/8)

Wides: 12 (6/6)

Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 0-13

Top scorer: David Conroy (0-06 3f)

Red Card: Cian Barron (64)

Own puckouts won: 13 from 21 (62%)

REFEREE: Ciaran O'Regan (Cork)

seventeens available for next year which is a big plus.

“I’ve resigned as of Monday, I will not be going forward as manager for next year. I’ve six and a half years done with Doora/Bar efield and Feakle, I knew in the last while that it was time to go. I gave it all I had while I was there, last year was very hard but we came back and secured promotion.

U21 football quarter final line-up is confirmed

A MEETING of the CCC on Sunday evening completed the quarter-final draws in both the A and B championships.

U21A football quarter-finals: Cill Cúil Gaels v Kilrush / Killimer Corofin v Wolfe Tones Ennistymon v Western Gaels St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield v St Jo seph’s Miltown

U21B football quarter-finals: St Breckan’s v Western Gaels (2) or Banner

Clarecastle v Lissycasey Clondegad v Cratloe / Corofin (2) Doonbeg v Kilmurry Ibrickane

SCAN HERE FOR FULL REPORT

PICTURED: Odhran Cunningham impressed for Kilrush/Killimer

Division 1B to Division 1A in the Clare Cup.

l BREAKING THROUGH: Lochlann McHale is tackled by Doora-Barefield's Dara Nagle and Darragh O'Shea Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Doora-Barefield 0-16 Monaleen (Limerick) 2-13 Venue: Kilmallock GAA Grounds, Limerick

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

McNulty resigns as CDSL fixtures secretary

EOGHAN MCNULTY has resigned as fix tures secretary of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL), four months after his elec tion to the position.

McNulty succeeded Brendan Browne in the post and was elected to the role at the CDSL’s AGM in July. At this time, he pledged to do his best to avoid fixture clash es between teams in the one club and was heavily involved in the CDSL utilising Club Zap to share their weekly fixture list.

Prior to this, he had served as manager of Bridge Utd's A team along with steering their Youths side in previous seasons.

Following a meeting of the CDSL offi cers on Monday evening, the Sixmilebridge man issued an email to the Committee to announce he was stepping down, he had made no comments at the meeting.

In the correspondence obtained by The Clare Echo, McNulty stated, “I am resigning from my position of Fixtures Secretary and from the Committee of the CDSL with imme diate effect”.

On Thursday last, a draw was held at Wolfe Tones GAA Club for the Hugh Kelly Cup. This occurred without the majority of the CDSL Committee knowing about it.

The Clare Echo has learned that only McNulty and committee member Ger Kelly of Shannon Town Utd were present for the draw. Pairings for a preliminary round, quar ter-finals and semi-finals were made with the details later published on the CDSL’s Facebook page.

For the remainder of the committee, the sharing of the draw on social media and contact from club managers was when they became aware of what occurred. The post with the draw was later removed.

Chairman Jason Ryan is believed to have

discussed the matter with the now former Fixtures Secretary who outlined that he would be resigning were another draw to be held. The official draw for the Hugh Kel ly Cup and Clare Cup will be completed in January at a delegates meeting.

McNulty did not respond to attempts by The Clare Echo to contact him this week.

No master fixtures plan has been com pleted for the current season. The winter break kicks in from December 12 and lasts until January 6.

Dean Russell who is currently manager of Bunratty/Cratloe is tipped to step into the role of Fixtures Secretary in a temporary capacity. The Shannon man is presently responsible for updating the CDSL’s Face book page.

In a statement, the CDSL confirmed that a meeting of the Executive last Monday de cided the Hugh Kelly Cup draw would be conducted again.

It will now be carried out along with the other cup draws at the Delegate meeting in January where all clubs have to oppor tunity to witness the draw. This motion was carried by 80% of the committee in favour. Unfortunately one hour after the meeting finished the Fixtures Secretary, Eoghan McNulty tendered his resignation from his position and the CDSL executive commit tee. Eoghan had indicated to the chairman, three days prior to the meeting, he would take this action if the executive committee decided to carry out a re-draw of the Hugh Kelly Cup. The CDSL executive committee would like to thank Eoghan for his service to the Clare and District Soccer League over his short time as Fixtures Secretary and are grateful for his efforts”.

