The Clare Echo 26/08/21

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AUG 26 2021

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CHILD ABUSER VOLUNTEERED AT VACCINE CENTRE

The Clare Echo can reveal that a 69-year old man who sexually abused his daughter for years was volunteering at Clare’s main Covid-19 vaccination centre.

Limerick man and former guesthouse owner, Oliver Haskett (above) pleaded guilty in 2013 to 12 counts of indecent assault of his daughter Sheila Ryan between January 1988 and December 31st, 1990, and a further 20 counts of sexual assault between September 1991 and December 1995.

In recent weeks, Mr Haskett had been volunteering as part of the vaccination team at Treacys West County Hotel in Ennis.

FULL STORY P6

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2 NEWS

Index NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

CLIFFS AWARDED GREEN CERT

2-16

GREENER CLARE

18

COLUMNISTS

19-21

GORT IN FOCUS

24-25

WORLD DOG DAY

26-28

RECRUITMENT

32-34

SPORT

35-41

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON

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

NEWSDESK

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

lJUMPING FOR JOY: The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience has recently achieved Green

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

Quilty mast extension approved

Business status and presented with a certificate of completion by the Fifty Shades Greener team. The programme is currently available for free to Irish hospitality businesses through collaboration with Kildare & Wicklow Education & Training Board, with funding from SOLAS. Thelma Hayes, Operations Manager at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, and the green team implemented various actions set out by the programme to help the Cliffs of Moher reduce electricity and water usage, as well as reducing the volume of waste produced in line with their sustainability goals .

“The 50 Shades Greener Course is a valuable tool for any business who wishes to implement an environmental management system and green culture into their business.

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience found immediate benefits for example finding out that our water usage went from 6.1 litres to 4.1 litres per visitor in one month.” explains Thelma.

Their goals for the coming 12 months include a reduction by 15% of CO2 per customer and installing a rainwater harvesting tank to further reduce their water consumption.

LANS for a mast extension in Quilty have been approved.

Lodged in June of this year

by Ontower Ireland Ltd, the plans to replace a 12 meter monopole with an 18 metre monopole tower were sanctioned by the planning authority this week.

Telecommunications and broadband equipment will be carried by the tower which is located at Ballymakea close to the village of Quilty.

Seven different conditions were listed by the planning authority in approving the development including that no advertising be displayed on the structure. The existing 12m high mast is to be removed within three months of the operation of the new structure.

Several submissions were made locally against the development including those from Annagh NS, Kilmurry Ibrickane GAA club, Quilty Tidy Towns, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF), Cllr Susan Crawford (GP) and local residents.

In December, plans to construct a 24 meter monopole in Quilty were rejected by the Council.

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Pyrite problems to be put to Minister for Housing PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE’S pyrite problem is to be highlighted to the Minister for Housing when he undertakes a visit to the county this Friday.

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien (FF) will make his first official visit to Clare since becoming Minister last June.

He will officially open the €1.23m Clare County Fire and Rescue Service Maintenance Workshop in Ennis which was completed in May. After this, Minister O’Brien will visit the Ashline social housing development in Ennis. The 40 house development is funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage with an approved budget of €10,534,481.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling will hold a meeting with Minister O’Brien on Friday morning while in the afternoon he will meet with representatives of the Clare Pyrite Action Group.

His trip will conclude in Broadford where the local action group will highlight their quest to bring in improved sewerage infrastructure to the East Clare village.

Mary Hanley’s home in Drumline, New-

market-on-Fergus which is one of the worst affected homes in the county from pyrite will be visited by the Dublin Fingal TD. All 72 members of the Clare Pyrite Action Group have been requested to attend this engage-

ment.

An interest in Clare matters has been taken

by Minister O’Brien throughout his term in office, Cathal Crowe TD (FF) stated, “Since Darragh O’Brien took up office he has been

Staycation crowds a timely lift for county’s economy

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE’S attraction as one of the country’s leading staycation destinations is what the local economy needed, a county councillor has stressed.

To cater for the influx in visitors to the county, additional resources were implemented across popular beaches including Kilkee, Spanish Point, Lahinch, Fanore and White Strand Miltown Malbay with fulltime cleaners at the toilet facilities.

Extended hours have been worked by Clare County Council’s outdoor crews to deal with large scale cleanups, toilet blockages and ongoing issues. Additional lifeguards were also employed by the local authority with additional bins installed in Kilkee and Lahinch while new toilet facilities were put in place at Fanore and Kilkee plus extra parking at Spanish Point.

Acting senior executive officer with the West Clare Municipal District, John O’Malley detailed that there has been a close working relationship with An Garda Síochána on traffic safety. O’Malley stated, “There are ongoing challenges to meet the demands placed on the West Clare MD by being in an area that attracts large numbers of staycationers with additional pressures in places such as Doolin, various parts of the UNESCO Burren Geopark, Seafield and other popular locations.

One of the main challenges in having such an attractive offering from the Flaggy Shore to Loop Head and the Shannon Estuary Way, is having the resources both in

lBOOST: Fanore terms of staffing and finances to maintain these areas to the level required”.

Planning for the season has been ongoing for a year, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) maintained. “This is what we want, this is what we market for, this is what the beauty of our area is for, we’ve never experienced this volume before but this is what our economy needs”. He was adamant that greater funding and resources must be provided “if our area is going to be the destination for the country”.

Swiftness in how Council crews have responded to issues such as tar melting on the road in Doonbeg were cited by Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) as some of the positive actions undertaken over the summer.

hugely engaging, often taking calls on weekends to deal with Clare issues. I am glad he will meet with pyrite members and he will see first-hand how pyrite has ravaged the home of Mary Hanley”.

Founder of the Clare Pyrite Action Group, Dr Martina Cleary said more than time will have to be given to homeowners affected by pyrite. “He has made the time to meet with affected homeowners but we need more than that, we need to be included in the redress scheme”.

Dr Cleary flagged that each winter, the problems are intensifying with pyrite infected homes in the county.

Department officials are aware of the issues pyrite has posed to people in Clare with a report completed by Clare County Council last month, this also revealed that two local authority built estates were infected by pyrite.

“There is no reason to exclude Clare from the redress scheme and leave the likes of myself and Mary Hanley with our houses to crumble,” the Crusheen woman stated.

Approximately 120 homes are known to be infected with pyrite in Clare but the figure is believed to be much higher, she said. “The Minister needs to know it is not just a couple of people in Clare, it is the same impact as in Mayo and Donegal”.

lMICA: Martina Cleary’s home in

Crusheen which is infected with pyrite

Shannon won’t get Cork routes during closure

by PÁRAIC McMAHON AER Lingus have confirmed that flights to Faro, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca will not be transferred from Cork Airport to Shannon Airport.

Next month, Cork Airport is to begin works over a ten week period on the reconstruction of its runway from September 13th to November 22nd.

It will be the largest construction project undertaken there since 2005 when a new terminal and ancillary buildings were erected.

As first reported by The Clare Echo, this is to result a daily Aer Lingus service from Shannon to London Heathrow commencing on September 13th.

This service is intended to operate for the duration of the closure.

Aircraft and cabin crew operating the Shannon to Heathrow service are to be based in Dublin Airport.

However, The Clare Echo has learned that this is the only planned addition to the offering at Shannon Airport due to Cork’s closure with routes to Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Faro transferring to Dublin Airport.

A spokesperson for Aer Lingus

told The Clare Echo, “Aer Lingus will continue to operate flights to Faro and Malaga from Dublin Airport during the runway closure at Cork Airport. Flights to Palma de Mallorca will also operate from Dublin Airport up until the end of the summer schedule, 30th October”.

Denis Vaughan of the Save our Shannon (SOS) action group has criticised Aer Lingus for failing to add the additional routes to Shannon albeit temporarily.

“The sidelining of Shannon Airport is unacceptable, Aer Lingus have a responsibility to the travelling public of the Mid-West and passengers flying to and from Shannon. We call on the Government to urgently intervene to address this crisis and for a new national aviation policy”.

He believed the approach was in line with Aer Lingus’ treatment towards Shannon. “This has been a long held policy of Aer Lingus for twenty years, they encourage passengers to Dublin Airport on cheaper fares and leave the more expensive routes for Shannon Airport”.

In May, Aer Lingus announced that it would no longer maintain its base at Shannon, where 83 cabin crew are employed.

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Clonlara housing development gets the green light ADD US ON SNAPCHAT

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l NEW HOMES: Permission

has been granted for 40 houses

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

LANNING permission has been granted for the construction of a 40 house development in Clonlara.

Clare County Council this week gave the green light to the development subject to 25 conditions after receiving ‘significant further information’, this included consent from the local GAA club to construct and maintain a sewer line across from their property.

Revised surface water drainage designs and revised design proposals for the attenuation tank must be submitted to the Council before the development can commence. Naming the estate after a local historical or topographical feature is also to be discussed between the developer and the County Council.

Last winter, plans were lodged by Ballysimon based DTW Construction Ltd for the construction of 70 houses on a 22 acre site located on what is known as Church Rd in the South-East Clare village. The development consists of four two-bedroom houses, thirty six three-bedroom units and thirty four-bedroom dwelling houses with 165 car parking spaces included.

Of the units, it was planned that fourteen will be detached, four will be split level and fifty two will be semi-detached. Plans also include new connections to public services including water and foul sewerage. Permission is also sought for vehicular and pedestrian entrances, access roads, footpaths, landscaping works, parking areas, boundary treatments and all ancillary site works.

In granting permission, the planning authority approved the construction of forty houses and stated that it would not “seriously injure the amenities of the area or of property in the vicinity and would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.

In what is proposed as a medium densi-

ty development, the site is bordered to the south by Clonlara GAA Club, to the east by the Limerick-Killaloe canal and to the north by agricultural fields.

A total of 22 protected bird species were recorded in the natura impact statement included with the plans, badgers and bats were among further protected species detected.

Objections had been lodged by Church Rd residents to the development. In a submission to the planning authority on their behalf, Tony Donnelly stated, ““We object in the strongest possible terms”. The submission which included fourteen signatures warned of a “serious impact on the standard of living of the village of Clonlara” and a “detrimental impact upon residential amenities”.

Mr Donnelly calculated that if granted the development would result in a twenty seven percent population increase for Clonlara with up 190 residents predicted to reside in the new estate.

Clonlara’s flooding history was flagged in a submission by Michael Caulfield as he described the area planned for development as “marshy boggy ground”. The size of the bedrooms and small parking spaces were also highlighted plus the impact to the physical infrastructure of the village.

Concern was also raised by Clonlara Development Group. Peggy Ryan stated that Clonlara’s population doubled between 1981 and 2006 and has further increased.

She detailed that the Clonlara Creche is fully subscribed with a “substantial” waiting list while Clonlara NS which in the last school year had 299 pupils and 20 teachers stands at full capacity. She noted that “very limited facilities” exist for teenagers in the vicinity and cautioned, “the youth club is struggling to cope with the numbers”.

Peggy outlined how Clonlara’s proximity to UL and Limerick City was making it a desirable area to reside and raise a family.

This brings with it advantages but could see the area become unsustainable, she flagged, “we can quickly lose our identity and become simply a dormitory area”.

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6 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Residents left with 'severe burns' from Giant Hogweed PÁRAIC MCMAHON

€

paraic@clareecho.ie

10,000 IN funding has been set aside to advance an invasive species eradication programme in SouthEast Clare.

A comprehensive programme to eradicate Giant Hogweed in Clonlara, Mountcatherine and Gillogue had been sought by Cllr Michael Begley (IND) “to include both public and private land”.

Senior executive engineer with the Shannon Municipal District, Tom Mellett confirmed that funding of €10,000 had been received from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage to advance an invasive species eradication programme focusing on the Blackwater River and Erinagh Canal on both public and private property.

Mellett confirmed that the Shannon MD has engaged a contractor to treat Giant Hogweed along the public road verges in Clonlara and Parteen. Two periods of treatment have taken place in 2021, he confirmed.

Frustration continues in South-East Clare

when it comes to Giant Hogweed, Cllr Begley stated.

“Nearly all of the Hogweed in my area has come to seed, that means it has spread. Even if one tenth comes to root, it will continue to spread rapidly”.

Begley added, “I really emphasise the necessity to have a programme in place and to have started it in an early part of the year when stalks are quite low and can’t go to seed.

This is one project I would not recommend the community having a part to play because of the potential health hazard”.

Residents have been left with “severe burns” on their neck and arms because of the Hogweed, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) cautioned.

Despite the Council’s commitment, the species remains a problem, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) stated.

“This invasive species is a big issue and can injure people using the public facilities. Half the trees in the county are dead because of ivy. We have a huge issue with invasive species”.

Hogweed is growing in Shannon Banks all along the walkway, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) informed Council officials at a recent meeting of the Shannon MD.

l DANGEROUS: Giant Hogweed is an invasive species

Sex abuser was volunteering at Clare vaccination centre

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A 69 YEAR old man who subjected his daughter to years of sexual abuse had been volunteering at Clare’s main COVID-19 vaccination centre, The Clare Echo has learned.

Limerick businessman and former guesthouse owner, Oliver Haskett appeared before Limerick District Court in 2013 where he pleaded guilty to 12 counts of indecent assault of his daughter Sheila Ryan between January 1988 and December 31st, 1990, and a further 20 counts of sexual assault between September 1991 and December 1995.

The offences occurred at the former family homes in Foynes, Kilcornan and Adare in Co Limerick. In her victim

Oliver Haskett

impact statement, Ms Sheila Ryan revealed how she had come close to suicide and how she struggled with depression, eating disorders and alcohol abuse as a result of her dysfunctional childhood.

Following the wishes of Ms Ryan not to send her father to jail, Judge Carroll Moran imposed a four year suspended jail term. Mr Haskett’s name appeared on the Register of Sex Offenders for five years up until 2018.

In recent weeks, Mr Haskett had been volunteering as part of the vaccination team at Treacys West County Hotel in Ennis.

When his identity became known in the past fortnight,

volunteers were sent home with Mr Haskett not appearing at the vaccination centre since then.

Volunteers informed The Clare Echo that there was no knowledge whatsoever of Mr Haskett’s history while he was assisting the roll-out of the vaccine, he now lives in South Clare.

Concerns regarding the Garda vetting process for volunteers has also been raised.

UL Hospitals Group who are responsible for the running of the vaccination centre told The Clare Echo that its policy means “it cannot comment on queries regarding named individuals, whether patients, personnel or otherwise, for reasons related to data protection and patient confidentiality”.

The spokesperson added, “UL Hospitals Group can confirm that where required under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016, personnel engaged by UL Hospitals Group are subject to Garda vetting. All relevant personnel working in the three vaccination centres operated by UL Hospitals Group, including Ennis, are Garda vetted and have the appropriate clearances”.

Shannon Masterplan slammed by Council

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

P

UBLIC consultation for the Draft Shannon Town Masterplan closes tomorrow (Friday) with strong criticism aired about its contents by elected representatives.

This closing date was pushed back in the wake of negative feedback surrounding the plan. It proposes the development of a main street for the town to the front of the Town Centre with an ‘Innovation District’ on the other side of the road.

A definition and sense of place is lacking in Shannon, the document stated. “This masterplan vision aims to give it that definition, by managing future growth and establish a place that captures and secures the benefit of growth for the local community. Shannon has been a place of innovation and promoting a healthy lifestyle since its inception, yet its town centre has never been the source of pride that Shannon deserves.

This masterplan vision is an attempt to improve the local townscape with new retail, community, housing, and public spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy”.

In order to develop a new main street, the plan suggests downgrading the R471 passing through Shannon Town and remove the roundabout linking it with the R472 connecting to the N19 which it believes would allow the road to become a street focusing on pedestrians, cyclists, and enable new retail and

service amenities to have a presence to the street.

An expanded and reinvigorated green town square is also proposed for where the Farmers Market is currently held.

There is a plan for a multifunctional building, which will serve various community uses and be known as the One Shannon Hub. Strong criticism of the plan was voiced

by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) who believed there had been more of a focus on meetings with stakeholders rather than public representatives and that the removal of the roundabout from the town centre would take away connectivity. “We’ve a proposal to downgrade this road outside here which is a fine road and could be used for main street, we’re talking about a main street from the Aviation Museum to the town centre not this SOP proposed as an innovation centre”.

He referenced a campaign two decades ago to stop the Council taking what was then the Town Park which was christened Rineanna Park. Plans to take away a large section of the new town park were also rebuked by the Shannon town representative. “This is what I’d describe as a disgraceful plan”. Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) was also against altering the current Town Park, “We need more amenities in Shannon not to be taking them away. The Loop Walk is used by a lot of people. The more amenities in Shannon the better, we shouldn’t be proposing in any shape or form to take them away”.

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

NEWS

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8 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

‘People deserve more than social media interaction’

by PÁRAIC McMAHON STRONG criticism has been voiced by North and West Clare councillors over the local authority’s interaction with communities on the County Development Plan 2022 – 2028.

An appeal was issued by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) at a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District for the Director of Economic Development, his team, the senior planner, the Director of Rural Development and West Clare MD acting senior executive officer to “visit each small town and large village and give opportunities to the local communities to present their priorities for sustainable development” as part of the plan.

Acting senior planner, Helen Quinn in a written reply detailed that preparation for the Clare County Development Plan 2022-2028 commenced in September 2020, with the first public consultation held a month later. She stated, “It would not be feasible for an event to be held in every town or large village within this public consultation period, however, I assure you that there will be in person events held in each MD area across the county.

Cllr Garrihy disputed the feasibility of detailed engagement with the public. “There is a perfect window of opportunity that aligns here. The answer at the end I’m getting is no and that there isn’t time or feasibility for the Director of Planning to visit towns and villages in North Clare, that is not acceptable. That answer isn’t good enough for something as significant as our County Development Plan”. He added, “The people of our county deserve something more than social media interaction for a plan running up to 2028”.

CK

Kilballyowen to go under the hammer

A

GUESTHOUSE which once welcomed thousands of visitors to West Clare is up for auction later this month, writes Páraic McMahon.

The hustle and bustle of tourists filtering through seven-bedroom Kilballyowen Lodge near Carrigaholt is long gone and it is now on the market for €130,000 at Youbid. ie’s latest online auction on August 26.

In need of a full refurbishment, the old style manor building has maintained its character.

The 340sq metre property, on 1.4 acres, is located close to the village of Cross and is 7km from Carrigaholt and 15km from Kilkee.

Youbid.ie’s previous livestreamed events have seen 83% of properties listed sold at an average of 14% over reserve prices.

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lAUCTION: Kilballyowen Lodge

Ongoing visitor ban at A&E 'disgraceful'

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CLARE councillors have voiced concern with the ongoing ban on visitors at the emergency department in University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

On Wednesday last, UL Hospitals Group confirmed that visiting restrictions introduced earlier this month in light of rising infection levels were to be eased.

Scheduled visits to inpatient wards have recommenced. Visiting slots are being offered at UHL (during the hours of 2-4pm and 6-9pm daily), and Ennis, Nenagh and Croom Orthopaedic Hospitals (2-4pm and 6-8pm daily). These timed visits are limited to one visitor per patient. The Emergency Department, Acute Surgical Assessment Unit, and Acute Medical Assessment Unit at UHL remain closed to visitors.

In recent weeks, county councillors urged the HSE to allow one person accompany patients to the ED in UHL. Over 200 seats are left vacant in the visitor section of the ED at UHL, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) claimed. He recalled his own recent experience of undergoing a procedure at the hospital where his wife had to wait in the car for three hours late at night. “They should be entitled to sit in the waiting room, it is just not right, the HSE needs to reverse this decision, it is the height of ignorance, there is ample space for social distancing”.

“It is very wrong,” Cllr John Crowe (FG) said of loved ones having to wait in their cars. Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) added, “The accommodation should be met so long as there is adequate provision for social dis-

lFEAR FACTOR: UHL ED waiting room tancing. It is something the HSE needs to look at in UHL”.

A fear factor is developing as a result of the restrictions, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) stated. “With social distancing and the place nearly half empty, older people being made wait in their own cars, both men and women made wait for hours it is unbelievable. It makes older people very nervous to put it mildly. Being in a strange area in the darkness makes people afraid”.

Further criticism was voiced by Cllr Shane Talty (FF). “A trip to A&E by its nature is unplanned. I don’t think it is good enough,” he said.

Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) commented, “You have a lot of vulnerable persons that attend that need the support of their partner, friend or companion, it is disgraceful in a way people who are in those positions are treated.

