Issuu

065 671 9021

clareecho.ie

MAY 26 2022

GOING THE DISTANCE

END THE

CORRIDOR

DEATHS Crowds take to the street Nurses demoralised Motion to reopen Ennis A&E Patients ‘afraid’ of UHL

THE team at Sherry Fitzgerald McMahon in Ennis prepare for 100k in 30 days. Sherry Fitzgerald are the title sponsor of the event which raises funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Ireland. The charity was founded in 2012 by Niall & Cara Carroll who have a close affiliation with Sherry Fitzgerald in Dundalk. In 2020, Cara was diagnosed with breast cancer and since then, the charity event has raised €3m. Some 38,000 people attended in 2021 across 36 countries and this year, Sherry Fitzgerald are encouraging people of all ages to make this an even bigger event. Visit www.100kin30days.ie for more information.

Photo by Natasha Barton

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NEWS

Index

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

SUMMERCAMPS

22-23

Fewest Garda problems

CAREERS FEATURE

24-27

SPORT

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

29-32

SOCCER FEATURE

33-37

CLASSIFIEDS

40-41

NEWS

BRINGING HOME THE BAKIN'

2-14

GREEN PAGE

OMPLAINTS made against Gardaí in the Clare Division increased last year but remain among the lowest in the

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: niall@clareecho.ie or sales@clareecho.ie This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

lCHEF'S KISS: Grainne Scullane of St Annes Community College, Killaloe, Clare pictured after winning the Limerick and Clare Education and Training Boards, Shannon Region Junior Chef of the Year 2022 Photo by Brian Arthur

country. In the annual GSOC report, it revealed that a total of 61 complaints were opened relating Clare Garda Division last year, up on the tally of 46 for 2020. Detail on each of the complaints was not provided. Clare’s total is the lowest of a single county in Munster and is the second lowest in the Republic of Ireland with only Sligo/Leitrim recording a smaller tally (40). Of the 2,189 complaints nationally, they are to do with customer service (17%), road policing (14%), arrest (14%), search (person or property) (12%), investigations (11%), domestic incident (4%), court proceedings (4%), property issue (3%), during police custody (3%), public order policing (3%), disclosure of information (2%), civil matter (2%), public event (2%) and other (9%).

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NEWS

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

O'Céidigh felt 'frozen Westbury hits town out' of information setback PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

RESH information has emerged surrounding Pádraig Ó Céidigh’s (inset) sudden resignation as Chairman of Shannon Group. After only six months in the role, Ó Céidigh stepped down as Chairperson of the Shannon Group board in March. He had been appointed on a three-year term with remuneration of €21,600 per annum, and time requirements advertised as between 15-20 days a year and the attendance of at least eight board meetings. Three months on from outlining his longterm vision and plan for Shannon Airport, the founder of Aer Arann issued his letter of resignation to Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP). The Green Party leader approved the appointment of Ó Céidigh in October, it followed a fiasco with the attempted proposal to place former Chief Executive of agri-business Aurivo into the Chair but this did not proceed after a series of distasteful tweets emerged. Ó Céidigh is reported to have relayed to

close colleagues that he lacked the support of “key people” within Shannon Group, he was “not kept in the loop” and appeared to be “frozen out of information”. The former Senator has yet to comment publicly on his Shannon Group exit. Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Energy, Kieran O’Donnell (FG) told The Clare Echo that they have yet to organise for Ó Céidigh to appear before them to establish further reasons into his exit. “That is a discussion that will take place with the collective committee itself, that is something we will discuss,” the Limerick TD stated. The Clare Echo understands that Ó Céidigh met with Minister Ryan on February 23rd and exactly one month later tendered his resignation,” the entrepreneur outlined in his resignation letter. The Chairperson of Shannon Group must give

“significant time input” so that “the undoubted opportunities available to Shannon can be properly exploited,” he stated. “Unfortunately, as my role is non-executive and I have very significant commitments beyond the Shannon Group, I am not in a position to devote the time necessary to make Shannon Airport the catalyst for growth it should be for the west of Ireland,” Ó Céidigh added. When asked by The Clare Echo if he would have concerns Ó Céidigh’s successor Conal Henry would encounter similar issues, Deputy O’Donnell responded, “Pádraig Ó Céidigh for his own reasons, work and family commitments left, Conal Henry is a very good appointment, he appears to have very good knowledge around the area, he has formal experience in the aviation sector, we look forward to working with him collectively as a committee in terms of Shannon Airport itself, he will be in before our committee shortly which is the procedure in terms of a Chair designate taking up positions”.

DEPARTMENT officials have poured cold water on the potential of the granting of town status for Westbury, writes Páraic McMahon. Despite a proposal being put before the Shannon Municipal District in March 2019, it has not progressed. An update was sought at a recent sitting of the Shannon MD by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) who recalled that the motion had been proposed and seconded by Cllr Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and the late Mike McKee (SF). “I don’t have an update, I have raised it with the housing department,” senior executive officer with the Shannon MD, Jason Murphy responded. A spokesperson for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage confirmed to The Clare Echo this week that it had received the request for town status. “Town status has historically being granted in Ireland under local government legislation, however, these provisions are no longer in force and were replaced by the Municipal District Structure of Local Government in 2014. Therefore, the granting of town status has no legal basis in local government legislation and Municipal Districts are now the fundamental sub-county level of governance and democratic representation in Ireland”.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

'Sorry state' at UHL A MOTION to support the reopening of Ennis Hospital’s emergency department was approved at Tuesday’s meeting of the Regional Health Forum West amid comments that ongoing conditions at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) were “appalling”, writes Páraic McMahon. Centralised trauma care at UHL “has failed in its objective to provide safer care to patients,” Cllr Liam Grant (GP) outlined in his proposal before the Health Forum. The “consistent overcrowding” needs to be addressed, he said while calling on the Forum to pledge its support “to work to reopen Emergency Departments at Ennis, Nenagh and St. Johns and to upgrade these hospitals to model three within the UL Hospital group”. Staff at UHL have become “demoralised” while people “are afraid” to go there, the Lahinch man remarked. “For me it is a lack of dignity and respect how we treat patients there. Elderly patients are alone and scared, they are not being looked after properly, it is a sorry state of affairs. They’ve been abandoned”. Group Chief Operations Officer with UL Hospitals Group, Noreen Spillane responded, “We agree that overcrowding is not something we want in the hospital for our patients. The ED in UHL is very busy , there’s no doubt about that. There needs to be a wider discussion about this”. She suggested a sub-committee meeting to discuss the motion with clinicians, management and councillors.

lPhoto by John Mangan

Clare GAA hopeful to bring in over €1m through Win A House venture by PÁRAIC McMAHON

LARE GAA are optimistic of raising over €1m through their Win A House in Lahinch fundraiser. Not alone has the performances of the Clare senior hurlers lifted the entire county but it has also resulted in a boost of ticket sales for the novel fundraiser which will see one lucky individual become the owner of a new home on the School Rd in Lahinch next week. May 31st is the closing date for tickets to be purchased with other prizes on offer including a wedding reception for 100 guests at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon, a week long stay for up to 20 of your family and friends in the beautiful Bunglasha Lodge, a four-night stay-and-play for two people at the exclusive Trump Resort in Doonbeg

and a family break for a long weekend in The Armada Hotel in Spanish Point. Chairman of Clare GAA, Kieran Keating said an approximate 9000 tickets have been sold to date, “we are optimistic of getting over 10,000,” he said. “I’d be happy once we get over 10,000, anything less than that is disappointing, we have a great opportunity to make a big return from it, it will make €500,000 between the clubs and the County Board. It has been effective, we needed a few €100k to start work on the pitches in Caherlohan, that war chest has been filled now and we can start looking at grants. It has been a success”. Clubs had the potential to make up to €10,000 “without having to spend money” by promoting the fundraiser on social media, “it was easy enough for clubs to benefit,” the Chairman maintained. Per-

sons keen to see their club benefit while supporting the draw are urged to buy their ticket by the end of this week. An idea for the fundraiser was spawned while Michael Gallagher was Treasurer of Clare GAA. “Dinny Cullinan and myself were looking at what we could do, we wanted to go big and bold,” Keating recalled. It could well have been Win A House in Liscannor but the initial property didn’t end up in the hands of Clare GAA. “As Dinny said, a house in Lahinch will sell better because it’s all about location, location, location”. Tuesday night’s draw will be streamed live on Clare GAA TV and Win A House In Lahinch’s official website with Marty Morrissey acting as MC. Lahinch’s newest resident should have their keys next week and be in their house by July.

NEWS

'Laura would be smiling' 6

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

AURA Brennan’s tireless advocacy work has been acknowledged with the HPV vaccine set to be made freely available to all women under 25. Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF) has written to the HSE asking them to put in place a vaccination programme for women and a catch-up equivalent for male and female students in secondary school that may have missed the vaccine during the

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

pandemic. No date for the expansion of the programme has been issued but the Minister has said he is “very keen” to implement a funded catch-up programme. New advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) outlined the importance to “prioritise” women under the age of twenty five and current second-level students for the vaccine. NIAC is preparing new advice on whether to change from giving three doses of the HPV vaccine to just one, following a similar decision by British health authorities in February.

The late, Laura Brennan a native of Ennis remains as the most high-profile advocate of the HPV vaccine with her family continuing to raise awareness since her death in 2019. Laura was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 24, after her diagnosis, she became involved in the campaign to raise awareness of the HPV vaccine to try to save lives. The HSE said that since Laura first contacted them in 2017, the uptake of the vaccine increased by almost 20 percentage points from 51% that year, to 70% at the time of her death, this later increased to 80% and the rate in Clare surpassed 90%. On Friday evening, Laura’s brother Kev-

in described the development as “fantastic news” and said it was “one step closer to eradicating HPV related cancers in Ireland”. “Laura would be smiling tonight if she was still with us”. Kevin acknowledged Minister Donnelly along with all other politicians, public health representatives and advocates who campaigned over recent years. “This decision will undoubtedly save many lives,” he said. Her parents Larry and Bernie this week said it will finally bring closure to their family given their intensive efforts to continue the incredible advocacy in memory of their beloved Laura.

lLEGACY: The late Laura Brennan

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wood flooring, sliding wardrobes, bunk beds, and occasional pieces. A must see is the stunning Shauna 3+2 sofa now retailing at €1,299, HALF PRICE and available for immediate delivery. The experienced staff at Home Trends will ensure you have a very positive shopping experience and will go the extra mile to ensure your needs and requirements are catered for. The Delivery Team do nationwide delivery. They will take away your old piece of furniture or mattress for a nominal fee and all packaging will be recycled free of charge. Also, for the customer who is unable to come into our store, Home Trends have an ecommerce website they launched earlier in the year so the customer can browse and buy online from the comfort of their home / www.hometrendsfurniture.ie

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7 NEWS THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

LE ED SA RE AG

NEWS

'I think of my late husband every time I see the figures'

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

N ENNISTYMON woman has said she is reminded of her late husband every time she hears of overcrowding on trolleys in the Mid-West. In May 2019, Marie McMahon shared the story of her husband Tommy Wynne who was admitted to hospital and spent 36 hours on a trolley “in the same position” before his death in April 2018, leaving behind a wife, a daughter, son-in-law, two brothers, one sister, extended family and friends. Marie has since become an active member of the Mid-West Hospital Campaign. Speaking at Saturday’s protest, she recalled that she was “broken hearted and confused talking about the disastrous health service” when telling Tommy’s story publicly for the first time. “This time situation is worse than ever,” she

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

said. An “intolerable” health service in the region has “failed for years,” Marie stated. “We know what the problems are and we know what the solutions are, a model three hospital for Ennis and a fully functioning emergency department, why accept service which is not fit for purpose”. Trolley numbers have steadily increased, she observed. During the pandemic, she flagged that members of the Mid-West Hospital Campaign secured PPE, sanitisers and gloves when nursing homes and hospitals were in need of them. She described the figure of 126 people waiting on trolleys in April at UHL as “unacceptable”. “The numbers never dropped below 60 on any day in April, there was only two days in May when figures dropped below 70”. The tactics of UL Hospitals Group management in cancelling elective surgery to combat

this did not work, Marie argued. Frustration was voiced with the Mid-West receiving none of the new 36 ICU beds announced by the Department of Health in March Clare’s elected representatives need to step up, she declared. Marie referenced the stance taken by Neasa Hourigan (GP) and Patrick Costello (GP) which saw them lose the party whip over the National Maternity Hospital. “We are no longer prepared to accept a failing health service. Two Green TDs walked the walk this week, we ask the same of our representatives, people are dying every single day”. “My husband had died unnecessarily, listen to us, if it was your mother, father, sister, brother or child you would want better for them, listen to us,” she stated. “I am still grieving because I remember him every time I look at the figures. Walk with us, talk with us and engage with us,” Marie pleaded.

lBROKEN HEARTED: Marie McMahon

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NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

'We were promised a centre of excellence, we got a warzone' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

ROMISES OF a centre of excellence have instead resulted in “a war zone,” a local health activist has claimed. Strong criticism of the health services on offer in the Mid-West region were voiced by Friends of Ennis Hospital spokesperson, Angela Coll at Saturday’s protest organised by the Mid-West Hospital Campaign. All of the conversations regarding University Hospital Limerick (UHL) relate to overcrowding on trolleys, she maintained. Of the record 126 people left waiting on trolleys in April, she remarked that over the past year “it doesn’t cover the fact that 6,670 people walked out of UHL because they couldn’t wait to be seen”. Angela recalled a recent experience where she was waiting for someone at UHL for four hours

in the emergency department and she claimed that a man who had fallen off a roof, had his head stained in blood and only a towel to cover the bleeding was left was walking around in a daze for hours before receiving treatment. She continued, “In 2015, Colette Cowan promised cap of 20 people on trollleys per day, it is fair to say that boat sailed away a long time ago”. In the event of a fire emergency, “there is not a snowballs chance the corridors could be evacuated,” the Ennis woman flagged. “We have an approximate population of 120,000 in Clare, we are the only county of its size without an accident and emergency unit,” she added. "The county is one of the best tourist destinations in Ireland but pales in significance with its quality of health services, Angela commented. “We were promised a centre of excellence, we got a war zone”. Nenagh’s Conor Reidy shared the experience of his late father

ensured he was left waiting “for hours” at the eye clinic. “It is a vile two tier health system,” he remarked. His father spent two nights on a trolley in UHL in his final few months, “picture the scene, narrow corridors, trolleys toe to toe, forget the toilet, forget the pain or discomfort, this is maximum pain and distress”. According to Conor, conditions at UHL resemble “a monstrous dystopian nightmare”. He acknowledged that it is “a fine hospital once you get past the A&E”. Reidy admitted, “I don’t have it in me to forgive the HSE” who he accused of ‘terrorising’ his father in “his final few weeks”. He concluded, “It’s time we got off the screens and onto the streets. The game is up, the great experiment has failed, it is time to take back our hospitals. He was my father and his name was Johnny Reidy”. Johnny who died at the age of 87 in UHL.

