The Clare Echo 25/06/20

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JUNE 2519/06/2020 2020 12:46:27

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A THANK YOU to our nurses

‘SHOP STAFF DESERVE STATE RECOGNITION’

l LOCAL Gala store owner Laurence O’Brien believes that frontline workers who continued to work in grocery outlets through the Covid-19 pandemic deserve more recognition from the Government.

Praising his staff, Mr O’Brien said, “Retail employees that went to work throughout the pandemic didn’t get any additional support from the State and there are no future plans – like a tax break – to recognise them for their efforts either. The rest of the country was getting a pandemic payment for staying at home. “I just think that all the employees in convenience stores and supermarkets should be recognised for their effort in keeping the country supplied with essential food and drink. They did a fantastic job.�

FULL STORY PAGE 23

Aoife O'Gorman Podiatrist/Chiropodist

6 Carmody St. Business Park, Ennis, Co.Clare clarepodiatrycentre@gmail.com (083) 439-3263 www.theclarepodiatrycentre.ie

Clare woman extends gratitude in her dying weeks PĂ RAIC McMAHON

E

news@clareecho.ie

ARLIER this year, one Clare woman expressed her appreciation for the care and warmth she was receiving from nurses in University Hospital Limerick. “They look after you as if you were one of their own family,� she stated.

During an off-the-record conversation with this writer, the lady requested that her identity be withheld but appealed for some sort of gratitude to be extended to the men and women that managed to leave a lasting positive effect on her life.

As a weekly reader of The Clare Echo, this publication was the one in which she chose to see her message of appreciation extended to a wider audience and so contact was made with this writer to help CONTINUES PAGE 6

l Photo by John Mangan

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

Index NEWS

2-12

ENTERTAINMENT

13

GREENER CLARE

16

SCULLY #BUYINTOCLARE MOTORING SPORT CLASSIFIEDS

A MINUTE’S SILENCE FOR FALLEN COLLEAGUE COLM

18 19-27 29-32 33-35 36-37

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ger.naughton@clareecho.ie or niall@clareecho.ie

l RESPECT: Gardaí in Shannon stand for a minute’s silence at 12 noon on Sunday

to remember their colleague Detective Garda Colm Horkan, who was shot dead last Wednesday night in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Gardaí across the country paraded at their local Garda station and stood silent for a minute as a formal mark of respect. Members of the public wishing to show their sympathy and solidarity were asked to observe a minute’s silence at 12 noon in their own homes. Stephen Silver from Aughaward, Foxford in Co Mayo has been charged with Detective Horkan’s murder Photo by Joe Buckley

Families ‘forgotten’

F

amilies are “distraught” with the layout of Drumcliffe Cemetery stating that their loved ones are “forgotten about and left out” as a result of its design.

An improved layout of the Ennis cemetery was sought by Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) at the June meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. “There is a row of trees acting as a barrier” between section B and E at present, he said. The commencement of works would provide “greater visibility and connectivity” between the old and new parts of the graveyard, Nestor felt.

Acting senior executive officer within the Rural Directorate of Clare County Council, Bernie Haugh stated that the 100m of mature trees provide “a natural shelter” and “serve to mark the different approaches” taken to the cemetery’s provision. Tree pruning will be arranged to improve “the visual appearance”.

Before addressing the meeting, Cllr Nestor acknowledged that it was “a very sensitive issue” and one in which he was determined to discuss with “great sensitivity and respect”. During a visit to the cemetery, he was approached by people who he described as “distraught”, “they said their loved ones were buried in the new section, they feel as if they have been forgotten and left out”.

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

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Niall Horan’s €100k donation ‘enormous benefit’ to patients PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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EALTH officials in the MidWest have said a €100,000 donation from Niall Horan (inset) to improve communications between families will be of “enormous benefit”.

Irish singer, Niall Horan has pledged to donate €100,000 specifically to provide mobile devices to be used by older people and staff in public long term residential care to allow residents stay in contact with their families.

After receiving a photo from his cousins, Patricia and Caroline of them talking on the phone to their granny outside her window where they decided to teach her to use Face-

Time, Niall made the decision to make the donation.

“So many elderly people are feeling vulnerable and isolated now more than ever.

Thousands of families have needed to be pulled apart, including my own. Not only does this initiative bring them back together, face to face in the short term, it’s a positive development for the future too,” he commented.

Infection control processes will be carried out when using tablets and additional infection COVID-19 pandemic control measures will be strictly adhered to.

Geraldine Aspinall, Assistant Director at St. Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick said Niall’s donation would be of “enormous benefit” for staff and residents during COVID-19.

“I’ve been using video apps to keep in touch with my granddaughter so I know firsthand the impact Niall’s generous offer will have.

“Niall’s contribution is also special as it will be used long after we emerge from Covid-19,” HSE CEO Paul Reid stated.

Market building could become food court A STAKEHOLDER grouping is to examine the feasibility of utilising the Market Building in Ennis to compliment the takeaway offerings from restaurants in the county town, writes Páraic McMahon.

Opened in September 2016 at a cost of €500,000, the Market Building in its brief history as being a source of frustration for traders and the public. Its primary function at present is serving as a car park with 27 spaces.

Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) put forward a potential new purpose for the building at the June meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. "As it will be a while before we will be back up and running and based on contributions received from the public, I would ask that the Market building be utilised as a community area with tables and chairs provided so that visitors to Ennis can avail of a coffee and a treat, purchased from our takeout restaurants, all the while practising social distancing".

Suggestions like this

are being reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Temporary Ennis Town Centre Mobility Plan Stakeholders Group, senior executive officer, Leonore O'Neill confirmed.

This is being done to "assess their effectiveness to ensure that the public can access Ennis safely during the COVID-19 pandemic".

Additional measures "including the use of public spaces and the market building will be examined

by the group to evaluate their merit for Ennis as a whole, and to ensure they are responsive to the changing needs of Ennis town as it moves towards a recovery," O'Neill added.

Colleran Molloy expressed her hope that the temporary plans would be representative of all stakeholders in the town.

She said she would leave the matter with "the robust group" to address. Cllr Ann Norton (IND) seconded the motion.

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6 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

Two weeks Covid free 369 TOTAL CASES IN CLARE

COVID-19 CONFIRMED CASES IN CLARE

Miltown Malbay

9

Ennis

Figures from 21/06/20

Ballyglass

30

(Ardnacrusha / Parteen)

44

Clenagh

(Shannon / Newmarket-on-Fergus)

Killaloe

58

20

Killeely (Meelick)

57

East Clare

Ayle = less than 5 Ballycannan = less than 5 Ballynahinch = 0 Boherglass = 0 Caher = less than 5 Caherhurly = 0 Cahermurphy = 0 Cappaghbaun = less than 5 Carrowbaun = less than 5 Cloghera = less than 5 Clooney = less than 5 Cloonusker = less than 5 Coolreagh = 0 Dangan = less than 5 Derrynagittagh = 0 Drumaan = less than 5 Fahymore = less than 5 Feakle = 0 Glendree = 0 Inis Cealtra North = 0 Kilkishen = less than 5 Killaloe = 58 Killanena = 0 Killokennedy = less than 5 Killuran = less than 5 Kilseily = 0 Kiltannon = less than 5 Kyle = 0 Lackareagh = less than 5 Loughea = 0 Mountshannon = less than 5 Newgrove = 0

O’Briensbridge = 6 Ogonnelloe = less than 5 Quin = 6 Rathclooney = 0 Scariff = less than 5 Toberbreeda = less than 5 Tulla = less than 5

Clareabbey = less than 5 Doora = less than 5 Dysert = less than 5 Ennis Rural = 23 Ennis Urban (1) = less than 5 Ennis Urban (2) = 7 Ennis Urban (3) = 0 Ennis Urban (4) = less than 5 Kilcloher = less than 5 Killaniv = less than 5 Killone = less than 5 Kilnamona = 0 Kilraghtis = less than 5 Lisheen = 0 Spancil Hill = less than 5 Templemaley = less than 5

Carran = 0 Clooney = less than 5 Corofin = 0 Crusheen = less than 5 Derreen = 0 Drumcreehy = 0 Ennistymon = 0 Gleninagh = 0 Glenroe = 0 Kifenora = less than 5 Killaspuglonane = 0 Killilagh = less than 5 Kilnaboy = 0 Kilshanny = 0 Kiltoraght = 0 Liscannor = less than 5 Lisdoonvarna = less than 5 Lurraga = less than 5 Mount Elva = 0 Muckanagh = 0 Noughaval = 0 Oughtmama = 0 Rath = 0 Rathborney = 0 Ruan = 0 Smithstown = 0

North Clare

South Clare

Ennis & Environs

Abbey = less than 5 Ballagh = less than 5 Ballysteen = less than 5 Boston = less than 5

Ballycannan = less than 5 Ballyglass = 44 (Ardnacrusha / Parteen) Cappavila = less than 5 Castlecrine = 0

Clenagh = 20 (Shannon) Cloontra = 0 Cratloe = less than 5 Drumline = less than 5 Killeely = 57 (Meelick) Kiltenanlea = 0 Mount Ivers = less than 5 Newmarket = 0 Rossroe = less than 5 Sixmilebridge = 7 Tomfinlough = 0 Urlan = less than 5

West Clare

Annagh = 0 Ballyea = less than 5 Ballynacally = 0 Ballyvaskin = less than 5 Cahermurphy = 0 Clondegad = less than 5 Cloonadrum = 0 Cloonaha = less than 5 Clooncoohra = 0 Coolmeen = 0 Cooraclare = less than 5 Creegh = less than 5 Doonbeg = 0 Drumellihy = 0 Einagh = 0 Formoyle = 0 Furoor = 0 Glenmore = 0

*All statistics taken from the Central Statistics Office

Kilballyowen = less than 5 Kilchreest = less than 5 Kilchreest = less than 5 Kilcloher = less than 5 Kildysart = less than 5 Kilfearagh = less than 5 Kilfiddane = 0 Kilkee = less than 5 Killard = 0 Killimer = 0 Killofin = 0 Killone = less than 5 Kilmihil = less than 5 Kilmurry (Ibrickane) = less than 5 Kilmurry (McMahon) = 0 Kilrush Rural = less than 5 Kilrush Urban = less than 5 Kinturk = 0 Knock = 0 Knocknaboley = 0 Knocknagore = less than 5 Lisheen = 0 Lissycasey = less than 5 Magherareagh = 0 Miltown Malbay = 9 Moveen = less than 5 Moy = less than 5 Moyarta = 0 Mullagh = 0 Rahona = less than 5 Rinealon = 0 St Martin’s = 0 Tullig = 0

CLARE is close to going two weeks without recording an increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases. New detail has revealed that 32 people from the county died as a result of the virus while parts of South-East Clare have recorded the highest amount of clusters. In total, 369 persons from the county have tested positive for COVID-19, the majority of whom have since recovered.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the HSE Regional Forum West, Dr Mai Mannix confirmed that in total there had been “over 100 outbreaks [two or more cases] in the region”. These are considered closed when 28 days have elapsed without further spread, only two clusters remain in the Mid-West.

Poignant praise for our nurses

CONTINUED FROM FRONT

amplify her acknowledgement to the masses. This conversation was held prior to the outbreak of Covid-19 and before Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (FG) uttered the line, “not all heroes wear capes, some wear scrubs and gowns”. It is a comment that wouldn’t have washed well with this Clare woman as she referenced the battles nurses fight to secure adequate pay and the constant stress of the job dealing with overcrowding and at times difficult patients.

From seeing the interactions between the woman and her nurses, they defiantly outlined that she did not fall into the category of being a difficult patient. Healthcare staff who became acquainted with her were in fact emotional to see her leave the hospital - their experience had alerted them to what was coming.

A follow up visit to see the woman who was then receiving treatment in Ennis heard another plea for an article on the topic of nurses to be dealt with at the right time, this conversation taking place soon af-

ter the first cases of Covid-19 were confirmed in the county.

Since then, Covid-19 has impacted the entire country.

Elderly persons have begun to watch the news with rosary beads in their hands to pray for the deceased, the daily rate of which is slowly decreasing.

Sadly, after a short illness the Clare woman passed on to her eternal rest. Just as she would have liked, the funeral proceeded with little fuss, taking place when attendance was limited to family and friends.

To tell the story of this lady is worthy of an entire edition of this newspaper. However the wishes were to express her gratitude for the nurses and to remind people not to take them for granted. Her desire to get the message out in her final weeks is fitting while the views she was so keen to impart should be followed.

This story appears as a reminder to appreciate our frontline heroes whether it is during a pandemic or on a typical Thursday in the near future when life will begin to go on, again.

Clare targets domestic tourists PÁRAIC MCMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

NDIVIDUALS living within a 90 to 120 minute drive of Clare have been earmarked as the saviours to the tourism season in the county, writes Páraic McMahon.

A domestic marketing campaign is to be put in place by Clare County Council with advertisements to feature in national and regional media outlets to grab the attention of potential visitors from other counties.

Addressing councillors at the June meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Acting Head of Tourism, Deirdre O’Shea gave an insight into the plans being produced by local authority staff to entice visitors to the Banner County coinciding with the easing of restrictions. A virtual tour of Loop Head Lighthouse will be published online across their platforms to promote the most westerly point of the county.

On the potential visitors to Clare this summer, O’Shea stated, “We know it will be the domestic market, we know we will have a short summer, we will align with national campaigns, agile marketing is the way to go”.

She anticipated the elderly and young families would be those most likely to visit Clare.

“We will be looking at generation X, we are very mindful that some seniors might be cautious but we will target those and generation Y”. Although the emphasis will be on the local and domestic market, “we won’t forget the international market,” O’Shea stressed.

Exploring the surrounds of Co Clare will be a focus of their promotion. “People living within a 90 to 120 minute journey is where we will target with the domestic market campaign”, she said.

As previously reported by The Clare Echo, the 10 year tourism strategy which was due for publication in the spring of this year, was forced to add an additional chapter in light of COVID-19. It now includes a short to medium term action plan while looking at the overseas market. Cllr Shane Talty (FF) welcomed the “tweaking” to the strategy.

“I am more than slightly concerned with the target market, it is suggesting the motorway market would be the only one, that

would be a huge problem for me because West and North Clare would be decimated,” Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) remarked.

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8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

100 YEARS YOUNG

Knockanean gets green light for construction of new €7m school PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

l LEGEND: ​Peg Morgan from Blainmore Kilmurry McMahon celebrated her 100th Birthday on June 1, 2020. There was plenty of music and entertainment and a great day was had by all

Ennis Baha’ís concern for Iran members MEMBERS of Ennis's Bahá'í community have expressed grave concerns regarding recent news of the increased persecution of their fellow-Bahá’ís in Iran, the country of the religion's origin.

Speaking after a recent meeting of the town's Local Bahá’í Assembly, secretary of the Assembly Eoin Tynan-O'Mahony noted, “It is very troubling that even in the midst of an ongoing major health emergency the authorities there have ramped up their completely unwarranted actions against the Bahá’í Faith members.”

Not so long ago the Bahá’í communities of Ennis and other parts of Co. Clare, along with Bahá’ís in more than 100,000 localities in virtually every country around the world, had the freedom to celebrate the two hundredth anniversaries of the births of the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh, and the forerunner, The Báb.

Meanwhile, their co-religionists in Iran have no such freedoms. In recent weeks, at least 77 individuals across Iran have been targeted, arrested and charged. Among the Bahá’ís recently sentenced is an elderly man who will be at great risk if he contracts COVID-19 while in prison and a couple whose daughter has cancer. This couple are deeply concerned for their daughter’s care should they be summoned to serve their prison sentences.

