The Clare Echo 25/07/19

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25 July 2019

2019

LESS STIGMA BEING GAY IN CLARE NOW

PÁRAIC McMAHON

H

paraic@clareecho.ie

OMOSEXUAL residents in Clare are still keeping their sexual orientation “hidden”, according to one Ennis drag queen. However, Ryan McNamara insists there less stigma attached to being gay in Ireland in 2019.

McNamara has lived in Ennis since 2003 and is better known in the gay scene as Noah Monet, his drag persona. Earlier this month, he was one of 3,000 who marched the streets of Limerick for Pride. McNamara is confident in time, there will be Pride festivals in Clare. “Eventually it will happen.

Pride can happen anywhere regardless of population, if you only have a population of

I’M PREGNANT!

Aoibhín Garrihy exclusive

PAGE 14

100 and you only have 10 people walking down that road, that’s their Pride, if there was one person walking down the middle of O’Connell St with a Pride flag it’s their Pride, down the road it definitely will happen.”

FULL STORY PAGE 7

l RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC: Niall Donoghue from Cappamore, Kinvara drives his sheep along the New Line on the foothills of The Burren during the week

Photo by Willie O’Reilly

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

Index NEWS

AOIBHIN GARRIHY

2-13

14-15

ENTERTAINMENT

16

SCARIFF FEATURE

18-19

PROPERTY

21-23

MOTORING

24-25

SPORT CLASSIFIEDS

27 28-29

The Square, Ennis, County Clare Telephone: 065 671 9021

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

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

l FUN IN THE SUN: Mia, Nicola and Patrick Brennan with Lucia Urguia ( 2nd from left) and dog Sam enjoying festivities at the Clare Agricultural Show at the Showgrounds in Ennis

Photo by Michael O’Brien

Ring of Clare cycle to bring 4,000 visitors STUART HOLLY

O

editor@clareecho.ie

NE of the biggest sport tourism events in Ireland will bring 4,000 visitors to Clare this weekend. The annual ŠKODA Ring of Clare Cycle on Saturday July 27 will see over 2,500 cyclists take part in the sportive cycle event that will also welcome international cyclists from 14 different countries. A further influx of supporters and families of participants will attend the Bike Fleadh afterparty throughout Ennis on Saturday evening after the cycle.

The ŠKODA Ring of Clare Cycle is part of the international ŠKODA Celtic Cycling Series, starting and finishing in Ennis. Cyclists have the option of 160km and 120km routes that brings the event along the Wild Atlantic Way, Loop Head Peninsula and back to Ennis by the newly developed Shannon Estuary Way. Damian Hayes of ŠKODA Al Hayes Ennis explained how the Clare cycle is the fastest growing event in the ŠKODA

Celtic Cycle Series.

“This is the fourth year of the event and it has sold out for the past three years. It started in 2016 with 800 cyclists and has trebled in a short space of time to 2,500 participants annually. The feedback from participants have highlighted the spectacular route around Clare from the coast, Loop Head Peninsula to the estuary journey back to the finish. The reputation of Ennis as a great host town provides another reason for so many visitors to take part.”

He added “the impact of the event spreads beyond Ennis with hundreds of cyclists staying across the county delivering a real economic boast for Clare.”

The weekend in Clare starts with a Pasta Party at Al Hayes ŠKODA dealership on the evening before the cycle from 4.30pm to 8.30pm. The cycle starts at 9.00am on Saturday morning from Clarecastle GAA club with cyclists heading along the Miltown Malbay road from Ennis returning home via the Kildysert road.

4

NEWS

Ennis could be first plastic free capital PÁRAIC McMAHON

M

paraic@clareecho.ie

USICIANS came to Ennis in their droves for the Munster Fleadh but the county town was also hit by 'operation de-plastification' last week.

Tulla resident, Cornelia Walhi ran a t-shirt blitz from Monday to Saturday for members of the public to attend in glór where they were allowed pick a t-shirt which is second or third hand and write an environmental message on it.

Explaining the inspiration for the project, Cornelia said, “The whole purpose of the T-Shirt Blitz is to challenge everyone in Ennis to go plastic free, hence the title for the event 'operation de-plastification'. The challenge is to leave all packaging even sliced bread bags and crisp bags in the shops. The message is: do your shopping as usual, but do

not take any plastic or packaging out of the shops.

“When enough shoppers carry out this action, retailers will sooner or later request from their suppliers to go plastic free.

This then allows Ennis to go plastic free and become the first county capital in Ireland to go plastic free”.

She has encouraged shoppers to bring their own empty glass jars, cookie tins, cloth bags and re-usable plastic containers to their shops and transfer food or bought items from the packaging to their own containers. “It will take some planning, bravery and time at first to do your usual shopping, but the time invested in this type of shopping will cut down the de-plastification process at home. Moreover, you will not need any wheelie bins anymore, as you will not have any waste to put into them anymore. The only waste that will be generated in your house will be compostable waste. In Ennis, Lidl and Aldi, have been

lPLASTIC NOT-FANTASTIC: Tulla resident Cornelia Walhi challenges Ennis to live without plastic

very obliging and supporting to my leaving my packaging in the shops. So do not fear, many shops are already on board, just bring home the message to them daily, again and again.

“I got the idea for the Ennis go plastic free challenge following yet another environmental talk that was packed full with scary information but, alas, no real solutions for the public how to change their daily routines in a simple

and easy way”.

Cornelia has praised glór, charity shops in Ennis, Scarriff and Kilrush, Antoinette and Conor Hehir of Ennis, Áine Gillespie from Gort, Irmgard Considine from Ennis, visual artist Anne Stewart, students from Kilrush Community School, photographer Aidan Sweeney and her own two-year old grand-daughter Amelia Rosamund for their assistance.

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

Molly Mae on the way

ENNIS’ growing affinity with Love Island continues with one member of the UK cast confirmed to be visiting the county town next month.

On Monday night as millions of viewers across the UK and Ireland tuned into Love Island, the Queens Nightclub in Ennis confirmed Molly-Mae Hague would be dropping by on August 24 following her stint in the Mallorca villa.

Now in its final week, one couple will walk away with £50,000 on Sunday night. It remains to be seen if Molly-Mae and boyfriend Tommy Fury will take the lot. Limerick’s Greg O’Shea, a pro rugby player, and Maura Higgins of Longford are also in the mix.

‘Social media influencer’ was listed as her occupation prior to entering the villa, Molly-Mae currently has over 2m Instagram followers, 32k on Twitter and 15k on Facebook, such figures will increase before the conclusion of the fifth series.

Ballybeg’s Cormac Murphy appears on the first series of the show’s US version.

Clare FM shareholders upset at takeover failure PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

RADIO Kerry’s proposed takeover of sister stations Clare FM and Tipp FM has fallen through leading to calls for better treatment for shareholders who for the second time have seen a takeover of the Clare radio station collapse.

Staff at both Clare and Tipp FM were informed on Friday that the acquisition which was first announced in January would not be going ahead after lengthy negotiations between both parties ended without agreement, this was the first time staff received an update on the purchase in seven months. As part of the deal, Radio Kerry Holdings would have owned all of Clare FM and a 70 per cent stake in Tipp FM. Chairman of Clare FM, Maurice Harvey in a statement this week said, “The deadline has passed without completion despite the best efforts of all involved”.

Radio Kerry’s latest offer was €7.50 per share and was significantly less than the €7.2 million or €20 per share it had tabled when attempting to buy Clare FM in a planned deal which also subsided in 2008.

Both radio stations are not the only ones affected with several shareholders also dealing with the setback. A windfall of €37,500 would have been headed for Clare GAA and €70,500 to the Diocese of Killaloe had their shares been purchased. Others that would have benefited from the deal

include; former TD, Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee (€1,275), Clare FM General Manager, Susan Murphy (€75,000) and Managing Director of The Clare Champion, John Galvin (€90,000). In total, Clare FM has over 450 shareholders.

Liam O’Shea, Managing Director of Clare and Tipp FM commented, “We have written to our shareholders and want to assure them that the board and management will continue to consider appropriate development opportunities for the betterment of all concerned”. O’Shea who also serves on the Board of Shannon Group plc would have received €154,672 from the purchase of his shares.

According to Caimin Jones, the founding Chief Executive of Clare FM, “The failure of Radio Kerry to take over Clare FM, not once but twice, reflects very badly on both stations. No reasons have been given for the latest collapse. Shareholders, especially the small subscribers who did so much to support Clare FM in difficult times, deserve a great deal better. The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland should have a good hard look at what went wrong in the 2008 attempt as well as the latest fiasco.”

In 2013, Clare Community Radio Holdings acquired 70 per cent of local station Tipp FM. Both stations currently share resources in programming and management.

Along with its sister station in Tipperary, they employ over 45 full time and 30 parttime staff. Radio Kerry refused to comment when contacted by The Clare Echo.

6

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

Three Green Flags for Clare

ELAINE TUBRIDY

C

elaine@clareecho.ie

LARE County Council has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring that three Clare locations have been awarded International Green Flags.

Active Ennis John O’Sullivan Park Lees Road, Active Ennis Tim Smythe Park and Vandeleur Walled Gardens are among 60 public town parks, country parks, gardens, cemeteries, and green spaces from across the whole country to receive the prestigious award.

Only awarded for exceeding tough environmental standards in green space management, and excellence of visitor attractions – An Taisce’s Green Flag Award for Parks is the mark of a quality park or green space and is recognised throughout the world.

From among 17 countries whose parks met the standard this year there were more

Green Flag Awards secured by Irish Parks and Gardens than by any country, other than the UK where the scheme originated in 1996.

Mayor of Clare Cathal Crowe commented, “Our public spaces are key to improving the quality of life for people living in Clare. They also serve to make our communities more attractive to visitors, and in so doing help boost tourism. I want to congratulate Clare County Council, through Active Ennis, and Kilrush Amenity Trust on these awards.”

Operated within the Republic of Ireland

by An Taisce Environmental Education Unit, the Green Flag Awards are judged every year by a peer jury of green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability, and community involvement.

For more see www.greenflagaward.org.

Clare County Show sizzles in the sun

THE County Show proved an outstanding success in superb weather conditions with temperatures running as high as 25 degrees.

Organisers beamed that it was arguably the best show in the past 20 years, with crowds exceeding expectations with in the region of 3,000 revellers on the grounds during peak time on Sunday, July 14.

The Show jumping figures show 400 entries and the programme finished at 8pm.

