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Jan 25 2024
‘Time public THREE WISE MEN have say on Abbey Street’ Consultation on project gets underway next week
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
l Joint presidents of Killanena GAA club, Tommy Clancy, Paddy Brody and Martin Canny at the community hall last Saturday where a presentation was made to All Star hurlers, Shane O’Donnell, John Conlon and Conor Whelan, all of whose parents hail from the North Clare parish. Full story p32 Photo by Tom Micks
PLANS FOR the controversial Abbey Street car park development as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy are to go on public consultation next week and are already causing a stir. Some 2040 DAC board members claimed they had yet to see revisions to the proposal as late as Wednesday morning. Already there is backlash from elected members of the Ennis Municipal District who have yet to see such ambitious plans while Save Ennis Town have welcomed the engagement but reiterated their opposition to the plans. Over 3,700 signatures on a petition opposed to the development has been compiled. According to Ennis 2040 DAC COO, Kevin Corrigan “considerable progress” has been made over the last year “in developing the concept for the Abbey Street Car Park site. We
are looking forward to sharing these exciting plans for the future economic development of the town”. Chair of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion told The Clare Echo that they welcome the forthcoming meetings and urged the public to attend to air their views. “We have been calling for public consultation on this controversial development for many months now. It’s time for the public to have their say”. Mannion outlined, “Save Ennis Town remains completely opposed to the removal of parking at Abbey Street Car Park - unless of course those spaces are replaced with alternative parking in the immediate vicinity.”
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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NEWS .............................2-19 COMPETITION .............20-21 GREEN CLARE............22-23 COLUMNISTS ..............24-27 BUSINESS ...................28-29 SPORT..........................31-34 PLANNING ........................35 CLASSIFIEDS ..............36-37
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The Outing returns for Valentine’s weekend by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie
THE world’s only LGTBQ+ matchmaking festival will return to the Inn at Dromoland on Valentine’s weekend. Now in its 11th year, The Outing is expected to attract more than 1,000 gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and straight singles and couples from across Ireland and overseas to the East Clare venue from February 9th to 11th. Organised in conjunction with The Outing Queer Arts Collective with support from Fáilte Ireland, Blacknight Solutions, Visit Clare, Limerick Pride, and Quare Clare, the award-winning festival is a fusion of music, comedy, ceilí The Poet's Corner Bar bands, queer arts, and the best is a traditional Irish pub that opens of Irish and international perl PRIDE: Eddie McGuinness its doors onto the main town street of formers, drag artists and DJs. Photo by Arthur Carron Photography This year’s event is being hostEnnis. Perfect for a pint, a bite to eat or ed by “The Queen of Matchtraditional music session. added. “Of course,Irish matchthe LGTBQ+ community, so making”, Eddie McGuinness, end like no other. “People have travelled from making plays a huge part in whether you’re single or taken and Victoria’s Secret. all over the world to our festi- the festival. With more than a gay, trans, straight or bi, all are The Outing FestivalO'Regan DirectorRestaurant The Brendan Eddie McGuinness comment- val in previous years to enjoy hundred relationships and two welcome to this fun weekend.” ideal for special occasions. The menu pop-up clubs, drag perfor- marriages, I have helped play The Outing 2024 takes place ed, “Weisare delighted to have features traditional cuisine with a modern mances, comedy, live music, a part in putting together our at The Inn at Dromoland on secured a lasting home for our twist.about arts, literary and film festivals event in recent years. The Out- February 9th to 11th. Visit festivalday andcreative are excited delivering an LGBTQ+ week- and interactive events,” he ing also acts as a celebration of www.theouting.ie for details.
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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East Clare ready to ‘Go to the Movies’
THE East Clare Musical Society have been in rehearsals for the last five months and are ready to take to the stage with their production of ‘Let’s go to the Movies’. Directed and Choreographed with the amazingly creative vision of Sarah Allen and the Musical Direction of Rory Moloney this show is going to bring the East Clare Musical Society back to the stage with a bang. Sarah is assisted by Breandán Baguio, Rebecca Atkinson & Grace Burke who have various roles in Choreography, Vocal Coaching and Directing. Let’s go to the Movies will be performed on the stage of Scariff Community College on February 15th, 16th and 17th. Doors at 18.45 for a 19.30 Curtain. Tickets costing €20 go on sale, online only, this Thursday 25th January at 9am. You can purchase these tickets via this link - http://www. buytickets.at/eastclaremusicalsociety
‘Don’t attend ED unless situation is life threatening’ by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie
THE HSE is urging members of the public not to attend the Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick unless their condition is “life threatening”. “Emergency Departments (EDs) deal with life-threatening emergencies. Emergency departments are busy. You may have to wait a long time to be seen. The sickest people are seen first,” a spokesperson for the HSE said. As of 8am on Wednesday, January 24, there were 110 patients on trolleys at UHL. This is the highest number nationally. According to Damien McCallion, Chief Operations Officer, HSE: “There is significant pressure on our EDs at the moment with increased presentations. Whilst we ask the public to seek alternative services for non-urgent care, we want to reassure them that anyone who is seriously injured or ill, or worried their life may be at risk,
should to go to the emergency department without delay.” The latest information suggests that influenza levels seem to have peaked. However there will be ongoing high levels of health service activity arising from winter viruses for a number of weeks. The HSE is urging the public to consider all available care options, including injury units, their GP, and local pharmacy if they have a minor ailment. Injury units are designed to treat injuries that are unlikely to need hospital admission and can treat someone with a non-life threatening injury like a sprain, broken bone or a minor cut or burn. Treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts and wound care are also available in an injury unit. “Attending the ED with a minor injury will result in a longer waiting time to be seen as we prioritise patient urgent and emergency cases. You do not need an appointment for an injury unit and there is no charge if you have a GP referral
l The Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick
letter or are a medical card holder,” the spokesperson added. “Life-threatening emergencies include things like, if someone is breathless; is feeling unwell and getting sicker very quickly; has not peed in over 12 hours and does not need to pee. Other examples
include when someone is not feeling well and has become confused and agitated; is very pale with cold hands and feet; is dizzy when they sit up or unable to stand; has developed a rash that does not disappear when pressed down,” the spokesperson concluded.
St. Flannan’s set to become Munster’s largest school ST. FLANNAN’S College in Ennis is on course to become Munster’s largest school this September when its student population increases from 1,201 to 1,280, writes Elaine
l Fr. Ignatius McCormack
Photo by Eamon Ward
Tubridy. A record 302 enrolment applications from 34 feeder schools have listed St. Flannan’s College as a first preference, up from 279 in
2023, prompting the Board of Management to approve an increase in the school’s intake of First Year students for the 2024/25 academic year. Principal Fr. Ignatius McCormack described the expansion as “a proud moment” in the history of the school, which has been a landmark educational institute for more than 150 years. “The school’s distinguished track record in the field of education and in providing an enriching school experience for attending students is the foundation on which we are building for the future,” he explained. “A measure of the expansion that has taken place in recent decades is that in 1962, there were some 370 pupils in St. Flannan’s, 140 of whom were day boys. The introduction of co-education at the school in 2002 and the opening of a new wing containing extensive fa-
cilities in 2003 heralded a new era at which point student numbers had climbed to 1,000 students.” Fr. McCormack continued, “We have received invaluable support from the Department of Education through the sanctioning of additional resources, including teachers and the required funding, to facilitate the steady growth in the number of enrolled students. The further increase in numbers this September will see our teacher numbers rise by 4, while we also will be expanding our classroom and resource space.” Fr. McCormack confirmed that planning is underway to significantly expand the sporting and recreational infrastructure at the school with plans for a full-size astro turf pitch and gym facilities. “As the population of Ennis and surrounding areas continues to increase, there is an onus on us to plan ahead and to meet the growing
demand for places in our school. With that responsibility comes the need to invest in the overall offering at St. Flannan’s College and that includes delivering the necessary infrastructure befitting of a modern, proactive, welcoming and inclusive 21st century educational facility that has one eye on its rich heritage and the other on the future.” Leonard Cleary, Chair of the Board of Management of St. Flannan’s College said, “The school’s excellent reputation is testament to the work of Fr. Ignatius, his staff and the Patrons. The Board is conscious of the responsibility we take on in accepting an increased number of students. We are also confident that, in an atmosphere of mutual respect that has been engendered by school management and our students, we will continue to grow and develop as a community and as a vital service provider.”
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Uisce Éireann response ‘certainly not good enough’ - O’Brien by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie
THE Killaloe Municipal District has been encouraged by Cllr. Tony O’Brien to reach out to Úisce Éireann to obtain assurances that the public water supply in
the District won’t be impacted in a comparable manner as Bridgetown/O’Brien’s Bridge has suffered during the course of the past twelve months. The Chairman of the Killaloe MD, Cllr. Tony O’Brien (FF) ex-
l Cllr Tony O’Brien
Photo by Martin Connolly
pressed his frustration at the Killaloe MD January meeting, when Úisce Éireann failed to provide a representative on their behalf. The Killaloe native tabled a motion seeking representatives from Irish water and the Clare County Council water services to attend the meeting and provide an in-depth report on: “(1) Advise members on what measures have been put in place to prevent such incidents happening again. (2) Are all other public water supplies up to required standards”. (3) Assure members of the MD council and the public that such an incident cannot reoccur in any of the public water supplies within the Killaloe MD”. Senior Engineer of the Clare County Council, Cyril Feeney offered the reply to Cllr. O’Brien’s motion stating that Clare County Council alongside other local authorities signed a new Master Co-operation Agreement with Úisce Éireann in 2023, which places Úisce Éireann in govern charge and oversight of water distribution operations and relevant staff. “This new arrangement will facilitate the transition of water services completely from the local authority sector which will be finalised at the end of 2026. Therefore, Clare
County Council staff are no longer in a position to attend Municipal District meetings or comment on water services operational issues. All queries should be directed to Úisce Éireann in that regard”, the Senior Engineer’s response concluded. Cllr. O’Brien indicated in the Killaloe MD office in Scariff “it is absolutely shocking to think a body such as Úisce Eireann could allow undertreated water to be distributed to the public for 12 months. The reply is very damming and very critical of what went on in Bridgetown/O’Brien’s Bridge in the public water supply for over twelve months. I wanted Irish water representatives and Clare County Council waters services to come to this meeting. To say I’m disappointed with the reply is absolutely an understatement”. “It is certainly not good enough, that Irish water haven’t even a reply sent and I want to be sure that this is not going on still, that contaminated water can be allowed to go through the system without proper procedures and checks for over 12 months. So, I’m suggesting and composing with yere agreement that we now write to Irish water and ask them to come back to us and give us assurances that this is not ongoing in the other public wa-
Community funding programme opens for applications
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LOCAL ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMME 2024
CLARE County Council’s Rural Development Directorate is hosting a series of walk-in clinics to support communities in preparing their applications for schemes that are presently open, including the Local Area Grant Scheme 2024. Community, group and club representatives will be able to discuss their projects with the local authority’s four Rural and Community Development Officers, namely Grainne McCormack (Shannon), Seamus Murrihy (West Clare), Niamh Wiley (North Clare & Ennis) and Darren Carroll (Killaloe). The events take place at Teach Ceoil Corofin (10am1pm) and An Teach Ceoil, Ennistymon (2pm-5pm) on Monday, 29th January; at Doonbeg Community Centre (10am-1pm) and Miltown Malbay Community Centre (2pm-5pm) on Tuesday, 30th January; at Clarecare, Killaloe (10am-1pm) and Killaloe Municipal District Office, Scariff
Clare County Council’s Rural Development Directorate are hosting a series of walk in clinics to support Community Groups / Organisations in preparing their applications for this funding scheme and other funding schemes that are presently open. The clinics take place at the following venues:Date
Venue
Time
Monday 29th January
Teach Ceoil Centre, Corofin, V95 W521
10.00AM – 1.00PM
An Teach Ceoil, Ennistymon, V95WKV2
2.00PM – 5.00PM
Doonbeg Community Centre, Doonbeg, V15 X3T3
10.00AM – 1.00PM
Miltown Malbay Community Centre, Miltown Malbay, V95, W93R
2.00PM – 5.00PM
Clarecare, Hill Road, Killaloe, V94 NR52
10.00AM – 1.00PM
Killaloe MD Office, Scariff, V94NY33
2.00PM – 5.00PM
Treacy’s Oakwood Arms Hotel, Shannon, V14 NH97
10.00AM – 1.00PM
The Bridge Complex Community Centre, Sixmilebridge, V95 N28A
2.00PM – 4.00PM
Clare Council HQ, Main Foyer, New Road, Ennis, V95 DXP2
4:30PM – 7PM
Tuesday 30th January
Wednesday 31st January
Thursday 1st February
If you are unable to attend on the scheduled dates email the Rural and Community Development Officers at rcdo@clarecoco.ie For an application form and scheme guidelines please visit https://www.clarecoco.ie/services/community/grants/ communityenhancement/ or email cep@clarecoco.ie The closing date for receipt of applications is 4pm on Friday March 1st 2024. An Roinn Forbartha, Tuaithe agus Pobail Department of Rural and Community Development
Clare Champion
15x4 (168)
ter supplies in the Killaloe MD”. The motion gained a sufficient backing from the additional Killaloe MD councillors at the meeting, Maghera native, Cllr. Pat Hayes (FF) questioned the councils management team’s on whether there is currently an employee in a greater position to reply to these motions going forward in relation to water services. “I was dealing with a water leak previously in a childcare centre, we called the Irish water services, in which they replied that hey couldn’t do any works on it as it is a commercial business, even though it’s a childcare facility ran by a local community. It’s strange and it isn’t right”, Cllr. Hayes mentioned. Both Fine Gael councillors Cllr. Joe Cooney, and Cllr. Pat Burke also supported the Killaloe councillors motion. Cllr. Burke stated his frustration, “usually if there’s an issue in terms of water, the chances are they will be fixed today or tomorrow, but when it comes to this and you’re getting no answers, for us as public representatives it isn’t good enough”. Cllr. O’Brien concluded, “The reply just isn’t good enough and I want to be able to go back to people and explain their procedures that are in place and this won’t happen again”.
AC
(2pm-5pm) on Wednesday, 31st January; and at Treacy’s Oakwood Arms, Shannon (10am-1pm), The Bridge Complex, Sixmilebridge (2pm-4pm) and Áras Contae an Chláir, Ennis (4.30pm7pm) on Thursday, 1st February.