“We think people here should be aware of what is happening to our community in Iran,” said Mr. Tynan-O'Mahony. “The Iranian authorities need to know that people everywhere are aware of what is going on there and that might cause them to end this”.

PLANNING permission has been granted for the construction of a new school building for Knockanenan NS. In what is expected to be a development in the region of €6.5m and €7m, a two storey building that will consist of eight new classrooms, a general purpose room and ancillary accommodation will be constructed as part of the works on the 1.34ha site.

Plans were first lodged in December with Clare County Council requesting further information at the end of May. The local authority cautioned that “an increase in pupil numbers

would not be appropriate in this instance and that any proposed development should comprise of a qualitative improvement of facilities only.”

There will be two separate pedestrian entrances to the new school which will also facilitate 24 parking spaces at the school located 4km outside Ennis. A traffic management report submitted to the planning authority

by DBFL consulting engineers commissioned by the Office of Public Works concluded that “there are no significant traffic or transportation related reasons that should prevent the granting of planning permission for the proposed development.”

Up to 360 students and 23 staff members can be catered for in the new school according to a report by the OPW.

Existing boundary walls and the current single storey six classroom school building will be demolished during the development. A four classroom block which was built in 2011 will be retained and incorporated into the new building giving it a total size of 2090sqm.

“Temporary decanting” of the existing school to a new location off site will be required during construction, the OPW report flagged.

According to a report compiled for the OPW lodged with Clare County Council the “temporary decanting” of the existing school to a new location off site will be necessary during the period of construction.

Planning for Ennis Data Centre continues

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

P

paraic@clareecho.ie

lans for a number of major infrastructural projects in Clare are continuing despite the impact of COVID-19. Officials within Clare County Council have confirmed that planning is ongoing for the Ennis Data Centre and Future Mobility Campus in Shannon. Construction is due to commence on the Parnell St Lanes and Bow-Ways project in the coming weeks.

US data centres are being targeted in the marketing of the Ennis Data Centre, a planning application for which is being prepared.

A compulsory purchase order has been published for Blake's Corner while the N19 access road to Shannon, the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) and the Killaloe Bypass remain in the planning stage. Further analysis is required to close out phase 2 which is the preliminary businesses case for the LNDR. Traffic Counts and Surveys took place in late February, following analysis and processing of the collected data, remaining tasks will now be completed in July, these include necessary modelling and appraisal exercises.

Video conferences between Clare and Tipperary County Councils, RPS Consulting Engineers and the Department of Transport inspector were held in late April and late May

regarding the Killaloe Bridge and Bypass.

Several advance works contracts have been identified which will address and de-risk some seasonal constraint elements identified within the main contract works.

These will be carried out as part of separate advance works contracts in the coming year.

Short-listing of suitable contractors to tender for the works is to be done late this summer with the contract expected to be awarded in early 2021 subject to Department approval. A three year construction period is anticipated.

Head of Finance with Clare County Council, Noeleen Fitzgerald told the June meeting of the local authority that there are a total of 1,694 construction jobs for projects that are in the planning and construction stage within all Directorates of the Council.

The estimated value of this is €550,220, she stated.

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) said bravery was required from Council management to help the county recover and praised the actions of Chief Executive, Pat Dowling thus far.

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

An Bord Pleanála have final say on Springfield works PÁRAIC MCMAHON

D

paraic@clareecho.ie

ESCRIBED as a "warzone with water", An Bord Pleanála will decide if flood prone Springfield in Clonlara is granted defence works.

A planning application is expected to be filed in the coming weeks with Clare County Council engineer, Sean Lenihan hopeful this will be lodged by the end of June or early July.

Observations and recommendations made by consultants Byrne Lobby & Partners on behalf of Clare County Council and the Office of Public Works (OPW) have resulted in amendments to the final stage one report for Springfield.

All drawing and documents associated with the planning process are complete along with environmental assessments and related reports. Consultation with affected landowners in South East Clare is ongoing to deter-

mined their preferred option. The works are estimated to cost €1.2m and come off the back of a series of floods at the location since 1995, the most recent occurrence in February of this year forced residents to evacuate their homes.

Mother of three, Bridget Kinsella speaking in February said, "I love the nature and beauty of the area but I can't stay here when this misery comes to my door every few years".

Liz Hogan who was evacuated earlier this year described the place as "a warzone with water".

Speaking at the June meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) stated, "I have just learned this project is going to An Bord Pleanála and will not be a part 8 application". Of the alteration, he admitted, "It gives me mixed feelings".

Questions that might arise with a part 8 application in the past may be eliminated, the Clonlara representative surmised but he believed the timeframes of decisions from the independent, statutory, quasi-judicial body would cause additional frustration for resi-

dents.

"We are looking at sometime next year before we get a decision from An Bord Pleanála on this," Cllr Begley predicted.

"In terms of getting a decision out of them,

they are an independent body and are nationally run," Lenihan stated. He outlined their intention is to submit the application "at the earliest junction" which is most likely to be the end of June or early July.

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Ballyalla ‘gone back to what it was’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

BALLYALLA Lake “has gone back to what it was” due to an increased amount of visitors to the scenic location on the outskirts of Ennis during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Lifeguard cover has been confirmed for Ballyalla Lake on weekends during the month of June with daily cover in July and August.

Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) reinforced the need for such surveillance to be in place over the summer months as members of the public may opt to stay in Ennis “rather than heading to the coast”.

Speaking at the June meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Murphy praised the efforts of lifeguards in the county. He appealed to people to only use lifeguarded locations, “our youngsters need to head for Ballyalla

rather than locations without a lifeguarded”. The Mayor of Ennis also stressed, “alcohol and water is a deadly duo”, as he urged the public to be safe when swimming or partaking in water activities.

Reflecting on the use of Ballyalla, Cllr Mary Howard stated, “It has gone back to what it was, it is our local Lahinch, there were great crowds there of people travelling within their 2km or 5km”. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) noted, “It is so quick that we forget we have such a facility on our doorstep”.

Big crowds were flocking to Ballyalla, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) told the meeting as he highlighted the importance of lifeguard cover. “It is a great amenity for the people of Ennis,” Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) commented.

Presence of lifeguards was welcomed by Cllr Ann Norton (IND). “One of the positive things around COVID-19 was Ballyalla be-

ing used and the people that made use of it during the fine weather”. She was optimistic future plans for the development of Ballyalla Lake would get over the line. Norton queried if jet skis were permitted there and told the meeting she had received complaints from people who witnessed such activity. Senior executive engineer, Eamon O’Dea confirmed that jet skis were not allowed to be used at Ballyalla Lake.

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby added, “Power boats and jet skis are not allowed, leisure craft that is powered isn’t allowed”. She also praised the work of Clare McGrath who she described as “one of the top water safety officers in the country”.

lSUMMER VIBES: Ballyalla Lake at sunset (above)

Photo by Michael O’Brien

O’Keeffes

ROSLEVAN, ENNIS

DUE TO OUR CONTINUED EXPANSION WE NOW WISH TO RECRUIT THE FOLLOWING:

FULL TIME DELI MANAGER / ASSISTANT PLEASE FORWARD AN UP TO DATE CV TO CATRIONA MOYNINGHAN AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS. EXPERIENCED MEDICAL SECRETARY REQUIRED MID CLARE/ENNIS AREA FULL TIME / PART TIME Position

Must have . Significant experience of working in a GP Surgery . Excellent written and verbal communication skills . Proven ability to work as part of a team . Knowledge of Healthone software package essential . Own transport Apply with CV to The Clare Echo PO Box 8911 Closing Date for Application: Friday 3rd July 2020

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

Aviation is Ireland’s ‘lifeline’ PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine (inset) has called for the immediate lifting of travel restrictions and the 14 day quarantine period which would pave the way for summer holidays abroad.

Ms Considine has spoken out following the publication of the interim draft Aviation Recovery Taskforce report which was presented to the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross (IND) on Tuesday.

Four key recommendations have been outlined in the report. This includes the easing of travel restrictions by July 1st with the report stating that Ireland is “significantly behind� other EU countries in lifting all border restrictions. Clarification and the lifting of the quarantine period is also sought by the same date. “A 14-day quarantine period

makes non-essential and discretionary travel challenging, and inhibits business related travel, which is critical for the Irish economy. The Taskforce notes that implementation of efficient test and trace regimes can provide effective alternatives to the current 14 day quarantine measure�.

A national code of practice for Safe Air Travel has been suggested by the taskforce which would apply the Aviation Health Safety Protocols developed by the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in the Irish context. Once again, they have requested the conclusion of protocols by July 1st.

Employment in the aviation industry needs to be supported by the continuation of the

Action needed to preserve the future of Aer Lingus

Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the taskforce has recommended. “The reduction in aviation activity over the summer will make the traditional loss-making winter period in aviation particularly challenging�.

Speaking following the publication of Tuesday’s interim report, Mary Considine stated, “The interim report recognises the critical role that airports, including Shannon, play in supporting the regional and national economy and promoting balanced regional development�. “As an island nation, aviation is the lifeline that connects us to the global economy and how quickly we recover as we emerge from this crisis will depend on the recovery of the aviation sector. The aviation industry is in crisis and urgently needs immediate Government support to continue to fulfil its role in providing vital air connectivity to regions which underpin business and tourism and help drive the wider national economic recovery,� the Lissycasey native added.

Passenger flights will resume on July 1st

PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Airport is to resume scheduled passenger operations from July 1st.

From the beginning of next month, Ryanair is to recommence sixteen services from Shannon Airport.

The routes will be serving, Alicante, Barcelona-Reus, Faro, Fuerteventura, Kaunas, Krakow, Lanzarote, London-Gatwick, London-Stansted, Malaga, Manchester, Palma, Tenerife, Warsaw, Wroclaw and Vienna.

COVID-19 health and safety

measures are being implemented at the Airport with management keen to incorporate a contactless journey through Shannon with minimal touchpoints.

Over 4,000 pieces of COVID-19 signage have been

installed along the roads to the Airport and inside the terminal building. Multiple sanitiser dispensers and special hand sanitation stations are in place. In addition to its normal cleaning services, the airport has introduced specialised COVID-19

l READY FOR TAKE OFF: Ryanair will resume 16 routes from Shannon Airport next month

deep cleaning and sanitisation services.

Protective glass screens have been erected at key customer facing areas throughout the terminal.

A spokesperson for Shannon Group said that the health and safety of passengers and employees “is our number one priority. We have remained open throughout the pandemic, facilitating the arrival into Ireland of vital PPE equipment and were proud to do so. Preparations are now underway to ensure that our passengers returning to Shannon Airport can feel confident with the COVID-19 measures we have put in place throughout the airport.�

AER Lingus will need to be subsidised if it is to have a future at Shannon Airport, a leading travel expert has affirmed, writes PĂĄraic McMahon.

At the weekend, Aer Lingus announced plans to lay off 500 staff on top of temporary departures and pay cuts. Shannon Airport will be impacted as a result with temporary lay-offs of staff already in place until September. Cabin crew voted 75 per cent to 25 per cent to reject proposals that would see sweeping changes in their working conditions, on Monday.

Travel expert, Eoghan Corry told The Clare Echo that the prospects of Aer Lingus staying in Shannon appear to be slim. “It’s very hard to see Aer Lingus staying there without it being subsidised or without big support�.

He stated, “Very often an airline which has traditionally or historically associated with an airport has the most difficulty making any money out of it. “You see it with Alitalia and Iberia, work practices and historic legacy negotiations landed with costs make it much more difficult for them to compete with a newcomer airline even at the same airport. “We saw that very much when Ryanair was able to run London services with airport charges which were one eighth of what Aer Lingus were paying, that is a pure laissez faire aviation argument�.

Consideration must be given to the importance of presence of the national flag carrier airline in Shannon. “The big case for Shannon is the social impact of having someone like Aer Lingus outweighed the actual profit and loss pure view of the airline itself. If you are going to have a privatised airline, which is Aer Lingus is, the way around it is for the local interests and the political interest to say how much is it worth for us to have the airline here and to what extent must we de-risk it and subsidise it�. “Management at Aer Lingus has been cavalier with Shannon staff,� Cathal Crowe (FF) commented. “The process appears not to be ‘last in, first out’, but rather a targeting of Shannon-based staff.�

Although she acknowledged the impact of COVID-19, Violet-Anne Wynne (SF) maintained the Irish Government took “a complete hands-off approach� to dealing with the airline. “He has done nothing to address the escalating crisis in Clare�.

Â

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

Covid-19 sparks rise in financial domestic abuse CIAN O’BROIN

T

cian@clareecho.ie

HE Clare Local Area Network is leading a multi-agency awareness campaign entitled Now More Than Ever, to both detect and subsequently dispel domestic violence against women in County Clare.

Authorities have noted a rise in emergency calls since the onset of social restrictions put in place during lockdown, with Clare Haven registering a 20 per cent increase in their helpline in the last 14 weeks.

This multi-disciplinary approach fuses a total of 12 domestic and sexual abuse services with An Garda Siochana, Clare County Council and the Courts service in a bid to explicate to those in need that they have not been forgotten about.

Manager of Services at Clare Haven, Dr. Siobhan O’ Connor examines the source of the issue, the necessity of a collectivised approach as well as proffering some invaluable advice to those that suffer at the hands of domestic abuse.

Quantitative data points to the poignancy of domestic abuse amid an international emergency as Gardaí record a 23 per cent increase in outcalls in the last 14 weeks.

Preventative measures have been taken by authorities throughout the pandemic, with Gardaí making compulsory calls to women who have been domestically abused in the

past, seeking assurance as to their security.

A strong connection with the Gardaí forms the basis for the Now More Than Ever campaign in Clare, as helplines lead to legal action in the form of statements and the processing of those found to effectuate domestic abuse on their partners and children.

On a flagrant system of abuse engendered throughout lockdown, Dr. O’ Connor admits, “Financial abuse is massive. Particularly during the lockdown when a lot of people were laid off, women working in the care or part time sectors have been laid off and oftentimes are more reliant on the abuser financially and that is another form of abuse and assault as well.

“A lot of women have been contained through public health advice and may be cohabiting with a violent or abusive aggressor.

They need another home, they need another safe space and that is obviously up to the local authorities and housing departments.

You have to remember that domestic abuse is being carried out by criminals. It is against the law to abuse within or outside the home.”

The Clare Local Area Network is geared towards a stronger and safer society for women and children. Outreach and safety planning are the fulcrum of the operation. This multi-agency stronghold hopes to eradicate what has been a concerning increase in domestic abuse in Clare, with Dr. O’ Connor observing a total of twenty-four families forced to flee their homes out into a pandemic.

CLAN continues to strengthen their out-

reach programme, creating a symbolic show of solidarity for those experiencing domestic abuse.

This is represented through a purple heart for the Now More Than Ever awareness campaign. Organisers have urged the public to denounce domestic abuse by brandishing the purple heart atop their windowsills.

The symbolic message reads “don’t suffer in silence, the world has not forgotten about you”, tells Dr. O’ Connor: “Don’t be alone, don’t suffer in silence.

Reach out. We are there at the end of a call and we are a listening ear who will support you, whatever pathway you decide to go down. Don’t be alone. The Gardaí are there if

lVULNERABLE: Clare Haven Services have recorded a 20 per cent increase in calls over the last 14 weeks

More funding needed for Livie as campaign hits €500,000 CIAN O’BROIN

cian@clareecho.ie

OLIVIA Mulhern (pictured below) was born on the 26th August 2019. On April 9th , of the following year, Little Livie was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) type 1.

This is the most severe type of SMA, effecting approximately one in every 10,000 babies. Nerve deterioration inhibits her from performing basic everyday movements such as grabbing, turning her head and swallowing. Babies suffering from this disease rarely live past their second birthday.