The cattle entries were 60 per cent up on 2018, as were the horse showing entries, while miniature horses and donkey showing were in good supply. Trade stands and machinery filled one section of the grounds while the dog show was a huge hit with visitors and very entertaining, where entries exceeded 100 little furry friends battling it out.

The Arts, Crafts & Horticulture doubled in entries from last year while the highlight of the indoor section was the Small Animal Pet Farm. The winner of the Champion Young Horse of the Show (De Valera Cup) was Cyril Steevens, Cranny, Co. Clare. The winner of the Thomond Brood Mare competition was Dermot O’Sullivan, Kildysart, Co. Clare.

Organisers said that the Hospitality Tent was a great success on the day and moved to make special thanks to all those who volunteered including stewards, gate and parking attendants, sponsors and anybody else who helped with the running of the Show.

l HORSING AROUND: Young competitor Andrea Barry clears a fence with ease during the County Show at the Showgrounds in Ennis Photos by Michael O’Brien

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

Less stigma being gay in 2019 says local drag queen PÁRAIC McMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE will host a Pride festival in the future but homosexual residents of the county continue to keep their sexual orientation “hidden” according to one Ennis drag queen, who insisted there is less stigma attached to being gay in Ireland.

London born Ryan McNamara has lived in Ennis since 2003 and is better known in the gay scene as Noah Monet, a drag persona of his for the past three years in Limerick City. “I knew a couple of people from the trans community down there, you could see them sometimes they would feel uncomfortable walking around as females when they were born male, I didn’t care what was thrown at me.

"If I was dressed up in drag and they said something to me that was fine because it was only a persona I was putting on, I thought that if I looked ridicu-

lous dressed up as a woman in drag they would leave the trans community alone,” he explained to The Clare Echo of his entry into drag.

There was no animosity from family or friends when Ryan told them about Noah which he described as “a completely different persona”. “When the wig and the make-up go on I’m Noah, when I’m not in drag I’m Ryan, Ryan has a completely separate life, the only thing is we’re both as loud and as brash as each other”.

When it comes to the wider public, there have been some but not many instances of verbal abuse due to his sexuality. “Because I’m around the gay scene when I’m dressed up, I haven’t got abuse but I know other people have. As Ryan, you get the odd thing thrown here and there but you have to take that on the chin”.

When living in Limerick, he performed his drag act three times a week but since returning to Ennis it is only around “Pride season” that McNamara

lFIERCE: Ryan McNamara as drag queen Noah Monet

gets the glad rags on. Earlier this month, he was one of 3,000 that marched the streets of Limerick for Pride. “It was mad, I was halfway through the parade, I was in the middle of all the people in the parade and I couldn’t see the front or the back of it, it was the biggest Pride to date in Limerick”.

On why, there has been such a growth in attendees, Ryan said,

“Generally speaking it’s more acceptable now, people aren’t that bothered about it they are happy for you to live your own life and do your own thing. There is some people that are still very against it but I think that’s down to education being honest, that’s why Pride is important it’s about getting out there and making it more normal for those people, even for some of the older generation who wouldn’t have seen it and some of the older generation who are gay and are not out yet, that’s why Pride is still needed it’s more about visibility and educating people and making it more of a norm”.

For him he felt there was no need to come out but admitted boys as young as thirteen are now opening to their families about their sexuality. “I was so gay I don’t think I ever needed to come out. I must have been eighteen or nineteen before it was confirmed but I was one of these people that said I was not going to come out, I was going to bring home my boyfriend one day and say this is my boyfriend. I’ve a pretty easy going family”.

€2m dig delaying hotel sale

POTENTIAL purchasers of the site previously known as the Shannon Shamrock Hotel have been put off by associated archaeological work believed to be in the region of €2m.

Speaking at the July meeting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr PJ Ryan calculated that such a spend is required at the location due to its proximity to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park having spoken with individuals that contemplated making an offer.

Cllr Cathal Crowe brought the item to the table on foot of a motion earlier this year by his Fianna Fáil colleague, Pat McMahon. “It’s ten years since it closed it’s doors and two years since a potential sale," he said.

Director of Economic Development, Liam Conneally confirmed the local authority would make a “careful consideration” on the proposal.

Independent councillor, PJ Ryan shared his “small bit of knowledge” from an individual that was in talks to purchase the hotel. “There is an opportunity to build a four or five star hotel there”.

He added, “The main problem is what is there would have to be demolished, a new building then built and a serious amount of money to be spent on archaeology. It would cost a fortune and it has put a lot of people off, you could spend up to €2m on the archaeology because of the proximity to the Castle".

Now go there and back by bus Local Link Limerick Clare The new name for rural transport in County Clare We want to hear from you!

Call us on our new number 065-6719101 to discuss your transport needs.

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7

HERE AND ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN

E THER

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

Moneypoint can be renewable 'Silicon Valley'

PÁRAIC McMAHON

D

news@clareecho.ie

ESPITE the looming loss of over 100 jobs at Moneypoint, there is hope for the site of the power plant with one West Clare elected representative maintaining it has the potential to become “the Silicon Valley for renewables”.

Speaking at Tuesday’s special meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Cillian Murphy highlighted the “enormous” opportunities for renewable energy at Moneypoint following ESB’s announcement that several jobs are to be cut.

“Fifteen years ago the largest off shore wind

farm in the world was in the Irish Sea, yet in 2019 it remains the only off shore wind farm in Ireland delivering 25MW of green energy. In the same timeframe the UK has seen 7GW of offshore wind farms installed, 280 times the capacity. We are now the worst performing EU state on climate action. Yet, the potential is enormous, Ireland’s seabed territory is one of the largest in Europe, more than ten times the size of our land mass.”.

He referred to a 2017 PNAS study which stated offshore wind is estimated to have three times the power generation of onshore wind and the ongoing testing of deep water offshore wind turbine systems in Portugal.

Cllr Murphy added, “The 100m depth line

is approx 45 km off the Clare coast, it is a lot closer to the coasts of Galway, Mayo, Kerry and Cork which could be an issue due to visual impacts, for us in Clare that extra distance should mean they are below the horizon.

"There are a number of different floating platform systems being tested and funded around the world, they all have a couple of similar characteristics, they are constructed on shore, and are then towed offshore for positioning.

"For that we need a large construction site, zoned industrial, close to population centres with suitable quantities of accommodation capacity nearby to international access points with a deep water jetty, relatively close to the deep water generation sites".

Official Cliffs of Moher Shuttle Bus Serving Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Doolin, Lisdoonvarna and the coastal walk

Stolen Ennis AED replaced

l LIFE SAVER: Cllr Mary Howard, Noel Carmody of Clare Civil Defence and Ken Butler of Irish Red Cross Photo by John O'Neill

A JOINT effort by the Irish Red Cross, Civil Defence and Clare County Council sees the defibrillator that was stolen from O Connell Square in Ennis nearly a year ago replaced and a more modern and secure cabinet installed to keep it safe and working.

AEDs or automated external defibrillators are used in conjunction with CPR to treat a person suffering a cardiac arrest. This AED brings to three the number that are publicly available in Ennis town. Each unit is registered with the National Ambulance Service and any person ringing 999 to report a cardiac arrest can be given the location of these AEDs if they are near to them and the unlock code. The call taker will also instruct the person on how to operate the AED. The replacement of this AED is possible thanks to a donation by Cllr. Mary Howard that covered the cost of replacing the AED and purchasing a more modern cabinet to house it. The cabinet is made of stainless steel and is fitted with secure anti theft hinges and stainless combination lock. The cabinet also has a heater in it to keep the AED warm during cold spells of weather, this will help maintain both the machine's battery and the conductive gel on the pads used to deliver the shock to the patient.

In 2017, out of 2,333 cases of out of hospital cardiac arrest 80% received bystander CPR while only 21% received the intervention of an AED. The replacement of this AED and the registration with the National Ambulance Service is aimed to improve that.

It is hoped to roll out training for members of the public by both organisations in the near future.

OUTWARD 1A Ennistymon to Cliffs

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RETURN TIMETABLE 1B Cliffs to Ennistymon

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RETURN TIMETABLE 2B Cliffs to Lisdoonvarna 2B

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OUTWARD2A

Tickets available ONLINE ONLY at

www.cliffsofmoher.ie

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Go green, stay local, enjoy for longer, walk more and leave no trace

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‘We said goodnight and that was it’

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

PÁRAIC McMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HIS September will mark 21 years since the disappearance of Sean Ryan. A recent visit to Co Clare has prompted his mother Patricia Douglas to come forward in a renewed appeal for answers.

Sean left Downpatrick on September 2, 1998. According to the PSNI, he met two people in Galway and Clare, one being his cousin and the other a Garda, “neither of the two knew that Sean was missing at the time and neither suspected that there was any problem as Sean told them that he was touring around the country for a while”.

His cousins from Donegal were in Galway looking for student accommodation and Sean

told them “he was going away for a few days to clear his head”.

His last sighting was on September 5, 1998 near the Cliffs of Moher. Despite extensive enquiries, his whereabouts remains unknown.

“It’s a bit of a mystery why he decided to go there, he had only ever been there once when we went on a family holiday outside Salthill and we had gone over to Clare in the car one day, apart from that there was no real connections,” Patricia told The Clare Echo.

“He was still at school, he was about to start his last year in school, he was doing very well but obviously he decided that he wasn’t going to go ahead with it. He was quiet natured, knowing what happened afterwards he was probably unhappy at the time and maybe felt it was too much”.

Patricia says she still believes

Sean, who was 17 when he went missing, is alive. “I do because I think it is better to hope, there is nothing to say anything different, nothing has been found or anything like that, nothing has turned up at all. You would imagine that after this period of time that he is somewhere and is able to look after himself ”.

If she could pass on a message to her beloved son, Patricia revealed what it would be, “Just to let me know that he is ok, even if he doesn’t want to get in touch just to let us know in some way that he is alright and he is looking after himself ”.

Sean Ryan is 5’7, medium build with brown hair and hazel eyes with a mole on his left cheek. Anyone with information is asked to contact the confidential charity Missing People on 0044 2083924545, local Gardaí, info@missing.ie or Patricia on pat_ryan50@hotmail.com.

NEWS 11

l APPEAL: Sean Ryan disappeared in Co Clare 21 years ago having been last seen at the Cliffs Of Moher

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

Two Clare men join Irish Navy

PÁRAIC McMAHON

E

paraic@clareecho.ie

cruits and a former Irish and Munster rugARLIER this month, the by player, representing them both at U20 Naval Services headquar- level. He graduated from the University of ters in Haulbowline hosted Limerick with a degree in journalism and their passing out parade. The new media.