Anne Haugh, Director of Rural and Community Development with Clare County Council commented, “Our four Rural and Community Development Officers (RCDO) engage with communities across Clare on an ongoing basis to promote collaboration and shared approaches to tackling the challenges confronting our rural and disadvantaged communities.” Application forms and scheme guidelines are available from www.clarecoco.ie. Clare County Council’s Rural and Community Development Officers may be contacted at RCDO@clarecoco.ie or 065 6846296.
Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Some Ennis 2040 Board members yet to see Abbey St plan revisions
by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
PLANS for the controversial Abbey Street car park development as part of the Ennis 2040 Strategy are to go on public consultation next week and are already causing a stir. Some board members claimed they had to see revisions to the proposal as late as Wednesday morning. Already there is backlash from elected members of the Ennis Municipal District who have yet to see such ambitious plans while Save Ennis Town have welcomed the engagement but reiterated their opposition to the plans. Over 3,700 signatures on a petition opposed to the development has been compiled. Public engagement drop-in events for the proposed Abbey Street Car Park development in Ennis will take place next week in The Temple Gate Hotel on Tuesday January 30th from 3pm until 7pm, in the Community Centre in Barefield on Wednesday January 31st from 6pm until 8pm and in Clarecastle National School on Thursday February 1st from 7pm to 9pm Details of these events are set to go live on www.ennis2040.ie and www. clarecoco.ie from today (Thursday). Information boards will also be available in the foyer of Clare Coun-
l Abbey St Car Park
ty Council from February 6th until February 9th. The public will be able to provide feedback on the plans on Clare County Council’s Have Your Say portal from 29th January 2024. A spokesperson for Ennis 2040 DAC said that the proposed build-
ing on Abbey St car park will consist of a large retail space at ground and first floor levels together with office accommodation on the upper floors carefully designed to respect and integrate with the existing architecture of Ennis. A raised river
ABBEY STREET CAR PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Clare County Council is commencing Public Engagement for the proposed Mixed Use Development at Abbey Street Car Park, Ennis, Co. Clare. The Abbey Street development project is part of the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy and is integrated into the County Development Plan 2023 to 2029, both of which aim to deliver a range of strategic developments in Ennis town centre. The purpose of this Public Engagement is to invite the public and interested stakeholders to view the plans of the proposed development and provide the comments and feedback on same.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT will take place on the following dates:
Date:
Time:
Venue:
30th January 2024
15:00 - 19:00
Templegate Hotel
31th January 2024
18:00 - 18:00
Community Centre, Barefield
1st February 2024
19:00 - 21:00
Clarecastle National School
If you cannot make any of the above events you can also view online via the following: Clare County Council’s Have Your Say Portal from 29th January 2024
Clare County Council website: https://www.clarecoco.ie Ennis 2040 website: https://ennis2040.ie Reception Area of Clare County Council Office from 6th to 9th February 2024
walkway is also proposed along the northern edge of the building to provide views of the River Fergus as well as substantial space for recreation and leisure. Chair of Save Ennis Town, Gearoid Mannion told The Clare Echo that they welcome the forthcoming meetings and urged the public to attend to air their views. “We have been calling for public consultation on this controversial development for many months now. It’s time for the public to have their say”. Mannion outlined: “We 100 percent welcome the development of the town and there are many exciting aspects of the Ennis 2040 plans, but building on both Abbey Street and Parnell St Car Parks isn’t one of them. I met a man in the street yesterday who compared these plans with what happened when Ennis A&E was closed years ago, everyone knew it was a bad idea, but the experts told us that Limerick A&E would be a wonderful ‘Centre of Excellence’. Well we all know how that worked out don’t we,” Mannion added. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) confirmed that neither he or Mayor of the Ennis MD, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) had received a briefing on the plans. “As of midday Wednesday this week prior to
papers going to press, I understand that neither the Mayor Pat Daly, I as Deputy Mayor nor most of the elected Ennis Councillors had seen sight of the referred to plans for a proposed multi-storey building to be built by Ennis 2040 in the pubic carpark at Abbey Street with the potential loss of 128 scarce parking spaces. This proposal is designed by Ennis 2040 DAC, a private company. Maybe the three Ennis councillors on the Ennis 2040 DAC Board have seen them. I await proper briefing and proper sight of the proposed plans next week at a number of planned public events to see if any of my and many other persons concerns have been taken on board”. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr Mary Howard (FG) and Cllr Ann Norton (IND) sit on the Board of the Ennis 2040 DAC. Both Cllr Colleran Molloy and Cllr Norton confirmed to The Clare Echo on Wednesday morning that they had yet to see the revised plans for Abbey St while Cllr Howard said they would be available to the public in the coming days. The Clare Echo understands that a behind closed doors briefing was held for all Ennis MD councillors on Wednesday afternoon where they received an overview of the plans.
€48m investment to create 200 jobs & create €3.5m p/a ENNIS 2040 DAC, in collaboration with Clare County Council, has released details of an Economic Impact Assessment that sheds light on the transformative potential of a proposed €48 million investment in four strategic town centre sites. The four identified sites— Abbey Street Car Park, Harvey's Quay, Post Office Field, and a brownfield site on Francis Street—serve as key components in the delivery of the first phase of the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy. The economic impact analysis, undertaken by AECOM, demonstrates the significant contribution the development of these sites would have onthe economy of Ennis and Co Clare and recognises their potential to enhance Ennis' commercial, retail, residential, and amenity offerings. The construction phase is projected to create 526 short term jobs, providing a substantial and immediate boost to the local job market. Beyond construction, the completed projects are expected to generate over 200 long term jobs, contributing an additional €3.5 million annually to the Clare economy. Furthermore, the proposed developments have
the potential to deliver 79 homes catering for almost 300 people, addressing critical housing needs, and promoting town centre living, thereby increasing the footfall in Ennis town centre. In addition to the economic benefits, the report recognised the wide-ranging benefitsof creating attractive public realm and amenities that will enhance the well-being of the community and the environment. Pat Dowling, CEO, Clare County Council, said, "The
insights provided by AECOM, as independent experts, recognise that these developments will introduce transformative changes to the town of Ennis. While acknowledging that adjustments may be necessary, the overall benefits are poised to outweigh these challenges. The findings reaffirm the vision set out in the Ennis 2040 Economic & Spatial Strategy and the positive impact these developments will have on our community and county."
l POSITIVE IMPACT: Carmel Kirby, Kevin Corrigan and Pat Dowling Photo by Brian Arthur
Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Planet friendly evening Bunratty Castle to mark St Brigid’s Day Hotel receive €2.5m
A SPECIAL evening to mark St. Brigid’s Day at Clare Haven Horizons Charity Superstore in Ennis takes place on February 1st. As well as music and mingling there will be short talks on how to upcycle furniture and repurpose so called “waste”, how to choose the right pre-loved fashion items for you and how to be kinder to the planet while doing so. Carol Buckley of the Clare Haven Horizons charity shop will give pointers on how to breathe new life into pieces of furniture and repurpose waste items to create something unique. Louisa McMahon of Top to Toe Style will give tips on how to pick what is right for you, whether casual or for a fancy occasion. “My goal is to help people look and feel their best while shopping sustainably as well,” she said. She will also be on hand after her talk to advise anyone who wants to try out items from the clothes shop. A common thread going through the evening will be the need for sustainability in our lives. Green Party Representative Bridget Ginnity thinks we can get inspiration from St. Brigid. “One of the stories about St. Brigid is that the King of Leinster agreed she could have the land her cloak would cover. What a shock when the cloak grew and spread over the whole area of the Curragh. It would be great if we could stretch our budgets as well as she could stretch her cloak, but we can do a lot if we live our lives in a way that does not use up our precious resources.” Mairead Mannion, shop manager at Haven Horizons’ Charity Superstore, says their outlet is “a high-end second-hand departmental store which sells a diverse range of excellent
insurance from fire by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie
l FASHION: Bridget Ginnity with stylist Louisa McMahon from Top to Toe Style
quality items, ranging from furniture to fashion, home and kitchen ware to quality books and toys. I always say that smart people shop in charity shops and save their hard-earned money for their holidays and for creating memories with their families.” The event takes place on Thursday 1st February 7-9pm at the Furniture Home-store in the Gort Road Business Park in Ennis. V95 C8HN. Entry is free and all proceeds from the evening will support the charitable work of both Clare Haven Services and Haven Horizons.
THE owner of the Bunratty Castle Hotel, the Blarney Woollen Mills Group has received insurance proceeds of €2.5m from a fire that damaged the hotel in 2021. That is according to new consolidated accounts for Blarney Woollen Mills Group Ltd and subsidiaries which show that arising from the insurance claim from the June 2021 fire, the group received insurance proceeds of €521,550 last year and this is in addition to the €1.98m received in the prior year. The €2.5m insurance proceeds for the Bunratty hotel fire is off-set by associated costs of €230,581 resulting in a net gain of insurance proceeds of €2.27m. A note attached states that the gain is the excess of the insurance proceeds received over the net book value of the relevant assets at that date and the direct costs incurred, plus amounts received to cover business interruption. The group also operates the Meadows & Byrne and Blarney Woollen Mills retail networks around the country and new accounts show that pre-tax profits declined by 60pc to €4.35m in the 12 months to the end of January 31st last. The drop in pre-tax profits came as revenues increased by 40pc rising from €35.75m to €50.2m. The chief factor behind the drop in profits was no Covid-19 Employer Wage Subsidy Scheme payments last year compared to €4.59m received in the prior year. Also, the net €521,550 proceeds from the insurance payout was down sharply on the €1.75m received for the prior year. Along with operating Blarney Woollen Mills and Mead-
ows & Byrne shops around the country, the group operates hotels and restaurants situated in Blarney, Cork, Dove Hill, Co. Tipperary and Bunratty, Co. Clare. The directors state that revenues increased last year driven by the group’s key retail and hospitality markets being open for the full year following Covid-19 shutdowns and the continued successful execution of the company’s growth strategy. They state "demand for the company’s products remains strong however the cost of doing business has continued to increase". The group recorded operating profits of €4.8m and interest costs of €451,773 reduced profits to €4.35m. The profit takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of €331,690. The group recorded post tax profits of €3.57m after incurring a corporation tax charge of €780,703.
The accounts - signed off by directors, Freda Hayes and Fergus Gately on November 7th - show that retail sales rose by 25pc rising from €26.56m to €33.17m while hotel and restaurant sales more than doubled from €6.4m to €14.1m. The group’s revenues from manufacturing knitwear increased marginally from €2.62m to €2.78m while concession income totalled €198,144. Numbers employed by the group increased by 91 from 409 to 500 as staff costs increased to €13.56m. Directors' pay increased from €697,103 to €873,798 made up of €620,000 in remuneration and €253,798 in pension contributions. Key management personnel shared pay of €1.38m. Shareholder funds at the end of January totalled €28.94dm. Cash funds declined from €18.55m to €13.67m.
l DAMAGE: Bunratty Castle Hotel
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
News
Hurling mourns ‘One of the great passing of Jackie centre backs of by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
CLARE GAA is in mourning this week following the passing of Cratloe’s Jackie O’Gorman which came a day after the death of another legendary defender in Tubber’s Donal O’Grady. O’Gorman is rated as one of the finest defenders of his era having lined out for his beloved Clare at either wing or corner back for over a decade. Called up to the Clare panel in the late 60’s he was a regular from 1967 to the end of the 70’s, playing in every one of Clare’s championship games in that period. He starred in the national league winning teams of 1977 and 1978 when Clare accounted for Kilkenny; in both finals. He played in the Clare team which contested the Munster finals of 1972, 1974, 1977 and 1978, suffering defeat
l Jackie O’Gorman
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on each occasion. When his inter county playing days ended he became a selector and filled that role when Clare contested the Munster finals of 1981 and 1986. He was a regular on the Munster team which played in the famed Railway cup inter provincial hurling championship during that period. During his career he won many sports personality of the week awards for his displays. One of his proudest moments came long after his playing career ended when he watched his native Cratloe capture the Clare senior hurling title for the first time, in 2009. Clare’s All-Ireland successes in 1995 and 1997 under the management of his former inter county team mate Ger Loughnane also brought great delight to Jackie as did the 2013 win with a number of Cratloe players in the line up.