Night of champions at Dromoland

by SEAMUS HAYES

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB:

James Purcell won the men’s 18 hole turkey competition at the weekend with 39 points, he had one to spare over Seamus Cusack with Ni gel Frost, also with 38 points, in third spot.

Dolores Fox was the winner of the ladies 9 hole stableford turkey and wine competition with 19 points from Anne Fahy with 18, Breda O’Donovan with 17 and Katrina O’Neill with 17.

The club’s night of champions presentation took place when the following were honoured: Eanna McMahon (Junior/Student match play winner), Ryan Enright and Brian Hassett (scotch foursomes winners), Seamus Lawlor (Claret Jug singles matchplay winner), Bren dan Spicer (senior matchplay winner), Enda Heneghan (men’s golfer of the year), Noel O’Connor (Fred O ‘Flanagan winner) and Aar on Piccolo (junior golfer of the year).

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB:

Winners of the modified fourball were Tyrone Kearse and Michael Coughlan with 49 points from Mike Reen and Ruairi Breen (also 49). In third with 47 points were Ray and Eddie Casey.

Last week’s club singles was won by Paddy Meehan (9) with 41 points from Brian Kilker (15) on 38 points and Mark Sweeney (7), also 38. The seniors annual general meeting will take place on December 13 at 8pm in Hotel Wood stock.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB:

Last week’s Wednesday ladies competition was won by Brid Hayes, Margaret MacNamara and Brid Gurnett from Mary Farrell, Ursula Ho gan and Mary Bugler with third filled by Mar garet Lynch, Pauline Nugent and Mary Hogan.

The weekly senior men’s competition was won by Steve Symes, Michael Drew and Noel Earley from Jimmy Nagle, Michael Heffernan and Chris Davis with third spot filled by Gerry O Brien, Seamus O Dwyer and Michael Moloney.

The Friday mixed scramble was won by Ev elyn Skehan, J.J Barton and John Fahy from Breda O Loghlin, Richard Pomfrett and Tony McNulty with third spot filled by Martin Breen, Margaret MacNamara and Pat Melody. The mixed scramble continues Fridays at 10am.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB:

Fergal O’Connor (12) was the winner of the weekend turkey singles at Kilrush with 29 points. He had one to spare over Finbar McMa hon (13) with third spot filled by Derek Garvey (8) who also had 28 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB:

Kieran Hannon (18) won the weekend sin gles at Gort with 40 points while the gross was won by Rob Boyce (12) with 26 points.

In the women’s 13 hole Santa Surprise sin gles competition the winner was Shauna Burke (18) with 31 points from Carmel Joyce (23) with 29 points, Sara Broderick (22) with 26 points and Anne Kerins (24) with 26 points.

back row (l-r): Éanna McMahon, Ryan Enright, Brian Hassett, Seamus Lawlor, Brendan Spicer; Front row: Enda Heneghan, Jimmy McManus, Noel O’Connor and Aaron Piccolo

Badminton autumn league final played in Ennis

CLARE badminton was back with a smash quite literally at the weekend.

First up was the Autumn league final on Friday last. Ennis Smash Badminton Club ran the Autumn Ladies and Mens league for all Clare G&H grade badminton players in conjunction with Ennis Tennis & Badminton Club. The league organised with Darryl Eade and it was really exciting with the top few teams changing each week.

Players from Ennis, Ardnacru sha, Cooraclare, Shannon, Mullagh, Crusheen and Spanish Point partic ipated. 54 players in total competed in the competition and it was down to the last 4 teams with the highest points accumulated overall, each team had 4 Ladies and 4 men bat tling it out each week.

The final was played in Ennis Ten nis & Badminton Club. There was great support there on the night.

Ladies winners: Caoimhe Corbett, Susan Gavin, Liv Sanchez & Cao imhe Barry- (substituted by Sinead Hallissey- O' Grady).

Ladies runners up: Majella Lillis, Donna Noonan - (substituted by Leona Meere), Michela Tuan & Edel Woods

Men's winners: Brendan Dolan, Chris Hanlon, Barry Conway, Gordan Nolan.

Men's runners up: Nirosh Silva, Jacob Beck, Xavier Sanchez & Fergal McGrath.

Sports person of the tournament Elvira Soto.

Player of the tournament Jacob Beck.

On Saturday the Clare Badmin ton Championships Grade H was held in Gurteen. 40 players entered across all 5 events.

Women's singles: Emily Feehan dft. Sinead Murphy.