John Howe from Deerpark, Bunratty newly commissioned officers joined the 57th Naval Ca- completes the Clare contingent in the 57th det Class in September 2017 going to sea Naval Cadet Class. He has lined out for the for the first time on the LÉ Eithne before county soccer team at youths level and was spending four months in the Curragh at once an airline security agent at Shannon the Cadet School. While at the Defence Airport.

Since their commission, the cadets are Forces Training Centre, they mixed with on leave and will return to sea in the comthe Army and Air Corps Cadet classes.

In January of last year, they resumed ing weeks to continue their training. training at the Naval Base with the focus on leadership skills. Further courses followed on firefighting, damage control, communications, gunnery, engineering, fishery protection, logistics and military law.

For their cadetship, they chose Cork Mental Health as their charity which they raised over €3,000 for through fundraisers conducted in May. They later served on the LÉ William Butler Yeats. l IN THE NAVY: Former U20 Irish rugby player Patrick Ardnarcusha’s Patrick Kearns from Ardnacrusha passes out of Navy training in Kearns is one of the re- Haulbowline

Clare man new editor of Sunday Business Post

ARDNACRUSHA’S Richie Oakley has been appointed editor and chief content officer of The Sunday Business Post. From January 2015 to June of this year, Oakley was editor of The Times Ireland edition. Prior to that, he held numerous positions with The Sunday Times and was previously motoring correspondent with The Sunday Tribune.

In mid-August, he will commence his new role at The Post which employs over 100 personnel and was first launched in 1989. The newspaper has been without an official editor for nearly a year. Ian Kehoe stepped down last September and executive editor Tom Lyons was his successor. After Lyons’ departure in November, the job was filled by interim editor Emmet Oliver and later deputy editor Susan Mitchell.

Though born in Caherdavin, Richie and his family later moved to Ardnacrusha in South Clare. He went to secondary school in Crescent College before studying English and Philosophy at UCD, while there he began writing for The College Tribune.

Chief Executive of the Sunday Business Post, Colm O’Reilly commented of the appointment, “Richie is one of the outstanding media professionals working in Ireland today and he created and led a superb team of professionals in The Times Ireland. He joins a dynamic leadership team and a superb team of journalists in The Sunday Business Post and he will play a key role in placing the group at the heart of economic and political life in the country.”

Oakley said he was “delighted” with the news and is “looking forward to working with the team of excellent journalists”.

PLAN TO ESTABLISH INCENTIVES FOR SHANNON TOWN INVESTMENT PÁRAIC McMAHON news@clareecho.ie

I

NVESTMENT in Shannon Town will be more forthcoming following the conclusion of a master plan for the area, the Director of Economic Development with Clare County Council has stated.

Elected representatives of the Shannon Municipal District were updated at their July meeting of the ongoing work being carried out by Clare County Council for a master plan on Shannon Town.

Brian McCarthy, the Council’s senior planner is currently working on a brief for a potential streetscape. “We will project manage it from in house.

Before we finalise the brief there are a number of important stakeholders mainly landowners that we need to have on board,” Director of Service, Liam Conneally informed the meeting, such discussions with landowners are to take place in the coming weeks. €100,000 had been allocated for The Venue, a once planned community, civic, cultural and interpretative centre for Shannon, under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). This is now being used to finance the master plan.

“There will be an implication for this, it’s about us getting the traders and property owners to understand the benefits that will accrue when this takes place,” Conneally said of the streetscape. “The footfall relating to the existing town centre will be taken into account, existing commercial activity is not hindered, work is progressing. Because we don’t own it, it’s not as clear cut as if we were doing it for a typical

town”.

Cllr Gerry Flynn referred to a motion of his from April which called on the Council to purchase Sli Cara situated between Sean Lemass Library and Kincora Apartments and build a public street. Such a move was described as “premature” at the time by the senior planner. “We have thought about it, we have a lot of our own thoughts that we’re holding close to our chest at the moment. We’ll allow the professionals to come back with their expertise,” Conneally responded.

Independent representative, Cllr PJ Ryan queried if incentives would be given to traders to develop within the environs of the town centre, “I know we can’t touch the rates”. “People transiting through the N19 pass through the town centre without seeing it, the visual has a big impact on people, if you drive through the N19 and can’t see the town centre because of vegetation it’s not going to get extra people in”.

“It will be a composite piece of work, the focus from N19 south is on the park we are doing. There will be significant investment opportunities once complete. It will incentive investment in the town which before people were afraid to do,” the Director replied.

Regarding Shannon’s aesthetics, he said, “We won’t improve the visual aspect until the buildings start going up”.

He mentioned that Shannon Free Zone is at full occupancy with “very high quality office development”. “It will lead to significant job creation for Shannon into the future. The Chief Executive and myself have an ongoing rolling meeting with Chief Executives from other companies, we’re being assisted in that by the Shannon Chamber”.

AIRPORT’S LACK OF MARKETING DURING IRISH OPEN ‘AN INCREDIBLE FAILURE’

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HANNON Airport’s lack of presence and marketing during The DDF Irish Open at Lahinch has been questioned and criticised as “an incredible failure”.

At a special sitting of Clare County Council, acting CEO of Shannon Group plc, Mary Considine gave a presentation on their activity and fielded questions from local elected representatives. Monday’s meeting which was proposed by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) focused specifically on Shannon Airport.

Cathaoirleach of the local authority, Cllr Cathal Crowe was the first councillor to speak. He referred to the global television audience believed to be in the region of 500 million that fixed their eyes on the county during The Irish Open, he spoke of how the Council capitalised on this exposure and revealed his shock that the Airport did not do likewise. “During TV commercial breaks stunning images of the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Ennis, Bunratty and Lough Derg were beamed to a global audience.

The images were hugely enticing and you can be sure that many viewers were prompted to Google search County Clare and the Wild Atlantic Way. “This was very much open, fertile ground for Shannon Airport to market itself as the gateway airport to the West of Ireland. But low and behold, Shannon Airport had no presence at Lahinch. During the Irish Open the airport only posted one lack-lustre tweet about the event that got 10 likes and 3 retweets. At the same time, Clare County Council’s Twitter account reached 472,000 people during the week with one particular update from the Council receiving more than 1700 retweets and likes.

This will go down as a gigantic missed marketing opportunity for our local Airport”.

Whitegate councillor, Pat Burke also questioned their absence. “We all know how outstanding the golf was.

Why didn’t Shannon Airport zoom in on the 500m viewers, where were your marketing people and why weren’t ye involved”. Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy described it as “an incredible failure”. “There seems to be a lack of vi-

SHANNON’S ELLIE WINS INTERNATIONAL CROSSFIT COMPETITION

sion that an opportunity like the Irish Open was lost on Shannon”.

Fianna Fáil’s Shane Talty admitted the Lahinch locals were also surprised by the lack of airport activity. “The sense I got from the presentation is that ye are doing the best ye can just need more support. It was a huge disappointment that when various agencies saw the value of The Irish Open to think Shannon didn’t take advantage of it, it is a big loss to the Airport. The sense from tourism providers is that Shannon is dying. The taxi providers that were taking bookings for Monday and Tuesday after Irish Open in Lahinch were to shocked when they realised they were taking bookings for Knock and not Shannon”.

Responding to the views expressed, Ms Considine revealed “We would love to have done marketing around The Irish Open but our budgets didn’t allow that”. She added, “We are a commercial business and we have to cut our cloth to measure”.

Shannon Group should have made contact with the County Council in anticipation of the event to form a joined up approach according to Cllr Colleran Molloy.

“Sometimes there isn’t a lot of cost co-operating at the event, to include Shannon’s logo wouldn’t have cost a lot”.

“The video circulated to the media didn’t cost anything, that wasn’t a huge drain to resources. Twitter never cost a penny and the reach was several thousand,” Cllr Crowe outlined.

A shocked Cllr Pat Burke stated, “I am baffled by the fact you didn’t have a budget for marketing. You have marketing people and no budget to do it”. “Videos can go viral without costing money, I haven’t seen a Fly Shannon video at all,” Cllr Roisin Garvey commented.

“We do prioritise a budget for marketing, we have very experienced people who work in this area, we need to do more and more, we’re working hard but we do need to do more, more funding will help us to do that,” Considine responded.

FIFTEEN year old Ellie Pyke this month won her category in a worldwide CrossFit competition.

From Shannon, Ellie along with Northern Ireland’s Zoe Kerr both came first in their respective groupings in ‘The Comp’ which welcomed participants from Iceland, Norway and the Netherlands to Palma, Mallorca at the beginning of this month.

Participants were invited to enter in the 14-15, 16-17 and 18-21 categories. From each qualifier, ten people progressed to the final. Ellie led in her qualifier and would maintain her advantage when it came to the final as she secured the gold medal.

Sport is in her blood, Ellie’s mother trains with her every day and her father was a professional golfer.

She is currently ranked number one in Ireland for her agegroup and twenty first in the world.

14 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JULY 25 2019

Aoibhín Garrihy

LOVE

CLARE

Hanorah becomes a big sister

THE NOTEBOOK

I

am delighted to say I will continue a very special relationship with Irish Jewellery brand Knight and Day and this week saw us shoot our fifth collection working together.

It’s always such a joy working with such an incredibly passionate and creative team but in particular this time around.

I had been pregnant and just three weeks post partum on previous shoots with the brand but was particularly nervous about this one being so far into pregnancy number two...but Knight and Day champion women and it’s never been an issue when it comes to shooting the look-

book etc.

It can be rare to find, amongst perfectly filtered images fronting every clothing, Jewellery and skincare campaign but I feel very blessed to have found a company prepared to celebrate all stages of womanhood!

On that minor detail! We are so delighted to say our little Hanorah will be a big sister this winter please God and we are so delighted.

The countdown is on to Ladies Day at the Dublin Horse show celebrating 100 years of female empowerment on Thursday 8th August and we are delighted to say BEO will join the festivities in the form of BEO Bites on the day.

We got up close and personal with some fabulous horses for the launch last week and with equine therapists also joining the show’s line up it seems wellness is very much to the fore this year.

COVET IN

CLARE

STREET COOL With the ever popular dress/trainer trend going nowhere these beauties from Shoe rack will ensure you put your best foot forward. The chunky snake panel trainers are a steal at just €30.