‘Safe pair of hands’ “SAFE Pair of hands and very much the go to guy” can in many ways sum up the life of the late Michael McNamara who passed away recently, writes Michael O’Connor. Former Clooney/Quin GAA chairperson Sean Earls described him as a man “who could remember dates, games, when events happened and the right way to do things in the quietest way possible”. A statement from Clooney/ Quin GAA club referenced all which others said of Michael. “Anyone who worked with Michael in any aspect of Clooney/Quin GAA club saw him as a gentleman who showed respect to all and received respect from all he had dealings with. He was like so many other members of the club who served their time was a cornerstone of the club and community and this was shown by his long association with the lotto long after he stepped down as secretary and also after his second stint as secretary. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Anne, Shane, Mike and Rory as well his brothers Gerry and Francis plus family and friends”. A native of Ballyogan, Barefield, he attended Barefield NS and Ennis CBS. Michael played all his hurling career for St Joseph's Doora Barefield. Such was his dedication to his parish he commuted by bus when working in Dublin at weekends to play for St Joseph's. He captured Junior A league and championship plus intermediate league and championship honours with his club. He was a selector when St Joseph's captured the 1993 Intermediate hurling championship and when his beloved St Joseph's captured the 1999 All Ireland senior club championship, he was the club PRO. When Mike or Micho as he was called in St
l Michael McNamara Joseph’s moved to Clooney following marriage to Ann Lawlor he became actively involved in all aspects of Clooney life but always retained a clear love for his native parish. He became an active member of Clooney/Quin GAA club and served as secretary of the club at senior level. He worked with a variety of club officers over 20 years in the club. He also served as an underage selector on numerous underage Clooney/Quin teams that his son Shane, Mike and Rory played on. County operations manager Deirdre Murphy, a neighbour of Michael’s commented “Clare GAA are sad to hear of the sad passing following illness of Michael McNamara. He was one of the great unsung administrators of the GAA who acted with complete perfection and discretion involving everyone in the process. His work with Clare county council was of great assistance to Clare GAA over the past 30 years plus and his help around GAA election time was eagerly sought after. Having known Michael for so many years I would like to echo the sentiments of so many that he was a gentleman in every way one can describe. Ar Dheis De ar a anam”
Clare hurling’
THE death has occurred of one the great centre backs of Clare hurling. Donal O’ Grady, writes Michael O’Connor. The Tubber native who was in his 97th year passed away peacefully on Sunday in Carrigoran nursing home. Donal joined the RAF at the age of 18 following his brother Noel and spent three years in England and Germany. He came back to Clare in 1948 and immediately joined the Clare hurling panel and was ahead of most due to a high level of fitness encouraged by his time in the military. Jimmy Smyth and O’Grady were on the senior bench in 1949 at Limerick but remained unused. In the 1949 junior home final, Clare defeated Kilkenny by 3-5 to 3-3 at Nenagh but were shocked by London-Irish in the final proper at Cusack Park by 3-7 to 3-6. His first ever call to arms for Clare senior hurling came following the 1949 season when he was contacted by Clare GAA by letter to attend Ennis for a league game against Galway. As relayed by his nephew Michael O’ Connor (Tubber). ”During our time in the 70s with Clare Micko McGrath from Crusheen would collect Tubber, Ruan and Crusheen lads but in those times players had to make their own way. So, Donal had to cycle in from Tubber. At Barefield he had a puncture in the bike, went in to Considine’s bar but to no avail would they have the bike fixed in time so Donal had to jog into Cusack Park
for the game”. In 1954 Clare GAA captured the famed Oireachtas title famously defeating Wexford before 50,000 people in Croke Park with Donal starring at centre back. In the 1955 season before All Star and individual awards became the norm Donal was twice selected as Irish Independent sports star of the week for his performances on the field representing his county. Following the end of his career with Clare in 1956 he moved to Dublin and enjoyed success with Faughs winning two senior Dublin hurling championships before moving to Luton in England working as a stores manager for General Motors. In later live he moved back to Clare and worked in O Connor Engineering as office manager for the emerging com-
Donal was married to the late Bridget O Grady (nee Flanagan) who was a native of Lisdoonvarna who passed away in April 2023. His links to Clare hurling continued down through the greatest days that Clare hurling enjoyed. In the 1970s his nephews, Michael, Enda and Patrick all played on the Clare league winning sides of 1977-89 and also a number of Munster finals in the same era. Tubber GAA club commented. “Donal O’ Grady was one of our greatest hurlers in a proud tradition of Tubber providing players for Clare teams. He excelled in the 1949 All Ireland Junior win and starred for Clare in the 1954 Oireachtas and the 1955 Munster championship. His nephews and grandnephew all played Clare Se-
l Donal O’Grady pany. The former Clare centre back could always be seen at the top corner of the terrace in Cusack Park near the river Fergus watching club games on his own in his traditional black overcoat.
nior hurling with great success and have starred for his beloved Tubber. We would like to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of the late Donal”. Ar Dheis De ar a anam.
Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
News
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park celebrates ancient festival of Imbolc
lTRADITION: Fun for all the family
IMBOLC, the ancient pagan festival marking the beginning of spring, will be celebrated at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park on February 4th. The County Clare visitor attraction will showcase the vibrant crafts, traditions, animals and customs that characterise the season, while the ‘Imbolc Celebration’ will also mark St. Brigid’s Day. Marie Brennan, Events Manager at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, commented, “Imbolc represents the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox and has been celebrated in this country since ancient times. We look forward to marking the beginning of spring in style by inviting the local community and the wider public to join us for a fun-filled and educational day out.” Visitors will be able to learn how to make Saint Brigid's Cross, an iconic symbol that has graced Irish homes for centuries. Bunratty's experienced Bean an Tís will guide the public through the traditional craft, demonstrating the meticulous process of weaving straw or rushes into the distinctive cross shape. A variety of native Irish animals from Droimeann cattle to Irish Wolfhounds and from Irish Red Deer to Tamworth pigs will be on display as part of the visitor attraction’s ongoing work to increase awareness of native Irish breeds and how they have formed part of Ireland’s social and cultural history down through the centuries.
Members of the Wolfhound Society of Ireland will be onsite on the day with opportunities for the public to engage with them and discover more about one of Ireland’s most celebrated indigenous Irish canine breeds. Basket maker Michael Foudy will demonstrate the time-honoured tradition of making traditional style baskets using locally sourced materials such as hazel and willow. The Bean an Tí also will be on hand throughout the day to demonstrate the art of traditional butter making at the Golden Vale Farmhouse. As the Folk Park springs into life for the new season, the Clare Vintage and Engine Tractor Club will showcase an array of vintage agricultural machinery at work including corn grinders, water pumps and a mini threshing machine. There also will be children’s entertainment from a host of characters located throughout the 26-acre Folk Park, including the resident Seanchaí Mickey Joe who will recall tales of bygone days and traditional ways preserved over the centuries at Corry's Pub on the Village Street. Meanwhile, Konor the Clown will be performing magic, juggling and music in the Corn Barn at various internals throughout the day.
See www.bunrattycastle.ie for more on the Imbolc Celebration at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, County Clare on February 4th from 11.00am to 5.00pm.
lHERITAGE: Bunratty Castle and Folk Park
Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Ennis: Talk of the Town
Ennis Book Club Festival Yogis reveal final ‘vibrant’ lineup raise €3,400
NEWS IN BRIEF
ENNIS Book Club Festival Committee have announced the full programme for the 18th Ennis Book Club Festival, taking place this year from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd March, writes Elaine Tubridy. This year’s Festival will offer a vibrant programme of live events and activities for book lovers of all ages. As always, the Festival will offer opportunities to engage with your favourite
lPULITZER FINALIST: Rebecca Makkai
authors and features an additional programme of events for younger readers. Join the EBCF team and Artistic Director Martina Durac for a warm welcome at the Festival Opening taking place in the foyer at glór, a perfect opportunity to meet friends old and new. Festival events kick off on Friday at 12pm with the launch of We Are Human Too, edited by Anne Marie Flanagan at The Temple Gate Hotel. Writers from the West with Una Mannion, Mike McCormack and Sarah Gilmartin in conversation with Derek Hand takes place in glór at 6pm, followed by an event with author Brian Leyden and multi-instrumentalist Seamie O’Dowd. A festival favourite, Ten Books you Should Read takes place in glór at 11.30am on Saturday, this year featuring contributions from Rónán Hession and Liam Ó Maonlaí with Cónal Creedon followed at 2pm by another festival staple, Debut Novelists with Lauren Mackenzie, Michael Magee and Colin Barrett in conversation with Peter Murphy. The Beyond Borders Book Club (Temple Gate, 2pm), is a celebration of great literature from countries beyond Ireland, recommended by guests who have connections to the places discussed in these writings. Guest panelists Sree Sen, Nandi Jola and Natasha Remoundou will take part in a discussion with writer Sarah Clancy, focusing on books from India, South Africa and Greece. Ennis Book Club Festival celebrates Clarebased writers - John Lillis, Darragh McKeon and Tara Smith in conversation with Festival Director Martina Durac at 4pm in the Temple Gate Hotel. A Saturday night author interview with Rebec-
ca Makkai takes place in glór at 8.30pm. Ennis Book Club Festival is delighted to welcome Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Rebecca Makkai to this year’s festival where she will be in conversation with Belinda McKeon. Author of New York Times-bestselling I Have Some Questions for You as well as novels The Great Believers, The Hundred-Year House and The Borrower, she has also published a short story collection, Music for Wartime. The closing day of the festival sees Mary Ellen Hodgins Reading and Poetry Collective Open Mic take place in the Record Break Café whilst Sweet N Green hosts Hush Hour, a reading party that redefines social gatherings for book lovers. The ever-popular Sunday Symposium takes to the stage at glór at 11am. In 2024 Ennis Book Club Festival introduces a new element to the festival with EBCF Fringe. This presents a chance for a variety of artists to bring their talents to the festival with storytelling, music, poetry, song, and collaborative performances, as Gaeilge agus Béarla. More details to be announced on www.ennisbookclubfestival. com. Ennis Book Club Festival, in association with Clare Libraries also features an extensive programme for younger readers, including the chance for Clare post-primary schools to participate in Fighting Words; Music Tech for Teens; A Dive Into Comics; Expert Tips for Teenage Reads and Clara Kumagai discussing her YA Novel, Catfish Rolling. All events will go on sale on www.ennisbookclubfestival.com from Thursday 25th January with selected events already on-sale. Early booking is advised. See website for full programme
A RECENT event run by the Ennis Yoga Studio to raise funds for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF), exceeded expectations by collecting €3,400. The night itself was the brain child of Fiona Guiheen, Anne Drumm, Brenda Byrne & Fiona Brewer. The Ennis Yoga Studio provided the perfect location for the evening to take place. The IPSC are also fundraising for the PCRF with a free screening of the film GAZA in the West County Hotel at 7.30 on Thursday February 1st.
Quin GPM
QVTT would like to invite all to a General Planning Meeting next Mon night, Jan 29th at 7.30pm in the Community Hall Board Room. This gives you a great opportunity to contribute to the 2024 plan as there may be a particular area that you feel needs attention or an idea that would enhance our lovely village.
Vicky Phelan Campaign & Portrait to visit Ennis by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie
THE Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour will be held in Danlann An Chlair, Ennis at 7pm on January 26th. Campaigner Vicky Phelan, who was terminally ill, unveiled a scandal involving cervical cancer treatment. Vicky was diagnosed with cervical cancer, three years after receiving the all-clear in 2014. This led Phelan to investigate the matter further, however she ultimately found that a number of additional women would eventually be affected. Vicky later passed away on November 14th, 2022. The Vicky Phelan Campaign and Portrait Tour has commenced over the last few months and will commence in Clare for the first this Friday at 7pm in Danlann An Chlair, College Road, Ennis, free of charge. This event will be hosted by Relay for Life Clare, and Clare Haven Services, along with Cllr. Mary How-
l The late Vicky Phelan
ard (FG). There will be plenty of activity and affairs on the night, including David Brennan (a childhood friend of Vicky’s) will talk about Vicky’s life, her work and passion as well as explaining the imagery and
symbolism on the Vincent Devine painting that he purchased at an auction in February 2021. Cllr. Howard spoke to The Clare Echo ahead of the event and provided more detail on what to expect on the evening. “Two local cancer
advocates, healthcare campaigner, John Wall of Lahinch and 221+ member Caoimhe O’Neill-Forde will speak about their cancer journeys also”. The Ennis councillor is looking forward to her involvement with the event at Danlann An Chlair, “I was at the Campaign and Tour when it was hosted in Gort a couple months back, and I was fascinated by it. Just to learn about their stories, even the Imagery and Symbolism behind the Vincent Devine painting offers is intriguing. And to learn about Vicky and Laura Brennan’s push for medication over the years is very interesting. They were two great campaigners”. David Brennan also spoke to the Clare Echo ahead of the event, as he will provide in-depth detail about Vicky, her battle with cervical cancer, and more. “I knew Vicky all my life and have fond memories with her”. He recalled to The Clare Echo,
the incident in Dublin when she refused to sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement, which is a private interaction and is a constitutionally enforceable agreement. By adopting the legal document, the participants acknowledge that whatever delicate data they acquire will remain private. For David, that encapsulated Vicky’s personality, a strong, self-reliant lady. Plenty will happen at the event, as Colum McGrath from Clare FM will be the mc for the evening and will chat with the various guests. Presentations from the two Ennis secondary schools of Coláiste Mhuire and Ennis Community College, and a performance from the SMV Community Choir in Ennis will also take place on Friday evening. Danlann An Chlair, College Road, Ennis (V94 C5RT) will host the only Clare scheduled event, Doors will open from 6:30pm and will kick off at 7pm-9pm.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
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Shannon
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SHANNON NEWS in association with
Storm Isha diverts 15 flights to Shannon
F
ifteen commercial flight diversions were facilitated at Shannon Airport on Sunday and early on Monday morning due to Storm Isha, writes Elaine Tubridy. A spokesperson for The Shannon Airport Group commented: “Shannon Airport was fully operational [Sunday] and [Sunday night], operating our normal schedule and available to accept aircraft diversions throughout Storm Isha. “Our airport staff worked tirelessly yesterday and throughout the night to facilitate flights impacted by Storm Isha, managing 15 flight di-
versions [Sunday] and overnight. We expect to operate a normal flight schedule today, and we remain available to facilitate further diversions if required.” Flights from Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Holland, Luxembourg, Poland, and the UK diverted to Shannon Airport during the course of the storm. In total, 10 flights due to land at Dublin Airport and four flights originally due to land at Cork airport diverted to Shannon. In addition, an Edinburgh bound flight which took off from Stansted diverted to Shannon at 02:37 Monday morning. All 15 flights landed safely.
lAID: Shannon Airport came to the rescue of flights due to land in Dublin, Cork and Edinburgh
‘Inspirational’ mountain climber welcomed
SHANNON Airport recently welcomed inspirational mountain climbing enthusiast Andy Nolan, as he embarked on a trip of a lifetime to climb Mount Kosciuszko, mainland Australia’s tallest mountain, writes Elaine Tubridy. Andy is attempting to become a member of an elite global club that has completed ‘The Seven Summits’, which involves successfully climbing the highest peaks in all seven continents. Andy’s journey to Australia started from Shannon Airport, to transit via London
Heathrow and Hong Kong for the climb, which he is doing to raise awareness and vital funds for the LauraLynn Hospice, a charity which provides palliative care and support for children with life-limiting conditions. Mount Kosciuszko will be Andy’s 5th of the 7 peaks, having already successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa (5,895m); Mount Elbrus on the Europe and Russian border (5,642m); Mount Aconcagua in South America (6,961m) and most recently, Mount Denali, Alaska, in May 2023 (6,194m).
Although Kosciusko is considered the easiest of the seven summits at 2,228m, this peak will present different challenges for Andy, who broke both his right ankle and leg last June, and only a couple of months ago, had to learn how to walk again after several surgeries. After Mount Kosciuszko, Andy will set his sights on completing the final two summits, Mount Vinson in Antarctica (4,892m) and Mount Everest in Nepal (8,848m). Around 400-500 people have completed the challenge worldwide.