Women's doubles: Ciara Healy &

Sinead Murphy dft. Caoimhe Corbett & Susan Gavin.

Mixed doubles: Caoimhe Corbett & Chris Hanlon dft. Statia Burns & Vincent Zhu.

Men's doubles: Chris Hanlon & Damien Healy dft. Joe Noonan & Barry Ward.

Men's singles: Chris Hanlon dft. Naem Haq.

Thanks to Mary Browne, Secre tary and Paul Barry for organising a super event on the day.

Next Sunday the grade H Clare County Championships takes place in Clonlara.

Pro debut win for Shannon boxer

SHANNON’S

David Ryan was victorious in his first fight as a pro boxer.

In a solid dis play, the 27 year old recorded a winning debut defeating tough journeyman Brayan Mairena on points (40-36) in four rounds.

Despite having no amateur box ing background, David remained composed for his lightweight debut which aired on TG4.

Formerly a kickboxer where he won Irish, European and World titles, he entered the world of professional boxing this summer in search of a new challenge. He had been one of the top fighters to emerge from Shannon Kickboxing Club trained by Howie Vincent.

He teamed up with manag er Ian Gaughran and trainer Shaun Kelly prior to the de but as part of the Mark Dun

lop promoted MHD XV card which took place at Belfast's Girdwood Community Hub. A four kilo cut was required for David prior to the bout.

A member of staff at the pop ular butchers owned by Denver Morrissey in Shannon Town Centre, David has already a memorable year which includ ed buying a house and getting engaged to his long-term part ner Leona O’Shea.

Raha Mofo breaks own record

by MICHAEL MAHER

FOLLOWING her record-breaking perfor mance in the opening round of the GRI Galway Oaks last weekend, Raha Mofo excelled even further in last Friday night’s second round as she broke her own track record in emphatic fashion.

With the previous record standing for some 15 years prior to Raha Mofo’s de scent onto Galway last weekend, Marissa Molloy’s charge ensured her own stood for just seven days as she clocked a scarcely believable 28.20.10 in the second round of the €6,000 to-the-winner competition.

Trained by Murt Leahy, the current Sporting Press Irish Oaks champ took to the track on Friday night in what looked a much tougher assignment than her open ing round but the 4/7 favourite, the daugh ter of Droopys Sydney and Clares Queen, proved several levels above her rivals as she ran to a convincing 11 and three parts of a length victory.

In the second semi-final, Newinn Nifty was just about best away along the inside and racing towards the opening bend the Simon Taylor-owned daughter of Droopys Buick & Newinn Expert showed pace to lead from Cashen Miska and Droopys Timing. As the third bend loomed the Gra ham Holland trained Newinn Nifty was two lengths to the good and ultimately she proved a length and a half too strong for Cashen Miska with Clogheen Lass in third in a time of 28.57. The final takes place this Friday with gates open from 6.30pm.

In the first of three semi-finals in the Gal way Stadium A2 Stake all six runners were away in terms with Insidethehuddle a frac tional leader on the wide outside as they raced towards the opening bend. Nearing

the third bend the leaders advantage was two lengths as The Lucky Last Syndicate owned Da Centurian began to close and swinging round the home turn Da Centuri an drew alongside Insidethehuddle before asserting close home, the son of Definite Opinion & Jumeirah Lolls prevailed by a length & three parts in 28.97.

In the second semi-final, Ballyhale Chloe was away best on the wide outside and she led from Blakemount Lotto and Brick hill Daisy racing towards the opening bend. Turning down the back the picture of the race completely changed as Blakemount Lotto took over in front but the John Col lins and Albert Long owned Brickhill Daisy was now in the clear and racing towards the penultimate corner the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Rathmeehan May took command of the contest. Once in front Brickhill Daisy began to gradually assert as she scored by two and half lengths at the line form Blakemount Lotto in 29.13.

In the third semi-final, Almost There stormed from third place at the penultimate corner for the Mullins Curtin Syndicate.

Squeezing along the fence the Albert Mull ins trained son of Sonic and Mrs Will struck the front and railing well around the home bend, he eased clear to make it four from four by a length and a half in 29.19.

The opening contest of Saturday night was an A7 graded 525 yards contest in which Shesanicelady towards the inner was just about best away and racing towards the opening bend she led Glamorous Bor na and Lil Stomper by almost two lengths.