GREASE IS THE WORD Olivia Newton John paid our Emerald Isle a visit this week and inspired that pink lady in me! Do like Rizzo and the gals and get yourself a pair of these Cat Eye sunglasses for just €27 in Willow.

BIG SISTER: Hanorah will become a big sister this winter.

IRISH OPEN: (top) I am delighted to continue a very special relationship with Irish Jewellery brand Knight and Day; (below) the countdown is on for the Dublin Horse Show

CODEX Looking for an international skincare brand that is sustainable, ethical, natural containing only superfoods for the skin and produced here in Ireland? Look no further than the brand new Codex stocked at Meadows and Byrne. Begin with the facial oil, a nourishing overnight treat.

HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP I recently invested in a Himalayan Salt Lamp and wondered what took me so long! It creates the most beautiful glow in the bedroom known to be therapeutic promoting relaxation and aiding sleep. Available for €19.99 in the Carraig Donn sale so hurry!

CUTE AS A BUTTON Jetting off somewhere nice with your little one or praying for more summer sunshine at home...these baby basics at Penny’s are utterly adorable, cool and comfy! They’ll make summer easy, breezy brill!

HAPPENINGS ARDNACRUSHA POWER STATION SCHOOL TOURS Following the phenomenal interest in last year’s tours, Ardnacrusha Power Station will again open this summer. ESB invites school groups and the public to visit and explore one of Ireland’s greatest engineering developments at Ardnacrusha Power Station in Co Clare.

School Group tours are available from May 23rd to June 28th 2019 and Public tours are available from July 1st to September 13th 2019.

Tours run from Monday to Friday only.

KILMIHIL FESTIVAL OF FUN Kilmihil Festival of Fun is the only Festival in Ireland dedicated to FUN! You will enjoy Pig racing, Outdoor Fun at the Lake, Vintage rally & A Fun Filled Field Day along with 5km run/ walk and soccer & football matches.

THURSDAY, JULY 25 2019

Top 5 Feel Good Factor Fun

COLUMNIST 15

Inspired by a weekly dip with a happy tribe every Sunday morning I’ve compiled a list of community based activities that are sure to leave you feeling great!

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SNAMHAÍ SASTA:

Whether you join this group of happy swimmers every morning at 9am in Spanish Point or find another open ocean swim group locally the benefits of a refreshing early dip in the morning are amazing. The fun and positive vibes of this group are sure to leave anyone smiling and renergized for the day ahead.

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CLARE CRUSADERS RUNNING:

Want to exercise, feel part of a community and know that it’s for the greater good too? The Clare Crusaders Running troop offer all that and more.

They meet on most Saturdays of the year at 8am at the Darcy’s Corner / DNG O’Sullivan Hurley car park in Ennis and welcome runners of every ability and fitness level. With events and challenges throughout the year it’s a great place to start with plenty fundraising opportunities too.

TIDY TOWNS:

Pride of place, part of the community, active participation and time in the outdoors are all pros to the National Tidy Towns initiative who are always looking for volunteers to help the town become Ireland’s most attractive! With committees all around the county with planned community activities they encourage everyone to participate. It’s a great way to make new friends and have a say in how your town home place should look.

SOCIAL DANCE:

Dance releases tones of happy healthy endorphins so why not get those twinkle toes moving and check out the Social Dance Scene in Ennis? Look no further than Treacys West County www. treacyswestcounty.com Sunday Afternoons from 3:00pm - 6:00pm as well as on certain Tuesday Evenings from 9:00pm - 12:00pm. You will be bopping out of there!

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BACK TO THE BOOKS:

Ever considered forming or joining a book club? It’s a great way to cut back on technology in your life, immerse yourself in some mindful reading and the incentive of a book club will ensure you stick to it! There are lots of library book clubs throughout the county but you could also get a WhatsApp group together and make plans with pals! It’s a great excuse to get together with friends once a month too.

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Entertainment

RENOWNED FOLK SINGER CHARLIE MCGETTIGAN COMING TO CLARE

P

EOPLE in Clare are in for yet another great musical treat with Leitrim based folk singer Charlie McGettigan set to play in Liscannor.

The gig, on Sunday July 28th at the Cliffs of Moher Hotel, is part of the popular Anam Music series of concerts.

Charlie McGettigan started his musical career in the 1960s in various rock bands in Donegal. Moving to Dublin in 1968 he honed in on the thriving folk scene there at the time. In 1973, Charlie formed the highly successful group Jargon, which went on to win the prestigious Letterkenny Folk Festival, following in the footsteps of bands like Clannad and Pumpkinhead.

Charlie has worked with artists like Maura O’Connell and Eleanor Shanley who both recorded many of his songs including “Feet of a Dancer”, “A Bed for the Night” and “If Any-

thing Happened to You”.

Charlie joined forces with Paul Harrington and Brendan Graham to win the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest for Ireland with “Rock n Roll Kids”. He has released many solo albums including “In Your Old Room”, “Family Matters” “ The Man from 20” and “Stolen Moments” produced in Nashville by legendary producer Bil Vorndick.

Charlie’s songs have been recorded by many artists including De Danann, Mary and Frances Black, Ray Lynam, Daniel O’Donnell, Sandy Kelly and Hal Ketchum to name but a few.

These days Charlie tours both here in Ireland and abroad. He presents “The Saturday Connection” on Shannonside/Northern Sound Radio, a two hour programme where he previews live music and theatrical events, interviews guests from the world of arts and entertainment and plays an eclectic mix of music and

song on CD. As well as serving on the Board of IMRO, Charlie is also a member of the Board of The Dock Arts Centre in Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim.

Charlie McGettigan performs as part of the Anam Music series at the Cliffs of Moher. Anam was founded by Ennistymon music lover Pat Ryan with musician and Clare FM presenter Eoin O’Neill, was created to offer a unique family-friendly listening experience for people who are passionate about good music.

Previous Anam Music gigs with John Spillane, Declan Sinnott and Don Stiffe attracted rave reviews and listeners are sure to enjoy what looks set to be another great evening.

Hotel in Liscannor on Sunday July 28th at 7pm. Tickets are priced €15 + booking fee and are available online via Eventbrite. https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ charlie-mcgettigan-tickets-63593898061

l RETURN OF THE FLEADH: Crowds enjoying the Taobh na Mara Céilí Band at the Fleadh Cheoil na Mumhan in Ennis at the Photograph by Eamon Ward weekend.

18 SCARIFF

McKay to launch festival

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ERRY author and journalist Susan McKay (right) will open the 17th Scariff Harbour Festival at Waterways Marina on Friday August 2. She will be joined on stage by the newly appointed Acting Head of Waterways Ireland, John McDonagh and will also address an audience at Scariff Library on bank-holiday Saturday afternoon.

Best known as a TV commentator and opinion columnist, she grew up in Derry at the start of the Troubles and lived through the violence on her own doorstep. As a consequence, understanding violence and its legacy underpins much of her life’s work.

“Susan McKay has come to understand not just the tragedy of Northern Ireland but the tragedy of all violence,” said Harry O’Meara of the Scariff Harbour Festival Committee.

“We are delighted that she is joining us in Scariff to keep the links with the North alive and build on the tradition developed over the years of helping us to understand its complexities,” he said.

The stories of people affected by violence are documented in her books Bear in Mind these Dead and Northern Protestants – An Unsettled People. People still live with injuries, some are wracked with guilt, many are involved with drugs, alcohol and addictions. Susan McKay has given voice to people caught up in this maelstrom.

Her work for the Rape Crisis Centre and

her book ‘Sophia’s Story’ …. the story of Sophia McColgan, details the horrors of familial abuse and became one of the most acclaimed books in modern times.

The Festival has, from the very beginning, established and retained firm links with the North. Underpinning these links was the setting up of Waterways Regional Headquarters in Scariff following the Good Friday Agreement. Since then Scariff Harbour has seen many significant developments and with further developments in the offing for Holy Island and the blueway activities around Lough Derg, the harbour and lake are becoming focal points on the inland navigable water systems.

Scariff Harbour Festival 2019 in association with Waterways Ireland runs from Thursday August 1 to Sunday August 4. It opens with a Christie Hennessey Tribute Concert performed and produced by RTE’s Aonghus McAnally on Thursday August 1 at the Church of the Sacred Heart.

SCARIFF

19

Blueway fun at Scariff Harbour Festival

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OUGH Derg and its waterways have always been at the heart of Scariff Harbour Festival but this year offers the most it’s ever had on a festival programme. Still a developing concept in Ireland with recreational trails and sites closely linked to the water, the Lough Derg Blueway encompasses a series of paddling trails and lake activities with complementary walking, heritage, arts, crafts and food trails on shore.

Although surrounded by stunning countryside of its other bordering counties of Tipperary and Galway, the secret experience of East Clare is on the lake. There are wonderful opportunities for exhilarating activities and adventures and this year’s Harbour Festival has honed in on the increasing potential of the lake for kayak touring and the launch of a new kayaking club, the East Clare Paddlers.

‘Right from the very beginning of the Festival and working as closely as we do with Waterways Ireland, activities on Lough Derg have always been to the forefront. It’s what the festival celebrates and promotes,’said Mike Rodgers of Scariff Harbour Festival Committee. ‘It is now exciting to see new ventures bringing life to the lake, people to the area and a further element to the festival programme,’ the Festival Chairman said.

Led by former army officer, Paul Austin & Get West, aided by experienced members of the UL Kayak club, Paul and his team return to Scariff to include a wide range of river and adventure-based activities where

participants face new challenges in a safe and supported environment, most of all with fun in mind! The new kayak touring dimension on the Scariff River, open to all from aged 10 upwards, is now part of the Lough Derg Blueway.Trips are on the half hour on Saturday of the festival week-end with first class guides and equipment provided.

The complimentary Waterways Ireland boat trips have consistently been one of the most popular items on the festival programme. It is an opportunity for people to get to know the lake, often for the first time, maybe even spot a kingfisher as they meander downriver through the cattails and bulrushes before reaching the lake. Fishing for Kids has been a staple on the festival programme too. Boys and girls from 7-12 years old are shown how to cast a line, select baits, fish in a friendly atmosphere while returning the fish unharmed back into the water.

In addition to the lake activities, there is also a focus this year on outdoor fitness.

Led by popular fitness instructors Aidan Fawl and Shane McGrath, both are helping to build on the rising national and international trend to get communities involved in a more active lifestyle.