Notes
THE LITTLE MERMAID TICKETS for Shannon Musical Society’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid will go on sale at 9am on Saturday 27th January. Tickets can be bought online at TicketSource. Links and more information can be found on our facebook or instagram page @shannonmusicalsociety. The show will take place in St. Patrick’s Comprehensive School, Shannon from Sunday 11th-Saturday 17th February, nightly at 19:30, including a Saturday 17th Matinee at 14:00. A pop up booking office will be available at Shannon’s Got Talent event taking place on Friday 26th January in Treacys Oakwood Shannon at 19:30, where 10 contestants will take to the stage for a great night of entertainment. IBTS CLINIC THE next IBTS clinic will take place at Treacys Oakwood Hotel on Monday, January 29 and Tuesday, January 30 from 4pm to 7.20pm. Phone 1800 222 111 for an appointment.
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Gort & North Clare
‘Explore Burren of 10,000 years ago’ by Elaine Tubridy news@clareecho.ie
Corofin Hall receives funding boost
Community activist Dermot Hayes and author Breda Shannon donated 50 per cent of the profits from their book, The Road that Rises, to the Corofin Hall and Field Committee last weekend. Pictured are Dermot and Breda with Committee Chair Conor Leyden, Secretary Monica Lyons and Board Member Vincent Egan. The other 50 per cent of the profits were donated to Clare Leader Forum
HISTORY buffs will be fascinated by X-PO’s first heritage talk of 2024, which takes place on Thursday 1st February at 8.00 pm. “In the Footsteps of the Mesolithic Hunter-Gatherers in the Burren” by Conn Herriott will bring amateur historians back in time over 10,000 years to explore what life was like for the Burren’s very first inhabitants. These hunter-gatherer communities moved through the landscape on a seasonal basis. Conn will paint a picture of the Burren environment
back then. He will also detail archaeological evidence for human activity during that period. Drawing on studies of hunter-gatherer societies, Conn will look at what we can tell about the Burren’s earliest inhabitants. Conn is a commercial archaeologist based in County Clare. He has worked in Ireland, the UK, USA, Australia and Europe. His research focus is Mesolithic-Neolithic ritual, religion, ethnographic analogy, lithic analysis and marine archaeology https:// independentresearcher.academia.edu/ConnHerriott The event is free of charge.
Donations to X-PO welcome. X-PO is a community hub based in the former post office in Killinaboy, North Clare. A wide range of social and cultural events take place at the venue. Visit the X-PO’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ XPOKillinaboy/live. If you would like to keep up to date with events and talks please email: kilnaboyxpo@gmail.com to join their mailing list.
Carving a career in stone NCHS to reveal ‘Hidden
THE Gort Arts St Brigid’s Festival will play host to an exciting exhibition by self taught Clare based sculptor Tommy Brennan, writes Elaine Tubridy. A selkie in Celtic mythology is a being capable of shapeshifting from seal to human by shedding
their seal skin. Song of the Selkie captures the Selkie in its human form. It is a fitting piece of art by the sculptor who says he loves the challenge of coaxing a sensuous form from a hard, unyielding material.
“In a way it is like giving a new life, new form, new shape to something that is largely viewed as tough, rigid or inflexible,” says Tommy who is originally from Louth but now living in the Burren. He creates mostly small scale figurative pieces in stone, usually limestone and marble. He admits to a lifelong fascination with stone, its formation and its antiquity and for many years he worked as a stonemason, practising the traditional craft of stone building. “Having dressed and shaped stone for most of my life, the move to stone carving was a natural progression,” he says. He uses off-cuts or fragments of broken or discarded stone, which he acquires from monumental sculptors, salvage yards or building sites. Thus, these pieces of stone instead of being superfluous or destined for landfill receive a new lease of life. The nature of this recycling process is an important aspect of his work. Tommy’s work will be on view at the upcoming Gort Arts St Brigid’s Festival windows exhibition running from 1-7 February. Visit Tommy Brennan Sculpture (tommy-brennan-sculpture.ie) or on Instagram at @Createdfromstone for more.
Heritage’ of the Burren ASPECTS of the Archaeology of the North Clare area will be the focus of the North Clare Historical Society’s January presentation with talks from two North Clare archaeologists, Edel Barry and Elaine Lynch. Elaine will present Preliminary Results of the Excavations at Lismoher and Ballyganner North. This presentation will give the preliminary results of two community excavations of three recorded hut/enclosure sites in the townland of Lismoher and Ballyganner North in the south central Burren of Clare. The excavations were carried out over two seasons in May 2022 and May 2023. This provided an opportunity for the Burrenbeo Trust Conservation Volunteers to learn and experience the processes associated with archaeological excavation. A number of artefacts were uncovered from the sites along with human burials. The excavations were funded by the Royal Irish Academy. Elaine Lynch is a licenced archaeologist who has been working in the archaeological sector for over 19 years on both commercial and research excavations as well as field and post-excavation work. In 2011 she completed an MPhil in Archaeology from University College Cork, where her research was entitled ‘A study of Grooved Ware in Ireland’. In recent years, she has been focusing on her specialism and producing prehistoric pottery reports. She has produced a range of illustrations over
the years from digitising site plans to artefact illustrations, a number of which have been published. For the past four years, she has worked with the Field Monument Advisor Programme in Co. Clare with the Burren Programme. She has recently joined AMS as an inhouse pottery specialist and artefact illustrator. Edel will introduce Some of the Hidden Heritage of the North Clare area. There is a wide range of monuments and structures of interest in the area, which are indicative of settlement since prehistory right up until the 20th century. Edel will showcase some monuments in Kilfenora and Ennistymon, and their shared hinterland, to give a picture of the area in the past. Edel Barry is an archaeologist with particular interest in the built environment, industrial archaeology and social history. Much of her work is in the area of built heritage, and she completed her MPhil thesis on the ‘Archaeology of Narrow Gauge Railways in Munster’, incorporating a detailed study of the West Clare Railway, in 2010. In recent years she has been working with community groups to help support them to protect and promote archaeology and built heritage in Co. Clare, particularly in her native Kilfenora.
The presentation will take place on Monday 29th January at 8pm at The Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon. All are welcome.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
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Gort & North Clare
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Take a walk through local history with Cuimhneamh an Chláir
A NEW series of cultural heritage walks curated by Cuimhneamh an Chláir will launch this weekend with a trek around the beautiful area of Moher. Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cuimhneamh an Chláir Project Co-ordinator Paula Carroll said: “You all know the Cliffs, but move south beyond Hags Head and you’re into an area surrounded by sea on 3 sides, and with a very particular identity. “The area is steeped in folklore and history, and our guide through it is Moher native Martina McCarthy.
Martina is a Heritage Officer with Waterways Ireland and grew up looking out at the ocean at the spot where the Irish Atlantis, the submerged land of “Cill Stiffeen”, is reputedly located”. Cuimhneamh an Chláir has been gathering and archiving the stories of Co. Clare for the last 15 years. Those stories are strongly linked to place and landscape and to our sense of identity as Clare people. In 2024 Cuimhneamh an Chláir invites you to walk through those landscapes and stories in the company of local people who will act as your guides, and introduce you to
others along the way who will tell you stories of their own place. Walks will take place bi-monthly throughout the year, mostly in rural locations, but Clare towns will feature too. The walks are free but must be booked in advance at https://www. tickettailor.com/events/cuimhneamhanchlir/1125380 After booking you’ll be sent details of the starting location and time, as well as Health and Safety information particular to the walks. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more walk details.
Katherine steps into her future lFOLKLORE: Drone image of Moher by Matthew Gaggle
Katherine Spillane from Lahinch graduated from the University of Limerick this week with Masters in Science and Human Resource Management. More than 1,900 students, including 77 PhDs were conferred over three days Photo by Arthur Ellis
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Giveaway
THE WINNER TAKES IT ALL Have a look at some of the prizes you could win The Clare Echo would like to wish our readers a Happy New Year in the best possible way in conjunction with a number of our advertisers. To be in with your chance to win over €2500 worth of prizes read on for full details...
HOW TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN? Introducing The Clare Echo riddle. We will bring you a new clue each week, culminating with our fourth and final clue on February 1, 2024. Readers who guessed the correct answer in Week 1 received 10 entries and week 2 would have received 6 entries into our prize draw. The number of entries awarded for getting the correct answer this week will be 3. The number of entries that will be awarded for a correct answer are as follows. • Week 1 (until Jan 17 at 6pm): 10 entries • Week 2 (until Jan 24 at 6pm): 6 entries • Week 3 (until Jan 31 at 6pm): 3 entries • Week 4 (until Feb 6 at 6pm): 1 entry Contestants can enter each week and 10 entries is the most one person will be eligible for in total. To enter, email editor@clareecho.ie with the subject line Clare Echo Riddle. In the email, give us your answer, name, age, phone number and where you’re from.
YOUR WEEK 3 CLUE Limestone is in my making
Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
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Giveaway
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WIN OVER €2500 of PRIZES
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TICKETS The festive season brought joy and cheer to The Arc Cinema, and we’re gearing up for an equally enchanting February! As we bid adieu to tinsel, we’re diving into the excitement of the upcoming Mid-Term break and Valentine’s Day. Join us for a spectacular Peppa Pig Cinema Party, celebrating two decades of Peppa’s adventures! On Valentine’s Day, embrace love and cinema with the release of Madame Web and One Love, a Bob Marley biopic that promises to captivate hearts. For
one day only, relive the magic of The Notebook on its 20th anniversary. And that’s not all – catch the Oscars buzz with award-nominated films during this prestigious season. General Manager, Cathal, is particularly thrilled about Argylle and its star-studded cast, only in cinemas February 2. The stage is set for a blockbuster February at The Arc Cinema—where every movie is a celebration! Keep an eye on our social media for details about special offers, promotions and events!
HomeGallery-WinterSale-PG-Jan24-CC.qxp_Layout 1 03/01/2024
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
GREEN CLARE
TY students called on to ‘Shoot the Breeze’ in Estuary film competition
lACTION: Pat Keating, CEO Shannon Foynes Port Company and Sinead Hutchinson, Events and Exhibitions Manager Hunt Museum Limerick Photo by Arthur Ellis
TY STUDENTS across Clare are being given an opportunity to have their say on our future by creating short films on the potential of the Shannon Estuary as a global renewable energy hub. Organised by the port authority, the Shannon Foynes Port Company Compass schools competition will be an opportunity for TY students in counties Clare, Kerry and Limerick to create a short film that predicts what realising the unprecedented renewable energy opportunity on the Shannon Estuary will do for the region and nation. Themed ‘Shooting the Breeze’, the competition returns for the first time since pre-COVID and has a top prize of €2,000 for the winning school. Students create
a film of a maximum duration of seven minutes that will focus on the impact of wind power, what it will deliver in terms of sustainability and the downstream economic opportunities as the Shannon Estuary becomes the production hub for Ireland’s estimated 80GW of offshore wind – 10 times our domestic requirement - waiting to be tapped off the Atlantic seaboard. Shannon Foynes Port is partnering on this year’s competition with the Hunt Museum, leveraging off its ‘Nights Candles are Burnt Out’ exhibition, which charts the previous renewable energy revolution of the Shannon system via the development almost a century ago of the Shannon Hydroelectric Scheme at Ardnacrusha. Students will get ample inspiration and insight for their film by visiting the captivating exhibition, which is free to all schools participating in ‘Shooting the Breeze’. Shannon Foynes Port Chief Executive Pat Keating said: “COMPASS has been a great instrument for growing awareness among the youth of the region of the opportunity for the Shannon Estuary to become an international renewable energy generation hub. Participating schools have found it beneficial in terms of gaining awareness of our unique opportunity in this region to lead Ireland’s and influence Europe’s green transition, but they have really enjoyed the process. “So, we would encourage as many as possible to enter. Our partnership with the Hunt Museum is an extra attraction as students visiting the exhibition will get plenty of inspiration and insight from it for their short film.” Mr Keating added: “Returning this year with the competition is particularly timely following the publication last year of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce report, which sets out just why the Shannon Estuary can become the green digital powerhouse for the country and export huge volumes of renewable energy to Europe. This is a cue for these young film makers and I’ve no doubt that this will be a project they will be passionate about given this generation’s focus on and demand for the sustainable future that the Estuary can deliver.” Sinead Hutchison, Exhibition & Events Manager at Hunt Muse-
um, said, “We’re delighted to partner with Shannon Foynes Port on Shooting the Breeze. “This is all about the future but learnings from the past can certainly inspire the future and museums are enablers of that. “What happened on the Shannon system here almost 100 years ago, which is the subject of our Nights Candles are Burnt Out exhibition, with Ardnacrusha is not just inspiration for the students participating in this competition but is an inspiration to everyone, including government, to go after today’s opportunity on the Shannon Estuary. “Ardnacrusha was one of the top engineering feats in the world in its day, was what the Hoover Dam in the US was modelled on and yet this was committed to and developed in the very early years of our state. “If we replicate that courage today, it will bring us to a whole new and better world tomorrow and that’s what we this competition will showcase.” A panel of independent judges will adjudicate on the film submissions and pay particular attention to creativity, knowledge, ingenuity and presentation of the outcomes. Evidence of teamwork is also essential. In addition to the €2,000 for their school, the winning team will also receive the coveted COMPASS Trophy. Each team member also receives an iPad & Commemorative Medal. The runner up prizes for each of the five teams are Commemorative Medals and Sailing Day at Foynes Yacht Club.