He claimed that the fact his father was a medical card patient

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lNIGHTMARE: Health activist Angela Coll speaking at Saturday's protest Photo by Martin Molloy

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

President Higgins to visit Ennis by PÁRAIC McMAHON

P l GREAT OUTDOORS: Clonmoney National School junior infant student Corey Ryan enjoys the new outdoor facilities sponsored by Ei Electronics.An investment of €15,000 from the Shannon company allowed Clonmoney NS to install two multi-goals which allows the students to play basketball, soccer, hurling and gaelic football at lunch-time while a balance beam was also added to its growing range of facilities.

Photo by Joe Buckley

RESIDENT Michael D. Higgins (pictured right) is to visit Ennis this Saturday. Ennis Tidy Towns and the Samaritans branch on the Kilrush Rd in Ennis are among the destinations the President will be visiting during his visit to the county. A number of groups from the county town will also be involved throughout the course of his trip to Clare on Saturday. He will be travelling to his alma mater at St Flannan’s College where he went to secondary school having previously attended Ballycar NS in Newmarket-on-Fergus. His wife Sabina Higgins is confirmed to be joining him on the visit where their duties will include unveiling the winning plaque to Ennis Tidy Towns following their success in the competition last year. Elected President in November 2011, Michael D. has welcomed several groups to Áras an Uachtaráin in the past decade. In 2012, a civic reception in his honour was held at Clare County Council, in what was his first official homecoming since the election.

Members of the Higgins family still reside in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Shannon.

New Grafton Barber brings store count to 52

LOCATED in the Dunnes Stores shopping mall on O'Connell street, the new store is run by Franchise owner Andrei Suprunov, who also owns and runs his first store at Jetlands in Limerick. Andrei and his team of professionally trained barbers will offer a wide range of services from Skin fades to Pompadours, Catering for Kids, Students, primary, secondary and 3rd Level, Senior Citizens and Gentlemen. As of this writing, they have now grown to 52 stores nationwide and are on track to open 40 more stores by 2026. When asked what they credited their success to, Hugh says “Our staff. We are genuinely like one big family; we look after each other. If one falls, we collectively pick them back up – that is our ethos. Everybody has their own personal issues, and nobody knows what goes on after they finish work.” Conor then adds “All of our Barbers are at the top of their game. They are fully qualified, professionally trained barbers. Most of these have come through our School of Excellence Program, which is based at 55 South King St. and run by Siobhan Ronan. I am personally & constantly out there looking for new ways to do things and new additions to add to our 26- product-strong range. The day I think I know everything is the day I'll hang up my scissors, you're always learning!”

The brothers are passionate about giving back and helping others. Most recently, their campaign with the great Charlie Bird, where The Grafton Barber opened their stores and donated the takings for the day to his ‘Climb with Charlie’ fundraiser. With their vast network of 60 digital screens, they are also able to get important messages out there to people. For example, they continuously run monthly ads for The National Missing Person’s Helpline in the hope to reunite loved ones. They are dedicated to giving back on a global scale, being the founders of World Barber Day, an initiative that brings together Barbers and Hairdressers from all around the world to donate their day's takings to UNICEF an initiative that grows year on year. When asked about the future Hugh says, "I love coming to work every day. No two days are ever the exact same and I still feel as if I only just started. My kick is finding new stores for my franchisees to open, seeing them being successful, and seeing how themselves and their family’s way of life are greatly improved from our Barbershops." Conor added, “We work great as a team and have the best back-of-house anybody could ask for with Jade, Mark & Elaine. I'm also hoping that my and Hughie’s kids might

eventually take up the reins and bring it to yet another level”. Their brothers officially opened their first Grafton Barber store in 1993 on Dublin ‘s most iconic Street Grafton street. When asked who they most admire, they were quick to say their father Hugh Snr and they won’t leave their mother out Bernadette who incidentally founded the location for their first store. The second person they say they most admire is Edward McEvoy who is 88 years young and has worked for the brothers since they opened their first store in 1993. Hugh And Conor are Delighted with Andrei opening in Ennis. “Andrei is at the TOP of his game, you won’t get a better barber anywhere in the WORLD. He is an excellent educator also so any up and coming trainee barbers, if you want to learn the craf , you need to contact him. His customer service and presentation is impeccable, and you could literally eat you lunch off his floor, he is that precise. We both wish him and his family the best of luck." For recruitment and Jobs contact www.graftonbabers. com/carreers or just drop in! The Grafton Barber can be found at graftonbarbers.com, as well as on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

Family fun at Ennistymon Show ahead of Munster final STUART HOLLY

lON WITH THE SHOW: Falls Hotel, Ennistymon

editor@clareecho.ie

HE North West Clare Agricultural Show returns on Sunday, June 5, for the first time since 2019. Forty-six years since the popular show was revived in 1976, the show committee is “excited to get the show up and running again”. Today, there are over 40 members explains PRO officer Kieran Houlihan, who recounts that the show was initially revived and carried on in the 70s by local men such as Gus Clair, John Nagle from Kilshanny, former treasurer Patrick Garrihy, and James Garrihy who sadly passed away in recent years. “They approached Dan McCarthy who had purchased the Falls Hotel shortly before that, to see if they could use his grounds and he was very welcoming. The first year they held the show on the grounds, it drew such a crowd that he requested they hold a gymkhana, I think it was six weeks later.” That partnership has carried on with the new generation of McCarthys and Kieran says the committee is proud of that partnership, noting the “fantastic facilities” on hand at the hotel and its beautiful backdrop of the cascades. “You couldn’t ask for a better location and with the bar and restaurant facilities, it really adds to that family day out and sets the tone for the day.” The show traditionally welcomes contestants from around the country, however attracting entries has proved challenging in

the face of rising costs post-Covid. “Some of our regular exhibitors don’t seem to have entries coming forward and there’s a huge cost increase in travel and preparing animals for show.” Despite this, the North West Clare

Show has sustained generous prize money while maintaining the same entry fees from 2019. Kieran adds, “we would have had very good sponsorship from local pubs and businesses over the years but we felt it

wasn’t right to approach them this year as they find their feet and we just approached larger businesses who were still operational during the pandemic, and we’re very grateful to them.” Contestants are being urged to enter by this Sunday at the latest. On the day, families will be treated to horse and pony classes, cattle and sheep classes, a dog show, along with a varied home produce market in the vocational school with baking, arts and crafts, horticulture, poultry, photography and more on display. Speaking about the significance of the returning show, Kieran states that as a rural community, “It would have been a big day in a lot of people’s calendar. It’s the first big summer event for a lot of families in the area and it was definitely missed over the last number of years,” adding that it’s a positive day for businesses in the town. Kieran notes that the Falls Hotel will televise the match at 4pm directly after the show and there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained such as face painting, amusements, and tug of war open to all primary schools in the area which has been kindly sponsored by CastleDarcy Glamping site; there’s also a hay bale rolling competition for families and a mini-digger driving skills competition for spectators. “The side attractions, we’ve found over the years are as popular as the livestock.”

Entry fee is €5 per adult, kids go free. Class judging starts at 10:30 and the craft market is open from 2pm to 4:30pm. There will be prizes for most appropriately dressed person of the day and bonnie baby at 3pm.

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

NEWS

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Permanent flagpole Town Trails could help history reliant on flood

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON’s history can be complimented by the addition of a permanent flagpole in the centre of the town, a local representative has argued. An appeal for the installation of a permanent flagpole at the monument outside the Seán Lemass Public Library was voiced by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) at the May meeting of the Shannon Municipal District. “This will mean we have somewhere official to fly our flag,” she stated. Senior executive officer in the Shannon MD, Jason Murphy reminded the county councillor that a flagpole is already in place at Shannon Town Hall, “Clare County Council has a long tradition of flying our national

flag at our main county buildings, Áras Contae an Chláir in Ennis” which he said was carried out “in accordance with Departmental guidelines”. He continued, “having regard to the practices in place and the importance of consistency at all our public buildings, at this point I do not believe there is a need to install another flagpole in Shannon Town”. Cllr McGettigan admitted she wasn’t happy with the official response and pointed out that a monument already exists outside the library. “Shannon doesn’t have a central area for this kind of thing, it doesn’t have a history as a new town besides Hasting’s Cottage, it would be nice to do something”. “I’m not into flag raising myself, Donna and her group might be into it flag waving, that is their prerogative but I support the motion,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) commented in seconding the proposal.

relief scheme

lDESIGN: Work is scheduled to begin on the Shannon Loop in the coming weeks Photo by Eamon Ward

by PÁRAIC McMAHON XPANSION and enhancement plans for the Shannon Town Trails will be determined by the final design approved for the Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme. Work is scheduled to commence in the coming weeks to improve and upgrade the existing tracked surface of the Shannon Estuary Loop with new information boards and signage to be added. This is part of an €18,000 allocation under the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS). Senior engineer in Clare County Council’s project management office, Seán Lenihan confirmed that a contractor has been appointed for the works. An assessment of the river walk had been sought by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) plus the introduction with a work schedule on its upgrade. “This scenic walk is used

by a considerable amount of people,” he highlighted. Lenihan agreed that the Shannon River Walk was “a fantastic amenity” for the local community and visitors, “everything should be done to improve it where possible”. Long-term plans for its expansion and enhancement are contingent on the final design for the Shannon Town and Environs Flood Relief Scheme. “If the preferred option involves raising, widening and strengthening of the embankments, we have instructed our design team to consider and incorporate where possible, measures to upgrade the walk. “Dependent on ground conditions and flood patterns, it may be necessary to construct a sheet pile wall in some areas. Consequently, this will require a different solution to extend and enhance a walkway in the area,” Lenihan explained. He said that the Council was committed to improve

pedestrian and cycle facilities in the area. TII’s €100k allocation for Greenway/Blueway projects has resulted in a preliminary scoping meeting and site visit with Roughan O’Donovan Consulting Engineers for the Shannon projects. Speaking at the May meeting of the Shannon MD, Cllr Flynn stressed, “it is important that the particular walk is recognised, if you go back to the Cliff Walk in Kilkee it could be described as superior because it is very well maintained and used”. He continued, “In Shannon, there doesn’t seem to be a big budget for the River Walk but there are a hell of a lot of people coming to Shannon to use it, we need the necessary infrastructure in Shannon”. Success of the Illaunmanagh Parkrun has increased the use of the route but also “highlighted interesting things,” Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) commented while supporting the motion.

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

ALL RECENTLY SALE AGREED In Excess of Asking Price

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LISDEEN

Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

Ennis National School host variety show for Ukraine SCAN ME TO DONATE

How long will people live? PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE participants are being sought for a new RTÉ series, ‘How Long Will You Live’. Set to air on RTÉ One this Autumn, the series will be fronted by Cork based Dr. Phil Kieran (inset right) is well known to Irish viewers from RTÉ’s You Should Really See A Doctor and The Today Show, as well as Channel 4’s How to Stay Well. A rigorous health check and fitness assessment are promised to determine how healthy you really are and whether future health problems are likely. Professional advice will be provided on how to tackle any necessary issues. “We need people from all walks of life to come forward so we can guide them on their journey to a healthier, happier and longer life. “It could be someone who is worried about a

family history of a critical illness; or concerned about their eating habits or weight; a smoker or individual who knows they’re drinking too much; or someone who wants to find healthy ways to cope with stress and anxiety,” Dr Phil stated. Filming is to take place over a number of days between June and September for six episode, Maggi Gibson, Executive Producer, Waddell Media confirmed. “Each programme will follow a different volunteer as they attempt to ditch their unhealthy ways and get to grips with a new healthy lifestyle regime.”

To find out more and apply to take part in the series please contact casting@ waddellmedia.com.

Fleadh Nua returns to streets of Ennis for 2022 lMAD HATTER: Ennis National School students Harlow Madden, John Cleary, Susie Hussey and James O’Connell

by ELAINE TUBRIDY THE children at Ennis National School are very aware of the struggles in the Ukraine and were eager to help in any way they could. With this in mind they have designed, painted and created 8 mixed media murals which will be displayed in the County Museum from the 30th of May to the 11th of June. It is their hope that this platform may be used in order to promote a Go Fund Me Fundraiser to raise money for Ukrainian refugees and Orphanages on the Polish border. The Clare Arts Council have been very active in helping with this endeavour. The children have also been very busy working on a Variety Show

which will take place in the Plaza outside the Museum on the 8th of June from 11.00- 12.00. The show will feature sketches, songs and dances from well-known movies . A number of schools throughout Ennis will join together in a rendition of John Lennon’s Imagine as a grand finale, followed by a minute’s silence. Children will be collecting for Ennis Lions Club. All monies raised will go directly to the Ennis Lions Ukraine Orphan Appeal. To donate, visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/v7fy4-ennis-national-school-fundraiser-for-ukraine?qid=4e0c721abab49a2d3481e07ec1e12f08 or scan the QR code above with your phone.