‘Generally Shane and I are on a mission to help as many people get lean, lose weight and get mentally strong but at this year’s Scariff Harbour Festival we want to give people a taste of what’s possible when you take fitness exercises out of doors,’ said Aidan Fawl, who is committed to making outdoor workouts accessible and an im-

portant part of leisure life in the community.

‘No matter what age or level of fitness, just come to the Festival on Saturday morning with a positive attitude and we promise a fun-filled hour,’ he said.

Scariff Harbour Festival 2019 in asso-

ciation with Waterways Ireland runs from Thursday August 1 – Sunday August 4.

The only requirement for all festival activities (except the Christie Hennessy Tribute Concert) is one €5 wristband for the entire week-end.

Country & Western Fans won’t be disappointed in Scariff

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ENERAL and psychiatric nurse turned professional country and western singer will join forces with his Cavan-born wife, Philomena McGovern to entertain his legion of country and western fans in Scariff during festival time. Bodyke born, Michael O’Brien was not only part of the country music revival but contributed to its sustenance.

Best known for his rendering of the ‘Veil of White Lace’ and for his own continuation of the story in the ‘The Veil of White Lace’ Part 2, Michael & Philomena are a popular duo on the country and western scene. They play at dance venues across the length and breadth of Ireland as well as performances in Spain, Ibiza, Portugal and the USA. ‘We also entertain on Irish Caribbean cruises each February and on some Mediterranean

cruises. This adds another dimension to our performances and repertoire,’ said Michael O’Brien. Playing to a home audience is, however, quite special and we both look forward very much to Scariff,’ he said.

Michael O’Brien is also a recording artist widely recognised within the country genre and with Philomena has most recently recorded a 16-track duet CD ‘The Best of Country and Irish’ on his own label Star Records and a new twenty track CD ‘Happy Times’. Both accomplished musicians also, Michael has featured on radio and television programmes.

Michael & Philomena will be joined by Feilim Ó Coileáin and David Sanders and by local accordion player, Seamus Bugler at the Harbour on Saturday evening (5.30-7.30pm) 3rd August

20 COMMUNITY

Community

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS

ENNIS

CELEBRATIONS FOR CLARE YOUTH SERVICE GRADUATES There was great excitement this week when the Community Training Centre in Clare Youth Service celebrated the education and training achievements of 40 young people who graduated in Ennis with minor and major national qualifications.

Martin Cournane, Assistant Manager, Training Services, Limerick & Clare Education and Training Board proudly recognised “the quality of teaching and learning, clearly evident” in the Community Training Centre. He applauded young people for their courage, strength and determination to return to education.

The awards included Leaving Cert Applied, Work Experience Transition Programme, QQI Level 3 Employability Skills and QQI Level 4 Pathway to Employment.

Most of the young recipients come to Clare Youth Service and the Community Training Centre are second chance learners pursuing an academic qualification, and this has proved more appropriate to their journey than mainstream education options.

The Community Training Centre at Clare Youth Service is currently enrolling new participants for the coming autumn. If you are between 16 and 21 years and interested in achieving certification in a supported environment, contact Edel McDonough, CTC Manager at 065 6845359 for further information.

Pictured above is Nela Sivakova, Brian Jakubik, Alicia Krajewska receive their certificates of graduation from the Community Training Centre at Clare Youth Service

KILRUSH

OKLAHOMA DVD FOR SALE The DVD and CD of Kilrush Choral Society Musical OKLAHOMA is now Available. The DVD + CD is 25 Euro only while the CD is 8 Euro only and are available from Mags Rushe @9051103 or Sr. Kathleen Conway@0872854983.Please purchase one or both as a souvenir or present for yourself or a friend. Due to the cancellation of the Friday night show due to Storm Hanna the Society had a considerable financial loss this year.

KILRUSH ART GROUP EXHIBITION Kilrush Art Group will open their annual exhibition at Kilrush library on Thurs 25th July at 8pm. Official Opening by the Clare Rose, Victoria O’Connell. Everyone is welcome. Exhibition will run to 30th Aug.

SHANNON

SHANNON TOASTMASTERS Shannon Toastmasters Club meetings take place in the Park Inn at Shannon Airport on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 7:45PM and new members and guests are always welcome.

Club notices - July 31st - Annual BBQ - Aug 4th - Summer break - no meeting - Sept 4th - Open Night.

The BBQ takes place at the Park Inn at 7 PM , join us for an epic evening of Food and Entertainment (€20 pp) Our Open night is on 4th Sept at 7:45 PM and free to anyone wishing to learn about how Toastmasters can help develop Public Speaking skills.

For further details on meetings and events please visit our facebook page @Shannontoastmasters or send email to shannontoastmastersclub@gmail.com

BANNER LADIES CROWNED U14 CHAMPS The Banner Ladies, All Ireland Féile Champions, continue their winning streak by celebrating above after claiming the under 14 Division 1 League Trophy in Corofin last Thursday evening.

It was a most thrilling and exciting encounter against Doora Barefield with both teams playing superb football. The Banner were down a point at half time with the score being 2-2 to Doora Barefield and 2-1 to the Banner. However the Banner dominated during the last quarter and won out on a scoreline of 5-8 to the Banner against 3-4 to Doora Barefield. The match was refereed by John McDonagh and the trophy was

presented to Rachel Cummins (Captain) by Deirdre O’ Dwyer from the County Board.

Pictured above are the Banner Ladies winning team: Rachel Cummins(Captain), Caoimhe Cahill(1-6), Caoimhe Ryan, Siofra Cummins, Leah Keane, Saoirse Barry, Grainne Burke(3-2), Emer Burke, Faye Clancy, Aine Cleary, Keelin Fitzgerald, Saoirse Flanagan, Vesta Karpenkaite, Lily Keane,Nicole Keane, Aine Longe,(1-0), Anna Lyons, Monica Mandradzhieva, Lauren Cahill, Lucy Mangan, Aine Mc Aleer, Clodagh McMahon, Liz Sanchez, Theresa Brew, Bridget McSweeney, Abi Healy, Joy Gooney, Katie Warren.

Management Team: Gerry Keane, Kieran McNamara, Alannah NcNamara, John Brew, Ita Mahony. (Picture

by Willie O’’Reilly of Burren Eye Photography)

HERITAGE WEEK PUBLICATION Next month will see the launch of a special history booklet, ‘Banner News’, which focuses on eighteenth century Clare articles. At 11:30am on August 22nd in Ennis Library there will be a lecture [Free] and booklet launch [€5] by historian Steve Dolan, with the full proceeds going to Cahercalla Hospice.

GORT GORT IN 1793 Next month will see the launch of a special booklet, ‘Gort in 1793’, at 2:30pm on August 22nd in Kiltartan Gregory Museum. There will be

a lecture [Free] and booklet launch [€5] on the Qualifying and Relieving Year of 1793 by historian Steve Dolan with the full proceeds going to Kiltartan Museum.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK 17

THURSDAY, JULY 25 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

THERE ARE NO EASY FIXES

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HIS thought for the week is about gaps and divides, about walls and bridges and about the “haves and the have nots.” A gap or a divide is a break or difference between two things and a wall is a blockage, while a bridge is a coming together. In many respects, this describes the difference between certain people in our society, in our county, in our country and in our world today. There are very wide gaps and divisions between certain people in our society, such as ‘the rich and the poor’ and some people try to build bridges between the two while others try to “build walls!” It is not hard to know this for a drive through most towns and cities in this nation of ours and indeed in our world that show to us vividly a large number of poor and desperate people. This thought for the week focuses on the great gap or great divide that exists between people, between those who have and those who do not have.

The gap between rich and poor is hard for people like you and me to admit, but it has always been there, except nowadays the gap is getting even bigger. Those with money tend to live easier lives with less sickness and hardship while those who do not have money generally have hard, often short lives. When we stop for a moment to think more deeply on the gap between the rich and the poor we find it astonishing how big that gap really is. Close on 2 billion people are starving with the hunger and are under nourished in our world. Hungry people as I have seen, and whom I try to help on a daily basis, experience horror every day, gnawing pain in their stomachs, physical exhaustion that comes with chronic deprivation and dehydration, the pain of making choices no one should ever have to make. Why don’t we weep for people who have to make such choices? Why don’t we feel anguish for parents who cannot

feed their children. One reason is that many of us have allowed our way of life to be shaped by the economic preference of a materialistic society rather than by true goodness, mercy, compassion and genuine love and care for one another. And although the gap between the rich and the poor is one of the greatest challenge facing us today along with climate change, we would rather not think about it. We also find it difficult to concede that what we have, has anything to do with what others do not have. We do not want to think about how we would explain to a hungry child why we do not share more of what we have. Most of us think more about the one percent of the world that has more than we have than we think about the ninety-nine percent that has less.

What is it about the homeless, the poor, the refugee, the traveler, the abused, the orphaned, the destitute and the abandoned that makes people so uncomfortable?

These are our fellow human beings who have hit on hard times, often through no fault of their own. Loss of a job, the poor economy, addiction or family circumstances can push people and families onto the streets where they are looked down upon by general society. Exposed to the extremes of bitter types of weather, they sleep in doorways, street alleyways or trash bins, fearful of discovery by the authorities while keeping a watchful eye out for predators or others who might do them harm.

A story from my Nana Scully’s prayer book might help explain.

What did you do for me?

“A priest transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the church that he was to be introduced as the new parish priest that morning. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for mass. Only 3 people said hello to him, most looked the other way.

He asked people for change to buy

food because he was hungry. Not one gave him anything. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was told by the ushers that he would need to get up and go sit at the back of the church. He said hello to people as they walked in but was greeted with cold stares and dirty looks from people looking down on him and judging him.

He sat in the back of the church and listened to the church announcements for the week. He listened as new visitors were welcomed into the church that morning but no one acknowledged that he was new. He watched people around him continue to look his way with stares that said you are not welcome here. Then the elders of the church went to the podium to make the announcement. They said they were excited to introduce the new parish priest of the church to the congregation. “We would like to introduce you to our new Parish Priest.” The congregation stood up and looked around clapping with joy and anticipation. The homeless man sitting in the back stood up and started walking down the aisle. That’s when all the clapping stopped and the church was silent. With all eyes on him....he walked up the altar and reached for the microphone.

He stood there for a moment and then recited so elegantly, a verse from the gospel’s..... “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.’