A ray of hope has been cast on Little Livie’s situation, with a breakthrough treatment available in the USA. Known medically as Zolgensma and

less formally as ‘the most expensive drug in the world’, this treatment comes at quite a cost. $2.1 million in total.

A Go Fund Me has been set up to help Olivia and her parents, Karen and Keith, get to the USA. A dose of Spinzara treatment through a lumbar puncture here in Ireland will hopefully prolong Livie’s life long enough until the €2m milestone has been reached.

Olivia’s Clare based cousin; Caoilfhionn Mulhern is running a number of local fundraisers. With all hands-on deck, Caoilfhionn mentions a number of ways that the Clare community can help Little Livie receive lifesaving treatment.

Her brother Daire, a traditional music lover is currently running a music CD hamper competition entitled ‘CD’s for Olivia’, which can be found

online as a separate Go Fund Me. Caoilfhionn is running a stay for two at Hotel Doolin at the moment. The competition is being shared on the Hotel Doolin Facebook page and links to another Go Fund Me called ‘Hotel stay for Livie.’

On the August Bank Holiday weekend a wear pink and run or walk 5k event is planned, whereby participants donate €5 at the end of their journey. There are lots of prizes provided by local Clare businesses.

These are from places such as Willow, YOLO, The Delivery Guys, Young Interiors, Blackbird, Maddens Furniture, Foxy Hair and much more.

“The generosity of local businesses is something that is so important to highlight.

Anybody that we contacted was so forthcoming and so willing to help, be it a share on

you are in immediate danger or at risk.

“I can only commend them for their response to domestic abuse in Clare. They have been dealing with the issues and going to people’s homes. The Gardaí are putting themselves at risk to help people and they are willing to do that. Do not be afraid of reaching out. We appeal to people as well to know what’s going on.

“To be in tune with their sisters, their cousins, their mothers and their friends. Understand that not everything is as it seems and reach into the homes where women are unable to reach out.”

The Clare Haven Service helpline can be reached 24/7 at 065-6822435.

their Facebook or social media, a donation of a prize or a personal donation.

“The Clare community has been wonderful in trying to help Olivia. It took us six weeks to get to the halfway mark and we certainly have a long way to go.

“We are so grateful for everything everyone that has been done so far.”

Olivia Mulhern’s Go Fund Me campaign can be reached at: https://ie.gofundme.com/f/ a-better-life-for-livie

NCT centre in Ennis re-opens ENNIS' NCT centre (pictured below) has reopened, writes Páraic McMahon.

15 National Car Test (NCT) centres resumed operations at the beginning of June with the remainder such as Ennis reopening towards the end of the month and the beginning of July.

All NCT certificates were extended by a further four months to minimise pressure on the testing service during COVID-19 restrictions.

Minister for Transport, Shane Ross (IND) announced the suspension at the end of March.

At the time of the suspension, no return date was given on when drivers would be able to get their cars tested. As such, operators cancelled all 84,476 appointments which were booked at the time.

Customers that had already booked their car in for testing have been

advised to check new test dates on the NCT's website.

During the restrictions, Applus the company which operates the NCT centres confirmed that vehicle inspection lifts were replaced where necessary.

Use of the lifts was temporarily suspended at the end of January, following the completion of a detailed condition survey a month later, it was revealed that 85 of the 106 lifts in the country were in need of repair.

“All centres reopening will have functioning lifts and all tests will be completed in full,” a spokesperson said.

lOPEN: NCT Centre Photo by John Mangan

Arts & Entertainment 13

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

Kilkee welcomes film crew ELAINE TUBRIDY

P

elaine.tubridy@clareecho.ie

RODUCTION of a new TV movie for one of Germany’s largest broadcasters, ARD, will commence in in July.

Planlos in Ireland/Clueless in Ireland is a joint production by H&V Entertainment GmbH and Treehouse Media Ltd. Kilkee was chosen for its stunning scenery and ease of access to Shannon Airport. The first day of principal photography is scheduled for July 22, 2020.

“Clare County Council and local businesses are delighted to welcome the production to Kilkee. The production has developed a HSE-compliant Covid-19 action plan and will be implementing stringent measures to assure the safety of the crew and the public at large.

“The production is working with stake-

holders in the region to implement the Government of Ireland guidelines and protocols to ensure a safe return to work for the cast and crew, prioritising safety for the town of Kilkee,” a spokesperson for Clare County Council said.

The main character in the movie, ‘Connie’, is in her mid-50s and has worked as an executive secretary in Germany for many years.

When she finds out that fluency in written and spoken English has suddenly become a key requirement at her office, she realises she needs a plan.

To save her job, Connie leaves her incredulous husband, Dirk, and her pregnant daughter, Anja, at home and flies to Ireland – Kilkee in County Clare – to take an intensive language course. But she isn’t quite prepared for her new quirky landlady and teacher.

Geraldine Voss, Producer, H&V Entertainment GmbH, said: “We are so happy to have found Kilkee as our location for this heartwarming and funny movie about a

lSEHR SCHÖN: German movie Planlos in Ireland/Clueless in Ireland will commence filming in Kilkee in July

woman finding her inner strength, her adventurous side and her sense of humour on the beautiful coast of Clare.”

Paul C Ryan, Regional Film Manager,

Film in Limerick, said: “With our breathtaking locations and our skilled film crews, the Mid-West region is attracting more and more film and TV productions.”

Gill appointed artistic director of Ennis Book Club Festival PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

lWORDY SUCCESS: Galway writer Dani Gill takes the helm as artistic director of Ennis Book Club Festival

nagh with co-star Barry Keoghan

GALWAY based writer Dani Gill has been appointed as the new artistic director for the Ennis Book Club Festival.

She will succeed Paul Perry in the role who brought to an end his four year tenure following the conclusion of the 2020 festival.

Formerly the Director of Cúirt International Festival of Literature from 2010 to 2016, Dani is currently the national audience development officer for Words Ireland.

Her first collection of poems was published by Salmon Poetry in 2017 and she has recently com-

pleted a novel.

A member of the advisory panel for the Galway European Capital of Culture 2020 bid book, Ms Gill also writes reviews and features for The Irish Times.

She is currently designing a literary tourism model for the west of Ireland in partnership with the Western Development Commission.

This will include site specific work and installations in 2021.

Of her latest role, Dani said, “I am delighted to take up the Artistic Director role at Ennis, with the hard-working and energetic team who have made this festival a great success.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with readers and book lovers nationwide as we assemble

our programme for next year”.

Chairperson of the EBCF Committee, Cora Gunter noted Dani’s “wealth of experience in programming literary festivals.

“She is also very interested in exploring events that appeal to all readers but especially with book club groups who are our key audience”.

Organisers have acknowledged that running the 2021 Festival may pose challenges and believed the appointment of an artistic director serves as “an act of optimism”.

Work on the programme of the 15th Ennis Book Club Festival which is provisionally fixed to take place for the first weekend of March in 2021 is to begin in the next few weeks.

14

COLUMNISTS

2003

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2020

Rocking in the free world

This week, Cian O’Broin delves into the record books to revisit headlines of 17 years ago

CIAN O’BROIN History

W

ELCOME back to Reeling In The Years in Clare. Our previous marauding of the county’s past had led us through two centuries and merged us into the milestone of a new millennium. Welcome to life after lockdown when we now look at the year 2003. Follow me, as we take a look back at Hollywood’s take on John Irving’s The Boys from County Clare featuring notorious Irish screen legend Colm Meaney. We also take a look at the bittersweet moment that the Common Yellowthroat species of bird was first spotted in Ireland at Loop Head Lighthouse and finally, we establish the vital County Clare connection in the capture of the Western World’s most vitriolic villain, Saddam Hussein.

THE BOYS FROM COUNTY CLARE The Boys From County Clare is an Irish comedy/drama set in 1965, whereby a ceilí band from Liverpool travel to the banner county to take part in a traditional Irish music competition. Colm Meaney stars as Jimmy McMahon, a young Irishman living in Liverpool who decides to put his band forward in the ceilídh competition. Opposing him is English star Bernard Hill who plays Jimmy’s brother, John Joe McMahon. Long estranged from one another, one brother attempts to usurp the other, with a familial battle underlining the entire film. Released in Canada on September 12th, 2003 and the U.S on March 13th, 2005, The Boys From County Clare greatly underperformed in the international box office. A budget of $8 million turned out a grand total of $132,000. Thankfully, it was no expense to County Clare as the Banner featured in cinemas across the United States.

Charlotte Bradley won best supporting actress as the character Maisie at the Irish Film and Television Awards. Cudos to The Boys of County Clare.

A FLICKER OF FATE The Irish Rare Birds Committee notes the remarkable moment that Paul Archer recorded the first sighting of the Common Yellowthroat in Ireland. On October 3rd, 2003, Paul took the opportunity to embrace the forecast of a moderate north-westerly wind sweeping across the Clare coast after finishing up at a business meeting in Ennis.

Hopeful of spotting the American Golden Plover, Paul set out to Loop Head Lighthouse.

Positioned perceptively but a few feet away from Paul on a dock weed, was a Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). Shock and astonishment began to set in. The Common Yellowthroat had never been recorded in Ireland hitherto. Fifteen races belonging to three geographic groups note the migratory and partial migratory habits of this bird, indigenous to Central and South America. The word was quickly put out and John Murphy came from Ennis to photograph and identify the first Common Yellowthroat ever recorded on the island. Shortly after, Paul and John

l The sun sets over the hills of the Burren, one of the many natural beauty spots people can visit again in Clare headed to the local in Kilbaha to enjoy some celebratory sips!

SON OF CLAREMAN CAPTURES SADDAM What does County Clare and the capture of one of the most recognised anti-heroes of the western world have in common? Well here it is. The son of a man from Cooraclare led the operation in Iraq which resulted in the capture of Saddam Hussein. Colonel James B. Hickey headed Operation Red Dawn in 2003.

Colonel Hickey (below) is the son of James Hickey, who emigrated to Chicago from Cooraclare in 1950. News travels fast and Colonel Hickey was quickly hailed as a hero around the world, perhaps most pointedly in County Clare, where family were yearning for the return of their American hero, basking in the memories of his previous visit in the 1990’s.

RTÉ Archives notes the feelings expressed by family back home at the time of the report: “In Cooraclare, County Clare, Colonel James Hickey’s aunt Mary Quealy said that all the family were relieved he was safe after such a dangerous mission.

Mary Quealy had been making scones when a neighbour who called to say that Col Hickey was after capturing Saddam. News of his involvement was later confirmed with a telephone call from the Hickey family in Chicago. The family were surprised to hear that Col Hickey had led such an important mission in Iraq. According to Bríd Hickey, Col Hickey was very calm about the whole thing.”

“What’s the big deal? We’ve got him and that’s it”, exclaimed Colonel Hickey.

That’s all for this week folks. I hope you’ve enjoyed the long awaited return and we shall be reunited next week when Reeling In The Years takes on the County Clare of 2004.

YOUR LETTERS PUZZLED BY THE PUZZLE PAGE Sir, From my quick research I’ve just carried out, apparently this isn’t the introduction for a letter to the editor anymore. Nonetheless I’m excited to use it, in all my Junior Cert days I always wondered if I ever would. Junior Cert English was my favourite subject and having chosen to go down the science route in college, I’m delighted I have a chance to reminisce in it by writing this to you. I’m not writing to give my opinion on any particular article in the paper. I love The Clare Echo and it even comes out on my favorite day, Thursday! Instead, I’m writing about something that has eaten away at my brain the last twelve weeks. Something that has wrecked my head but yet served as a distraction during the COVID-19 crisis. I’ll paint a picture for you.

It’s Sunday, and though I’m a young woman something about a Sunday morning crossword is particularly appealing. Before lockdown, my week was spent away in college and something that brought alluring comfort was being able to come home at the weekend and pick up the copy of The Clare Echo on a Sunday morning and complete the puzzles. I never used to be a word search fan until a friend and I had made a game out of it. Each week we would choose different colours to have at the ready and begin the competition to see who could find the most words. Even though almost every week I lost, it became that lovely Sunday morning ritual. Once, we began our competition and after five minutes on the clock no one had scored a single word. I really wonder how much time in competitive suspense we spent before we realised that there could be an error. But the prospect of opportunity to win a pizza voucher a week later made up for it more than enough.

Now back to the last time I was able to work through these Sunday puzzles. We tend to tackle the ‘Spot the Difference’ like a team. However in the March 12th issue, we experienced it again. I don’t know how much time went by while our eyes eagerly scoured the two images, back and forth and back and forth. We just could not find one difference. Our conclusion in the end was to take a chill pill, sit back, enjoy the tea and

all would be resolved in next weeks issue.

And then the unthinkable happened.

COVID-19 came and the world stopped.

So much tragedy and shock, everyone isolated and in need of comfort. There are few things more comforting than a Sunday morning hot cuppa tea, a competitive word search, a team bonding spot the difference and a calculating crossword. Sunday’s have not been the same since.

Until yesterday. I went about my day like most other days during this time, lazily.

There is a bit of DIY painting, ‘I need to change the colour of my room’ craic in our house at the moment. When I came into the room, old collected copies of The Clare Echo lay down in protection. I told the family of my ‘spot the difference’ ordeal. Casually they mention the new issue is downstairs on the table. Exuberant and in high anticipation I raced down the stairs, disturbing probably most painting equipment. While a little out of breath, because who can find the motivation to exercise in quarantine anyway, I turned immediately to the puzzles page. Again like I do in a competitive word search, my eyes beady, are frantically scanning the page for the answers. After a period of time, I’m left with that feeling once more, it’s not there. No solution to last issues puzzle. No pizza voucher competition.

No end to my desperate curiosity.

I spent yesterday debating whether I should write this and decided it would do my 15 year old Junior Cert English self justice and bring closure to the matters of a) getting to write a letter to the editor and b) this frazzling spot the difference mystery.

I hope you find humor in my email, that’s all I intend with all the extra time I have to write this. I’m all for professionalism but unfortunately I will not sign off this email as JC English thought me to. Instead I’ll opt for a comic ‘teen drama series’ effect. Thankfully, this is an email account I made as a child, as all us ‘Generation Z’ kids have had some cringy usernames on some platform or another. It just so happens to protect my identity because I would be completely embarrassed if people discovered what the puzzles mean to me.

A big The Clare Echo fan, and an even bigger The Clare Echo puzzle page fan, XOXO, Glitter Girl.

FEATURES 15

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2020

Opinion

Get in contact Become part of the conversation. Submit your letters to the editor by emailing editor@clareecho.ie or via post addressed to 36c Abbey Street, Ennis, County Clare

Regression on Clare needs to be proactive cards without to get its fair share of funds EOIN Shannon growth W NEYLON

Editor

T

HE deep-seated connection between the people of Clare and Shannon Airport has been contaminated by rising frustrations in recent years and due to the unique and seemingly dire set of circumstances which have been presented in 2020, the welfare of our airport is now in sharp focus.

The narrative is one of an incredibly convenient and efficient airport that has supported the employment of thousands of people in the midwest and continues to be our greatest economical asset, which has in recent years faltered on passenger numbers due to its struggle to attract and maintain consistency with high-profile travel routes.

There have been some practical steps taken and impassioned comments made by politicians in recent weeks and months including from our independent TD Michael McNamara who called for an entire overhaul of Shannon Group’s board, while Violet Anne Wynne (SF) referred to ‘discrimination’ against Aer Lingus’ staff at Shannon Airport.