Concern was raised by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), “I would hate to think we will use COVID and social distancing to make things more difficult for people”.

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

New principals appointed in Kilkee, Killaloe & Ennistymon PÁRAIC MCMAHON

N

paraic@clareecho.ie

EW principals have been appointed to secondary schools in Kilkee, Killaloe and Ennistymon.

On Monday, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (LCETB) confirmed the appointment of new principals and deputy principals at St Joseph’s Community College, Kilkee, St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe and Ennistymon Vocational School.

All appointments will be effective from September 1st with the positions arising following retirements.

An active member of the local community, Agnes Hehir has been appointed as the principal of St Joseph’s in Kilkee. She had been deputy principal for the past four years and was conferred with a Masters of Arts in 2012 from University of Limerick and is currently completing a Masters in Educational Leadership.

Rebecca Conlon has also been appointed to the school as deputy principal. She has been working in Coláiste Bríde, Clondalkin, for the past two years as a member of middle management and a teacher of science and maths. The current principal of St Joseph’s Community College, Theresa O’Donnellan has retired.

Following Aideen Walsh’s retirement as principal of St Anne’s Community College, Killaloe, Eukaria O’Grady has been an-

nounced as her successor. Eukaria is currently Deputy Principal with Limerick Educate Together Secondary School, which opened in September 2018. She was conferred with a Masters of Education in 2014 from UCC and a Postgraduate Diploma in SEN in 2012 from University of Limerick.

Beverley Hartigan has also been appointed to the school as deputy principal. She has been TY Co-ordinator, a teacher of maths and part of the school’s SIP/SSE co-ordination team.

Currently an assistant principal at Ennistymon Vocational School, Orla Conway has been appointed to the role of principal. She had been part of the leadership and management team of the school and was conferred with a Masters of Education in School Leadership in 2020 from University of Limerick; a

Graduate Diploma in Education Leadership in 2014 from NUI Maynooth and a Graduate Diploma in Special Education Needs in 2006 from University of Limerick. The current Principal of Ennistymon Vocational School, Elizabeth Flanagan, will be retiring.

Commenting on the appointments, George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive, said, “We sincerely thank Theresa, Aideen and Elizabeth for their respective contributions to St Joseph’s Community College, St Anne’s Community College, and Ennistymon Vocational School in their roles as Principal over many years and wish them every success in their retirement.

“We extend congratulations to our new principals and deputy principals and wish them every possible success and happiness in their roles”.

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Ennistymon School of lNEW ROLES: (l-r)Rebecca Conlon, Deputy Principal and Agnes Hehir, Principal of St Joseph’s Community College, Kilkee; Shelagh Graham, Director of Organisation Support and Development; Ennistymon School of Eukaria O’Grady, Principal and Beverley Hartigan, Deputy Principal of St Anne’s Community College, Ennistymon School Ennistymon School of of Art Killaloe; George O’Callaghan, Chief Executive; Orla Conway, Principal of Ennistymon Vocational Ennistymon School of School; and Donncha Ó Treasaigh, Director of Schools Photo by Brian Arthur Ennistymon School of

Six Clare locations included in Streetscape Enhancement Initiative

by PÁRAIC McMAHON SIX Clare towns and villages have been selected as part of the 2021 Streetscape Enhancement Initiative.

Tulla, Scariff, Clonlara, Kilrush, Corofin and Clarecastle have been named in the €7m nationwide scheme.

It aims to spruce up the selected locations through the painting of buildings or shopfronts in vibrant colours, the commissioning of murals in towns and villages, the upgrade or restoration of historic shopfronts, the provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes, the illumination

and lighting of architectural features, the installation of canopies and street furniture and the decluttering of streetscapes with removal of unnecessary signs

and wires.

“This is a really great initiative that can inject a new lease of life into towns and villages that are in need of a little TLC,” Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) stated.

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Search is on for Clare’s top young community leaders PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HE search is on for Clare’s top young community leaders following the launch of the sixth annual Clare Garda Division Youth Awards by An Garda Síochána in conjunction with Shannon Airport.

The awards seek to identify inspirational young leaders and one youth group in recognition of their voluntary work and personal achievements. All award nominees and winners are aged between 14 and 19 years and are from the Clare Garda Division district.

There are four Award Categories - Individual Award, Group Award, Community Safety Award and a Special Achievement Award.

The Individual Award is open to young people who have made a positive contribution to their community, making it a better place to live. The Group Award category applies for groups of two or more young people whose combined efforts have contributed positively to their communities.

The Community Safety Award is for a

l INSPIRATIONAL: Jessica Whelan, Mary Considine, Garda Superintendent Brendan McDonagh and Garda Chief Superintendent Sean Colleran

young person, who through a crime prevention or safety innovation, have made their community a safer place to live. The Special Achievement category is open to any young person who has overcome difficult circumstances, or defied the odds and whose com-

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mitment deserves recognition. The closing date for nominations is Monday 20th September.

At Monday’s launch was 18-year-old Jessica Whelan from O’Briensbridge, last year’s Clare winner of a Special Achievement

Award, who went on to win an award at the national awards event. “Winning the award last year was amazing. To win for doing something that was part of my everyday life was really special. Winning really helped to give me confidence and I would recommend people to get involved and nominate a deserving young person from your area”.

Mary Considine, CEO of Shannon Group said: “This truly inspirational event gives us a unique opportunity to recognise and reward these wonderful young people who are making a real difference in their community.”

Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran described the awards as “hugely successful”.

He said, “This year has been challenging for everybody and in particular for our young people. We are aware of the good work that has been done by our young people and it is important to An Garda Síochána to provide this platform to acknowledge them and the positive work they have done in their communities.”

Entry forms for the competition are now available from www.garda.ie or email Ennis.community@garda.ie or at www.shannonairport.ie The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 20th September.

Swimming ban lifted from White Strand A SWIMMING ban which had been in place for eight days at White Stand, Miltown Malbay has been lifted, writes Páraic McMahon.

On Wednesday, Clare County Council confirmed that the prohibition on

swimming had been lifted with immediate effect.

This followed analysis and the advice of the HSE. A spokesperson for the local authority stated that the water quality was “deemed to be excellent”.

Increased bacterial levels had been detected in the water after recent rainfall.

Members of the public are advised that the safest place to swim is at lifeguarded locations.

Council say no to request for Liscannor bottle bank

by PÁRAIC McMAHON CALLS for the installation of a bottle bank in Liscannor have been rejected.

Citing the “huge numbers of visitors to the Cliffs of Moher, Clahane and Liscannor,” Cllr Shane Talty (FF) requested the installation of a bottle bank in the village of Liscannor at a recent meeting of the West Clare Municipal District.

Two sites presently exist at Lahinch with further bring bank facilities at Ennistymon, Doolin and Lisdoonvarna, Anthony Considine, an executive engineer in the environment section of Clare County Council flagged in his response.

“This area of North Clare is well serviced by bottle bank facilities catering for free glass, cans and plastics collections,” he stated.

Disappointment was expressed by Cllr

Talty with the response from the local authority. He referenced the wastewater treatment system in Liscannor that is due an upgrade and emphasised the business of the location.

“We keep saying leave no trace and bring your waste away but we do need to provide facilities”.

Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) was in favour of the additional facilities. “Anywhere we have a large quantity of holiday homes we need to look at the provision of services. They have spent a lot of money to be here, it isn’t a big ask”.

Meanwhile, issues with the emptying of bottle bank facilities in Miltown Malbay, Spanish Point and White Strand Miltown Malbay were also raised at the meeting with the Council committing to “closely monitor these sites” with the service contractor.

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Community sports facilities need to be prioritised PÁRAIC MCMAHON

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

RCHITECTS completing a masterplan for Ennistymon have been asked to prioritise a community sports facility.

In a joint motion, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) and Cllr Shane Talty (FF) requested that the identification and prioritisation of a site for a community sports amenity be included in the masterplan for Ennistymon.

Acting senior planner with Clare County Council, Helen Quinn outlined, “The masterplan seeks to build upon the existing Council planned new bridge crossing and the upgrading works to take place along the Main Street. The study will explore the potential of the existing townscape and its built environment in order to guide its development in a positive way. It will also comprise of a new signage strategy and streetscape enhancement plan, which seeks to improve the experience for visitors and res-

Further review needed for protection of residents at Killaloe nursing home

l MASTERPLAN: Ennistymon idents”.

Several public consultation events have been held to date, Ms Quinn advised. “These consultations seek to put the community at the heart of the project, allowing their aspirations for the town to come to the fore. The appointed consultants have been advised of this motion which will be considered in the coming weeks as the plan emerges”.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Talty observed that it was “a very exciting time in Ennistymon, there is a vibrancy and a population growth, it is a town on the

hinterland around it doing very well with a lot of new businesses and residents. For all that vibrancy there is a dearth of community space or playing space. We already know what the key sites are”.

A masterplan is made redundant without “these recreation points,” Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) believed.

“The community piece has to be identified in the plan”.

With a new school to be constructed, Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) highlighted that playing and recreation facilities “are extremely important for social, emotional and physical development, the space will have to be found”.

AN INSPECTION by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has found an East Clare nursing home to be substantially compliant in thirteen of the seventeen areas it was assessed under.

A HIQA inspector has said the systems in place at the Lakes Nursing Home in Killaloe to protect residents from abuse are in need of a further review.

Fifty residents were present at the Killaloe facility on the day of an unannounced inspection on May 18th of this year. The inspection noted attempts to deliver a ‘high standard’ of care, though noted the high turnover

of staff in the home impacted employees’ ability to deliver on that.

Records at the facility show while allegations of abuse were investigated, the inspector wasn’t satisfied the Lakes’ own policy of safeguarding was fully adhered to. HIQA said this required a review from the home.

In response, the facility committed to organising more safeguarding workshops for its staff.

Management also said the designated person in charge at the facility will ensure any and all abuse allegations will be thoroughly investigated in accordance with its own policies and procedures in the future.

l HIQA: Lakes Nursing Home

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12 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Flan Gleeson honoured as a ‘man for all the community’

R

by PATRICK O’HALLORAN ECENTLY I assigned a homework exercise to my freshman students, titled, 'The person who has had the most positive effect directly in your community'.

I instructed the students to detail why this person in their eyes was seen as a positive influence and to clearly show what the person has done to validate their recognition.

As today’s students are generally super sharp and not afraid to put their professor, supervisor or their parents on the spot, the inevitable question was posed, “Professor can you please tells us about the person within your community who had a positive and lasting effect on it?" Without hesitation I recalled and related in detail my formal years growing up in Kilkishen village.

One person for me stood head and shoulders above everyone else. Flan Gleeson was General Manager of Knappogue, Craggaunowen, Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. I first observed Mr. Gleeson as a business role model when I was completing my final year at Rockwell College. At this time all students completing their final year had to attend a mandatory weekly workshop during the semester. It focused on preparing students for future interviews, networking and strategies as it related to their career paths. At our first session, Professor Tobin who was an amazing educator, requested everyone to focus on

someone that they knew who was a successful manager.

Throughout my semester presentation, I focused on Mr. Gleeson’s educational background/qualifications, his dress code, adherence to his professional and personal positive disposition and his proved track record as it related to the bottom line in a most challenging and competitive market. At the close of the workshop, to my delight Professor Tobin noted that, “the leadership traits that Pat extolled with regard to Mr. Flan Gleeson should be noted and whenever possible incorporated into your overall everyday management strategies and mantras".

Mr. Gleeson’s influence did not end there.

As I entered the work force, Mr. Gleeson became a role model and confidant. Fast forward to May 2018, I was on a long overdue vacation to Kilkishen village with my nine year old son Bryce while my wife Tricia and our older son Eamonn remained in New York. Early one afternoon my childhood best friend, Jim Lynch and I had planned to pop in to say a very quick “hi and bye” to our mutual friends that I had not chatted with in more than 16 years. Mr. Gleeson’s pop in was scheduled to wrap up the evening on a high note.

While chatting with Séan Hehir, retired National School principal in Kilkishen, I mentioned to Séan that our last pop in is to see Flan and Bríd. Immediately Séan stated that “the community owe a deep, deep grat-

lGRATITUDE: Flan Gleeson itude for all that Flan has done for not alone the community but for so many families".

Jim at once stated that, “I can attest to that, Flan gave me my first job. I travelled to and from work in his car that also was occupied by my fellow workers. Flan inspired me to

open my first Post Office savings account at Nonies. He also directed me to contribute generously to our house budget account on a weekly basis”.

Throughout the discussion, it became obvious that Mr. Gleeson had ensured that people in the community who needed a pay cheque and who were willing and able to work were suitably employed in a place that attracted people from all over the world. This exposure to all employees, especially adults just starting out in their working careers was so beneficial to all in so many ways. Séan closed out the conversation by stating, “Flan found employment for so many when it was most needed within the community".

As Jim and I sat and chatted with Flan and Bríd a short time later, I realised that Mr. Gleeson was and still is just a wonderful, decent human being who has made the world a better place by his unselfish and caring disposition. Mr. Gleeson has lived by the mantra that we all should adhere to, “if you cannot do a favor for someone make sure you never do them any harm”. Mr. Gleeson you have lead by example and have proved to be “A Man For All The Community”. Thank you Sir. Pat O’Halloran is originally from Kilkishen in County Clare. He now lives in Cold Spring NY with his wife Tricia and sons Eamonn and Bryce. He teaches at Marymount Manhattan College and is a union organizer with Local 32BJ NYC.

30 projects progressing in Key Strategic Plan for West Clare

Accessibility works to be carried out at Newmarket-on-Fergus library

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

THIRTY projects have been identified as key works within the West Clare Municipal District as part of its Plan of Strategic Projects.

Development of a Kilrush Masterplan and preparing key elements to secure future funding opportunities, the Ennistymon Town Enhancement Project which will secure additional car parking, the Lahinch Seaworld Project, a trail walk development and works to the church car park for Miltown Malbay, ongoing engagement on the Spa Wells at Lisdoonvarna, water main extension to Loop Head Lighthouse and works to the Doolin Pier visitor services building were some of the projects referenced by acting senior executive officer in the MD, John O’Malley.

An approximate €2m in active travel funding for the West Clare MD has secured this year and relates to footpaths, cycleways and pedestrian crossings. The entire county has received allocations of €125,000 for anti-littering and infrastructural capital supports plus €94,000 to facilitate an “outdoor summer”.

Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) sought an overview of the key projects being progressed in North and West Clare. He commended the Council for their “tremendous work” in this regard. He questioned if

WORKS to improve accessibility access are to be carried out at William Smith O’Brien Public Library in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) had highlighted to Clare County Council the need to upgrade the entrance to the public li-

lSCHEME: Loop Head Lighthouse the local authority had sufficient staff numbers, he spoke of a Kilrush man that is trying to make amends in his life and how an apprenticeship scheme with the Council could provide “a chance to help people integrate back into society”.

Areas referenced by O’Malley had “no investment” for “eight to 10 years after the last recession,” Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) noted. Partnership with key community groups to provide resources and opportunities can be beneficial, the Lisdoonvarna representative said.

According to the acting senior executive officer, a 25 per cent increase in staff resources is needed. “We would still have to battle for contractors and equipment, there is no simple solution to any of it”.

brary.

Staff including County Librarian Helen Walsh recently visited the library and acknowledged that the gradient on the ramp “appears quite steep”, has no support railings and is in need of an amendment.

A measurement of the steps noted that there is inconsistency in reach between the lower step and others.

Further investigations are to be completed by local authority staff with the County Librarian keen for works to commence as soon as is practically possible.

Arts & Entertainment 13

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

The Yard to host outdoor concert this Friday PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

N OUTDOOR concert is to be held this Friday at The Yard in Ennistymon with all funds raised going towards ongoing refurbishment.

Over the past three years, Ennistymon and District Sports and Amenity Partnership have led the refurbishment of the Old CBS Primary School yard.

It now has a multi-use astro-turf surface which is used for a wide variety of outdoor activities and sports.

Ennistymon CBS, North-West Clare Family Resource Centre, Clare County Council, local clubs and volunteers have helped to support the project in recent years which inspired the theme ‘play your part’.

To help raise further funds including equipment and running costs as its use expands, an outdoor concert takes place this Friday (August 27th) at 7pm at The Yard.

Tickets cost €20 with the crowd limited to 100. Tickets can be purchased at local outlets including the post office, Hayes Print and public houses.

Enda Haren is among the musicians on the night. He will be

joined by Adam Shapiro, Quentin Cooper, Mark Burke, James Barry, John O’Connell and Mary Haran McGleennon.

“Sure, we all will assemble, in our own little town, Our birthplace is calling, we can't let it down, We'll fly or hitch hike it, or go by shanks mare, To that town in the valley on the West Coast of Clare,” Enda said in reciting a line from Ennistymon on the Inagh, a song penned by Tadhg Haren.

He added, “It is great to see live music back in a safe environment. All current Covid protocols will be in force and the attention of attendees will be directed to all of these”.

Grace ‘very proud’ to be named Poet Laureate Poetry Ireland has appointed Grace Wells as the Poet Laureate for Ennistymon, as part of the Poetry Town Initiative, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Grace Wells is an award-winning eco-poet, author, re-wilder, and yoga teacher.

She commented:“I love living in Ennistymon and am so proud to be invited to be the town’s Laureate.

“As an eco-poet navigating the griefs of environmental collapse, it’s so helpful to belong to a community where people are genuinely working to halt Ireland’s biodiversity loss, and actively creating initiatives to help the country become carbon-neutral.

“Poetry can support these

lPOET: Grace Wells

transitions. Ennistymon already has rich literary roots, it’s both the birthplace of Brian Merriman, and the home of

Salmon Press, so I’m hoping to fuse some of these creative energies together, and really celebrate the town’s dynamic spiritof-place.”

As part of the week-long Poetry Town celebrations next month, each Poet Laureate will reveal and present their poem to the people of their Poetry Town at a series of flagship online events, one of which will be hosted in each town.

Each event will also feature contributions from other local poets, artists and musicians (further details about these events is available on the poetrytown.ie).

Poetry Town is made possible with funding from the Arts Council of Ireland.

lGIG: Enda Haren

Moloney shortlisted for National Gallery competition

by ELAINE TUBRIDY A CLARE artist has been shortlisted for this year’s Zurich Portrait Prize at the National Gallery of Ireland. Gráinne Moloney’s work Girl with Hen will be on display at the Gallery later this year.

From hundreds of entries, 24 artists made it through to the final stage of the Zurich Portrait Prize, while 20 young artists aged between five and eighteen years old have been shortlisted for the Zurich Young Portrait Prize.

Neil Freshwater, CEO of Zurich, said, “The Zurich Portrait Prize and Zurich Young Portrait Prize exhibitions are a highlight of the cultural calendar and we are very proud to continue to sponsor these competitions and to support Irish talent of all ages, now more than ever.”

The winner of the Zurich Portrait Prize will receive a cash prize of €15,000 and will be commissioned to create a work for the national portrait collection, for which they will be awarded a further €5,000. Two additional awards of €1,500 will be given

to highly commended works. Judges for the Zurich Portrait Prize are: artist Eamonn Doyle; Róisín Kennedy, art critic and Lecturer/Assistant Professor in the School of Art History & Cultural Policy, UCD; and Seán Kissane, Curator at IMMA. The Zurich Young Portrait Prize returns for its third year in 2021. Five winners (one from each age category and an overall winner) will be selected from a shortlist of hundreds of entries by children and young people aged up to 18 from across the island of Ireland.

Winners will receive a bespoke art box and a cash prize. This year’s Zurich Young Portrait Prize judges are: visual artist Aideen Barry; artist, art teacher and activist Joe Caslin; and Tadhg Crowley, Senior Curator: Education + Community at the Glucksman.

Exhibitions of shortlisted works in both competitions run at the National Gallery of Ireland between 13 November 2021 and 3 April 2022. The exhibition will travel to Crawford Art Gallery, Cork, where it will be displayed between 23 April and 17 July 2022.

s!!!

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Councillor cleans ‘pornographic’ graffiti PÁRAIC MCMAHON

G

paraic@clareecho.ie

RAFFITI described as “pornographic” has been removed the playground in Shannon.

Concerns were raised over the weekend when further graffiti was plastered across equipment at the playground in Shannon. Different messages and graphics were included on slides throughout the facility.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Donna McGettigan described the drawings and messages as “pretty vulgar”. “Please leave this area for the young children to enjoy themselves, one day it could be a young

relative of yours that has to look at it”.

On Sunday morning, she was able to remove the vast majority of the graffiti with the more stubborn parts cleaned by Vincent Donegan after coming across the images online.