AFTER missing out on 2020 and 2021, Fleadh Nua returns to the streets of Ennis for a week of traditional music, song, and dance culminating in three headline concerts at Glor over the June Bank holiday weekend. An annual event in Ennis for more than four decades, the Fleadh went online for the last two years to ensure the continuity of the event. Now, however, with all restrictions lifted, the ‘Fleadh down in Ennis’ is back, bigger and better than ever, as Chairman of the organising committe Frank Whelan explains, “With this year’s Fleadh Nua, we’re making up for lost time, so we have a packed programme of events with everything from Concerts, Céilís, Singing and Storytelling to Sessions, Film, CD Launches and Workshops in music, song, dance and the Irish Language, along with a Guided Walking Tour, Café and Pub events and the ever popular Foinn Seisiún music sessions.” Fleadh Nua kicks off with a

tribute to three legends of traditional music Paddy O’Brien, Seamus Connolly and Charlie Lennon when a remastered version of their iconic EP ‘The Banks of the Shannon’ will be launched at Cois na hAbhna on Saturday 28th of May by Ardstiúrthóir, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Dr. Labhrás Ó Murchú. Commenting on the return of the Fleadh, he highlighted the important role our music and song plays in everday life, “Irish culture is about people; our way of life; our values; aspirations and talents. It is a living monument to all those who have promoted and enhanced our cultural heritage down through the years, that there are more people playing our native music to-day than at any time in Irish history! “After two difficult and uncertain years, the Fleadh Nua is back, stronger than ever. There is a saying ‘Nuair a thosnaíonn an ceol bíonn na rinceoirí réidh’… The dancers are ready when the music starts! Ar aghaidh linn le chéile!” The dancers will certainly be

ready in Cois na hAbhna from Thursday June 2nd until Monday June 6th when the much missed Fleadh Nua Céilís make a welcome return featuring The Tulla, The Five Counties, Sliabh Aughty, Dal gCais and Four Courts Ceili Bands. Highlights of the week also include ‘Dúchas is Dóchas’ a celebration of the rich heritage of traditional song in Co Clare presented by Diarmuid de Faoite and featuring local artists, at Cois na hAbhna on Monday 20th May and The Clare Youth Trad Orchestra in Concert at Glor on Friday 3rd June. The following evening, Saturday 4th June sees the great Kilfenora Ceili Band make a welcome return to the same venue while Glor also hosts the internationally renowned ‘Cherish The Ladies’ on Sunday 4th of June.

Fleadh Nua starts on Saturday 28th May and runs through to Monday 6th June. For further details see fleadhnua.com. Contact: Frank whelan 086 8260300

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

NEWS

CÉILITHE PUB SESSION TRAIL LUNCH TIME CONCERTS CAFÉ SESSIONS CIORCAL COMHRÁ AN GHAEILGE CONCERTS SINGING SESSIONS CD LAUNCHES SEAN NÓS DANCING WORKSHOPS FILM

18 FEATURES

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

GREEN CLARE

Blue Flag status retained by nine Clare beaches

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

INE Clare beaches have retained their Blue Flag status for 2022 with three Green Coast Awards also maintained. For the eighth year in succession, An Taisce have awarded nine Clare beaches with the International Blue Flag. The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised eco-labels. Originating in France in 1985, three years later the award made its way to Ireland with nineteen beaches and two marinas acknowledged. 2022 is the 35th year that beaches and marinas have been awarded here in Ireland and the 95 beaches and marinas being awarded is the highest annual total to date, the number is up two on the 2021 results. Ballycuggeran, Cappa Pier in Kilrush, Fanore, Kilkee, Lahinch, Mountshannon (Lough Derg), Spanish Point, White Strand in Doonbeg and White Strand in Miltown Malbay will continue to fly Blue Flags, they all fall within the responsibility of Clare County Council. They were deemed to have adhered to specific criteria related to water quality, information provision, environmental education, safety and site management.

l Fanore beach

79 of the 83 beaches awarded in 2021 retained Blue Flag Status for the 2022 bathing season, Kinvara was among the five to miss out. Kilrush Marina was the only Clare recipient in the Blue Flag Marina awards. Once again, Green Coast Awards have been secured for Ballyalla Lake, Bishops Quarter and Carrigaholt Beach. It is the second year in a row that Seafield has been unsuccessful having previously notched the recognition in 2020. The Green Coast Award recognises beaches for their clean environment, excellent water quality and natural beauty. Green Coast Award sites are exceptional places to visit and enjoy our rich coastal heritage and diversity. The Green Coast Awards were presented back in 2003 to four beaches in County Wexford, it was rolled out nationally in 2008 and for this year 62 beaches were acknowledged. The efforts of the Ballyalla Blue Flag Working Group, Ballyvaughan Tidy Towns, Carrigaholt Tidy Towns and Carrigaholt Development Association were central to Clare keeping its three representatives. An Taisce announced the International Blue Flag and Green Coast Award recipients for 2022 at a ceremony on Curracloe Beach in Wexford on Friday afternoon. Minister of State with responsibility for Heritage and

Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan (GP) presented the awards. He said, “This year celebrates 35 years of the Blue Flag as an international programme and during that time the Blue Flag has become an internationally recognised symbol of high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety”. “It takes a lot of hard work and dedica-

tion to manage a beach or marina to the excellent standards required by these award programmes. It’s been too long since we’ve had the opportunity to acknowledge these efforts in person, and I would like to thank all in attendance and our hosts Wexford County Council for helping us make today’s event worth the wait,” Ian Diamond, Coastal Awards Manager for An Taisce commented.

NEWS

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

Lovin’ Days Days Out Lovin’ Out

Sponsored by

around Clare? around Clare?

Nominate Your Favourite Cla re Visitor Attractions and Win!

Win a Fabulous Family Activity Day Out in Kilrush

et Me lphins Do lphin e h t h Do ry wit iscove h D ilrus K

Clare has lots of amazing visitor attractions, including the Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Aillwee Burren Experience and more. However, it also has brilliant attractions that are not as well known to some. If you nominate any three attractions you think more people should know about, we will enter you into the draw to win the Kilrush Prize.

Here is how to win www.visitclare.ie/tell nominate three attractions • Go to www.Clare.ie/tell and and nominate any any three attractions you you you think people should know about. love love and and that that you think moremore people should know about. Then, Then, in a sentence, why youeach. love No each. No to need to name in a sentence, tell us tell whyusyou love need name the the featured Kilrush attractions we already know are loved! featured Kilrush attractions - we- already know theythey are loved! • Once you tell us, we will enter you into a draw for this great prize. Clare County Council will also include most of the nominated attractions in future promotions.

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The Lucky Winner’s Prize

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The Heritage Town of Kilrush offers lots of opportunities for family fun and enjoyment. If you are lucky enough to win our prize (for two adults and up to three children) here is what you and your family can experience: • Dolphin Discovery Kilrush will take you on a boat trip from Kilrush Marina to see the resident group of bottlenose dolphins in the Shannon Estuary. This is a really amazing experience. www.DiscoverDolphins.ie • You will get to experience on-the-water activities at the brilliant West Coast Aqua Park at Kilrush Marina. You can slide, climb inﬂatable on-the-water and bounce your way around their infl obstacle course! Children as young as six can take part. www.WestCoastAquaPark.ie • Finally, you can visit Vandeleur Walled Garden. Loved by families, it’s a wonderful botanical tribute to Ireland’s rich, natural history. Admission is free, but your prize includes a sumptuous family lunch at their Woodland’s Bistro. www.VandeleurWalledGarden.ie Note: The Prize elements can be taken on different days.

before Thursday,June June16, 16,2022 2022 Tell us us online onlineat atwww.visitclare.ie/tell www.Clare.ie/tell before Thursday,

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COLUMNIST

Live in peace

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

UR world is full of hurting families and nations torn apart by war and violence. Nearly 2 billion people, about onethird of the world’s population live in countries with conflict, violence, or fragile internal systems, according to the UN. These are places with the greatest humanitarian needs, where children, families, and communities struggle to acquire the basic necessities of life. One of my most abiding wishes and prayers that I say daily is, “may we all live in peace together.” I light one of my daily candles for that prayer to come true constantly. We have seen what peace can do for people in Northern Ireland. But you only have to watch the news or read the papers to find conflict and suffering in every corner of our world and especially in Ukraine, Yemen, Tigray, Myanmar and Syria at this present time. Look also at what has happened recently in Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, America, Mali, Ethiopia and Libya to name a few of the obvious ones that have been shown by the various media. The causes may seem complex, but I believe the root of much of it is one group trying to impose its will on another and in some cases one person trying to control the many. The motives may be political, religious, greed or racism, but it amounts to the same thing. One group sees itself as ‘right’ and others as ‘wrong’. Religion and politics are often used to justify such claims. Another thing I often think to myself is that it is ironic that the objective of war is to create Peace! In order to have a better, more peaceful world we must learn to think of the globe as a whole. Our world leaders need to be more selfless and sacrificing. Only by having a universal, peaceful and spiritual vision can we bring positive change into the political and world field. A person who is really interested in making

positive changes will never resort to violence to effect political reform. The approach has to be nonviolent and peaceful. Anything achieved through violence will not last long; it will leave an enemy sitting somewhere plotting against you. If instead, you make a friend, you need not be afraid of the other person; and he or she need not be afraid of you. Permanent peace can never be achieved by violent means.

A Peaceful World

It seems to me that the only way we will ever achieve a peaceful world is if we resist the urge to impose our beliefs on someone who does not want to share them. We must accept everyone’s right to follow their own path but also keeping in mind with rights and freedoms comes responsibilities. We must accept that all life matters and that all life is sacred. We must accept that there will always be those who hold different beliefs and follow different paths to our own. Learn to respect people ‘as they are’ and put differences aside. ‘Agree to disagree’. This does not mean we cannot state our views or that people must be held responsible for their actions. With rights comes responsibilities for those rights and freedoms. But it does mean I will not impose anything on anyone who is not interested and it means that I can accept, respect and share with those who hold different beliefs from me without feeling the need to impose my ideas upon them. This world can be a dark place as we have seen over the past year or so. News reports of shootings, innocent lives being lost too soon, terrorist attacks, so many children’s lives lost needlessly, unrest, racism and struggle are constant reminders that we live in uncertain and evil times. Many times we wonder, is finding peace in the midst of all this even possible? One quote reminds us, “Peace. It doesn’t mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard

work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” Another says, “No God, no peace. Know God, know peace.” And both are true. Without knowing the perfect peace and calm assurance of God Himself in this crazy, mixed up and sometimes very evil world, we will live forever struggling to gain control, always finding ourselves in the inner battle with stress, anxiety and evil. Yet focusing on God’s words can bring life to our souls, no matter what swirls around us on any given day. He is able to bring security, so we’re not overcome with fear, or find ourselves sinking down into a pit of worry and despair. He’s the answer to our place of refuge.

Thought for the Week

As your thought for the week, look at ways you can bring real, lasting and genuine peace into your own life and the lives of those around you. As Mother Teresa said, “The fruit of silence is prayer; the fruit of prayer is faith; the fruit of faith is love; the fruit of love is service; the fruit of service is peace.” If peace is what you seek, focus your thoughts on this Prayer for Peace today and everyday called “On This Day”...”On this day Mend a quarrel, Search out a forgotten friend, Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust, Write a love letter, Share some treasures, Give a soft answer, Encourage youth, Care for our elderly. Manifest your loyalty in a word, prayer or deed, Keep a promise, Find the time, Forego a grudge, Forgive an enemy, Listen, Pray, Meditate, Apologize if you were wrong. “Try to understand, Flout envy, Examine your demands on others, Think first of someone else, Appreciate, be kind, be gentle, Laugh a little more, Deserve confidence. Take up arms against malice, Decry complacency, Express your gratitude, Strive and Pray for Peace, Worship your God, Gladden the heart of a child, Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth, Speak your love, Speak your peace, Speak it again, Speak it still again, Speak it still once again. Speak love and peace always. Amen”

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

Clare Hunt raise funds for two vital charities

lPRESENTATION: Patrick Considine (County Clare Hunt Huntsman), Kevin Coffey (County Clare Hunt Vice Chairman), Dan O’Connor (Irish Red Cross), Lottie Kenny (Clare Suicide Bereavement Support) Kieran Frost (County Clare Hunt Chairman), Kieran Browne (Clare Hunt Charity Ride Committee Member)

THE County Clare Hunt raised vital funds for Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Group at their annual charity ride, held in Quin on Saturday March 19. In addition, they held a Members Pony Race at the County Clare Hunt Point to Point at Quakerstown on Easter Sunday where all funds raised were also donated to Clare Suicide Bereavement Support Group. Between the two events, the County

Clare Hunt raised a total of €6,045.00 for the charity. County Clare Hunt also held an auction at Quakerstown Point to Point on Easter Sunday where all funds received - €4,050.00 went to The Irish Red Cross Ukraine Appeal. The presentation took place at the County Clare Hunt Kennels, Drumquin, last weekend.

Local MACE Retailer to saddle up for Down Syndrome Ireland

OCAL MACE retailers Joe Greensmith and Anne Keyes are inviting local people to support their Tour de MACE static cycle in-store in order to raise funds for its charity partner, Down Syndrome Ireland. The event will take place on May 28th and 29th from 10am to 5pm. This store is one of many MACE stores involved in running this rewarding charity event throughout Summer 2022. MACE Lahinch Road, Ennis is hosting a unique in-store static cycle event whereby customers can donate 15 minutes to 1 hour of their time to cycle and contribute much needed funds to Down Syndrome Ireland, MACE’s charity partner. Customers and staff can sign up beforehand by calling into the store to select their cycling time slot or else they can sign up on the day. Customers who aren’t participating are encouraged to come along and join in on the celebrations and donate funds towards Down Syndrome Ireland. Each Tour de MACE makes a real and lasting difference to children with Down syndrome and their families throughout Ireland as funds are transferred directly to the charity. The campaign is an integral source of funding for the development of

Down Syndrome Ireland’s nationwide support services. Retailer Joe Greensmith said: “We hope you will support us and Down Syndrome Ireland by joining in on the Tour de MACE excitement at MACE Lahinch Road, Ennis. We want to encourage as many of our customers to join in, so if you’re in the area, we would be very grateful if you pop into the store, to participate or donate and support this wonderful charity.” Down Syndrome Ireland is MACE’s official charity partner and MACE Sales Director Peter Dwan is delighted with the enthusiasm with which MACE retailers and their staff have embraced the Tour de MACE concept. “We are very proud of MACE Lahinch Road, Ennis for hosting this wonderful event in order to support our charity partner Down Syndrome Ireland. The Tour de MACE event is great for the charity, the store and the local community of Ennis. The Tour de MACE event is a fabulous initiative and a fun way and healthy concept raise funds towards a very worthy cause,” said Peter. Customers are encouraged to attend MACE Lahinch Road, Ennis Tour de MACE event at any stage on May 28th and 29th between 10am and 5pm.

COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

SLOW BEEF DIRTY FRIES

National Enterprise award for Bea Beauty

lBEA-MING: Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon students Bríd-Áine Rouine, Áine Hennigan and Eimear Lernihan along with An Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar and Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise Clare and Chair of LEO Network

Kearney Cooks

O MOST of my recipes veer towards the easier way of doing things as I am a great believer that the handier something is the more people will be inclined to try it. However, every once in a while I like to be a bit extra and go over the top with my snack choices. The below recipe is one such example, slow cooked beef dirty fries. I love dressed chips and this is kind of my version of a taco chip. I have left chillies out of the recipe as I was cooking this for my kids and my daughter doesn’t like it spicy but you can add as much spicy chilli heat to this recipe as you like. It will work well. Beef cheeks are becoming hard to come by at the minute so I would say talk to your butcher about other cuts that will work well in a slow cooker. I like to use shin meat when the cheek isn’t available. I will fire the instructional video up on my Instagram @kearneycooks where all the rest of the recipes can be found as well . Anyways, enough dilly dallying, onto the recipe. YOU WILL NEED For the sauce: • 2 beef cheeks • 500ml beef stock • 1 red onion • 3 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp barbeque sauce • 200g chopped tomatoes • 1 tsp of smoked paprika • 1tsp of paprika • Salt and pepper to season For the chips: • 9 large rooster potatoes

To garnish: • 100g grated cheddar • Some garlic mayo • A handful of chopped green stuff such as chives or parsley Step One Seal your beef cheeks in a pan and then lob them into the slow cooker with the rest of your sauce ingredients. Cook on low for six hours or until the beef cheek starts falling apart. Whilst the beef is cooking, cut your spuds into chips and set them aside in cold water until you are ready to cook them. Step Two When the beef is tender take it out of the slow cooker and shred it. Set aside until you need it. Pour everything else in the slow cooker into a blender and blend the bejaysus out of it until it forms a nice sauce. Set aside for later. Step Three Cook your chips however you like. I prefer to boil mine for four minutes and let them steam dry. Then I deep fry at 180 Celsius for five minutes until they are crispy and golden. Whilst the chips are frying I warm my shredded beef in the sauce in a small pot. Step Four Time to build our dirty fries. Chips go in to the bowl first. We season these with salt, pepper and paprika. On top of the chips we spoon on our shredded beef and the sauce. Next goes on the cheese , then artistically pile on the garlic mayo . Finally garnish with a bit of green stuff. Serve it up with a beer, I recommend Western Herd, a good local beer, and dig in.

Enjoy

Steve K

TUDENTS from Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon in Clare have taken Second prize in the Junior Category at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals, writes Elaine Tubridy. Supported by Local Enterprise Office Clare, The students won second prize in the Junior category. The

winning students were: Bríd-Áine Rouine, Áine Hennigan and Eimear Lernihan all 13 years old, who worked under the guidance of their teacher, Caitríona Hynes. Their student enterprise was called: BEA Body Scrubs’, BEA Scrubs produce eco friendly body scrubs. Their ethos is based on the circular economy, they use

bi-product from coffee granules sourced from a local coffee shop and use this product as the core ingredient for their scrubs. The scrubs are made from 100% sustainable and by-products as ingredients and are sold to customers, locally, regionally and nationally. The coffee granules are purchased from local coffee distributor Anam Coffee.

AROUND THE COUNTY SCRATCH NATIONAL FINALS THE National Scratch Coding Competition was held at the University of Limerick, bringing together the top scoring teams from all over the country. School students aged six and up across five age categories were invited to demonstrate their Scratch projects to the judges. Students from Feakle National School and

Ennis Coder Dojo took home some of the top prizes at this year’s Scratch Finals. Jack Hogan from Feakle National School received the award for Junior infants to 1st Class Category for his project ‘March JH’. Adiel Mickus, Ennis Coder Dojo received the 2nd Class to 4th Class Category award for his project ‘Two Player Maze Game’.

KDHS LECTURE THE Kilrush and District Historical Society's May lecture will be given by Liam Irwin, at the normal time and venue of 8pm on the last Tuesday of the month, 31 May 2022, in the Teach Ceoil on Grace Street in Kilrush. It will be a centenary lecture to mark the death on 9 April 1922 of Thomas Johnson Westropp. The talk will outline the family background, life and career of the noted antiquarian TJ Westropp. His contribution to history, archaeology, folklore and place name studies, particularly of County Clare, will be discussed. The contribution of this dedicated scholar to these disciplines both in his own time and for subsequent researchers will

also be assessed and evaluated. Liam Irwin is retired Head of the History Department, Mary Immaculate College and former editor the North Munster Antiquarian Journal. He has written extensively about the life and work of Westropp. Details of how to watch the lecture via Zoom will be circulated by email shortly before the event to those on the Society's mailing list. There is a mailing list sign-up form at kdhs. ie KDHS lectures are free to members, EUR5 for non-members, payable on the night only. New members are welcome. The annual membership fee (July-June) is EUR20. For new members joining now, their first year's membership will run to June 2023.

ENNIS NATIONAL SCHOOL ENNIS National School community came together recently in a very big way. With three days notice over 100 families baked, gathered, collected, bought, donated, dropped, buttered washed and organised. It was a joyful happy day for our Ukrainian guests. Thank you for dropping off cakes and clothes, buns and bags. Thank you to the parents association who were out in force

and to all the parents that gave up their time and to the parents who taxi’d our guests in and out of town. Thanks to Stephen Coote for sponsoring the sandwiches (again). Thanks to our caretaker Ger for dusting off the water boiler and dragging the kitchen out of 2019. Thanks to the teachers who supported us, particularly Mr O’Loughlin who brought the band and Irish dancers together.

FEATURES

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

Students lift-off for NASA

by ELAINE TUBRIDY T’S lift-off for five Clare secondary school students flying to NASA after a group from St Flannan's College won the NASA Ames Space Settlement Contest to design an inhabitable settlement in space. “Mag Mell” was designed by Fifth year physics students, Naem Haq Adam Downes, Cian Pyne, Jack O’Connor and Garabhan Monahan and will now be presented at the International Space Development Conference (ISDC) in Washington this week. Shannon Airport sponsored the team's flight to Washington and gave them the VIP treatment ahead of their trip. Physics teach-

er John Conneely said: “This is a wonderful opportunity. We are so

proud of our students for winning the grand prize out of 17,000 stu-

dents from 22 countries. "We are incredibly grateful to Shannon Airport for the support. “It is quite fitting that we are travelling from Shannon to the International Space Development Conference. Our students were thrilled to get the VIP treatment with a reception in the airport Presidential Lounge where they go to sign the guest book along with the likes of Astronauts Chris Hatfield and Al Worden, one of only 24 people to have flown to the moon!” The airport was once an alternate landing site for the space shuttle and more recently received a shout out on the live broadcast of the Space X NASA launch in May 2020.

Niall Maloney, Shannon Airport Operations and Commercial Director said, “We were delighted to host the team from St Flannan’s College as our very special guests today. They represent the incredible talent and innovative young minds coming from this region who are making an impact on the world stage. Shannon Airport and its campus were the brainchild of an innovative and entrepreneurial mind of a young Brendan O’Regan, and we are proud to support Naem, Adam, Cian, Jack and Garabhan." lSPACE MEN: Team Captain Naem Haq with team mates Adam Downes, Cian Pyne, Jack O'Connor and Garabhan Monahan

Photo by Arthur Ellis

FEATURES

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

'Children should be participants, not observers'

T ENNIS Gymnastics Club we believe that children should be participants and not observers. We believe that the best way to encourage a love of movement and sport is to provide instruction that enables the successful accomplishment of small steps so that an expectation of success and

enjoyment is fostered. Gymnastics is a sport that kids can begin at a young age and continue doing through their teen and college years. While some children use their talents and skills to become competitive gymnasts, others participate in the sport because they enjoy learning new skills and developing their level of fitness. Are you struggling with childcare through the summer ? We have added evening drop in day camps to bridge that time you need to fill until you get home from work. EARLY DROP OFF AND LATE PICK UPS AVAILABLE. Summer Camps are filling up fast with over half the slots booked up already!! Book early as places are limited each week!! 2022 Summer Camp now open for bookings for members and non-members. GymAble and Parent Assisted Preschool Camp August 2-4th, a camp that solely caters for children with additional needs. June, July & August Camps open to all ages from 3 years. Classes also running throughout the summer. Ask us about our summer unlimited class pass. Enquiries please email info@ennisgymnasticsclub.com

RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

Ei Shannon ramps up for weekend shift

lEi Electronics

I ELECTRONICS is to launch a Weekend Shift this October at its Global Headquarters in Shannon. In order to support increased market demand and employee flexibility, 12 hour shifts from 8am to 8pm across Saturday and Sunday, will launch in October. This opportunity is available to product builders, test technicians, production line maintenance and quality inspectors. It may be attractive to third level engineering students. With double digit growth, and 1,100 employees worldwide, Ei Electronics commands a leadership position globally as a manufacturer of home life safety devices. Working with one of Irelands leading indigenous electronics companies provides a wide array of opportunities and possibilities to grow as well as offering an attractive pay and benefits package. This means that no member of staff earns less than the ‘Living Wage’ and considerable benefits include health insurance cov-

er, pension scheme, an appealing bonus scheme and a competitive salary. An employee restaurant is also situated on campus serving subsidized meals with additional facilities such as a gym and astro-turf pitch being added this year. Ei’s recently opened new Headquarters Building on the existing Ei Campus comprises a 10,000m2 facility. It includes significant additional manufacturing capacity, Research and Development, and office space. The expansion underpins a strategy of maintaining 100% of manufacturing in Shannon, in addition to the co-location of other key functions on a single site. Shipping more than 15 million life safety products annually, the company’s success is set to continue and having a happy and sustainable workforce is at the core of this growth. For more information, or to apply for this opportunity, contact hr@eielectronics.ie and quote WEEKEND SHIFT in the subject field.

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

RECRUITMENT

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

Raising the bar management

LARE publicans have been urged to sign up to the first ever apprenticeship to train a new generation of bar managers, launched to tackle the crippling shortage of hospitality staff. The three-year degree course, backed by State and employer funding, has been officially unveiled. The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Griffith College, with the support of Solas, the state agency for further education, have joined forces to reverse the pub sector’s post-Covid struggle to retain staff. VFI Chief Executive, Paul Clancy, says the Apprenticeship, available nationwide through Griffith College, will

be critical to addressing the issue. “At a time when staff recruitment is cited as the number one issue for the hospitality business, this degree will play a vital role in retaining key personnel,” he said. The Bar Manager Apprenticeship Degree is a workbased learning programme in which apprentices will be able to work, earn and learn to become fully-qualified bar managers. Students already working in the bar trade are sponsored by their employer to develop the broad range of skills necessary to operate at the highest level in the industry, spending one day a week in lectures over three years. School leavers with experience in the bar trade and ca-

reer changers are also eligible. Limerick City-based firstyear Vintners’ Federation of Ireland Bar Manager Apprentice Emma Hanley (23), said she was attracted by being able to work and learn at the same time. “I have always enjoyed working in a bar and the Apprenticeship has given me a real insight into my chosen career,” said Kilfinane native Emma, who is apprenticed to The Old Quarter Pub in the city. Employers are eligible for a grant, per registered apprentice, and applications are now open for the September intake. Employers can register interest at: https://content.griffith.ie/ bar-management-expression-of-interest-employer

lCHEERS: Shane O'Keefe and Emma Hanley (front) with Cathal Callinan, Dylan Naughton and Callan Cummins at the launch of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland Bar Manager Apprenticeship programme, at The Old Quarter Pub in Limerick city

Photo by Eamon Ward

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

'Ideal time for tourism career'

LARE hoteliers have welcomed the launch of the new ‘Works for Me’ campaign from Fáilte Ireland, aimed at attracting more people to jobs in the wider tourism industry. With thousands of positions available in hotels and guesthouses across Ireland, local hoteliers are encouraging people across all ages to consider a career in the industry – including parents, people returning to the workforce, retirees and those simply seeking a career change. Stephen O’Connor, Chair, Shannon branch of the IHF said, “Now is an ideal time to consider a career in tourism given the wide range of exciting options available for people at every stage of their working lives. We know there is an increasing number of people who are seeking greater flexibility in the number of hours they work, particularly those who may be returning to the workforce – and this is something hotels and guesthouses are ideally placed to accommodate. “We are encouraging those with an interest in working with people to find out more about the many opportunities and positions available. "Few sectors provide such a wide range of options for people across a variety of skills levels, backgrounds and interests – offering

plenty of opportunities to support professional growth while meeting and working with great people and developing skills." The types of positions on offer are spread across a large number of different careers choices including areas such as food and beverage, catering, accommodation services, reception, leisure centre and spa facility management, sales and marketing, human resources, IT, management and finance. A national database of live opportunities in the tourism industry is available at tourismcareers.ie. Tourism is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and provides employment in every town and country in Ireland. Before the pandemic, over 270,000 livelihoods were supported by the tourism and hospitality sector, equating to 1 in 10 of all Irish jobs, with 70% of these jobs located outside Dublin. These jobs are crucial to communities, especially in many parts of regional Ireland where tourism is the only show in town. Founded in 1937, the Irish Hotels Federation is the national organisation of the hotel and guesthouse sector in Ireland. It represents almost 1,000 hotels and guesthouses nationwide, employing over 60,000 people and is a key stakeholder in the Irish tourism industry.

RECRUITMENT

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

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

Shannon based Clean Habit aims for an even cleaner workplace

• EXECUTIVE SCIENTIST PANEL, 2022 Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Monday 20th June 2022.

• TEMPORARY ASSISTANT ENGINEER PANEL, 2022 Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday 22nd June 2022. Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846251, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

CLOSING DATE EXTENDED TO THURSDAY 9TH JUNE 2022 Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competitions. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the areas set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• APPLICATION SUPPORT & GIS OFFICER (IS ANALYST DEVELOPER – ANALOGOUS TO GRADE VI) Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Thursday 9th June 2022. Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846528, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat. Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the below competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the area set out below from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

• RECYCLING ASSISTANT, COUNTYWIDE PANEL, 2022 Completed applications must be emailed to: recruitment@clarecoco.ie not later than 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday 2nd June 2022. Application forms and further particulars may be obtained by requesting same from the Human Resources Department, Clare County Council at 065-6846528, via e-mail: recruitment@clarecoco.ie or can be downloaded from the following website: www.clarecoco.ie Clare County Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the Community. Scriobh chugainn as gaeilge más fearr leat.

lClean Habit

ADVANCED technologies that create innovative and eco-friendly cleaning systems are being introduced to its client base in the region by Clean Habit, the long-standing cleaning company based in Smithstown Industrial Estate, Shannon. The Smithstown firm has served businesses in Clare, Limerick, Galway and Cork for over 30 years and is continuously adapting new systems and processes to deliver professional cleaning services.