Information Packs and Entry Forms for the competition are available from eadams@sfpc.ie; telephone 069 73102. Entry forms must be returned by 31st January 2024, with a further eight weeks for the TY teams to create their short-film, which must be submitted by March 21st 2024. The five Best Film Nominations will be announced on April 8th, with the chosen teams presenting their films at the Gala Awards Event in the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum on April 26th.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
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GREEN CLARE
23
Householders urged to tackle electrical waste & make 2024 a year for recycling
HOUSEHOLDERS in Clare are being urged to make ‘recycling of household electrical waste’ a new year resolution for 2024, writes Elaine Tubridy. The “Recycle your Electrical Waste for Free!” awareness campaign will inform and educate people on what items can be recycled and advise them of the multiple civic amenity sites and participating electrical retailers across Ireland. Minister of State Ossian Smyth said “I am delighted to launch this national awareness campaign today, to remind everyone that they can return their electrical waste for free recycling at hundreds of drop off points across the country.” He added “Electrical products contain valuable raw materials, and recycling these materials will help Ireland to transition to a circular economy,
where waste is minimised.” Consumer research comprising 1,000 respondents was undertaken by iReach on electrical waste within homes in Ireland. It demonstrated that 30% of Irish households are storing old, broken or unused electrical items in garden sheds, 25% hoard them in drawers and 16% keep them in the attic, rather than recycling correctly. ERP Ireland, Clare’s designated Compliance Scheme Operator for electrical waste, reports that people in Clare have contributed greatly to the nation’s electrical waste recycling every year, with 1.3m tonnes of e-waste collected in the county during 2022. 9.88kg of waste was recycled per person in Clare in 2022, falling short of the national average of 10.33kg per person. Martin Tobin, CEO of ERP Ireland said, “Ireland is embracing a more
sustainable future, and we are encouraging people to declutter their households, sheds and attics and recycle their broken and unused electrical items. Electrical waste provides us with the opportunity to extract secondary raw materials which is crucial to a fully circular economy.” E-waste is the fastest growing waste stream globally. Recycling is crucial to produce enough secondary raw materials and by recycling electrical waste we ensure these items can be used again in the manufacturing process, saving on the environmental impacts and creating a more circular economy. Check out the MyWaste.ie website to learn more about electrical recycling and to locate your nearest free recycling drop-off point on their interactive map at www.mywaste.ie/ waste-service-locator/.
lFREE-CYCLE: Martin Tobin, CEO of ERP and Minister Ossian Smyth, with Freya Lavery (Age 6)
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Lifestyle & Comment
Don’t take risks on treacherous roads
THE west of Ireland was hit by Storms Isha and Jocelyn this week, bringing with them adverse driving conditions caused by strong winds in particular. In these conditions, it becomes even more crucial to exercise caution and adopt defensive driving practices. Adverse weather can significantly impact road conditions, visibility, and vehicle control. This article, brought to you by Gort Road Tyres, aims to provide valuable insights and tips for safe driving
during storms and windy conditions.
DON’T MAKE UNNECCESARY JOURNEYS: Theresa Mannion hit the nail on the head when she uttered the infamous line, ‘don’t make unneccesary journeys, don’t take risks on treacherous roads’. County Clare is more exposed to the conditions than many other counties. A report carried by local journalist Pat Fly-
nn earlier this year of an overturned campervan near the Cliffs of Moher is proof of this. So if you don’t need to make that journey, don’t do it!
STAY INFORMED: Before embarking on a journey, it’s essential to stay informed about the weather forecast. Pay attention to updates on storms, high winds, and other adverse weather conditions. Plan your trip accordingly, and if possible, postpone your travel if severe weather is expected. SLOW DOWN: Reducing your speed is one of the most effective ways to enhance safety during storms and high winds. Slowing down allows you to maintain better control over your vehicle, react more quickly to unexpected obstacles, and gives you a better chance of avoiding potential accidents. INCREASE FOLLOWING DISTANCE: Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Adverse weather conditions can reduce visibility and make roads slippery. By increasing the distance between vehicles, you provide yourself with more time to react to sudden changes and reduce the risk of rear-end collisions.
lHEAVY RAIN: Driving during a storm can be risky
Miltown Malbay Ladies celebrate victories
The Minor and Intermediate Miltown Malbay Ladies Football panel celebrated their Minor A, Divison 2 Adult league and Intermediate Championship wins at a victory social at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point. The ladies and management are pictured with medal presenters, former Miltown playing stars Marie and Deirdre Killeen and Diane Kelly
KEEP BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL: Maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands, especially during storms and windy conditions. Wind gusts can easily
affect the stability of your vehicle, and having both hands on the wheel allows for better control and quicker adjustments. BE MINDFUL OF HYDROPLANING: Storms often bring heavy rain, leading to the risk of hydroplaning. To reduce this risk, make sure your tires are properly inflated, and drive at a reasonable speed. If you find yourself hydroplaning, avoid sudden movements and gently steer in the direction you want to go. TURN ON HEADLIGHTS AND HAZARD LIGHTS: Increase your visibility to other drivers by using your headlights, even during the day, in heavy rain or stormy conditions. In extreme cases, where visibility is significantly reduced, consider using hazard lights to alert other drivers of your presence. AVOID DISTRACTIONS: Driving in adverse weather conditions requires heightened attention. Minimize distractions such as phone use, adjusting the radio, or engaging in activities that take your focus away from the road. Concentrate on driving and be prepared for sudden changes in conditions. WATCH FOR DEBRIS: Strong winds during storms can lead to the presence of debris on the road. Be vigilant and watch for fallen branches, debris, or even obstacles blown onto the road. If it is safe to do so, report such hazards to local authorities.
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
Support journalism in Clare by subscribing to www.clareecho.ie/subscribe
For the fishcakes For the dressing
n 400g floury potatoes, boiled and mashed n 400g skinless salmon fillet, poached and flaked n 2 scallions finely chopped n 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander n Grated zest and juice of 1 lime n ½ teaspoon green Thai curry paste n 50g butter n Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the salad
n 4 cups chopped spring
cabbage (oss in a little shredded red cabbage for colour) n 3 shredded carrot n 1 red pepper, thinly sliced into bite-sized pieces n 1 cucumber, halved lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced n 1 cup cooked and sliced green beans n 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced n ½ cup loosely packed chopped fresh coriander
n 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter n 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar n 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, from one lime n 3 tablespoons vegetable oil n 1 tablespoon soy sauce n 2 tablespoons honey n 2½ tablespoons sugar n 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped n 1-inch square piece fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped n 1 teaspoon salt n ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes n 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves
Method
1) For the dressing, combine all of the ingredients except for the cilantro in a blender and process until completely smooth. Add the cilantro and blend for a few seconds until the cilantro is finely chopped. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Lifestyle & Comment
25
2) For the salad, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss to combine. If serving right away, drizzle the peanut dressing over top and toss; otherwise, serve the dressing on the side so the salad doesn’t get soggy. 3) For the fishcakes place all the ingredients for the fishcakes except the butter in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined. 4) Divide the fishcake mixture into four balls and shape each into a patty. 5) Place a frying pan over a medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter has melted, add the fishcakes and brown on both sides. Transfer the fishcakes to a baking tray and bake at 180c for 10 minutes. 6) To serve, place each fishcake on a warmed plate with a wedge of lime, plus a good serving of the salad.
Top tips for January gardening Adding some herbs to your kitchen garden
lFresh parsley
WE HAVE arrived in the last week of January, and I can see the stretch in the evening already. It’s been a busy month and I suppose with all the plans we are making for ourselves and planning additions to our garden it’s sometimes nice to hit the pause button and do a check-in. So, what do I mean? Well for me when it comes to the garden, I want it to bring joy and a sense of accomplishment in what I have achieved so far and look forward to adding more. One of my favourite aspects of my garden is herbs. I love the scent they give and the
many textures and variety available. This time of year it’s nice to have the likes of a herb window box on the kitchen window sill for easy access for cooking Thyme is just fabulous. There are so many types but my favorite is lemon thyme. There is also a lovely creeping thyme with a pink flower. Parsley is another great one for the chef in the house. Rosemary is great too and also fennel, dill or oregano. So maybe see what herbs you use. Can you add more to your selection? Maybe do a pallet herb garden DIY. It’s easy to create
and will hold a nice selection of herbs. Herbs will grow in the ground, but some are faster growing than others. I find it best to keep rosemary separate and give her room to bloom. Basil, I find does better in pots/containers. These are only a few in a large selection that will come in over the next few weeks. Have a look and see if you have room to add more herbs to the garden they are a great addition and can complement any garden and keep the chef of the home very happy.
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Columnists
‘Women diminish themselves at work’ WHEN I was young and starting out in my career, I was ill-informed and less conscious of the significant gender gap amid the leaders at the helm of the organisations I worked for. Looking back however, I can clearly remember that the only time I saw a woman at the senior leadership team was generally in the role of HR director, aside from a couple of exceptions that I could count on one hand. And then, for example when a woman did step in as CEO or CFO, she was clearly outnumbered when it came to the male-female ratio at the board table. In last week’s column, I outlined some of the issues that women have in moving up to that level within an organisation, and while we are a long way from equality in terms of gender in c-suite roles, there are some industries where the balance is healthier. For example, in healthcare, the figure is on the increase where women in the pharmacy sector globally, holding 50 per cent of CEO roles. Interestingly, studies show that where women are in leadership, a number of other positive knock-on effects are likely to happen such as: - More women will be employed into leadership positions - The company culture will be healthier for both men and women alike - The more likely a woman’s achievements are to be recognised, the more women will be promoted. I had an off the record chat last year with a HR director who advised me that it is men who are more comfortable to ask for a pay rise, and in fact went as far as saying that women diminish themselves in the workplace by not vocalising or verbalising their own achievements. That was not the first time I had heard this type of story. I am asked to behind the scenes,
help and coach women to find their voice, and to speak up when it comes to demonstrating their worth, and their value and to speak with confidence about their achievements within the organisation. In the corporate work I do within organisations where I look at auditing the company culture and building solutions to bridge any gaps identified, it is 90 per cent or more of women who open the door to me and bring me in, in the first place. Women seem to be more aware of there being ‘something off’ within the organisation and are therefore more comfortable talking to me about what could potentially be causing the issue and most importantly, how best to fix it. Most importantly, they see this as an issue worth fixing, and one to be ignored at the peril of the organisation. Jacinda Ardern, former New Zealand prime minister was known for her compassionate, empathetic yet decisive leadership style. She led the country through the pandemic and of course the horrific killings in the mosques of Christchurch during her six-year reign, which we all watched on the news. She had her second baby while in office, a daughter Neve, who was pictured in her mum’s arms at the UN General assembly, a photo that made history. Women deal with what is known as ‘maternity bias’ or ‘birth bias’ meaning that the unspoken reason why women of a certain age are not hired into certain roles or given a promotional opportunity is because they are likely to be at childbearing age and for that reason, they may be overlooked. The reported traits that women bring to the leadership table such as empathy, agility, collaboration and an ability to coach and influence would bring a healthy balance to the male traits of drive, self-reliance and analytical prowess. It is important to stress that successful leaders of any gender can display
any or all of these traits. However, a gender balance would surely lead to a more diverse experience for the workforce and have a ripple effect into the economy that is as yet, unknown. That type of gender balance in the majority of industries, just isn’t there yet however. This means that presently, we cannot say what the world would be like where women hold 50 per cent of the power, not to mention a world where the balance would be tipped in favour of the female population entirely. Now, there’s an idea to ponder!
lEQUALITY: Jacinda Ardern with her daughter Neve
How to use the ‘feel good’ hormone for motivation
LACK of motivation is a pattern that I hear in 80 per cent of cases when I work with my clients on our 1:1 coaching sessions. Motivation is an effect produced in the brain by certain neurotransmitters. Motivation is a tricky one to tackle but not impossible. Who is the neurotransmitter that carries the motivational message across our body? The main one is the hormone called DOPAMINE. To explain how dopamine works across our brain in a very simple language, is to say that dopamine’s chemical signal gets passed from one neuron to the next, and in between those two neurons, dopamine interacts with various receptors inside the synapse. One thing that is very important to understand is that for motivation specifically, it matters which pathway dopamine takes. If the dopamine takes the most
lCelebrate every win
important reward pathway in the brain, the cerebral cortex, you are in for a win. When there is an increased amount of dopamine on the right pathway, your brain recognizes that something important is about to happen, so the motivation kicks in. Create the dopamine environ-
ment, and the brain does the rest. • One way to achieve those rewarding experiences is by setting incremental step-by-step goals. Dopamine will flow because of the brain’s positive reinforcement whenever you have achieved a step or met a challenge. • Stay entirely focused on one
step at a time or one micro-goal at a time and celebrate every small win. Focus on how great you are feeling when that step is completed. • You can increase your dopamine via positive feedback. Give yourself a high five for every win. • Boost your diet with dopamine-filled foods. Plenty of sources of natural probiotics such as: natural yoghurt, sauerkraut or kombucha and natural glucose, which occurs in raw fruits and nuts. • Take a 10-minute brain break. Meditating or soft gazing your eyesight towards a spot in your room/office/car. • Get some exercise in the middle of the day. • You can optimise your dopamine levels by using plant-based supplements such as saffron. Speak with your health profes-
sional about where you can get the saffron in the right concentration. Getting to understand how our brain and body works and how they communicate, brings so much awareness on our journey to a healthier and happier life. I designed a very powerful program called FLOW with the purpose of architecting your motivation and creating ALIVENESS in your life. Get in touch via 0851968088 or www.authentichealth.ie
Join Smaranda at her January detox workshops at SweetnGreen cafe on January 25, from 6-8pm. €33 per person, WhatsApp 083-0306360 to book
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
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Columnists
27
‘All fired up’ - the debilitating effects of our hormone fluctuations
Menopause expert and awareness advocate Nicola Ryan MPSI shares her own experience of PMS induced rage during perimenopause
“
What the hell is wrong with me, where has Nicola gone?