“I can’t get what the kick is,” she said of the vandalism. “It was quite disgusting to see the graffiti,” Donna commented. “It was something you would see on bathroom walls but not in a children’s playground”.

Cllr McGettigan did not believe the person carrying out the vandalism was doing so in a sinister manner. While she admitted that it was not known if it was teenagers that drew the different images, she flagged that groups have been seen using the facility despite it being for children aged twelve and un-

stated.

Teenagers in Shannon need an area to have ownership of, the county councillor maintained.

“I felt really sorry for teenagers during the pandemic, you think back to when on a Monday you would know what outfit you were wearing for the teenage disco on a Friday and wondering if the person you fancy would show up, all that has been gone over the past 18 months”.

She encouraged teenagers and parents to come forward with ideas to help give teenagers an area to be responsible for within the town and suggested the donation of a big wall to serve as a mural as one idea. der.

Parents have stopped taking

their children to the playground in Shannon due to the graffiti, she

lVANDALISM: Graffiti has been removed from the playground

‘Disappearing bus shelters like a scene from Monty Python’

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

BUS shelters in Shannon have been described as akin with “moving statues”.

Work has commenced on the upgrading of the bus shelter in Drumgeely and several others throughout Shannon town.

JCDecaux are carrying out the works on behalf of the National Transport Authority and are expected to be completed by September.

In a proposal before a recent sitting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) proposed that the Drumgeely shelter be replaced urgently citing the “appalling condition of the structure”.

He outlined that the bus shelter in

Drumgeely was used by older residents of the town “who require shelter from the elements when waiting for public transport”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Flynn labelled the approach towards bus shelters as comical. “You wouldn’t see it in Monty Python, it is like moving statues, now you see them and now you don’t”.

Flynn continued, “Drumgeely is the oldest part of Shannon, the bus shelter serves a lot of vulnerable people who shouldn’t be standing in the elements. I would have expected it would be the first to go. The bus stop has been removed so I hope we have a stand with umbrellas for the winter.

His motion was seconded and supported

by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF).

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lMOVING STATUES: The now removed bus shelter at Drumgeely Photo by Joe Buckley

15

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

in association with

GAA lodge plans to make the Cloister a commercial car park trance, which were previously granted under planning permission, In their plans submitted to the Council, Clare GAA acknowledge that the site was previously flooded but noted that a flood defence scheme to the River Fergus has since been completed.

As part of the temporary COVID-19 town centre mobility plan for Ennis, the Cloister Car Park has been used throughout the pandemic due to a shortage in spaces following the implementation of social distancing measures such as pedestrianisation.

Previously, it had been utilised by the local authority during the lead-in to Christmas to incentivise more shoppers to use the county town.

It has capacity for approximately 100 car parking spaces with a lack of parking facilities in the town highlighted regularly by county councillors and business personnel.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE GAA have lodged plans with the planning authority to make the Cloister Car Park a commercial car park.

Earlier this month, Clare GAA submitted the plans to Clare County Council which aspires to change the use of the car park and could become a vital source of financial revenue for the County Board.

Currently its use is permitted for matches and authorised events while Clare GAA wish to see it be utilised as a commercial car park for use both as a long-term and shortterm stay for members of the public in the heart of Ennis.

The application includes for the completion of associated site drainage surface dressing, landscaping works and the site en-

lREVENUE: The Cloister

Advance fee fraud reported

by PÁRAIC McMAHON GARDAÍ have become aware of a report of advance fee fraud which took place in the past week in Ennis.

A woman in Ennis applied for a loan online from a site purporting to be a legitimate loan site. She was informed that the loan had been granted and asked to pay €699 to guarantee the loan which she paid into a Revolut account.

A short time later she received a call from a person looking for a further deposit to pay for administration fees and she then paid €950 into the same Revolut account – she became suspicious and contacted her bank who informed her that this was a scam.

Vulnerable persons and individuals who have difficulty obtaining loans from established financial institutions are being target-

ed according to Gardaí in Clare by numerous websites offering unsecured loans.

Crime prevention officer, Sergeant Triona Brooks explained, “The Victim applies for a loan through a website that offers loans which it is claimed will be processed quickly.

The Victim will receive a call or communication within a very short time (often minutes) informing them that their loan application has been approved and providing details of the amount of the loan and the monthly repayment. The victim will then be asked to send an amount of money to the lender in advance of the loan amount being issued, with different reasons given for this”.

She advised the public to never apply for a loan from an entity that is not authorised by the Central Bank and to always check the official Central Bank website to see if the firm is authorised by the Central Bank.

lSCAM: Vulnerable people are being targeted

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

‘They classed us as fallen women, which we weren’t’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

KILRUSH woman who spent over three months living in a Mother and Baby Home has spoken publicly for the first time on her experience.

Lauretta Callaghan O’Dea was twenty years old and six months pregnant in 1987 when she entered the doors of the mother and baby home at Dunboyne in Co Meath.

She stayed there for over three months and won the fight in holding onto her baby son.

Dunboyne was the mother-and-baby home with the highest proportion of women under 18, with minors making up 23.4% of admissions. Over one in ten admissions to Dunboyne were aged between 12 and 16, under the legal age of consent. It opened in 1955 and closed in 1991.

According to the Mother and Baby Homes Commission of Investigation, the conditions were noted as very good. Day to day running of the Home was the responsibility of the Good Shepherd Sisters. Over the period of 1955-1991, there were 3,156 mothers and 1,148 children resident in Dunboyne. It was ini-

tially designed for women on second or subsequent pregnancies, but the vast majority were first-time mothers.

As a first-time mother, Lauretta recalled that she had “nowhere to go” when she arrived there and admitted that she was unaware it was a Mother and Baby Home back then. “At twenty years of age, you feel lost and alone, you don’t know what to expect once you step inside the door of the convent”. During her time there, the youngest woman was fifteen and the eldest aged thirty nine. They all had to be in bed by 10pm on weekdays and 11pm on weekends with a list of chores to be completed daily.

Not long after her arrival, Lauretta was told that she would need to give her baby up for adoption. She did not suffer any physical abuse there but was mentally abused.

Confession had to be completed regularly and one instance still shocks her.

“I can’t even picture his face because when I walked into the room I had my head down, he questioned me and asked what I had to offer the child, I said ‘love’ and he said ‘you don’t know the meaning of the word love’, he said to give the baby up for adoption because I would be ruining my life. Of course, you know me, I wouldn’t say boo to a goose, I didn’t know what to say

A MOTHER’S HEARTACHE

By Lauretta Callaghan O’Dea Baby weeps, weeps no more, Innocent child you didn't get to know, Snatched from arms that only wanted to give love, A mother's guilt trodden in the snow.

Made to feel ashamed that what you did was so wrong, The love for a child you carried so strong, You're told to give it up or you will ruin your life.

What did the priests and nuns know!

They were full of trouble and their own strife.

Mothers, hear now, you are not to blame!

The system that failed you should hang its head in shame.

I stand by you all for the pain you've come through, My heart aches for each and every one of you.

I held on to mine, what a bundle of joy!

No one was taking him, such a beautiful boy!

Oh they tried and tried and tried some more, I wasn't relenting, so they walked out the door.

All those Mother and Baby homes, where those lives were lost, How much do you put on a life and at what cost?

I salute each woman who came to be in those places, Names were changed but not our faces.

We all get dealt a hand, some worse than others, But remember one thing, we all became Mothers.

For those who are grieving for what they have lost right now, The truth will come out one day somehow.

l SURVIVOR: Lauretta Callaghan O’Dea in Kilrush

Photo by Natasha Barton

and then he asked ‘how many times a week do you have sexual intercourse’, I said to myself he didn’t ask me that did he and then he said ‘you can answer me can’t you’, I was mortified, I felt ashamed at that given time, I was afraid to answer him and I think I said two or three times. He said ‘love won’t feed a child, you’ve no money, what do you know, you give that baby up’ and I said I didn’t want to”.

When it came close to giving birth, an inspection by one nun rattled the Kilrush woman. “Sr Anna who I was told was a midwife brought me in and said we needed to know what was happening, she brought me into a room and asked me to open my legs, there was another nun with her and said ‘oh come on, it’s not going to hurt, it didn’t hurt going in so it won’t hurt coming out’, what can you say to that, we were told we had sinned.

The nuns called the convent Ard Mhuire which means high lady, who were the high ladies there because they weren’t very high, they hid an awful lot”.

She can remember going into labour on a Sunday night and travelling by taxi to Holles St Hospital.

“I was in labour from the Sunday night until the following Friday morning and I was only 3cm dilated. The Friday evening, I was climbing the walls because I was in so much pain, at about 6pm I remember a doctor coming down, ‘is she still here,’ she referred to me as and then sent me up for an emergency c-section, ‘there is a fifty fifty chance that she or the baby will survive’, all I wanted to do was sleep, I was left too long in labour,

they didn’t give a damn. At about 2am I woke up, half dazed, looked around and no baby, they told me I had a boy and I blanked out again.

The following morning, a social worker and nuns came in and demanded for me to give my baby, that’s why I say the Holles St was in cahoots with Dunboyne, the hospital must have notified the convent or the convent rang the hospital to see what was going on”.

This foetal distress caused her son to end up with epilepsy for twelve years, Lauretta maintained. “I was lucky I didn’t lose him. I knew I had a fight on my hands with the social worker and the nuns, I told them he was mine and I didn’t want to give him up”. For a period of three months, she placed her son in foster care as she had “no place to go”.

Since the final report from the Commission was published, Lauretta has been inspired to write poetry. “It made me angry when some people didn’t get what was being said, these women deserved better and they classed us as fallen women which we weren’t”. She added, “The mothers had their baby but they couldn’t take away the mother, we still became mothers and they couldn’t take it away, they wanted to strip that away and leave you with nothing, all those women deserve to be saluted, they are the real survivors not the likes of me who passed through the homes quietly but not so quietly, it was the poor women that were sent to wash-houses and their babies thrown into septic tanks, they are not survivors, they are heroes”.

Hypocrisy was voiced by members of the clergy in how they

preached, she felt while also raising the question as to the whereabouts of the fathers of the children.

Now, a mother of three, Lauretta is glad she stuck to her guns. “I raised him on my own by being there no matter what. The lines of communication between children and their parents have to be kept open, always believe in your kid. You don’t know what they will achieve or what their potential is, they can achieve anything. Love is the tie that binds, nobody will sever the link between me and my kids because I love them unconditionally, I would lie down and die for them”.

Clare’s Mother and Baby Home was located in her native Kilrush, its existence was something she was not aware of at the time. Actions, apologies and memorials for the women and children have not been satisfactory in her view.

“The State has been lagging behind in all that because they want to hide the truth, they don’t want the truth to come out but there’s people who know the truth and they are the real survivors not the residents. I asked why everything was kept hush hush about the monument in Kilrush, letters were sent out to higher up people not to people who experienced it, why didn’t every resident get a letter, if there is nothing to be hidden reveal all.

“The monument that has been built is right beside the church, it should be up on the Cooraclare Rd and not there, I visited the one on the Cooraclare Rd and laid a bouquet of flowers there. I will never know what they went through but I can sympathise wholeheartedly”.

NEWS 17

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Clare is Amazing,

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Check-out www.clarecoco.ie August is a great month to take to for a map and full listing of play- picnic area along with an outdoor library called the “Wee Library” the water... grounds in County Clare. can be enjoyed at your leisure. NuHEAD TO THE COAST: Experience merous a events and activities are Walk our Ways and our great day out at one of Clare’s showcased Atlantic in the park throughout Loops the year.

Blue-Flag Cappa Pier Walking is beaches the best way at to fully DROMORE WOOD MOUNTSHANNON Clare County Council’s Lifeguard Service has been Kilrush, Spanish absorb theFanore, beauty ofKilkee, Clare. Lahinch, A netMooghaun Bronze Age work of White quiet country roads, forest or White Point, Strand Doonbeg, front and centre in ensuring visitors enjoy a safe Hillfort paths, mountain andMalbay. coastal trails Strand Miltown Enjoy miles of Mooghaun Bronze Age Hilland enjoyable trip to the county’s pristine traverse the county. For the serious fort from was built at the beginning of beaches brilliant activities Blue Flag and Green Coast beaches walker, thereand are many well-organthe Late swimming and surfi ng totrails kayaking andBronze Age around 950 ised routes, including national and marinas.

The site is enclosed by woodthat are well sign-posted.

Thereto BC. paddleboarding.

Or, head Kilrush’s land near Newmarket-on-Fergus in A comprehensive, daily lifeguard service are also great marina loop walks suited to wonderful Blue-Flag and the County Clare. There is a self guidwalkers of different levels of fitness. from 11:00am to 7:00pm operates during West Coast Aqua Park.

Clare’sedcoastal trail up to the Hillfort which is Our cliff-top, mountain-top and the summer months at Lahinch, Spanish identified as the largest in Ireland. beaches with Green Coast Awards hill-top walks are spectacular. largest and most spectacular Point, Kilkee, White Strand Miltown include Seafield Quilty, BishopsThe Quarter hoard of prehistoric gold in West9 Blue-Flag Beaches Ballyvaughan and Carrigaholt. ern Europe was found at Mooghaun Malbay, White Strand Doonbeg, Clare has nine blue flag beachSeafield Cappa, Mountshannon, Lough 1km north of the hillfort. es. Each has a unique charm Admission to Mooghaun Bronze Killaloe (Ballycuggeran) and and offers varied activities and experiences at different times of Age Hillfort is free and there is also Fanore. Full-time cover will the year. The coastal beaches are free parking. cease on August 31st, but at Cappa Pier, Kilrush; Fanore; John O’Sullivan Park, Lees lifeguards will continue the Kilkee; Lahinch; Spanish Point; Road, Ennis White Strand, Doonbeg; and White service during rst two John O’Sullivan Park, Lees T Hthe E BfiU RR EN Strand, Miltown Malbay. Clare weekends of September. also has two inland blue flag beach- Road, Ennis is just 1 km from Enes on the shores of Lough Derg at nis town centre and is set on 134 Mountshannon and at Ballycugger- acres of wood and Parkland with walks and trails Lough Derg, Co. Clare an, near Killaloe. Take them all in! stunning marked through the woodland. (Look out playground and Dromore Woodland Nature for the children’s skateboard ParkTAKE too!). TO THE LAKE: Lough Derg Reserve, has two of Ireland’s few inland blueDromore Woodland Nature ReVandeleur Walledbeaches Garden flag at Ballycuggeran serve in Ruan, Co Clare is around Visiting the Vandeleur Walled 400 hectares of rich and diverse (Killaloe) and Mountshannon.

Both Garden is an experience that exlandscape, flora and fauna – truly Clare County Council has deployed Beach Ambassadors at busy are excellent for water activities, and tends into the quaint courtyard setan experience for mind, body and coastal locations throughout this summer to assist with traffic and its each Centre has water-side picnic facilities. soul. Plus, as historical interest, the ting of the Vandeleur number of quality facilities.

Vandemanagement, maintaining public amenities and litter management, Water activity options include sailing, 17th century O’Brien Castle is still leur Walled Garden is open windsurfi ng, seven canoeing, kayaking and standing by the lake edge. and to respond to any requests for assistance or queries from days a week from 10am to 5pm. paddleboarding. Ballycuggeran also tourists and locals alike.

Aistear Inis Cealtra, Mounthas Ireland’s newest Aqua Park! shannon Fanore, Co. Clare Aistear Inis Cealtra, Mountshannon offers a green and peaceful retreat, taking you from Park to For more inspiration T I M S M Y T H PA R K S PA N I S H P O I N T harbour through a visual feast of check out www.visitclare.ie/best

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Lifeguards on Duty

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Clare’s Beach Ambassadors

Please Stay Safe: For water safety advice, visit www.watersafety.ie

www.Clare.ie

18 FEATURES

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

GREEN CLARE

Councillors seek global ban on controversial fracking PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

LMOST a decade on from becoming the first local authority in the country to introduce a ban on fracking, Clare County Council has now called on the Government to introduce a global ban.

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a controversial technique to extract natural gas from shale. In January 2012, Clare County Council became the first local authority to agree to put in place a ban on fracking in its county development

plan, a move backed by all thirty two councillors at the time.

More recently, a motion from Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) and Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) was passed by the local authority seeking the Government “to put forward a global ban on fracking being proposed by Ireland at the United Nations General Assembly on climate-mitigation, public-health, environmental-protection and human-rights grounds”.

Cllr Hayes who was the Cathaoirleach in 2012 expressed his hope that the Council would be “to the fore in promoting environmental challenges to the world”.

Public health issues such as can-

YOUR COUNTY. YOUR WASTE? Dumping waste is a crime.

Let’s all take responsibility. #StopIllegalDumping

Report Illegal Dumping Call: 1800 606 706 Email: enviroff@clarecoco.ie

lNATURAL GAS: Fracking

cer, mental health and asthma are linked to fracking, Cllr Murphy claimed. “In 2017 Ireland became the fourth European country and EU member to ban onshore frack-

ing, in 2018 Ireland became first country to fully divest money from fossil fuels, in 2020 the Programme for Government Ireland became first country in the world

to say it would not support fracked gas, long before that in 2012 this Council spoke up”.

Recalling the tense meetings in the past decade, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) detailed, “back in 2011 I became aware of the risk of licences being issued to extract shaled gas from Miltown to Kildysart which is about a quarter of our county, I then put down a motion asking that Clare County Council ban fracked gas in our county, I was delighted in 2012 when it was written into the County Development Plan”. He warned of a national security issue, “our energy storage and grid capacity nearly failed twelve times last year. We do need energy security”.

COLUMNIST 19

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Local food on the Eoin Neylon An inside look at Clare’s menu as indoor political spectrum dining resumes at The most Cliffs of Moher PÁRAIC MCMAHON

I

paraic@clareecho.ie

NDOOR dining has recommenced at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience in County Clare for the first time since the start of the pandemic with the reopening of the newly refurbished Cliffs View Café.

Operated by Brambles, one of Ireland’s leading catering providers, the 120-seat facility is located on the first floor of the Clare County Council-owned visitor centre. Current Covid restrictions mean that indoor dining is currently restricted to 52.

Visitors to Ireland’s most popular natural attraction are also now able to enjoy a menu filled with locally sourced produce from wild Irish salmon to farm cheese. Among the Clare food producers supplying the reopened café are The Burren Smokehouse, The Burren Butcher (Lisdoonvarna), Hazel Mountain Chocolate, Celtic Salads (Bellharbour), St Tolas Cheese (Inagh), Gluten Free Treats, Haugh’s Butchers (Ennistymon), Garrihy Seafoods (Doolin), Hugh Galloway Sourdough Bread (Lahinch), Burren Gold Cheese (Ballyvaughan) and Salann Foods Salt (Miltown Malbay).

“I am delighted that visitors are once again able to enjoy a fantastic dining experience overlooking the cliffs” commented Bobby Kerr, Chairperson of the Board of the Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd. Mr. Kerr continued, “The café operators

have in recent months met with local suppliers across north and west Clare resulting in a menu that incorporates a strong local influence. I want to acknowledge the commitment by the team at Brambles who have an impressive and longstanding track record of providing a world-class dining experience at other well-known tourist attractions across Ireland.”

The Cliffs View Café had been closed for indoor dining since 2020 but reopened initially for takeaway services in May 2021 before the full reopening. The extended closure presented an opportunity for a range of interior refurbishment works to take place, including the installation of a new coffee station and counters, new seating, and painting work.

Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, commented, “We take great pride in offering customers locally sourced and produced ingredients in food served at the Cliffs of Moher. Through our membership of the Burren Ecotourism Network, the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is committed to supporting local businesses and playing a leading role in increasing public awareness of the range of quality food produce in the local area.”

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is a signature discovery point on Fáilte Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way, a main Geosite of the Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Geopark, a Special Protected Area for Birds and Wildlife and is a wholly-owned tourism asset of Clare County Council. Visit www. cliffsofmoher.ie for more details.

CHEERS: Pictured outside the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience (l-r) Leonard Cleary,

Director of Service, Rural Development and Tourism, Clare County Council; Bobby Kerr, Board Chairperson, Cliffs of Moher Centre Ltd.; and Geraldine Enright, Director of the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience

expensive in Europe?

W HAT has long been suspected was this week, thanks to a new Eurostat report, confirmed: Ireland is the most expensive country in Europe to run a household, on average. Not only are we now the most expensive, but we also saw the single greatest rise in these figures between 2010 and 2019. With the European average benchmarked at 100 on this study, Ireland clocked in at a whopping 180. Nevertheless, this measure is in absolute values of the number of euros spent on heating, rent, mortgage repayments, utility bills and the likes.