Meanwhile, ahead of passenger flights reopening from Shannon on July 1, Shannon Group’s CEO Mary Considine publicly responded to the interim draft Aviation Recovery Taskforce report, calling for urgent Government action in lifting travel restrictions and the 14-day quarantine period to pave the way for summer holidays abroad.

This all in the fall-out of United Airlines pulling its route from Shannon to Newark - the seventh busiest route from Shannon last year - paints a picture of an airport struggling for key battleground territory.

To paint a clear albeit

simplified picture, Shannon Airport’s passenger numbers have dropped by more than half in less than 15 years whilst Dublin has almost doubled its annual traffic to a staggering 33 million. Cork Airport continues to gravitate back towards pre-recession figures.

Last year, Shannon’s passenger numbers declined by eight per cent to 1.71 million (attributed in part to the global grounding of the Boeing 737 Max affecting Air Canada and Norwegian Air), some 800,000 less than the target set by chairman Rose Hynes at the time of Shannon’s separation from the DAA in 2013.

However it should be noted, that’s all history now. I believe that when we look back on 2020 with 2020 vision some years from now, Covid-19 will be looked at as the time when we learned valuable lessons. I believe that if ever there was an opportunity for Shannon to begin strengthening its hand (in spite of the vulnerable position of the aviation industry) it will come on the back of more balanced regional development at Government level. Deputy Joe Carey (FG), Chair of the all-party Oireachtas group aimed at supporting Shannon, brought the matter to the attention of the Taoiseach in recent weeks and alluded to a policy in the UK which requires airlines who want to fly to London to also provide services to elsewhere in Britain.

It’s clear that government support and investment paired with hard work and innovative thinking from Shannon Group - will be key to securing a positive future for Shannon Airport. Without its continued growth, County Clare is at risk of becoming a commuter county serving Limerick and Galway.

Politics

‘‘

The people of Ireland have made huge sacrifices and proven that we understand just how serious the situation is. We showed that we can rise to the occasion and we succeeded in flattening the curve

member state Governments and as such, there is a serious hurdle in the form of the Dutch, Danish, Swedish and Austrian Governments who favour direct governmental loans.

However, Ireland is only in line to get €2bn of the fund; something the Irish Government are keen to change also.

Nevertheless, the package and its breakdown will come before the EU Summit next month. The role of Clare’s five MEPs and 28 county councillors is likely to become a busy one as various groups and businesses vie for funding. It’s imperative that Clare’s citizens and entrepreneurs start looking into how this fund will operate and how to apply to it once the details are finalised. The county needs to be proactive in order to get its fair share of funding. Once the terms and conditions are published, it becomes incumbent on our public representatives to verse themselves as to how to navigate the red tape involved.

One thing underpinning the fund, was a reaffirmed commitment to the EU’s “Green Deal”, an acceleration of digitalisation, and pledging to diversifying supply chains, currently heavily dependent on Chinese production, and updating competition policy for the new environment we find ourselves in. These commitments underline the political realisation that the world we had before the pandemic will have to change.

We won’t be back to ‘normal’ but will have to forge a new normal.

‘‘

STUART HOLLY

ITH domestic politics focused on Government formation, Coronavirus still dominates the headlines across Europe. Sweden continues to get worse; the UK has failed to get a handle on the crisis and parts of Germany are already seeing a second wave. Last Friday, European leaders held discussions on the proposed Recovery Fund.

Last month, members of the European Parliament voted to adopt a resolution from the Renew Europe group calling on the European Commission to provide a two trilllion euro investment fund and budget to invest across the members states to kick start the economy.

The fund would be financed by recovery bonds powered by new EU-wide revenue streams, or its own resources, including new levies on big tech, big polluters and tax evaders. The move would be a huge change to existing European policy which had previously avoided directly financing the raising of funds through the sale of bonds.

Four of the five MEPs that represent Clare, as part of the Ireland South constituency, voted for the stimulus package, with only Mick Wallace voting against it.

The text of the motion calls for the Recovery Fund to be based mostly on grants, direct investment and equity. Billy Kelleher (FF), MEP for Ireland South, and member of the Renew Europe Grouping, stated that “The European Parliament has laid down a bold marker for governments and the EU Commission in that it expects a robust, radical and transformative Covid-19 recovery plan. We need cash reaching beneficiaries as quickly as possible.”

Speaking to this column, Green Party MEP for Ireland South, Grace O’Sullivan added, “We are pleased to see movement on a European recovery plan, and that we seem to be avoiding the mistakes of the last crisis, where underspending and austerity worsened the economic crisis and wasted a decade. We want to see the delivery of an ambitious recovery programme with the European Green Deal at its heart, one that increases our resilience and delivers jobs while helping nature recover. In Ireland that means jobs in energy, in retrofitting, transport, agricultural diversification and so much more. We have to sieze the opportunity here and push for the best possible agreement from the European Council in July, for a budget that can really deliver on such a promise.”

This motion gathered pace when the French and German Government’s signed off on a €750 billion rescue fund. This will not be for Government loans or to bailout Government exchequer deficits.

The move has the support of the European Commission but will need the European Council to sign off.

The Council is made up of the 27

If Ireland is to fight for a better slice of the European pie, we need a permanent, stable Government with the ability and mandate to fight for our economic interests. We’re almost 140 days on from the General Election and members of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens will decide this weekend if we are to get said Government. The tourism and hospitality industries have been utterly decimated and will need ongoing supports if they’re to be given the time to recover post-Covid. The people of Ireland have made huge sacrifices and proven that we understand just how serious the situation is. We showed that we can rise to the occasion and we succeeded in flattening the curve.

The mental health of the population, as well as the health of the overall economy, need for us to get on with bringing about a new normal now.

Healthcare worker and essential services have indeed been heroic over the past three months. It’s now up to all of us to do our part and realise we need to change our behaviours so that their brave work is not in vain. Wear a face mask in public, maintain social distancing and keep hand hygiene standards high. As the country re-opens, we need to do our part to avoid a second wave but also to support local businesses as we try get our economy moving again.

16 FEATURES

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

GREEN CLARE

Ennis Tidy Towns hosts Best Kept Garden and Community Green Area compeition CIAN O’BROIN

E

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

NNIS Tidy Towns is running ‘The Best Kept Garden and Community Green Area’ as part of the annual local Tidy Towns competition.

Applicants can apply for the Best Kept Garden award under the small, medium or large biodiversity gardens, along with the best kept estates and business awards.

The deadline for entry is Friday July 3rd, with adjudication taking place throughout July and August.

Entries are to be detailed onto a simplified application form and are being accepted via email, Twitter, WhatsApp and text as well as in a traditionally formatted physical form, to be posted to the Ennis Chamber offices.

The competition is a way of thanking local gardeners, communities and businesses for their contribution to the national Tidy Towns competition each year, tells Chairman Cormac Mc Carthy.

Each year, the national effort is comprised of innumerable, inconspicuous yet momentous individual efforts that bedeck the town, with adjudicator reports consistently acknowledging the overall cleanliness and neat composition of gardens and green spaces in Ennis. Front or back gardens can be put forward for consideration with a strong emphasis being placed on safe adjudication this year. Compliance and comfort are at the forefront of organising a safe time to assess entrants’ gardens. Assessment will

be based on overall design and appearance through a points-based system, outlined on the application form.

This year 20 per cent of the overall marking will be awarded for environmentally friendly gardening. In the biodiversity section, environmentally friendly gardening will contribute towards 60 per cent of the overall marking. Mr. Mc Carthy endeavours all entrants, no matter what categories, to incorporate biodiversity measures: “These can be very simple measures like leaving a corner of the garden unmowed for hedgehogs or other wildlife. It could be planting pollinator friendly flowers. It could be planting trees in your local estate or letting an area grow wild. There is a lot of very good guidance out there. We have our community biodiversity toolkit which can be downloaded from our website. Pollinator.ie is also an excellent resource to assist people in making their garden wildlife friendly.

We want to tell people that it is easy to have a structured and landscaped garden using garden variety species, but with very small tweaks you can make this beneficial for wildlife. That should be at the core of all our mindsets when it comes to gardening and managing green areas and spaces.�

Winning the competition isn’t just a right to pose and posture amongst your people, with ₏3,000 in prizes taking the form of vouchers that can be spent within the town.

Reinvesting this prize money within the town is an integral part of this community competition, outlines Mr. Mc Carthy. Tidy Towns is very much a community effort.

Although a lot of work is done with schools and businesses, it is the community of Ennis which enables the Tidy Towns group to rank so high in the national cham-

lBEE READY: Ennis Tidy Towns are encouraging people to look after pollinators such as bumblebees Photo courtesy of Ennis Tidy Towns Facebook

pionships each year. Mr. Mc Carthy hopes that this money being spent within the local community will alleviate some of the pressure local businesses have been feeling over the past three months. Assisting the adjustment to a new sense of normality and keeping businesses afloat is vital, in his opinion.

Mr. Mc Carthy closes on some sentiments close to each and every home throughout the pandemic, “We are really looking forward to seeing the entrants for this year, so much time and effort has been put into peoples gardens because we have all been keeping local and staying at home.

“Whilst this year the competition will be quite stiff we definitely think there will be some amazing gardens coming through.

Also, we would really encourage people when they are buying their plants and shrubs that they purchase in local gardening centres. There is a great variety and a lot of centres have pollinator friendly plants.

Please support your local garden centres and do your best to buy locally.�

All application forms for the garden and green areas competition can be downloaded from ennistidytowns.com

NEWS 17

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

Motorway has not helped 'rat run' road

Griffey re-elected Macra chair

He committed to bringing the matter to the attention of the County Council’s Transportation Section.

“This goes back in history to when the motorway was established and it continues to be a nightmare for the people living there,” Cllr McMahon outlined.

He said that it was envisaged heavy traffic on the road would relent due to the construction of the M18.

"Heavy traffic keeps on using the road instead of using the motorway, there are quite a large amount of heavy vehicles using the backroad from Newmarket-on-Fergus to Shannon.

"It was never envisaged to upgrade the road because of the motorway coming into existence and the problem exists today for anyone living in the area”.

Cars have to pull in when they meet a heavy vehicle, the Newmarket-on-Fergus councillor said.

He warned that a future accident is likely.

Cllr John Crowe (FG) seconded the motion with Cllr Donna McGettigan also adding support, “I lived in Ballygirreen for five years so I know the issues well”.

Use of the road “as a rat run” by motorists travelling to work in Shannon adds to

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Clare Macra na Feirme took place last Saturday night.

Among the high profile guests were President of Macra na Feirme Thomas Duffy and Munster Vice President Sean Wallace.

"The past year on the Macra calendar was an interesting one. What started off as a normal Macra year with competitions and events in full flow, has ended with a tough few months for everyone as the easing of the lockdown continues and Macra was faced with having to re-invent itself," a spokesperson for Clare Macra na Feirme said.

Elected on the night were Chairperson; Cillian Griffey, Joint secretaries; Kieran Harvey and Liam Hanrahan, Treasurer; Dermot Hegarty, Competitions Chairperson; Caitriona Power, Competitions Secretary; Brian Murphy, Young Farmer Development Group Chairperson; Justin Mulqueen.

In his Chairman's speech, Cillian Griffey stated: "On the broader agriculture front we saw a divisive year in 2019 for the farming community. With the rise of the Beef plan movement and protests outside factories, some concessions were gained and a beef task force set up. Macra, through President Thomas Duffy and others were at the table fighting for young farmers. This new €50m farm scheme for beef farmers must be welcomed."

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

ONTINUED use of Newmarket-on-Fergus back roads by heavy goods vehicles approaching the M18 is proving to be “a nightmare” for residents, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) has claimed.

An upgrade of the R462 in the vicinity of the McMahon, Meere and Donnelly households was sought by Cllr McMahon at the May meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

He declared that the road linking the M18 to Carrigoran Nursing Home was “in a dangerous condition”.

Senior executive engineer, Aidan O’Rourke confirmed an examination of the route would be undertaken to determine “the immediate issues present and any immediate repairs” that could be carried out.

Any upgrade of the road would not be included in the 2020 Roadworks Programme and it is “outside the scope of funding typically afforded to the Municipal District”.

the traffic on the road, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) commented.

“It is creating a major problem the amount of traffic that is there and has been since the motorway.

"There is huge traffic on it and it is no big secret that there are industries on the far side of the road”.

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18 FEATURES

Make life count RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

A

LL of us, with different dreams, different goals and different perspectives, wake up each morning with a purpose or new goal or idea and continue on our different journies of life.

Lots of us after the last few months of Lockdown have probably if you’re like me recharged the batteries a bit and have set new goals and challenges and dreams for ourselves. All of us are unique and distinctive from one another, yet there are similar things which bring us all together irrespective of all the differences and contrasts we have.

If personalities make us different and unique, emotions make us alike. If beliefs, religion and none divide us, humanity brings us together. If choices and goals make us different, love makes us alike. If Countries, Brexits, Viruses, Lockdowns and Boundaries divide us, the World brings us together. The focus of everything that we seek is the same.

I believe....

A prayer about what someone believed life to be for them, I found in my Nana Scully’s prayerbook goes as follows, “I believe through my experiences of living on my journey of life so far, that you cannot make someone love you. All you can do is be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. I believe that no matter how much you care, some people just don’t care back. I believe that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it. I believe that it’s not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I believe that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes.

After that, you’d better know something. I believe that it’s not what happens to people that’s important. It’s what they do about it.

I believe that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life. I believe that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe that either you control your attitude or it controls you. I believe that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. I believe that learning to forgive takes practice.

I believe that money is a lousy way of keeping score. I believe that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but

that doesn’t give me the right to be cruel. I believe that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I believe that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many years you’ve lived.

I believe that you should never tell a child their dreams are unlikely or outlandish. Few things are more humiliating, and what a tragedy it would be if they believed you.

I believe that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that. I believe that it isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for your grief. I believe that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each other and just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do. I believe that sometimes you have to put the individual ahead of their actions.

I believe that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever. I believe that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I believe that there are many ways of falling and staying in love. I believe that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t even know you.

I believe that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help. I believe most of all that writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pains. I believe that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon. I believe the appearances you give from your face return to you in the way people treat you from what they have seen in your face. Give out love, kindness, truth, care and mercy.”

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, don’t lose sight of what’s important. Don’t lose hope when life gets tough. Don’t give up on your dreams for the future. Don’t sell yourself short in life. Don’t forget how to hug, to laugh, to smile.

Don’t be too proud to cry. Don’t be

hateful or hurtful. Don’t forget to say, “thank you”, “I am sorry” and “I love you” each and every day.

Don’t expect there will always be a tomorrow. Don’t forget that one small kindness pays you back two fold. Everybody has something to offer. Indeed, most of us have many things to offer and, in a lot of cases, special expertise is not required. A face of love cures all ills.

We are all capable of giving that which people need most of all: Love. Love translates into time, service and the sharing of oneself.

Don’t give up. Share the love, share your love.

Be a face of love. And remember that there is no better thing that you can do in life than to love someone or care for someone or be there for someone. Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can. I pray that each of you that have read this thought for the week today and on other occasions, may be blessed always and in all ways.

This week when you look at your partner, your children, your parents, your friends, your colleagues see them with the eyes of love. Remember that we are all just doing the very best we can.

When we look at those we care about with The Look of Love, we are dismissing that they left their towel lying on the floor (my wife forgives me regularly for this), we are ignoring that they left the fridge door open, we are looking at them with the eyes of love, we are remembering and connecting to the blessing we feel that they are in our lives.

The gratitude that they are sharing this journey with us right now!

That they are here now! This is not something to take for granted, and yet we do so every single day, again and again.

So, let’s make our country a better place, one look at a time this week and well into the future. Take a moment to look at and appreciate the ones we love, the ones who are walking beside us, who are working beside us, who are living beside us and who are sharing this journey with us during these difficult economic, faithless and hard times.