After he recited this, he introduced himself as their new Parish Priest and told the congregation what he had experienced that morning. Many began to cry and bow their heads in shame. “Today I see a gathering of people here but I do not see a church of Jesus. The world has enough people that look the other way. What the world needs is disciples of Jesus that can follow his teachings and live as he did. When will you decide to become disciples? He then dismissed service until the following Sunday as his sermon had been given.”

A world that is hurting In a world that is hurting at this very moment and that seems to be ravaged in some part by evil, the bitter fruits of greed, selfishness, war, and ignorance are multiplying. Even in so called “rich societies” the homeless and the poor are growing populations. Thousands upon thousands of people starve to death every day. Two billion more are malnourished, and thousands more go blind and suffer other ailments annually because of dietary deficiency.

Approximately two-thirds of the world’s population remains caught in a cycle of hunger, sickness and death. The majority of these individuals and families are destitute by political, economic, cultural, or social events largely beyond their control. As I have written before, I have noticed over my life, that to be a good person or to have a good heart one does not need to depend on religion, status in life, job status, race, skin colour, where they are from, political views or culture. It solely depends on how each of us treat each other. I have

also noticed that our ears are constantly bombarded each day by all sorts of sounds. And these sounds stress a certain kind of hearing whether joyful or sad. But for me the hardest is hearing the cry of the poor, and even in that cry of the poor the worst of it is hearing a child’s voice. And although I believe that God is on the side of the poor and the homeless, I somehow feel, in our society and culture today, we have found ourselves separated not only from each other, but from the poor, the orphaned, the abandoned and the homeless.

We live in a world that insulates us, for the most part, from that which is difficult and uncomfortable. We have diversions that keep us from encountering the pain, the loneliness, the weakness, the fear, the emptiness, the meaninglessness of those around us. We even have diversions to keep us from encountering our own pain, loneliness, weakness, fear, emptiness, and meaninglessness.

Thought for the week As your thought for the week, let me finish with a story by the great author Paulo Coelho whom I love to read and it goes as follows, “A monk was meditating in the desert when a beggar came up to him and said: “I need to eat”. The monk -- who was almost reaching the point of perfect harmony with the spiritual world -- did not answer. “I need to eat,” insisted the beggar. “Go to the town and ask someone else. Can’t you see that you are bothering me? I am trying to communicate with the angels” said the monk sternly. “God placed himself lower than men, washed their feet, gave His life, and no-one recognized Him”, the beggar replied. “He who says he loves God -- who does not see -and forgets his brother or sister who does -- is lying”. And the beggar turned into an angel. “What a pity, you almost made it”, the angel remarked before leaving.”

PROPERTY

THURSDAY, JULY 25 2019

OPEN VIEWING SATURDAY 27TH JULY 11.15 - 11.45AM

34 BRAMBLE LANE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

B

€190,000

RAMBLE Lane is a development of semi-detached properties ideally located on the Limerick Road just minutes from the By-Pass interchange and beside St Flannan’s College, Treacys West County Hotel and Ennis Town Centre. Bramble Lane is a very popular development for families due to its proximity to the new Ennis National School and St. Flannan’s College. There are lots of generous green open areas giving the development a spacious, open feeling. No. 34 is a modern four bedroomed home with top quality finishes including modern fitted kitchen, timber flooring in dining and living rooms, Tiled bathrooms, floored attic and much more.

The accommodation is bright and spacious with four generous bedrooms. The property has a good sized rear garden with patio and shed and is not overlooked and overlooks a large green area to the front. Viewing of this very fine home is highly recommended.

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 00243

75 INIS CLAIR, KILDYSART ROAD, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE V95 F58F

D

ECEPTIVELY spacious 3 Bed Mid Terraced property in the popular residential location.

Overlooking green area in a small cul de sac of 10 houses.

Gas fired central heating. Close to all amenities and within a 2 minute drive of the M18 Motorway. The property has recently been internally painted throughout. This house really represents excellent value for money and could potentially provide a minimum rental return of €10,000 per annum.

Contact: Arthur and Lees 9 Francis Street, Ennis Tel: 065 68 68686 PSL 001566

OPEN VIEWING SATURDAY 27TH JULY 10.30 - 11.00AM

8 COLLEGE PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

C

€180,000

OLLEGE Park is exceptionally well located in a mature area in a quiet cul de sac with a large open green area in Tobarteascain. The property is within minute’s walk of the centre of Ennis town and close to St Flannan’s College, The Holy Family National School, St Peter & Paul’s Cathedral, The Old Ground Hotel, shops and all other amenities afforded by the town. The development is within minute’s drive of the M17 & M18 with easy access to Limerick, Shannon and Galway. No. 8 is a bright, spacious, three bedroomed, family home overlooking the large open green area to the front offering excellent accommodation. Finishes include modern fitted kitchen and utility, tiled bathroom, timber flooring in living areas, tiled hallway, kitchen and utility and double glazed woodgrain windows. The property also has a garage and a private rear garden. Heating is from an external oil fired central heating system and secondary heating from a fireplace in the dining area.

Contact: Helen Gallery, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis.

Tel: 065 6829481 & 086 250 4671 PSL 00243

€167,500

21

54 CLUÁIN DROICHÉAD, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE V95 DX76

B

€ 245,000

3 FRIAR’S CLOSE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95 W95H

€260,000

3

Friar’s Close is a 3 Bed Detached Bungalow conveniently located within a 5 minute walk of Ennis Town Centre. This property was constructed in 1997 and has been modernised and refurbished to the very highest of standards throughout. The accommodation is very cleverly proportioned and extends to 105sq/m. Some of the many amenities within walking distance are primary & secondary schools, Ennis bus & train station, Glór, supermarkets (Tesco, Aldi & Dunnes Stores), cafes, restaurants & hotels. Rarely do any homes come up for sale in this exclusive location of just six houses.

Contact: Arthur and Lees 9 Francis Street, Ennis Tel: 065 68 68686 PSL 001566

54 DÚN NA HINSE, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE V95 YX2X

A

OFFERED AT BIDS OVER €85,000

EAUTIFULLY finished 4/5 bedroom semi-detached home located in a quiet family estate.

The property boasts 4 large double bedrooms, spacious reception room, open plan kitchen/ dining room, utility, playroom (potential 5th bedroom/ home office). There is a secure maintenance free rear garden which is not overlooked. Sixmilebridge is ideally located as it is within a very short commute of Shannon, Ennis & Limerick City.

RTHUR & Lees Auctioneers in partnership The Munster Property Auction.

4 bedroom spacious terraced house within 1.5km of Ennis Town Centre.

Dun na Hinse is conveniently located within 1.5km of Ennis Town centre and it’s many amenities. It is within a short 10 minute walk of the John O’ Sullivan Park, Lees Road sports complex and a mere 500 meters from the Ennis by-pass. Features include large open plan reception room, modern built in kitchen, 4 double bedrooms, oil fired central heating and semi-solid flooring.

Contact: Arthur and Lees 9 Francis Street, Ennis Tel: 065 68 68686 PSL 001566

Contact: Arthur and Lees 9 Francis Street, Ennis Tel: 065 68 68686 PSL 001566

Launching Soon Another Quality Development by M. Fitzgibbon Contractors

BALLYMACAULA VIEW Cahercalla Ennis Co. Clare

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST FOR THESE NEW HOMES Contact Helen Gallery

T: 065 682 9481 | M: 086 250 4671 |E: info@helengallery.com 68 Parnell Street Ennis Co Clare PRSA No 002433

UP TO

NEW FOR

2019

BACK IN CASH

ON YOUR NEW MORTGAGE SEARCH EBS MORTGAGE MASTERS

If you’re looking to buy a new home EBS Ennis are ready to help

Drop in, call us on (065) 689 9600 or email ennis@mail.ebs.ie IMPORTANT INFORMATION Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home

Warning: You may have to pay charges if you pay off a fixed-rate loan early

Warning: The cost of your monthly repayments may increase

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future.

WARNING: YOUR HOME IS AT RISK IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP PAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. WARNING: THE PAYMENT RATES ON THIS HOUSING LOAN MAY BE ADJUSTED BY THE LENDER FROM TIME TO TIME. Lending criteria, Terms and Conditions apply. For eligible customers 2% will be paid into your current account. Additional 1% paid on the 5th anniversary of the EBS mortgage. EBS. d.a.c. is an authorised agent and servicer of EBS Mortgage Finance (a wholly-owned subsidiary of EBS d.a.c.). EBS d.a.c. & EBS Mortgage Finance are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

A typical €100,000, 20 year mortgage for an Owner Occupier Residential Property with Loan to value greater than 80% will have a variable interest rate of 3.7% and Annual Percentage Rate (APR) 3.8%, and 240 monthly repayments of €590.29. If the APR does not vary during the term of the mortgage, the total cost of credit i.e. the total amount repayable less than the amount of the loan would be €41,884.48 (inclusive of valuation report fees of €215.00). The total amount repayable would be €141,884.48. The effect of a 1% increase in interest rates for such a mortgage will add €53.21 to the monthly repayments.

Note: The above notice in respect of adjustments to repayment rates will not apply during any period when the loan is at a fixed rate. If you or your dependants intend to use the property as a principal place of residence, you must show evidence of mortgage protection insurance, unless you are exempt under the Consumer Credit Act 1995. Maximum loan to value of Owner Occupier Residential Properties - 90% of purchase price or valuation whichever is lower and 80% loan to value on one bedroom properties. Lending levels are subject to monthly repayment burden, typically not exceeding c. 35% of borrower’s disposable income and will vary according to individual circumstances. Mortgage loan requests are considered on the basis of proof of income, financial status and demonstrated repayment capacity (including capacity to repay at higher interest rates). Loans not available to people under 18. Mortgage loans are secured by a first legal mortgage/charge over your property. The property must be within the Republic of Ireland. Offer valid until 31st December 2019.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

PRICEY POLO PLEASES PERFECTIONISTS IT’S NOT CHEAP, BUT THIS HIGHLY-SPECCED VW POLO IS IMPRESSIVELY WELL-FINISHED

I

VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.0 TSI R-LINE

S there such a thing as a truly classless car? A car that can be equally at home in any social event, from some redcarpet-and-kleig-lights charity celebrity bash, to popping round the corner for a neighbour’s birthday party? There have been some notable nominations in this department, from the original Mini and Range Rover to the original Golf GTI to… well, to the what, exactly? Is it just those three iconic cars that successfully break down the class barriers of motoring?