When you take Ireland’s significantly better average wages, you see that all may not be as it seems. The same source found that, as of 2020, Irish households spent an average of 15.7% of disposable income on housing costs, with only 8 EU countries faring better. That itself needs to be framed alongside the fact that the percentage of Irish households in arrears for mortgage repayments, rents or utility bills stands at 11.9%, well ahead of the EU average of 8.2%.

As we emerge out of the Covid crisis, and look to the future and politics as normal, this overall measure will come to the fore.

For now, the debate on housing has focused on the cost of new houses and rents across the state.

This is being driven by a lack of supply, founded in the hand off approach FG Governments took over the decade the above figures cover. The result of the survey a predictable outcome

of the FG free-market approach which has seen prices skyrocket as a result.

The supply shortage is very evident too.

At the time of writing, only 26 properties in all of Co. Clare are available to rent on daft.ie with the cheapest property going for €800 a month excluding bills. This amount of money can get you a 1 bed flat in Newmarket, or a 3-bed cottage outside of Ennistymon. The most expensive rent on offering being for a modern 4-bed in Ennis, or lake view near Killaloe for €2,000 a month. These prices pale by comparison to Dublin, but still represent a large increase in rents in the Banner over 10 years.

Utility bills though are a major source of concern for families, with Ireland once again clocking in as one of the more expensive. We rank 4th highest in the EU for electricity at €0.2616 per kWh and 2nd most expensive for mobile phone usage including internet access behind just Luxembourg. Suffice to say, the cost of living here is very high, even with high wages considered. An OECD report just last year found that Ireland had done the most of all countries in the last 100 years to reduce income inequality, however, it would seem that this century of progress is now seriously under threat and at serious risk of tumbling in the wrong direction.

But for the billions of euros in Government Covid supports it already would.

But with these temporary measures coming to an end, it’s a challenge to the body politic to examine these everyday bills and

see why they have been rising in such an unfettered manner and placed such a burden on citizens across the island. We have abundant natural resources when it comes to electricity generation, yet we still import massive amounts of fossil fuels at great cost.

The flip side of this being that, in order to properly tap into these abundant renewable resources, we will need to invest heavily in the short term for potential long-term gain.

Likewise, we are currently investing heavily in our rural broadband network in the hope that this will pay dividends down the road with reduced bills and improved connectivity. But none of this is guaranteed without the political will to enforce these changes and to see that the investment the state is underwriting for these improvements sees a real return for the taxpayer.

The talk about housing and the need to bring down those costs and how to do it has received huge column inches over the past few years, but if any Government or Opposition party want to really make a change, they’ll look beyond the costs of bricks and mortar and tackle the ongoing expenses that make this the best little country in the world to pay bills! Or ability to remain competitive as a country in which to do business and retain our highly educated and skilled young workforce depends on it. Otherwise, despite all our prosperity, we still face the prospect of ghost villages along our Atlantic shores in the future.

20 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

WESTERN CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS

S

OME of the more eagle eyed readers may have noticed that I have not been in this paper the last few weeks. No, I was not on holidays. Indoor dining reopened, which meant work was so busy that I didn’t have time to write a column. Thankfully things are calming down so now I actually have time to put a recipe together. Also the premier league is back, so I thought I would do some food that’s ideal for watching Match of the Day. So here’s my recipe for Western Style Chicken Drumsticks!

Kearney Cooks

YOU WILL NEED: • 8 chicken drumsticks • 1 sharing bag of cheese and onion Taytos • 1 heaped tbsp of mayonnaise • 1 heaped tbsp of mustard • Salt, pepper and garlic granules to season Step 1 Crush your Taytos into crumbs and set aside in a bowl. Combine the mayo and mustard in a bowl. Season your drumsticks with salt pepper and garlic granules.

Step 2 Dip your drumsticks in the mayo and mustard mix until they are fully coated, and then dip them into the Tayto crumbs, again until they are fully coated. Then plop them into a foil lined

R

oven dish.

Step 3 Feck the drumsticks into the oven at 160 Celsius for one hour (you can also deep fry if you like). Make sure they are thoroughly cooked when they come out of the oven.

STEP 4 Serve with your favourite dip and beverage of choice. Enjoy.

I served this with a roast pepper and tomato dip, but honestly, these drumsticks will go well with most dips.

Also, don’t be too afraid to get a bit fruity with crisp flavours. Spicy Doritos chips work well instead of Taytos, as do crushed up Pringles. Go for what you’re into. It’s all good.

As usual if you have any questions about this recipe or others please feel free to message me on Instagram (stevekearney37). Now get out there and start experimenting with crisp flavours.

Enjoy

Steve K

Book haul of the week

ebecca O’Neill

T

This week, beauty therapist Rebecca O’Neill shares her top five books that had a positive impact on her mental health

HIS week I want to list my top five favourite mental health books that I have heard great things about and have

also read.

These books have made a positive impact on readers and can give a glimpse of how important your feelings and mindset really are.

5 MINUTE THERAPY

BY SARAH CROSBY This book is a safe haven for people who need some peace of mind about how they are feeling.

It consists of “mental notes for everyday happiness, confidence and calmness”.

This book is written by the well known psychotherapist Sarah Crosby who offers guidance and exercises to help you find the answers on how you’re feeling and how to feel better.

This book talks about attachment, boundaries, self-talk, triggers, reparenting and so much more.

WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?

BY BRUCE D. PERRY AND OPRAH WINFREY This book is based on deep and personal conversations between trauma expert Dr. Bruce D.Perry and Oprah Winfrey about how it can affect one’s self and how to gain resilience and healing. This book is an insight into the mind and gives a chance for readers to really learn how the brain works.

There are scientific explanations that we get to learn and all questions are answered when it comes to childhood trauma.

ATOMIC HABITS

BY JAMES CLEAR This book is an international best seller that encourages you to create healthy habits and get rid of bad ones. It talks about changing small things in your behaviour which can allow you to create a healthier mindset. This book offers “a revolutionary system to get one per cent better everyday”.

James Clear expresses how one small thing such as one push up,

that negative voice in your head.

“A powerful guide to help you overcome the destructive mental chatter that can block you from bliss”.

It gives you resources to help you control your mind and gain emotional intelligence. It is a funny and down to earth read and is very realistic for people that may need some motivation.

CALM: Sarah Crosby

waking up five minutes early or holding a short phone call every day can improve your health and self care. He calls them atomic habits. He emphasises the true meaning of self care.

DETOX YOUR THOUGHTS

BY ANDREA BONIOR This book teaches you to ignore

RADICAL COMPASSION

BY TARA BRACH This book is all about self love and acceptance. It helps you learn to love yourself and develop compassion. “With everything going on in the world, we need a whole lot of compassion, both for ourselves and for others. But actually developing it can be a pretty tall order.”

If you don’t know where to start, Brach offers a step-by-step guide centered on love and forgiveness.

Her RAIN meditation practice offers meditation involving the sounds of rain and truly believes it can create positive self love.

Prayer Power

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

O

UR world is full of hurting families and countries torn apart by war and violence.

Nearly 2 billion people, about onethird of the world’s population, live in countries with conflict, violence, terroism or fragile internal systems, according to the World Bank. These are places with the greatest humanitarian needs, where children, families, and communities struggle to acquire the basic necessities of life. It can be difficult to know how to help people in need.

One of my most abiding wishes and prayers that I say daily is, "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. Through prayer, we can “seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14). Pray with me this week for peace for fragile countries and conflict zones in our world and for children and families living through difficult times in places like Afghanistan,Yemen, Ethiopia and many other places in the Middle East, Africa and South America.

Real Leadership

The causes of this unrest and lack of peace may seem complex, but I believe the root of much of it is one group trying to impose its will on another. The motives may be political, religious, greed, terroism 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. Remember, there is no power higher than

love. Hatred breeds hatred; violence breeds violence. If we sincerely want world peace, we have to depend on our soul force, not on anything else. When our efforts fail, when we have nothing else, then we think of a Higher Power and turn to that force.

And that is what soul force is and that is also what prayer is all about.

Mahatma Gandhi was a great example of this principle. He demonstrated that, by being a peaceful activist and trusting in soul and prayer power, one could liberate an entire country. That is how India gained her independence. Mahatma Gandhi, U Thant, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, and others were great humanitarians in public life. We need more people like these to lead and inspire.

Life is Sacred

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 few years or so. News reports of shootings, innocent lives being lost too soon, terrorist attacks, so many children's lives lost needlessly, unrest, terroism, racism and struggle are constant reminders that we live in uncertain and evil times.

Place of Refuge

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. We can never fully escape all the mess this world may bring to our lives or our way at times. We sometimes live in a fallen, broken and evil place.

But in the midst of what life deals us, we can remain steadfast and strong by living a peace-filled life which comes down to a choice.

Choosing to come to God in prayer and to believe that He's always with us and in control, choosing to set our thoughts on those things that are good, kind, just, caring, loving, compassionate, forgiving, merciful, true and right.

You see, the peace God offers is vastly different from getting away from it all on holidays and escaping our environment and place of work. It's lasting. Confidence. Real. Breathing deep reassurance in the midst of all that we face whether it is past, present, or future. Rising up against the fear that would seek to choke our lives. Bringing comfort and freedom. God's words give strength, purpose and grace.

FEATURES 21

Betty's legacy lives on in new art exhibition

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. If peace is what you seek, focus your thoughts on this Prayer for Peace by Jackie Trottmann - "Dear God, I need your peace now. Silence my thoughts of confusion. Silence my thoughts of anxiety. Silence my thoughts of grief or despair. Silence my thoughts of hurt or anger. When there is chaos and turmoil surrounding me, shelter and protect me with your peace and loving, powerful presence.

As I take this time to stop and pray, fill me with your peaceful presence. With each breath I take, I breathe in your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me to focus on peace instead of unrest. I surrender my unrest to you so that I may receive peace. Help me to be a spark that ignites peace in others.

Amen". And finally my own favourite prayer for peace, Dear Lord, Our world waits in darkness longing for Your light. In the midst of darkness, enkindle our hope. As we long for lasting peace in the midst of war and terrorism, Be with us. As we long for families to be reunited, Be with us.

As we long for homeless and abandoned people in our communities to be cared for, Be with us. As we long for enemies to be reconciled, Be with us.

As we long for cures and healings, Be with us. As we long for decent jobs, decent homes and shelter and economic security, Be with us. As we long for love and community, Be with us. Fulfill the deepest longings of your people and Dispel the darkness in our hearts and in our world.

Let your Word ignite the hope the world needs to bring to life your love and justice. Amen.

lARTIST: Betty Cauldwell

ELAINE TUBRIDY news@clareecho.ie

A

WONDERFUL exhibition called HOME has been created at Cultúrlann Sweeney Gallery, Kilkee in memory of Betty Cauldwell (née Counihan) – the artist who passed away in April, 2020. Betty’s discerning eye and her ability to capture the essence of her subject is truly reflected in this exhibition.

Betty has left an amazing legacy to include outstandingly beautiful west Clare sea and landscapes.

Born in Kilrush in 1926, the eldest of five children of Dr Dick Counihan and Enid (née Glynn), Betty was educated in Kilrush, Limerick and University College Dublin where she studied to be a dentist.

Married to Peter Cauldwell, also a dentist, who wrote poetry in his retirement, they spent much of their lives in England.

Both their hearts remained in the west coast of Clare and they returned home as often as they could.

Betty took up painting seriously in her 50s and continued to paint until her eyesight began to fail shortly after her husband died in 2001.

Betty trained at Lichfield School of Art and exhibited with

the Lichfield Society of Artists and the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists. She won several awards including the Armour-Brown prize in 1991.

She also exhibited in Kilkee at Krazy Krauts Gallery in 1992.

In Kilkee Library, on permanent display, hangs one of Betty’s paintings, depicting Moore Bay, Kilkee. It is an action picture of Kilkee Air Sea rescue. The picture was temporarily moved to an exhibition in the library commemorating Caitriona Lucas, the Irish Coast Guard volunteer.

"There are themes within the exhibition to include Kilkee coastal scenes, Lahinch Golf Course, fruit and flowers, portraits and unique art. Betty’s time has passed but her art lives on and this exhibition gives attendees the opportunity to acquire Irish ‘local’ original art and prints and to help others," said a spokesperson for the exhibition.

Through this exhibition the family are looking to raise funds for the local charity, West Clare Cancer Centre. All sales will be donated to this voluntary organisation. West Clare Cancer Centre’s funding comes from their community through many different events held each year.

‘HOME’ at the Cultúrlann Sweeney Gallery, Kilkee, runs from 30th August to 2nd October, 2021.

22 COMMUNITY

Community KILMALEY

ORGANISERS of this weekend’s Ennistymon Book Town Festival say it looks like being the best ever despite covid restrictions.

The town will see booksellers filling every available space for the weekend as well as book launches and talks. ”We are getting a great response from booklovers who are keen to get back to events after the last 18 months and expect the shops and events to be busy over the whole weekend,” said Jon Heddon of the organising committee. “While the usual restrictions to numbers apply, the fact that we are using large venues for the book stalls should mean we won’t have any problems.”

The festival has proved a popular addition to the calender locally and has developed a large following across the whole region over the last 10 years. In addition to the local bookshops, Salmon Bookshop and Banner Books, who put on events over the weekend, booksellers such as Charlie Byrnes of Galway, Joe Collins Rare Books from Dublin, Cooney Books from Cork, etc. set up through the town.

Kilmaley Senior Hurling Team. Pictured (L-R) are Kevin McNamara (Chairman) Michael O’Neill, Cian Moloney, Kevin McNamee (Owner), Anne St.John (Shop Manager), Conor Clancy (Senior Manager), Michael O’Malley and Aidan McGuane

CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNISTYMON BOOK TOWN FESTIVAL

lSUPPORT LOCAL: McNamee’s Londis have been announcd as the new sponsor of

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Saturday, August 28 Bookshops open from 10am 2-3.30pm: Salmon Poetry celebrates 40 years of publishing poetry and literary nonfiction with poetry and music in the beautiful Salmon Bookshop walled garden, Parlia-

ment Street. Attendance is free but numbers are limited to 25.

2-4pm: Wendy Smith will be in Banner Books selling her booklet Weaving My Way Through The Classical Greek World (all proceeds to Safe Passage) and chatting informally to customers about Greek mythology, Ancient Greek and Latin.

6pm Bookshops Close 6.30pm: Joe Power will talk on his two recent books Clare and the War of Independence and Clare and the Civil war. The talk will be in the Teach Ceoil. Numbers are limited due to covid restrictions to 25. Please contact Banner Books on (065) 707 1372.

Sunday, August 29 Bookshops open 10.30am 12-2pm Wendy Smith will be in Banner Books selling her booklet Weaving My Way Through The Classical Greek World (all proceeds to Safe Passage) and chatting informally to customers about Greek mythology, Ancient Greek and Latin.

2-3.30pm ‘The Edge of Moher and Beyond’.

A talk by Martina McCarthy with music by Liam O’Brien. This is one of a series of events organized by Idir Dha Thra; exploring the natural harmonics between landscape, language, and psyche. Tickets are available through eventbrite and limited to 20. Venue: The Salmon Bookshop garden, Parliament Street.

ENNISTYMON IDIR DHÁ THRÁ

IDIR Dhá Thrá is an explorative series of music/talks/performances/lectures which responds to the cultural, social and geographical area of North Clare. The events shall take place in the unique setting of the al fresco (outdoors) courtyard garden behind the Salmon Bookshop in Ennistymon.

The series will bring together an interesting and collaborative collection of artists, storytellers, lecturers, musicians and poets who will each share from their field of expertise and experience on topics which will resonate with the local communities in North Clare.

Idir Dhá Thrá is kindly supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports & Media and the Clare Arts Office.

The series of events will run for 6 consecutive Sundays in August and September. All events will be held outdoors in a socially distanced environment, and anyone seeking to attend is reminded to abide by the current

restrictions in place for the Covid 19 pandemic.

We are delighted to invite the following speakers and musicians to perform in the garden of Salmon Bookshop. The series of events will run as follows.

Aug 29th : 'The Edge of Moher and Beyond' - Martina McCarthy + Liam O'Brien Sept 5th : 'The Soul of the Irish Landscape' - Manchán Magan + Roisín Berkley Sept 12th : 'Making the Past Present' - Eddie Lenihan + Jonny Dillon Sept 19th : 'Sacred Bronze Age Caves of the Burren' - Dr. Marion Dowd + Elaine Hogan Sept 26th : 'Rites and Rituals in Ceremonial Practice' - Dr. Darragh Stewart + Branwen Tickets to all events are priced at 7e plus booking fees, and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.ie/o/idir-dhathra-34181621091 As audience capacity for these events is limited, booking in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

CRAGGAUNOWEN GORTNACRANNAGH IDOL

lGREAT CAUSE: Kilmaley Hurling Club present a cheque to Pieta following the

Run4Pieta event. Pictured are (L-R) Bryan O’Loughlin (Organiser), Jonny Togher (Pieta House) and Kevin McNamara (Chairman)

ON SATURDAY 28th August the archaeologists who excavated the site where the Gortnacrannagh Idol was found, along with experimental archaeology specialists from UCC (Pallasboy Vessel Project) and UCD (CEAMC), will be carving a replica of the Gortnacrannagh Idol outdoors at Craggaunowen, Co. Clare.

Work on the replica will start at 10am and continue throughout the day.

The Excavation Director, Dr Eve Campbell, along with ancient wood-working specialist Cathy Moore and other specialists will be on site.

The park is open to the public for the normal admission fee and visitors will be able to watch progress. To be sure of admission, members of the public should book ahead through the Craggaunowen website https://

www.craggaunowen.ie/ The Gortnacrannagh Idol is a 2.5m long oak carving over 1600 years old, recently found on an excavation in Co. Roscommon. The discovery of the idol was widely reported in newspapers, and online.

According to Dr Campbell, the archaeologist who directed the excavation on which it was found, “The Gortnacrannagh Idol was carved just over 100 years before St Patrick came to Ireland, and is likely to be the image of a pagan deity.

“Our ancestors saw wetlands as mystical places where they could connect with their gods and the Otherworld.

“The discovery of animal bone alongside a ritual dagger suggests that animal sacrifice was carried out at the site and the idol is likely to have been part of these ceremonies.”

HERITAGE WEEK 23

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

SHANNON FAMILY FUN DAY

lBIODIVERSITY: Shannon Tidy Towns

held a family fun day at the weekend to showcase their biodiversity projects, funded by the Community Heritage Scheme Grant

Shannon Tidy Towns organised a Family Fun Day for Heritage Week. They have been allocated funding under the Community Heritage Scheme Grant to the value of €6000 to create a biodiversity and micro green infrastructure plan for Shannon Town. This will include how they can introduce natural soft play areas to the many green spaces.

The key objective of this project is the establishment of a shared vision for the future of Shannon through the production of a biodiversity action plan. To stimulate interest and provide guidance for the residents, community groups and business owners in Shannon.

The Heritage Council asked them to take part in Heritage Week to showcase their project.

They decided to do two events. One was the Family Fun Day in the meadow area. Paths were cut through so the kids could explore more, they could do the scavenger hunt, make nature craft and see Tidy Towns Chairman Derek do a scythe demonstration to show how the grass used to be cut. The sun came out and it was a great day.

The other event was an online zoom public consultation. Shannon Tidy Towns invited the Landscape Architect, Ecological and Community Planner, Brian Gaynor to give an informative introduction to how we can enrich our public grassland and he will talk about the Biodiversity action plan for Shannon Town amenity grassland areas. “We want to halt biodiversity loss and to have guidance going forward, incorporating natural play areas, providing opportunities for recreation and physical activities, promoting community identity and a sense of well being,” said a spokesperson for Shannon Tidy Towns.

The group will organise another similar public consultation in Mid September, all are welcome and encouraged to come and listen.

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details.

LABASHEEDA COMMEMORATION

A War of Independence Commemoration and an unveiling of a plaque in memory of the Volunteers of D Company - Labasheeda,1st Battalion, West Clare Brigade, Irish Republican Army 1916 - 1921 and their comrades in the 1st Battalion, West Clare Brigade Cumann na mBan 1916 - 1921 was held on 21st August 2021 at 1pm at Labasheeda Quay.

The event was organised by the local community and supported by the “Remembering The War of Independence in West Clare group”.