It is powerful soul food. Do one more thing for me, when you look in the mirror this week, look at yourself with the eyes of love.

Don’t look at the wrinkles, or slight imperfections, look, really look into your eyes, and love yourself.

You are here now for a reason, and I for one am profoundly grateful that you are here, and that you are aware enough that you are willing to take the next opportunity that comes your way.

If we can only remember to do this once this week, we are improving the world around us. Make your time on earth count.

THURSDAY, JUN 25 2020

A LOOP OF HONOUR

lON YER BIKE: Hendrik Ketalaar circumnavigated the Clare

County boundary on a bicycle in aid of Clare Cancer Support recently. Here he is pictured with Banner Support Cyclist Donal Marron who accompanied Hendrik for more than 100km around Loop Head. To date €2000 has been raised and the fundraising page remains open. All money raised will go to Slainte an Chlair, Clare Cancer Support Services. Visit idonate.ie and search for Hendriks ring of Clare cycle to donate

Eight to the Gate and donate

C

RATLOE GAA are organising the “Eight to the Gate and Donate” fundraising event, which will run from June 26th to 28th. The event will see members of Cratloe GAA and camogie clubs participate in an 8km walk or run from the Cratloe to Meelick gates in Cratloe Woods. Money raised will go to Down Syndrome Limerick.

Down Syndrome Limerick is a local charity that supports children and adults with Down Syndrome through the provision of essential therapies, such as speech and language therapy and occupational therapy as well as providing courses, information evenings and adult education programmes.

Kevin Browne, Chairman of Cratloe GAA said, “The GAA has always brought a sense of community and comradery to villages and towns in Ireland.

Cratloe GAA is no exception.

Our players are eager to get back to training soon but felt that in the meantime we could do something to foster that community spirit and organise an event for a very worthy and local cause. “ We have families in Cratloe that avail of the services at Down Syndrome Limerick so we are delighted to run this event to support them. Charities have been hard hit as a

result of Covid so hopefully this will help them re-open their doors and get their services running again”.

Ellen Tuffy, Chairperson of Down Syndrome Limerick said, “We are very grateful to be the chosen beneficiary for this event. The therapies and services provided by Down Syndrome Limerick make a huge difference to the children and adults who access them.

“The charity is run by parents on a voluntary basis and our priority is to provide the necessary supports that will help our children to reach their potential. We rely on the generosity of individuals, clubs and businesses to support us to keep our services going.

Sincerest thanks to everyone in Cratloe for getting involved and supporting us”.

Cratloe GAA will be providing time slots for the event to their members. But for anyone outside of the club please come along in your own time to support us by doing the “Eight to the Gate and Donate” challenge at any stage over the weekend. If you can’t come to the Woods feel free to walk or run in your own locality and donate to the event. All support is greatly appreciated.

Social distancing rules apply.

Donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/8-to-the-gateand-donate.

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'Time to come out and enjoy yourselves again' Knox's Bar & Storehouse ready to welcome customers STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

H

UNDREDS of thousands - possibly millions - of locals and tourists have crossed the threshold of Alexander Knox’s in Ennis since it was first established in 1864. This writer first visited as a child with his mother when it was a supermarket run by Michael O’Grady, and many more times since for a drink when not accompanied by a responsible adult.

In the 19th century the building was first used as a pub and wholesalers and was later taken over by the Knox family and renamed Alexander Knox’s - the current sign over the door dates back to 1902 (Alexander himself was killed in a bicycle accident on his way to work in the 1930s).

Fast forward to 1994, businessman Kieran Gleeson came in and “basically gutted the building and made what you see now, it was a very innovative and brave thing to do. He made it into one of the finest pubs in Ireland I’d say,” says Mike Dennehy, owner of Knox’s Bar & Storehouse Restaurant. Gleeson would sell the business to Michael Lynch before Dennehy took over in 2001 and he has had it ever since.

With businesses now emerging from the global pandemic’s forced hibernation, restaurants and pubs are next in line. However the conditions of reopening a food & drink premises have been exhaustive.

Forced to contend with a number of strict Government guidelines, Mike is dealing with a business crisis instead of enjoying a bumper 2020 tourist season as he counts down the months to celebrating 20 years at 18 Abbey Street.

Knox’s is one of Clare’s bestknown venues for live entertainment with a booming weekend local trade however it has been growing its reputation as a must-visit for tourists in the summer months.

Mike - who also counts JP Clarke’s and Gallagher’s Seafood Restaurant in his business portfolio - had identified a growing trend towards the traditional Irish pub to tap into that tourist market which had become a vital part of his model.

Knox's Bar & Storehouse Restaurant and (below) owner Mike Dennehy this week

Mike explains, “We noticed a trend that the traditional Irish pub was the way to go so a lot of the features were here anyway because it’s an old building. The building dates back to 1864 so it was a case of adding onto it all the time so we started that process in 2013 and we almost finished it last year. Last year we did a major job on the place, we had it designed by Paul Haffey in Belfast.

“So that’s where we were. We had an extremely successful tourist season last year, the pub worked very well and the tourists liked it. We saw tourism as the way to go in Ennis as well as our local business. It was a great early-week filler for us, we could be

busier on a Monday than it was on a Friday. We were ready for this year and then Covid struck and we are where we are at this stage.”

Knox’s Bar & Storehouse Restaurant is arguably among the best-placed pubs to deal with the new restrictions set to come in next Monday, with an operational kitchen and four levels of floor space between the bar and restaurant with plenty of nooks and crannies to accommodate small groups.

One of the most contentious points of the guidelines is that customers must purchase a meal to the value of around €9 and will only be allowed to spend one hour and 45 minutes in the establishment before having to move on, while

customers are to stay at their table unless they are using the toilet facilities. There had been a lot of concern amongst publicans that the two-metre rule would affect their ability to trade however Failte Ireland have said that a one metre rule may be implemented in a controlled environment and if other requirements are met.

“We thought long and hard how we’re going to deal with that with our customers and staff coming in and there was a lot of talk of screens. We didn’t want to ruin the building so we sourced some old doors and we’ve installed them to give people extra protection and we’ve made more little booths while not ruining the authentic atmosphere of the pub,” says Mike.

On the incoming restrictions, Mike says that all safety precautions will be introduced by Knox’s while anything after that will come down to the common sense. He admits that they won’t stringently police the €9 rule to allow customers come in for their bowl of soup or sandwich at lunchtime, adding, “Pre-lockdown, 90 per cent of our customers didn’t stay for longer than 1hr45m anyway so I don’t think it’s going to be an issue. People come in, have a meal, move onto the next place. We’ll be using common sense; common sense on our part and common sense on the customer’s part. People know the risks, they know how to protect themselves at this point. We’ll be

providing everything here; sanitation stations, signage, we’re in the business a long time. We know what to do to keep staff and customers safe and we’re operating on limited capacity so we’ll be fine.”

Due to limited capacity issues, Mike judges that Knox’s will operate at about 30 per cent capacity during the first phase so his focus is on making sure the visitor experience is second to none for those who have waited almost four months to enjoy a meal and a drink in a comfortable setting. “People can come in, sit down, relax, have a meal, have a nice cocktail - our manager Declan Kelly is doing up a nice new cocktail list. We just want people to get out. They’ve been locked up for three months now, it’s time for you to come out and relax, have a few beers, have a bite to eat and enjoy themselves in a safe environment.”

During the enforced period of closure, Knox’s continued to operate a takeaway menu and take-out pints which he envisages will now be part of the business going forward. Other areas where Knox’s could diversify include extended use of outside space, dependent on permission being granted by the Council.

The 52-year-old businessman believes Government has more to do to protect the famous Irish pub trade by implementing a VAT revision or break however he points to the resilience of the local industry as an indicator that Clare won’t witness mass closures.

“For the first few months with social distancing it’s going to be very difficult. Even at a metre it’s not good, at a sit-down basis you’re operating on 30 per cent capacity and with standing up it’s 50 per ccent capacity, from what we were at our turnover will be down probably 50 per cent on that but we’ll get through it,” says Mr Dennehy.

He adds, “We’re always positive. We spent a lot of money here and we know when the tourists do come back it will still be a great draw. We have fantastic loyal business too, we’ve the best of entertainment and music here and when we get all that back we’ll be back to normal. The pubs in Ennis are very resilient, they’re all good operators who know what they’re doing and when it’s safe and the social distancing is gone, we’ll be good.”

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Gail Travel bring human element to holiday bookings CIAN O’BROIN cian@clareecho.ie

G

AIL Travel Agency has been doing business in the town of Ennis since October of 1985. The family run business is located on O’ Connell street and provides quality affordable holidays and travel packages that cater for individuals, groups or families.

Most importantly, Gail Travel offers a personal feel, represented by a face behind the counter or an ear at the end of any enquiry.

Siobhan Flynn has been in the business set up by her grandfather Gerard Hartnett for twenty years now, with her mother Rita looking to pass the torch through retirement in the coming months.

Covid-19 has undoubtedly hit the travel industry the hardest and Siobhan admits that Gail Travel has really felt the brunt of this unforeseeable burden. Liaising with customers behind closed doors has been the top priority of the business in recent weeks, as 70 per

cent of customers looking to postpone their holidays until next year and a further 30 per cent receiving a full refund. Contact has been slow with major airlines in pushing through mandatory refunds under the Regulation EC

Reopening 12pm Monday 29th

Reopening 5pm Thursday July 2nd

REOPENING OUR DOORS

261/2004 which legally entitles passengers to the right of a refund in the event that their journey is cancelled.

Siobhan acknowledges the enthusiastic and highly experienced staff members on

board that accentuate that personal feel to booking your holidays at Gail Travel. This is something you don’t get with an online service, Siobhan affirms.

The company trialled an online booking system a few years ago but felt that the missing human element was a step backward.

The team is currently comprised of Siobhan, her mother Rita as well as Marie, Simone and Noelle. All on board are keen to return to working ways on Monday June 29th, despite a presupposition that business will inevitably be softened in the coming months.

Community is a key component to Gail’s mode of business and Siobhan remains optimistic that one of the hardest hit industries will flourish once again, “At the moment, I wouldn’t sell anyone a holiday for July yet.

It’s important to follow government advice.

Your health is your wealth. Things will pick up again next year. We will have to live with Coronavirus for some time. Once people are secure and settled, there will be an uptake in business again. People love to travel. It’s in our blood. I’d like to thank the community for their support and stay safe and travel will resume again once it is safe to do so.�

Gail Travel 15 O’Connell Street, Ennis, Co.Clare

Tel: 065 6822160

Monday 29th of June

(limited hours) Monday 29th of June 10 - 2 Wednesday 1st of July 10 - 2 Friday 3rd of July 10 - 2

Serving food Monday - Thursday 12 - 10pm | Friday & Saturday 12 -11pm Late Night bites from 9:30 - 11pm Sunday 10am - 10pm including all day breakfast lunch and dinner Storehouse Open Thursday - Saturday 5pm -10pm

We offer packages or tailor made holidays to european & worldwide destinations

Booking is advisable but not essential

For more info see Knoxs.ie 18 Abbey street Ennis

T: 065 682 2871 E: info@knoxs.ie

TA0104

www.gailtravel.ie

info@gailtravel.ie

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Mairead Sheedy: fighting face of Fairtrade in Ennis Mairead Sheedy at Bookstop in Ennis on Wednesday afternoon

CIAN O’BROIN

M

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

AIREAD Sheedy practices altruism on a daily basis.

Supporting charitable organisations like Sláinte an Chláir as well as donating to hospices and schools in Uganda are some of the many ventures that make up her multi-layered character.

Bookstop is the face of it. Peel the layers back and you find yourself looking into the eyes of someone that strives for a better society and acknowledges only one race.

The human race, that is. On Feb 29th 2008, Ennis officially became a Fairtrade town. Celebrations ensued and, on the surface, the Clare Capital was doing its best to contribute to the developing world.

Twelve years later and the selfless sensibility of Irish society has begun to subside. The hard slog brought to the fore by Mairead and the Fairtrade Committee has since subsumed into disparity, confusion and an absence of knowledge around the third world. What is Fairtrade, after all?

The fight for Fairtrade foregrounds most of Mairead’s time as a reputable business owner in Clare.

To the public, Mairead was known as the manager of Oxfam’s Charity Bookshop on High Street in Ennis. After eleven years in this role, Oxfam decided to pull the plug on the neat and respected business unit nestled within the heart of the town. Out came the cast iron shelves, respective branding and all the books that made Mairead feel at home. Unperturbed, Mairead approached the landlord in a bid to re-establish the store as a separate independent charity bookshop.

‘How will you make it work, when all the others have failed?’ was the question put to her following the ambitious proposal. A provisional three-month lease was offered by the Landlord. ‘How can anyone know if something will work after three months. I have been in business since I left school, I love shop work and I’ll make it work’, was Mairead’s hardened reply. A six-

month lease was put on the table.

Five years later, Mairead remarks the magic that can only be felt in a second-hand bookstore: “I love it here. The nicest thing about running Bookstop is meeting people. We sell second-hand books. We do rare books as well as collectors’ items. We also do extra services, like requesting a book that we do not have in store. All of our books here are donated and we rely heavily on people purchasing from other bookstores and passing them on to us. People like second-hand books because they like to think about the person who came before them. The journey that the book has undertaken, especially the older ones. If they see the year 1937, they think of how far that book has

come and what it has been through.

I wanted to support some charitable organisations when opening up.

I chose Sláinte an Chláir as well as a hospice and school in Uganda. We pay them in four instalments, and I had just paid them on March 1st when all this started and we had no money left to do anything else.

We’re trying to sell as much as we can now to make up for it.”

Mairead’s Fairtrade journey began in 1990 when she attended the first workshop organised by Fairtrade Ireland in Dublin. Over the past two decades, she has seen to it that she has been there for every single one, with the exception of last year. A personal impulsion began in the Clare community when she canvassed for Fairtrade at local

mass, appealing to the conscientious centres of regular churchgoers. The result was less than satisfactory. Unfaltering, Mairead decided to infiltrate the local school system.

Finding affability within the CBS and Colaiste in Ennis, Mairead managed to transform both schools into Fairtrade institutions. This was accommodated through empathetic and enthusiastic schoolteachers and Mairead firmly believes that Fairtrade must be instilled from the ground up, with the school system offering the perfect playing field to do so.

Nowadays Mairead won’t touch a coffee unless she physically sees the fabled Fairtrade logo embedded on it. The most widely recognised ethical label for Fairtrade is en-

capsulated through a dark figure raising its hand in empowerment.

Above the gesture is a blue sky, representing optimism. Below is the representation of green which symbolises growth. Growth, empowerment and optimism are central to the ideology and manifestation of Fairtrade. Mairead sees Fairtrade as a better deal for third world producers throughout the planet. Many shops and proponents of Irish branding bypass the necessity of Fairtrade, in her opinion. Shops will market themselves as ambassadors of Fairtrade but behind the counter, lies six bags of non-Fairtrade bananas for each authentic bag of ethically sourced bananas.

By purchasing Fairtrade commodities such as coffee, tea and sugar, consumers are supporting development within third world countries. Farmers and labourers that produce Fairtrade products receive a premium on their work, which is then further reinvested in schools and humanitarian aid in these countries.

On a timeout, life after lockdown and the exerts of existentialism, Mairead philosophises, “I had twenty-six years of depression. It would come really bad. Of course, back then when you had depression you didn’t tell anybody, you couldn’t admit to it, you simply lived with it. It would get pretty bad and I wouldn’t be able to cope at all.