Well, I reckon that the VW Polo has a good chance of joining that (ironically) exclusive club. The polo has, since its inception and certainly since the hugely impressive third generation model of the 1990s, been leaping over class barriers simply by being, well, classy.

The recent arrival of this sixth-generation Polo seems to have amplified that effect, and partially that’s down to sheer size. The Polo, these days, rides on the same MQB-A0 platform as the Seat Ibiza and Arona, and VW’s own (and impressive) T-Cross small crossover. That means that it’s swelled up a little compared to older models, and no longer looks a touch narrow and pinched — as did the previous generation. It’s also opened up significant vistas of extra space inside.

Once upon a time, the site of me folding my lanky frame into a Polo was cause for comedy — all knees and elbows — but in this one I slip behind the wheel as if born

to it. That’s in the front, where one expects impressive space, but actually it’s in the back where the Polo feels least like a small car. Genuinely, it feels spacious enough to almost become a direct rival to the larger Golf itself. Even in terms of boot capacity, the Polo — with 351-litres on hand — is knocking rather more loudly on the Golf ’s door than is strictly comfortable for the larger car.

That’s not just an idle comparison, either. Remember; in January we will all have to start taxing our cars according to the much more stringent WLTP emissions regulations, which means prices and running costs are likely to go up. Which equally means that being able to find a bit of big-car feel in a smaller, more affordable package, could be of crucial import.

Even the Polo’s engine is brilliant. We’ve entered a horsepower-hungry age, where even road-going saloons can arrive into a showroom with more than 600hp — the power output of rarefied supercars only a couple of decades ago — so it seems almost a little odd to be talking about a car that comes with less than 100hp. In fact, this little (in every sense) TSI 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine has 95hp, and a pretty minuscule 175Nm of torque to go with it.

That sounds like barely enough to pull the top of a can of Fanta, but actually, it’s plenty. I swear VW has been working some kind of witchcraft on this little engine, because it very rarely feels little.

I can remember a time when, testing a basic-spec 55hp Polo 1.2 I realised that, on the motorway, even if you dropped to third and flattened your right foot to the floor, nothing actually happened. Well,

not quite nothing — the engine got louder, and the word ‘SCANIA’ became larger and larger in your rear view mirror, but you didn’t actually accelerate.

Now, though? Thanks to its tiny turbo, the three-pot-tot accelerates with genuine vim, so you can easily flow with — overtake, even — larger, more ostentatious cars.

It’s also a very pleasant car to drive, the Polo. It lacks, perhaps, the slightly sharper reflexes of the Golf, but it’s certainly not far behind. Steering feel is smooth and easygoing, rather than sports-car-like, but it carves through corners with real confidence, and it’s comfortable and refined on the sort of longer journeys that used to leave small cars feeling flummoxed and underwhelming.

There is a price for all of this, of course, and that’s the… er… the price. All-in, including €2,366 worth of options (a ‘Technology Upgrade’ which comes with folding mirrors, ‘Lights and Vison’ package including automatic headlamp activation with separate daytime running lights, front and rear parking sensors, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel, a tilt/slide panoramic sunroof, a front centre armrest, and metallic paint)this Polo R-Line clocks in at €25,016. I’ll give you a moment to pick yourself up off the floor.

Once you’ve done that, remember that a Golf in equivalent spec is going to be more expensive still, and that the Polo is always going to be the more affordable car to buy and run. That could become a critical calculation from January next. Given the Polo’s classy, classless credentials, you might see all sorts of people driving one from then on…

FACTS & FIGURES

Model tested: Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI 95 R-Line Pricing: €25,016 as tested; Polo starts at €16,995 Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol Transmission: five-speed manual, front-wheel drive Body style: Five-door supermini CO2 emissions: 110g/km (Band A3 €190 per annum) Claimed economy: 5.5-litres per 100km (51.3mpg) Top speed: 187km/h 0-100km/h: 10.8 seconds Power: 95hp at 4,500rpm Torque: 175Nm at 2,000 to 3,500rpm Boot space: 351-1,125 litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for VW Polo: Five stars: 96 per cent adult; 85 per cent child; 76 per cent pedestrian; 59 per cent safety assist

26 OPINION

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

1988 T

HIS week in Reeling in the Years in Clare we take a look at what caught the eye of public attention in 1988 in County Clare. We see Paddy Hannan’s turn of good fortune as he comes across two nuggets of gold in Western Australia, catapulting the area into a mini gold-rush. In addition to this we take a look at the instruments of entertainment from a bygone age, with a dial up service available for listeners in Clare to enjoy traditional music as well as a historical discovery at an archaeological site in the Burren!

THE GOLDEN MILE

Patrick Hannan was born to John Hannan and Bridget Lynch in Quin, County Clare on 26th April 1840. Paddy’s family had deep ties with Australia due to an onset of emigration within the family. At the spritely age of twenty-two, he decided himself that it was time to try his luck as a labourer afar.

He made his passage aboard the Hernie Fernie, setting out from the city of Liverpool. It wasn’t until the 14th June 1893 that Paddy Hannan made the most important discovery of his life. On that particular night, Hannan found a nugget of gold in a gully. In a desperate attempt to avoid commotion, he kept his find secret. Moving their horses into the brush during the night, his team propagated a false story about staying back and looking for their horses as the others moved on. Following the dispersal of the main body of gold prospectors, the trio dug up their find and made way for the warden’s office.

The law stated that any ‘financially viable’ find must be registered with the Warden’s Office within seven days. Consequently, Patrick Hannan sparked the beginning of a world renowned goldrush at Kalgoorlie-Boulder in Western Australia. The Golden Mile as it was later termed, is considered one of the richest goldfields throughout the world. Patrick and his two partners are celebrated throughout Ireland and Australia, one of them being a man from Ennis County Clare named Thomas Flanagan. In 1988, a statue of Paddy Hannan was erected by the County Council in Clare which can be seen in the Eamon De Valera library.

DIAL A SEANCHAI

In 1988, an innovative entertainment service was launched in County Clare. Modelled from a similar system in the United Kingdom, Dial A Seanchai allowed traditional music enthusiasts to dial a certain telephone number and hear some of their favourite tunes over the line. In such a complex and multi-dimensional entertainment age in the twenty-first century nowadays, such a service could be considered comical. At the time, this was certainly big news. The service was implemented in County Clare and was the brainchild of the Clare County Council. After dialling, a Seanchai or a storyteller can be heard on the other line. One such Seanchai Was fiddle player Martin Crehan. He tells a story at the same time as playing the accompanying tune. Crehan was one of the founders of the Willie Clancy Summer School following the death of his close friend.

A similar service registered in the UK, allowed listeners to dial a number and enjoy a plethora of poetry recitations. Arts Officer Kay Sheehy felt the traditional storytelling and music aligned much more closely with the interests of those living in County Clare. Martin Crehan was disappointed in having to shorten the length of his tales but nonetheless found great joy in entertaining the listener. Unfortunately, the lines are no longer open!

THE POULNABRONE DOLMEN

In 1988, an important archaeological find was made at the Poulnabrone Dolmen in the Burren, County Clare. The site is an unusually large dolmen or portal tomb. Three large stones support a horizontal one roofing the structure. It dates to the Neolithic age in Ireland which ranged between 4200BC and 2900BC. It is the most famous out of 172 dolmens throughout Ireland and has garnered great public attention for its picturesqueness. The structure was built by Neolithic famers, either as a burial tomb or to mark off previously ascribed territory. The karst Limestone setting would have formed some 350 million years ago. In 1988 the site was excavated, turning up the remains of thirty-three adults and children. All the bodies were buried within the tomb as was customary in the Neolithic age. A number of stone and bone objects were unearthed amongst the bodies, defined as burial instruments of the time. The remains along with the objects date back from 3800BC to 3200BC. Another rich history within our beloved County Clare!

Check back next week as we take a look at our final year from the eventful eighties as we move closer to figuring out what you nineties babies are always raving about….

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

Why I’m opposing the roll-out of 5G in Clare

CLARE COLLERAN MOLLOY

A

Fianna Fáil councillor

S THE responsible Councillor, I feel it appropriate to respond to Eoin Neylon’s article in the last issue of The Clare Echo headlined “Anti 5G campaigners making false claims.”

How we so enjoy the modern day conveniences delivered to us thanks to hi-speed broadband and wireless technology? Conveniences hardly conjured even a decade ago!

I, just like most of us, have become so spoilt by it all and so totally dependent on its ease and convenience.

As the Councillor who proposed that due to the appeal to the EU by 180 scientists and doctors from 36 countries warning about the danger of 5G which will lead to a substantial increase in electromagnetic radiation exposure, that Clare County Council in exercising its responsibility to protect the environment and the public from harm: 1) opposes the roll-out of 5G in the County; 2) calls on CommReg to deny licensing for its roll-out; and 3) calls on the Minister for Communication, Climate Change and the Environment, to establish a working group to establish the facts about the radiation impact of 5G on the public. I was oblivious to the significance of 5G wireless technology, until serious concern about its safety was raised by a constituent during the recent election campaign. Interestingly, it transpired there were other councillors who learned of this issue on the campaign doorstep also.

I made it my business to become better informed. It is thanks to me taking the time to read and listen about 5G, that I have come to the realisation that this is a matter of great concern, and that we as local representatives must undertake to do what we can to ensure its rollout in County Clare and Ireland is informed as to the risks being undertaken.

I am all for economic growth and employment and I appreciate that 100,000 premises in Ireland are still without reliable broadband access and feel “left behind.”

However, I am encouraging that the “precautionary principle” be adopted here. The Precautionary Principle states that “when an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.”

The name 5G is deceptive implying a simply upgrade from current 4G. However, 5G is about densification with visible antenna being replaced by 1000s of tiny antennas with beams that can deliver speeds 100 times faster than 4G. Tiny antennas, the size of a pizza box, erected on our telegraph poles and street lights.

5G is like is putting our wireless technology on steroids. It is envisaged that with 5G, there will be one transmitter for every 2-10 homes, much higher than current cell tower distribution. Professor

Joe Moscowitz of University California Berkeley, has described it as the general population “being bathed in a smog of radiation 24/7.”

Trillions has been invested to deploy the infrastructure necessary to support super-fast 5G networks which will power technologies of the future such as self-driving cars and smart cities. On June 11, 2019, CNN news reported how “Half of the world will have 5G coverage in 5 years.” Limited 5G launches have already taken place in the UK, the US and South Korea, with China expected to follow shortly. In fact in visiting Belfast recently, I observed a Billboard advertising 5G. ‘Reasonable Doubt’ justifying ‘Precautionary Principle to 5G’ On 16th June 2018, Dr. Goldberg, in giving testimony before the US Senate on the scientific and medical effects of Electro Magnetic Radiation (EMR), stated that 5G is not about whether wireless biological effects exist, and asserted that there is no doubt that wireless radiation has biological effects, and that these effects are seen in all life forms.