A Piper led the parade down to Labasheeda Quay followed by five flag carrying participants displaying flags which included the Irish Flag, Irish Volunteers and Cumann na mBan. They were followed by relatives of those who fought during the War of Independence.

Fr Mc Grath unveiled the plaque. Local historian Paul Markham then read the proclamation.

A Roll call of members of D Company 1st Battalion of the Irish Volunteers and Cumann na mBan of the West Clare Brigade was read out. Father McMahon then recited prayers of remembrance.

Wreaths were laid at the memorial by Pat Hayes on behalf of his grand uncle the Rev. P.K. Hayes, Fr McGrath laid a wreath on behalf of the Falahee family, JT Larkin laid a wreath for all battalions and companies in the West Clare Brigade area and Marie Moloney laid a wreath in memory of the local Cumann na mBan. Stephen Mc Donagh laid a wreath on behalf of the Irish Volunteers. A minute silence was then observed.

Stephen McDonagh then spoke about the life and times of the patriot priest Father Hayes who ministered in Labasheeda during the War of Independence.

Next to speak was Paul Markham on Vice Commandant Michael Falahee and the Falahee family and their contribution to the fight for Independence 1919 to 1921.

Dr Padraig Óg Ruairc then delivered the oration speaking about the sacrifices of the Volunteers Cumann Na mBan and the community that supported them in overthrowing British rule in Ireland.

JT Larkin spoke about how these events are important to the local people and how important it is to educate our youth about this time in Irish History.

lFLAGS: A piper leads the parade down to Labasheeda Quay and (inset) a plaque was unveiled to remember those who fought in the War of Independence

24 T H U R S D AY 2 6 2 0 2 1

‘Greater cohesion needed’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

G

paraic@clareecho.ie

St Coleman’s Well

REATER cohesion is needed when it comes to planning projects in East Burren parishes with calls made for a study to be undertaken in order to secure funding and progress developments in the area.

An appeal for a study of East Burren parishes was made by Cllr Joe Killeen (FF) at a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District. This, he explained was “with a view to encouraging the community supporting community concept in the County Development Plan, identify projects of mutual interest and identify funding sources to progress these projects”.

Acting senior executive officer in the Rural Development section of Clare County Council, Bernie Haugh insisted that active engagement with groups in the area was in motion as part of the Clare Rural Development Strategy.

“Inter-parish collaboration and co-operating communities are a key theme in the approach underpinning this work. We will give consideration to the benefit that such a study would bring to the ongoing work, in particular to the East Burren area, and how such might be resourced,” she stated.

Some of the parishes form under the umbrella of Burren Lowlands, Cllr Killeen outlined.

“Part of the motion wants to position them to get some benefit from the Burren Lowlands group and to identify common causes for those parishes to see

can we support the communities in it. We want cohesion between Clare and Galway to seek funding to push projects forward”.

He noted that some of the archaeological trail in the area starts in Galway and “goes all the way to Lisdoonvarna, those projects have a bigger footprint”.

Identifying more resources would be a move in the right direction, Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) believed. “We need more cohesion and joined up thinking for projects,” he added.

Avoidance of duplication in communities would result if the motion came to life, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) predicted.

John O’Malley, acting senior executive officer in the West Clare MD flagged that parishes must come together along with the local authority supporting them.

25 T H U R S D AY 2 6 2 0 2 1

Maura’s Slimming World members come back together after months of virtual slimming

A

WEIGHT has been lifted for slimmers from Maura’s Slimming World groups as they’re an incredible 1,584lbs lighter since returning to their real-life Slimming World groups in June.

Consultant Maura is delighted to be back helping members to lose weight and improve their health in person, and the results on the scales show just how much members are loving being back together too.

Maura, says: “I reopened my groups in Gort, Labane and Galway on June 2nd, after I’d been supporting members virtually in online weekly groups since January, when the last lockdown closed our community groups again. We’ve put measures in place to comply fully with all Government guidance to ensure members are safe, happy and

comfortable being back at our group. Because we can’t meet in groups due to the current restrictions, we’ve set up temporary Venue + Virtual groups which means that members can still come and weigh in and talk about how they’re doing. It’s been absolutely amazing to come back together again, it’s proven that there really is no better feeling than the magic of a real-life Slimming World group – and the amazing results speak for themselves – a combined 113.5 stone lost between them since June!

“Members told me they’d really missed being together in-person. Plus, we know that there’s something powerful about stepping on the scales each week and having that regular check-in on your progress.

“The past year has been far from easy for all of us, with some people struggling more than others, but

Before and after

for lots of my members all of the challenges and anxieties have actually made

them more determined than ever to achieve their goals and improve their health.

They’ve proved anyone wanting to lose weight and feel healthier – which research shows could protect against disease – doesn’t have to give up on their dreams! I can’t wait to see how much we can all lose by the end of 2021!”

Member Regina O’Keeffe, who joined Maura’s group at the end of January, has lost 2 stone 7.5lbs in total since then. She says: “Like a lot of people, I found lockdown challenging and gained a few extra pounds. With so much in the news about weight and associated health risks including COVID-19, I wanted to make a healthy new start and take my health into my own hands. I came back to Maura’s group in January and I haven’t looked back since.

Maura says, “In our Slimming World group, you’ll discover the freedom to enjoy foods you love, and still lose

weight! You’ll also find out how to become more active in a way that suits your lifestyle” Maura runs a morning group in Gort Community Centre every Thursday and an evening group in Labane Hall, Ardrahan every Thursday evening. She also has both morning and evening sessions in the Menlo Park Hotel in Galway every Tuesday. She says: “If you’re worrying about your weight and you’d love to feel healthier and happier, don’t give up. Don’t put it off. Our Slimming World group is here and getting together every week. We’d love to be celebrating another huge weight loss milestone by the New Year, so if you’re thinking of joining, come and be part of that success – you’ll be welcomed by every one of us.”

To find out more or to book your place, contact Maura on 087 2768935.

Gents and Ladies department

Contemporary fashion with timeless style for any occasion

We are open!

New and returning members welcome

OPEN TUES - SAT 9:30am - 6:00pm see facebook for updates

Contact Maura 087 2768935

Slimming World taste

ÑÊ ¨àĞ the

26

World Dog Day T H U R S D AY 2 6 2 0 2 1

Celebrating your best friends

WE ASKED you to send us photos of your four legged friends to mark World Dog Day on August 26, and you did not disappoint!

lPAWS: (L-R) Chloe gives Georgie the puppy a hug; Freddy and Murph chilling at home; Benji and Casey say cheese

World Dog Day

27

T H U R S D AY 2 6 2 0 2 1

on International Dog Day

lDOGGOS: (L-R) 10 year old Lulu is cosy under her blanket; three year old Jessie from Inagh chooses what to watch on TV; Kate and Anna Sullivan with Sam; Piper makes the most of the sun; Jilly and Bailey have fun among the bluebells

PRECIOUS PETS

World Dog Day

28

T H U R S D AY 2 6 2 0 2 1

Top five dog friendly trails 1

DROMORE WOODS:

Located just outside Ennis, the stunning Dromore Wood Nature Reserve covers an area of approximately 400 hectares (1,000 acres). This is more than enough room to tire out your four legged friend. The diversity and richness of its flora and fauna led to Dromore Wood being established as a nature reserve.

The reserve also has historical and archaeological aspects, such as the 17th century O’Brien Castle, which is still standing by the lake edge. There is also the site of Cahermacrea Castle, the site of Killakee Church, two ring forts and a lime kiln.

2

KILKEE

CLIFF

WALK:

Whether it’s a calm summer day or wet and wild, the Kilkee Cliff Walk is stunning either way. The challenging hill climb will leave you and your pup gasping for breath, but the panoramic views

Kilkee Cliff Walk

at the Ennis Pet Centre

­

3

LISSYCASEY CASCADES:

This three kilometre trail is perfect for those days when you and your pooch want to enjoy an easier, more relaxed stroll among the trees and flowing waterfalls. The loop forms part of the 30 acre Lissycasey Ecology Park.

The loop also features outdoor gym equipment for those looking for something a little more strenuous. Your dog may not appreciate the wait, though.

4

ERRINAGH BRIDGE:

The Errinagh Canal was built to allow navigation of boats and barges to the City of Limerick. Today, the canal is

being developed as a recreational amenity (fishing, watersports, etc) – the loop uses what was the towpath for horses as they pulled barges along the waterway in previous times.

At almost 12km, this lengthier trail calls for a stash of water and snacks for yourself and your pooch.

5

MULLAGHMORE AND LOUGH GAELAN CIRCULAR:

This is a 10.8 kilometer out and back trail located near Glenroe/ Ballyeighter. This trail can be tricky underfoot, so is best done on a fine day. Good walking boots are also essential.

*Although dogs are welcome on all of these routes, be sure to keep your bestie on a lead at all times and be mindful of other trail users who may not be as keen on your dog as you are!

‘Support your local animal sanctuary’ ELAINE TUBRIDY

Hounda Dog Food is made with -

at the top of the cliff are most definitely worth the struggle.

Take a moment to watch the sea birds soar and swoop beneath you as your doggy pal enjoys the scents rushing in on the sea breeze.

A

news@clareecho.ie

N ENNIS pet shop owner has praised the efforts of animal sanctuaries across Clare for looking after unwanted and abandoned animals.

Dean Morris cited the fact that animal sanctuaries receive very little funding to carry out their vital work.

“People who decide to open an animal sanctuary or volunteer to work with one are certainly the unsung heroes of animal welfare in Ireland. With little funding, or in some cases no funding at all, animal sanctuaries will cater for any unwanted animals in their local area.

“The owners and volunteers will work to assure the animal in question will get the best possible home and that the new owner understands, not only the financial side to keeping a pet, but also the maintenance and care needed to allow the animal to

have the best possible life,” he added.

Dean encouraged the public to appreciate the work of their local animal sanctuary and to help out where they can.

“The importance of animal sanctuaries in Ireland is greatly unappreciated and people should do everything they can to support their local sanctuary,” he said.

Based on Upper Market Street, Dean and the staff at the Ennis Pet Centre have a wealth of experience in helping customers to choose the right pet for them.

“Here at the Ennis Pet Centre, and all pet shops in Ireland, have a responsibility to give out the best possible advice when selling any animal and, if needed, to know when to advise customers that maybe this is not the right time or the right pet for them at this present moment.

“My advice would be that if you are thinking of purchasing a dog, cat or any animal, do your research first and maybe think to contact your local animal sanctuary, as they just might have the perfect family pet for your home,” Dean concluded.

PROPERTY 29

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

RECENTLY SALE AGREED ENNIS

ENNIS

ENNIS

KILKEE

KILKEE

CLARECASTLE

MILTOWN MALBAY

ENNIS

ENNIS

ENNIS

LAHINCH

KILMALEY

FOUR SEASONS DRIVE

77 HERMITAGE

14 GEORGES HEAD, GOLF LINKS ROAD

DOONAHA EAST

6 MEADOWLANDS DRIVE, ENNIS ROAD

13 EDENVALE, KILRUSH ROAD

70 TURNPIKE

2 AN CREAG

71 LIOS ARD, TULLA ROAD

42 GARDEN VIEW, CREGGAUNAHILLA

24 CASTLELAWN, TULLA ROAD

LAHAKNOCK COTTAGE

THINKING OF SELLING THIS AUTUMN?

DIARMUID McMAHON

DANIELLE O’CONNOR

JASON PYNE

Beautiful homes all over the County

Property

LAKE VIEW, 6 GIRROGA HEIGHTS, GORT ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE €465,000

2A LISCANNOR ROAD LAHINCH CO CLARE

THIS hidden gem represents a unique opportunity to purchase a detached property, situated within walking distance of the town centre and with the type of views you would never expect!

This property is set on an elevated site with amazing, uninterrupted views overlooking Girroga Lake. Originally constructed in 1980, this fine home has been lovingly restored and redesigned by its current owners. It is situated in an established, residential area within walking distance of all local amenities.

Internally, accommodation is well proportioned and comprises 180 sq.m. (1,937 sq.ft.) approx and includes a contemporary open plan kitchen and dining area, a generously sized living room, running nearly the full length of the property, a luxurious bathroom, an office, 4 bedrooms (2 of which are ensuite) and an adjacent garage. The master bedroom suite encapsulates the whole first floor of the property. The lake views on offer from this property are second to none and every emphasis has been put on maximizing these views with successful results.

THIS magnificent property is presented to the market in immaculate condition. Ideally situated within walking distance of the golf club, beach and all village amenities. The epitome of luxury living, with comfort being key, this property has been completed to a first class standard throughout with no expense spared in the finish. Its A rating, air to water thermal heating system, underfloor heating and triple glazed windows ensure this property is also extremely economically efficient.

Accommodation comprises 205 sqm. (2,206 sq.ft.) approx and includes a contemporary open plan kitchen, living and dining area, a sitting room, utility room, ground floor toilet and 3 bedrooms (all of which are ensuite).

There is a whole host of notable internal features such as a solid wood fitted kitchen and centre island with extras such as built in LED lighting, an instant hot tap, granite counter tops, porcelain tiles, a double height entrance hallway, semi solid oak and walnut flooring, stylish window shutters and attractive ceiling coving.

Externally, this property is relatively maintenance free with a private patio area to the rear and ample parking to the front.

Rarely does such a well located, beautifully finished property such as this become available in Lahinch.

30

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Danielle O’Connor Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Licence No: 001212 065 686 7866

CLON ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€925,000

Danielle O’Connor Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Licence No: 001212 065 686 7866

€249,000

3 THE HILL, MAIN STREET, TULLA, CO. CLARE

€245,000

OFFERING the ultimate in privacy, tucked away in a tree lined raised site bordering the River Fergus and within a short stroll of all amenities being positioned just off the Clon Road Roundabout is this wonderful 3 bedroom bungalow with office and a fantastic open plan living space to facilitate the kitchen/ living/ dining.

Each room is bright and spacious with polished marble flooring to entrance hallways, connecting corridors and bedrooms 1 and 2, and solid floors featuring in the remainder of the property. The site offers private gated access from Clon Road Roundabout with substantial tarmacadam drive which extends to the front and is bordered by sleepers and mature shrubbery giving fantastic views of the River Fergus.

This town centre dwelling would suit a number of possible uses, be it for retirement, first time buyer, family home or offices.

PERCHED on an elevated site is this 3 bedroom, mid terraced, town centre home presented for sale and refurbished to an impeccable condition throughout. The owner has very tastefully completed this home, retaining a lot of the traditional features while incorporating some modern touches which is evident throughout this home.

Triple glazed PVC sash windows, extensive quality walnut and oak flooring, extensive tiling, quality fitted kitchen with granite work surfaces and solid fuel stoves are just some of the many features worth mentioning in this fantastic home. Ample carparking is provided to the front with access to the rear from the rear patio and yard onto the open green area making an ideal outdoor space.

This truly fantastic town centre home must be viewed to truly appreciate the bright, spacious well proportioned and exceptional finishes expressed throughout,

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

RHYNAGONNAUGHT DOONBEG CO. CLARE

€299,000

THIS 3/4 bedroom detached property is situated on a 0.24 ha (0.59 acre) elevated site and has beautiful, uninterrupted sea views. It is located within a stones throw of the beach and all local amenities and also within easy access of Doonbeg Golf club.

Accommodation is bright and spacious and comprises an open plan kitchen/living and dining room, utility room, 3 bedrooms (all of which are ensuite) and a fourth room which could lend itself to many uses such as a 4th bedroom, an office or a play room.

The attic area has also been been converted. Externally, the property is mainly in lawn with a tarmac driveway and a detached storage shed. Total Area 132 sq.m. (1,420 sq.ft. approx).

Due to its size, location and amazing views, this would make an fabulous holiday home.

Danielle O’Connor Sherry FitzGerald McMahon Licence No: 001212 065 686 7866

14 MOYARD, SHANBALLA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€245,000

NO. 14 Moyard is a fantastic 4 bedroom semi detached property with the benefit of a large attic with potential to convert in a popular development just off the Lahinch Road with easy access to Ennis bypass and the Town Centre.

The property was constructed circa 2007 in a popular development with large communal green area to the front and private rear garden which is not overlooked to the rear. The property benefits from zoned mains gas central heating while achieving a high B3 building energy rating.

There is off street parking to the front for 2 vehicles on cobblelock driveway with side access to the rear garden. Internally all rooms are bright and spacious offering excellent family living.

Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

PROPERTY 31

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

For Sale by Online Auction osullivanhurley.dngauctions.ie

For Sale by Online Auction, Fri, September 10th at 12pm Clare Road, Ennis, Co. Clare AMV: €400,000

This is truly a remarkable home and one that has enormous elements of surprise, boasting a fantastic oasis to the rear which consists of a site of circa 1 acre making it one of Ennis town centre's truly hidden gems. The property is double fronted onto the Clare Road, immediately opposite St. Flannan's College, and within a short stroll of all of Ennis town centre's and surrounding amenities.

The main house is a bright and spacious 3 bedroom detached bungalow, kept in immaculate condition throughout. The detached garage is accessed via one of the private front entrances with the front of the property having an abundance of mature trees and shrubs with manicured lawns and pathways. To the rear of the home the meandering footpaths, split level patio areas, vast manicured lawns, mature trees and so much more, no description can truly emphasise the amazing space, oasis, privacy and potential that this site boasts.

Solicitors– Ann Gillane Larkin Brophy Gillane Solicitors

For Sale by Online Auction, 17th September 2021, 12:30pm The Boree Log, Lissycasey, Co. Clare AMV: €100,000

The property is located at the start of Lissycasey Village, fronting onto the N68 Ennis to Kilrush Road. Lissycasey is located approximately 10 kilometres west of Ennis Town Centre. The property is on its own site with large parking areas to the side and rear. The Boree Log is a detached single storey premises extending to approximately 260 sqm and consists of a large lounge area, front bar, kitchen and male and female toilet facilities.

Solicitor: Sandra O'Brien, Barry C Galvin & Company for Legal Pack

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

For Sale by Online Auction 17th September 2021, 12pm Beach Lodge, Strand Line, Kilkee, Co. Clare AMV: €340,000

This 2 bedroom end of terrace property with unrivalled views looking straight over the water on Kilkee's Strand Line, over looking Kilkee's famous horseshoe beach. To the front there is a maintenance free paved garden area overlooking Kilkee Beach, less than 10 meters from the Strand Line wall. Viewing is highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

Viewings will take place on August 28th Please make contact with our office to schedule your individual appointment time.

Solicitors – David Leahy, Leahy Reidy Solicitors

For Sale by Online Auction ,17th September 2021, 12pm 13 Brookhaven, Montpelier, O'Briensbridge, Co. Clare AMV: €40,000

Located to the rear of a cul-de-sac in the development, this semi-detached derelict property offers excellent potential in a popular location with easy access to Limerick City and the M7 Limerick/Dublin Motorway. The property has been vacant for a number of years and requires complete refurbishment and moderisation throughout.

Solicitor: Anne Walsh, John Casey & Company Solicitors, Bindon Street, Ennis, Co.Clare.

Contact DNG O’Sullivan Hurley on 065 6840200 for further information PSL No 002295

For Sale by Online Auction on Friday 3rd September 2021 at 12pm 3 Ballymoneen, Cappahard, Ennis, Co. Clare AMV: €150,000

Fronting on to the green area of Cappahard and linked at the single storey section of the property, No. 3 makes for an ideal family or first time buyer home. The property offers well proportioned accommodation throughout with a rare feature where all 4 bedrooms are double rooms with the Master Bedroom being en suite with walk-in wardrobe. There is also a main bathroom and a ground floor WC. Further accommodation includes a spacious main reception with bay window looking onto the green area, open plan kitchen/dining and separate utility.

Solicitors - Caroline Bradley O Kelly Moylan

(065) 684 0200 74 O'CONNELL STREET ENNIS

32 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Free Media Ireland (FMI), an association of free newspapers, including The Athlone Advertiser, The Clare Echo, The Cork Independent, The Galway Advertiser, The Limerick Post and The Mayo Advertiser are looking to recruit a GROUP REPRESENTATIVE AND ADMINISTRATOR to work with the founding members to develop and expand the group.

FREE MEDIA IRELAND

Knowledge of the media landscape will be a distinct advantage for the successful applicant for this fixed term contract.

Responsibilities will include - Liaising with the founding members on the establishment of criteria for membership, and the key objectives of FMI. - Growing the organisation’s membership base.

- Lobbying on behalf of FMI with Government and representing the group to other relevant organisations.