When things like that happen to you and when anything bad happens to you, it makes you a stronger person. I wouldn’t change anything.

At that time, I wasn’t able to think for myself. During the lockdown, my body felt so dead and unmotivated. I couldn’t concentrate on anything. As soon as we opened up two weeks ago I felt a lift in my body, it was as if I felt alive again.

It’s great to be back and to see the support of all the local community.”

On a final note, Mairead hopes that Ennis can reaffirm its identity as a Fairtrade town and bring the issue to the forefront of societal awareness. Once schools return, she will endeavour to provide a platform of education around Fairtrade and hopes that schools, businesses and people alike, will adopt a more conscientious mindset and sternly support the systematic inequity between the developed and developing worlds.

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Gala shop owner Laurence O'Brien praises staff dedication

by ELAINE TUBRIDY and

TRISTAN CASSON-RENNIE

"W

HEN the restrictions ease and we can gather together, we intend on having one fantastic night out. It will most likely be in our garden at home, but we will look forward to that time," says Gala convenience store owner Laurence O'Brien.

Laurence and Susan O'Brien own convenience stores in Cloughleigh, Drumbiggle and on the Tulla Road in Ennis, as well as a store in Kilmaley. Laurence is very proud of his team of 20 staff for their hard work throughout the pandemic.

"Our staff in particular were fantastic. Luckily everybody remained healthy, nobody complained, they were under pressure. Some of our staff made difficult decisions to keep working whilst balancing the needs of their families. It was their choice, their commitment. I think we all found it a very challenging time to work through,” Laurence commented.

Laurance and Susan believe that all retail employees across Clare

and beyond should be recognised for their hard work in the unprecedented circumstances. “There was never a queston that convenience stores and supermarkets would close. We were expected to remain open throughout, and react to the HSE Covid advice accordingly. We had to think outside the box on more than one occasion.

How do we continue to sell our fresh bakery products? How do we keep our front line employees safe whilst working in close proximity to the public? In the early days that advice didn’t exist, but we adapted quickly and quietly went about our business,” said Susan.

"Whilst the big supermarkets were running short of supplies like flour and eggs, we had commitments from our suppliers to make sure we could meet the demands.

We are very grateful to our suppliers for looking after us so well.”

Laurence praised the commitment of his staff, who were working behind bespoke perspex screens while other industry employees were not working and receiving a pandemic payment. "It's not that we feel hard done by or anything like that but we think that retail em-

Laurence O'Brien, owner of four Gala stores across County Clare ployees that went to work throughout the pandemic didn't get any additional support from the state and there are no future plans – like a tax break - to recognise them for their efforts either. The rest of the country was getting a pandemic payment for staying at home.”

"I just think that all the employees in convenience stores and su-

permarkets should be recognised for their effort in keeping the country supplied with essential food and drink. They did a fantastic job."

Laurence outlined how the role of retail stores like his changed during the Covid-19 restrictions, with the local shop becoming more of a lifeline for the community. For many people, going grocery shop-

O’Brien’s Nescafe Gold Cappuccino

€2

ping became one of the only sources of social interaction.

"When people couldn't go anywhere, going to the local shop became an event and people got to see other people at the shop, which was very important for some. Also we quickly enhanced our home delivery service and we were prioritising to those that were shielding, the elderly or to those who were incapacitated. it made a huge difference to them because they actually got to see a smiling face and a friendly wave through the window."

Laurence and Susan are very grateful to all of their customers and they hope that people have recognised the value of their local convenience store and will shop more often in their own community instead of just visiting the larger supermarkets.

Laurance said "We think that people realise more now how important the convenience store is to the community and that same local shop is going to need people more than ever as we go into the aftermath of the pandemic."

Domestos Spray bleach 450ml

€2

KILMALEY 065 683 9038

Kilmaley Tulla Rd Cloughleigh Drumbiggle (Beside Moloney fuels)

Daz 65 wash

Volvic 1.5l

€1

Lyons Orginal Blend 240s

€2

Kelloggs Cornflakes 450g

€5.99

€8.50 Lots more offers in store

P24

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Taxi drivers on edge about returning to ranks PÁRAIC McMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

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LARE taxi drivers are afraid of the financial uncertainty and the potential health risks posed by returning to the ranks.

At present, the majority of taxi-drivers in the county are on the COVID-19 pandemic unemployment payment. While some have continued working during the restrictions, those that have been out of action for the past three months are fearful they will be out of pocket due to a decline in traffic and footfall around the county.

Personnel employed in the sector have highlighted their safety concerns to The Clare Echo, one South Clare based taxi driver expressed his fear at collecting strangers and unwittingly bringing the virus back to his family home.

Another driver from East Clare who operates primarily out of the county town has cautioned that although pubs and restaurants are

scheduled to reopen in the coming weeks it will not necessarily lead to more people calling a taxi. “Everyone is talking about the unknown but we have no idea what we will be returning to. The public health experts have warned that people will not follow the advice once they have had a few drinks, where does that leave us when they hop in the back of our car”.

AAA Taxi are planning to reopen on Monday morning. Owner, Trevor White told The Clare Echo, “A lot of drivers are very afraid to return because of the uncertainty around the industry. We just don't know what way business will be on our return so it’s a huge risk for those on the COVID payment to come off it as they could be returning to 10 hour days for €30 a day”.

He believed they were on the same boat as shop, pub and restaurant owners in not securing a set guaranteed wage. Trevor suggested that the Government continue the payment “for a period of time and faze it out week by week as business returns to normal,” to alleviate the concerns of taxi drivers.

Their reopening was stalled for

the health and safety of customers, White said. The Ennis native admitted that they had to remove safety partition screens from their vehicles “because they are technically a modification to the car and the National Transport Authority won't issue us with a pass unless the car goes through a suitability test”. The availability to complete such tests has been very rare with the Ennis NCT Centre only reopening on Tuesday of this week.

Minus this approval and certification, insurance would not cover the screens.

“Even if test centres were open there's no guarantee that the screens will pass anyway. When you think about it how can they pass. Car manufacturers spend millions and millions testing all safety features of a car before mass production to make sure there is no harm caused to the passengers. Safety screens no matter where they are made have never been tested in this country so we have no idea how they will react in an accident, what happens when the curtain air bags deploy and shatter the screen into dangerous sharp objects. That could cause far

Drivers have highlighted safety concerns more serious consequences than the virus could. It would seem the only safe option available to us is for drivers to wear face coverings when passengers are on board and for all passengers to do the same where possible,” he said.

On top of this, Trevor outlined that cars will have to be cleaned and disinfected after each journey.

The thirty nine year old flagged that a “huge problem” in Ennis and

the wider county is drivers with limo licences posing as taxi drivers, an “uninsured” activity that continued during the restrictions he said.

“From speaking to a lot of taxi drivers in town, the agreement is we all have to come together to help stamp this out and work with the PSV Inspector by reporting such people to him and the authorities so the law can deal with them”.

90 per cent of business 'Rising Star' award for Shannon Springs Manager expect to return to 'new MICHAEL Hayes, Duty Manager at the Shannon Springs Hotel won the National Star Award for “Rising Star of the Year” the Irish Hotel Awards announced this week.

John Gavin, Director/Co-Owner at Shannon Springs Hotel, said “Dermot Kelly and I are both very proud of Michael what he has achieved today. We are very lucky to have such a talented young man who wants to make his carer within the hospitality industry and delighted his hard work and dedication has been seen at a National Level”.

Michael started with Shannon Springs just over four years ago as a young 17 year old. He immediately demonstrated all of the qualities needed to have a successful career in the hospitality industry. Upon completion of his leaving cert, Michael started to study accountancy while continuing to work in the Shannon Springs Hotel. After a number of months it became clear to Michael that his flair was in the hospitality industry.

"Michael is now in year three of a four-year degree course at Shannon College. Michael started his career with Shannon Springs as a bartender and is one of the best bartenders that I have worked with in the industry.

Michael is now a duty manager within the hotel and oversees the day-to-day running of the food and beverage department. His overall knowledge of the property and industry allows him to work and shine where ever is required. He has a very bright future ahead of him," added Michael.

The 4-star Shannon Springs Hotel was also presented with a “Great Place to Stay Quality Award” by the Irish Hotel Awards.

normal' by end of 2020

A

RECENT Return To Work survey conducted

by Cregg Recruitment has found that over 90% of businesses expect to return to a new normal by the end of Q4 2020.

The survey, which looked at the employer sentiment across a number of industries in relation to the 'Return to Work Safely Protocol' outlined by the Irish Government, focussed on businesses in many industries including accountancy & finance, construction, electronics, engineering, food, IT, logistics, manufacturing, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals.

Of those surveyed, 67% stated that they are in the process of implementing the Governments 'Return to Work Safely Protocol', a clear indicator that businesses are eager to return to work and wish to do so in a manner that is safe for their employees.

Highlighting the fact that a lot of uncertainty still affects decisions being made by employers, 43% stated that they have yet to decide on a return to work date for their employees.

The majority of those surveyed do not expect a Full Return to Work in the near future. Only 16% believe

that a full return to work is possible right now. The survey indicates that "businesses are instead planning for a Phased Return (36%) or a Split Return (39%)" with a number of employees working from home and/or the rest working on site.

The timeline of when a business plans its return to work will differ across industries. "Our findings indicate that over 90% of respondents expect to return to a new normal by the end of Q4 2020. Highlighting the uncertainty of planning for the short term but with confidence levels growing later in the year."

The ongoing social distance guidelines do not allow for many businesses to operate in the same manner as they did a few months ago. Nearly half of all respondents stated that 80% of their workforce are currently working from home. Some 69% of businesses stated that less than a fifth of their workforce worked remotely prior to COVID 19.

"With remote work becoming a more viable option for businesses and with the ongoing social distancing restrictions, we believe that the majority of businesses will encourage employees to work remotely where possible."

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Locals artisans return with opening of Chapel Lane Market

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HAPEL Lane Market will re-open on Saturday, June 27.

With life adjusting to the new normal and we emerge from lockdown, Chapel Lane Market, Ennis’ community art and craft market will reopen on Saturday 27 June.

A statement from Chapel Lane Market said, "Since the last Chapel Lane Market on March 7 local craftspeople have been working away in sheds, studios and at kitchen tables producing beautiful, high quality products, just waiting for the go-ahead from the Government that Chapel Lane Market could re-open its doors. And finally we’re able to announce we’re back on Saturday 27 June, with doors open at 10.30am.

"With Chapel Lane Market the driving force has always been to develop a creative, sustainable weekly marketplace for local craftspeople in which to sell their handmade products. Nothing bought in or mass manufactured is allowed to be sold, meaning visitors can always be sure that they are buying something unique and made within a 30 mile radius of Ennis.

"Lockdown has really awakened an appreciation of the power and value of shopping locally. We’re all being encouraged to continue to stay local and to shop local. Supporting local small businesses is so valuable because they have been severely hit by the shutdown since March. We are asking the people of Ennis and County Clare to continue to support

Chapel Lane Market by shopping locally and supporting local craftspeople, and to come and take a look at the diverse array of beautiful products on display every week. And to spread the word to staycationing friends and family visiting the area during the Summer."

Local craft markets are of massive importance to local artisans as they provide a reliable way to meet local customers, who value the chance to buy unique gifts for themselves or friends and family.

Each week there are stallholders displaying an array of differing crafts and artistic styles, from needlework, sewing, crochet, knitwear and paper craft, to beaded and silver jewellery, landscape painting, fused glass, from soap to photography. This year new stallholders will be introducing visitors to the market to model cottages and houses from Jake Justice Creations and bespoke wooden furniture from Padriag Sheridan amongst many others.

Longstanding stallholders such as Wild Atlantic Silver (silver jewellery) , Colly’s Hobby House (plaques and art), Celtic Knitwear, Crafty Nugz (cards and framed paper craft), Orinoco Fused Glass and Sallyann’s Handmade Bags will be returning for their fifth year at Chapel Lane Market.

The designer and maker behind Wild Atlantic Silver, Lorna Langenkamp, said, “This period of lockdown has given me the chance to explore my craft and to develop new ideas I have long had, but had no time to trial and develop. Now I will be re-

turning to Chapel Lane Market with some exciting new silver pieces, all created in my silversmithing studio here in Ennis” Chapel Lane Market is open every Saturday from now until Christmas from 10.30am to 5pm, and can be found in the Community Centre on Chapel Lane in Ennis, with an additional entrance from Moran’s Car Park.

O’Halloran & Griffin Limited Furniture Bedding & Carpet Store 100 % Locally Owned Furniture Store in West Clare Since 1994

Thanking everyone for the support during the lockdown

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The Country Store stands tall as Broadford's beating heart STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

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HIS August, Karen O’Connor will celebrate two years of owning The Country Store in Broadford, the picturesque village tucked away in the hills of East Clare. Having impressively and steadily grown the business to employ 24 staff members and increase the shop’s offering, the arrival of Covid-19 threw up some question marks which the business woman has duly answered over the last three months.

“Broadford-Kilbane-Kilmore is our community,” Karen tells The Clare Echo. “The Country Store, I have it two years on August 4 and to be put into the middle of a pandemic that’s never been seen before in history…” she trails off, suggesting her disbelief at the strange scenario. “But the support, the kindness, the generosity of people, the commitment of people in the community. People picking up the phone to call us for whatever they needed, it’s that support that has let me keep my doors open and comfortably know that I’m not going to be shut and I can pay my bills.”

The Country Store is in that select group of businesses which did not have to avail of the Covid pandemic wage subsidy scheme and Ms O’Connor praises her staff for their commitment to the shop’s efforts in providing the community with a comprehensive service over the last three months, one which included delivering meals and groceries to the older population in the area.

“To each and every staff member, it’s a credit to them.

Frontline workers are not just people who work in hospitals, which everyone knows, e v e n

down to the postwoman. Our customers come out and when they leave their work, around the corner from their home they have a sense of comfort knowing they are coming to the safety of their own area without having to queue in the likes of a shopping centre.

“While the Covid kicked in I went from 24 staff down to 11 and those staff, the hours they put in, the extra shifts they put in… Perspex is up, yeah, but they still had to listen to the news every day about coughing and sneezing and touching money, but they stuck through it. Not one of them let me down on a shift, they turned up for work. Not one of them gave out if they had to stay on an extra hour to deliver something to out the road.”

Karen set about implementing safety measures including Perspex separators, safety tape (which consisted of hurley grips and silage tape to begin with) and hand sanitizer stations. Panicked shoppers on the hunt for toilet paper, baking flour and bicarbonate of soda never left empty-handed as The Country Store managed stock levels comfortably throughout.

The Country Store is renowned for operating as a one-stop shop to the local community, offering a wide range of products from fuels, Payzone and parcel connect, to a selection of hot homemade dinners, freshly baked goods and wine. As the business adjusted to new conditions in early Spring, Karen was adamant that the shop would extend its commitment to all members of the community including those who were cocooning.

Most recently she has installed outdoor seating which can accommodate 25 visitors at one time however it was in conjunction with local GAA club Broadford GAA – and the local postwoman Carmen – that The Country Store’s community effort was most felt in the locality. It was the second time in recent months that the shop teamed up with the GAA club having organised Christmas dinners for 107 people aged over 70 free of charge last December.

Karen explains, “I didn’t want people to think we weren’t here or unable to provide a service to them so I had a leaflet done up to say we’re open as normal and delivery available for groceries and our regular menu and daily specials.

“We also teamed up

The Country Store in Broadford and (left) owner Karen O'Connor with the local GAA club and Carmen the post woman and compiled a list and phone numbers, so whoever needed stuff delivered would get it delivered to their door.” Of the task faced by her older customers, Karen adds, “No elderly people came in here for the first 10 weeks. This is the first week I’ve seen some of my local people coming in.”