”
A COMMON symptom of perimenopause is the ability to switch from a feeling of calm to absolute rage in a split second. Perimenopause, or a fluctuation in hormones at a biological or psychological level, changes the way the brain works. Hormone receptors in our brain are affected by these fluctuations and this in turn can have a massive impact on our mental health and our cognitive function. Oestrogen helps to regulate several mood-boosting hormones including serotonin, which can help with your mood, energy, motivation, and sleep pattern. Oestrogen also helps with cognition, so when oestrogen declines or fluctuates, the change in levels can lead to brain fog and forgetfulness, something most of us can relate to, which can be very debilitating in our daily life, at home, in work and often in a social setting. Oestrogen is required in many parts of our brain, including the hypothalamus, amygdala, and the hippocampus, which are all im-
lSTRESSED: Perimenopause can bring with it symptoms like rage
portant areas that help regulate our mood. This is just a quick synopsis of what is happening at a scientific level within our brains. Well, from my experience personally, this is where I struggled and thus, I decided to get informed around this topic as I was becoming unrecognisable. The rage and anger that take over my whole body at the smallest of inconveniences would usually instigate the downward spiral and it was usually my family that were ‘lucky’ enough to witness this crazy person let loose for the day and sometimes even longer. It was like the link from my brain to my mouth had disconnected. I could recognise what was about to happen. I would see the words that were about to come out of my mouth and while my brain is saying, “don’t do it Nicola, don’t say that,” it comes out anyway and I lose the element of control over my own actions. I remember the stress that accompanied the morning routine, when we were all trying to get out the door. Now bear in mind, I have two teenage daughters and one who is 10 going on 20 so getting everyone out of the house is a struggle on a normal day! Then throw a week where my hormones are playing havoc with my body into the mix. These mornings slowly started to become the worst period of time in my life as the aftermath would exhibit heavy consequences on those I love. The girls would sometimes go to school upset, followed by me in floods of tears on the way to work, wondering what the hell is wrong with me, where has Nicola gone? I used to feel really, really bad about myself, like I was a failure. We spend all our lives trying to teach our kids how to express themselves in a caring manor and there I was, failing to lead by example by expressing my emotions in the worst way possible. It was then when I spoke to my doctor, and we concluded that this was PMS (premenstrual syndrome) or raging PMS in my case. PMS is a term that we use to describe a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that we experience in the second half of our cycle. These hormone shifts can be very challenging, which can be due to the sudden drop of hormones just after ovulation and the time before your period starts. Then to top things off we also have extra hormonal shifts during perimenopause, so in my case, this just added to my plight. And if I remember correctly, this didn’t really shed light until my late 30s, early 40s, maybe due to the fact I was on a hormonal contraceptive pill for a good number of years that had a high dose of synthetic oestrogen combined with progesterone which may have masked my PMS symptoms.
lHEALTH: Nicola Ryan
So, the doctor and I decided we would start some hormone therapy to see if they would elevate symptoms and, oh my God life-changing for me and my girls. There is a far more severe disorder called PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). PMDD is often described as an extreme form of PMS, and this can intensify after having children and/or entering perimenopause. This disorder can often go undiagnosed and there isn’t half enough emphasis on this topic as there should be. In my experience, professional and personal, this can start in late 30s for some women and when they go to seek medical help thinking that this could be perimenopause, they can often be ‘fobbed off ’ (words repeated to me before) and told that they are too young for perimenopause to occur. This may be the case for some, but for whatever reason, their hormones are imbalanced, having a psychological effect on that person and worsening over time, in this case PMS or PMDD should be assessed. This is one reason why I advise ladies to be an advocate for themselves and, if possible, do a bit of research before seeking help. This way, there can be an informed decision made between you and your medical assessor. If you can relate to this article and are experiencing any of these symptoms, then I would advise you to keep a diary of when these symptoms arise and how severe they are and please, speak to your healthcare professional, and remember you’re not alone! “To be informed is to be empowered”
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Business & Recruitment
Clare academic appointed to Higher Education Authority Board of Directors
M
by Stuart Holly editor@clareecho.ie
IC academic, Dr Rosemary Day, was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of the Higher Education Authority (HEA) by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD. A resident of Miltown Malbay, Dr Day is the Head of the Department of Media & Communications Studies at MIC and has nearly 30 years of experience as a senior lecturer and manager in third level education. She has previously served as a member of the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and a Coordinating Director of the national Audio Research Centre. A passionate advocate for community radio in Ireland, Dr Day founded Raidió na Life, a station for Irish speakers in Dublin, and Wired 99.9FM—Limerick’s fully-licensed student radio station. She is an active member of CRAOL, the Community Radio Forum of
Ireland, and a former council member of AMARC-Europe, the world association of community broadcasters. Speaking after her appointment to the Board of the HEA, Dr Day said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the Board by Minister Harris and I am keen to get started. As an academic in a smaller institution outside of Dublin, I will bring the concerns and needs of students and staff beyond the Pale to the table. I am particularly keen to promote alternative routes to education for individuals who are marginalised by geography, age, gender, socio-economic background, race, language and the many other difficulties that are often grouped together under the banner of ‘Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism’. I believe in education for all and I also believe in developing the wider range of intelligences that we have as humans, beyond the traditional academic university courses we currently offer.” Dr Day will serve on the Board’s Student Engagement and Learning Commit-
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.
• Beach Operative Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 8th February 2024.
• Senior Library Assistant Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Closing date: 12 Noon Tuesday 13th February 2024.
• Executive Librarian Please complete online application form available on www.clarecoco.ie under Careers Section. Closing date: 12 Noon Thursday 15th February 2024. Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.
tee and the Audit and Risk Committee. According to Dr Day: “I believe the quality of teaching and the educational experiences of students in their time in third level are crucial in ensuring the capacity and the desire for lifelong learning that enrich them as individuals and that build a resilient, responsible, democratic and wealthy nation.” Dr Day’s research interests include community media, minority media, and media participation and democracy. Much of her research deals with Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Interculturalism (EDII) issues and she is a lifelong activist in the areas of Irish language promotion; gender equality and community development. She is currently writing a book on the history of Irish radio and collaborating with universities across Europe in mapping the role of media in democracy and investigating ways of future proofing pathways to strengthen democracy. For further information on the Department of Media & Communications at MIC and their programme offerings please see www.mic.ie/media
l Dr Rosemary Day is a resident of Miltown Malbay
Top 10 Hotels in Ireland gong for Hotel Woodstock at Irish Independent awards
H
OTEL Woodstock has achieved a very special three-in-arow with the Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards, coming in the top 10 Hotels in Ireland. The awards were announced last weekend and follows last year’s ‘Tourism Hero Award’ at the 2022 equivalent. The Irish Independent Reader Travel Awards have become a much-heralded accolade as they are based on public popularity. Commenting on the awards Sean and Elaine Lally said they were delighted, calling it a huge vote of confidence for the team in the Hotel. They were also very appreciative to all their customers who voted for them to achieve this high profile award. Sean admitted that the hotel’s legendry social media
strategy “played a big part in securing the award” with millions of views each year and an estimated €350k in annual business as a result. “Thank you as well to Pol O Conghaile and his team of judges who also include Rozanna Purcell who got engaged earlier this year at the Cliffs of Moher. “It is great to see so many other businesses in Clare appearing in the best of 2024 listing and underpins how we have such a strong tourism county in Clare. “Securing the top 10 listing has a very positive knock on effect on business and visits to the hotels website and bookings have been exceptionally strong since the awards were announced and we will be able to use it in our marketing for 2024,” he added.
l Sean Lally of Hotel Woodstock
Photo by Arthur Ellis
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25 2024
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30
Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Columnists
Thought for the week: Spirit of goodness Spreading the word of positivity RONAN SCULLY
G
OODNESS according to the way that the Holy Scriptures use the word has two important parts. One part is “character”; the other is “conduct” and describes what we are and what we do, or in other words; our attitudes and our actions. “The Fruit of the Spirit Goodness” quote from Galatians 5:22 invites us to embody the goodness that comes from living a life led by the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to reflect God’s character in our actions, maintain integrity, serve selflessly with compassion and mercy, cultivate gratitude and be an example of morality. By embracing and applying these principles, we can truly demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Goodness is action; it’s not something we do only for the sake of being virtuous. When we strive to be “good” only for our own benefit, it is not truly goodness that we possess. When we act out of true goodness of the heart and reflect the fruit of the Holy Spirit, we are obedient to God’s commandments and seek the benefit of others. Our actions come from a place of selflessness, and we place the needs of others before our own. DO GOOD Did you know that even the apostle St. Paul struggled with doing good and doing the right thing? Yes, this is the same Paul who
wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Paul was very transparent about His struggle in Romans 7:15“For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing the good I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.” I can relate. How about you? Paul is talking about how his actions were not lining up with his will and on many occasions didn’t do good and do the right thing. Martin Luther King said, ‘On some positions, Cowardice asks the question, “Is it safe?” Expediency asks the question, “Is it political?” And Vanity comes along and asks the question, “Is it popular?” But Conscience asks the question, “Is it right and good?” The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of convenience, but where they stand in moments of challenge, moments of great crisis and controversy and moments when they are called upon to do good. Doing good and the right thing in difficult situations in life is a huge challenge. In his book, God at Work, Ken Costa writes, ‘There are right and wrong choices … all the invented terms such as “inappropriate” and “counterproductive” are efforts to avoid the simple ethical fact that there is a right and wrong course of action.’ When facing a difficult situation in certain situations in life we need to remind ourselves that the first question we have to ask is, ‘What is the good and right thing to do?’ Of course, none of us get it right all the time. We all make mistakes. Each of us only grows in wisdom if we learn from our mistakes and as the
lPractise kindness
saying goes, “Some name it disappointment and become poorer, others name it experience and become richer.” We should try as much as possible to never tire of doing what is right and just and loving and caring. We must not always go for what is an easy and popular solution but we should always try as much as humanly possible to do good and always show true integrity and love. THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK As your thought for the
week, make it your goal and habit to do the right thing and to be actively looking for opportunities to show kindness and do good to one another and to others when it is possible and needed. Practice genuine goodness and kindness as much as you can in your daily life and ‘plant flowers’ and ‘warm people’s hearts’ wherever you can! Three things in human life are important: the first is to be good and kind; the second is to be good and kind; and the third is to be good and kind. No act of goodness and
kindness is ever wasted. And always remember that compassion has no limit and goodness and kindness has no enemy. Be kind and do good always or as much as you can!! My prayer for you this week is that you, May play more, laugh more, love more, live more, give more, receive more, and celebrate more! May you open to the vast possibilities and boundless love and wisdom of your transcendent truer self. May the doors to your brightest futures swing wide open. May you know the full extent of your worth and de-
serving and open to receive all that your heart desires. May gifts, synchronicities, serendipities and successes dawn effortlessly in your world. May you connect to and experience more of the love, beauty and light that you are.May you sparkle and glow with joy and magic. May your laughter refresh the world daily, brightening all those around you including yourself. May you always do good when faced with life’s situations and May you know that you are loved, loving and loveable, ever and always. Amen.
What’s in a (sur)name? Cén sloinne atá ort? Macalla an Chláir
LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA
N
EW TG4 series looks into the history and origins of Irish surnames, focusing on Murphy this Sunday evening, January 28th, at 20:30 Tá sraith nua tosaithe ar TG4 faoi shloinnteacha na hÉireann, agus san oíche Dé Domhnaigh beag seo is é an sloinne “Ó Murchú’’ a bheas faoi chaibidil. TG4, Dé Domhnaigh, 28ú Eanáir, ag 8.30pm. Sign up for Tuesday evening Irish classes for adults in Ennis!
Ranganna oíche Gaeilge do dhaoine fásta chuile Dé Máirt in inis! Spraoi le Gaeilge are running Irish conversational classes in Clare Education Centre on the
Kilrush Road on Tuesday evenings, with a tutor from Inis Oírr in The Aran Islands Gaeltacht! Book your place now: Absolute beginners, intermediate, and advanced students.
7-weeks course: €65. For further information, please contact SPRAOI LE GAEILGE at spraoilegaeilge@gmail.com or call 0851295594 Beidh míle fáilte romhat! You’ll be very welcome!
Imeachtaí/Events:
lSloinne: Ó Murchú ar TG4 sa oíche Dé Domhnaigh ag 8.30pm
• SRÁID NA CATHRACH – Scéalta agus rannta do ghasúir 0-5 mbliana d’aois, sa Leabharlann, ón 10:30am go 11am, Dé Céadaoin, 31ú lá d’Eanáir. • Clare FM - Cúl-chaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM • Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, i gCill Iníne Baoith, chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 7.30pm • INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm Déan teagmháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
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Clare footballers without 12 of last year's panel for 2024 campaign by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie
MARK FITZGERALD’s first Allianz National Football League campaign as Clare manager begins in earnest this Sunday when they welcome Sligo to Cusack Park. Fitzgerald and his management team of Declan Downes, James Costelloe and Seanie Buckley (coach) have their side prepared for Division 3, with Clare’s seven year stint in the second tier ending following last year’s relegation. This task is made more difficult by the fact that 12 experienced members of last year’s panel will not be involved with Clare this year. Inter-county retirements have been announced by Ciaran Russell, Podge Collins and Cathal O’Connor. Russell who made his Clare senior football debut in March 2014 when Clare defeated Carlow 3-21 2-10 in the sixth round of the Allianz National Football League, a result that helped to seal their promotion from Division 4 to Division 3. Over the subsequent decade, Ciaran became an indispensable member of Colm Collins’ side and was an automatic first choice for inclusion in the half-back line. Ciaran established himself as a regular starter in 2015 before bowing out of the panel in 2016 but returned for the 2017 campaign. His ability was also visible at club level, serving as a pivotal figure in Éire Óg winning back to back senior football championships in 2021 and 2022 while for the 2019 season his ability to gain a starting spot in a highly competitive Kilmacud Crokes side when he was based in the capital also demonstrated this ability. Podge first joined the senior football panel in 2012 but left that season to concentrate on inter-county hurling commitments, he returned to the football panel in 2015, a year later his efforts to combine playing senior inter-county at both codes was one of the most discussed stories of the summer. In 2017, the Cratloe man committed
solely to the county hurlers. Following the conclusion of Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor’s term as senior hurling managers in 2019, Podge left the hurling panel and has concentrated solely on football in saffron and blue from then until his retirement at the end of the 2023 season. A 14-year involvement with the county seniors ended for Coolmeen’s O’Connor with his decision to retire, for two of those years he commuted from Edinburgh to represent his county. The 34-year old made his debut in the 2009 National Football League, playing under four managers, Frank Doherty, Micheál McDermott, Mick O’Dwyer and Colm Collins. At midfield, O’Connor had a formidable partnership with All Star nominee Gary Brennan. Clare’s memorable 2022 qualifier win over Roscommon which saw them advance to the All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals saw Cathal awarded the man of the match accolade. He had been the longest-serving member of the county panel. Eoin Cleary announced in August that he would be taking a year out from inter-county action. He had been sidelined for over thirteen weeks with osteitis pubis last year which restricted him from training and from lining out with Clare in their final two championship games. The Miltown Malbay native recently married his long-term partner, Colette Keniry and the couple plan to spend this summer travelling. NEW CAPTAIN Since making his inter-county debut for the Clare seniors in 2014, Eoin has played 85 games between league and championship, racking up a personal tally of 4-334. His exit means Fitzgerald will have to appoint a new captain. Cleary has not ruled out making an inter-county return in the future. Jamie Malone who also made his debut in the same year as Clare is another significant departure from the squad. An All Star nominee in 2019, Jamie is similarly set for a stint travelling abroad which prompts his exit.