- The development of systems and procedures, including financial administration, and the maintenance of the association’s template documents.

- Assisting with the development of the organisation’s website, and dealing with all enquiries.

- Industry research and report generation.

- The successful candidate will have a track record of working on their own initiative and proven delivery of key objectives.

Applicants should apply to: admin@freemediaireland.ie, including a cover letter and CV. Closing date for applications is Friday, September 3rd, 2021.

The Clare Echo is hiring a Journalist

We are seeking applicants for the role of Journalist (full-time) to report local news content through print and digital. We are accepting CVs from all qualified applicants from graduate level to experienced reporters.

Role Responsibilities

• Break news stories of interest to a County Clare audience

Full-time & Part-Time Counter Assistant needed for busy butchers in Ennis town centre  

Suitable candidates will work as part of a team in a busy environment Ideal candidates will have an interest in food and/or experience in deli/retail environment

Please submit your CV and a covering letter to: dok.championmeats@gmail.com

• Conduct interviews and feature-write to a high standard • Report at council meetings • Edit content to a high standard ensuring all material meets legal and quality standards • Work with both the Editor and Head of News in developing new ideas • Work closely with local photographers and be willing to take photos using office camera • Write editorial articles promoting local businesses

The ideal candidate will:

• Be productive, organised, hard-working and have ability to work on own initiative • Understand the needs of the modern news consumer • Embrace modern forms of journalism, including video / audio • Be a strong communicator and have a demonstrated ability in developing contacts • Be able to work to a high standard under tight deadlines • Have a good understanding of the workings of local and national government • Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in the field of journalism

SALARY: Competitive / DOE Champion Meats ltd., 1-2 Turnpike, Ennis, Co Clare

To apply for this position, send a CV to: Stuart Holly, Editor, The Clare Echo, 36C Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare or email editor@clareecho.ie The closing date for applications is Thursday, August 26, 2021.

The Clare Echo is an equal opportunities employer.

BUSINESS 33

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Ability IT exceeds all expectations in first year of business STUART HOLLY

A

editor@clareecho.ie

NEW IT solutions company is exceeding all expectations after being established in County Clare earlier this year.

Ability IT was set up by local IT expert and businessman Brian Hall.

Having worked in the industry for 20 years, the Kilmaley native spotted a gap in the market as companies struggled with their IT requirements following the arrival of Covid-19.

Operating out of Market Street Car Park in Ennis, the company offers a wide range of IT solutions to start-ups, sole traders and established SMEs, specialising in helping businesses to consolidate their office and operational IT requirements with one supplier.

Services offered include EPOS, merchant services, printing, office equipment, phone solutions and more.

Brian set up Ability IT in March and planned to continue working part-time in his previous role while the company grew.

However demand has surpassed early expectations and not only has Brain shifted his focus entirely on the new venture, he expanded his team as he supports clients in all corners of the country along with a number of SMEs in County Clare. Ability IT now employs the services of a receptionist, a phone seller, with an additional engineer coming

lSUPPORT: Ability IT Solutions

on. While supporting a range of industries, Brian notes there has been a particularly strong uptake from the retail and hospitality sectors.

When reflecting on setting up Ability IT, Brian observed clients struggling to deal with multiple providers which motivated him to find a solution that would better serve SMEs. “Over lockdown there were big changes in how businesses operated, people being laid off work or working from home. I saw from working in the industry that there was a gap for SMEs looking for IT services. During Covid I started looking into it and got it ready and I launched it this year,” explains Brian. Brian grew up with IT in his family business and consolidated his credentials recently by putting himself through college to gain accreditation.

"I had the idea that you’d have a company that would give a full solution to a business, offering everything from their IT to their printing to their EPOS system and merchant services, so they’re only dealing with one supplier and one point of contact. There was no reason why you couldn’t offer a top class service and keep companies going when they really needed it.”

Brian maintains that “a complete solution for a lot of companies is better than trying to deal with multiples and it can save them time and effort and give them an easier system to deal with”.

“Our number 1 thing is support and that’s what we’re known for and we will endeavour to get problems resolved very quickly.”

Ability IT offer round the clock support for their contracted customers with additional support offered by their partner providers. Brian is encouraging potential clients to visit the demo showroom in Market Street Car Park.

To contact Ability IT Solutions, call 065 681 0068 or visit abilityit.ie.

Market Street Carpark, Ennis, Co. Clare. V95 F30C Tel: 065 6810068 Email: sales@abilityit.ie www. abilityit.ie

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34 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

Bun Bros crowned 'Best in Munster'

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UN Bros in Ennis were presented with the accolade of ‘Best Takeaway Chain in Munster’, following an award ceremony hosted by National Burger Day last Thursday.

A sister company of Four-Star Pizza, partners Regina Mészáros and Ashutosh Kinra decided to purchase the premises last year and opened to the public in September 2020,

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looking to reinvent a store.

The couple, who both graduated from Shannon College of Hotel Management, Regina specialising in food and beverage and Ashutosh as a chef, found it “difficult at the start” due to the pandemic.

“It was a slow procedure in getting the word out and getting people to try the burgers. We don’t do any marketing, so the food speaks for itself. All the ingredients are Irish, even the vegetables are sourced from a local producer. Everything is made fresh to order also, and nothing is left sitting around as it would be in other takeaways,” she stated.

The National Burger Day Awards were voted by customers and The Irish Times reported that nearly 20,000 votes were cast for more than 450 burger outlets.

Regina enthused that the couple are “delighted with the feedback” and feel “reassured that the product is selling.”

Both working full time in the store, they were notified by Head Office following the announcement and were surprised that it was their standalone store and not the franchise that had won the award.

“The support has been massive from local people and it is continuing to grow all the time.

"Abbey Street is a fantastic location and it’s great being near the pubs and the clubs. We are over the moon to have received this national award,” she concluded.

Sport Clare Echo THE

26-08-21

pg 35

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

THREE MORE YEARS Lohan to continue as Clare hurling boss

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

Clare senior hurling manager Brian Lohan Photo by Gerard O’Neill

BRIAN Lohan has revealed he always felt a “responsibility” to take on the position of Clare senior hurling manager.

Unanimous support has been expressed from Clare GAA officials to Lohan receiving a three year extension as manager. This recommendation will be put before the clubs at the next County Board meeting.

Lohan is confident clubs will ratify the decision of the County Executive. “There has been good enough support from the clubs since I got the job”. He added, “I was looking for a commitment for the three years and I’m happy to have got that.”

Speaking on Morning Focus, the Shannon man believed the County Board made their decision in light of management’s performance over the past two years.

He admitted that he felt an onus of responsibility to

Roisin a European Ocean Racing Champion PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARECASTLE’S Roisin Cahill was last week crowned a European Ocean Racing Champion.

A huge performance in Cherbourg saw Roisin add to her growing collection of medals. In July, she won silver in the Under-23 surf ski race at the ICF World Ocean Racing championships in Lanzarote.

Aged 22, Roisin was formerly a high-performance swimmer. A biology and chemistry teacher, she has been a lifeguard in Lahinch and has paddled near the Cliffs of Moher and the Skelligs.

She has medals at European level in surf life-saving and trains with Celbridge Paddlers in Kildare.

take on the position when he put his name forward in 2019. “Looking at it from my own perspective I would have liked to do it but there are responsibilities that you have to do some of these jobs which were done for me when I was playing. There is a little bit of expectation there that you have to take on these roles and try and improve things, sometimes they work out and sometimes they don’t, since I’ve gone in I’ve enjoyed it.”

Reflecting on Clare’s championship this year, the fourtime All Star was of the view that luck was not on their side. “(We) probably weren’t that lucky. Winning against Waterford, losing against Tipp, then being selected out of the hat and getting no bye in the qualifier, at that level the opponents are tough, it could have been an easier route but it was the route we got but I’d have to say there was not a word of complaint

ever from the guys.”

Competing in championships clouded by COVID-19 has not been easy for Clare’s hurlers, Lohan maintained.

“From my playing days and that, there was a brilliant social aspect to hurling, being with your teammates and in a Clare set-up was brilliant from a playing and social aspect. Now it is different, you get your grub after the game with a plastic fork, eat it on your lap and go home, that’s the way it is for all the teams and it is a lot tougher.”

Clare’s hurlers are fully aware they only have a short window to play at an elite level, he said. “The biggest aspect is representing your county and the people of Clare, all our guys would be very conscious of that and they train exceptionally hard to do that as well as they can, during my time and before it they have been excellent ambassadors for the county.”

Ongoing support from

Clare’s fans was acknowledged by the Cratloe resident. “We had great support from a brilliant committee in Club Clare that have been excellent for us for the last couple of years, we’ve got great support from the general public as well, they appreciate we are trying to do a job and working as hard as we can. The Clare public appreciate that when you’re putting everything into it.”

Chairman of Clare GAA, Jack Chaplin said the decision to offer Lohan the three year extension was a simple one.

“There’s no objectives, the one objective is we would love to be winning All-Irelands but you have to crawl before you walk, with COVID it was very restricted so hopefully things will go up and up”. Chaplin added, “You could see it in the last game the way the team and Brian was applauded off, you could see the enthusiasm.

It all looks very good for the future.”

Four Clare teenagers represent Munster U18s FOUR Clare teenagers were part of the Munster U18 side that faced off with Leinster in the first round of the Interprovincial Championships.

Craig Riordan (St Senan’s RFC, Shannon), Darragh Burns, Donnacha Morrissey (both Kilrush RFC, pictured) and Luca Cleary (Ennis RFC) were part of Noel O’Meara’s squad with starting jerseys

handed to Riordan and Burns.

Munster U18 Clubs will also face off against Ulster and Connacht on the weekends of August 28th/29th and September 4th/5th.

Kilrush’s Andrew Purcell lined out for the Munster U17s in their clash with Leinster on Wednesday while on Friday, Kilmaley’s Eilish Cahill scored a try for the Munster Develop-

ment Squad who defeated Connacht Development 24-10 with Cahill’s Ennis RFC clubmate Emily Murphy also in action. Aoibheann

Hahessy of Ennis RFC represented the Munster U18s in their meeting with Leinster on Saturday.

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CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1 RD2

Third quarter telling for Whitegate Kilmaley 1-24 Whitegate 2-12 Venue: Cusack Park

KILMALEY Frees For: 11 (5/6) Wides: 15 (10/5) Spread of scorers: 9 Scores from play: 1-16 Top scorer: Cian Moloney (0-08 4f) Own puckouts won: 10 from 22 (45%) Bookings: None WHITEGATE Frees for: 9 (5/4) Wides: 8 (4/4) Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 2-04 Top scorer: Michael Hynes (0-08 6f 2’SC) Own puckouts won: 10 from 40 (25%) Bookings: Paul Burke (36)

CONOR CLANCY, KILMALEY MANAGER: “It was a tough game again tonight. It was nip and tuck to the closing stages when we got the scores which got us on top.

We are delighted to get the first win of this campaign. We look forward to the next big test in a few weeks. We are delighted with the response. It was disappointing to lose the first game last week as it put us in a difficult position. We are delighted to get back.”

TERENCE FAHY, WHITEGATE MANAGER: “Third quarter is the moving quarter and we didn’t come out of the blocks. We only got one or two scores in that quarter but we were still in the game and there might only have been four in it at the three quarter break.

We still had that gap with six or seven minutes to go. We had a

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

few half chances and we didn’t take them and Kilmaley came down the field and started to get a run on us with five minutes to go and they tapped on points from every area of the field. We brought on three subs and they were well fit to come on and contribute. Kilmaley’s bit of class told at the end. Their forwards got nice ball and they were very clinical shooting from the sidelines. Their runners from deep created opportunities and they took them. We need to get a result next day out but in contrast to last year we had no meaningful matches. We are SCAN HERE FOR in a group MATCH REPORT of five now and we are getting meaningful matches which is great.”

Kilmaley’s Colin McGuane lined out in Friday’s game before getting married a day later Photo by Gerard O’Neill

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‘It’s called the group of Playoff spots on death for a reason’ teams’ radars as football heats up Inagh Kilnamona 0-23 O’Callaghan’s Mills 1-16 Venue: Cusack Park Compiled by Eoin Brennan INAGH KILNAMONA Frees For: 12 (6/6) Wides: 5 (2/3) Scores from Play: 0-14 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Aidan McCarthy (0-11 9f) Own Puck-Outs won: 19 from 25 (76%)

by SEAMUS HAYES

O’CALLAGHAN’S MILLS Frees For: 13 (7/6) Wides: 8 (5/3) Scores from Play: 1-8 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorer: Colin Crehan (1-6 5f) Own Puck-Outs won: 16 from 28 (57%)

Darren Cullinan and Gary Cooney clash Photo by Ruth Griffin

EUGENE CULLINAN, INAGH/ KILNAMONA MANAGER: “We were under no illusions as to the strength of the challenge that we faced. The Mills are a fine team, were in the county final last year and had lost the first round so they were always going to throw everything at us. So it was a tough, tough challenge and we’re delighted to have come through it.

“We’ve played two solid teams now in Kilmaley and the Mills, I mean it’s called the Group of Death for a reason so we’re delighted to have won both. It’s been up and down and not good for the heart alright but in fairness, it’s been real tough championship hurling and that’s what you want.

“There were improvements from

the last day. I thought there was good movement from the forwards particularly in the first half. Now, we’ve still plenty to work on but there has been good stuff played as well so far.”

DONACH O’DONNELL, O’CALLAGHANS MILLS MANAGER: “It was a frustrating afternoon. We had handling errors, missed frees and overall we made a lot of mistakes. We had three or four goals chances in the first quarter alone and we took one. We should have got more, it’s as simple as that. At this level, when you create chances, you’ve got to put them away “I suppose we started poorly again and even when it got really tight

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at the end, we just never drove on.

We were within two or three points of them for most of the second half but couldn’t get level or ahead at any stage.

“It’s essentially out of our hands now and we’re relying on results from other teams now. So all we can do is keep plugging away and win our last two matches and hope that someone else can do us a favour along the way.”

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

FOOTBALL dominates the domestic adult GAA action this weekend with games in senior, intermediate, junior A and junior B championships.

All teams involved are still in the hunt for honours but for some, this week’s games are particularly important as defeat could put paid to championship ambitions for this season.

The meeting of Kilmurry Ibrickane and Cratloe is a repeat of last year’s final which the West Clare side won. Both are unbeaten after two outings and a defeat is unlikely to knock either out of the title race.

It’s a different situation for Ennistymon and Cooraclare who are in the same group and who go into their meeting on Sunday pointless. Defeat here would leave whichever would suffer that fate, struggling

to make the play offs.

Instead, whoever loses this one, could well be staring a relegation play off in the eye and with two teams to make the drop this year, it makes their meeting on Sunday all the more important.

Relegation could well be an issue for Clondegad, Kilrush, St. Josephs Doora/ Barefield and Lissycasey who all lost their opening round games.

Clondegad face one of the fancied teams in Éire Óg who will carry the favourites tag into Saturday’s clash. The Ennis side are awaiting fitness reports on David Reidy, Aaron Fitzgerald and Ciaran Russell.

One of the closest ties of the round is expected at Lissycasey where St. Josephs, Doora Barefield take on Kilmihil.

Beaten semi-finalists last year, Lissycasey were hugely disappointing in the opening round and they will need to show

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a big improvement if they are to overcome Doonbeg at Kilmihil.

St Breckans will be favourites against Kilrush on Sunday. The West Clare side whose manager Aidan Daly stepped down after their first round loss, will need a big improvement if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive. The favourites tag rests firmly with Donie Garrihy’s side.

There are also a number of crucial ties in the race for the intermediate title with the meetings of North Clare rivals Michael Cusacks and Kilfenora, the clash of O’Currys and the Banner and the meeting of Shannon Gaels and Éire Óg are among the key games.

Seven games are listed for decision in round 2 of the junior A championship while there are three quarter finals down for decision in the race for the junior B championship title.

26-08-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 38

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

SOCCER & GAA FIXTURES CAMOGIE: Fri 27th Aug U16 Championship U16A Ruan v Crusheen/Banner Scariff Ogonnelloe v Inagh Kilnamona Truagh Clonlara v Clooney Quin U16C Eire Og v Whitegate Corofin v Cratloe Broadford v Wolfe Tones Sat 28th August All Ireland Premier Junior Championship Semi Final Clane GAA: Clare v Armagh, 4.30pm Referee: Alan Doheny U13 Championship U13A: Scariff Ogonnelloe v Inagh Kilnamona Kilmaley v Ruan Newmarket on Fergus v Kilkishen/Bodyke U13B: Truagh Clonlara v Feakle Killanena Broadford v Ballyea St Josephs v Clarecastle Smith O’Briens v Crusheen Cratloe v Clooney Quin U13C: Eire Og v Kilkee Bealaha Corofin v Whitegate Parteen v Banner Wolfe Tones v Kilmaley Wed 01st Aug Minor Championship: Minor A : Inagh Kilnamona v Scariff Ogonnelloe Clooney Quin v Clarecastle/Ballyea St Josephs v Kilkishen/Bodyke Minor B: Broadford/Parteen v Sixmilebridge Ruan v Newmarket on Fergus Feakle Killanena v Tulla Crusheen/Banner v Kilmaley Minor C: Eire Og v Cratloe Whitegate v Corofin

Gurteen at 18:30. Referee: Augustine Callaghan Éire Óg Ennis v Kilmaley in Ennis at 18:30. Referee: Kieran Liddane Inagh-Kilnamona v Clarecastle in Inagh at 18:30.

Referee: Jim Hickey Kerry Group U17 B Group 1 Round 3 Feakle/Killanena v Corofin/Ruan in Killanena at 18:30. Referee: Robert Harte Bodyke O’Callaghans Mills v Scariff/Ogonnelloe in Kilkishen at 18:30. Referee: Joe Mullins Broadford v Crusheen/Tubber in Broadford at 18:30. Referee: Andy McMahon Kerry Group U17 B Group 2 Round 3 Ennistymon v Parteen in Ennistymon at 18:30.

Referee: Paul Howard Newmarket-on-Fergus v Whitegate in Newmarket-on-Fergus at 18:30. Referee: Kevin Corry Banner v Smith O’Briens in Ennis at 18:30. Referee: Kieran Harvey Tulla v Cratloe in Tulla at 18:30. Referee: Aaron Hogg Kerry Group U17 B Group 1 Round 3 Wolfe Tones na Sionna v Clonlara in Shannon at 19:00. Referee: Wayne King Tuesday August 31st: Supermac’s (Ennis) U15 Hurling Championship 2021 U15B FINAL Kilmaley v Clooney Quin in Cusack Park at 18:30.

Referee: Kevin Corry (E.T. if Necessary & Winner on the Evening) SOCCER: Saturday August 28th: Ennis Carpets U19s League Group A Bridge Utd v Shannon Hibs in Sixmilebridge at 11am. Referee: Museliu Bashua Moher Celtic v Manus Celtic in Lahinch at 6pm.

Referee: Michael Rock Ennis Carpets U19s League Group B Newmarket Celtic v Coole FC in McDonagh Park at 4pm. Referee: Julian Sandford Rhine Rovers v Burren Utd in Lees Rd (pitch 1) at 4pm. Referee: Brian Murphy Tulla Utd v Shannon Town in The Cragg Tulla at 11am. Referee: Pa Gleeson

Saturday August 28th: Supermac’s (Ennis) U15 Hurling Championship 2021 U15B Shield Final Tulla v Broadford in Dr Daly Park, Tulla at 11:00.

Referee: Jarlath Donnellan (E.T. if Necessary & Winner on the Day) Clare Marts U13 Hurling Championship 2021 U13 Academy B Shield Semi Final Bodyke O’Callaghans Mills v Kilkee/Bealaha in Kilkishen at 18:30. Referee: Andy McMahon (E.T. if Necessary & Winner on the Day) U13 Academy A Shield Quarter Final: Sixmilebridge v Clarecastle in Sixmilebridge at 10:30. Referee: Andy McMahon.