Shesanicelady continued to show the way to Lil Stomper approaching halfway but at this point the Little Stompers Syndicate owned Lil Stomper(Laughill Blake-Kilwest Jewel) made his move to storm to victory.

PLANNING

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOVEEN-WEST, KILKEE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Michael Keating Dip. Arch. (phone 085-8421780), on behalf of Alan Mahoney, intends to apply to Clare County Council for full permission for the renovation of an existing derelict building, to construct a single-storey extension to the side & rear, construct new garage and create new site entrance (see previous Planning Ref. No. P21/616), connect to new wastewater treatment system and carry out all ancillary site works at Moveen-West, Kilkee, 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. 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 BEALICKANIA, RUAN, 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 Majella Shannon and Joseph O’Donovan for permission to retain location of site entrance, realigned boundaries, increased elevation height, omission of stone, construction of rear porch and fenestration alterations as constructed from permission granted under P02/635 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 NO.3, THE LINKS, DOUGH, 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 Declan & Ann Cunningham for permission to (a) construct single storey side & rear extensions consisting of a sunroom and store (b) internal alterations along with the creation of an additional bedroom 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 FURTHER INFORMATION/REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: 22/708

Development Description: We, Wiskin Property

Development Ltd, intend to apply for permission for development at Loughaun South, Tulla, Co. Clare. The development will consist of a residential development comprising 60 no. residential units, (15 no. detached house, 36 no. semi-detached houses and 9 no. terrace houses), two vehicular entrances and all ancillary site development works on lands at Loughaun South, Tulla, Co. Clare. Ancillary site development works include a new connection to the public water main and foul sewer, surface water drainage and attenuation, new entrances and access roads, footpath to front of site, vehicle parking, landscaping, boundary treatments and site development works above and below ground. 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 of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. The planning application is accompanied by a Natura Impact Statement.

Location: Loughaun South, Tulla, County Clare Take notice that Wiskin Property Development Ltd has lodged significant further information/ revised plans in respect of planning application P 22/708. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority

of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 5 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYMALEY, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Ciara Tierney & Rory O’Connor intend to apply for Planning Permission to construct a dwelling house and detached garage including all site services and ancillary 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, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FARRIHY, KILKEE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Paula Greene intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices

of the planning authority, 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 DEHOMAD, LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Kelly & Marty Lynch are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to demolish a section of existing house and construct new extension and carry out renovations and alterations to the existing house along with all associated works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKNAGARHOON, KILKEE, CO. CLARE

Take notice that Michael Troy is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to alter and extend an existing dwelling house, install a new waste water treatment system and water facilities along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices

of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

Further Information / Revised Plans: Planning Ref: P22/675 Development Description: Permission to (a) construct a dwelling house and detached garage (b) install an advanced wastewater treatment system with soil polishing filter together with all associated site development works and services

Location of Development: Clonteen, Ballyallia, Ennis, Co. Clare

Take notice that Hugh Rice has lodged significant further information in respect of the planning application P22/675. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office 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.

TYRES

Prayer Recent Deaths

Stack, Stephen Doonbeg, Clare

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours.

This time, I ask you This special favour.

(Mention Favour) Take it dear Heart of Jesus, And place it within Your own broken heart

Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer for 3 days. Promise Publication.

Holy Souls – Prayer to St. Gertrude

According to tradition, Jesus told St. Gertrude in a vision that the following prayer would release 1000 souls from purgatory each time it is said; “Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.”

Date of Death: Monday 21st November 2022

Costello, Br. James Kilkee, Clare

Date of Death: Friday 18th November 2022

Brew, Rachel Kilrush Clare

Date of Death: Friday 18th November 2022

Casey (née O’Gorman), Nancy Ruan, Clare

Date of Death: Saturday 19th November 2022

Lowry, Patrick (Paddy) Scariff, Clare

Date of Death: Friday 18th November 2022

Ryan, Brendan Killaloe, Clare

Date of Death: Friday 18th November 2022

Lillis, John Doonbeg, Clare

Date of Death: Friday 18th November 2022

Browne, Deirdre Lahinch, Clare

Date of Death: Tuesday 22nd November 2022

Houlihan, Joseph (Joe) Corofin, Clare

Date of Death: Tuesday 22nd November 2022

Moroney (née Summerly), Celine Ennis, Clare

Date of Death: Tuesday 22nd November 2022

Staff at the Lahinch Opening

Photo by Eamon Ward

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