l Cathal O'Connor joins Ciaran Russell and Podge Collins in announcing
his retirement from intercounty football Malone’s ability to kick vital clutch scores for his county will be missed. The primary school teacher landed winning championship scores for Clare against Roscommon (2022) and Limerick (2021) while his score against Louth in the opening round of the 2023 National Football League saw Clare go in front for the first time at the death to defeat the then Mickey Harte managed side. Emigration has hit the county panel with three regular starters now based in the United States of America. Cian O’Dea relocated to the States in the aftermath of Clare’s All-Ireland SFC loss to Donegal where he has taken up a three-year coaching post with New York GAA. The Kilfenora native had his season disrupted last year after sustaining a knee-ligament injury. He made his first championship appearance as a sub in the 2015 Munster semi-final loss
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
to Cork and was a central figure in the county’s seven year stay in Division 2. Pearse Lillis has also been based in the US since the summer. The Cooraclare man made his senior debut in the 2016 National Football League when Clare started their Division 3 campaign with a 1-11 0-7 win over Sligo in Hennessy Memorial Park in Miltown Malbay. Over the subsequent seven years, his role on the side continued to grow and it is accepted that he was one of Clare’s best performers in last year’s championship. The twenty five year old had been most comfortable in either the half-back and half-forward lines during Collins’ tenure. Awarded the PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Month for April last year, Keelan Sexton is also now living in the Big Apple. He kicked 1-10 in the 2023 Munster championship as Clare reached their first provincial decider in eleven
years. In 2015, the Kilmurry Ibrickane attacker played minor, U21 and senior for his county all in the one season and is likely to be one of the last GAA players to achieve such a feat. DEBUT Éire Óg’s Darren O’Neill has also informed management he will not be involved with the county in 2024. Notably ten years separated O’Neill’s first and second championship appearance in the Clare colours, he made his debut in 2011 for the Munster quarter-final defeat to Cork and his second championship outing was another provincial quarter-final loss, this time in 2021 to Kerry. Following Gary Brennan’s retirement, Darren became the first choice-partner for Cathal O’Connor in the centre of the field until Darragh Bohannon began to seriously press for a starting berth last season. Fellow Ennis native, Gavin Cooney who left the Clare panel in May following the five point All-Ireland SFC loss to Donegal has not returned to the set-up. Instead, the two-time winning Clare SFC captain has emigrated to Australia where he arrived earlier this month. Substitute goalkeeper David Sexton who made his league debut last year has decided not to return to the county squad. The Kilmurry Ibrickane netminder made two appearances in last year’s league run before Stephen Ryan returned between the posts to cement his place as first choice keeper. Eoghan Collins had the distinction of being the only member of last year’s panel to not play his club football in Clare has called time on his career in saffron and blue. The Mayo native who is a nephew of Colm Collins made his first appearance for Clare in 2017 during a McGrath Cup win over Waterford in Meelick. The Ballyhaunis dual-player had to give up his career as a Mayo hurler in order to represent Clare, he had won a Nicky Rackard Cup with Mayo in 2016. His father John is a Kilmihil native.
Difficult opening test for inexperienced Clare by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
DIVISION 4 league winners last year Sligo come to Ennis this Sunday with high expectations as the 2024 Allianz football league gets under way. Sligo, who followed up their league success with a Connacht championship final appearance later in the season, will carry the favourites tag against what will be a new look Clare outfit. A number of players who have been leaders for Clare during their time in division 2 have called time on their inter county careers while some of the other stars of recent seasons have taken time out to travel. Kerry man Mark Fitzgerald will be in charge of Clare for the first time in the Allianz league but he is well versed on what the league is all
about having been in charge of Limerick last season. The Clare team coach is former Limerick captain, Seanie Buckley who has been coach to Eire Og for the past three seasons. Sligo will arrive in Cusack Park with an experienced manager in All-Ireland winning midfielder, Tony McEntee from Crossmaglen in Armagh. This is his fourth season in charge of the Connacht county so its fair to say that he is well versed on the players that are available and these include last year’s captain Niall Murphy, Paul Kilcoyne, Nathan Mullen, Luke Towey, Alan Reilly and Kerry’s Patrick Spillane, son of Kerry’s eight time All-Ireland winner Pat. Clare will be looking to goalkeeper Stephen Ryan, defenders, Manus Doherty,
Alan Sweeney and Daniel Walsh, forwards Dermot Coughlan, Emmett McMahon and Aaron Griffin to provide leadership. Ennistymon’s Cillian Rouine was named to start against Cork in the recent McGrath cup first round tie but he pulled up during the warm up and had to withdraw and he was still out of action when they played Waterford in round 2 four days later. Kildysart’s Emmett McMahon didn’t play in the McGrath cup due to a leg muscle injury and a similar injury kept Eire Og’s Mark McInerney out of the team for those games. Both are expected to feature this week. Incidentally Clare lost to Cork in that McGrath cup fixture before recording a comfortable win over Waterford and they will be hoping that the experience gained in
l Goalie Stephen Ryan will captain the side in the absence
of Cillian Brennan
those games will help to see a more settled side in action this Sunday.
Photo by Gerard O'Neill
The Banner outfield will have a number of players who will be playing in the
league for the first time and these include Cooraclare’s Brian McNamara and Micheál Garry along with Westmeath native Gavin Murray to make an impression in this campaign. Ruled out because of injury is newly elected team captain, Cillian Brennan, the team’s full back in recent years and he is not expected to be available until later in the campaign. In his absence goalkeeper Stephen Ryan from Kilrush will captain the side. Also not available at present due to injury is Brendy Rouine, younger brother of Cillian. Sligo’s greater experience entitles them to the favourites tag but with home advantage Clare will be determined to put down a marker as they seek a quick return to division 2.
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Sport
Killanena honours its All-Star sons by Adam Maloney news@clareecho.ie
All-Star Hurlers John Conlon, Shane O’Donnell, and Conor Whelan were honoured at Loughgraney Community Hall on Saturday ahead of the Launch of Killanena GAA’s Field Development. The three All-Star hurlers were honoured in Killanena due to their relative backgrounds with the village. Both Clare All-Star hurlers, John Conlon’s and Shane O’Donnell’s fathers hailed from Faha, Killanena, Pat Conlon, and Martin O’Donnell, who both played for the GAA club, whilst Conor Whelan’s mother Caroline Woods also came from Faha, and won a County camogie title with Killanena. Clonlara’s John Conlon is one of seven hurlers to win an All-Star in both the backs and forwards, where he won the award at Centre-Back in 2023, having previously won it at Full-Forward in 2018. Shane O’Donnell of Éire Óg, Ínis won his
second consecutive AllStar in 2023 at Right Wing-Forward having previously claiming it on the opposite wing in 2022. While Galway and Kinvara’s Conor Whelan secured his 2023 All-Star at Right Corner-Forward, the same position as he won his first award in the All-Ireland winning year of 2017, where he also claimed the Young Hurler of the Year Award. Leas Cathaoirleach of Killaloe Municipal District, and Killanena GAA Club Chairman Cllr. Pat Hayes (FF), spoke to the Clare Echo following the event noting approximately 200 people at the event in Loughgraney Community Hall, where presentations took place in the honouring of the three two-time All-stars. “The presidents of Killanena GAA Paddy Brody, Martin Canny, and Tommy Clancy presented the awards to the three hurlers. Scariff Bay Radio’s Leo Doyle was also on stage and interviewed the three boys on stage, in what was a great
night for the club”. The Development Plan's next phase involves Killanena GAA fundraising an additional €50,000 for the completion their plans, which involve installing additional improvements to the field, stand and gym. The Maghera council-
lor also acknowledged the U-21“A” winning side who previously won the 2023 championship in amalgamation with Feakle, as they will be presented with their county medals at Hotel Woodstock Ennis on February 16th. All photos by Tom Micks
Fidelma sparkles in Clare's winning start to league
by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
Clare 1-7 Wexford 0-1 Clare made a winning start to their division 3 ladies football league campaign when they accounted for Wexford at St. Patricks Park in Enniscorthy on Sunday. A contribution of 1-4 from All
star nominee, Fidelma Marrinan from West Clare Gaels was the highlight of the Banner side’s victory. The Clare girls were 0-4 to 0-1 in front at half time in a tie played in very difficult weather conditions. The game was originally scheduled for Taghmon but had to be moved due to the inclement weather con-
ditions. Clare availed of the opportunity to give game time to the majority of their panel and the same is expected to be the cast on this Sunday when the Banner side will entertain Sligo, a game that will be played at Clarecastle astro turf faxility at 12 noon. These sides met in the opening round last year in Sligo when Clare
recorder a comfortable win
Clare; Amy Lenihan (St. Josephs); Aine Keane (Miltown) Grainne Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Rebecca Doohan (Kilmurry-Ib); Roisin Considine (Liscannor), Joanna Doohan (Kilmurry-Ib.), Sinead Considine (Liscannor); Caoimhe Harvey (West Clare Gaels), Laurie Ryan (Banner);Teresa Collins (Burren Gaels), Ciara Hickey (Kilmurry-Ib), Caoimhe McCarthy (Kilmurry-Ib.)0-1; Chloe Moloney (Kilmurry-Ib)0-2, Fidelma Marrinan (West Clare Gaels) 1-4, Amy Sexton (Kilmurry-Ib)
Avenue United bow out of FAI Cup by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
Tallagh United 2 Avenue United 1 Avenue United will have to wait a little longer for FAI cup glory. The Ennis club’s dream of progressing in this season’s competition ended on Saturday afternoon when they went under to Dublin side Tallagh, at the latter’s venue. A superb goal from Elias Kunz (pictured) gave the David Russell managed side a 1-0 half time lead and they were a little unlucky not to have had a second. Failure by Avenue to clear their lines midway through the second half allowed the home side in for an equal-
iser before the Dublin side struck the winner from the penalty spot in a game played in difficult wet and windy conditions. On Sunday week February 4 Avenue United will be on the road again when they make the journey to West Cork to play Tougher FC in the quarter final of the Munster junior cup. Victory in this one will see them away from home yet again to play Tipperary opposition in either St Michaels or Clonmel Town in the semi-final of that competition Another league win for Newmarket Newmarket Celtic 3 Shannon Town 1 Newmarket Celtic A kept
up their strong challenge for p,remier league honours with this victory over Shannon town on Sunday In a game played in difficult conditions which deteriorated as the match progressed, the sides were level after Newmarket’s Darragh Leahy and Shannon’s Kieran Hackett scored Conor McDaid put the winners in front before their third came from Nathan Boabentura in injury time. This week Newmarket Celtic are due to make the short journey to Sixmilebridge to take on their neighbours, Bridge United at 11am in the premier league. At the same time Tulla United will play Kilkishen
Celtic while at 2p.m. Coole will entertain Kilrush Rangers while Shannon Town will have Lifford as visitors, FAI under 17 cup In the fourth round of the FAI under 17 cup Bridge United are due to entertain Mallow Town at 2p.m. on Saturday. On the same day Fairgreen Celtic, current leaders of the first division league, will play Cappamore Celtic at the Regional Astro pitch at 7p.m, in the Munster junior shield
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
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Exciting golf talent on rise by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH Wow, the talent coming through in golf the past couple of seasons is beyond incredible and to top it off, the Amateur in last week's PGA Tour event won the event on a record low score of -29. Nick Dunlap is truly a player of the future shooting -12 (60) on Saturday moving day. He's also the youngest winner in the event's history, and he became the youngest amateur to win on the tour since 1910. Dunlap and Tiger Woods are the only players to win both the U.S. Amateur and the U.S. Junior Amateur. While Dunlap got the celebration Sunday for one of the most impressive performances in recent golf history, Nick shot a 59 at the age of only 12
years of age and members were complaining
to the committee he was winning too often at his club. So it is no surprise to many at his club, that Nick has broken through at such a young age and won on the PGA tour already. TaylorMade Launch new Qi10 Range Three NEW exciting Ping Launches: 1) Ping Launches New G430 MAX 10K Driver : The new Ping G430 is called the MAX 10K because it eclipses the 10,000 g-cm² combined MOI threshold,
setting a record and making it our straightest and most forgiving driver ever. A fixed backweight, our largest head profile, and a Carbonfly Wrap crown help G430 MAX 10K launch the ball higher with less spin for consistently longer and straighter results. 2) Ping Blueprint S Irons: Developed following extensive testing with our top tour pros to ensure control and precision, Blueprint S adds forgiveness to the mix to deliver score-lowering performance. The fully forged, 8620 carbon steel head boasts a clean cavity design and optimized CG for distance and trajectory control. Precision-Pocket Forging, a patented process that creates a pocket in the cavity, saves weight to increase forgiveness in the 3, 4 & 5 irons. 3) Ping Blueprint T Irons:
For the highly skilled golfer who relies on workability and prefers the size and look of a muscle back, the Blueprint T is engineered as a single-piece, 8620 carbon steel forging that puts a premium on trajectory control and superb feel. Its muscle-back design concentrates mass through the impact zone to ensure a pleasing sound and feel with the workability to take on any shot. Titleist Pro V1 V's Pro V1x : I often get asked the difference between Pro V1 and Pro V1x and here it is.... The Pro V1 has a more penetrating lower trajectory, with a lower long-game spin but feels incredibly soft around the greens. It's this combination that makes it perfect for all golfers who prioritise total performance from their golf ball.
Woodstock spring league goes ahead by Seamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie
THE inclement weather conditions of recent times continues to prove a spoilsport for lots of sports and this is particularly true in relation to golf. A number of clubs have been closed in recent times due to due to golf or heavy rainfall. WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB Woodstock did manage to open for a short period last week and this resulted in competition in their winter/ spring league to take place over a shortened course. The weekend’s Ozone Health & Fitness league format was a modified fourball better ball over 15 holes. Victory went to Kieran Dromey and Seamus Kelly with 45 points and they were one ahead of Paul Coote and Jack Duffy with third spot filled by Frank Tone and Jimmie Kelly with 42 points.