Karen says that due to the local

pubs closing and the post office’s opening hours being affected by the government restrictions, the community was grateful that The Country Store remained an immovable force throughout the months of lockdown. “The familiarity of them knowing the shop was open was peace of mind to them.”

Immediate plans for future safety include a hatch at the front window which will allow customers to do

some convenience shopping from the street, however inside seating will remain closed until the next round of measures are lifted on July 20, in the safety interests of local customers, with the launch of a fresh look and new menu.

To contact The Country Store call 061 473977 or 087 6682977.

Opening hours Mon-Fri 7am6.30pm, Sat 8am-4pm and Sun 9am-3pm.

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Irish public had to rethink their relationship with health & fitness CIAN O’BROIN cian@clareecho.ie

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LANET Tri celebrates a decade of business in the East Clare district of Killaloe this year. Founded in 2010

by Cathal Murphy, the store now holds a pronounced place within the heart of the town, consecrating it as a one stop shop for triathlon and fitness gear as well as bike hire and repair.

Following a compulsory seven-week closure, Planet Tri has reopened its doors to

triathlon and bike enthusiasts throughout the county.

Throughout the lockdown Planet Tri continued to accommodate its loyal customers with the servicing of emergency repairs as well as special sales for essential workers.

Cathal denotes a surge in business since reopening, admitting that the Irish public has had to rethink their relationship with health and fitness. Like many bike shops, Cathal has pointed to a struggle to acquire specific parts due to a deceleration of production and distribution in Asia. Reuniting with the local community has enabled Cathal and his son in law Ian to tackle a backlog of repairs that had built up during those seven weeks.

Health and safety requirements mean that only three people are permitted within the store at any one time, with the incorporation of a hygiene station, masks and ground markers put in place to enable a flow of customers.

Planet Tri supplies all triathlon products including bikes, wetsuits, triathlon apparel such as running shoes, power metres and much more. Cyclists of all types and categories are catered for in store whether that be a beginner or leisure level to the most experienced road racer and hardened triathlete.

A full range of children’s bikes are available in store also. Services provided by Cathal in-

Furniture licence fees waved by council TO FACILITATE use of the public spaces in our towns and villages for street furniture provision in line with Phase 3 of the revised Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Clare County Council has announced that all street furniture licence fees have been waived during the Covid-19 period. The decision was made following consultation with stakeholders inside and outside the county and is aimed at businesses due to reopen from 29th June with physical distancing guidelines in mind.

Applications can be made at: http://www.clarecoco.ie/your-council/forms/planning/ by filling out P19 Licence Application Form for Street Furniture.

Liam Conneally, Director of Service, Economic Development and Planning, Clare County Council, said: “In opening their businesses countywide the Council is aware of the significant additional costs and pressures on business people as a result of the need to comply with Covid-19 requirements, and for this reason street furniture licence fees due to the Council will be waived for this Covid-19 period.” He added that “Planning Department staff will work with licence applicants to process their street furniture licence applications/ agents as quickly as possible” but stressed “the need to get the right information into the system early”.

Carmel Kirby, Director of Physical Development, Clare County Council, said: “We are working closely with traders who wish to have on-street furniture. I believe that outdoor seating will add some vibrancy to our towns and villages and make them more attractive to visitors and to people choosing Clare for their staycation. I am encouraging people to apply for the licence early so that the best and safest use can be made of public spaces.”

clude bike maintenance and hire, bike fitting as well as triathlon and ironman coaching.

On his coaching experience and decision to pass the ballot on to the next wave of triathletes, Cathal confesses, “I have done twenty-five Ironmans so far. I started coaching then four years ago to help pass on the knowledge to other people. Now I’m a fully certified Ironman coach and I have helped multiple athletes achieve their dream and hear those blessed words “You are an Ironman.” I coach athletes from sprint distance to full Ironman distance events, specialising in helping athletes who coincide a busy lifestyle with high work and family demands.”

Community engagement and spirit is certainly at the core of Cathal’s business philosophy. Getting the community involved in cycling is "something we like to do", tells Cathal. Planet Tri is closely aligned with local schools, cycle groups and triathlon clubs and is a frequent contributor in vari-

ous raffles and events in Killaloe. The shop also houses a small coffee shop where local cycle groups meet up before and after spins within the town and county. Crowds would often cascade at this local hotspot on Sunday mornings, a testament to the rise in popularity of physical health and fitness. Unfortunately, Cathal has had to close the in store coffee shop for the time being due to Covid-19 but remains hopeful as to its imminent reopening in time to come.

On the importance of shopping local, Cathal concludes, “For anyone looking to get into cycling it’s important to go into their local bike shop and try not to buy online. The bike shop will be somewhere where they can pick up strong advice rather than something that looks flashy but doesn’t operate as well.

Everybody should try and support local now.

If you buy a bike online, it can’t be fixed online. Your local bike shop will always try and help you out.”

Banner Carpets are delighted to be back in business and look forward to seeing all our customers & friends

WE PERFECT YOUR HOME

Unit 2, Block 1, Quin Road Business Park

065 684 2111 www.bannercarpets.ie

MOTORING 29

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 2020

MOTORING

MOTORISTS URGED TO GET CARS NCT READY AS BACKLOG EXPECTED

Martin Daly

STUART HOLLY

A

editor@clareecho.ie

HUGE backlog of NCT tests has been predicted in Clare as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.

Martin Daly of Tyrestop on the Tulla Road in Ennis says that due to four months of inactivity at the NCT centre and the government issuing a four-month NCT extension to all cars - paired with recent technical issues at the NCT centre on the Quin Road - there will be a delay in cars getting their new NCT cert in the coming months.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, the Lisseycasey businessman explained that although his premises was deemed an essential service while lockdown restrictions were in place, he still witnessed a fall in business as less people were on the road due to temporary lay-offs, travel restrictions and people working from home. However with the return of NCT tests, he has urged customers to book in for their pre-test to make sure they don’t get caught out in the coming months.

Martin, who has been in business on the Tulla Road for eight years, said, “There’s going to be such a backlog now because even before the Covid virus kicked in the NCT centre had issues with the lifts and a lot of cars getting done were inspection-only tests. The next level of test that required a lift all have to be tested again, plus you have the backlog from the Covid virus and the Government extension of four months on the NCT. “The NCT centre is going to be chockablock and the last thing you want is to fail and try to make another appointment so the easiest thing to do is go to your local garage like ourselves, get in and get your car tested so it should be just one trip only -do your test and come out with your new cert.”

Martin has worked in the industry for almost 30 years having learnt his trade with his father at Francie Daly Motors from 1991-2012. However for the first time in three decades he was faced with forced closure early on during lockdown, when he could only respond to emergency issues involving frontline workers such as hospital staff. Having reopened to the public, Martin will continue to implement new safety protocols however it shouldn’t disrupt the customer experience and his staff are fully equipped to deal.

“We can only allow one customer at a time to use the waiting room, we have a portable credit car machine so we bring that out to the door so customers don’t have to enter the premises. Most people are still dropping and going, so even for tyres which take 15 or 20 minutes max, people aren’t hanging around.” Martin added that his members of staff sanitise all interior areas they have worked on before handing a vehicle back to customers.

To book an appointment with Martin Daly’s Tyrestop on the Tulla Road, call 065 689 8070.

Tulla Road, Ennis Contact: 065 6898070  All Major Brands of Tyres & Wheel Alignment  Pre NCT Testing, Diagnostics & Repairs

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‘We are here for you’ Lyons of Limerick

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Lyons of Limerick have adapted their business and can offer you scheduled out of hours appointments and an external pop up showroom with facilities to bring your new car directly to you.

Just call on 061 413344 to make an appointment or Lyons virtual Store Live Chat at www.lyonsoflimerick.com.

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30 MOTORING

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 2020

MOTORING

IT’S KIND OF MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

RENAULT’S BIG SELLING CLIO GAINS NEW TECH AND IMPROVED QUALITY

W

RENAULT CLIO

OULD you be surprised if I told you that in 2018, Renault Ireland shifted 1,600 Clios? That’s better than one per cent of the entire car market, all by itself, and that in its run-out year. The Clio has just entered its fifth generation, and since the previous model was launched in 2012, it has pulled off the neat trick of actually increasing its sales each year — most cars see sales tail off as they age. With 15-million Clios sold since that first ‘Papa, Nicole’ generation back in 1990, there’s a Clio sold at the rate of one a minute, on average. Indeed, only VW’s mighty Golf out-sells it in Europe.

So, as the ever-quotable Ron Burgundy

might put it, the Clio is kind of a big deal.

It’s now on sale in Ireland, and looking pretty sharp for a car that’s — via those five generations — now into its 31st year on sale.

You can have a choice of two 1.0-litre, three-cylinder engines. One, a naturally-aspirated version, will have 75hp. The other, a turbocharged model, will have 100hp, a 10hp improvement over the old version, and that’s the one that we’re testing here. Renault claims that consumption and emissions have improved by 10-15 per cent, even though power has increased.

There will be a 130hp 1.3-litre turbo petrol too, and an 85hp 1.5-litre dCi diesel, but both will be of minority interest in Ireland.

Will the new RS-Line version also be of minority interest? Probably, because adding the faux-sportiness (some carbon-fibre style trim in the cabin, a styling element in the front bumper meant to ape the look of an F1 car’s front wing) also adds cost, and this is a hugely price sensitive

market. Indeed, even with prices going up across the board (thanks to more standard equipment and the strictures of meeting EU emissions regs). Prices start just above the €16,000 mark, although our hugelywell-equipped Iconic model pushes that past €22,000 — slightly uncomfortable territory for a Clio.

Still, it’s well equipped. Check out the new central touch-screen. Basic models come with a relatively modest seven-inch version, but ritzy versions get a big 9.3inch screen (and our car had it fitted as an option), sitting upright like an iPad, which looks great and is better (if only slightly so) to use than Renault’s older R-Link infotainment system. It’s much better to use than R-Link ever was, too, although still not quite as slick at times as some rival systems.

That system includes native Google connectivity, smartphone connections, and the beginnings of Renaults’ autonomous driving systems. The new Clio will,

with certain options, be able to take on more of the driving duties itself in traffic (and do a better job of keeping to the middle of its lane than some premium-brand competitors). Even basic cars will now come with LED headlights, lane-keeping assistant, emergency autonomous braking, and traffic sign recognition.

That interior, more importantly, has also seen a major improvement in quality and design. The last-gen Clio’s cabin felt a distinct step behind what was on offer from, Ford, VW, and Toyota.

The new version might actually be a step ahead of all three — it’s that good.

It’s not the most spacious, though. Renault says that it’s found more rear seat space (and the boot is an impressive 391-litres) but the rear compartment feels a touch cramped and the centre rear seat is all-but unusable.

There is also a sense of increasing maturity to the Clio’s driving experience. That’s a good thing in many ways — it’s decently refined, comfort levels are good, and the improved cabin quality makes it feel like a bigger, more expensive car.

Sadly, the steering and handling feel a touch too

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MOTORING 31

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 2020

MOTORING

A BIG DEAL removed from the action, leaving the Clio — once a by-word for frisky fun and driving enjoyment — feeling a touch too remote.

We’d avoid the 1.3-litre 130hp engine, too. Combined with the seven-speed dual-clutch DCT gearbox, neither com-

ponent feels entirely happy nor settled.

The gearbox is slow and occasional-

ly awkward, the engine sometimes too noisy, with an unpleasantly harsh edge to its sound. We’d also stay away from the sporty RS-Line trim, as the 17-inch wheels cripple the ride quality.

Our Iconic-spec test car was riding on 16-inch ‘Diamond Cut’ alloys which

looked fab, and really smoothed out the ride quality (do you really need a larger

alloy wheel on what is, after al, an affordable family car?). We tested it with the updated 1.0-litre 100hp three-cylinder TCe turbo petrol engine. Although (obviously) much less powerful than the 1.3, it’s actually a much nicer engine overall.

It’s smoother and more refined, and while you’re not going to be travelling very quickly (the Clio TCe 100 is around a second slower to 100km/h than the 95hp TSI VW Polo) it’s a more satisfying drive overall. That’s thanks in large part to the five-speed manual gearbox, which is far more pleasant to use than that awkward DCT automatic. This is definitely the new Clio du jour.

There is a slight sense that, in the application of all the new tech — LED lights, the big touch screen, more and more electronic driver aids — that Renault has moved the Clio a long, long way away from that simple, affordable, roomy, and rugged original. I guess that’s just inevitable, though, as we demand more and more from our cars. The Clio does, in fairness, deliver — it’s a smooth and relaxing

FACTS & FIGURES

Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive Body style: five-door supermini CO2 emissions: 118g/km (Band A4 €200 per annum) Combined economy: 51mpg (5.2 litres/100km) Top speed: 187km/h 0-100km/h: 11.8 seconds Power: 100hp at 5,500rpm Torque: 160Nm at 2,750rpm Boot space: 391-1,069 litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for Renault Clio: five-stars: 96 per cent adult; 89 per cent child; 72 per cent pedestrian; 75 per cent safety assist

car in which to drive, has excellent refinement, and a really nice cabin. It’s also — just about — roomy enough that you might not feel the need to upgrade to the Megane. Like we said; it’s a big deal.

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CLUBS KEEN TO SCRAP CHAMPIONSHIP FORMAT PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE GAA are coming under pressure from clubs across the county to alter the proposed formats for the 2020 adult club championships.

As of Monday evening, no written correspondence had been received by Clare GAA from clubs expressing a desire to have the formats outlined by the master fixtures plan committee revised. However many clubs have communicated their concerns via telephone and others have submitted their concerns in writing by Wednesday evening.

Clubs have criticised the proposed formats, the Clare SFC and Clare IFC has been questioned on the basis that teams who win their first round are put at a disadvantage while those against the Clare SHC and Clare IHC are aggrieved with the opening game being perceived as “a dead rubber”.

Hurling clubs are garnering a strong swell of support for four groups of four to be

installed as the structure for 2020 with the top teams in each group qualifying for the semi-finals. Other clubs have underlined their want for quarter-finals to be played.

Gaelic football clubs have indicated that their preference is for three groups of four and similarly for the top team to advance to the semi-finals. Last year’s finalists Kilmurry Ibrickane and reigning champions, St Josephs Miltown are in favour of such a proposal, sources have informed The Clare Echo.

A definite decision on what format will be applied will need to be made by Monday night.

Clubs had been given the option by the County Board to hold a meeting of delegates on Friday night via teleconference or to meet in an outdoor setting on Monday evening. The majority of clubs are in favour of meeting outdoors where only one delegate per club will be allowed attend.

Meanwhile, highly respected gaelic football coach Donie Buckley has joined the management of the Kilmaley senior hurlers. Buckley had been part of the Kerry senior football management earlier this year but left a coaching

lQUESTIONED FORMAT: Clooney Quin and Photo by Martin Connolly Sixmilebridge in 2017

role during the Allianz National Football League. He has since been recruited by Kieran O’Neill and Niall Romer

to guide the reigning Clare Cup champions in their endeavour championship endeavours who

reportedly had over 40 players attending training at the weekend.

Revised GAA championship format rules out amalgamations WESTERN Gaels will be prohibited from competing in the 2020 Clare senior football championship.

GAA clubs in Co Clare were informed on Friday that “no grouped teams or amalgamations will be included in the Senior Football and Hurling Championships for 2020”.

According to the County Board’s master fixtures committee, time constraints and the COVID-19 risks of other clubs coming together to train prompted the decision to ban amalgamations in 2020.