(E.T. if Necessary)

Sunday August 29th: Maloney Hardware Premier Division Avenue Utd A v Shannon Olympic in Roslevan at 11am. Referee: Dylan Shannon Bridge Utd A v Ennis Town in Sixmilebridge at 11am. Referee: Julian Sandford Shannon Town A v Lifford FC in Lynch Park at 11am. Referee: Paudie Hayes Mountshannon Celtic v Newmarket Celtic A in Mountshannon at 11am. Referee: Pa Gleeson T Shiels & Company First Division: Moher Celtic A v Shannon Town B in Lahinch at 11am. Referee: Michael Rock Newmarket Celtic B v Coole FC in McDonagh Park at 2pm. Referee: Julian Sandford Tulla Utd v Hermitage FC in The Cragg Tulla at 11am. Referee: Museliu Bashua Turnpike Rovers v Avenue Utd B in Lees Rd (pitch 3) at 2pm. Referee: Dylan Shannon Brian Pyne Tiles Second Division: Manus Celtic A v Cloughleigh Celtic in Lees Rd (pitch 1) at 11am. Referee: Sean Kenneally Rhine Rovers v Corofin Harps in Lees Rd (pitch 3) at 11am. Referee: Frank Coote Inch Crusaders v Kilkishen Celtic in Lees Rd (Astro) at 2pm. Referee: Frank Coote Kildysart Celtic v Shannon Hibs B in Kildysart at 2pm. Referee: Sean Kenneally Brownies Barbershop Third Division: Shannon Town C v Bunratty/Cratloe in Corrib Drive at 2pm. Referee: Paudie Hayes Manus Celtic B v Fern Celtic in Lees Rd (pitch 1) at 2pm. Referee: Museliu Bashua

Sunday August 29th: Clare Marts U13 A Round 6 Clonlara v Éire Óg Ennis in Clonlara at 16:00.

Referee: Kevin Corry

Tuesday August 31st Ennis Carpets U19’s League Group A: Ennis Town v Avenue Utd in Frank Healy Park at 8pm. Referee: Pa Gleeson

Monday August 30th: Kerry Group U17 A Round 3 Clooney/Quin v Ballyea in Clooney at 18:30.

Referee: Johnny Healy St Josephs Doora/Barefield v Sixmilebridge in

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

HURLING: Friday August 27th: Clare Marts U13 A Round 7 St Joseph’s Doora Barefield v Tulla in Gurteen at 18:30. Referee: Jim Hickey Inagh-Kilnamona v Ballyea in Inagh at 18:30.

Referee: Paul Howard Clare Marts U13 B Round 7 Crusheen/Tubber v Scariff/Ogonnelloe in Tubber at 18:30. Referee: Kieran Harvey Bodyke O’Callaghans Mills v Cratloe in Kilkishen at 18:30. Referee: Fergal O’Brien Clare Marts U13 C Round 7 Parteen v Wolfe Tones in Parteen at 18:30. Referee: Neil O’Brien

Clare Juniors go in search of All-Ireland final spot CLARE’S Junior camogie side are bidding to qualify for the All-Ireland final for the first time since 2008.

This weekend, the side managed by Tim McGrath and Annemarie McGann make the trip to Clane where they go in as underdogs against Armagh.

Saturday’s fixture has a 4:30pm start-time with Kilkishen’s Kate O’Gorman to captain the Banner.

After Kildare were unable to fulfil their group clash with Clare, they received automatic qualification to the knockout stages and topped their group having defeated Roscommon by four points.

Their panel has been boosted by the return of Kilmaley’s Caoimhe Carmody. She had been part of Ger O’Connell’s senior squad but did not see any

Caoimhe Carmody has returned to the junior panel

action and thus is eligible to line out at the junior grade.

Kerry denied Clare a place in the All-Ireland fi-

nal in 2019 while last year’s competition was cut short midway through due to the pandemic.

Golden celebrations for Ballyea, Clonlara and Smith O’Briens

by EOIN BRENNAN

THE 50th anniversary of the Féile na nGael competition inspired three new champions as Clonlara, Ballyea and Smith O’Brien’s garnered the county hurling honours in Caherlohan on Sunday.

With the national competition switching to Under 15, it coincided with the concluding stages of the Clare Under 15 Championship and allowed others to complete their seasons on a high.

No more so than Clonlara, who 18 years after their last county A honours, unearthed their best performance of the year to overcome Inagh-Kilnamona and bridge that gap to 2003 by 0-13 to 0-09.

Inspirational talisman Michael Collins led the way with five points, four of which came in a brilliant first half display in which helped by three Stephen Hodkins points from the left wing, boosted Clonlara into a 0-9 to 0-4 half-time advantage.

Inagh-Kilnamona’s scorer-in-chief Fred Hegarty and free taker Gearoid Barry slashed the deficit to three within two minutes of the restart. However, Clonlara dug their heels in and helped by Padraig Reddan, Eoin Begley, Gearoid O’Brien, Darragh Dillon and captain Eoin O’Callaghan who pulled off two excellent second half saves, the South East Clare side managed to hold out for a memorable breakthrough.

While it would be a heartbreaking second final defeat in less than two weeks for Inagh-Kilnamona, Clonlara now go on to represent the county in a 50th anniversary blitz in Thurles at the end of October.

Ballyea had a more clearcut victory to

claim the Féile B honours as again, their captain came to the fore, this time midfielder Eoin Kennedy, leading by example to ensure a 0-21 to 0-05 final triumph over Newmarket-on-Fergus. His ten point haul alongside impressive point tallies from Luke Minogue (4) and Dara Kennedy (3) were instrumental in putting daylight between the sides by half-time (0-11 to 0-03) before a similar burst killed off a Sean Arthur and Michael Power led Newmarket.

However, the afternoon’s proceeding began with the game of the day as Smith O’Brien’s managed to turn the tide on Crusheen/Tubber and complete a 3-09 to 1-12 Féile C decider win after extra-time.

Dominant midfielders and joint-captains Peter Farrell and Osgar Dunford had powered Crusheen/Tubber to a five point advantage just after half-time, only for a Brendan Minogue goal at the turn of the final quarter to change matters irrevocably as suddenly it was the amalgamation that had to rally to force extra-time.

Smith O’Brien’s efficiency was in contrast to a wasteful Crusheen/Tubber who would be royally punished in the additional periods when substitute Tom Wood and Rhys Barry raided for goals in as many minutes to carve out a seven point half-time cushion that could only be solaced by a late Roan Ketelaar goal.

The football equivalents take place this weekend, with tomorrow’s (Friday) Division 3 Final between Doonbeg and Shannon Gaels (6.30pm) followed by backto-back Division 1 (11am) and 2 (10am) deciders in Caherlohan on Saturday.

pg 39

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Clare Echo THE

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Bridge Utd's A & B side to meet in Munster Junior Cup

BRIDGE Utd’s A and B side will clash in the first round of the McCarthy Insurance Munster Junior Cup, writes Páraic McMahon.

Sixmilebridge may be divided temporarily when the sides meet on the weekend of October 2nd/3rd while the clash of Premier Division sides Shannon Olympic and Sporting Ennistymon will also garner plenty of interest.

Cullen McCabe holds off the challenge of David Keenan Photo by Natasha Barton

Avenue lay down marker as Newmarket start with win

by PARAIC McMAHON & SEAMUS HAYES Avenue Utd A 7 Ennis Town FC 2 Venue: Lees Rd, Ennis

A

VENUE Utd laid down a marker when commencing their bid for honours in the Maloney Garden Machinery Premier Division.

Viewed as the main side capable of putting a halt to Newmarket Celtic’s dominance of the Clare Cup and Premier League for the best part of a decade, Avenue Utd justified that narrative at the weekend and created a whopping 35 goal chances.

Arguably their first half showing was more impressive but despite easing up on the gas in the second half, they hit home four goals.

Key players from last season’s Avenue Utd B side which contested the Clare Cup final have made the step-up to the A outfit with Cullen McCabe, Conor Hehir, Eoghan Thynne and Tomás Hehir all slotting seamlessly into the lineup.

New additions Stephen Jordan and Cian O’Dea lined out at either wing with Jordan’s brother Aidan between the posts for Ennis Town.

Ronan Kerin notched a hat-trick for the winners while Tomás Hehir, Mark Roche and new signing Elias Kunz also raided for goals. Dean Hegarty was the sole scorer for Ennis Town.

For a young Ennis Town, they can ascertain plenty of learnings particularly when it comes to finding the best mix of players for their team when it comes to youth and

experience. Their younger players did impress but lacked physicality which will be punished by the top teams. Steven Horgan, Eoin Keenan and Jashar Aliu were best for Tony Downey’s side.

Tougher tests lie ahead for Avenue but make no mistake, they will be difficult to stop. Their squad has multiplied in its strength with a number of players even unavailable for selection. Losing Alan Roche and Tomás Hehir to injury was the only concerns from their end. Cullen McCabe, Ronan Kerin, Tomás Hehir, Dylan Casey and Alan Roche impressed for the winners.

Avenue Utd A: Paul Roche; Cullen McCabe, Simon Cuddy, Dylan Casey, Conor Hehir; Alan Roche; Stephen Jordan, Eoghan Thynne, Cian O’Dea; Ronan Kerin, Tomás Hehir. Subs: Mikey Dinan for A Roche (44) (Inj), Elias Kunz for Jordan (51), Mark Roche for T Hehir (55) (Inj), Dylan Barry for Thynne (70), Shane Brown for O’Dea (70) Ennis Town FC: Aidan Jordan; Thomas Collins, Steven Horgan, Chibby Okoye, Emmanuel Ihieberg; Dean Hegarty, Peter O’Brien, Eoin Keenan, Evan Kelly; Jashar Aliu; David Keenan. Subs: Seanie Perill for Ihieberg (33), Declan Ensko for Collins (HT), Josh Saili for E Keenan (50) (Inj), Lee Clohessy for D Keenan (70), Lase Ifebajo for Okoye (76).

Referee: Pa Gleeson

MCCARTHY NETS THE WINNER FOR NEWMARKET CELTIC

Newmarket Celtic A 2 Bridge Utd A 1 Venue: McDonagh Memorial Park, Newmarket-on-Fergus

A first outing of the season between the local rivals resulted in three points for Mark O’Malley’s Newmarket outfit who saw Tadhg Noonan and Jamie Egan make their first league starts while the McDaid brothers Conor and Pa formerly of Avenue Utd were also

handed their league debuts.

After a stint with Janesboro, John Mulready’s return between the posts for Bridge Utd has strengthened their cause while the rise of Leon Kelly, Storm Devanney and Leon Daly from the Youth ranks has added a new dimension.

Within a quarter of an hour, Bridge Utd stuck their noses in front,. Kieran Quinlan converting from the penalty spot when Paddy Purcell was adjudged to have handled a rebound from Shane Cusack.

It was the visitors that bossed the opening half but Newmarket Celtic were back on level terms before the half-time break when Purcell got on the end of a Darren Cullinan free to see the ball past Mulready.

A penalty put Bridge Utd in front and it was a penalty that saw them go behind. David McCarthy made no mistake from the spot and it was a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Newmarket Celtic A: Shane Cusack; David O’Grady, Paddy Purcell, Eoin O’Brien, Darren Cullinan; Jamie Egan, Conor McDaid, Eoin Kelly, David McCarthy; Tadhg Noonan, Ciaran McCoy: Subs: Aaron Rudd for McCoy, Colin Smyth for McDaid, Pa McDaid for O’Grady, Eoin Hayes for Rudd, Bridge Utd A: John Mulready, Leon Kelly, Darren Murphy, Alan Mulready, Storm Devanney, Alex Collins, Steve Stewart, Conor Deasy, Leon Daly, Brian Corry, Kieran Quinlan. Subs: Jordan Downes for Quinlan, Jonathan Downes for Deasy, Mike Carr for Collins, Glen Murray for Murphy.

Referee: Trevor White

OLYMPIC EARN BRAGGING RIGHTS IN SHANNON Shannon Olympic 3 Shannon Hibs 1

In the local Shannon derby, Olympic took the 3 points in an entertaining game watched by a good

McCarthy Insurance Group Munster Junior Cup First Round: Bridge United B vs Bridge United A Manus Celtic B vs Kilrush Rangers Tulla United vs Shannon Hibs B Shannon Town B vs Newmarket Celtic B Avenue United vs Shannon Town C Ennis Town vs Manus Celtic A Shannon Olympic vs Sporting Ennistymon Shannon Town A vs Inch Crusaders Shannon Hibs A vs Newmarket Celtic A Bunratty Cratloe vs Fern Celtic St. Pats vs Kilkishen Celtic Lifford FC vs Coole FC McCarthy Insurance Group Munster Junior Cup Second Round: Avenue United / Shannon Town C vs Shannon Hibs A / Newmarket Celtic A St. Pats / Kilkishen Celtic vs Ennis Town / Manus Celtic A Bridge United B / Bridge United A vs Shannon Town A v Inch Crusaders Bunratty Cratloe / Fern Celtic vs Manus Celtic B / Kilrush Rangers Shannon Olympic / Sporting Ennistymon vs Shannon Town B / Newmarket Celtic B Lifford FC / Coole FC vs Tulla United / Shannon Hibs B

crowd in ideal weather. Defences were on top in the early stages with neither keeper having much to do.

In the 40th minute Olympic went in front when Jason Regan scored with a low shot from 20 yards to separate the sides at the break.

Twenty minutes into the second half the winners doubled their advantage when a long throw from the left wasn’t cleared by the Hibs defence and Amallah Rachid reacted quickest to head the ball into corner of the net.

Hibs fought hard to get back into game and they were rewarded in the 80th minute when Gary Leahy scored from the penalty spot..

Olympic had the final say, however and five minutes from time John Keogh scored following a Declan McDonald cross from the right

Shannon Olympic: Ciaran Keane; Benjamin Cantillon, Dan Clair, Dean Power, Wayne Regan, Rob Clair, Jay Regan, Ray Quigley, Rachid, John Keogh, Declan McDonald Subs: Shane Tracey for W. Regan; Gary Birchall for Rachid Shannon Hibs: Trevor O’Donnell; Bobby O’Connell, Thomas Mc Dade, Ciaran McKee, Alex Cole, Mikey Wall, Darragh Leahy, Zygge Wall, Gary Leahy, Billy Connors, Darragh McDade Subs: Adam Ryan for Cole; Stephen McInerney for Z Wall; Lee Wall for Connors; Liam Delaney for D. McDade

MARRINAN NETS THE WINNER FOR SPORTING ENNISTYMON Sporting Ennistymon 3 Lifford FC 2

Sporting Ennistymon got their campaign off to a winning start when they accounted for Lifford on Sunday morning at Lahinch.

Sporting started the brightest

and almost took the lead on three minutes when a Darren McNamara cross was flicked over by Sean McConigley, who just could not direct his effort goalward. It was a sign of things to come as 14 minutes later, the two linked up again, with McConigley chesting and volleying home a McNamara cross. The lead was short-lived as Lifford were back on level terms in a matter of minutes after a corner failed to be cleared and was headed home by Lifford’s Ruairi Norrby.

Ixim Dagge put Sporting back in front on 28 minutes as he finished high to the top right corner after a great ball from Sean McConigley and great work from Darren McNamara. Then Michael Leigh was adjudged to have taken down Lifford’s Godsway Kuffour, he converted the resulting penalty to leave the sides level at the break.

Eoin Marrinan scored a penalty on the hour mark, which proved to be the winner after Ciaran McMahon was fouled.

Sporting Ennistymon: Joe Gallagher, Tiernan Hogan, Shane Kearney, Michael Leigh, Ciaren Monaghan, Eoin Marrinan, Darren McNamara, Chris O’Keeffe, Sean McConigley, Ixim Dagge, Cian Fahy;. Subs: Ciaran McMahon for McConigley (HT|); Éanna Collins for Fahy (HT) Lifford: Rhys Phillips; Eoin Walsh, Michael Junaid, Daniel Daly, Gary McNaboe, Josh Brack, Godsway Kuffour, Jean Ganda,Dynal Ryan, Nathan Bonaventura Ruairi Norrby, Subs: Errnaandes de Silva for Nathan Bonaventura; Matthew Kearney for Dylan Ryan; Ethan Cronin for Brack (inj).

26-08-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 40

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McNeilis claims Captain’s Prize in Kilrush

by SEAMUS HAYES JOHN McNeilis claimed the Captain’s Prize at Kilrush Golf Club while the Lohan family had further reason to smile in Shannon this week.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: Lahinch women’s senior cup team was defeated at the final hurdle in the All-Ireland senior cup at Castle Golf Club in Dublin on Sunday.

The holders, managed by Valerie Hassett and Aedin McCarthy, defeated Kilkenny 4.5/0.5 on Friday to qualify for the semi-final where their opponents were Douglas from Cork.

In a thrilling match Lahinch emerged with a 3-2 victory with Aideen Walsh securing the winning point. In an exciting final against Elm Park GC on Sunday morning, Lahinch were pipped on a 3-2 scoreline.

Playing at numbers 1 and 2, Aideen Walsh and Niamh O’Dwyer won their matches on 3/2 and 5/3 scorelines. However Sarah Cunningham, Olivia Lucas and Val Shannon lost their games. Muiriosa Connolly was also a members of the Lahinch panel.

It was a sweet victory for Elm Park who gained revenge for their 2018 All-Ireland loss to Lahinch.

There is no rest for Aideen Walsh who is in action this week, representing Munster in the Interprovincial Championships being hosted by Shannon. Meanwhile, Anne Vaughan won the Munster senior women’s championship at Roscrea last week.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Two hundred and fifty two members competed for President Steve Burns’ prize at Ennis at the weekend when Shane Talty (22) was victorious with 45 points. He had two to spare over Flan Lyons (13) with Noel Pyne (7) in third place with 40 points. They were followed by Paul Nihill (12) with

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40 points, Tommy Stack (21) with 39 points, Damian Pilkington (16) with 39 points, and Ross McLoughlin (21) with 39 points. Ronan Herbert (4) won the gross with 35 points.

Category A was won by Ian Myatt (8) with 38 points from Andrew Whelan (3) with 37 points. Padraic McNicholas (11) won category B with 38 points from Flan Downes (13) with similar score while category C was won by Vincent Healy (20) with 38 points from P.J. Hehir (34) with 37 points.

The past president’s category was won by Joe Carmody (16) with 32 points while Jack Clohessy (8) won the junior prize with 33 points. Evan Lewis won Friday’s open singles with 41 points from Redmond Condon (22) with 40 points while Brian Kelly (6) won the gross with 31 points.

Tuesday’s fourball was won by John Cleary and Vincent Healy with 39 points from John Cleary and Rodger McMahon with 37 points.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: The NET Consultancy men’s open at Kilrush on Sunday was won by Jerry Leahy (14) with 45 points from Nathon Capon (23) with 43 points with Declan O’Donovan (12) in third spot with 43 points. The category winners were Jim Young Snr (12) with 41 points, Shane Carey (17) with 42 points and Matt Fitzpatrick (23) with 42 points. The men’s open on Saturday was won by Andrew Egan (21) with 35 points.

The senior men’s captain’s (Seamus O’Doherty) prize was played for on Wednesday last week and resulted in victory for John McNeilis (18) with 41 points. He had one to spare over Pat Murtagh (17) with third spot filled by Matt Rea (20), also with 40 points.

The category winners were Terry O’Hare (10) with 36 points, Noel Thornton (17) with 37 points and

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Kilrush captain Seamus O’Doherty presents the Captain’s Prize to John McNeilis

Tom McGrath (27) with 38 points.

In the ladies competition, the winner was Agnes Shannon (21) with 38 points from Anne Hogan (34) with 37 points with third spot filled by Ann Marie Donnellan (15) with 36 points.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Club member Tony Cleary retained the Connacht senior championship in Westport last week.

There was a big entry for the Woodstock senior captain’s (Brian Logue) prize on Tuesday last which resulted in victory for Gerry Griffey (20) with an impressive 49 points.

He had four to spare over Eugene Conroy (23) with third place filled by Ollie McNamara (14), also 45 points.

Brendan Arthur (26) won the over 75s section with 42 points while the guests section was won by David Cassidy (36) from Ennis with 44 points. In the ladies section the winner was Shauna Moylan (24) with 41 points.

The final of the Simon O’Donnell memorial cup competition took place last week and resulted in victory for Paddy Meehan who defeated Willie Thompson.

Last week’s open singles was won

by James McMahon (17) Lahinch with 61 nett from Ethan Kerin (27) with 63 nett with Conor James Clancy (17) in third spot with 64 nett. Jason Considine (10) won the gross with 70.

The lady captain’s (Fiona Landy) prize will be played for this weekend.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Rob McNally won the Friday open singles at

Dromoland with 43 points from Gary Ryan with 40 and Ken Mulcair with 39 while Gordon O’Neill won the gross with 35 points.

Winners in the juniors outing on August 17 were Darragh Moylan with 37 points (off the white tees), Conor Clancy with 44 points (off the black tees) and Sive Timmons with 41 points in the girls competition.

In a similar competition on August 19 the winners were Donncha Mahon with 38 points off the white tees, Aaron Piccolo with 42 points off the black tees while the girls winner was Sive Timmons with 22 points.

The monthly medal, a stroke play competition, was played for at the weekend when the winner was Diarmuid O’Connor with 67 from Cian Connellan with a similar score.

Noel O’Brien was third with 68 while Enda Finnucane won the category for those with handicaps of 18 and over with 69, Killian Howard won the gross with 70 FANNY O’DEAS SOCIETY: The Fanny O’Deas golf society held its third President’s prize outing last week when forty one members travelled to Kilrush golf club to honour the late Paddy Carmody who passed away earlier this year.

Presenting the Claret jug on behalf of the Carmody family, his wife Mary recalled their love of golf and how proud Paddy was when he was asked to be president of the Fanny O’Deas society.

Winner of the prize on the day was Gerry Lernihan (18) with 41 points from Pat Delap (24) with 40 points. Enda Finnucane (15) was third with 39 points. The society’s next outing will be on September 4 as members play at Woodstock for prizes sponsored

by Nigel Lynch and Sticky Business.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: President Mary Mannion’s prize was played for at East Clare last week and resulted in victo-

ry for David McNamara (24) with 44 points. Tony Stuart (19) was second with 43 points followed by Kevin Wallis (9) with 41 points and John Duffy (14) with 41 points, Michael Rochford (2) won the gross with 38 points.

Brendan Magill (7) won the past president’s category with 35 points.

The nines were won by Damien Kiniry (13) with 22 points and Stephen Moloney (4) with 23 points.

The president’s prize to the senior men was won by Ger P. O’Brien(23) with 43 points from Pat McNamara (13) with 39 points with third spot filled by Willie Roche (17) with 39.

The president’s prize to the ladies was won by Catherine Minogue (21) with 40 points from Margaret Egan (33) with 38 points, Noreen Doyle (22) with 38 points and Claire Ryan (41) with 37 points. Siobhan Shanahan (15) won the gross with 20 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB: The weekend competition at Gort was an 18 hole stableford event, sponsored by Giblin Financial services.

Eoghan Bermingham (14) was the winner with 46 points from John Melville (13) with 44 points with Seamus Noone (20) in third spot with 43 points. Robert McDonagh (5) won the gross with 35 points.

The Monday open singles was won by Tommy Foy (31) with 44 points from Shane Quinn (23) with 42 points.

Ann Nolan (24) won the ladies 18 hole singles with 39 points from Siobhan O’Connor (10) with 38 points with third spot filled by Bernie Diskin (15) with 37 points.

The winners of the Rosebowl 18 hole mixed foursomes competition were Johnnie Joyce and Niamh Carr with 67.5 from Joe Moran and Olive Mulcair with 69.5 with third spot filled by John Madden and Ruth Naughton, also with 69.5.

SHANNON GOLF CLUB: Daithí Lohan (pictured below) was the winner of the Junior Captain’s Prize at Shannon over the weekend.

The Wolfe Tones dual-player has also shown his ability on the golf course following in the footsteps of his older brother Darragh. His success comes in a week where Clare GAA officers recommended their uncle Brian be given a three year extension as county senior hurling manager.

pg 41

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Wins for Quin/Clooney and Tulla at Clare Community Games

THE St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games U11 Hurling competition took place on Saturday, August 21 in O’Garney Park, Sixmilebridge. Four teams took part in ideal weather conditions.

What it lacked in quantity it made up for in quality. It was co ordinated by Kevin Phelan with referees Kevin Corry & Kieran Liddane.

In the semi-finals Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Blue beat Inch/Kilmaley/ Connolly 3-1 to 1-2 while Quin/Clooney beat Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Yellow 1-3 to 0-1.

The final was a brilliant display of hurling and skill. It was very close right to the end with Quin/Clooney edging ahead to win 1-4 to 1-3. Quin/Clooney now go on to represent Clare in the Munster Finals in UL on Saturday, September 11.

Quin/Clooney – Dara Brohan, Michael Cahill, Dominic Canny, Stephen Chen, Aaron Cleary, Cian Cullinan, Ben Fahy, Owen Griffiths, Luke Hassett, Steven Kelly, Sean McGee, Fionn Mc Guire, Sean O’Keeffe, Oran O’Toole, Lochlann Purcell, Rory Stritch Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Blue – Sean Conlon, Blake Corbett, Noely Duggan, Jack Fitzpatrick, Ronan Gavin, Christopher Healy, Fionan Heffernan, James Henchy, Aidan Kearney, Harry Monohan, Liam Mulready, Cillian Rafferty, Joe Reidy, Darragh Toomey, Caelan Hayes Inch/Kilmaley/Connolly – Lee Barry, Alan Clancy, Adam Connellan, Eoin Connellan, Joseph Doherty, Michael Hennessy, Liam Maher, Noel Mc Donnell, Liam Mc Mahon, Oisin Mc Mahon, Cormac Murphy, Ciaran O’Neill, Diarmuid Williams Sixmilebridge/Kilmurry Yellow – Padraig Chaplin, Padraig Collins, Noah Conneely, Zach Flynn, James Harrisson, Rio Hehir, Ronan Lynch, Derek Mc Auley, Evan Murphy, Cian

O’Doherty, Noah Seago, Carter Tuohy, Thomas Tubridy, Donnacha Heffernan, Matthew Murphy, Aaron Fitzpatrick

SKITTLES The St Francis Credit Union Clare Community Games U14 Mixed Skittles competition took place on Sunday evening, August 22 at Kilkishen National School. It was a straight final as only two teams registered. Tulla seemed to be the much stronger on the day and were fitting winners. They now go forward to represent Clare in Munster Finals in UL.

Tulla - Aoife Boyce, Brian Conheady, Holly Leyden, Milo Leyden, Isabel Mc Mahon, Ada Mc Mahon, Patrick Murphy Lisdoonvarna/Doolin/Kilfenora/Kilshanny – Patrick Byrne O’Connell, Ella Marie Enright Whelan, Aidan Garrahy, Caoimhe Mc Carthy, Meabh Mc Carthy, Rory Mc Namara

because

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The u14 Skittles event was won by Tulla

16th win for Cooraclare owned Lissatouk Bruno OWNED by Cooraclare’s James McMahon, Lissatouk Bruno recorded a 16th career win in Limerick at the weekend.

If one is patient, success will arrive and this was certainly true in race five in Galway on Friday last for owners Kieran Nugent and John Quinn of Ennis who saw their Dynamic Blake finally get his reward at the 16th time of asking as he made all the running on the outside to defeat Millrose Bllly by almost four lengths in 29.61.

Impeded when about to deliver her challenge last time out, the Michael Casey of Mullagh and Martin Fahy of Galway owned Menmal Princess made no mistake this time in race three as the daughter of Paddy Magic & Cottage Brandy proved four and a half lengths too good for Knockdrum Lilly in 19.39.

Saturday’s card was back boned by a number of 575 Yards contest in various grades but it was the top graded contest of the night the A1 graded sixth event over 550 Yards though that was the highlight as the Marion Moroney of Ennis owned Allegra Blue never saw another rival as she delivered a career best clock of 29.87.

Away like the wind from her trap three berth, the daughter of Droopys Nidge and Rathmeehan Graggi immediately dived for the rails and racing towards the opening bend she led Newport Diva and Springwell Thomo by two lengths. Racing down the back straight Allegra Blue extended her advantage to three lengths over Springwell Thomo and powering up

the home straight she scored by five and a half lengths in tremendous style.

In the early strides of race seven for this A4 graded 575, Sir Sean and Bridgepark Jack both showed pace towards the wide outside to lead up with the red jacketed Clooney Dasher in third place along the rails as they rounded the opening bend.

Racing into the back straight Sir Sean maintained a wide berth as the rail hugging Clooney Dasher closed to within half a length. All along the back the leading pair matched strides with Sir Sean holding a narrow advantage leaving the back.

Rounding the home bend though the Martin Williams of Quin owned and Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained Clooney Dasher (Skywalker Puma-Cragmoher Susie) got the upper hand and gunned out a half length success over Sir Sean in 31.95.

The concluding race in Limerick on Saturday night saw a win for Lissatouk Bruno as he dipped under the 30-second barrier for the 550-yard distance. Owned by Cooraclare’s James McMahon, Lissatouk Bruno meant business from the off as the soon to be veteran tracker came away racing from trap four to lead early on. It soon developed into a two-dog affair between himself and Kyletaun Beauty thereafter but it was the son of Holdem Spy and Lissatouk Dolly who maintained his advantage. Two and a half lengths clear at the winning line, Lissatouk Bruno clocked a slick 29.92 and that win brings his tally to an incredible sixteen career victories.

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44

LEGAL NOTICES

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

LEGAL NOTICES AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT NO. 86.3 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 ABBEY RIVER INVESTMENTS LIMITED APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Abbey River Investments Limited of 41 Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 28 Sep 2021 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit:

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT NO. 86.3 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 DEREK GLEESON AS NOMINEE APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Derek Gleeson as nominee of Seasons Catering Limited of 40 Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 28 Sep 2021 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit:

LOCATION The Queen’s Hotel

LOCATION The Abbey Bar & Kitchen formerly YOLO’s

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT NO. 86.3 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 SEAN O’DRISCOLL AS NOMINEE APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Sean O’Driscoll as nominee of iNua Limerick General Partner Limited of 4th Floor, 11 Anglesea Street, Ballintemple, Cork intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 28 Sep 2021 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit:

Signed Hassett Considine LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare

LOCATION Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Limerick Signed Hassett Considine LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare

Dated this 19 Aug 2021 situate at 40 Abbey Street, Drumcliffe, Ennis, Clare, . in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Dated this 19 Aug 2021 situate at Ennis Road, Limerick, Clare in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@ garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@ garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74

To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74

To the Co Council Official, at corporate@clarecoco.ie, Clare County Council, Ennis, Clare, V95 DXP2

To the Co Council Official, at corporate@clarecoco.ie, Clare County Council, Ennis, Clare, V95 DXP2

To the Co Council Official, at corporate@clarecoco.ie, Clare County Council, Ennis, Clare, V95 DXP2

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Signed Hassett Considine LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare Dated this 17 Aug 2021 situate at Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, . in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

To the Garda Superintendent, at C our tPres enters.Ennis@ garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

AN CHUIRT DUICHE (THE DISTRICT COURT) DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 SECTION 2 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE APPLICANT/ EAMON FITZGERALD AS NOMINEE OF SUNNY BAY LIMITED TAKE NOTICE that the above named Applicant of The Claremont Hotel, Lahinch in the County of Clare as Nominee of Sunny Bay Limited intends to apply to the Court sitting at Ennis in the County of Clare at 10.30 a.m. on the 28th day of September 2021 (being the sitting of the Annual Licensing District Court for the said Court area) for the grant of a Licence to use a particular place to wit The Claremont Hotel situate at Lahinch in the court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Dated this the 25th day of August 2021 SIGNED: AND/ Nicholas, Nolan, The Superintendent, Solicitors LLP, Garda Siochana, Solicitors for Applicant, Kilrush and Ennis, Parnell House, County Clare 50/52 Parnell Street, Ennis, AND/ County Clare.

The Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Council, TO/: The District Court New Road, Clerk, Ennis, Courthouse, County Clare.

Ennis, County Clare.

AN CHUIRT DUICHE THE DISTRICT COURT NO. 86.3 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 BUNRATTY SHOPPING VILLAGE LIMITED APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Bunratty Shopping Village Limited of Bunratty West, Bunratty, Clare intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 28 Sep 2021 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit: LOCATION Bunratty Castle Hotel Signed Hassett Considine LLP Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 9 & 10 Carmody Street, Business Park Ennis, Clare Dated this 19 Aug 2021 situate at Bunratty West, Bunratty, Clare in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

To the Garda Superintendent, at CourtPresenters.Ennis@ garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83 To the Fire Officer, at fireoff@clarecoco.ie, Clare Fire Station, Ennis, Clare, V95 CD74 To the Co Council Official, at corporate@clarecoco.ie, Clare County Council, Ennis, Clare, V95 DXP2 To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Dated this the 25th day of August 2021

TO/ The District Court Clerk, Courthouse, Ennis, County Clare.

AND/ The Superintendent,

Dated this 19th day of August 2021 Cahir & Co., Solicitors for the Applicant, 36 Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

To The District Court Clerk, The Courthouse, Ennis, Co. Clare.

To The Superintendent An Garda Siochana Garda Station, Ennis, Co. Clare To The Secretary, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis Co. Clare.

To The Chief Fire Officer Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

AN CHURIT DUICHE (THE DISTRICT COURT) DISTRCIT COURT AREA OF KILRUSH DISTRICT NO. 12 LICENSING (IRELAND) ACT 1833 SECTION 6 INTOXICATING LIQUOR ACT 1960 SECTION 29 NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER OF LICENCE APPLICANT: Marina View Kilkee Town Limited TAKE NOTICE that Marina View Kilkee Town Limited intends to apply to the Annual Licensing Court to be held at Kilrush District Court sitting at The Courthouse, Kilrush, County Clare on Tuesday , the 21st September 2020, at 10:30 a.m. for the TRANSFER to the Applicant of the Liquor Licence attached to the premises situate at the Marine Hotel, The Circular Road, Kilkee, County Clare in court area and district aforesaid and heretofore licenced in the name of Archland Taverns Limited.

Dated this 19th day of August 2020.

Cahir & Co., Solicitors for the Applicant, 36 Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

To: The District Court Clerk, The Courthouse, Ennis, Co. Clare.

To: The Superintendent An Garda Siochana Garda Station, Kilrush, Co. Clare To: The Secretary, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

To: The Chief Fire Officer Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

AN CHUIRT DUICHE (THE DISTRICT COURT) DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 SECTION 2 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE APPLICANT/ MICHAEL DENNEHY AS NOMINEE OF WESTERN PUBLIC HOUSE LIMITED TAKE NOTICE that the above named Applicant of Knox’s, Abbey Street, Ennis in the County of Clare intends to apply to the Court sitting at The Courthouse, Ennis in the County of Clare on the 28th day of September 2021 at 11 a.m. for the grant of a Licence to use a particular place, namely Knox’s situate at Abbey Street, Ennis in the County of Clare in Court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

SIGNED: Nicholas, Nolan, Solicitors LLP, Solicitors for Applicant, Parnell House, 50/52 Parnell Street, Ennis, County Clare.

AN CHURIT DUICHE (THE DISTRICT COURT) DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 SECTION 2 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE APPLICANT: SPANISH POINT INVESTMENTS LIMITED TAKE NOTICE that Spanish Point Investments Limited having its registered address at Bellbridge House Hotel, Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay, County of Clare intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis, County Clare on Tuesday the 28th of September 2020 at 10.30 a.m for the renewal of a Licence to use a particular place, to wit Bellbridge House Hotel situate at, Spanish Point, Miltown Malbay and District aforesaid for Public Dancing.

Garda Siochana, Ennis, County Clare AND/ The Chief Fire Officer, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, County Clare.

AND/ The Secretary, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, County Clare.

AN CHURIT DUICHE (THE DISTRICT COURT) DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 SECTION 2 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE APPLICANT: DROMOLAND CASTLE HOLDINGS LIMITED PREMISES: THE INN AT DROMOLAND TAKE NOTICE that Dromoland Castle Holdings Limited having its registered address at Dromoland, Newmarket-on-Fergus, in the County of Clare intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis, County Clare on Tuesday 28th September 2021 at 10.30 a.m. for the renewal of a Licence to use a particular place, to wit The Inn At Dromoland, situate at Dromoland, Newmarketon-Fergus, in the County of Clare and District aforesaid for Public Dancing.

Dated this 25th Day of August 2021 Cahir & Co., Solicitors for the Applicant, 36 Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare.

To: The District Court Clerk, The Courthouse, Ennis, Co. Clare.

To: The Superintendent An Garda Siochana Garda Station, Ennis, Co. Clare To: The Secretary, Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

To: The Chief Fire Officer Clare County Council, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

AN CHUIRT DUICHE CASE NO: D:LIC:ENIS:2021:003844 THE DISTRICT COURT NO. 86.3 PUBLIC DANCE HALLS ACT, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE DISTRICT COURT AREA OF ENNIS DISTRICT NO. 12 GLÓR MUSIC DESIGNATED ACTIVITY COMPANY APPLICANT TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant, Glór Music Designated Activity Company, of Friar’s Walk, Ennis, Co. Clare intends to apply to Ennis District Court on the 28 September 2021 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence to use a particular place, to wit: Glór situate at Glór, Causeway Link, Ennis, Co. Clare in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Dated this 20 August 2021 SIGNED: Michael Houlihan & Partners Solicitors LLP Solicitors for Applicant 9/10/11 Bindon Street, Ennis, Co, Clare To the Garda Superintendent at Ennis Garda Station, Ennis, Co. Clare To the Chief Fire Officer Clare Station, Ennis, Co. Clare

To Clare County Council New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court, Ennis, Co. Clare

PLANNING

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL WOODVIEW, KILRUSH ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that John Russell intends to apply for Retention Permission to retain the existing garage as constructed including all site services and ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILDOORUS, CLONLARA, CO CLARE: We, Adrian Howard & Rebecca Minihan, are applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Kildoorus, Clonlara,Co Clare: Permission for detached single storey dwelling, detached domestic garage/home office, onsite wastewater treatment system and percolation area, connection to necessary

services, new entrance together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works.

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 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, FINTRA BEG, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE. Take notice that M. & L. Haren intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address.

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

period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYVULLAGAN, BALLYEA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Sarah Lillis & Damian Mullan intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL COOLMEEN, LABASHEEDA, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that Ríona Cleary & Thomas Flynn are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to

construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage, install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works and install a serviced mobile home for the duration of the construction works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLONCOLMAN, LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that John & Sinead McHugh are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation

in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE CO COUNCIL LISSANE WEST, CLARECASTLE, CO CLARE Permission is sought for ‘change of use’ from childcare facility to private dwelling house including any alterations as required together with all associated site works and services.

Applicant: Mauve Halpin ‘’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.

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

45

Cleary is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for changes to the design of the private garage/ store previously authorised under planning reference number P 13 / 51 along with all other necessary ancillary and 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.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYNACRAGGA, KILDYSART, CO. CLARE Take notice that Rebecca

PLACE YOUR PLANNING NOTICES WITH THE CLARE ECHO CALL 065 671 9021 EMAIL SALES@CLAREECHO.IE

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, AUG 26 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz

THE CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL COAT OF ARMS QUIZ was the Clare County Council 11925When coat of arms introduced?

1954 1986

The antique Irish crown represents 6 which ancient kingdom?

Builg Desmond Thomond

The motto on Clare County Council’s The rose motif abstracted from the 2 coat of arms is Dílis d’ar nOidreacht.

7 shield of the old diocese of Kilfenora What does this mean? is designed to typify what North Clare

Joe Garry Rebecca Maher

4

The shielding design of the coat of arms is done to reflect what?

The varied cultures and groups of the county The flat and craggy landscape of the county The splits and divisions from the county’s history

The six compartments of the shield5 ing design are intended to represent the ancient areas of Clare. Which area is missing from this list, Dal gCais, Clann Cuilean, Ui Caisin, Corcumrua and Ui Breacain?)

Corca Baiscinn Cora Caitlín Gleninagh

The tau cross is included in the crest 8 of arms to symbolise the county’s heritage. Where is the tau cross located?

Kilkishen Kilfenora Kilnaboy

Which entity operated by Shannon 9 Group is symbolised on the coat of arms?

l CREST: Clare County Council’s Coat of Arms

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park Shannon Airport Knappogue Castle

The design’s purpose was to repre10 sent the county’s history, achievements and what else?

6. Thomond 7. The Burren 8. Kilnaboy 9. Shannon Airport 10.Topography

Who made the suggestion for the 3 motto?

Paddy Hillery

attraction?

The Burren The Cliffs of Moher St Brigid’s Well

People Struggles Topography

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ANSWERS

1. 1986 2. True to our Heritage 3. Rebecca Maher 4. The flat and craggy landscape..

5. Corca Baiscinn

You’ll never beat the Banner True to our Heritage Each one working for the good of all.

Last weeks Answers . Car missing in background . Phone line missing . White road marking missing . Roll of cable missing on pole

. Stick missing in mans hand (front) . Traffic light missing . Parking metre missing

Worl Champion Liam Alford’s Homecoming Photograph: Joe Buckley

AND GUTTERING CLARE

ROOF MOSS CLEANING