Last week the format was Texas scramble which was won by Jason Dormer and Tony Coote with 42 points. They had one to spare over Ross Kenny and Vinny McInerney with third place filled by Callum and Kevin Hayes who also had 41 points. The competition continues this weekend, weather permitting when the format will be scotch foursomes. Members managed to play a club singles over 15 holes in the early stages of the weekend. Paul Mullane (13) was the winner with 33 points from Cathal O’Sullivan (8) who scored 32 points. Last week’s club singles at Woodstock was won by Frank McEnery (15) with 35 points. He had one to spare over Ronan Horgan (9) There will be another club singles this week over 15 holes.
Starting 2024 in style Jonah Quinn of St. Cronan’s A.C. on his way to setting a new county indoor Long Jump record at the indoor championships in Nenagh on Saturday
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Sport
Ennis U18 and U16 girls reach Munster League finals
by Dearbhla Parry
U18 GIRLS MUNSTER LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL: ENNIS RFC 27-19 BALLINCOLLIG RFC The Ennis U18 girls team earned another victory with 27-19 over a talented Ballincollig side in a thrilling semi-final. Ennis got through to this home semi-final after finishing top of the league and winning against Dolphins RFC in the quarters. The game opened with a bang when Ballincollig scored a try in the first few minutes. Ballincollig worked the ball across the back line and break into the home side’s 22, allowing them to touch down for the opening score in the corner, without a conversion. The Ennis girls, however, raised the pressure on Ballincollig and after being able work the ball into scoring position from some excellent play, Ennis were rewarded with wing Nell Walsh taking advantage of a one-onone match-up and touched down in the left corner for the home side’s opening try, without a conversion. Ennis dominated play for the rest of the first half and it was blindside flanker Sally Kelly’s excellent line break that led to the game's second score. Kelly carried the
ball from near the halfway line to the edge of the opposition’s goal line before being tackled and offloading to captain Lyndsay Clarke, who was controversially deemed held up over the line. The resulting goal line drop out was quickly carried right back to the tryline with openside flanker Maggie Murphy finally dotting down over the line. The following conversion from centre Emma Keane brought the score to 12-5 before the end of the first half. Keane was back on the scoresheet with an early try in the second half, and shortly after, Ennis struck again thanks to a huge carry from Kelly. Ballincollig responded with two rapid tries, both converted, within the game’s final few minutes before replacement winger Amy Butler made sure of Ennis' win by touching down in the corner for the game’s final try. Ennis now look forward to a league final against Killarney. U16 GIRLS MUNSTER LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL: ENNIS RFC 34-29 DOLPHIN RFC Ennis were at home for this pivotal encounter and nerves were on display early on when Dolphin's winger ran through a gap to score the first try.
worked try, scored by Biborka Benko. The score now at this point was 7 - 21. The turning point of the game came when Ennis should have scored, but Richmond turned the ball over and scored a fourth try against the run of play. The Richmond girls came out on top, but the Ennis girls had made impressive improvements from the last day that they played and showed some great spirit.
l The Ennis RFC U16 Girls defeated Dolphin to reach their Munster League final
A 7-0 deficit didn't last long however as Ennis took complete control of proceedings and tries from Abi Kelly, Sarah Keavey, and Lucy Kelly followed, with three points being scored by Dolphin via a penatly in this period. Dolphin and Ennis (throuhg Abi Kelly) exchaged tries once morebefore half time to leave Ennis ahead 22-17. Into the second half, and both Lucy and Abi Kelly scored their second tries either side of a Dolphin 5-pointer. Soon after an excellent tackle from winger Eileen Keating forced an Ennis penalty and a quick tapand-go from Grace Hoyne
ultimately led to a try for Nicole Clarke, bringing the score to 34 - 24. A late try for Dolphin couldn't take the gloss off this win and the U16 girls are now through to the final in two weeks’ time. They are awaiting the outcome of the other semi-final between Clonakilty and UL Bohemians to see who they will meet. Ennis: Fia Doody, Kathy Slattery, Aoife Martin, Lucy Kelly, Eimear Meaney, Kate Howard, Kiera Hanrahan, Nicole Clarke, Grace Hoyne, Emma McGann, Eileen Keating, Sarah Keavey, Abi Kelly, Laura Kate Ryan, Maebh McCarthy, Holly Murphy, Lilith Kearney, and Faye Ryan.
U14 GIRLS MUNSTER LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL: ENNIS RFC 7-28 RICHMOND RFC Ennis played in Limer-
Sheehan’s Uriels Ark makes no mistake by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie
POPULAR owner Frank Sheehan of Ennis was in the winner’s enclosure after race eight at the Galway Track on Saturday night last, Without a win in five previous attempts Franks Uriels Ark made no mistake this time as the Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained daughter of Burgess Bucks & Crokers Wish routed her rivals by upwards of seven and a half lengths in 29.75. The winner broke smartly in company with Dromtown and the pair matched strides to the opening bend where the winner railed well and took two lengths out of her rivals. From halfway Uriels Ark began to put daylight between herself and her rivals as she stormed clear for an authoritative success. The chief supporting contest on the card was the A3 graded tenth and racing towards the opening bend Burnpark Layla and Ballygibbon Cash disputed the lead just ahead of Millroad Penny in third place but at the bend the Michael Browne of Cree owned Burnpark
Layla cut to the rails and led by two lengths entering the back straight. Racing down the back Burnpark Layla extended her advantage to over three lengths on Ballygibbon Cash and staying on well the daughter of Newinn Taylor & Burnpark Leanne scored by two and three quarter lengths at the line in 29.29. As the traps rose for the A8 graded contest the red jacketed Rathmeehan Breda broke smartly and despite moving towards the centre of the track on the run up the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Rathmeehan Ruby led Seekers Jet by half a length at the turn. Racing down the back the John Browne of Ballyea owned Rathmeehan Breda opened up a three length advantage over Seekers Jet and Peteles Spirit who both began to close approaching the home bend but the leader kept on well to defeat Peteles Spirit by a length and a half in 30.44. The outcome of the novice sprint contest was in little doubt from the opening bend as the Master Caoimhghinn Carey of Ennistymon owned Captana was already making the
best of his way home . The son of Pestana & Bling Bling Tres trapped well and racing towards the opening bend he led Portumna Buck by over three lengths . Despite swinging wide on the crown of the home bend the winner was always in command as he crossed the line two lengths clear of Portumna Buck in 18.32. The second round heats of the Born Warrior @ Stud A1/A2 525 took place at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and it was the aptly named Crafty Supremo (Skywalker Canny - Paradise Summer) who bounced back brilliantly from his opening round defeat. Owned by Eimear and Shane Divilly of Gort the February pup went to traps as a 3/1 chance with the impressive Barefoot On Fire installed as the 6/4 favourite to build on his opening round victory. At trap rise however, it was Splendid Fellow who showed first from four but this was short-lived as Crafty Supremo showed sizzling early speed from three to hold all the aces on the runup with a blistering 28.48 run.
ick on Saturday against a strong Richmond team who have remained unbeaten this season. The Ennis girls were beaten with 7-28 after winning against Cobh the week before. Most of the first half was played in the Ennis half, making them defend for a lot of it. The girls could not keep out the Richmond players who showed great speed to get over the line twice. By half time, Ennis were down 0-14. The Ennis girls came close early in the second half to get over the line. Richmond defended well and got a break away try to score first in the second half. Ennis rallied back with a well
Fixtures: U13 Boys League: Ennis v Old Crescent; Sunday 28th January; 11:00 in Old Crescent U18 Boys Pan Munster: Ennis v Sundays Well; Sunday 28th January; 12:00 in Lee’s Road U16 Boys Pan Munster Competition: Ennis v Waterpark; Sunday 28th January; 13:00 in Drumbiggle Senior Women’s Ten Aside League: Ennis v Tralee; Sunday 28th January; Kick-off at 13:00 in Tralee U14 Boys Pan Munster Competition League: Ennis v Dingle; Sunday 28th January; Kick-off at 14:00 in Lee’s Road U15 Boys Competition League: Ennis v Thomond/Richmond; Sunday 28th January; Kick-off TBC in Richmond U12 Blitz Sunday 28th January Kick-off TBC in St. Mary’s
St Flannan's rugby off to flying start BOWEN B SHIELD St Flannan's 40 Salesians 5 Venue: Ennis RFC By Adam Maloney
ST. FLANNAN’S are off to a winning start in schools rugby, with a convincing win over Limerick opposition, Salesians Secondary College, Pallaskenry. Despite missing an early penalty from outside the 22, St. Flannan’s flyhalf Marco Cleary starred for the home side kicking 10 points from the tee, along with a try for a 15-point tally. Within the opening five minutes, outside-centre Odhran Flynn broke through the Limerick school's defensive line and touched down underneath the post,
followed by a Cleary conversion. Discipline reduced Salesian to 14 men, however Flannan's capitalised and scored another try, this time from No. 8 Ethan Boyle. Heading towards half-time, inside-centre Jack Dillon managed to squeeze through the Pallaskenry defence to get the third try of the half, as Cleary converted. Second-row Adrian Moloney made a great interception late in the first half to maintain Flannan's clean sheet and a 21-0 score. The second-half took a bit of time to get into gear, where Salesian went back down to 14 men with their No.7 going to the bin. However
Ennis failed to capitalise and after the 10 minutes, Pallaskenry got their first points from their loosehead prop. The conversion was kicked wide. From this point on, the Bryan Murphy coached St Flannan's ran riot, as Marco Cleary touched down in the corner, followed by a tremendous kick. Openside flanker Seán Cassidy and Odhran Flynn got in for the final two tries for a 40-5 win for Flannan's.
St Flannan's: Michael Cotter, Evan Casey, Odhran Flynn, Jack Dillon, Oisin O'Donoghue, Marco Cleary, Frankie Toner; Cian Enright, Paddy Ennis, Caoimhin Enright, Adrian Moloney, Cillian McInerney, Jamie Ryan, Sean Cassidy, Ethan Boyle. Rep: Tadhg Kearins, Dillon Killoughrey, Cian Lynch, Luke Fitzgerald, James O'Dwyer
THE CLARE ECHO Thursday, Jan 25, 2024
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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLIFDEN, COROFIN, CO.CLARE I, John Shannon, wish to apply to the above named local authority for planning permission to construct a new detached single storey dwelling house, wastewater treatment system, percolation area, well, upgrade an existing site entrance and all ancillary site works at Clifden, Corofin, Co.Clare. The 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 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FURTHER INFORMATION / REVISED PLANS PLANNING REF: P23/60285 Development Description: Planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, private garage, site entrance, on-site wastewater treatment system and all associated ancillary site works at the above address. Location: Shessiv, Cranny, Co. Clare. Take notice that Michéal Brooks & Elena Chepukova have lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/60285. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GREENLAWN LODGE, BALLINSHEEN MOR, LISDOONVARNA, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Martin and Patricia McMahon T/A GLL B&B LTD. intend to apply for RETENTION permission for: 1. The first floor private bedroom to the rear of the dwelling/B&B & associated changes to fenestration as a result of internal alterations 2. The conversion of the domestic garage for use as a 1 Bed Unit for the ancillary enjoyment of the occupants of the main dwelling on site & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLAHANE, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE V95 X8H2 Take notice that Michael Commane intends to apply for RETENTION permission for the
lean to shed attached to the existing garage on site & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLOONEYOGAN SOUTH, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE V95 E6TV Take notice that Olga and Colm Humphries intend to apply for permission to renovate and extend the existing derelict dwelling on site, install a waste water treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
Planning
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CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MAIN STREET TULLA, CO. CLARE Take note that Martin Murphy is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings, construction of a two storey dwelling house, a commercial unit with first floor office and storage space and one number two storey house at the laneway, including all ancillary site works. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.
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Thursday, Jan 25, 2024 THE CLARE ECHO
Quiz
The Clare Echo Quiz
BANNER TRIVIA 1
The 2018 Munster fleadh was held in which Clare town? Kilrush, Ennis, Shannon
2
In which County Clare village will 6 you find L’ARCO Italian Restaurant? Ballyvaughan, Tulla, Doonbeg
Smith O Brien’s gaa club are based in which County Clare parish? Feakle, Ballyvaughan, Killaloe
Clonmoney is a townland in which 7 County Clare parish? Kilbaha, Tulla, Bunratty
3
Hennessy Memorial Park is the 8 Gaa grounds in which County Clare town?
Droichead an Chlair is the Irish name for which Clare village? Cratloe, Clarecastle, Liscannor
Kilrush, Milltown Malbay, Shannon
The holy well at Newhall just outName this County Clare village? 4 side of Ennis is named after which 9 (Pic right) saint? Saint John, Saint Peter, Saint Paul
5
Name this County Clare castle. (Pic below) Ballinalacken, Lemenagh, Knappogue
Doonbeg, Bodyke, Ruan
What was the theme for the St 10 Patrick’s Day Parade in Ennis in 2022?
Coming Together, Together Forever, Working together
lQUESTION 9 Name this County Clare village?
ANSWERS
6. Ballyvaughan 7. Bunratty 8. Milltown Malbay 9. Bodyke 10. Coming Together
Can you spot the 7 differences
1. Ennis 2. Killaloe 3. Clarecastle 4. Saint John 5. Lemenagh
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Last weeks answers . BT missing on sign . Patch on arm different colour (right) . White circle missing on Certificate . White piece missing on green back-
ground . Red part of pants missing (middle) . BIO missing on top (left) . & missing on sign in background
The Inn at Dromoland in County Clare will host The Outing this coming Valentine’s weekend from February 9th to 11th Photo by Eamon Ward
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The Clare Echo Crossword ACROSS DOWN 1 The majority (4) 1 Hat-maker (8) 3 Disadvantage (8) 2 Shoulder-wrap (5) 9 Foremost (7) 4 Sea between Greece 10 Brute (5) 11 Relative by marriage and Turkey (6) Best Daily Word Search players also enjoy: (2-3) 5 Exclude (5) 12 Concurred (6) 6 French castle (7) 14 Puzzle (6) 16 Existing in fact (6) 7 Compassion (4) 19 Conundrum (6) 8 Indian tent (6) 21 Loafer (5) 13 Splendid (8) 24 Classical language https://puzzles.bestforpuzzles.com/games/best-daily-word-search 15 Foolish (7) (5) 17 Ascends (6) 25 Trading ban (7) 26 Surround (8) 18 Make known (6) 27 Optical glass (4) 20 Giver (5) 22 Big (5) 23 Otherwise (4) 1
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