“Advances in technology, research and testing have led to the creation and international approval of two new product ranges, that use chem-free, non-toxic ingredients to achieve a safe and healthy work environment,” explained Mandy Tubridy, Managing Director, Clean Habit. The microSURE All Purpose Cleaner and Disinfectant, and 8-Hour Defence Hand Sanitiser consist of a water-based antimicrobial,

which provides a non-toxic coating and continuous, longterm bio-protection against harmful pathogens. The TyroSan20 involves the use of active chlorine released from hypochlorous acid (HOCL, Activated H2O) as a sanitiser, cleaner and disinfectant. This replicates the natural power and chemistry of infection-fighting human white blood cells, safely and effectively in the work environment. Complimenting Clean

Habit on its use of revolutionary cleaning products, Helen Downes, Shannon Chamber CEO, said it is most timely, given that Covid 19 and the global climate crisis are such major issues in our society. “The family-run business has a strong track record in serving industries, including SMEs and international corporations, factory installations, commercial premises, as well as sensitive medical and pharmacological environments”, she added.

Timing the market is extremely difficult Financial advisor Darach Honan believes the best time to invest is simply when the funds are available OPINION DARACH HONAN

S THE adage goes, buy low sell high. However, timing of the market is extremely hard to do and with the tumultuous times we are living through currently, it seems impossible. The fact remains that the best time to invest is when you have the money available and the best time to take it out is when you need it. The investment choice will be informed by the time between those events. If you are investing for long term, you can afford to take on more risk than if you are a short-term investor. Recent years have been a volatile time in financial markets, covid dominated the news cycle for the last two years and now we have the war in Ukraine, inflation and supply chain issues which seems to have spooked investors. The constant negative media coverage has led to a sense of investment paralysis. This despite interest rates being at alltime lows and savers getting no value for money being held on deposit.

Currently there is approximately €126 billion sitting on deposit from Irish retail investors and savers. The natural alternative to this is investment funds, however, many have taken a view to leave money on deposit until the markets ‘sort themselves out’. This rails against all investment logic but is understandable from a human nature perspective. So how can investors avoid putting their money in the market right before a crash. Timing risk is a real concern for many. We can try to predict how markets will perform based on analysis of what’s happening in the global markets but it’s difficult give a definitive answer. Of course, this should only be a concern for lump sum investors. Regular savers and investors can benefit from ‘unit cost averaging’ so a period of market volatility can actually be seen in a positive light. Some investment companies have adapted the lump sum investment process to cater for this concern and attempt to reduce timing risk. A phased investment strategy, where you drip-feed your funds into the market over a period of time takes advantage of a concept often referred to as ‘unit cost averaging’.

This involves purchasing the same euro amount of units in a fund at set intervals over a period of time. This can be done over a period of 6 or 12 months. For example, Mary wishes to invest €120,000 but is concerned about the timing risk involved in today’s market. She can then place the €120,000 with an investment company, they will then invest €12,000 of her fund on the first of each month. If a market shock occurs a few months after Mary’s investment, her future contributions to the fund will be buying in at a lower unit cost rate and Mary has reduced her exposure to timing risk. Cautious investors, from a behavioural perspective, don’t necessarily concern themselves with getting the best possible return, but more with avoiding the worst possible return. As shown in the well-established concept of loss aversion - people tend to strongly prefer avoiding losses to acquiring gains. The peace of mind that can accompany drip feed investing with a drip feeding strategy can be a powerful tool.

Darach is the Director of Honan Financial Services, 93 O'Connell St, Limerick.

26-05-22

Clare Echo THE

pg 29

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

MUNSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP, ROUND 4: CLARE 3-31 WATERFORD 2-22 AT CUSACK PARK, ENNIS

FACTFILE CLARE: Frees for: 4 (2/2) Wides: 19 (11/8) Spread of scorers: 11 Scores from play: 3-24 Top scorer: David Fitzgerald (2-03) Bookings: Cian Nolan (15) Own puckouts won: 27 from 35 (77%)

WATERFORD: Frees for: 13 (7/6) Wides: 11 (5/6) Spread of scorers: 8 Scores from play: 2-14 Top scorer: Dessie Hutchinson (1-06) Bookings: Stephen Bennett (15) Own puckouts won: 27 from 43 (63%)

Shane O’Donnell scored five points from play against Waterford in Ennis on Sunday Photo by Gerard O’Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

by PÁRAIC McMAHON COLM COLLINS’ Clare senior footballers have been handed a home qualifier draw with Meath. In what is a big opportunity for Clare to get their season back on track, they will welcome Andy McEntee’s Meath to Cusack Park in a fortnight’s time. Both counties will have been disappointed with their showings in the provincial championship. Clare exited at the quarter-final stage losing to Limerick following a penalty shootout but throughout normal time, they exhibited a performance below their standards. Meath for their part exited the Leinster SFC at the last four, losing out to Dublin 1-27 1-14. The Royal County overcame Wicklow in the quarter-finals of the competition. When the counties met in March in this year’s Allianz National Football League, Meath claimed a 0-10 0-09 win over Clare in Cusack Park. Knowing they could have potentially drawn Tyrone, Mayo, Armagh or Monaghan, both Clare and Meath will be content with the draw. All-Ireland SFC Qual’ Rnd 1: Mayo v Monaghan Clare v Meath Cork v Louth Armagh v Tyrone

REFEREE: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow)

PLAYER WATCH: PETER DUGGAN Minutes Played: 70 Possessions: 13 (7/6) Passes: 3 (1/2) (all short) Hand Pass: 0 Hurley Pass: 3 Shots: 13 (9/4) Scores: 0-08 3f 2’65 1SC

Wides: 3 (2/1) Shots Saved: 3 (1/2) Dropped Short: 1 (1/0) Tackles: 10 (4/6) Turn Overs For: 2 (2/0) Turnovers Against: 0 Frees for: 0 Frees against: 0

COMMENT: “We have a great bunch, they are working really hard. In inter county hurling there is no other way to be, you have to work really hard and that is what they are doing. We have a panel of 40, 41 now as Pat O’Connor is back training with us after his bad injury. They are all working really hard and doing their best for the county. “We expected a bit of a kick from Waterford, they were playing with the aid of the breeze and it was a significant breeze. We had to try and push on as much as we could and we did that in the first ten minutes of the second half. “We don’t have too many Munster championship games at home and it’s important when you do have them that you try and win the games. We were conscious that there was going to be a good Clare crowd here, there is a good bit of momentum with the team. We made a couple of changes but all the guys we picked today have done the same amount of work as everyone else and they were anxious to put in a performance”. “Everyone knows what Limerick do, the big problem is they are such a powerful team and they have got such quality all over the field. Everyone has known that for the last couple of years and the winning streak they have been on is testament to that. We are under no illusions as to what is facing us”. LIAM CAHILL, WATERFORD SENIOR HURLING MANAGER: “It was really disappointing again today, there was a whole lack of energy around the field. Clare’s movement was exceptional again today, they seemed to have a lot of players giving options on the ball and we just couldn’t seem to cope with it. It’s disappointing for everybody, the Waterford people that have travelled here today, there were a good few around, fair play to them, the real diehards, it’s very disappointing for the Waterford supporters that packed out Walsh Park last weekend. I’d love to have answers but I don’t have any at the moment”. “Today is very very disappointing. We won’t make a rash decision on it now. From my side, I wonder what else can be done to bring these guys to the next level. I have a very good healthy relationship with everyone of these players and I am quite happy to sit down with them. They are extremely honest men and before I do anything I will definitely sit down with them”.

Compiled by Seamus Hayes & Páraic McMahon

Home qualifier against Meath

O’Donnell back where he belongs by SEAMUS HAYES

WHILE he is delighted to be part of the Clare panel which will play defending champions Limerick in the Munster final in two weeks time, Shane O’Donnell believes that his biggest achievement this year was getting back on the playing pitch. Having missed last year’s inter-county campaign due to a concussion injury, the Éire Óg attacker said after delivering a man of the match display at Cusack Park on Sunday, “it was tough to come back into it. I definitely had a long few months thinking whether I would be back on the pitch at all. It was a major milestone getting back on the pitch, togging out with Clare again”. Returning to the Clare fold has “been brilliant,” he admitted. “The fact that I got back, I knew I had made the right decision. I have rolled a few challenges over the past few weeks, today again. I have got over that psychological challenge of thinking that every time I get a clip on my head I am going to a step back to where

I was last year. I think I can safely say it’s behind me”, commented the All-Ireland winning hero from 2013. “I came back training at the end of March and that was when I pulled the trigger and said I was going back into it. I was waiting to sign off from the professional I had been seeing last year. I said I was going back to him to do another full assessment and if he gives me the all clear I will go back and if he has any doubts I am not going to back. I kind of put it in his hands and he basically said I was 100% and he left it up to me and put it back in my court. Exposure is the main treatment and back on the pitch was definitely the right decision,” the Ennis native outlined. Stepping back onto the field for the county team was a milestone for the UCC graduate. “When things are going well its brilliant and its brilliant to be out there. My first game, against Tipp, just togging out and going on the pitch, that was my biggest achievement this year, that would have been enough this year but obviously

I am delighted to be in the Munster final”. Preparations for Sunday’s clash with Waterford were unusual in the sense that there was nothing on the line for Clare. “It’s unique to be coming into a championship where the result is not the be all and end all and it’s more about keeping the momentum and keeping the performance. Mentally it was difficult but everyone put their shoulder to the wheel. We have a really good mental performance coach with us and to be honest we treated it like any other game this year”. Championship occasions in Cusack Park are very special, he acknowledged. “There is a good mix of young and old in the panel and the vibe inside the panel is brilliant. When you come and work hard the crowd appreciate that on top of everything else and when you get a couple of good wins under your belt people want to come and see. We are delighted with the crowd, it’s been brilliant especially the last day and today again. It’s brilliant coming to Cusack Park on a day like today”.

26-05-22 ALL IRELAND MINOR HURLING CHMPSHIP: GALWAY 0-25 CLARE 0-09 AT KENNY PARK, ATHENRY

‘Nothing worked’ in minor hurlers’ heavy Galway loss Photo by Gerard O’Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

BRIAN O’CONNELL, CLARE MINOR HURLING MANAGER:

“It’s hard to put our finger on it to be honest, it just wasn’t us at all today. We model ourselves on workrate and tackling, good ball to hand and moving the ball and none of that worked for us today. When you are playing against a quality side like Galway they will punish you straight away when it’s not working for you. Fair play to them they put up a good score but it just wasn’t us at all today. “The damage was done in the opening quarter. “Niland was on form and fair play to him. Right from the off we were struggling to get energy into the lads, we were struggling all over the field, We have a two week break now and that’s a little bit of a positive, two weeks after playing matches week after week Maybe that caught up with us, maybe it will lead to a little bit of freshness in the legs which will stand to us the next day. “There is a lot going on for them with exams coming up, but it’s the same for all the other teams. We are massively disappointed. I really don’t know what to say, we have to go back to the drawing board now, get a little bit of freshness into the legs and try and perform in two weeks time against Laois” “Laois will be a tough challenge, you don’t get to a Leinster final without playing good hurling”.

pg 30

CUSACK CUP BRECKAN’S SEAL FINAL AS MILTOWN RELAGATED Burren Eye Photography

SCAN HERE FOR FULL ROUND-UP

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONSHIP: TIPPERARY 0-10 CLARE 0-10 AT THE RAGG, TIPPERARY

‘This could be valuable point’ says Clare camogie manager Compiled by Derek Dormer

Eimear Kelly with the ball in a ruck of Tipperary players

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

FACTFILE CLARE: Frees for: 13 (8/5) Wides: 6 (4/2) Own puckouts won: 11 from 19 (58%) Bookings: None Top scorer: Lorna McNamara (0-05 2f 2’45s) Scores from play: 0-05 Spread of scorers: 5

TIPPERARY: Frees for: 11 (7/4) Wides: 9 (5/4) Own puckouts won: 12 from 16 (75%) Bookings: None Top scorer: Cait Devane (0-05 4f) Scores from play: 0-06 Spread of scorers: 6

Merciless Clare ease past Mayo

REFEREE: Justin Heffernan (Wexford) JOHN CARMODY, CLARE JOINT MANAGER: “With five games to play in total this could turn out to be a valuable point. This series is a marathon not a sprint. We showed unreal character yet again coming from two points down with two minutes to go. We will take it as a positive and go again next week. We definitely had tired legs, the emotion of last week probably caught up with us, hurling for 90 to 95 minutes. “We are in a good place

though as we have three home games after next weeks trip to Cork and our aim all year is to get to Croke Park. With our character we will be in every game we play, we will fear nobody. “The penalty save was obviously crucial for them as it probably earned Tipperary the point but that’s the way it goes. Doireann Murphy has been saving them for us all year. “We proved again today that we are a top

SCAN HERE FOR FULL ROUND-UP

four team and that’s the

progress we were after”.

Shauna Canny withstands a high challenge as Clare’s junior camogie team defeat Mayo 4-17 to 0-07 Photo by Gerard O’Neill

pg 31

26-05-22

Pyne wins Flannans outing

points. The winners of the senior mens outing last week were Ailbe McDonnell, Terry Coughlan and Brian Torpey ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Brendan Pyne (11) was the winner of the St. Flannans from Kieran Gibbons, Brian Corry and Jack Manley College past pupils outing at Ennis on Sunday with 40 with third spot filled by Pat Duggan, Kevin Grimes and points. He had a point to spare over Fintan McEvoy (21) Batt Skehan. In the men’s 18 hole v par the winner was Tim Walsh with 39 points while third place was filled by Sean Daly (14) with 38 points.. Noel Pyne (5) won the gross with while second place was jointly filled by Francis Moloney, Edmond Bourke and Enda Quinlan. 30 points. The men’s weekly open day commences on this In the Ennis members section, Tom Saunders (6) won with 41 points from Jason Gallagher (18) with 40 points Thursday, May 26 while the ladies club will host an 18 and Daire Fitzgerald (16) also with 40 points. Ray Keogh hole stableford competition on June 2 and tee times can (7) won the gross with 30 points. Shane McCarthy (13) be booked by telephoning 061 921 322. won the staff prize with 35 points. KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Gerry Malone (26), Slievenamon golf club won the The Bank of Ireland men’s singles competition at KilFriday open singles with 36 points from Daire Fitzgerald rush at the weekend was won by Matthew Dillon (34) (16) with 33 points and Frank Gormley (15), also with 33 with 41 poinrts from Tom Buckley (12) with 38 points points. Dave Kenneally (3) won the gross with 30 points. with third spot filled by Feargal S. Crowley (16), also The winners of the Tuesday fourball were Paul Mock- with 38 points. ler and Michael Irwin with 29 points from Ferdi O’DonoThe category winners were Neil Browne (7) with 36 ghue and Gerry O’Brien with 28 points. This weekend’s points, Darragh Bolton (18) with 37 points and Dominic competition will be a singles stableford golfer of the year Enright (20) with 36 points. The winner of last week’s event, sponsored by ESB Moneypoint. ladies competition was Claire Pyne (22) with 38 points The ladies 18 hole May medal (silver) and Ardagh cup from Anne Gallagher (10) with 36 points while thge 12 round 2 qualifier at Ennis was won by Claire Ruane (18) hole winner was Lucy Blake. with 75 from Bridie Hanrahan (20) with 77 DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Carmel Verling (23) won the bronze medal with 73 Robert Healy was the winner of the men’s 18 hole stafrom Ann Pyne Gallery (28) with 74. bleford competition at Dromoland at the weekend with In the 9 hole competition Anne Kelly (15) won with 44 points. He had two to spare over Cathal Kilmartin 20 points from Peggy Costello (11), with a similar score. with Brian Hassett third on 41 points followed by Niall Nuala D’Auria(17) was third with 18 points. Dunne with 40 points. Jason O’Leary won the gross with Last week’s senior ladies competition was won by Car- 35 points. In the ladies player of the year 18 hole stamel Verling, Ann Casey and Mary Kerins with 51 4/7 bleford competition, Linda Kochhar won with 38 points points from Mary McMahon, Mary Glynn, Eileen Daly from Ann Nix with a similar score with third spot filled and Helen Harnett with 52.8 points with third spot filled by Majella Cotgreave with 34 points. Leslie O’Flynn won by Brid Cunningham, Geraldine 0’Mahony and Anne the gross with 22 points. The 9 hole competition was Kelly with 53 points. won by Kitty Quinn with 13 points. EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: The ladies scotch foursomes, the Eileen Murphy qualThe May monthly medal will be played for at Woodstock on this Saturday and Sunday while the weekly open singles continues on Wednesdays and Thursdays. In the weekly seniors scramble at Woodstock on Tuesday, the winning team comprised Paddy Meehan, John O’Donovan and Pat Quinn who scored 46. GORT GOLF CLUB: The competition at Gort at the weekend was an 18 hole stroke golfer of the year event for the Val Hoarty jug, an event sponsored by the Hoarty family. The winner was Ciaran Conneely (10) with 66. Category 1 was won by Darragh Coen (10) with 70. the category 2 winner was David Cummins (20) with 71 while category 3 was won by Shane Quinn (21) with 68. Enda (3) won the gross At ‘Pink Day’ in Shannon Golf Club, Joe Robbins of Careerwise and Lady Cradock with 79. Derek Kinsella (13) Captain, Connie Corry Photo by Joe Buckley won the Friday open singles with 34 points. In the ladies competition last week, Josie Collins (19) ifier, at East Clare last week was won by Brid Hayes and Margaret MacNamara with 40 points. In second place won category 1 with 70, Teresa Mahon (28) won categowith 38 points were Maureen Clune and Breda McCa- ry 2 with 68 while Ena Furey (33) won category 3 with 69 and Patricia Lyons (46) captured the category 4 honours rthy with third spot filled by Noreen Doyle and Loretto O’Donnell also with 38 with 71.

by SEAMUS HAYES

Shannon Town enjoyed a big win against Newmarket Photo by Joe Buckley

Avenue & Celtic both drop points by SEAMUS HAYES

FTER a week in which decisions in the meeting rooms had dominated Clare soccer discussions, the focus on Sunday was on the Premier Division and followers weren’t disappointed as both Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United failed to keep their winning runs going. Title holders Newmarket went down to Shannon Town and this result may well end up costing them the title while Avenue United were held to a draw by Bridge United when victory, given the Newmarket result, would have seen them crowned champions. They meet next Wednesday at Roslevan in the final game in the league. Avenue will take a two point lead into Wednesday’s game when a draw will suffice for them to be crowned champions whereas Newmarket will have to win. Weekend results will have surprised followers of the game in Clare as both Newmarket and Avenue were fancied to win INJURY TIME LEVELLER VITAL FOR AVENUE Avenue United A 1 Bridge United A 1 Venue: Roslevan

to be the winner for the home side. Disappointed with the loss, Newmarket are concerned about the fitness of Irish international Eoin Hayes ahead of two crucial meetings with Avenue as he hobbled off with an ankle injury.

Shannon Town A; Darren Whelan; Cody Waller, Steve Carroll, Colum Treacy, Darren Griffin; Jack Kelly, Kieran Hackett, T.J. O’Dwyer, Jack Ryan, Gary O’Connell, Brian Monaghan; Subs; Christopher Dunning for Hackett; Ben O’Neill for O’Dwyer. Newmarket Celtic A; Shane Cusack; David O’Grady, Stephen Kelly, Paddy Purcell, Darren Cullinan; Alan Kelly, David McCarthy, Conor McDaid, Eoin Hayes, Daithi O’Connell, Ronan McCormack. Subs; Cathal Hayes for E. Hayes; Cael Gaffney for D. O’Connell; Eoin Kelly for A. Kelly

SIX SECOND HALF GOALS EARN LIFFORD BIG WIN Shannon Olympic 2 Lifford 8

A strong second half showing when they scored six goals helped Lifford to this big win over Shannon Olympic on Sunday. Dylan Ryan top scored with a hat trick while Keith Shea had two with one each for Paul Martyn and Gary McNaboe while the remaining goal was an OG, on a day when Zac Guilfoyle excelled for the Ennis side.

Shannon Olympic: Piotr Kaluza; Benjamin Cantillon, Rob Clair, Alan Kelly, Pa Madden, Sean McDonald, Ciaran Keane, Ray Quigley, Jay Regan, Declan McDonald Ryan Kelly Sub; Rachid Amallah for Regan Lifford; Rhys Phillips; Eddie Killeen, Hamad Kuku, Eoin Monahan, Jean Ganda; Zac Guilfoyle, Paul Martyn, Ethan Cronin, Gary McNaboe Nathn Rezende, Guillermo Perez Subs; John Allen for Killeen; Keith Shea for Rezende; Dylan Ryan for Guillermo, Darragh Madigan for Ganda; Niall Guinnane for Guilfoyle

A scoreless draw looked to be on the cards as Avenue and Bridge United headed into the last ten minutes of this tie on Sunday. Then Avenue supporters were rocked as Liam Buckley put the visitors into the lead. Avenue held firm and in the fourth minute of ‘injury time’ they levelled through Gary Roche after he latched onto a through ball from Elias Kunz and found the bottom corner for what may well prove to be one of their most crucial goals this season.

William Glass scored the all important goal as Mountshannon Celtic overcame Sporting Ennistymon on Sunday. The goal came from a penalty midway through the first half on a day when Joe Gallagher made some impressive saves while Sean McConigley saw an effort rebound off the crossbar while both Sean and Jamesy McConigley saw efforts rebound off the post.

O’CONNELL BAGS WINNER FOR SHANNON TOWN

SHANNON HIBS OVERCOME ENNIS TOWN

Avenue United; James Tierney; Cullen McCabe, Conor Mullen, Dylan Casey, Conor Hehir; Stephen Jordan, Alan Roche, Eoghan Thynne, Mark Roche; Philip Talty, Eliaz Kunz. Subs; Calum Barrett for Jordan; Gary Roche for Talty; Dylan Barry for A. Roche; Cian McDonagh for Thynne; Jamie Roche for Mullen. Bridge United A; Paul Tuohy; Leon Kelly, Michael Carr, Alan Mulready, Storm Devanney, Jonathan Downes, Conor Deasy, Liam Buckley, Paul Corry Leon Daly, Brian Corry; Subs; Steve Stewart for Deasy; Alex Collins for Carr; Kieran Quinlan for B. Corry; Brandon O’Halloran for P. Corry

Shannon Town A 3 Newmarket Celtic A 2 Venue: Lynch Park, Shannon

Neighbouring rivals Shannon Town A and Newmarket Celtic A provided a lively contest when they clashed in this Premier Division tie on Sunday which saw brothers Gary and Daithi O’Connell on opposite sides. Shannon Town took the lead through Jack Ryan but goals from Eoin Hayes and David McCarthy saw the champions ahead by the odd goal in three at half time. Early in the second half Jack Kelly rose highest in the area to head home the equaliser following a Shannon Town corner. The game had entered the final quarter when Gary O’Connell struck for what proved

VALUABLE VICTORY FOR MOUNTSHANNON

Sporting Ennistymon 0 Mountshannon Celtic 1

Sporting Ennistymon; Joe Gallagher; Ciaran Monaghan, Jamesy McConigley, Tiernan Hogan; Darren McNamara, Thierry Bouton, Chris O’Keeffe, Shane Kearney, Michael Leigh; Cathal McConigley, Sean McConigley. Subs; Dara Flynn for Bouton; Sean Crowe for Kearney. Mountshannon Celtic; Andy O’Dwyer; Niall Minogue, Niall Dear, Michael Barrett, Oran Scanlan; Martin Cunningham, Ronan Dooley, Luke Sugrue, Paddy Fitzgerald; John Scanlan, William Glass; Subs: Guy Vigurs for Cunningham; Seam Browne for Minogue;

Ennis Town 1 Shannon Hibs A 4

Shannon Hibs proved too strong for an understrength Ennis Town in this Premier Division tie on Sunday. Gary Leahy (2), Darragh Leahy and Billy Connors were the goalscorers for the winners on a day when Paddy Bugler scored for Ennis Town, his goal levelling the tie at 1-1 midway through the opening half. The winners led 3-1 at the interval.

Ennis Town A: Peadar O’Keeffe; Declan Ensko, Adam Fleming, Stephen Horgan, Emanual Ikiebu, Peter O’Brien, Paddy Bugler, Evan White, Conor McQuillan, Donal O’Halloran, Darragh Murphy Shannon Hibs A; Damian Casey; Pa Devanney, Bobby O’Connell, Julian Woods, Stephen Tuohy; Gary Leahy, Ciaran McKee, Mikey Wall, Dean Devanney, Billy Connors, Darragh Leahy; Subs; Darren O’Loughlin for P. Devanney; Jack Hannah for D. Leahy; Adam Ryan for D. Devanney

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26-05-22

pg 32

Western Seahawks take Dublin Masters Cup Basketball in the region got another major boost at the weekend when Western Seahawks took the 2022 Dublin Masters Womens cup back to the West, coming out on top of 20 teams. The team is made up of players from Cascaders Ennistymon, Kilrush, Ennis and a player each from Limerick and Tipperary. The team came together for the inaugural National Masters Cup, and they lost out to Killester in the quarter final game played at Ennistymon in March. The Dublin event is the largest Masters event in Ireland with 46 teams from Ireland, UK and Europe taking part. It made its return after a two year Covid break. This was the first victory at the Master’s level for a Clare based side. The squad has only come together since January and despite having a much larger panel only eight were available for this Tournament.

Slam dunk for Ennis NS & Knockanean ENNISTYMON was the venue for the Marion Keane basketball tournament last weekend. Ennis National School’s boys team and Knockanean NS’s girls side were crowned the 2022 winners. Domas Kasparavicius of Ennis NS and Bridgetown’s Caitlin Hayes won the Most Valuable Player accolades.

St Mochulla’s Tulla finished second in the boys competition, St Flannan’s of Inagh were third with fourth spot secured by Carrigaholt. In the girls, silver was secured by Bridgetown, third spot for Moyasta and Toonagh finished fourth. 48 primary schools took part in the two competition which involved coor-

dinating 94 teams. This year the host school was Mol an Óige CNS and the finals were held in the Community Centre in Ennistymon. Having played several games from the first blitz in round one to the final on Friday it was very evident that the children enjoyed themselves, showcasing their basketball skills, their

ability to be a team player and be great ambassadors to their schools. Last week, Basketball Ireland awarded the Marion Keane tournament the ‘Primary Schools Appreciation Award’ for 2022. Marion’s parents Dan and Carmel and her sister Niamh attended the ceremony to accept the award.

Ladies to fore in Limerick Last Thursday at Limerick Greyhound Stadium proved to a great evening for some of the magnificent women associated with Local Greyhound Racing. First up to record a treble was Mary Crotty from O’Briensbridge, Mary is well known for her Inislosky Prefix – and Inislosky Jasper and Romeo won their respective races last night in 29.54 & 29.35, and the treble was completed with Raramanda in 29.60 who Mary trains. Cooraclare’s Anne Carey is also considered a remarkable lady of the greyhound fraternity. She recorded a double on the with her kennel charges – Gower Pam and Gower Jet – Pam a daughter of Droopys Roddick and Clounanna Pam landed her fifth career win in 29.57 and Jet a son of Droopys Jet and Cloon Glory recorded career win number 14 in 29.70. Mine Robin recorded her tenth career win for Mary Browne from Quin, this daughter of Velvet John Joe and Sawdust Café stopped the clock in 29.29. The opening round heats of the Greyhound & Petworld Golden Muzzle A1 550 featured on last Saturdays night’s Limerick card. Loxley is never too far away from victory when lining out at Limerick and Sean Stack of Sixmilebridge’s runner recorded his thirteenth win in heat three. Loxley is much better when drawn away from the fence and he broke swiftly from trap four to sit second behind Second Captain. However, quickly taking control entering the back, Loxley showed brilliant determination and the son of Laughil Blake and Rallying Way kept on well to cross the line one length ahead of Second Captain in 30.10. Speedie Syd is a greyhound whose stock continues to rise and Padraig Fannin of Ennis’ runner made it three wins on the spin in the final heat of the night. Running from trap four, Speedie Syd showed a nice turn of early gear to take charge rounding the opening

corner. Holding a one length lead into the back, the son of Droopys Sydney and Urban Time maintained a powerful skip throughout and despite the best intentions of the fast finishing Grouchos Cain in second. There was also racing on Thursday night last at Galway Greyhound Stadium. Sues Posh a son of Cable bay and Millbank Posh landed his fourth career success for Tubber’s Johnny Burke in 29.51 and there was further success for Stephen Murray when Arrowhead duly obliged in 28.86, Stephen who was Galway’s leading trainer in 2021 is well on course for that accolade again if his recent form continues – Arrowhead, a son of Pat C Sabbath and Krystalise is owned by Kevin Ryan. The Shane Counihan owned Tradesman bounced right back to his very best form in the A3 graded eighth contest as he made all the running to defeat Pats Best Girl by two and three quarter lengths at the line in 29.08 . The Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained son of Droopys Jet & Beeves Rock was very smartly into his stride and rounding the opening bend he led Pats Best Girl and Erril Star by two lengths . Racing down the back Tradesman set sail for home and at halfway led by over four lengths and although Pats Best Girl always gave chase the result was never really in any doubt from the halfway mark. The outcome of the A2 graded seventh contest was decided at the penultimate bend as the Kieron and Bridget Nugent owned Dynamic Diva swept round the outside of the entire field to win by three and a half lengths in 29.50. Racing towards the opening bend Marlay Star led from Bumblebee Seamus with Blue Puma in third place rounding the second bend. Racing towards the third bend the field began to tighten up and here the winner settled the outcome in a matter of strides as the inside runners crowded leaving Dynamic Diva to race clear.

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pg 33

26-05-22

Clare Cup final

Russell eager to end Newmarket reign PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

ILVERWARE must be obtained if Avenue Utd’s season is to be classed as a success, the manager of the ten-time Clare Cup champions has outlined. David Russell - in his third season over the Ennis club - is determined to end their first team’s trophy drought of almost a decade and in the process believes it could bring the curtain down on one of the top sides in Clare soccer. Speaking to The Clare Echo, he said, “We haven’t won a trophy since 2013 which is criminal in my eyes as a player and a manager. “Newmarket have been steps ahead of everyone, us included, we’ve bridged the gap hugely but it will count for nothing if we don’t win at least one of the two trophies we’re fighting for.” During his days at centre half with the club he won four Clare Cup titles and four Premier Division medals. “I retired after being beaten in the final three or four years ago against Newmarket Celtic, the last minute extra time winner sickened us. Newmarket have been the most dominant team in Clare football history and I don’t think a nine in-a-row will ever be done again.”

Entering management was not always on the agenda even though he had been over U14, U16, minor and U21 sides for Éire Óg’s footballers. “It is a club I’ve played with for over 20 years so I suppose it was a natural progression to go into it and hopefully this will be the start of a successful couple of years for the club which is needed, Newmarket have had their domination, we’re trying our best to stop them but the club needs to be at the top table again.” This season has been an education, particularly their runs in the FAI and Munster Junior Cups where they bowed out in the last 16 stage of both. Undoubtedly there has been positivity associated with such runs but Russell stressed how imperative it is they back this up by winning at the weekend and again on Wednesday in the league decider. “Someone said before ‘it is David Russell’s obsession to stop Newmarket’. I’m the manager of Avenue, I want to win, I don’t care who is in front of me.” Given that he is a native of Clarecastle and an Avenue stalwart, it is plausible to see why the suggestion can be thrown around that Russell would have a strong disdain for Newmarket-on-Fergus. “Would you believe I actually don’t dislike Newmarket. I’ve great respect for them so I do, the likes of Eoin O’Brien and Eoin Hayes even though they are only young men to

Avenue Utd manager, David Russell ahead of a crunch week for the club

play that long at that level, to get as close to an FAI Cup final as they did, to get to Munster Junior finals, I admire that sort of thing, it’s a bit of banter, I’ve great admiration for them but I’d love nothing more than to beat them in a Cup final.” Such a win could also be the end of Newmarket Celtic, he believes. “100 percent it would be a nail in

the coffin. It’s been an extended cycle of success, usually clubs have a four to five year cycle, these guys have been at the top for ten years, if we can somehow manage to win one or two of them then their hunger to come back for another year at 34, 35, 36 and Paddy Purcell is 41 or 42, can they come back for the well another time, I don’t know

Photo by Natasha Barton

but this would be a step along the way to stopping their domination.” He has the task of having down Celtic not once but twice and in the space of a matter of days. “I’m looking forward to it and the whole county is talking about it, the two biggest clubs playing two biggest games of the year within four days”.

Elias' emergence has revitalised Avenue's renewed attack for top honours

Elias Kunz

Photo by Natasha Barton

SO FAR as star signings in Clare sport are concerned, you can put Elias Kunz to the top of the list for this year, writes Páraic McMahon. His addition to the Avenue Utd attack has been instant, and it is no coincidence that Elias’ arrival has propelled them to a first Clare Cup final in four years, memorable runs in the Munster and FAI Junior Cups, not to mention they are one point away from winning the Premier Division. Twenty-two year old Elias definitely wouldn’t admit to that, given his modest nature, but the 30-plus goals he has bagged prove the point. “It’s been a good season so far. I’ve had no real injuries they are usually the stoppers. It’s been going well, playing with such a good team makes such a big difference, I’m delighted I came here this season.” For him it was a seamless transition. “There was no hostility. You always have to prove yourself if you join a new team. In terms of making new friends it has been pretty easy because the guys are so friendly and so supportive, it’s such a

good atmosphere when you come to training or matches.” Leaving Ennis Town FC was no easy decision given that he was their marquee player and talisman. “I became so accustomed to the club and everyone recognised me there as a friend and a face ... it was tough to leave Ennis Town”. Moving to the Roslevan-based club has also opened Elias’ eyes to the rivalry between Avenue Utd and other clubs such as Saturday’s opponents, Newmarket Celtic. “The crowds can get a bit hostile sometimes but it’s a good atmosphere, it gets you going, it gets you pumped and excited for the games. When we played Ennistymon it was chaos at times, it’s nice to get a feel for it.” Avenue Utd boss, David Russell admits Elias “has been a massive find. He has 31 goals scored at the moment, we set him a target at the start of the season of 20 so he has blown that out of the water”. As well as turning 22 this month, Elias also completed his degree at the University of Limerick in technology management

and he is now on the hunt for a graduate job in manufacturing based industries or medical devices. Elias, who had a brief spell with Mervue United, is quite close with his older brother Lukas who previously lined out for Ennis RFC, Young Munster as well as representing the Irish U23 rugby side. The duo can regularly be spotted in Hustle Fitness, the gym owned by his Avenue teammate, Conor Mullen - their wait to be recognised as ‘members of the month’ remains a surprise, “It will come at one stage hopefully. I wouldn’t mind getting it so I hope Mully is reading this,” Elias laughed of the observation. He is also a member of Lahinch Golf Club, “that’s my go to hobby to escape and switch off, it’s a change of pace it’s slower, it calms the mind and you’ve the sea air”. Back to the serious stuff, his last experience of a Cup final of any description is a 6-0 defeat while lining out for Ennis Town, “it wasn’t ideal, I haven’t been to one since so it’s nice to get back and still be in the run for the title hunt in different competitions,” he adds.

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pg 34

Clare Cup final BANNER CARPETS & FLOORING CLARE CUP FINAL: AVENUE UNITED V NEWMARKET CELTIC; 5PM SATURDAY, FRANK HEALY PARK

ALAN ROCHE

CALLUM BARRETT

DYLAN CASEY

SHANE BROWNE

CONOR HEHIR

ELIAS KUNZ

CONOR MULLEN

STEPHEN JORDON

TOMÁS HEHIR

DYLAN BARRY

GARY ROCHE

JAMES TIERNEY

JAMIE ROCHE

MARK ROCHE

MIKEY DINAN

PHILIP TALTY

DAVID O’GRADY

TRICIA O’DONNELL

DAVID RUSSELL

EAMON REILLY

PHYSIO

MANAGER

pg 35

26-05-22

Clare Cup final CLARE SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: ÉIRE ÓG VS KILMURRY IBRICKANE

ALAN KELLY

CAEL GAFFNEY

CATHAL HAYES

CIARAN McCOY

CONOR McDAID

DAITHÍ O’CONNELL

DARREN CULLINAN

DAVID McCARTHY

DAVID O’GRADY

DAVY LENNON

DERMOT GANNON

RONAN McCORKMACK

EOIN HAYES

EOIN KELLY

MARK O’MALLEY MANAGER

EOIN O’BRIEN

GEAROID O’BRIEN

JAMES FAHY

SHANE CUSACK

MARTIN McMAHON

STEPHEN KELLY

PADDY PURCELL

PATRICK McDAID

DONAL Magee COACH

OWEN McCARTHY KITMAN

26-05-22

pg 36

Clare Cup final

O’Malley hoping for Rosey outcome by PÁRAIC McMAHON

RED is the Rose is the anthem often belted out in the aftermath of Newmarket Celtic claiming silverware - it may not always be easy on the ears when kitman Owen McCarthy gets going but the hope for manager Mark O’Malley is that some rendition will be heard from his charges this weekend. Apt in a way that the ballad is originally sung by the High Kings because within Newmarket Celtic, the O’Malley clan can certainly be classed as High Kings in their own right. His father Mike represented and managed the club’s A team as did his brother Mikey who also had the distinction of lining out for Clare on several occasions including the Oscar Traynor winning side of 2004. Reflecting on the family ties to the club, Mark said, “You know what the O’Malleys are like in Newmarket when it comes to soccer, you’re born with a ball in your hand. It’s funny, my Dad says ‘give it up, it’s taking up too much of your time’ and I tell him ‘I’m only doing it because you got me involved so you’re to blame!’ We love the club, my brother Damien is starting out doing a bit of management now, it comes with the territory.”

Mark, himself a no-nonsense full-back in his time, is the holder of two Premier Division medals. “There’s a tradition with our family, Mikey played with Newmarket, I played with Newmarket, we both captained Newmarket, we’ve both managed Newmarket to Cup finals, my Dad won a Premier and has definitely been involved with the A team over the years.” Now in his second season over the club’s first team, Sparky is determined to oversee the retention of the League and Cup titles. This time round, they must win in their final League clash to be crowned champions while as with every Cup final, they must get the result on the day. “There’s not much between the two teams compared to other seasons, we won the Cup semi-final against Avenue A last year 4-0, we played their B team then in the final but Avenue are a lot stronger this year, they’ve a lot of lads that have come through and younger lads that have gone further down the road, we class this as a 50-50 game, we’re looking forward to it but it will be a tough ask.” Along with the headeache of just a fiveday window between the Cup final and league deciding games, injuries and the loss

of players such as Callum McNamara signing for Treaty Utd have also resulted in the Kilkishen resident reaching for a Panadol. “We’ve been picking up niggles and injuries but you get that during the season, we’ve probably been unlucky with a few of them but you have to continue what you are doing and prepare, that’s why we have a 22 man squad every year to deal with this. Now we’re probably in the best shape we have been in the last 12 months, we’re happy coming into this game.”

We have a good mix of youngsters coming through, they are all really impressing in training and now they have been given a chance in the busy run-in we’ve had, they’ve taken their chance as well.” A need to rejig the Newmarket side has been apparent in recent seasons, he acknowledged. “That’s always the case, you need to freshen things up, ideally you want to bring one or two players through a season and if they can come from your Youths team even better.” Last season both Newmarket and Avenue faced off in a bizarre six minute refixture. “That six minute match was strange in the sense that we held the lead going into it, we knew that if we saw out the six minutes we would be good to go on and win the league, as it turned out we scored another goal within 60 seconds or so. I can’t really describe it, it was hard to prepare for it, we warmed up

fully as if we were preparing for a full game knowing the whistle was going to go in six minutes, there was two halves so it was a bit crazy,” he recalled. Looking ahead to Saturday, David surmised, “The Cup final will take care of itself, I haven’t looked as far ahead as the League game yet. I’m really looking forward to the Cup final. Since I’ve been here, I haven’t had a season where we didn’t get to the final so it’s to be expected and we demand it from ourselves as players, we want to continue this run for the club as long as we can. “I know I’m part of it but when you look at it, some of the great Avenue sides have only done three in a row and same for Newmarket teams before that, for us to have nine in a row and looking to complete ten is surreal”. While Avenue have had the upperhand in their encounters this season, the big-day experience is a powerful tool in Newmarket’s armoury, McCarthy argued. “We had the Hugh Kelly final, we were off the back of a few poor results, they were on the

Mark O’Malley Photo by Natasha Barton

Due to being cup-tied in 2000 and taking charge of the B team at the beginning of the nine-in-a-row, Sparky missed out on winning a Cup as a player, for the clash of Newmarket A vs B in the 2018 Cup final he did come out on the losing side. “Unfortunately I’ve no Cup medal but I got into management early. Managing and playing are two totally different things, it’s a totally different challenge. I like it, the same principles apply; you’re working for the club and trying to make sure the club does well.” Adding young players to the fold was part of the stall set out by O’Malley and coach Donal Magee at the beginning of the campaign. “Tadhg Noonan is only 18 but he is as strong as any man I’ve met, we’ve five or six on the panel, they’ve been with us constantly, even if they don’t get a game I want them involved getting used to the bigger games and meeting the squad, seeing how we prepare, they are buying into it and they love it.” Securing ten Clare Cup titles in a row would mark history for Newmarket Celtic and Clare soccer, should they accomplish it, then it would be fitting to have an O’Malley leading them on their way.

Serial winner McCarthy looking to fulfill ‘surreal’ 10 cups in-a-row PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

UCCESS brings with it an inherent self-belief and this can steel Newmarket Celtic to hold off a fancied Avenue Utd in their quest to retain the Clare Cup and Premier Division titles, according to David McCarthy. Now in his seventh season with Newmarket Celtic having transferred from Avenue Utd, McCarthy as one of the players in the county quickly established himself as an invaluable member of the Celtic attack. Over the past two years and the intermittent lockdowns, the Ennis native at times questioned if he was prepared to return the sport and give the commitment required but he quickly found the answers he was looking for. “I think COVID gave me a new lease of life. I got to spend some time at home with the family and the kids, then suddenly I got a new lease of life and got reinvigorated when we came back after lockdown, sometimes you can take sport for granted until you can’t do it, certainly after COVID it has given me a new pep in my step, I’ve applied myself fully and I’m really enjoying my soccer.” Adding to the freshness has been the introduction of his younger brother Martin to the A team squad for the first time. “It’s great to have him on the A team, he is a very good young player, he’s here to play Youths and U19s, he has impressed the management with his showings there and he’s been called up to the first team with Cael Gaffney, Davy Lennon, James Fahy and Eddie Shaw.

crest of a wave and we turned them over that night, we have senior players, experienced players who have been there and done that, they may not have that - we have serial winners in the squad, experience does count for something.” Preparation for Cup finals changes in comparison for your typical Sunday morning league fixture, he admitted. “It’s a little bit different, you’ve got to go and take into consideration you might have more of a crowd, it might be a Saturday evening fixture which it is, food preparation the timing needs to be right, for a Sunday morning with an 11am kickoff you’ll just have breakfast before the game but for this one, you have to time your meals to optimise your performance. It’s different in that sense but in terms of going and playing the game, we take every game as it comes.” As a player, McCarthy has won eight Clare Cups, a handful of Premier Division titles and two Oscar Traynor medals, he has no intentions of slowing down just yet but certainly has his eye fixed on management and coaching. “I love playing the game, I would imagine myself going into a coaching role or management at some point, not yet. I know what you’re thinking, there’s still a few more years left in me. As soon as my time comes up I will probably go into management. I love live soccer, I watch TV but I prefer local live soccer, when a game is on locally I will try make my way to it, especially if it’s in Frank Healy Park because then it’s usually a Cup final or league play off decider.”

Photo by Natasha Barton

pg 37

26-05-22

MUNSTER U19 FINAL: ENNIS TOWN V MIDLETON FC; 7:30PM FRIDAY, TURNER’S CROSS, CORK CITY

Munster Final a chance for Ennis Town FC to make massive statement SECURING a provinsial title would represent a major statement for Ennis Town FC’s to become one of the leading soccer forces in the county, writes Páraic McMahon. An impressive cup run with wins over Rockmount from Cork and Tramore FC have seen Ennis Town upset the odds already, they travel to Turners Cross to play Midleton FC for Friday’s Munster U19 final which has a 7:30pm kick-off. Manager of the Ennis side, Tony Downey is described by mentor Cillian Murphy as “the brains” of the operation, he has already watched their Cork opponents in action on three different occasions giving the Clare representatives an edge on their counterparts with the level of insight at their disposal. They are joined on the management by Denis Collins, Declan Cassidy and Liam Kelly. Downey has devised a plan which he is confident will see them crowned Munster champions. “They will give us a totally different game in comparison to the semi-final against Tramore who would be very similar to us, a good footballing side who keep the ball on the ground, strong up top with good strikers but these guys are totally different, they are big and strong all-round, they’re like a strong GAA side. We have a plan in place, we’ve a full profile down of all their players, we have a plan going forward to beat them”. Defender Johnson Mununkum is ruled out of the final after tearing his cruciate ligament, Mikey Kelleher of Killimer is trav-

The Ennis Town FC management team

elling but the return of Thomas Collins is timely. He has also been in charge of the club’s Premier Division side and admitted a conscious decision was made to try blood as many young players as possible this season. “It made a big difference to them because it strengthened them up and when they came back to their own age-group they were a lot stronger.

Photo by Natasha Barton

By the calculations of the self-employed accountant, Ennis Town can become annual title contenders for the Premier Division if they retain the bulk of this U19 side who he hopes to see become Munster champions, noting that both Newmarket and Avenue are both “ageaing” sides in his opinion. “This could be a major turning point for Ennis Town”. For Murphy, the season’s turning point

came in their win over Rockmount at Lees Rd, “we thought this time were going to come up, be big and be on top of us, our lads were on it that day, they played exactly how we wanted them to, it all clicked, that day is when I thought this time had it”. Finishing off their underage careers with a win of this magnitude would be fitting, Collins remarked of the hard-working squad. “This team have been together for a long time, this is a final assault before going into adult soccer, they’ve been very successful at U16s and U17s, they missed out on Youths last year because of COVID, they are a great bunch of lads, great soccer players, it is a culmination of all the hard work they have put in, it’s been a long season and a lot of them have been involved with our juniors who went a long way in the FAI and in Munster. We’d love to see the boys get over the line, it would be a great lift for them”. Claiming a provincial title would also strengthen their armour in the bid to retain players, both with the club and the sport, the Garda believed. “It’s always an age where you have lads being pulled away with college etc but for lads interested in playing soccer that might be on the fringes of other clubs or have stopped playing and want to get back into it, they might see us as a team that want to play football, it would benefit us greatly and it would be brilliant to keep these lads, it would be a great incentive going forward”.

CHANCE OF MAKING HISTORY DRIVES ON ENNIS TOWN by PÁRAIC McMAHON

ENNIS TOWN FC are hoping to become the first Clare club to be crowned Munster U19 champions, the sense of history attached with the occasion is not lost on the players. They face off with Midleton FC in Friday’s final at Turners Cross having already defied the odds to reach the juncture. Striker Dean Hegarty admitted that this has been their target all throughout a busy season. “We’ve been training all year for it, our main goal was to get to the final of this year more than anything because no other team has got there from Clare, we’re there now, it’s one more game now”. Kilnamona’s Hegarty joined the club at the beginning of this season from Avenue Utd. “It has been very welcoming since I joined, I felt like all the young players going to the seniors this year has improved us a lot strength wise as a team and has given us more belt heading into the final,” he said of his first year with Ennis Town. An engineering student at the University of Limerick, he has sacrificed

evenings at The Stables throughout the competition, something he says has been worth it. Although he is well aware of what’s at stake, Dean is cognisant of the dangers posed by hyping up a contest too much, “It’s just another game, there’s no need to hype it up because that’s where you can lose it. We’re going down to play a normal game”. Offering a big boost to the side is the return of Thomas Collins to the heart of their defence. A knee injury ruled him out of action for Michael Neylon’s Clare U20 gaelic football side but he’s glad to be back in action, “I’ve been busy with the U20s, I was injured for a while but I’m coming back into it now, it’s the perfect time to come back fully fit, for a final. I’m over the injury now, fully fit and ready for Friday”. A Leaving Certificate student at Rice College, Collins noted that there has been a bit of anticipation building for the fixture. “Around the school the boys would be coming up to me about it, Johnson as well is in Rice College, teachers have heard about it and have been mentioning it too. It’s good to see around the town, a few of our friends will

be coming down to watch it, it’s good to have that support”. Adapting to different game plans has been a strength of theirs throughout the season, the Lissycasey defender believed. “To be fair to Tony Downey he does so much work with us, he went down to suss out Tramore and they were a very good side, they were the favourites to win this, I wasn’t playing that day but the boys set up very well, anything he has said we’ve adapted to it fairly quick to get the job done”. Robbie Gormley was among the members of the Ennis Town side to watch Midleton FC in action in the Munster semi-final against Tulla Utd. The contest has given them an awareness of what to expect on Friday night, “We would probably be a better ball team than them but they are dogged, they will go for 90 minutes, they are dangerous from set pieces”. A chance to create history is one they need to grasp, the winger maintained. “We’re not just playing for ourselves, we’re playing for our managers and the county, we want to be the first Clare team to win a Munster final and push ourselves to the max”.

Thomas Collins Photo by Natasha Barton

26-05-22

pg 38

MUNSTER U19 FINAL: ENNIS TOWN V MIDLETON FC; 7:30PM FRIDAY, TURNER’S CROSS, CORK CITY

THOMAS COLLINS

DEAN HEGARTY

CONOR McQUILLAN JOE CAMPBELL

LUKE PYNE

JASHAR ALIU

CONOR MEANEY

CONALL MEADE

ROBBIE GORMLEY

IAN McGUANE

LUCAS KELLY

EVAN WHITE

DARREN KEANE

HUBERT KANTECKI

DARRAGH KILLEEN

JACK KELLEHER

CHIBI KING

MIQUEIAS REGUIRA SEÁN PERILL SILVA

CILLIAN MURPHY

DECLAN CASSIDY

COACH

DENIS COLLINS COACH

JOHNSON MUNUNKUM

LIAM KELLY COACH

TONY DOWNEY MANAGER

OBITUARIES 39

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

Recent Deaths Bermingham (née Madigan), Maura Kilrush, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday, 24th May 2022

Hayes, John Francis O’Briensbridge, Clare Date of Death: Sunday, 22nd May 2022

Brogan, Sean Scariff, Clare Date of Death: Thursday, 19th May 2022

Breen (née Lillis), Ettie Kilrush, Clare Date of Death: Friday, 6th May 2022

Healy, James G. (Jim) Liscannor, Clare Date of Death: Monday 9th May 2022

Cooper (née O’Loughlin), Eileen Kildysart, Clare Date of Death: Monday, 23rd May 2022

Mounsey, Martin Ennis, Clare Date of Death:Monday, 23rd May 2022

Kelly (née Griffin), Jenny (Jane) Carrigaholt, Clare Date of Death: Thursday, 19th May 2022

Custy, James (Jimmy) Kilrush, Clare Date of Death: Monday, 23rd May 2022 Donnellan (née Madden), Nora (Peggy) Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare Date of Death: Tuesday, 24th May 2022 Kelly, Ruth Ennistymon, Clare Date of Death: Sunday, 22nd May 2022

Tevlin, Michael Kilrush, Clare Date of Death: Sunday, 22nd May 2022 O’Malley, Jerry Miltown Malbay, Clare Date of Death: Saturday, 21st May 2022 Griffin, Sr. Agnes (Pat) Kilrush, Clare Date of Death: Sunday, 15th May 2022 McCabe (née Byrne), Anne (Lourde) Clarecastle, Clare Date of Death: Saturday, 21st May 2022

Moloney, Michael Ruan, Clare Date of Death: Thursday, 19th May 2022 O’Brien, Eileen Lisdoonvarna, Clare Date of Death: Friday, 20th May 2022 Foran, Vincent Doonbeg, Clare Date of Death: Monday, 16th May 2022 Lynch (née Leahy), Mary Clarecastle, Clare Date of Death: Wednesday, 18th May 2022

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BREAFFY SOUTH, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE Take notice that P. Sexton intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission demolish part of existing dwelling, to extend existing dwelling and connect to existing septic tank at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision

on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ARDNACRAA, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE Take notice that Fiona Considine & Conor Cawley intend to apply for permission to build a new dwelling, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the

date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ‘JOY LODGE’, BALLYNACRAGGA, NEWMARKET-ONFERGUS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Michael Keating Dip. Arch. (phone 0858421780), on behalf of Róisin Murphy & James McNamara, intends to apply to Clare County Council for full permission to construct a two-storey extension to the rear of existing building, construct new garage, connect to existing septic tank, demolish existing garage and carry out all ancillary site works at ‘Joy Lodge’, Ballynacragga, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submis-

sion or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMMOD, BODYKE, CO. CLARE Permission for the construction of a dwelling house, garage, treatment unit and all associated site works is being sought by Edele Hughes. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority

on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOONOGAN, MULLAGH, CO. CLARE Take notice that D. Cunningham intends to apply to the Planning Authority for retention permission for the following; a) the alterations and rear extension to the existing dwelling house b) the garage/shed as constructed along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority

in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKADEREEN, COORACLARE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Johnny Keogh is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a slatted house incorporating a calving area and loose housing along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council Planning Department, Áras Chontae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to

the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

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QUIZ

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

The Clare Echo Quiz FAMOUS FIGURES IN CLARE’S HISTORY

Boru claimed which title in The Clare election of 1828 was 1LordBrian the year 1002? 6 a turning point in which political figure’s career? of the Shannon King of Munster High King of Ireland

Brian Boru was slain in 1014 at 2 which battle? Battle of the Boyne Battle of Clontarf Battle of Dysert O’ Dea

Daniel O’ Connell Stuart Parnell Michael Cusack

Clare Schoolmaster Peter O’ 7 Connell is most noted for? His maps of the Burren region His Irish-English dictionary His poetry of 19th c. Ireland

John Phillip Holland of Liscannor Bishop Michael Harty created 3 is know for his invention of? 8 which Parish in 1967? The Fling Dance of Clare Scariff Michael Cusack founded the GAA in which year? 1884 1886 1882

Sharon Shannon is renowned for 9 her mastery of which instrument? Accordion

Eamon De Valera was elected for which Clare Constituency in 1919? West Clare East Clare North Clare

l QUESTION 1: Brian Boru claimed which title in the year 1002?

Fiddle Tin-Whistle

Harriet Smithson was a famous _ from Ennis? Women’s Rights Activist Actress Novelist

Spot the Difference Can you spot the difference? Spot the 7 differences. The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. Daniel O’ Connell 7. His Irish-English dictionary 8. Shannon 9. Accordion 10. Actress

Shannon Kildysart

ANSWERS

1. High King of Ireland 2. Battle of Clontarf 3. The Submarine 4. 1884 5. East Clare

The bodhrán The Submarine

Last weeks Answers . GAA on Clare jersey missing . O’neills on limerick jersey missing . An Clár missing on football . Sock of Limerick player different colour

. o missing in centre of Pat O’Donnell logo . Stripe missing on Clare shorts . Stripe missing on Clare jersey

Clare v Limerick Photo by Gerard O’Neill

PUZZLE

THURSDAY, MAY 26 2022

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES MAY 26th

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

5/20/22, 9:46 AM

Canaletto

Turner

Dali

Warhol

Whistler

5 6

8 7

Goya

Manet

Ingres

3 2

Gauguin

Van Gogh

Matisse

Monet

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.

ANSWERS

HOW TO PLAY 1/2

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.

5 7 8

4 1

5 3

2 3 6

2 7

5 1

5 2

6 1

3 6

7 6

8 4

1 9

8 3

5/20/22, 9:46 AM

Seurat

Sargent

Rubens

Renoir

Pollock

Picasso

El Greco

How to play

Degas

Chagall

The Clare Echo Crossword

H A T

24 23

ent (7) atin) (2,3)

(5) 9

e (8) (4) 1

T A T

T O O

C O L O U R

B U D G E

R O W E R

(5) y Saints (7)

C L A R E

from Bordeaux (6)

U I

A D O R N

M O R M O N S

L O A M 2

I 3

O B S 4

10 5

T A C L 6

Daily Quick Crossword: 20 May 2022 ,5/20/2022 Michael Curl Creator Notes: A free daily online crossword that's not too difficult - just right for solving in your coffee break. http://bestforpuzzles.com

T 7

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