“The inclusion of one or two Grouped Teams / Amalgamations would result in additional rounds required to complete the championship and given the time constraints, this was not feasible. In addition, a Grouped Team / Amalgamation requires two or more clubs coming together for training which increases the risk of adverse health implications should an instance of Covid-19 arise,” a spokesperson explained.

Naomh Eoin and O’Currys joined forces at senior level last

year while for the 2020 campaign they were to be joined by St Senan’s Kilkee in an amalgamation that would be known as Western Gaels.

New rules introduced for gaelic football at Congress earlier this year such as the back-pass where a defender is not allowed to pass the ball back to the goalkeeper after receiving a kick out, will be applied to all championships.

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And they’re off - action returns to Limerick Greyhound Stadium

AFTER almost a 3 month hiatus racing action returned to Limerick Greyhound Stadium last week behind closed doors, with the Fionnuala Moloney Carey trained Timaru Cha notching the first winner of the night.

Timaru Cha dawned the red jacket but was headed early by Orlando Amelia who showed first from trap three to lead into the opening corner. However, showing a lovely turn of foot down the back straight, Timaru Cha quickly took control and the son of ‘Skywalker Puma - Venus’ burst clear to put this A6 contest to bed as he galloped out a convincing winner for owner, Phil Moloney. Eight lengths better off than Rockmount Gizmo in second, the time was 29.44.

Social distancing measures and new racing protocols were in place on the track (in compliance with current Government guidelines) and while the atmosphere was a lot quieter than usual it was great to see the first steps to getting the industry back working.

The restaurant in Limerick Greyhound Stadium will open on Thursday 2nd July (in compliance with Government Guidelines) and with protocols in place for customers and staff alike.

Double delight for Hehir at Shelbourne INAGH’S Noel Hehir made the long trip to Shelbourne Park on Saturday night last worthwhile when recording a superb double.

Litter comrades Cooolavanny Chick and Coolavanny Kyser brought success for the Clare man in the capital. The latter went marginally faster when seeing off a talented field in the fifth race. Breaking fastest, Kyser shot to the fence and made every inch of the running. The son of Droopys Sydney and Toms Delight maintained a powerful gallop all the way to the finish to come home six lengths clear of Highview Willow in 28:41.

His less experienced litter sister Coolavanny Chick claimed a second win from three career starts in the A1 second race.

She displayed fine early zip to race clear into the turn and was never threatened despite the best efforts from Tracey’s Pet in second. At the line Coolavanny Chick had five lengths in hand in 28:44.

Confused Keggy owned by Cratloe’s Gerry Manley has never been too far away from the winners enclosure and she notched her sixth career victory at Limerick last Thursday. She produced a front-running masterclass bouncing out of trap five to take a comfortable lead into the opening corner. From here, it was going to take a monumental effort from the remainder of the field to pick this lady up and the daughter of ‘Superior Product Confused Breda’ flew to a four length victory. The time was a smart 28.91.

€70m fund for sport PÁRAIC MCMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

PORTING organisations in Co Clare will be able to avail of a new funding package announced by the Government to help restart activity following COVID-19. €70m has been set aside to help sporting clubs across the country get back in action in the aftermath of the global pandemic. €40m will be split between the GAA, the FAI and the IRFU, €15m is earmarked for clubs in need of assistance to avoid closing and €5m in a restart and renewal grant for clubs to try cope with the impact of COVID-19.

Engagement will now oc-

cur between Sport Ireland and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport to design the grant schemes. An open invitation will then be announced for applications from funded bodies.

Deputy Joe Carey (FG) felt it was a positive announcement for organisations in the county. “This is great news for clubs and organisations in Clare who need help to get back up and running again after this enforced period of inaction. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious financial impact on the sports we all love, due to a huge loss of revenue from the cancellation of games and competitions.

“Sport of all kinds is so important to the health and wellbeing of people all across Clare as well as serving to bind our communities to-

gether,” he added.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin (FG) said the announcement was “the most important day for sport in this country during my time in this office”. He said the move came in response to “loud calls” from sporting bodies for support.

“Despite all of the challenges, it is heartening to see that so many people have recognised the importance of staying active during the Covid-19 crisis. We are now seeing more adults than ever actively participating in sport, with huge numbers having taken up cycling, running and recreational walking”.

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Hope for U21 & U20 campaigns

C

LARE GAA are to review the possibility of concluding the U21 hurling championship and commencing the U20 football campaign.

Action in the U21 hurling championship began in March of this year prior to the cessation of games on account of the outbreak of COVID-19. Sixmilebridge defeated Tulla while Clonlara overcame St Josephs Doora/Barefield to book their place in the semi-finals of the A competition.

First round victories were recorded

by Ballyea, Clooney/Quin and Scariff/ Ogonnelloe in the B competition.

Traditionally the U20 football championship is played at the end of autumn and beginning of winter, it’s planned schedule had not been impacted by COVID-19.

A spokesperson for the master fixtures committee outlined, “The current focus is on getting the 2020 adult championships played. The U21 hurling championship had commenced in March. It is hoped that both competitions can be completed later in the year after Clare’s Intercounty programme has been completed depending on weather etc. The matter will be reviewed by the CCCC later this year”.

Action from last year’s U21 championship Photo by John Mangan

Clare Cup, Cusack & Gary Cup not likely to proceed CLARE GAA have said “it is not intended” to run the Clare Cup, Cusack Cup and Garry Cup this year.

Originally fixed to begin at the end of March, the club leagues had been indefinitely postponed in mid-March with GAA activity across the country paused at the time due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Club championships are to return at the end of July in Clare with a new format as reported in The Clare Echo last week. Running the championship is the primary focus of the Clare County Board at present.

“It is not intended to complete the league competitions in 2020 but no final decision has been made on same,” correspondence from the master fixtures committee outlined.

When Clare’s involvement in this year’s inter-county competitions concludes, the matter will be reviewed.

Weather conditions have already been pinpointed as a factor that will influence the leagues taking place.

Winter action for camogie All-Ireland PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

WINTER All-Ireland camogie championship will take place for the first time, later this year.

Upon review of the National Fixtures Schedule, the Camogie Association confirmed that the 2020 Liberty Insurance All-Ireland championships would be ran off between October and December.

Formats and a schedule of dates are to be finalised in the coming weeks, a spokesperson for the Association confirmed. The championship will commence on a round-robin basis prior to the knockout stages.

There will be promotion or relegation from tiers this year.

Despite securing a coveted win over Kilkenny but failing to back it up against Waterford, Ger O’Con-

nell’s senior side will be left wondering how their league campaign will have concluded. The remainder of the National Leagues have been scrapped, officials confirmed.

Similarly the All-Ireland U16 campaign will be held in October, November and December with a format and dates to be confirmed.

The minor equivalent which ordinarily begins in February has been cancelled for 2020, the provincial championship will take place, no dates for which have been unveiled.

An All-Ireland club series will go ahead. The calendar of games have been revised which will see games continue into next year.

Underage structures are still under review and the Camogie Association have said they will issue an update in the near future.

Pro debut for Clare boxer Donovan CLARE boxer, Edward Donovan is on course to make his professional debut next month.

Donovan confirmed that he has been given the opportunity to fight on a Frank Warren Summer Series card, a platform typically kept for Olympic medallists and one that is almost certain to secure a prime television debut.

No date has been set as of yet for the European Junior gold medal winner’s first professional fight but he will form part of one of the BT Sports studio hosted cards. The eight time Irish champion joined Frank Warren’s ranks in March of this year.

“I will be fighting on Franks Bt Sport shows, we’ve already had discussed it and agreed,” the eighteen year old confirmed. “It’s always a dream to fight on live television and now that my opportunity is coming so soon I feel anxious to get started,” he said.

A younger brother of Paddy ‘Real Deal’ Donovan, Edward is set to appear on one BT Sports’ five fight cards which will commence on July 10.

“I’m happy on my debut to fight any fighter that my manager wants me to get in the ring with. No matter who it is, on that day, after a six week training camp I will be in top shape and prepared for anyone,” he told IrishBoxing.com.

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CDSL REGISTRAR SHARES HIS CONCERN ON LEAGUE RETURN PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

MEMBER of the Clare District Soccer League’s (CDSL) county committee has warned that the league could lose clubs due to the return of the sport.

Jason Ryan detailed a number of concerns to the CDSL county committee on the possibility of clubs returning to action prior to the FAI giving the green light last week. The registrar relayed some worries on the possible return in weeks gone by, having spoken to a number of clubs in the county before doing so.

He outlined, “The view of some is that travelling to other clubs in different communities when the virus is still around can be a potential problem if its picked up by a player

and he brings back to his community and into his home where vulnerable family members could be infected, we don’t have the luxury of what professional players have in terms of facilities and hygiene.

Most players would go back playing tomorrow but are worried about their families”.

Although he acknowledged current numbers in relation to Covid-19 were low, Jason warned “there is always a risk” and highlighted that referees could end up officiating “five or six nights a week”. When the matter of concluding the current leagues was put to the clubs last month, 75% voted in favour of doing so. Ryan believed “clubs did not take everything into account when making their decision”. He added, “I feel and I hope that I’m wrong but by running off the whole remainder of the season, we will lose clubs for next season”.

Securing a COVID-19 compliance officer would be an easier

Photo by Martin Connolly

task for clubs such as Avenue Utd, Newmarket Celtic, Shannon Town Utd and Bridge Utd, he felt. “Not all

CDSL leagues to resume in mid-July GAMES in the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) are to resume on July 18th.

A new safer return to football pathway was approved by the Football Association of Ireland on Friday. It permits full-contact training from June 29th, friendlies from July 11th and competitive matches from July 18th. This also applies to underage football.

The Clare Echo has learned that the CDSL is to resume adult competitions on July 18th and is aiming to have all concluded by September 14th. The Clare Cup will also be concluded.

FAI Medical Director Dr. Alan Byrne acknowledged, “The effort and work necessary to get players back on the training pitch as we continue the battle against COVID-19 has been so demanding for everyone”.

“All our clubs, from the biggest senior teams to the smallest underage clubs across the country, deserve so much credit for getting us to this point. Our aim is to make football as safe as it can be for all concerned within our game. We are very close now to getting back on the pitch and playing matches again and I urge all involved to follow the Protocol for a Safer Return to Football, which we will issue next lRETURN TO ACTION: Tulla v Lifford week, as we comearlier this season Photo by John Mangan plete this journey together”.

clubs have the support they have, a lot of responsibility will be on the COVID officer no one will be rush-

ing to take the job and what happens if someone contacts the virus at the club, who is responsible and what will the consequences be.”

To aid all clubs in the county, Jason encouraged the CDSL to appoint a CDSL COVID officer who would act as a point of contact.

One idea that the Kilrush man put to the CDSL county committee that failed to get the support of fellow officers was to play one title decider in each division at Frank Healy Park as opposed to concluding all remaining games. “We have had a three month break and a lot has changed since early March, we need to have everything right for the restart. If we are to run off the season 2019/2020, it will be too much to ask clubs to have to finish in six weeks I think”.

“We the committee have a few decisions to make and I know I can rely on them, we love the game and want what is best for our clubs and league,” Ryan concluded.

Magee making move to Newmarket Celtic PÁRAIC MCMAHON

N

paraic@clareecho.ie

EWMARKET Celtic are on the verge of making a big addition to their management team as they begin to resume their defence of league and cup honours in Clare soccer.

With teams in the Clare District Soccer League given the green-light to return to training in the past week, preparations have resumed in earnest. Newmarket Celtic will be battling it out with Avenue Utd to be crowned Premier Division champions and are bidding to strengthen their management team as part of this quest.

Shannon Town were the last side other than Celtic to win the Premier Division. The man behind their success, Donal Magee is set to join the management of the Newmarket side.

Following the cancellation of the Limerick & District League, Magee’s tenure in charge of Ballynanty Rovers came to a mutual conclusion. He is now linking up with Celtic as they hone preparations ahead of the return

of football next month.

Mark O’Malley who is in his first season in charge of Newmarket Celtic A confirmed to The Clare Echo that the former Newtown and Bunratty boss has been approached to join their setup which also includes Kieran Ryan.

“I know Donal a while now in the game and with the Limerick League finishing up and he was finishing up with Balla, I asked him to have a think about coming in and giving us a hand. Hopefully it will be a permanent move but at the moment he’s just giving us a hand out when he can,” O’Malley stated.

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PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, 36 ELM PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE.

Take notice that Stephen O’Callaghan & Vicky Dinan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to change the use of part of the building from Montessori school granted permission under Planning Ref. 0921063 back to original dwelling house including closing up of the existing Montessori school entrance door with all 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 to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LAVALLY NORTH BALLYNACALLY CO. CLARE

Commercial storage unit including minor alterations to same and all associated site works at Quin Road Business Park, Quin Road, Ennis, Co. Clare. This 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 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, and such submissions and observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, FINTRA BEG, MILTOWN MALBAY CO. CLARE.

Take notice that A. & G. Simpson intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a private storage shed along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

Take notice that Sandra O’Dea and Kevin Crowley intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage, treatment system and ancillary site works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during it’s public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the CLARE COUNTY prescribed fee within the COUNCIL. period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the TULLYCREEN LOWER, CO. CLARE. authority of the application.

Take note that Debra & Patrick Carmody are CLARE COUNTY applying to Clare County COUNCIL County for Planning QUIN ROAD Permission to retain BUSINESS PARK We, RDF Architects and extension works to existing Planning Ltd. on behalf dwelling and site entrance, permission to of Chadwicks Group Ltd. also intend to apply to the above complete works including Council for Permission to all ancillary site works at demolish portion of existing the above address. the planning Commercial storage shed That may be and for the construction of application an extension to an existing inspected, or purchased

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL. GARNA HOUSE, MAIN STREET, SIXMILEBRIDGE.

Take notice that Seamus O’Sullivan and Richard Flynn intend to apply to Clare County Council for planning permission for a change of use of existing ground floor retail units to 4 No. self-contained apartments and all ancillary site works at above address.

Garna House is a Protected Structure (RPS No. 493).

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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38 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 2020

Best Daily Word Search

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JUNE 25 2020

The Clare Echo

FAMOUS CLARE BLOW-INS Moosajee Bhamjee came to 1Dr. Clare from which country? . India . South Africa . Sri Lanka

Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee later be2 came involved in which political party in Clare? . Fianna Fail . Labour . Fine Gael

What happened between O’ Con6 nell and D’Esterre in County Kildare in 1815? . A political Debate . A gun dual . Public Trial

Gene Kelly was a famous Ameri7 can ____ who’s grandparents came from Clare. . Baseball player . Singer . Actor

Marty Morrissey lived in which 3 American state before moving to Robert McNamara, who’s grandfaClare at age 10?

8 ther was from Clare, was the U.S ________? . Secretary of Defense . President . Vice President

For how many years did Marty 4 Morrissey play with the Clare MiMcNamara we was an arnor Football Team?

9Robert chitect of which famous war? . Korean War . Vietnam War . Gulf War

country did political leadWhich famous Australian ac5Iner which Daniel O’ Connell die?

10 tress’s grandparents originate from Clare? . Italy . England . France

. Nicole Kidman . Margot Robbie . Kate Blanchett

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences.

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. A gun dual 7. Actor 8. Secretary of Defense 9. Vietnam War 10. Nicole Kidman

. One . Two . Three

ANSWERS

1. South Africa 2. Labour 3. New York 4. Three 5. Italy

. New York . Chicago . Boston

Last weeks Answers . Barrel different colour . Face of Hen (left) different colour . Man’s button missing . Man’s watch missing

. White Hen (right) missing . Brown Hen (left) missing . Tree (left) missing

Christy, Tadg and Tim Collins pictured at Collins Jewellers