She expounded on the correlation of wireless technology with the epidemic of diabetes due to EMR exposures, where studies indicate that proximity to cell towers leads to high blood sugar. She also expounded on the chronic deterioration of mental health, and depression caused by exposure to the EMR, findings that she

asserted have been “glossed over by the wireless industry.” She concluded her testimony by suggesting that it is “irresponsible” to talk about Internet of Things (IoT) and rolling out a new untested 5G technology without measuring our current exposures from current networks. We know that 5G is designed to deliver concentrated electromagnetic radiation in excess of 100 times current levels.

It is only proper that 5G technologies be subjected to an independent health and safety assessment before they are launched in Ireland.

I believe that “reasonable doubt” as to 5G technology exists which justifies application of the “precautionary principle” which is acutely evidenced by the EU appeal of 120 scientists and doctors from 36 countries, and the UN appeal (particularly to the WHO) by some 237 EMF scientists from 41 nations urging the development more protective EMF guidelines, encouraging precautionary measures and educating the public about the considerable health risks, particularly the risks to children and foetal development.

While there is a great deal of “fake news” out there, these appeals by a multitude of experts to two international bodies is not fake news, and I believe warrants a precautionary approach. This is what the Motion adopted by councillors in Clare has in essence called for by the national authority and the government.

Clare Older People’s Volunteer of the Year Award 2019

WANTED The search is on again to recognise those who give their time, energy and skills to help others in the local community For an application form please email: hmoloney@clarecoco.ie or visit www.clarecoco.ie/services/community/ clare-age-friendly-county/or telephone (065) 6846240

Application forms must be submitted

by Thursday 12th September

GOLF

THURSDAY, JUL 25 2019

President’s Prize

27

Membership offer in Ennis

E

NNIS Golf Club is offering a brilliant introductory full membership offer for 2019/20 of €550.

The historic club was established in 1907 and is conveniently located in Ennis Town. It is a members’ Club and offers golf and a range of other activities to all age categories, ladies, gents, boys and girls.

Ennis Golf Club’s investment in drainage & irrigation has resulted in a fully playable course all year round. The course is designed to be competitive but also relaxing and caters for the requirements of members & visitors.

All new members will enjoy a free golf

lesson with resident Golf Pro, Martin Ward, with four additional lessons being offered at a reduced rate of €80. Martin has a wellstocked Golf Shop where you can purchase clubs and accessories at competitive prices.

The Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) levy for men is €24 and for ladies the Irish Ladies Golfing Union (ILGU) levy is €27, and these levies are mandatory. Personal Insurance is available through the Club at €27 and covers Personal Accident, Public Liability, and golf equipment. The Club recommends that you avail of this cover. The above costs can be included with your Golf Subscription.

l TOP HONOURS: Winner of the Kilrush Golf Club President’s Prize, Michael Cooney, is awarded his prize by President Tom Cleary

Chipping on a links course

F

OR the week that’s in, with Shane Lowry having just won the Open following Lahinch’s brilliant hosting of the Irish Open, I’m going to discuss chipping on a links golf course and the importance of choosing the right club.

Links golf as we know it is completely different from parkland golf mainly due to the firm, tightly cut, sand based fairways where your lie is generally quiet bare around the edge of the green. On top of this the majority of links greens are elevated and are surrounded by dips and hollows.

The hardest decision is whether you should try to fly your ball up on to the green or just attempt to bump it into the bank and try run it up on to the green. If you are the type of golfer who prefers to use a lob wedge and you prefer to float your chips on to the green then make sure you are using a lob wedge with mid / low bounce. You don’t want to use a high bounce lob wedge around the tight lies of a links golf course because too much bounce can lead to thinning a lot of you chip shots. High bounce on a wedge is fine for parkland conditions however standard to low bounce is more ideal for the firmer shorter grass you will find around a links golf course. Also when chipping on to an elevated green you will notice your golf ball will release out more than when you are at the same level as the green, therefore

allow an extra few feet of release and choose a spot slightly closer to you than normal where you will need your ball to land.

The great thing about links golf is though if you aren’t confident using a lob wedge around the green then there are plenty of other options available to you, in fact links golf opens up so my options of clubs that you can choose from. I’ve seen so many good golfers use everything from a fairway wood, rescue, long iron, mid iron, short iron, putter to jigger. I often think about links golf like ground hurling, rather than teams playing the high ball all the time they often revert to ground hurling if the other teams opponents are a taller side. Links golf is mainly designed for a low chip and run shot and the beauty is you have endless of clubs to choose from when you are trying it hit a low bump and run.

I recently played with a professional who chipped everything with his rescue and he got up and down everytime. So don’t be afraid to use different golf clubs when you are attempting the chip and run shot. With this chip and run shot you mainly just rock your shoulders back and forth with little or no hands involved in your stroke. The further you are from the hole or if you have a steep incline then you will need a longer shoulder turn and bigger arc of your clubpath and for shorter chip shots you only need a slight rock of your shoulders just like a putting stroke. Chipping around a links golf club is an art in itself and remember just like an artist they won’t just use one brush, so don’t be afraid to practice using different clubs in your bag to find which clubs work best for you. If you really struggle with your chipping buy a jigger (pictured) - it looks like a putter with loft. These clubs are great to build back up your confidence and will help you to find a chipping technique that works for you.

PGA Golf Professional

#PadraigKnowsGolf

Padraig McGrath

GOLF ANALYSIS

The Scorecard in association with

Ennis Golf Club President Joe Carmodys Prize 2019 CSS Sat 74/ Sun 76 1st Carmel Verling (20) 37pts (Back 9: 18v17) 2nd Claire Ruane (17) 37pts Gross Shannon Hegarty (3) 25pts 3rd Rose Enright (32) 36pts 4th Marianne McGough (20) 35pts 9 Hole Competition CSS Sat & Sun 73 1st Jacinta Nicholas (35) 22pts 2nd Anna Glynn (23) 18pts Seniors 16th July 2019 1st Anne Casey, Kate O’Ceallaigh & Deirdre Molyneaux 48.66 2nd Frances Bergin, Kathleen Frehill & Carmel Verling 49.3 3rd Jean Moloney, Eileen Corry & Bridie Keane 49.83 18 Hole Singles CSS=75 1st Ann O’Loughlin (13) 33pts 2nd Anne Casey (22) 30pts (16v15) 3rd Suzanne Deane (15) 30pts KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Tue 16 July 2019 Senior Ladies 1. Marion Brennan, Maeve Murphy, Colette Glynn, Mary Collins, 28.94 2. Margaret Clancy, Pauline Kirk, Ann McMahon, 30.94 3. Muriel Kiely, Margaret Griffin, Imy Kerrigan, Loretta Browne, 31.13

4. Clare Pyne, Marian Roche, Teresa Lyons, 31.57.

Wed 17 July 2019 Senior Men Presidents Prize. Mr Gerry Duffy 1 Finbar McMahon 40 pts 2 TJ Lyons 37 pts 3 Mick McNamara 37 pts 4 Pat Shannon 36 pts 5 Michael Hogan 36 pts 18 July 2019 Central Sports Store Ladies’ Singles 1 Sheila O’Grady (18) 40 pts 2 Anne Coen (19) 39 pts 3 Anne Gallagher (11) 38 pts 4 Margaret Clancy (15) 38 pts Saturday 20 July President’s Prize Mr Tom Cleary 1 Michael Cooney (16) 42 pts 2 Sean Lyons (16) 41 pts Gross: Shane Lillis (2) 38pts 3 Tony McMahon (16) 40pts 4 Pat Shannon (Cranny) (18) 39pts 5 Martin Morrissey (9) 39pts Presidents Prize to Ladies: 1 Mary Keating 22 pts 2 Peggy Mulqueen 20 pts Sun 21 July 2019 Coast to Coast Insulation Men’s Singles 1 Michael Shannon (22) 43 pts 2 Sean Moran (21) 41 pts

28 www.clareecho.ie

THURSDAY, JULY 25 2019

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FOR SALE Good quality topsoil for sale in Ennis area Contact 087-6723362

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THURSDAY, JULY 25 2019

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30 PUZZLEPAGE Best Daily Word Search

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

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HOW TO PLAY

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

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How to play

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

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- 11 Best Daily Word Search July 2019

- Let's Go

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ACROSS DOWN 1 European country (6) 12019 The sign of the twins 4 Imaginary perfect (6) JUL place (6) 2 Betrothed (7) 8 Enchantment (5) 3 Go by bike (5)

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QUIZ 31

THURSDAY, JULY 25 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz

2

Shannon, Ennis, Ennistymon, Killaloe and _____ are the five electoral areas in Clare? a. Kilrush b. Kilkee c. Kiladysart

Who is currently the Cathao3 irleach of the Clare County Council? a. b. c.

Michael Begley Cathal Crowe Johnny Flynn

Who is currently the mayor of 4 Ennis Municipal District? a.

Ann Norton b. c.

Pat Daly Johnny Flynn

5

In which month of 2019 did the local elections take place? a. April b. May c. June

is currently the Cathao6Who irleach of the West Clare Munici-

How often do the Clare County 7 Council hold meetings? a. Weekly b. Monthly c. Bimonthly

Who is currently the Cathao8 irleach of the Shannon Municipal District? a. b. c.

Cathal Crowe Pat Mc Mahon Gerry Flynn

Michael Hillery, Christy Curtin, 9 James Breen, Richard Nagle and Tom Mc Namara all retired with a combined service of? a.

95 years b.

115 years c.

130 years

How many members of the 10 Green Party currently sit on the Council? a. One b. Two c. Five

by Cian O’Broin

l QUESTION 5: In which month of 2019 did the local elections take place?

6. Bill Chambers 7. Monthly 8. Gerry Flynn 9. 130 years 10. One

b. 23 c. 28

pal District? a.

Bill Chambers b.

P.J Kelly c.

Cillian Murphy

ANSWERS 1. 28 2. Kilrush 3. Cathal Crowe 4. Johnny Flynn 5. May

How many elected members are 1a. 18 there in Clare County Council?

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Bank place, Ennis, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection