The Clare Echo 28/01/21

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JAN 28 2021

BRENNAN HANGS UP HIS CLARE BOOTS

l STILL DAY IN EAST CLARE: A wintery scene earlier this week at Inis Cealtra on Lough Derg in East Clare

Photo by Eoin O’Hagan

Two Clare communities in mourning PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

C

OUNTY Clare is in mourning following the deaths of two popular figures from different sides of the county.

Damien Carmody’s sudden death in a workplace accident

EXCLUSIVE FULL STORY Page 33-34

on Friday has caused an outpouring of grief in West Clare, coming days after he celebrated his first wedding anniversary.

Speaking at his funeral mass on Wednesday, Fr Michael Casey said Damien’s death “stunned the entire Loop Head Peninsula”. When word emerged that the thirty six year farmer was involved in a local accident, he said “there was silence, an overwhelming

shock and sadness gripped the locality”.

Tributes have also been extended this week to Kilnamona native, Eíbhleann Ní Ghríofa who died earlier this month. She received a terminal diagnosis in June of last year and admitted to being “overwhelmed with love” upon receiving thousands of messages of support. She founded Scéal Eile Books in Ennis which sold books to museums and galleries

in New York, Amsterdam, Barcelona and to collectors all over the world Her husband Pat described her as “all kinds of wonderful” as both a wife and mother to their young daughter Eilbhe.

A private funeral for the Lisdoonvarna resident was held at Shannon Crematorium.

Vicky Phelan and Rick O’Shea were among those to pay tribute to Ní Ghríofa.

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2 NEWS

Index NEWS

GREENER CLARE COLUMNISTS COMMUNITY EDUCATION

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

WINTER WONDERLAND IN KILLALOE

2-14

15 16-17 18-19 21-29

RECRUITMENT

30-32

SPORT

33-35

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

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

l STUNNING: Photographer John Mangan captured this amazing shot of a snowy Killaloe over the weekend

Molex closure marks end of 40 year era PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

OLEX will close its doors in Shannon this Friday ending its 40 years of operation in Co Clare.

Since 1971, Molex has been one of the largest employers in Shannon Town from its base in the Shannon Free Zone.

The US multinational makes a range of electronic components for use in a variety of industries. These include data communications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, commercial vehicle and medical. In October 2019, Molex Ireland announced its intention to close the Shannon facility by the end of 2020 resulting in the loss of 500 jobs.

It said the decision followed a review of the product lines manufactured and added that the majority of products made at the facility have insufficient financial returns and growth potential, a view which was rejected by elected representatives.

A decade previously, the company laid off around 100 people in Shannon and cut pay by around 5 per cent, as a result of a sharp fall in demand for its products. Its closure represents the single biggest job blow to the Mid-West since January 2009 when Dell announced it was cutting 1,900 jobs at its Limerick plant. Pre-tax losses at the Shannon-based electronic manufacturer Molex Ireland increased 11-fold to €7.9m in 2018. The accounts signed off in June of

2019 did not mention plans to shut the plant but detailed a decline in revenues by 6.5pc from €93.4m to €87.35m.

As well as being an employer for hundreds of individuals during its forty years in the county, Molex was also noted as a strong inter-firm hurling outfit particularly in the 1990s and 2000s. Last month, The Clare Echo were the first to report that 100 jobs would be created in Shannon by Galway based and Irish owned medical devices and drug delivery company, Aerogen Ltd. Named as the Irish Medtech Company of the Year for 2020/21, Aerogen had been the main customer of Molex with their product line generating a revenue of over €1.5m on a monthly basis.

Molex’s closure and the fact the facility will cease operations at the end of this year prompted the decision by Aerogen to establish a Shannon base which will complement the company’s extensive design and manufacturing operations at their Galway headquarters. Agreement has been reached that will allow Aerogen access “a significant portion of the current Molex facility complex”.

The posts are expected to be created by the middle of 2021.

lINDUSTRY: Molex in Shannon

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

McInerney to be considered as Fianna Fáil Seanad nominee PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

OONBEG'S Rita McInerney has been nominated as a potential Fianna Fáil candidate for the upcoming Seanad by-elections.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) has confirmed he has submitted a nomination for Rita to contest the Seanad by-elections. "Rita is a successful businesswoman, a community activist and a staunch advocate for rural Ireland," he stated.

Each member of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is entitled to nominate a can-

didate which will be presented to the party who will then vote on one candidate to stand in the by-election. The Doonbeg woman will now be considered for the internal selection process.

Last year, Rita was one of the three Fianna Fáil candidates in the General Election, she received 4,136 first preference votes and was eliminated on the seventh count. Prior to this, the former CEO of Ennis Chamber ran as an Independent in the 2009 local elections in the Ennis West constituency amassing 279 votes for the first count, once again she was eliminated on the seventh count.

Dublin councillors, Kate Feeney and Shane Moynihan, ex Senator Gerry Horgan and former TD Margaret Murphy O'Mahony of Cork South-West are among the favourites to receive the party nomination with Longford

councillor, Uruemu Adejinmi who is aspiring to become the first person of African descent to be elected to the Oireachtas.

Former Junior Minister, Michael D'Arcy's (FG) resignation from the Seanad to head up a lobby group for financial investment companies has prompted the need for a Seanad by-election. The party has nominated Limerick's Maria Byrne to contest the forthcoming Seanad Agricultural Panel by-election.

Should McInerney prevail in securing the party's nomination and win a seat in the Seanad she would bring Clare's representation in the Upper House to four joining Senator Martin Conway (FG), Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF).

lELECTION: Rita Mcinerney (right)

Photo by John Mangan

Two positive COVID-19 cases emerged in Cahercalla after vaccine PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

RESIDENTS of Cahercalla Community Hospital who contracted COVID-19 days prior to receiving the vaccine will not have to be administered a new series of jabs.

Staff and residents at Cahercalla are tested once a week for COVID-19, more than 20 cases of the virus have emerged at the facility this month prompting the Defence Forces to be deployed to assist with duties as several staff

members were on sick leave.

In the most recent series of tests, 200 persons were swabbed with a positivity rate of one percent. Two residents were diagnosed with COVID-19 following these tests and The Clare Echo has learned that both individuals had received the vaccine less than 48 hours previously.

The HSE have stated it takes seven days after the second dose of the vaccine to work if you got the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine whereas it is fourteen days after the second dose for the Moderna vaccine "We do not know yet how long immunity will last. Clinical trials are ongoing

to find this out," a spokesperson outlined.

Chairman of the Cahercalla Board, Dr Michael Harty told The Clare Echo that manufactures of the vaccine recommend no vaccine be administered to a person within 28 days of them testing positive for COVID-19.

Both individuals that tested positive for the virus will have their second dose of the vaccine delayed, it is understood that they had tested negative last week. A maximum of four weeks can be left between the administering of the first and second dose of the vaccine, Dr Harty said and added that no adverse

effects are expected for the cases.

Many positive cases that have emerged in Cahercalla were not showing symptoms, the Kilmihil GP detailed. "COVID-19 is so unpredictable, we're never sure what is going to happen".

Pressure on staffing levels is not as acute in Cahercalla this week, Dr Harty stated. Approximately 16 extra nursing staff had been deployed to Cahercalla due to the outbreak that became known in the middle of January. He acknowledged that pressure was easing due to "substantial assistance" from the HSE. Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly (FF)

has confirmed that residents in nursing homes like Cahercalla that were unable to receive the vaccine due to being deemed positive COVID-19 cases will be prioritised.

"Our vaccination teams were unable to vaccinate some nursing homes residents and staff who had COVID-19 recently, or vaccinate those in some facilities where there were particularly large outbreaks. I would like to reassure those staff and residents that they will be prioritised and vaccinated as soon as possible, and in line with the guidelines drawn up by our National Immunisation Advisory Council," he commented.

Illaunmanagh graveyard barriers to be repositioned CONCRETE barriers erected in Illaunmanagh in response to an illegal encampment are to be re-examined, writes Páraic McMahon.

Residents, community groups and elected representatives voiced their concerns with what was coined as "absolutely disgraceful behaviour" in Shannon in recent weeks as the release of a firearm led to the arrests of

two men while the setting up of an illegal encampment in the vicinity of Shannon Crematorium, the Shannon Loop, St Senan's RFC and Illaunmanagh was not warmly received.

Barriers were installed at the car park on Friday by Clare County Council. In a statement, the local authority confirmed it had completed work at the site beside the burial ground. "We are proactively considering

long-term solutions to develop the site and will keep the matter under review".

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) noted that the removal of the encampment received a broad welcome but that the positioning of the barriers have impeded access to the cemetery. He stated, "These concrete barriers are completely unsightly but unfortunately are necessary to ensure that an illegal encampment doesn't return to this spot.

"They are robust and heavy and can't be moved easily and will deter people from parking up caravans along the footpaths near the cemetery and crematorium, which was a real worry for people visiting the crematorium or burial grounds at a vulnerable time – I was contacted by a huge number of people about this," Crowe added.

Council officials have informed Deputy Crowe the barriers will be repositioned to improve access. "The council will now have to look at a more permanent solution that is more fitting to the locality and visually pleasing".

Deputy Crowe confirmed he is contact with An Garda Síochána and the County Council regarding an illegal encampment at Sixmilebridge railway station. "At any time of the year, roadside encampments are illegal but they're particularly wrong and inappropriate now at a time of an international health crisis, when everybody is only entitled to move within 5km of home and I'm hoping all authorities, as they did in the Shannon situation, will work to expedite a move of this encampment too."

lUNSIGHTLY: The concrete barriers at Illaunmanagh Graveyard in Shannon

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THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

'Truth-seekers' commit to continuing anti-mask protests PÁRAIC MCMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

EMONSTRATIONS have been held in Scariff for the past 12 weeks by a group of individuals opposed to the wearing of face masks during a global pandemic.

Up to 10 individuals have been gathering weekly at the Fair Green in Scariff expressing their opposition to the mandatory wearing of face masks, a claimed attack on the Irish constitution and increased Government control.

More than 3,000 people have lost their lives from COVID-19 related deaths in Ireland since last March.

Gratitude to the efforts of frontline workers across the country has been extended including a sign with the same sentiment on Tulla Rd from Tulla GAA club approaching Scariff. Sacrifices by such individuals are not referenced during the one hour demonstration in East

Clare each Saturday morning.

Slovakia native Adrina Rajnokov joined the group but wore a mask while doing so. She warned that the State had too much control which she linked to countries under fascist and communist rule.

Sean MacLeod who lectures on media studies at LCFE stood in solidarity with the group. He criticised a lack of balance on mainstream media and a failure of the Irish public to think critically. "I don't mind if people think we’re conspiracy theorists," he admitted and added that people must have the courage to stand up for their beliefs. The current restrictions impeding on the movement of travel were described by the singer-songwriter as "an attack on the Constitution".

Mike Keegan has been a leader of the demonstrations. "We feel there is a great wrong being done in the country, my main concern is the attack on the constitution of Ireland which is our fundamental basic right being infringed, you have to weigh up the damage being done against the potential benefits

of having everyone masked up and everyone locked down. I would say the lockdown is creating many more deaths than the virus could".

Samaritans have previously stated that there has been no rise in suicides in Ireland as a result of the pandemic.

He acknowledged that his refusal to wear a face mask in retail settings would make workers uneasy and

thus impact on their own well-being.

"When I do go into a shop I keep my distance from people. The original regulation was 2m, I keep away from people, it's not like I'm hugging them. What I find incredible is people are wearing masks outside now, the effect of this overtime will create more illness and deaths".

Individuals like his daughter, a 30

l DEMONSTRATION: Clare Echo reporter Páraic McMahon

interviews anti-mask protesters Mike Keegan and Sean McLeod

Photo by John Mangan

year old wheelchair user have been "imprisoned" and unable to celebrate key milestones in their life, the Feakle man said. Current evidence shows that cloth masks are useful in a community setting to prevent the spread of infection, but that medical and surgical masks are more appropriate for healthcare workers. Researchers agree that more studies should continue to determine the best materials for cloth masks.

A supporter of Gemma O'Doherty and John Waters, Mike invited O'Doherty to East Clare in 2019. He has lived in Feakle since 1990 and said the media has been clamping down on the public's thoughts.

"I've been studying this for 30 years, I've seen it coming".

The group which also includes Nard Slabbers of Mountshannon Community Council have confirmed they will continue to hold their demonstrations, "the longer it goes on the more resistance will build," Keegan predicted of the lockdown.

'You've made your point now piss off' - Scariff locals fed up SCARIFF residents have hit out at the continued hosting of anti-mask demonstrations in East Clare, writes Páraic McMahon.

Tension filled the air in Scariff on Saturday with disconcerting looks flung in the direction of the assembled group of 10 individuals. Gestures were also made by passing motorists to make their opinions known on the actions of the demonstrators.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, one business person stated that

there was little to no input by anyone of the demonstrators to previous efforts to improve Scariff and the work of Scariff Community Council. "You've made your point, now piss off. We're sick of them, they have given nothing to Scariff," the local business person added.

Eoin O'Hagan moved to Scariff from Dublin 15 years ago, he maintained the weekly presence of the demonstration has brought terror into the lives of cocooning pensioners. "They are terrified to

come out of their house on a Saturday morning because of people whom they see as anti-maskers taking over the town".

He continued, "At 6pm every evening people are waiting for the news bulletins and the numbers in Clare that you tweet, people are worried enough before they look out their window and see people who refuse to wear masks".

Level Five restrictions have been broken every week by the demonstrators, O'Hagan said as he noted

none of the individuals involved live within 5km of the Fair Green.

"I've no problem with them protesting but during a Level 5 lockdown they cannot be out on the streets or 5km from their house. Six of them don't live within 5km of Scariff and they should not be gathering to have a protest on the side of the street".

The tourism promoter outlined that he set up a counter-protest back in November to stand up for what he believed in. "In Novem-

ber I set up a counter-protest, this is a democracy we live in and I've no problem with a democracy, we have elected a Government to lead the country during this time of crisis which the COVID pandemic is, they are doing their best with the information they get from the World Health Organisation, from NPHET and the HSE, their advice is that people shouldn't be on the streets or gathering, a protest about wearing masks or anti-vaccine is unnecessary at the moment".

Anti-mask protests ‘not a threat’ to public

l SIGN OF THE TIMES: Gardaí liaise with anti-mask protesters in Scariff

Photo by John Mangan

AN GARDA Síochána have said the presence of a weekly anti-mask demonstration in Scariff is not a threat to the public, writes Páraic McMahon.

A peak of 25 persons attended the gathering of demonstrators in the East Clare village over the last 12 weeks.

One Garda source told The Clare Echo "the numbers have been dwindling every week" and that the group have liaised with officers whereby they have agreed to stay in the one location and vacate after one hour.

Actions of the group are not posing a risk to the public, the source commented. The Clare Echo understands that few complaints have been lodged at Scariff Garda Station on the matter. No public order offences or arrests have been reported to Gardaí following any of the protests.

As they concluded speaking with demonstrators on Saturday, one Scar-

iff man confronted the two East Clare based Gardaí and urged the officers to "run them out".

In a statement to The Clare Echo, the Garda press office detailed that the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A-Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (No.10) Regulations 2020 in accordance with the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act, 2020 are currently in force.

According to the spokesperson a "consistent" policing response to support public health regulations has been followed "in line with our tradition of policing by consent. This has seen Garda members engage, explain, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce".

No permit or authorisation for the holding of protest marches or gatherings are required during a pandemic, Gardaí confirmed. "A decision as to

whether any protest takes place rests solely with organisers".

When asked if events such as the Scariff protest hinder the job of Gardaí in attempting to encourage the public to abide by the Government regulations, the Garda source responded, "An Garda Síochána encourages organisations/individuals organising such events to liaise with An Garda Síochána in advance to assist in the safe and peacefully organisation of the event.

"Where possible An Garda Síochána will advise identified organisers of such events as to their responsibilities and potential consequences. The COVID-19 Pandemic remains a public health crisis and An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to all citizens to comply with Public Health Guidelines and Regulations, in particular essential journeys, in order to continue to save lives".

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8 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Tributes paid following death of ‘courageous’ Éibhleann

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RIBUTES have been paid to well known book shop and theatre owner Éibhleann Ní Ghríofa who passed away earlier this month having been diagnosed with terminal cancer during the summer at the age of just 36, writes Olivia Kelleher.

The native of Kilnamona studied folklore and Gaeilge in UCC. In 2006 she founded Scéal Eile Books – a bookshop in Ennis, Co Clare where she and her husband Pat Hynes co-ordinated book festivals, art exhibitions, music events; storytelling sessions and readings.

In 2012, she co-founded the theatre company Scéal Eile Productions. She was production manager and designer for the company and was also a talented writer. Éibhleann of Poulnagun, Lisdoonvarna passed away on the 10th of January at Milford Hospice. Her funeral took place privately at the Shannon Crematorium two days later. Her funeral cortege passed the bookshop that she ran with her husband Pat who described her as “all kinds of wonderful” as both a wife and mother to their young

daughter Eilbhe.

She is survived by her husband and daughter, her parents Máire Ní Ghabhláin and Gerald Griffey, her sisters Doireann and Fíodhna. Éibhleann was very supportive of the writing of her sister Doireann and was delighted with her literary success.

Vicky Phelan, who is currently on a drug trial in States, posted that she had kept in contact with the book shop owner when the young mother started on the drug Pembro.

“She faced her disease with such courage and remained so positive despite her prognosis.” Ms Phelan said her heart went out to Pat and the couple’s young daughter.

Clare Arts Office posted that Éibhleann was “a beautiful young woman who always extended us a very warm welcome in her eclectic bookshop every Culture Night”.

Tributes were also paid to the late book seller by broadcaster Rick O’Shea who runs a successful online book club, Tramp Press, Salmon Books, Abe Books and hundreds of customers both in Ireland and around the world.

The mother of one shared news of her

Children knocked down in Sixmilebridge reignite calls for traffic calming TWO children have been knocked down at a Sixmilebridge housing estate in recent months leading to calls for the installation of traffic calming measures, writes Páraic McMahon.

Safety concerns have been voiced regarding the Inis Orga estate in Sixmilebridge with Cllr John Crowe (FG) informing the January meeting of the Shannon Municipal District that two children had been knocked down in the estate in recent months.

Budget constraints will prevent the Shannon MD from carrying out traffic calming, senior executive engineer Tom Mellett outlined. He conceded that the initial 70m of the road would benefit from some form of traffic calming.

An application would have to be submitted via the low cost safety scheme, Mellett advised with necessary improvements to be flagged with Transport Infrastructure Ireland in a bid to obtain the funds. "We will look to see what avenues are available to us to secure funding".

Speaking on his proposal for traffic calming to be installed, Cllr Crowe recalled that issues have been raised "for a good few years" regarding Inis Orga. "Two children were hit in the last couple of months and there has been a lot of near misses. It can't cost too much to put in some sort of traffic calming. For the safety of the children, I would ask the engineer if this could be pushed through or if funding could be got for it".

Activity in the area is heightened due to it being "a great location for fishing because the water flow is very slow," Cllr Crowe highlighted.

In seconding the motion, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) told the meeting that it was the fourth time he backed a request from Cllr Crowe for traffic calming at the estate. "It is time to get something done," he remarked.

"Once you hear children being knocked down it shows a serious need for something to be done," Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) commented.

l DANGEROUS: The inis Orga estate in Sixmilebridge

terminal diagnosis online last June and was inundated with messages of support. She posted on Facebook that the love shown to her little family bookshop had blown her heart wide open. “I’m usually a private person but I posted about my diagnosis to give customers an explanation for myself and Pat’s absence we didn’t expect the support of thousands, we didn’t expect to be be overwhelmed with love.

“For 13 years I poured my energy, myself, my heart in to the shop. We have had so many adventures. We have sold books to museums and galleries in New York, Amsterdam, Barcelona and to collectors all over the world. We have sold Minecraft books to kids in exchange for their life savings, clutched in a sticky hand”.

In an interview in the Irish Examiner in 2019 Éibhleann said her Mayo born husband Pat was “lured” in to the business when he met her in 2008. Éibhleann admitted that she was a “devourer of books.”

“People who love books can see that we clearly love books too; that attracts a certain type of person. It’s great seeing the kids

coming in because we’ve been open for over a decade now and you see people who used to come in as small kids growing and changing. It’s a real privilege to foster their love of reading and books, it’s a whole new world for them”.

l BOOK LOVER: Eibhleann Ni Ghriofa, Pat Hynes and their daughter Eilbhe

Ennis one of four Irish towns cleaner than EU norm PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

ENNIS is one of only four towns and cities in the country deemed to be cleaner than European norms.

In October, Ennis was ranked as the sixth cleanest in the country, it has now jumped to third position behind Kilkenny and Killarney following the final litter survey of 2020 by business group Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL), the results of which were published on Monday.

Kilkenny took the crown for a record 5th time, and Killarney.

For the first time in 13 years, fewer than half of the towns surveyed nationwide were deemed clean.

An Taisce's report stated that Ennis' performance was "typically strong" and was among only four towns deemed to be cleaner than European norms.

Eight out of the ten sites surveyed received the top litter grade namely the street level car park at Dunnes Stores, the Tulla, Ennis Recycling Centre, O'Connell St, Ennis Friary, Abbey St, Tim Smythe Park and the Quin Rd approach. Gort Rd Business Park continues to be heavily littered while the Limerick to Ennis link road did not receive top marks.

According to the report, having both O'Connell St and Abbey

St pedestrianised created "an enhanced shopping environment.

There were some vacant / closed down outlets on Abbey Street but there was no litter directly associated with them".

An Taisce praised Tim Smythe Park, Ennis Friary and Ennis Recycle Centre for their presentation and maintenance.

Litter levels nationally rose in 24 of the 37 towns and cities inspected by An Taisce at the end of 2020, resulting in only 17 being judged to be clean – a fall of over 25 per cent on last summer and in sharp contrast to just three years ago, when 80 per cent were clean. Ennis was the only Clare area inspected.

A sharp rise was recorded in the quantity of littler on approach roads to towns due to increased walking.

IBAL spokesperson, Conor Horgan commented, "Ironically, too many of them are showing a shameful disregard for the environment they are enjoying".

Coffee cups were among the most prevalent litter types found, while there was another rise in glass bottles and cans, suggesting that outdoor drinking has not waned over the winter months.

The survey also showed that the second half of 2020 brought a further increase in PPE-related litter, primarily masks.

IBAL was once again critical of local authorities for failing to ad-

dress sites identified in previous surveys as heavily littered. The report highlighted a continued rise in the number of blackspots in towns and cities.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) attributed Ennis' success to the hard-working volunteers in community groups like Ennis Tidy Towns plus the local authority staff. Director of Services with Clare County Council, Carmel Kirby commented that the county town achieving top marks was "not an easy feat to accomplish".

"The fact that Ennis Town has moved up the rankings is an achievement we can be proud of, and reflects the sustained effort and commitment of everyone involved. New volunteers are always welcome to join Ennis Tidy Towns and help keep Ennis litter-free," Chairman of Ennis Tidy Towns, Cormac McCarthy outlined.

l CLEAN: Tim Smythe Park

Photo by Arthur Ellis

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

â‚Ź1.6m paid to transport Mid-West dialysis patients PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

M paraic@clareecho.ie

ORE than â‚Ź1.6m was paid

by UL Hospitals Group last year for transporting patients for dialysis treatment.

Taxi costs for transporting Clare dialysis patients to University Hospital Limerick (UHL) in 2018 hit â‚Ź95,000.

This figure has increased over the following two years. Transport fees for bringing in-centre dialysis patients from Clare, Limerick and Tipperary to UHL 2019 amounted to â‚Ź1,628,293 according to figures obtained by The Clare Echo.

A further rise was recorded last year for transporting dialysis patients in the Mid-West during the pandemic.

From January 2020 to the end of October, the fee hit â‚Ź1,664,992.

Available data on numbers of persons receiving peritioneal dialysis from home in 2020 suggests there has not been an increase in

the numbers of patients availing of home-based therapies during the pandemic.

Numbers receiving peritoneal dialysis have varied from a maximum of 20 patients in January, to a minimum of 14 in July, a spokesperson for UL Hospitals Group confirmed.

Previous calls were issued by Cllr Pat Daly (FF), Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) and retired councillor James Breen (IND) for a dialysis centre to be set up in Ennis General Hospital to cut back on the transport costs.

Corofin native Dermot Hayes is currently receiving dialysis from home.

He is among the supporters for the dialysis centre to be established in Ennis.

"It doesn't need a huge big room, it is possible and the levels of skills that the nurses have are great and the technology that is there. “Even if there was only 10 people a day, it is 10 less travelling to Limerick, I know some people are travelling a long way from West or North Clare into Limerick, if they could pop into Ennis and get it done it would make a difference. “It would also relieve the pres-

sure on the unit in Limerick, some people on the edges in Limerick have to go to Cork and same for the people in Tipperary because there aren't enough facilities in Limerick even though they are new. It would make a big difference".

UL Hospitals Group have confirmed to The Clare Echo there are no plans to open a satellite dialysis unit in Ennis.

Strategic planning of the National Renal Office is informed by a national patient management system.

All adult patients commence dialysis in one of the 13 hospital dialysis unit settings, and continue to receive dialysis in either the hospital unit, or at one of 11 satellite dialysis units strategically located across the country.

"Many of these satellite units were opened in the past decade in response to the increasing number of patients requiring in-centre haemodialysis treatment. “UL Hospitals Group provides in-centre treatment at UHL and the Fresenius Satellite Unit on the Dock Road, Limerick, which serves the population of the Mid-West," the spokesperson for UHL confirmed.

BreastCheck backlog will take three years WOMEN that were due to get mammograms last March have yet to receive a call back following cancellations, writes PĂĄraic McMahon.

All BreastCheck appointments were cancelled in March on account of COVID-19, in October some services resumed but it was flagged that it could take three years to clear the backlog of 153,000 women at the time awaiting mammograms.

This number was referenced

by Cllr Mary Howard (FG) at the January meeting of Clare County Council when she appealed to the local authority to contact Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly (FF) on the matter.

She wanted the Minister to "make breast screening in all private hospitals free to all women

and utilise all available resources and facilities to ensure the best outcomes for all women".

Cllr Howard informed the meeting that her own mammogram was due to be held two days after the services stopped last March, she has received no call back yet regarding a re-scheduled appointment. She outlined that the mobile units had not reopened.

She added, "The HSE are negotiating with private hospitals for intensive care facilities, part of that conversation should include Breastcheck".

The Mayor of Clare referred to the expected three year backlog and believed it would take even longer, "these are your wives, your daughters and your sisters," Howard emphasised.

l MAMMOGRAM: Mayor of Clare Mary Howard

Photo by Arthur Ellis

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Non-testing of close contacts is not giving a clear picture PÁRAIC MCMAHON

D

paraic@clareecho.ie

AILY case counts of COVID-19 are not offering a clear picture as close contacts are not being tested, the Department of Public Health Mid-West has flagged.

Considerable deductions have been observed in the amount of new cases emerging in Co Clare, figures this week continued to drop while the 14 day incidence rate per 100k of the population at 536.1 as of Tuesday evening is the ninth lowest in the country.

Across the Mid-West daily infection levels have dropped from 238 cases on January 12, to 70 on January 25 but the Department of Public Health Mid-West has warned that the current daily figures do not present a full picture, “we advise that people still consider everyone they meet a positive case”.

Dr Mai Mannix, Director of Public Health Mid-West stated, “It will take a number of weeks before continued positive trends in the community are felt in our hospitals. While the number of Covid positive inpatients in University Hospital Limerick has decreased this week, much of this relates to

the delisting of patients as Covid positive rather than recovered patients being discharged from hospital”.

Speaking at a press briefing this week, Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of the NPHET Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group declared that numbers in Irish hospitals have “peaked and plateaued”. Admissions per day to hospital has been decreasing for the past two weeks, Professor Nolan outlined. He cautioned that it will take “a long time” for numbers in hospitals to reduce with this to be visible by the end of February.

From the end of this week, numbers in critical care will begin to fall but at a very slow pace, Nolan added. It is likely that more than 100 persons will be in ICUs because of COVID-19 until the end of next month. “It will take a long time to bring the burden on our health system back to reasonable levels”. There is “higher levels of infection in healthcare staff and patients than any other point in the pandemic,” he stated.

Hospitals in the Mid-West remain “severely challenged” by the virus, UL Hospitals Group CEO, Colette Cowan admitted. This has

lSTAY HOME: Reported case numbers are dropping

Photo by John Mangan

resulted in “significant curtailment of scheduled care; difficulties in transferring or discharging patients due to outbreaks; and considerable numbers of staff unable to work through illness or contact with COVID-19”.

Maria Bridgeman, HSE Mid West Community Healthcare Chief Officer stated that the battle against the virus “has been inhibited by many challenges including staffing so it is vital the public continue to play their part to save lives, please adhere to the public measures, please stay at home and please limit your contacts as every effort and sacrifice you make really does count”.

Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling outlined, “While there are signs that we are beginning to flatten the curve of Covid-19 infection, the risk of transmitting or getting the virus is still very high. We must drive down the numbers. ”.

Dowling confirmed that members of the public who need to access Clare County Council services can do so by phone, email, post or online.

An appointments-based service will be in operation where necessary for delivery of essential services. The Clare Covid-19 Community Response Helpline is available to respond to the needs of vulnerable members of the com-

munity on 1800 203600.

Public compliance with the guidelines is high in Clare, Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran advised. “In general Gardaí are finding that people are adhering to the Government guidelines and we want to thank the public for this.

However, it is vital that this continues over the coming weeks. This will help flatten the curve and save lives. We are asking people not to make journeys unless they are essential. To minimise their contacts. To maintain social distancing. To wash their hands. By taking these steps, we can help protect our loved ones, our neighbours and our communities”.

Colleran highlighted that a fixed payment notice of €100 can be issued to a person for travelling without a reasonable excuse by a Garda Síochána and also for the non-wearing of face coverings on public transport and in certain premises unless the person has a reasonable excuse.

“There can be no public gatherings indoors or outdoors and events in private dwellings are not permitted. If a person is non-compliant we will encourage them to comply and will give the person every opportunity to do so but after directing the person to comply and they still refuse we will have no option but enforcement,” Chief Supt Colleran added.

Use restrictions to prevent €1.3bn Killaloe's 'infrastructure water extraction from Shannon deficiencies’ on disability access to be flagged in Mobility Plan mated cost of €1.3bn. It will require the construction of a 170km pipeline from ParPÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

LEAKS in the Dublin area should be dealt with during restrictions to prevent the "huge cost to the economy" associated with constructing a 170km pipeline from Parteen Basin, downriver from Lough Derg, writes Páraic McMahon.

Legislation was approved by Cabinet in December 2019 which permitted the development of the controversial €1.3 billion pipeline that will extract water from the River Shannon to meet Dublin's water needs.

Under the proposed draft of the Water Environment (Abstractions) Bill brought forward by the then Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Eoghan Murphy (FG), the licensing of large-scale water abstractions in the State is allowed.

Irish Water have backed the Shannon pipeline which proposes to use water from the Shannon to supply water to the capital, and to urban areas in the East and Midlands.

Approved prior to the pandemic, population projections for Dublin rising by 600,000 before 2040 were cited. It plans to extract 330 million litres of water from the River Shannon and pipe it to Dublin at an esti-

teen Basin, downriver from Lough Derg.

During a sitting of Dáil Éireann surrounding questions on promised legislation, Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) called for the leaks in Dublin to be dealt with to avoid the need to construct the major pipeline. "Ireland has one of the highest leakage rates of drinking water in Europe and the Dublin City Council area has one of the highest leakage rates in Ireland.

“Partly as a result of that, it is proposed to build a pipeline across Ireland to ship water from the River Shannon. That, obviously, would cause huge disruption to landowners, a huge cost to the economy and unforeseeable consequences for the environment.

"One of the main reasons given for not fixing the leaks in the Dublin area relates to interference with commercial activity on our streets. There is no commercial activity on the streets of Dublin at the moment. Is now not the time to fix the leaks in Dublin," Deputy McNamara stated.

In response, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar (FG) noted, "It may well be, and Irish Water has an increase in its capital budget for this year to carry out repairs and improvements in Dublin and throughout the country. It has been designated as essential construction, so it can go ahead with that".

‘INFRASTRUCTURE deficiencies’ in the area of disability access across Killaloe will be flagged in an upcoming mobility plan, writes Páraic McMahon.

A designated disability parking bay at the lower end of Killaloe town was sought by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) at the January meeting of the Killaloe Municipal District. “This would enable people with disabilities to have access to do business” in this part of the town, he felt.

An assessment on the possibility to put in place additional accessible space will be conducted over the coming weeks, senior executive engineer Niamh Madden outlined. She did highlight that “a number of existing public accessible spaces which facilitate access to the lower end of the town” already exist.

Putting forward his argument, Cllr O’Brien stated, “It is required because of the work that was done, it was fantastic work which I praised at the last meeting to put down the bollards and ensure people can walk on the footpaths. It has caused a problem for people with disabilities or parents with children with disabilities.

It is a necessary piece of infrastructure”.

He expressed his satisfaction that the wheels

were “in motion”. Support for his call was reiterated through Cllr Joe Cooney (FG).

Further works will be identified in the Killaloe Ballina Mobility Plan which is due to be released in the coming weeks “will highlight infrastructure deficiencies in the area”.

lDEVELOPMENT: Cllr Tony O’Brien

Photo by Martin Connolly

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

'It is time we claim O'Connell' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

E

paraic@clareecho.ie

NNIS' links to Daniel O'Connell are to be explored with the view to building a festival around the theme.

Mayor of Ennis, Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) planted the idea at the January sitting of the Ennis Municipal District as he urged the MD and the County Arts Officer to liaise with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to "explore all avenues regarding the unique opportunity that Ennis has regarding its links to Daniel O'Connell".

Potential ideas mooted by the Clarecastle representative included promoting Ennis as Daniel O'Connell's town or the town of Daniel O'Connell, running a festival based around The Liberator, to screen films about him on the gable wall adjacent to O'Connell Monument on a daily or weekly basis or the re-enacting of scenes throughout the town.

Founder of the Catholic Association in 1823, five years later a by-election win for O'Connell proved to be a turning point in his

career.

Polling took place at the old courthouse where his monument now stands, at the final count, O'Connell was elected by a majority of about eleven hundred votes.

The ascendancy party had suffered its first big knock since 1798.

It led to the British Government granting Catholic emancipation in April 1829.

The Kerry native was now the undisputed leader in Ireland but the King would not let him take his seat until he had been re-elected in Clare. In February 1830, O'Connell became the first Catholic in modern history to sit in the House of Commons.

According to Cllr Murphy, "most of what he achieved is linked to Ennis and Co Clare". He referenced O'Connell Monument, O'Connell Street and O'Connell Square as examples for the county's affection for the man, "it is crying out for us to maximise its potential". He said that Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) has committed to attempt to secure the support of Minister Catherine Martin (GP) for the idea.

New Ross' success in building on the John F Kennedy Summer School was cited by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) as an example

to follow. "It is amazing this hasn't been devised before now," she stated.

O'Connell's story is very applicable today, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) believed. "When you look at the threats to modern democracy that we are seeing all over the world over the last decade and the

lLIBERATOR: The Daniel O’Connell monument in Ennis

Switch off and be creative Starting with a plan to do one small thing that will keep you well is a great way to look after your mental health and wellbeing.

The ‘Keep Well’ campaign is aimed at showing people of all ages how we can mind our own physical and mental health and wellbeing by adding healthy and helpful habits to our daily and weekly routines.

Simple activities like being creative, learning something new, spending time in nature or practising relaxation, can help to restore and revive our spirits and help us to keep ourselves well.

Switching off We are receiving information about Covid-19 constantly through TV, radio and social media.

It can become overwhelming for both you and your family. While it is important to keep up to date with the latest messages, it is also important to step away and take a breather.

Make a plan With everything that we all have going on in our lives, be it looking after children, working, managing the home, or caring for elderly relatives, it can be really hard to find the time for ourselves. Making a plan that includes this time for self-care can really help with your overall wellbeing. Having a scheduled time dedicated to ourselves will help us to feel more in control and less overwhelmed.

Switching off and giving some time to yourself to do the things you enjoy doing is so important in looking after your mental wellbeing.

idea of undermining the idea of independence and free-thinking, his election in 1828 was and is of crucial importance".

He urged personnel involved in advancing the idea to link in with local historian Declan Barron.

Making Ennis the Fleadh Town and tying in with the Siege of Ennis

Photo by John Mangan

were previous suggestions tabled to help Ennis attract more visitors, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) recalled. He called the monument a landmark of the town and added, "it is about time we claimed O'Connell". Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) urged persons involved not to leave the idea on a shelf.

People would travel from all over the country if any of the ideas were progressed, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) commented. She maintained the people of Ireland's interest in history would add to its success.

"We have the monument, the square and the street with the museum so close. Ennis is so well known for its history".

Utilising the space at O'Connell Monument offers "a great opportunity", Director of Service Carmel Kirby told the meeting. A renovation of The Height is planned if finance can be obtained from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF). Ideas to brand Ennis are being worked on

by Promote Ennis, she confirmed.

"It is time that we claim O'Connell as our own. Collins and de Valera were divisive, O'Connell wasn't, we can use that to our advantage," Mayor Murphy remarked.

Find ideas on what you can do and what’s available in your local community at

clarecoco.ie/together So make sure to carve out some time to engage in an activity that you enjoy and that will allow you to be distracted from what is going on around you.

An enhanced range of services to help you switch off is available from Clare County Library, Arts Service, Heritage Office and our partners. Visit www.clarecoco.ie/together for more information.

Community Response Helpline A helpline is available to respond to the needs of vulnerable members of our community. If you need practical supports, like your shopping delivered, or you just need someone to talk to you, the Clare Covid-19 Community Response Helpline is here for you.

Call Freephone 1800 20 36 00 or email clarecommunityresponse@clarecoco.ie

Follow Clare County Council on social media

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

‘Devastating impact’ of Covid leads to 79 per cent drop in airport passengers PĂ RAIC MCMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Airport recorded a 79 percent decrease in passengers last year following the “devastating impact� of COVID-19.

A drop of 1.37 million passengers was witnessed in 2020 at Shannon Airport, just over 352,000 people used the Airport last year in what was a 79 percent drop in traffic.

Collapsing numbers were also experienced at sites operated

by Shannon Heritage including Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Malahide Castle and King John’s Castle. Knappogue Castle and Craggaunowen have remained

shut since March.

Management say that Shannon Heritage are “heavily reliant on international visitors�. The sites recorded over 302,000 visitors, a reduction almost 69% on 2019, which saw 963,000 visitors.

Prior to COVID-19, the activities of Shannon Group supported over 46,000 jobs, generated an economic impact of â‚Ź3.6 billion per year and contributed â‚Ź1.1 billion in Exchequer returns.

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine has said it remains committed to restoring air services to Shannon Airport and visitor numbers to its heritage sites as soon as the aviation and tourism sectors reopen. “COVID-19 had a devastating impact on two of our three business operations, but with the right supports, the foundations for recovery exist within Shan-

Dogs need dedicated off-lead space CLARE councillors have said they are sick of dog faeces in the county with the December meeting hearing a request from Cllr John Crowe (FG) for a blitz to be carried out to tackle the fecal matter.

Locating and securing “an official off the lead area for dogs� was suggested at the January meeting of the Shannon Municipal District by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) to get to grips with “a serious issue�. She felt “plenty of green areas� could be used to help lower the complaints associated with dog fouling.

Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett respond-

ed, “An area designated for recreational activity in the County Development Plan would need to be identified and may need a planning application submitted following public consultation and design�.

He said local authorities where such a facility already exists would be contacted “to determine a roadmap to developing such a park�.

Listening to the views of the public would help in formulating any plan that involves a space for dogs, Cllr McGettigan believed. “It is not fair to have dog stuck in a house and then on a lead when they go out,� she stated.

non Group, namely our improved core airport infrastructure, vibrant property portfolio, strong tourism offering and vibrant aviation cluster�.

Ryanair’s decision to reopen its Shannon base and operate 14

routes for the upcoming summer provides hope, she said but acknowledged that the “recovery will be slow, rebuilding will take time, but we will get there. Crucial to recovery will be the lifting of global travel restrictions once it is safe to

lRECOVERY: Shannon Free Zone is undergoing significant development

do so. Also vital is the accelerated and successful rollout of the national vaccination programme�.

Delivery on a property development strategy continued at Shannon Free Zone, Mary referenced as the property business remained strong within the Group.

She detailed that Shannon Group has delivered 1 million sq ft of commercial property solutions since 2015. The latest project, a development of three advanced manufacturing and logistics facilities is now complete. US/UK based clinical-stage gene therapy company MeiraGTx have taken two of these buildings.

Development of two new facilities tand the upgrade of two existing units continues. In addition, planning has been secured for a new 4 storey 58,000 sq ft office block at Shannon Free Zone.

Permanent pollinator area will bee ‘better for Shannon’ IDENTIFICATION of permanent pollinator areas will form part of an upcoming biodiversity plan for Shannon Town, writes PĂĄraic McMahon.

Members of the public will be invited to make submissions in February before the biodiversity plan for Shannon Town is finalised. Staff within the Shannon Municipal District are currently working on its preparation.

It is expected that the plan will be finalised in March before coming before elected representatives of the Shannon MD for adaptation.

Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett confirmed one outcome would be “the identification of suitable pollinator areas�.

His comments came in response to a proposal from Cllr Donna McGettigan

(SF) for a permanent pollinator area to be found “creating a meadow for long term conservation. Meadows when created with the right plants can attract a multitude of wildlife. “They are ecologically important as they provide areas for bird nesting, food gathering and pollinating insects.

While I feel Shannon is lucky enough to have conservation areas such as the wetlands and this will add to that,� she stated.

Choosing a permanent area would be better than picking a different site every year, Cllr McGettigan said. She was hopeful it would educate people. “It needs to have proper meadow

flowers rather than letting an area grow wild. It would be great to have something like this for the Shannon area�.

Confusion has arisen in the past with a number of different areas nominated for pollination, Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) recalled. “A little bit of additional PR is needed for the areas identified. We have quite a big landscape to choose from,� he added.

As he voiced his support for the motion, Cllr Pat McMahon (FF) felt it underlinedc a changing landscape as he remarked, “flies were a nuisance before�. The Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD commented, “It just shows how times have changed, how we live and how we treat our planet�.

Â

TAKE AWAY COCKTAILS

Each Cocktail Bottle Serves 4

Arts & Entertainment 13

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Kulczynskis edge past the O’Hallorans TWO Clare families faced off on Sunday’s episode of Ireland’s Fittest Family, writes Páraic McMahon.

Coveted places in the quarter-final of the RTÉ show were up for grabs as the fourth and final heat aired over the weekend.

Mentored by Derval O’Rourke, the Kulczynski family from Clarecastle produced an astonishing display in the Bog Bath challenge with champion junior triathlete Sabien managing to hold on for a record 37 minutes.

Although they finished top of

the families in this challenge, they along with the O’Hallorans from Kilkishen fell short against the Brackens from Westmeath in Fast and Furious and subsequently ended up in the eliminator round.

Matters took a further dent for the O’Hallorans when injury forced 23 year old Jamie out of their eliminator and dented their chances. A stronger time from the Kulczynski family saw them progress to the quarter-finals at the expense of their East Clare counterparts ending the involvement of James, Clodagh, Leanne and Jamie

O’Halloran in the competition.

Much of the commentary following the episode still focused on Sabien’s showing.

A former winner of the Kilkee Big Bay Swim, he has also won a hat-trick of honours in the Aquathlon and Triathlon National Championships for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Formerly of Doonbeg, the Kulczynskis will next appear in the quarter-finals. Leroy, Nicola, Luca and Sabian ensured Derval O’Rourke now has the maximum amount of families in the quarter-finals.

lFIT: Sabian, Luca, Nicola and Leroy Kulczynski

Clare musician features on TG4 KILFENORA Céilí Band musician Sharon Howley will feature in a special TG4 concert this weekend.

The cellist will star alongside other prolific Irish women on Sunday, January 31, the eve of St Brigid’s Day. This hour-long programme was recorded at the end of 2020 and features some of the best of women traditional musicians and singers.

Moya Brennan of Clannad will be joined by many of TG4’s acclaimed Gradam Ceoil award winners, including Mary Bergin on whistle, Laoise Kelly on Harp, Josephine Marsh on accordion, as well as singers Cathy Jordan and Pauline Scanlon, with Nicola Joyce and Noriana Kennedy of The Whileaways.

Up-and-coming star Sibéal - the voice behind the pivotal performance piece ‘Mise Éire’ which was the centrepiece of the 1916 Rising commemoration in 2016 - also stars.

Caitlin Nic Gabhann on concertina completes the all-female

lCELLO: Sharon Howley

line-up.

Set against the rugged backdrop of Connemara, Kylemore Abbey is the ideal location to celebrate Brigid, the Goddess and Saint.

This 19th century castle was once a grand family home before it became a refuge to a small order of nuns fleeing the ravages of war in Europe. It continues to be home to a community of Benedictine nuns, a haven and centre of learning which nurtures many facets of Irish cultural life.

Catch ‘Ceol ó Kylemore: Ceiliúradh na mBan’ at 9.30pm on Sunday, January 31 on TG4.

Gathering virtually for stories by the waterside CIAN O’BROIN

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

THE Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO) will host a free online Zoom event featuring readings and reflections from national writers to mark the launch of a brand-new website ‘Stories from the Waterside.’

The event which takes place on February 2, 2021 at 7pm and coincides with World Wetland Day, will feature selected writers from the national storytelling competition run by LAWPRO in May last year and hopes to highlight the benefits of reconnecting with local water bodies, tells Community Water Officer Ruairí Ó Conchúir.

The Burren resident lauded the success of last year’s competition, where 500 short story entries were received from people all over the country, each looking to pen their own personal connection with both water and nature. It formed part of a collaboration between LAWPRO, The Heritage Council and the Heritage Officer Programme, Waterways Ireland, and Inland Fisheries Ireland.

The competition was an effort to connect with local communities and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting local water bodies as well as the nature and habitats they support which had an abundance of entries from Clare according to Ruairí.

Stories received were then anthologised into a publication enti-

tled ‘Stories from the Waterside.’

Donagh Minogue from Inagh was the only Clare native who placed first in an U18 category. His story, entitled, ‘The Unknown Fisherman of County Clare’ focused on multiple waterbodies in Clare where he goes fishing.

A keen fisherman, Donagh decided to take his prize in the form of a guided fishing trip on Lough Derg and this was presented to him and his mother Mairead in September 2020.

The event on February 2nd is comprised of Irish and English language winners, who will be elicited to enlighten everyone as to their source of inspiration in crafting their narrative.

The website, which will be launched on the same day, will

provide a platform for all of the 500 stories submitted to the event last May.

lTALENTED: 2020 winner Donagh Minogue with Ruarí O’Conchúir

Ruairí asserts that it will form a fully searchable archive, where interested individuals can search by theme or by water body type.

This includes options to search a specific emotional connection or folklore as well as searching by river, lake, coastal area, estuary or drinking water point.

“This took an awful lot of work to ensure that it is a really important resource for people.” The website, which is being funded

by LAWPRO, will also provide a designated space for any stories about water received in the future, he added.

Register for the event on www. watersandcommunities or by visiting LAWPRO on Facebook or Twitter.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

West Clare devastated THE FARAWAY KINGDOM by sudden passing of Damien Carmody PÁRAIC MCMAHON

W

paraic@clareecho.ie

EST Clare has been left reeling following the sudden death of a young man noted for being a pillar of the community.

On Friday afternoon, Damien Carmody died in a workplace accident while assisting with a construction project on a local farm in Doonaha. Tributes have flowed in for the 36 year old man in since his sudden and untimely passing.

His death came just five days after celebrating his first wedding anniversary with his wife Elaine. Last April, they buried Elaine's father Kieran Marrinan who was an extremely popular figure in Kilkee.

Their final interaction on Friday saw the pair comment, "I love you and see you this evening," his funeral mass heard.

From Ennis to Moveen, people lined the streets to pay their respects as the cortège passed on Monday evening with flags of solidarity from GAA clubs on display.

Clubs across West Clare have paid tribute to Damien on social media.

A farmer based in Moveen, Damien was always willing to give time to those who needed it and was one of the first to lend a helping hand. "Damien was our link to Moveen since Mum and Dad passed, family was everything to him," his sister Ann said at Wednesday's funeral mass.

Items brought to the altar during the mass included an O'Currys jersey, a football frame and football, a picture of the Carmody and Marrinan families, a photograph of Damien and Elaine, a frame reading 'good food, good times and good friends', an image of his nieces and nephews, a copy of The Farmer's Journal and a tractor, a bottle of Lucozade, a box of Jaffa Cakes and cards.

Fr Michael Casey admitted that the passing brought "devastating shock". He stated, "It stunned the entire Loop Head Peninsula, there was silence, an overwhelming

lTRAGEDY: The late Damien Carmody

shock and sadness gripped the locality.

Addressing Wednesday's mass, Damien's close friend Eoin Murray remarked, "He was the hardest working person I knew, there was never enough hours in the day for him which consisted in him eating meals on the go which consisted of a bottle of Lucozade and a twix" and quipped that Damien's excuse to his punctuality was due to him insisting he operated by "Moveen time".

He added, "Any words I have here today will not come near to symbolise the kind, loving and loyal characteristics he had".

Michael Curtin, a neighbour of the Carmody family described Damien as "the most obliging guy you could meet". He recalled the Carmody brothers, Michael, Matthew and Damien as being "lynchpins" of O'Currys. Indeed Curtin was the man who presented the Talty Stores Trophy to Damien in 2012 when O'Currys won the Clare IFC. "It was the greatest honour I ever had to present the cup to Damien who was the vice captain at the time, a fellow Moveen man and a neighbour, it was one of my great honours ever being involved with the club".

"The whole community is devastated both young and old but Damien's loss is the worst of all in that he was a dynamic character back there, he was a guy who had his roots put down, he was a guy who was always on the road to help a neighbour if he needed help, it is immeasurable the loss and you cannot describe the loss of any young life particularly someone as vibrant as Damien," the accountant told The Clare Echo.

Scenes in West Clare were "very poignant," Michael said. "The amount of people on the road, every highway and byway there was somebody out there either waving their own club flag or an O'Currys flag, it was memorable and very poignant, such was the esteem that Damien had". He added.

Damien is survived by his wife Elaine, his sisters Ann, Collette, Lourda and Catriona, brothers Michael and Matthew, the Marrinan family, all extended family relatives, his neighbours and friends.

l WHITE WINTER: A magnificent view of snow capped Mount Brandon and Scattery Island in the Shannon Estuary

Photo by John Glynn

Connecting with towns and villages will be key to success of West Clare Greenway AN APPOINTMENT of technical advisers to work on the planning and detailed design of a 20km section of the West Clare Greenway between Kilrush and Kilkee is expected to be announced in March while councillors have stressed the need to connect to towns and villages to maximise its chance of success, writes Páraic McMahon.

Friday marks the closing date for the receipt of tenders for technical advisers for the planning and consent phase and detailed design phase.

After this date, applications will be assessed with the view to making an appointment in March, senior engineer with the project management office of Clare County Council, Seán Lenihan confirmed.

Lenihan stated, "Once the technical advisers are appointed, we will begin work on the planning and consent phase of development namely route selection, appropriate assessment and environmental impact assessment.

Consultation with affected landowners and community groups will take place throughout the process".

A fundamental aim of the project is "to deliver a world class Greenway," he said.

The tentative 85km proposed route will run from Ennis through Corofin, Ennistymon, Lahinch, Miltown Malbay, Quilty, Doonbeg, Moyasta, Kilrush and Kilkee.

It is expected that there will be a cost of €600,000 per kilometre.

Work completed as a result of €225k allocated under the Department of Transport's Carbon Tax Fund included a project brief, project appraisal plan, constraints study, ecological desktop study and preliminary strategic assessment reports.

Private ownership of the former West Clare Railway route may prompt the need to go offline along certain sections, he advised. "To ensure the maximum success of any such a project, it will be necessary to connect the Greenway route to the various towns and villages along the way so the final route could be in the order of 110km in total.

Regular development updates need to be notified to elected representatives, Cllr Susan Crawford (GP) insisted. "It is really important as councillors that we're up to speed on the work so we know what is happening with projects so we can say we are moving things on.

“This is integral to what will make a difference to West and North Clare".

Keeping councillors in the loop on a collective basis will limit misinformation circulating around the project, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) stated.

Acting senior executive officer with the West Clare

Municipal District, John O'Malley noted that the intention of the Chief Executive's monthly report was "to get that across". If the wish was there, he outlined that an advancement of the report could be issued.

As he acknowledged the project management's office function to deliver key infrastructure, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) commented, "I hope there is enough resources in the unit to deliver a project of this scale".

Director of Service, Leonard Cleary in response said the project management office to expedite the plans.

"Landowners and stakeholders will be centre stage in discussions with the needs of the community".

Feedback from Westport regarding the Great Western Greenway was failing to maximise its link to the town, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) detailed.

"This is an opportunity for us to learn and have a thought about we will ensure this Greenway just doesn't run from A to B but from the centre of A to the centre of B".

Concluding the debate, O'Malley said that a spreadsheet of ongoing works will be compiled for elected representatives. "We need to be strategic in terms of the project from each area. We need to be smart about how we look at it and the effect it will have initially".

FEATURES 15

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

GREEN CLARE

Telling the story of the Burren

CIAN O’BROIN

B

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

ELIEVING in the Burren, it's people and the beauty of its land is part and parcel of BurrenBeo Trust's philosophy.

Beginning almost 20 years ago through the vision of Dr. Brendan Dunford and his wife Ann O' Connor, the goal has always been to tell the story of the people of the Burren. "Not only is there a wonderful landscape, archaeology and geology here but a place where people make their living," Brendan states.

Brendan was conducting research on farming in the Burren for his PhD at the time, whilst his wife Ann was a web developer. With the scale of the passion project outgrowing both Brendan and Ann, BurrenBeo Trust officially became a registered charity in 2008, having previously operated as a website called 'The Living Burren.' A board of directors, staff and volunteers subsequently came on board. "The passion and capability of staff really helped push us. This great, positive energy here is why we have been around for the last 20 years," Brendan admits.

Five years previous, Brendan and Ann decided to bring the Ecobeo initiative into local schools. It aimed at investing in the upskilling of the future guardians of the Burren. After 20 weeks schoolchildren became experts in their local environment, Brendan states. Since then, the organisation has held monthly walks, talks throughout the winter and festivals of learning such as the Burren in Bloom festival, which comprises of a fortnight of talks to "celebrate the arrival of the unique summer flora in the Burren region."

Conservation plays a key role in how Brendan and communities within the Burren sustain what he describes as "an immense sense of place." By day, Brendan runs the Burren Programme, which is separate to

lDEDICATED: Dr Brendan Dunford

the BurrenBeo Trust. Whilst the latter is all about education, information provision and events, the Burren Programme is all about working with farmers in conserving the Burren landscape and farming sustainably.

The programme now works with over 300 farmers, covering more than 70 per cent of the Burren landscape. "Each landowner is rewarded for improving their land environmentally," Brendan imparts.

Brendan maintains that the Burren is a special place that deserves energy and investment. He states: "We would always find working with farmers and members of the community that there is a huge sense of place here. They are proud of where they come from. There is real recognition of just how special the place is. There is huge evidence of environmental decline in Ireland and in Europe but in the Burren, things are holding well. In fact, a lot of our data has shown that we are improving. Our whole model here is about helping the local community look after their own place."

BurrenBeo Trust has its own dedicated team of conservation volunteers who help with digs, picking rubbish and removing scrub from the local land. Brendan himself recently made headlines, having been featured on RTÉ News where he and his family can be seen planting 400 native pines in three days. He explains that the native 'Pinus sylvestris' was thought to be extinct for the last 1,500 years but scientists from Trinity College Dublin found the sequestered species tucked away in an isolated region in the Burren. Brendan and his children have enjoyed the little restoration project which has given some reprieve to the constraints of COVID-19.

The registered charity is now asking the public to invest in a pine in the region, in order to help fund BurrenBeo Trust. The intention is to continue planting the native pine in the months and years to come. "Every cent invested goes back into the community," Brendan states. Interested individuals also have the opportunity to become a member of BurrenBeo Trust. Membership is priced at â‚Ź40 for an individual, â‚Ź50 for a couple and â‚Ź60 for a family. Members enjoy a welcome pack, monthly e-newsletters, discounted attendance fees at events as well as the opportunity to meet like minded people.

New members are always welcome, Brendan informs.

"I think that the Burren potentially has a bright future. I think it's about farmers who are continuing to produce great food but are also managing a wonderful environment.

People are coming here to learn what sustainability looks like. They come to learn about the native archaeology and geology stored within the Burren. It's about thriving local communities as well. It's important that we have tourism, but the right type of tourism, that's sustainable."

Visit burrenbeo.com/support-us for more information on memberships, donations, volunteering and more.

lHOME: There is a real sense of place in the Burren

BURNING HOUSEHOLD WASTE IS ILLEGAL Burning waste at your home or business is illegal and has a negative impact on the local environment, on your own health and the health of those around you.

DID yOU kNOW? It is illegal to burn household, garden or commercial waste; • Inside, outside or around any part of a house, garden or premises. • In waste burners or other devices. • In stoves or any device attached to a chimney or flue.

It is illegal to burn waste from gardens, parks and cemeteries.

The burning of any domestic or commercial waste may result in prosecution by Clare County Council.

For more information on what to do with your household waste visit www.mywaste.ie or email enviroff@clarecoco.Ie

@GREENERCLARE

16 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

CLASS BLACK PUD CROQUETTES Kearney Cooks

S

O IN the next few weeks, I am hoping to highlight lots of local food producers and suppliers and I thought that I would start with one of my personal favourites, Meere’s Black Pudding.

Meere’s make a wonderful product thats packed with flavour that really packs a punch. I thought I would pair the pudding with some lovely spuds and make some pure class black pudding croquettes, which I would then match up with a sweet red onion jam.

FOR THE JAM: • 2 sliced red onions • Few sprigs of thyme • 1tbsp of blackberry jam • 20ml balsamic vinegar • 20ml red wine • A dash of Worcestershire sauce

•

You will also need a bowl of breadcrumbs, a bowl of egg and a bowl of flour for coating our Croquettes

Step 1 Chop up your chives and chop your pudding finely and add to your mash along with a spoon of mustard and one egg yolk. Add a good pinch of salt as well. Mix them all together and shape them into patties or sausage shapes.

Step 2 Coat your croquettes in flour, then egg and finally breadcrumbs.

Step 3 Fry your croquettes in oil for a couple of minutes each side until they are golden brown and finish them in the oven for 10 minutes.

Step 4 Serve them with your red onion jam and some dressed green leaves such as rocket and baby spinach. Tuck in and enjoy.

This needs a bit of work but a lot can be done in advance. These croquettes work very well as a starter, but are also amazing as a side with gamey meats, pork or beef.

If you’re a local producer or supplier in Clare, please feel free to slide into my DMs (search @stevekearney37 or Kearney Cooks) on Instagram to tell me about your product as I would love to feature as much local produce as possible in this column.

Enjoy

Steve K

Horse all these ingredients into the one pot and let them simmer away on a very low heat until they form a sticky jam.

Should take about 20 minutes.

Set aside and use later.

FOR THE CROQUETTES: • 300g mashed potato • 200g Meere’s Black Pudding • A small bunch of chives • 1 tsp mustard • One egg yolk

R

ebecca O’Neill

O

My skincare routine Miss Clare Rebecca O’Neill shares her tips on managing an effective skincare routine

NLY recently, I have really gotten into my skin care routine. Especially during this lockdown, taking the time to mind your skin is essential. I’m going to list my day time and night time routine to lead you in the right direction. My skin type is a combination of an oily T-zone and dry outer areas.

DAYTIME: I always like to start off by washing my face with my favourite face wash from Cere Ve: The SA Smoothing Cleanser. This product is mainly for dry and bumpy skin. I would generally get bumpy skin so this product works well for me.

Another cleanser I would also use is the Payot

Paris Milk Cleanser. This contains raspberry extracts and is amazing for sensitive skin.

Next, I use the C.E.O. Sunday Riley Vitamin C Rich Hydration cream. I love the consistency of this cream and how it really makes your skin feel moisturised and refreshed.

Afterwards, I put on my favourite eye cream by Murad Skincare. The Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum is a must have! It isn’t heavy on the eyes and has no perfume products in it.

I top this off with a quick spray of Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner. With the most beautiful smell of apricot, you really do feel like you’re having a spa experience. I will always put on my Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm day and night also. This is so important especially during this time of year.

NIGHTTIME: If I wore makeup that day, I always start off my night time skin care with Clinique take the day off cleansing balm. This gently melts the makeup off your skin and ensures that it gives your skin a great clean. This consistency prevents you from tugging at your skin which is usu-

ally common when taking off makeup.

The next product I use, mainly at night, is the Payot Paris milk cleanser.

Next, I put on my Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil. This product is one of the most luxurious products I have and I love it.

After this, I pop on my The Ordinary Niacin-am-

GLOW UP: Rebecca’s skincare essentials

ide and Zinc Serum. This product dries out blemishes and keeps your skin clear. I always swear by this product because it actually works! To finish it off I spray my Elemis Apricot Toner.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT I always try to drink as much water as possible.

It is a 2021 goal of mine to drink at least two litres a day. This has so many benefits for your body and of course your skin. I have seen such a difference in my skin since I made drinking water one of my priorities daily.

Fruit and vegetables are so good for overall health and increasing vitamin intake. The multi vitamin that I like to take daily is Wellwomen which helps maintain health and vitality.

17 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With With

Excitement is building on the Melody farm with the starting line for calving season in sight.

W

E ARE just at the starting line of our calving season this week. The preparation work has been done and the home yard for the next few weeks will be part farm yard, part maternity ward.

There is already a buzz about the place. Whisper it, but there’s a sense of spring in the air with the anticipation of what’s to come.

When it comes to this time of the year there is always a cautious excitement for the arrival of the class of 2021.

One of the areas we have really tried the focus in on over the past few years is calf health and we have made some progress in this area.

I put most of this down to doing the simple things right. So the plan is as cows calf, we will try and get three litres of colostrum into that calf within two hours of birth if possible. Farmers often get inundated with calls from various companies pedalling the latest potion to “help� a calf for such and such an ailment.

The word “help� is apt as the efficacy of these supplements is for nought if that same calf hasn’t got its quality colostrum at birth with all the essential antibodies the calf needs to super charge its immune system.

In the area of calf rearing we are actually going back to the future with our latest hifalutin disinfectant, the humble white wash.

Any shed that has a plastered wall is being whitewashed as it can be hard to get all bacteria out of these surfaces and simple whitewash will create a seal and should curtail any n’er do well bugs from causing scours in the infant calves.

It was advised to me by a vet who specialises in consulting on calf health all over the world that whitewash is still among the best disinfectants for calf sheds.

The fact is that many spring calving dairy herds of today are calving down over 90 per cent of their herd in six weeks. This creates huge efficiencies in terms of a more streamlined business that has a cow who gets a long year producing milk leading to greater prof-

ď ŹMATERNITY WARD: The calving facilities on the Melody farm

itability.

However there are challenges around the area of labour and skilled labour at that because at the end of the day working around livestock is a competency that takes time to acquire and a commensurate love for animals. One of the things we have done to reduce our man hours required to run the farm is to invest in a computerised calf feeder.

This feeds the calf several times a day almost mimicking the regularity at which the calf would feed off its mother. It has been a great addition over the past few years and provides us with lots of data in terms of calf health even the speed at which the calf drank its milk.

Hopefully we will get some slurry out this week, weather permitting. In the past few years we have really tried to get the most out of our organic manures such as muck and slurry, the price of fertiliser appears to be on the up so all the more reason to focus on reducing those input costs where practical.

An era at the helm for MicheĂĄl Martin

A

DECADE is a long time by any measure, but in the world of politics, it’s an era. Hence, Taoiseach Martin, reaching the milestone of a decade at the helm of Fianna Fåil on Tuesday (January 26) is noteworthy.

He is only the fifth person to achieve this as leader of the Soldiers of Destiny, and the 18th in total of active major political parties in Ireland.

For those interested, the other 13 are made up of 6 Fine Gael leaders, 5 Labour leaders and 2 from Provisional Sinn FĂŠin, the latter of whom, Gerry Adams holds the record as longest duration as party leader, at 35 years.

In May, Eamon Ryan will become the 19th decade long leader when he becomes the first from the Green Party to join the club.

Martin has had a roller-coaster time at the helm of his party. For four and a half years of that time, I served on the Fianna FĂĄil Ard Comhairle with him, two of which I was also on the Executive Officer Board of the party.

Having observed his leadership stance first-hand for that duration, the current situation within FF and the party’s poll rating are not a major shock.

Let me preface my comments that I have good admiration for Martin as a person. He is often engaging and jovial away from the hard work of the day, with a keen interest in sport and history.

I also spoke to dozens of party members from all corners of the island and at all levels of the party before writing this piece, in order to try mitigating my own inherent bias. History will also record him as a very progressive politician of his day, exemplified by the leadership he showed in both the marriage equality and 8th amendment repeal referenda. Nevertheless, his leadership style has come in for a lot of justified criticism.

Down through the years, Martin has often picked the wrong battles. During Ard Chomhairle meetings he would steer away from arguments on policy and organisation with those from contrarian factions of the party, wanting to avoid creating any greater rifts.

However, he would minutes later get heated and argumen-

tative with an apparent loyalist for having a line of questioning he did not like. Evidently, letting his earlier, bottled up frustrations spill out., the tell being his heightened pitch and the slip into a stronger than usual Cork accent.

Rather than avoid rifts in this manner, he has starved himself of loyalists within the wider party as time has gone on. People who like him personally, and his policy base are still ambivalent with MĂ­chĂŠal as a leader.

His main flaw in terms of leadership though has not been a lack of bravery, nor foresight, but his inability to bring large sections of his party with him as he has tried to modernise Fianna FĂĄil.

This is largely down to his centralised leadership style which sees him discuss policy direction with a small cohort of trusted confidents which include his Chef de Cabinet Deirdre Gillane and Deputy General Secretary of FF, Pat McParland.

Given the huge importance of these people to the overall direction of the party under Martin, the lack of access to them for most of the Parliamentary Party, and their ultimate exclusion from the decision-making process, has born some resentment over the years.

This is quite evident as of late with a growing disquiet about his leadership and more and more senior party members speaking openly as to Martin’s days as Captain of the ship being numbered. There

is not a full scaled mutiny yet, but one would have to suspect there are people waiting in the long grass.

Martin is also experiencing serious difficulty with the rank-and-file. For a cohort of people who like him, he seems to have a growing disconnect to the foot soldiers he ultimately relies upon. This is reflected in the apparently sharp decline in memberships renewals paid by the December 31st deadline.

It is too early to write Martin’s epitaph as FF leader, and the fact he was able to steer the party to safety from what seemed like certain impending doom in 2011 will always stand to him. Nevertheless, in last year’s General Election, it became obvious to many that the public had grown tired of him.

He didn’t have the performance, or connection to the zeitgeist of the country, like he did in 2016. I tweeted that day that it wasn’t the end of Martin, but it was certainly the beginning of the end for him as Fianna Fåil leader.

If the party does have a future, it needs to start looking for his replacement sooner rather than later, even if it is just to have that person waiting in the wings as Martin sees out the remainder of this Government. History may remember him as interim leader of FF that stayed on long enough to lead the nation. It remains to be seen if he’ll be the leader who also modernised and saved Fianna Fåil from oblivion.

ď ŹANNIVERSARY: Taoiseach MicheĂĄl Martin has been head of Fianna FĂĄil for 10 years

18 FEATURES

Praying for hope RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

W

E’VE all had days, weeks, months even years when life just doesn’t seem to be going our way! Sure if we look at the almost last year of the Coronavirus on our shores and in our world we could definitely say that things are not going our way!

We feel at a loss, and despair for our future about what might happen to us.

At times turning to different types of addiction or falling into different spiraling levels or symptoms of depression, and fear being found out or fear seeking help and support from family, friends and caring organisations.

Praying for Strength

I lit a few candles for hope, courage and strength this week and offered up my prayers for the people who asked me to pray for them or their loved ones who are in need of a prayer or a lighted candle or are looking for hope at this time in their life and especially for all people and families affected by this dreaded Coronavirus and of course for all our amazing healthcare staff and all our frontline workers. I will continue to do so over the next few days for anyone that asked for a prayer for hope or lighted candle and if anyone needs a prayer please let me know and I will offer them up with my daily prayers for I too am in need of that hope, courage and strength in my life. I would ask everyone to keep as strong as they can be.

I have been at a few very sad funerals over the last few weeks and months which puts things into perspective about what life is all about.

Let's all try to mind one another and look out for one another and try and be there for one another as much as we can be during these worrying times for a lot of people and families. It's okay not to be okay at times but it's also okay to talk to someone especially if it's someone or an organisation that can help and that you trust.

As I was praying for people who asked me to pray for them recently, I also prayed for all the people that are struggling in our communities, our country and our world right now, wondering what life would be like without them, or wondering if they are loved or cared for. January and February can be worrying months for a lot of our loved ones as we await the hope of new life in Spring.

Let me say through this thought

for the week that without you the world would not be the same and it doesn't matter who or what you are. You may not know it, but you mean something to someone and you will never know if you are not around. There are somewhere in the region of 7 billion people on this beautiful planet of ours, and every single one of them and you and me has a flaw or two and have our good days and bad days.

Nobody is perfect, take me for example.

I'm 54, and although I have never really said it to many before, I have many good days and not so good days especially during this last year of the Coronavirus, many good points and not so good points and have lots of ups and downs in my life and worry constantly and suffer many dark days at times but thankfully the bright days are in the ascendancy.

But every morning I wake up I tell myself that today is a new day, a new beginning, a new dawn, a new chance, a new day with endless possibilities. And that gives me something that everyone cherishes, it brings me hope.

It can bring anyone and everyone hope, and if you hold on to hope one day all those thoughts of a better life will become a reality.

I am going to try each day and I hope you will too. I am going to wake, get up, dress up and show up and give it the best I can at that time.

And if you aren't going through any of this but know a friend or a family member or a colleague who is, talk to them, be with them, listen to them, guide them, help them, get help for them, show them where they can get help, be there for them, care for them and help them to show up and find that hope that you hopefully have in your life.

I will have that candle of hope lighting for us all today, tonight and tomorrow and everyday that we will all find that hope we need in our lives.

I wish much hope and prayers for us all and especially for any families or friends or colleagues who are searching for a loved one who is missing, or who is unwell or is suffering in anyway. Let us all say my beautiful friends David's prayer - "God keep me well with acceptance of your will".

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, pray for hope for the people in your life and know that hope never abandons us.

We abandon hope. Consult not

your fears especially during these worrying times of lockdown and the Coronavirus but consult your hopes and your dreams.

Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.

Hope is the basis of existence and we should never give up hope.

Hope should be our true companion of all times. I am sure if you allow it, your hope will light many candles in your life.

For when you light up the candle of others, in the days of adversity you will receive strength and capacity to overcome all of your fears. I pray that your candle of hope may start to shine brightly again!!

A prayer of Hope I like to say to keep me going each day goes as follows - Dear Lord, I try so hard to be your humble servant, I come before you today in need of hope, courage and strength. There are times when I feel helpless and lost.

There are times when I feel weak and addicted.

I pray for hope. I need hope for a better future. I need hope for a better life. I need hope for love, care, shelter and kindness.

Some say that the sky is at it's darkest just before the light. I pray that this is true, for all seems very dark in my life at times. I need your light, Lord, in every way. I pray to be filled with your light from head to toe. To bask in your glory.

To know that all is right in the world, as you have planned, and as you want it to be. Help me Lord to walk in your light, and live my life in faith and support to those most in need.

Help me to shine my light to help others shine their light.

Let us also pray for all who are recovering from Covid in hospital, nursing homes , hospices and in the family home and for families who are unable to visit loved ones especially those in ICU and High Dependency Care wards and for our nurses, doctors, carers and all on the frontline who serve us daily despite the extreme stress and anxiety they endure.

Dear Lord, Our Lady and St. Joseph we ask you to hear our prayers during these worrying times and especially for all our people who are sick or unwell with the coronavirus or with any type of illness at home or in hospital.

Comfort those who are vulnerable, anxious or fearful.

Protect our healthcare workers and all our frontline workers who put their lives at risk. Inspire our leaders to make good decisions and may we all act responsibly.

"When my arms can't reach people close to my heart, I hug them with my prayers”. In your name I pray, Amen.

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Campaign launched to help little Sarah get lifesaving surgery STUART HOLLY

F

editor@clareecho.ie

RIENDS of the Summerly family in Ennis have come together to raise funds for little Sarah Summerly who is 18 months old and needs lifesaving surgery. Sarah was born in June 2019 with OEIS complex, a rare combination of serious birth defects resulting in her liver, intestines and bladder developing outside her body. To complicate matters, she also has a severe form of Spina Bifida and clubbed feet.

Despite the odds being stacked against her and by fighting hard Sarah survived but is unable to walk and requires continuous intense care.

Close family friend Padraigh Sutton established a Go Fund Me page and in the first 24 hours over €17,000 was raised.

If the target of €50,000 is to be raised Sutton says, “we need to get the wider community involved”.

Sarah lives in Ennis with her mother Michelle, her father Ger, and siblings Tony (9) and Rosemary (4). Michelle provides full time care to Sarah as Ger works outside the home.

Padraigh said: “The Summerly family has been through so much and one needs to know them to experience the love they have and the lengths they go to each day to support all three of their children. Sarah is an amazing child that has overcome so much in a short time. She has fought to beat the odds and has survived. The aim for Sarah has now shifted to improving her quality of life and providing a higher level of physical and social independence”.

In order to achieve this, Sarah will undergo multiple reconstructive surgeries at different stages throughout her life. As the surgical repair is so challenging it requires teams of doctors with specialised in-

ternational expertise. Michelle, Ger and Sarah will have to travel to the United Kingdom for two major surgeries this year.

The first of these operations is in February and will take place in the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital where they will break open Sarah’s pelvis, place her liver, bladder and intestines inside her body and then complete whatever additional reconstructive surgery they can. The surgery will take up to 15 hours and will result in hospital admission and intensive care for eight to 10 weeks.

The second surgery is planned for later in the year in Great Ormond Street children’s hospital in London.

This surgery will address the damage to Sarah’s spine. This surgery presents significant risk, but it will give Sarah the best chance at sitting unaided and developing and growing.

Sarah will be a lifetime wheelchair user and it is planned to provide her with a suitable wheelchair towards the end of 2021. The family home in Ennis will need to be adapted to make it wheelchair accessible.

Padraigh added: “Family, friends, colleagues and the wider community want to show the Summerly family that we have their backs. The challenges they face are immense and reducing the financial worries will make it easier for them to focus on the needs of their three children but in particular the amazing Sarah.

"Tony and Rosemary have been a great big brother and sister to Sarah and have been so good with helping mammy and daddy when they can.

Raising this money will make such a positive difference to a family that has been through so much and will make future steps on this journey easier”.

To support Sarah scan the QR code with your phone:

lBRAVE: 18 month old Sarah Summerly from Ennis

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Community KILMIHIL

COMMUNITY 19 CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS HERMITAGE ROADS

CALLS for road repairs in Hermitage have been made by Ennis councillors in a bid to fix "uneven surfaces that haven't been looked at in years", writes Cian O’Broin.

Tabled at the January meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mark Nestor's (FF) motion requested that roads in the Hermitage area be included in the 2021 roadwork's programme.

A number of residents forwarded complaints, noting the area between Hermitage and Clancy Park as well as the car park near Honan's Terrace. Cllr. Nestor stated that uneven surfaces at these locations has been causing mobility issues for residents.

Mayor of Clare, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) seconded the motion, pointing out that the surfaces crumble and break away in parts. The need to fix these roads is long overdue, she added.

"There are a lot of elderly residents here and an improved road surface could make a big difference in their lives."

Further support was offered by Cllr Pat Daly

(FF) who outlined that Hermitage is one of the oldest estates in town and a key part of Ennis. "There are good honest people living there," he added.

Executive Engineer Barry Conway informed councillors that the roads in Hermitage will be examined in January and considered for inclusion in the 2021 Schedule of Municipal District Works.

Cllr. Clare Colleran Molloy (FF) also offered her support to her fellow party representative. She mentioned the age of the roads and the difficulty in providing works on concrete roads. She alluded to a similar issue in St. Michael's Villas in Ennis, where surfacing has also been neglected and remains a challenge.

Addressing the challenges posed by concrete roads, Senior Executive Engineer Eamon O' Dea stated: "There is a difficulty with these types of roads. They cannot be done in short sections, you must take sections out. In addition, this is not a cheap process.

We will take a look and we will come back to you on this."

ONLINE ONLINE CLASSES

WEST Clare Mental Health Association are running the following free online classes during February: Music club at 11am on Tuesday 2nd, 9th 16th and 23rd; Thai Chai at 11am on Thursday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th; mindfulness at 10am on Saturday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th. To book a place email westclaremha@mentalhealthireland.ie

BROADFORD lTHUMBS UP: Jack and Clodagh Melican from Kilmihil enjoying the recent snowfall in their backyard

COUNTYWIDE ARTS COUNCIL FUNDING

THE Arts Council have announced more than 30 awards and funding schemes for 2021, designed to give to a wide range of artists and arts organisations the opportunity to apply for support.

The state agency for funding and developing the arts said it was publishing the opening and closing dates for all of its schemes through to December.

The announcement includes a new ‘Agility Award’, an open and flexible grant scheme designed around the needs of professional artists and arts workers. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate how the applicant’s practice will benefit from taking time to develop their craft, and/or working on artistic ideas.

There will be three rounds of this award in 2021; spring, summer and autumn.

“This is an immensely challenging period for

the arts, and it is vital that our artists and arts organisations are able to plan for the future,” said Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly.

“By publishing our full funding schedule for the year we hope to encourage and support artists as they imagine a vibrant, creative, post-Covid Ireland.”

In its October Budget, the Government allocated some €130 million to the Arts Council for this year, which the Council said represented a strong signal that the arts will be central to national recovery.

Schemes and awards are open to arts organisations, artists or practitioners meeting the published criteria. Please note that you must register for online services BEFORE you submit an application.

Please be sure to check the funding section of the website, http://www.artscouncil.ie/ home/, and subscribe to the Newsletter for up-to-date information throughout the year.

ONLINE ALZHEIMER SOCIETY CHALLENGE

Show your support for the 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland and walk or run 64km, 64,000 steps or 64 laps in February.

You can even come up with your own ‘64’ based challenge.

Our only ask is to make sure to take part

safely and in line with the latest government advice and restrictions around Covid-19.

Interested people register on Facebook/select Co Clare.

Any donations then come back to be used locally. Visit https://www.facebook. com/TheAlzheimerSocietyofIreland/

lSNOW TO COVID: Colin Hassett-Schous from Broadford having lots of fun in the snow

20 NEWS

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

2020

ONLINE STATISTICS

6,123,178 pageviews in 2020

290,959 our most read article of 2020

1,393,970 new users visited our website in 2020

907,304 pageviews in the month of April

Your Career Your Future

22 THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Your Career Your Future

Completing your CAO application

Several Clare students receive Trinity College entrance awards

St Flannan’s Guidance Counsellor Una Howley gives some advice on filling out your CAO application

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HIS is always a busy and stressful time for 6th year students magnified this year with the current lockdown due to Covid-19 and the return to remote learning. Do not let the things you can’t control affect the things you can control such as attitude and effort.

Aim to organise and structure your day as you adapt once again to remote learning and focus on the goals you have for after school. This is challenging but you are gaining skills of self-directed learning which will be useful at third-level.

One of the most important tasks for a student is the completion of the CAO application form. Closing date for applications is February 1st at 5.15pm. It is important to research your course and college options thoroughly. There is still time to compare courses and college options which suit your needs. Websites such as careersportal.ie, qualifax and cao.ie are useful resources to help in this research. Equally, the third level institutions have all the relevant information.

Be aware of minimum entry requirements for the course you want as some courses have specific requirements. Make sure you have the necessary subjects and subject grades to meet these.

Again careersportal.ie and other sites are a great resource to research this.

The CAO allows you 20 choices overall, 10 Level 8 courses (Honours Bachelor Degree) and 10 Level 7 and 6 (Ordinary Bachelor Degree/Higher Certificate). It is advisable to fill as many as you can to give yourself the best chance of being offered a place on a course you like. While you may not be offered your first choice, you may end up accepting your 3rd or 4th choice. It is very important that you are making choices you will be happy to accept in Autumn. It is crucial that you put your course choices in genuine order of preference. Regardless of points, it is most important that you complete your CAO form based on genuine order of preference, not points. This is the golden rule of the CAO and a very common mistake made by students every year.

The CAO offer a change of mind facility which will open on the 5th of May. Students can make whatever changes they want to their course choices up to the deadline on July 1st at 5.15pm.

No changes can be made after this date. However, in the current environment it is important to consult the relevant websites for the most up to date information. Please note that any restricted

courses must be input by February 1st. Restricted entry courses fall into a broad range of categories such as; creative, medicine, visual media, art, music and architectural studies.

Different career pathways There are many other pathways that students can take.

Post-Leaving Cert (PLC) courses can be wonderful entry routes onto further education. They are also an option for adult learners and mature students returning to education. The course lasts one to two years and leads to an award at Level 5 or Level 6 which can lead to further studies at third level.

An apprenticeship is a programme of structured education and training which formally combines and alternates learning in the work place with learning in an education or training centre. It gives the apprentice an opportunity to combine education with hands-on experience in the area that they want to work in.

New and diverse apprenticeships are now available in the area of finance, IT and logistics and offer qualifications up to Level 8. For further apprenticeship information go to www.apprenticeship.ie.

It can be a daunting task trying to map out a career path in this technologically advanced world we live in. This time last year no one could have imagined how drastically the world of work would change. A job for life no longer exists and we will have 6/7 different careers across the lifespan. Employees will have to engage with lifelong learning and upskilling to facilitate career-decision making in our evolving labour market.

The impact of Covid-19 and subsequent lockdowns has meant that the vast majority of individuals and organisations had to adapt to remote working with very little preparation. Living through a global pandemic has made many people reflect on their career choices. The ability to work from home has brought greater work/life balance with reduced commuting and equally technology has brought opportunities to employment by broadening markets which were not previously available. Coping with uncertainty in the workplace has been difficult and forced us to build resilience in our rapidly changing work environments. It is this strength that will help build transferable skills that will be necessary in our ever-changing world of work and will benefit students and adult learners to adapt to the many challenges in their chosen career.

S

TUDENTS from every county in Ireland and 15 countries in the EU have been awarded special Entrance Exhibition Awards from Trinity College Dublin this year.

The awards go to the student accepted into the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme who achieves the highest points among Trinity entrants from their secondary school, above a minimum of 500 CAO points.

Many former awardees have gone on to make a significant contribution to the economic, cultural, and political life of Ireland and beyond. Past Exhibitioners include Tanaiste and former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

Of the 2020 new entrants to Trinity, 527 students qualified for an award, up from 452 in 2019.

The students come from a record 455 different schools, 438 schools on the island of Ireland (up from 403 in 2019) and 17 schools from overseas.

For the first time, the awards were delivered virtually (view them here: https://www.tcd.ie/undergraduate-studies/Entrance-Exhibition-Awards/).

Changes made to the awards scheme in 2018 meant that students who achieve the highest points among Trinity entrants from their secondary school with a minimum of 500 points in the Leaving Certificate (or its equivalent second level final examinations) are eligible for an Entrance Exhibition Award. This includes bonus points for Mathematics.

Previously, any students receiving 560 or more points (excluding bonus points) were awarded Entrance Exhibition Awards which meant that there could be up to 20 students from any one school.

The Entrance Exhibition Awards were awarded to 322 students from Leinster, 75 from Munster, 61 from Ulster, 52 from Connacht and 17 international students from Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Sweden, Belgium, Croatia, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Hungary, Spain, France, Poland, Norway, Austria and Netherlands.

Awardees will receive a certificate and a €150 book token.

• • • • • • • •

ARCHIE HUGH, CONNOLLY, RICE COLLEGE, ENNIS , Clare CREAGH, DUGGAN, KILMIHIL COMMUNITY COLLEGE, KILMIHILL, Clare MATTHEW CONOR, HANRA-HAN, COLAISTE FHLANNAIN, INIS, Clare MARIA, HEALY, ST CAIMIN’S COMMUNITY SCHOOL, TULLYVARRA-GA, Clare AOBH KEATING, COLAISTE MUIRE, INIS, Clare LEON, KERIN, KILLALOE COMM. COLLEGE, KILLALOE, Clare LARA MELLETT, ARD SCOIL NAOMH MHUIRE, INIS DIOMAIN, Clare NIAMH EDITH, O DWYER, ARD SCOIL NAOMH MHUIRE , INIS DIOMAIN, Clare

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

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24 THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

College of Further Education & Training Ennis Campus Come and experience the extensive range of full-time Further Education and Training course options at our newly-expanded campus at the Clonroad Business Park.

From QQI Levels 4 to 6 Major Awards, our courses provide routes to employment, progression to further study, social opportunities, and so much more.

Full-time Day Courses Our full-time courses are offered by our VTOS and PLC teams. Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme (VTOS) courses range from beginners to advanced vocational training, supporting learners to achieve a major award and prepare for employment. Our Post-Leaving Certificate (PLC) courses also relate to workplace opportunities, as well as serving as a basis for further study through progression pathways to third level via the Higher Education Links Scheme.

Courses on offer Business

Business Administration - QQI L5 Business Studies - QQI L5 Office Administration - Medical Secretary - QQI L5 Diploma in Accounting Technician - ATI Certificate in Accounting Technician - ATI Tourism with Business – QQI L5

General Learning

General Studies - University Access - QQI L5 Information and Communications Technology - QQI L4

Tourism

Regional and Local Tour Guiding - QQI L5 National Tour Guiding - QQI L6

Healthcare/ Childcare

Community Care - QQI L5 Community Health Services - QQI L5 Nursing Studies - QQI L5 Early Childhood Care and Education with SNA – QQI L5 Early Childhood Care and Education – QQI L6

Art/Craft/ Design

Graphic Design - QQI L5

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

25

two Premier League titles. He criticised the English media last year who he felt were cheering on Liverpool to win the League.

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021 26Tuesday was not Pep's first interaction with Conlan. When the former Clare minor gaelic

for Raidió Corca Baiscinn, the West Clare community radio station putting questions to some of the highest paid managers in sport.

Conlan has put questions to manag-

doesn't surprise me. It would be a bit like an English soccer journalist interviewing Kerry manager Peter Keane but soccer is a global game and it extends beyond England".

He added, "I saw a few posts saying that I had Cork accent which I found more offensive".

Your Career Your Future

lGLOBAL GAME: West Jim Conlan

Photo by Burren

SCAN QR CODE YOUR PHONE TO W INTER

glór announces recipients Clare Artists Mentoring Conlon strengthened horizonsofwith Setanta College coursesch a variety of genres including paint- with Síomha; John Lillis with Mick The 31-year-oldtraditional explains, “Coming course over an 18-month and I suppose I just didn’t have time to ing, photography, music from Flannery; Nell Hensey with period Mark during of intercounty and club O'Halloran; 2017-18, John has thepoet option to continue think about the matches, it just rolled into a anda background dance, music, songwriting, Síomha with Ciahurling, I had a big interest in strength and his education at Setanta if he chooses to great run. I do think the course helped and film, and theatre. ra Ní É; Stephanie Keane with Lisa conditioning to of getapplithe best out study for a Higher Certificate or indeed helped me focus in on things that I wouldn’t editor@clareecho.ie The number and andtrying quality McLoughlin and Therese McInerof myself.

I’ d always ask loads of questions a Bsc in Strength & Conditioning.

He have focussed on like mental things, imcations demonstrated a keenness ney with Tara Breen. Visual Arts since I first joined the Clare panel and explains that the flexibility of distance proving my style of running and things like on the part of Clare artists to conrecipients are Ciara Callinan with WHILST HEglór’s doors may hasbe Covid-19 pandemic was introduced at minor level to the S&C learning enabled him to maximise his time that, and how to focus in on where I was ambitious the Ruby Wallis; Kaye in Maahs with Una closed, the venue has been workcreated many challenges over tinue sidetoofbe things with gym,despite diet, how to make management what could only be deplaying on the field to get the best out of my current circumRHA El year Baba ing behind scenes support the the last 11 monthsto– and as myselfvery betterchallenging - stronger, fitter and faster.Sealy I scribedand as a Nathalie helter skelter for the south training.”

Browne. artists in they Clare towith planchallenges and develop say, come stances. probably wouldn’t have seen with Michelle Clare sharp shooter. While carrying out Currently in isolated pre-season training had planned on suppair of artists undertake their practice. opportunities. When it comes to Initially glór myself as the quickest or fittestEachhis studies, Johnwill managed to continue his with Clare having returned from a cruciate of Iartists, howevthree sessions togetherrole before the whilst In December glórbeen announced a porting five pairs education, nobody has more prepared when was younger.

Getting full-time teaching in Shannon injury, Conlon is anxious to get back on the of applications, end of March, with a particular fo- involved newinstitutions initiative to support local than which specialise in artdis- er given the quality more education on that side of building a new house and being field of play following a year-long lay-off. initiadevelop and expand, ists during this challenging timeEcho of the venue has adjusted tance learning.

This week, The Clare things wasthe what I wantedcus to to upskill, in a successful intercounty campaign with John is following a training programme givartists in and allClare artists will saw be them paid reach for their the pandemic.

Artists were speaks to intercounty hurler Johnasked Conlon tive to support 10 pairs do. I of also was thinking which the All-Ireland en to him by the Clare coaching staff. Ready glór aims to offer another to nominate a mentor with whom this round. about his experience at Thurles-based for the future, if Itime. semi-final. for action again, he admits that completArtists selected for the round ofThe theBanner mentoring for further Setanta College, where he obtained they would like to work in one-towas spring ever training were eventually defeated in a ing the S&C course also provided support artartists later aone Certificate in Strength & Consessions between the mentor sessions are performance teams or for using replayinatspring.

Thurles by then defending chamwhen itglór comes to rehabilitation. lINITIATIVE: have doubled the “The big ists Ciana Campbell with Diarinitiative hashowever been supportditioning. and the mentee. it in my profes- This pions Galway it would go down as thing is being ablepart to read literature myself, amount of artists taking in the scheme O'Connell ed by The Arts most Council.

Well to being tackledcome from muid de Faoite; Fionasional Theused artists selected side, teaching Conlon’s emphatic season, in which I didn’t really understand how to do it and by intercounty hurlers, and helping children.” he took an All-Star award back to Clonlara sit down and read the medical journals and Conlon is a primary John has already having scored 1-27 during the campaign. pull out what you think is important, what Pic by Gerard school teacher by trade been able to put John’s noteworthy conditioning undoubtexercises could benefit you going forward.

O’Neill at St Aidan’s in Shannon his education to edly played a role in this success and he It gives you a great number of contacts to where he is currently tackling the test as S&C admits that it might be no coincidence his reach out to as well, there’s a circle of people individual zoom sessions with coach with the best season coincided with his new-found in that field that are all willing to help you his fourth and fifth class pupils.

Clonlara senior knowledge of strength and conditioning. out, that’s what I found. Getting advice off Despite being a qualified teacher, camogie team “There were certain things I would have people [when I was recovering from injury] the Clonlara clubman chose to widen with whom his taken from the course in terms of strength was hugely helpful.” his educational horizons in 2017 by fiancée Michelle and speed and adapting my own game but For more information on distance learntaking on a distance learning Strength Caulfield is a I don’t know what brought on that year, ing with Setanta College, visit www.setantaand Conditioning course with Setanta team member. it was a rollercoaster of a year. I was busy college.com, email info@setantacollege.com College.

Hav- ing completed the with the house, the course and working, or call (0)504 26723

STUART HOLLY

T

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Your Career Your Future

27

Registration for free Grow-Kits from The Big Grow 2021 is now open for Primary School Teachers in Clare

S

CHOOLS may be closed, but innocent and GIY are calling on teachers to sign up for free food growing classroom kits to welcome them back when the doors are open

again.

Today kicks off the tenth year of The Big Grow, a campaign started by innocent and GIY to get kids growing their own veg at school, helping thousands of schools to get free growing resources. Schools all over the country are again invited to apply to The Big Grow for a food growing kit which comes with five packs of different seeds and enough compost, growing cups, instructions, and fun lesson plans for the entire class. Although schools are closed at the moment, they’ll be sent once everyone’s back in class just in time to start the growing season. The growing cups are easy for kids to take home and do the activities from the comfort of their kitchen too.

The Big Grow has so far helped 1.5 million kids to start growing their own veg, and this year over 200,000 more children in Ireland the UK will be getting stuck in to learn something new. Speaking of the 10 year anniversary and the launch of the 2021 initiative, founder of GIY Michael Kelly said: “We are so proud to have reached a 10-year milestone of helping children to grow food at

school with innocent through The Big Grow.

When we began this initiative a decade ago it was a novel concept and some might have thought it wouldn’t catch on. But the feedback we get from the schools, teachers and most importantly the children who take part every year re-affirms that this initiative works, be that in urban, rural or city centre schools.�

Brand manager for innocent drinks Ireland, Rochana Shrestha added: ‘We’re big fans of fruit and veg here at innocent and we’re really proud of The Big Grow seeing as it helps kids to grow their own. Over the last ten years, we’ve made it our mission to reach over half the primary school kids in Ireland with this healthy-eating project, so it’s great that more schools are taking part again this year. Getting kids excited about veg is what it’s all about.’ Each school taking part in The Big Grow will be encouraged to share their growing experiences online in order to be in with a chance of being crowned The Big Grow Champs 2021 and be awarded a school garden revamp.

The winners of the 2020 Big Grow were St. Patrick’s Boys and Girls Primary School in Lombard Street in Galway City. The school own a small concrete yard and used the space to create an incredible ‘Vertical

Garden’ using every inch of space and even placing pallets on walls to grow peas, lettuce, spinach, potatoes and lots more.

Encouraging all schools to get involved in The Big Grow this year, the students of St. Pat’s offered their 5 top tips for school growing success: Start a ‘Gardening Club’ and make gardening and growing food accessible to everyone in the school. Many hands make light work!

Look at everything that you have in a new way - all containers can become pots for growing. Find, forage and re-use.

Prepare your soil. Gather all of the leaves from the playground and create a compost heap for mulch to ‘feed’ your garden soil nutrients. And if your school is by the sea collect some seaweed on your next nature walk for fertilizer!

Create a rain catcher. We love to collect as much rainwater as we can to water our garden and keep our garden and the environment green.

Make a sensory map of your garden so that visitors can follow it, learn about all the plants that we grow and how they appeal to our five senses. This also makes gardening and visiting a garden lots more fun for those with additional needs.

Teachers can sign up for a free food grow-

ing kit at www.innocentbiggrow.com. Registration is still open while stocks last, and kits will be sent once schools doors are open again based on government guidelines.

Pictured launching The Big Grow 2021 are sisters Millie Foley age 6 and Pippa Foley age 8

28 THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Your Career Your Future LCFE to host virtual open day for QQI courses

A

T Limerick College of Further Education (LCFE) we can give you the opportunity to do a one-year course in your chosen area of interest within a safe, local and vibrant learning environment. Undertaking a one-year QQI Level 5, 6 or Pre-Apprenticeship course with us means you gain a qualification which enables you to work in particular industries or opens many progression routes to Higher Education.

This year will give you the space and time to reflect and consider what future path you would like to take.

Over the years, LCFE has developed robust progression links with many third level colleges and Universities locally and nationally. Many of our previous learners have availed of these links progressing on to Universities and Institutes of technology such as UL, MIC, LIT, WIT, ITT and many others. We also have learners, particularly from our Healthcare Department, who have progressed to study in the UK through UCAS. Work Experience is an integral part of many of our courses. It offers you the

chance to further develop your skills and gain an understanding of the workplace.

You will gain relevant work experience and have an employer reference, both of which are of immense benefit when applying for jobs. Without doubt, choosing a Further Education course is the Smart Choice.

At LCFE we have over 70 different further education courses you can choose from, Business to Art to Emergency Care, from Science to Hairdressing or Beauty, Childcare to Sport. We work with our learners in a spirit of compassion and collaboration which is the hallmark of the LCFE culture.

Our Virtual Open Day is Thursday 11th February. Log on to www.lcfe. ie and find out all about the exciting possibilities that we have for you. We are looking forward to a fantastic 2021 and are looking forward to meeting you as well!

Further information: Ruth Macken, PR Officer. Telephone – 086 0624517/061 414344 or ruth.macken@lcetb.ie

Advice to Leaving Cert Students and Students who Deferred their Courses last year, ahead of CAO Deadline

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IMERICK Institute of Technology’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar, Marian Duggan, has reminded students who deferred their place in Higher Education last autumn, that they must now reapply through the CAO process to secure their place in their chosen course and college for 2021.

As the February 1, 2021 CAO deadline approaches, Ms Duggan has been advising leaving cert students and those wishing to attend third level education next semester on how best to approach the CAO application process. This includes students who are new to the process, those applying as mature students and students who deferred their place in third level education last September.

Ms Duggan said, “This can be a daunting time for students, particularly leaving cert students, as they consider their future education and careers. This year, students have the added pressures of studying through a pandemic. However, I would advise that supports remain available in different formats.

“The majority of Higher Education Institutes for example, including LIT, have moved their open days, information evenings and leaving cert student supports online, and are happy to answer any questions students might have.

“I would encourage students to engage with these platforms, as well as the supports provided by the CAO and their guidance councillors, particularly as we approach the

CAO deadline.”

“Some students are still undecided as to what course they would like to pursue next semester, and that is okay, but they must submit an application by February 1 if they are considering attending third level next autumn. Applicants can submit a blank application and go back and add in their preferences at a later date with the exception of restricted courses,” added the LIT Registrar.

Ms Duggan had particular words of advice for students who received an offer of a place at a third level college, including LIT, through the CAO last September and October but deferred it.

“There is a specific CAO application procedure that students must follow in order to take up their deferred place. They must re-apply through CAO in the succeeding year, in this case 2021.

“The applicant must complete the application form in full & follow all of the instructions. However, they should place the deferred course as their first and only preference on the CAO application form and indicate their deferral by ticking the ‘Deferred Applicant’ indicator box. It is also important that applicants read the letter granting them the deferred place for further instructions,” she added.

In the event of any queries, applicants should contact the LIT Admissions Office at: admissions@lit.ie and further information on the deferral procedure is available at www.cao.ie. Information on all LIT CAO courses, opening days and general student information is available at www.lit.ie.

Marian Duggan, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Registrar, LIT.

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

virtual open day 11th February 2021 Go to www.lcfe.ie

• Non CAO • Low registration fees • Excellent employment opportunities • Local • Tremendous progression links • Supportive, inclusive teaching & learning environment

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30 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

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Isobel takes knitting addiction to new level CIAN O’BROIN

S

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

HANNON native Isobel O'Donnell has taken the market for personalised knitted items by storm.

The 2nd year University of Limerick chemistry student has seen her knitted hugs reach far and wide since she started 'Isobel's Knitting Addiction' in January 2021.

Her first contact with the craft was at the age of seven, where she picked up the necessary skills from her mother and her granny, who owned a sewing shop in Shannon, she tells. Since then, the 19-year-old has been enjoying her academic pursuits and hadn't found the time to pick up the needles and wool until the start of the first lockdown last year.

"Suddenly I found that I had a lot of time.

I saw an ad online for volunteering to knit toys for Team Hope's Shoebox Appeal. I

started knitting again for that. I officially started the business in January.

"I am a committee member in the U.L Crafts Society. I am the Public Relations Officer and take charge of their social media. I have been doing that now for a while. I was talking to people who have their own businesses and I decided to take the leap and set up my own," she explains.

At this point, many of her friends were looking for knitted goods. Isobel admits that she went into the part-time business venture without any real expectations.

An excess of time, the absence of work and the convenience of not having to physically leave the house in pursuit of a job provided the perfect platform for 'Isobel's Knitting Addiction' to become a viable source of income.

It wasn't until Isobel took a real shot in the dark, that the business began to flourish, "I've had the most success through Facebook.

"I was posting into different groups. The one that had the biggest breakthrough was

a picture of one of my knitted hugs at the Shannon Point.

"I posted it into the Shannon Community Group and there was an amazing local response. I received over 60 orders for knitted hugs on that day."

Knitted Hugs, Tea Cosies, Cacti and Michael T Higgins feature on her online store on Etsy, Instagram and Facebook.

Isobel concedes that the Knitted Hugs are by far the most popular due to pricing and their suitability in sending to family, friends and relatives living at home and abroad.

So far, they have reached the United States, Canada and the U.K. The former student of St. Patrick's Comprehensive school in Shannon also feels that their small stature has made them the perfect option to post through the letterbox of those who have been cocooning since the pandemic began.

Visit 'Isobel's Shopping Addiction' on Etsy, Facebook or Instagram to purchase any of her knitted products or alternatively, get in touch with Isobel for a personally commissioned piece.

l HUGS: 19 year old Isobel O'Donnell

Local Enterprise Office funding saves Ennis business RehabCare is the health and social care division of the Rehab Group.

Our aim is to enhance the lives of all of our clients through the provision of high quality,flexible, person-centred services. We presently provide and are developing a number of services, including Resource Centres,Residential Services, RespiteCare, Supported Accommodation and Home Based Services for people with disabilities.

RECRUITING NOW! Care Worker

Fixed Term Contract, 6 Months, 30 hours Clare Residential Service, Ennis To facilitate a service user focused service to adults with varying disabilities & complex health needs that include, Intellectual Disability, Epilepsy and Parkinson’ Disease.

Minimum Education & Skills Required Training in responses to behavior that challenges and medication management.

Minimum of QQI Level 5 in Social Care A basic knowledge of domiciliary care Job Duties & Responsibilities Experience of service users with relevant disability.

Experience of facilitating and implementing a person centred plan.

Assist service users in the taking of medication in line with policy and procedure.

Find out more & how to apply on our Careers Page at www.rehab.ie or contact Shannon Kearns on 086 0486991 / shannon.kearns@rehab.ie Closing date for receipt of applications is 11th February 2021 A commitment to living the organisational values of Team work, Dignity, Justice, Advocacy and Quality Rehab Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer

FRENCH for Fun Language School, in Ennis have launched a brand new website to promote their virtual learning platform as crucial advances in online learning continue to boost children’s education.

With funding from Local Enterprise Office Clare by way of a Trading Online Voucher, the website was launched this week, enabling parents to book their children’s online French classes with ease.

In recent days the Taoiseach has acknowledged the importance of learning European languages and wants them to be introduced at primary school level.

Owner Rhona Gomès says “The main focus for the new website was to keep it simple and well organised as well as fun and creative. Working together with Noel O’Connor of the Design Locker, we wanted to build a site that was specifically informative and a valued experience for the user in mind; so we centralised all the information about our French classes and enabled an easy search functionality so parents can now browse when book upcoming classes online with ease. For new pupils wanting to join, there is detailed information on each programme, by age group, plus encouraging words on why language learning is so important now and for the future and again, parents are able to book a first class online”.

French For Fun has been teaching local children in Ennis, another language, since 2011 using the award-winning La Jolie Ronde Structured Programme. Group and or individual classes are delivered online or face to face.

“My mission is and has always been, for learning to be a thoroughly positive experience. With our classes we introduce French to children through enjoyable and

entertaining songs, stories, games and role-plays so that they become totally engaged and enjoy their language classes.

"Each child also receives their very own activity book and access to our fabulous audio material so they can practice at home plus parents can also see how well their children are progressing. With many schools still not allowing outside providers into school, our classes are also online so children can continue their bilingual journey afterschool or on a weekend,” she added.

For more information about French for Fun Classes contact: Rhona Gomès, Tel: 086 826 2500, email: info@frenchforfun.ie or visit www.frenchforfun.ie

l TRÈS BIEN: Parents can now book French for Fun lessons online

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

Brexit is here and it will affect small businesses in Clare. If the UK is part of your supply chain, you need to prepare.

Local Enterprise Office Clare provides dedicated advice and range of supports to help you manage your Brexit response

Checkers and Checklists

Use the checklists & think about how your business may be impacted.

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Ennis physiotherapist predicts demand for post-Covid care STUART HOLLY

P

editor@clareecho.ie

HYSIOTHERAPISTS will experience an influx of demand for post-pandemic related care, it has been predicted.

Bernadette Moroney proprietor of Clare Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic on the Cahercalla Road in Ennis, told The Clare Echo that a number of factors – including people restricting their movements, and more people working from home – will lead to an increase in demand for services available at clinics such as hers. There are genuine concerns that members of the public "are going to become frail" due to long stretches of cocooning which has at times been advised to older members of the community under government direction.

"The HSE are putting plans in place for this rush of demand for post-Covid rehabilitation. Any-

body will become deconditioned if they're bed bound for a while, anybody that comes home from hospital is very weak whether they've had Covid or not. Many older people who are restricting their movements are often not exercising adequately. Over time this may lead to impaired balance, decreased mobility and subsequent falls. So we're waiting for a tsunami of postCovid rehab," explains Bernadette, admitting that she has personally witnessed people deteriorating physically in the last year.

The Ennis native also argues that people who now work from home could be exposing themselves to back and neck pain as they cut out something as seemingly benign as daily walks to and from the office from the car park. Ergonomically incorrect home offices further contribute to this issue.

Clare Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic opened in 1995 in Steele's Terrace, before moving to Cahercalla in 2000. There, Bernadette along with her long-time receptionist Loretta O'Regan and fellow physiotherapist, Dysart na-

l REHAB: The Clare Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic

tive Adrian Corry care for their loyal client base, with patients ranging across all ages. Cases which their team most typically see include treatment of back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries & repairs, tennis elbow, heel spurs, Achilles tendinopathy, arthritic knees, post op care for hip and knee replacements, along with care of the elderly.

The clinic recently invested in a Shockwave Unit. Bernadette explains that shockwave Therapy is now at the forefront of treating some musculo-skeletal type injuries that have been resistant to more traditional types of physiotherapy. Shockwave effectively helps to reboot the healing process by acting as a pro-inflammatory intervention and restarting the healing process.

The clinic has also been providing the specialised service of Dry Needling for over 10 years now.

Mother-of-five Bernadette continues, "Some people are afraid to come to physiotherapy because they think only young sports people should be coming but many of our clients would be over the age of 45, it's not just a service for young sports people. We believe that nobody should feel afraid about coming to physiotherapy".

Over the years, Bernadette has built strong relationships with GP surgeries across Co Clare along with consultants from her early days working at facilities such as Bon Secours in Galway and much of her business comes from referrals from medical experts. In 1995 she was one of only two physiotherapy clinics in Ennis, today there are more than a dozen and she believes this can only be a

l EXPERT: Ennis physiotherapist Bernadette Moroney McAleer good thing for the industry. "More people are aware of what physiotherapy can do for you so it hasn't really affected us. Competition is good because it keeps you on your toes.

Due to Covid-19, the business has been impacted in many ways including more spaced out appointment times and the introduction of costly PPE equipment and essential cleaning procedures.

Meanwhile the growing industry continues to evolve, driven by current circumstances and Clare Physiotherapy now offer online consultations as part of their process. "Online consultation takes a half hour; while we can't provide hands on treatment we can go through an online examination, form a diagnosis, prescribe exercises online with them and give

good advice. I wouldn't think any local physiotherapist provided that service prior to Covid, there has been a rising demand for it."

Physiotherapists at Clare Physiotherapy Clinic are registered with CORU. CORU is state registration body that protects the public by regulating Health & Social Care professionals. It is also one of the very few clinics in Clare to be on the Irish Life Health Back Up Panel.

This means that following approval from ILH, if a clients is suffering from pain of spinal origin, they can attend up to six sessions of physiotherapy for €50. When the six sessions are complete, the clinic then invoices ILH for the remaining five sessions of physiotherapy.

Please visit https://clarephysio. ie/ or call 065 68 40931 for more information.

AIB branches across Clare raise over €5,000 for local causes STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

AIB branches across Clare have raised over €5,000 for local causes last year as part of AIB Together, the bank's community investment programme. In total, money was raised for 12 local causes including Ennis Samaritans, Cahercalla Hospice and North and West Clare Family Resource Centre.

In addition to the money raised for local causes, on a national level AIB committed €2.4m to Trinity College Dublin's dedicated Covid-19 Research Hub to urgently accelerate the college's immunology project.

The bank also launched the 'AIB Together Fund' to further support communities impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. This allowed staff to donate directly into a dedicated fund which the bank then matched, helping raise over €422,000 for the

bank's long-standing community partners FoodCloud and Soar, as well as Alone, and Pieta House. The bank also established a fund of €200,000 which allowed branches to donate directly to vulnerable groups in the community which were impacted by the pandemic.

This has brought the total amount donated by the bank and its staff to causes in support of Covid-19 to over €3 million. This money helped support the vital work these charities and organisations do and the vulnerable groups they support in the community.

Kieran Considine, Head of AIB, Clare, Limerick and Kerry said "As we continue to see the devastating impacts of Covid 19 across every part of our society, we in AIB are very conscious of our need to work with those in our communities who support those most in need.

"Across our communities in Clare, Limerick and Kerry the various charities and community groups who support the most vulnerable have been among those who have seen

significant challenges to how they operate on a day to day basis.

"Through the AIB Together programme our branch managers and their teams are delighted to have been able to support over 50 different charities and community groups with financial donations amounting to almost €28k to support the delivery of the provision of vital services to those most in need.

"Our teams, their families and friends have also helped to raise much needed funds and food donations in December which we hope played a part in supporting those in need and we are proud to continue to play our part in these great initiatives."

Founded in 2018, AIB Together provides a platform for staff to support charities and causes across Ireland. Each AIB employee is entitled to two volunteering days per year to support their chosen cause as part of the programme and can volunteer or fundraise for a charity of their choice.

Sport Clare Echo THE

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Brennan calls time Munster call-up for Coughlan on county career

G

ARY Brennan has called time on his inter-county football career, writes Seamus Hayes. A member of the Clare squad for the past 13 years, he was one of the game’s leading midfielders.

Gary had indicated after the 2019 season that he would not be part of the county panel in 2020 as he had plans to travel. However COVID-19 restrictions resulted in those plans changing and when county football action resumed in September, he rejoined the panel and helped Clare retain Division 2 status.

He confirmed to The Clare Echo this week that he will not be involved with the Clare panel in 2021.

He was an All Star nominee in 2016 and he also earned selection on the Irish compromise rules football team which played Australia.

Having been part of the Clare training panel under the then management of Donie Buckley and Michael Brennan in 2006, Brennan

made his debut a year later when Páidí Ó Sé was the team manager.

Brennan captained Clare to successive promotions in the Allianz league as they moved from Division 4 to 2. His acceptance speech delivered in Irish after the Division 3 league final win over Kildare at Croke Park was highly praised.

He was a key figure as Clondegad progressed to the county senior final in 2017 and also to a Cusack Cup final but disappointment was their lot on both occasions.

In recent years his prowess as a hurler shone as he played a key role in helping Ballyea to Clare senior titles in 2016 and 2018. In 2016 he added a Munster title before losing to Cuala in the All-Ireland decider.

Gary has devoted many hours to the coaching of young footballers and he managed various teams at St Flannans College where he is a member of the teaching staff.The towering midfielder will continue to play with Ballyea and Clondegad.

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE’S Ethan Coughlan has joined the first-team squad of Munster Rugby on a short-term basis.

Munster returned to training at their High Performance Centre in Limerick on Monday following their Guinness PRO14 10-13 loss to Leinster at Thomond Park on Saturday.

Ethan Coughlan was among the fresh faces training with them as part of their preparations. The scrum-half has returned to the squad on a short-term basis along with Leinster academy man Paddy Patterson to provide additional scrum-half cover.

Both nines were drafted in by the province with Conor Murray and Craig Casey on international duty with Ireland while Neil Cronin continues to rehab a long-term knee injury. Ethan and Patterson will

Ethan Coughlan in action for Ennis RFC

Photo by Helen McQuillan

compete with Nick McCarthy for game-time.

Ennis RFC’s Coughlan represented the Irish U18 Club Side in 2018 and 2019, captaining his country in his second year with the squad.

He trained with Johann van Graan’s first-team squad earlier this season. The National Talent Squad member has been in their thinking

for some months, in November an injury prevented him from joining the squad with Leinster sub-academy and Ireland U20s scrum-half Ben Murphy offered a seven-week contract as a result.

Prior to focusing on rugby, Ethan won a minor football title and U16A hurling medal with St Josephs Doora/Barefield.

Barefield’s Logan takes win

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IT WAS a quite past weekend for greyhound racing due to frozen tracks however Friday’s 12 race programme in Galway did go ahead with the A2 graded seventh contest over 525 yards the top graded contest of the night.

As the traps rose for the feature event Drombeg Blake came away well on the outside as Puck Out showed pace on the inside. Rounding the opening bend Puck Out led by a length as Mr Logan slipped through in his slipstream to move second entering the back straight.

Passing halfway the Martin and Eve Crowe of Barefield owned Mr Logan moved through on the leaders inside to take command and quickly setting sail for home, the Donal Duggan of Tulla trained runner eased away to defeat Drombeg Blake by five lengths in 29.03.

The S9 graded second contest went in all the way fashion to the John Collins and John Browne of Ballyea owned Brickhill Paulio who having found trouble on debut made no mistake at the second time of asking as he defeated Wishful Blossom by a length and a half in 19.52.

Very smartly into stride on this occasion the son of Laughill Blake and Rathmeehan Holly led Wishful Blossom by three lengths approaching the opening bend

and despite drifting wide between the two bends the winner was always in control of proceedings.

Race four’s outcome was decided between the final two bends. From the traps in the Novice 525, Rosshill Billy led from Mr Quiz Answer around the opening two bends with Burnpark Ritchie and Glynnscorssbunty giving chase as they passed halfway. Between the final two bends though the leaders got in each others way and this allowed the Maria Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Ritchie to sweep through and kick clear to defeat Glynnscrossbunty by three and a quarter lengths in 30.12.

Racing towards the opening bend in race 8 for the S5 graded contest Derra Misty held the call along the rails as Aulton Zero and Gunner Leno also raced prominently as the opening bend loomed.

Rounding the bend Gunner Leno moved up out wide to briefly strike the front but the rail hugging Derra Misty was back in front as they entered the home straight. On the run home, the Rachel Murray and Sean O’Riordan of Sixmilebridge owned daughter of Laughill Blake and Playmistyforme eased away to score by two and a half lengths for the Stephen Murray kennel of Sixmilebridge in a time of 19.31.

Passing Of Mary Gallery

It was with deep sadness that all in the Greyhound World and particularly members of the Ennis and Clarecastle Coursing Club heard on Sunday morning of the passing of Mary Gallery, Rockmount, Ballybeg, Ennis wife of the late George Gallery M.R.C.V.S and synonymous with the famed Cillowen prefix.

Mary and her family enjoyed tremendous success on the coursing fields of Ireland with Champions Stake Winners Killone Oak (1987), Cillowen Glory (1995) along with numerous Trial Stake winners and of course in 2002 breeding both Derby finalists Murtys Gang and their own Cillowen Harbour. Mary was a lifelong and valued member of the club and the club will be forever grateful for her continued sponsorship in the oaks trial stake.

She will be sadly missed by her sons, David and George, daughters Beradette, Patrica and Fiona, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. Mary’s funeral mass took place on Monday in the Ennis Cathedral with Burial after in Drumcliffe Cemetery.

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Captain Gary Brennan with mascot, Ennis girl Chloe Downes ahead of a championship game; (top right) in action against Kerry and (below right) with the McGrath Cup in 2019 Photos by Martin Connolly

One of the greats – Gary Brennan bids farewell to Clare

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

EXCLUSIVE

W

HEN the need is greatest true leadership will shine through, it is why Gary Brennan always stepped up to the plate when pressure began to mount.

The Clare Echo’s Head of News & Sport, Páraic McMahon pays tribute to the Ballynacally man as he calls time on his inter-county football career.

Playing senior football for Clare was not always glamorous, we don’t have to invest in a time machine to travel back to a spell when the Banner County competed in the basement division of the Allianz National Football leagues including one home game against Kilkenny where former goalkeeper Joe Hayes counted just 12 people in the stand at Cusack Park.

Certain events need to happen to put the wheels in a motion and to lead to progression. The appointment of Colm Collins as Clare manager in the winter of 2013 was a factor but there is no way the county would have secured promotion

from Division 4 and subsequently Division 3 were a certain Gary Brennan not part of the equation.

Whether it was wearing the number 11 jersey for his county at the start of the millennium in the primary game, on the edge of the square for a wintry National Football League encounter or bossing matters in the midfield of the park for Clare or Clondegad, Gary gave nothing less than his best and at his peak, there were few footballers in the country that could compete with him.

For many football folk, Mick O’Dwyer will be regarded as the greatest manager of them all. The Waterville native managed Kerry to eight All-Ireland SFC titles and later oversaw provincial success for Kildare (twice) and Laois. His one year stint in charge of Clare was not a successful one from a results perspective but O’Dwyer certainly recorded one major win when he appointed Brennan as captain.

He was in this role when Clare secured promotion from Division 4 and were crowned Division 3 champions in 2016; he would provide a vital assist to tee up David Tubridy for a goal in this outing that put them ahead of Kildare at halftime and was vital in their 2-17 1-19 win. His speech from the steps of the Hogan Stand as Gaeilge was

fitting in that he combined his love of the language and the sport.

Few teams will list off the qualifier route as an objective when they first assemble at the beginning of the year but it was in these knockout matches that the class of Gary Brennan was visible for the entire country to witness. Indeed he was trending on Twitter following his exploits against Roscommon in their 2016 win, a game which was the first involving a Clare football side to be broadcast on Sky Sports.

To just credit him for his leadership would be an insult because on days such as the Roscommon clash he was unstoppable and demonstrated why his fielding ability was regarded among the best in the country. An All Star nomination was his reward for leading Clare to the All-Ireland quarter-finals in 2016 as the Banner’s footballers returned to championship action in Croke Park for the first time since the farmers of the county went one week without milking their cows or so Marty Morrissey would have you believe.

His omission from the All Star team was criticised across the country but a year later he formed part of the Irish International Rules set-up and again once a wider audience spotted his ability, his talent was rightly applauded. Subse-

quently, Gary will always be in the reckoning for the greatest 15 not to win an All Star or an All-Ireland.

Brennan’s combination with Tubridy with pivotal scores would also help Clare in ‘the great escape of 2019’ when they relegated Tipperary to the Division 3 ranks.

As the year progressed, the secondary school teacher was leading the front as Clare came agonisingly close to making the Super 8s, his peak performance that year came in Mullingar with exceptional plucks from the air at the climax of the contest invaluable in defeating Westmeath. A man of the match award followed for this with threetime All-Ireland winner, Sean Cavanagh of Tyrone noting, “When your back is up against the wall, there’s probably no better man in the country to pluck a ball out of the sky”.

While he did return for the conclusion of the 2020 National League and a disappointing Munster campaign, Gary had outlined in the winter of 2019 his intention to depart the panel. His decision to step aside has been confirmed and he won’t form part of Colm Collins’ squad this year. Retirement is not in his vocabulary but the days of seeing him wear the saffron and blue are sadly gone.

For Clare’s only football All-Star

Seamus Clancy to label Gary as the greatest footballer produced in Clare is testament to his ability.

“An exemplary player in the Clare jersey,” were the words of county secretary Pat Fitzgerald in his report to 2019 Convention while his teammates will always hold him in the highest of esteem and the supporters earmark him as a true hero.

Maybe it’s our proximity to Shannon Airport but many youngsters down through the years have waved vigorously at planes flying overhead – for what, who knows.

We can only speculate that if Gary Brennan did this, he was picking a target in terms of high fielding because in this aspect of the sport he ruled supreme.

Dúirt Gary on TG4 “Níl aon leithsceal aon anois muna bhfuil tú reidh don cluichí móra”. It’s a simple line from his interview with Daithí Ó Sé in 2019 but it speaks volumes because with Mr Brennan, there were never excuses, just honesty and commitment to the cause, attributes that make him and Niamh Mulcahy, one of the greatest camogie players of her generation, the perfect match.

Gary Brennan, a Clare Laoch, we salute you for your immense contribution to our wonderful county.

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Clare Echo THE

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Duffy targets youth player Collins to stay on retention as key prioroty

I

NCREASING the amount of underage games to improve player retention has been identified as a priority of Clare’s new Games Development Manager, writes Páraic McMahon.

Kilfenora native, Micheál Duffy will serve as Acting Games Development Manager of Clare GAA for the next six months, subsequent to this he is hopeful of assuming the role on a full-time basis. Adding to the amount of games played at underage level is a priority for him.

On this point he is reminded of playing 106 games in the one year aged 17 across football, hurling and soccer for club, school and county. “Kids want to play loads of games, in order to keep them interested a meaningful games programme is needed. Nobody benefits from hammering someone or being hammered in a match, the game needs to be competitive to a certain extent so that you know if you perform you will win and if you don’t, you won’t”.

He wants to push the relationship with schools and the GAA and described secondary schools as regional development squads.

Alongside fellow coaches, Rob Mulcahy, John Enright and

Peter Casey, Duffy is leading conversations for Clare GAA to increase their online presence in the form of byte size coaching clips. As part of this, online sessions for primary and secondary school students streamed

by Mulcahy began this month.

“The first morning we had 500 live on it which was 500 screens which meant we could have had 700 or 800 kids with more than one kid watching the screen, you wouldn’t coach that many kids in a week, the whole technology has opened up the possibility of things you could do”.

Similarly Micheál has found the ability to conduct meetings with clubs online is allowing him to get through much more work. To date, he has met with nine clubs to gauge their feedback and is hopeful of liaising with the remainder by the end of February. Engaging with the clubs is “essential,” the Corofin intermediate hurler stated.

“The county is only as strong as the clubs are. We’re working with development squads and the better player that comes into the squad, the stronger the quality of the county team in the years to come. The club is the heart of everything.”

Recently, Duffy held a Zoom meeting with the majority of

SEAMUS HAYES

Michael Duffy

Photo by Burren Eye Photography

Clare managers from U14 to senior in both codes discussing a long-term strategy for development squads with strength and conditioning (S&C) as a vital ingredient. “It needs to be a consistent programme from 13 or 14 through, the scientific phrase is long-term athletic development. You’re looking at the whole development, the old thing of wintering well and going back in pre-season in January doing push-ups and a serious eight to 10 week block of training and the physical training is behind you.”

While he does not believe Clare GAA is lagging when it comes to S&C, the former Clare

Bridge duo taking charge of Patrickswell PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

A SIXMILEBRIDGE duo have been appointed as the manager and coach of the Patrickswell senior hurlers.

Three-time Clare SHC winning manager, John O’Meara has been announced as the new manager of Patrickswell. During a six year stint in charge of The Bridge, O’Meara led them to senior honours in 2013, 2015 and 2017.

He is a former county minor hurling coach and won an All-Ireland minor title himself as part of the 1997 panel. The Bank of Ireland employee collected Clare SHC medals in 2000 and 2002 along with a Munster club medal. John is also a former Chairman of his club.

Fellow Bridge native, Sean Chaplin is also on board with the twenty time Limerick SHC champions. The former Clare GAA Games Development Manager has also served as coach to the senior hurlers of Sixmilebridge and St Josephs Doora/Barefield plus he has assisted several underage county teams. He left his role with Clare GAA at the beginning of December.

Patrickswell were last crowned Limerick SHC champions in 2019, then managed by Limerick great Ciaran Carey they recorded a 1-17 0-15 victory against Na Piarsaigh. Last season, they reached the semi-final stage where eventual winners Na Piarsaigh prevailed on a scoreline of 1-25 0-17.

Two-time All-Ireland winners Cian Lynch, Aaron Gillane and Diarmaid Byrnes are just some of the players the Sixmilebridge men will be able to rely on this year.

Former Laois senior football manager, Mick Lillis is on board as a coach to Cooraclare

U16 ladies football coach would welcome additional appointments of coaching officers in the county. “The more people you have, the more you can do... it would definitely help to have more people on the ground.

“What Dublin have done is well documented since they’ve been so successful in the football. Every club now has someone that is coaching full-time, it is obviously more populated than we are down in Clare, that is always going to be the case but one of the things about success is that it always leaves clues”.

For now Duffy is eager and determined to search for those clues.

COLM Collins is to continue as county senior football team manager for 2021.

There was much concern throughout the county in recent weeks that Collins might not continue in the position. Confirmation that he will continue at the helm means that he is the longest serving inter-county football manager with the one county at senior level in the game at present During his eight years in charge, the Kilmihil native has steered Clare from Division 4 to 2 in the Allianz League where they have remained for the past three years. Under his leadership Clare have put in some impressive runs in the championship getting to the All-Ireland quarter final in 2016 where they lost to Kerry.

Team coach, Brian Carson will not be involved this year, The Clare Echo has learned. The UL lecturer who is a native of Dublin replaced Galway’s Alan Flynn as the team’s coach in December 2018. Rob Mulcahy (S&C), along with selectors Declan Downes (Kilmihil), Enda Coughlan (Kilmurry Ibrickane) and All-Ireland winning Kerry goalkeeper Declan O’Keeffe will continue in their roles.

Newcomers expected to feature in the 2021 panel include Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry-Ibrickane), Aaron Griffin (Lissycasey) and Dara Conneally (Ennistymon) During his time as Clare manager, Collins has managed the Cratloe senior side to county honours in 2013 and 2014 while they were defeated finalists in 2020.

Ex team-mates join forces in Cooraclare FOUR members of Cooraclare’s senior football championship winning team from 1986 will be part of the club’s senior management team in 2021 including an ex senior inter-county manager, writes Seamus Hayes.

Michael Garry is the new team manager and he will be joined by Michael Lillis (coach), Tom Queally(trainer and stats), Paddy Keane (trainer), Niall Murphy (selector) and Frank Roche (selector).They replace a management team headed by David Russell from St. Senans, Kilkee.

Garry, Keane, Murphy and Lillis were members of the club’s ‘86 championship winning side. Portlaoise based Lillis is a former Portlaoise club and Laois senior team manager.

All have served in different selector roles with their native club in the past. Keane managed intermediate side Shannon Gaels in 2019.

Cooraclare won the last of their nine Clare senior titles in 1997. Their other titles were won in 1915, 1917, 1918, 1945, 1956, 1964, 1965 and 1986 while a Cooraclare-Kilmihil combination were Clare senior champions in 1944.

36

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THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

PLANNING NOTICES Clare County Council

I, Adrian Mullally intend to apply to the above-named Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house, large basement garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system, and associated site works at Kilmore, Co. Clare.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council Offices, New Road, Ennis Co. Clare 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. The planning authority may grant permission subject to, or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Clare County Council Planning Reference No: P20/206 Location: Ballyveskil, Teermaclane, Ennis, Co. Clare

Take notice that Niamh Stackpoole has lodged significant Further Information in respect of Planning Application P20/206.

This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable costs of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the

Further Information or Revised Plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the Planning Authority or in the case of a Planning Application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the Planning Authority.

Clare County Council Further Information – Natura Impact Statement Planning Ref: P 20 / 453

Date Planning Application Received: 06/07/2020 Development Description: Planning permission for the construction of a dwelling house, garage, wastewater treatment system and all associated services.

Location of Development: Ballinlisheen, Kilkeedy, Tubber, Co Clare.

Take notice that following a requirement of the Planning Authority, Hannah Quinn & Dylan Molloy will be lodging a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) in respect of planning application P 20 / 453. This NIS will be available for inspection or purchase, at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the NIS may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Natura Impact Statement and a copy of this public notice.

Clare County Council Tullaher, Doonbeg, Kilrush, Co Clare

Take notice that Conor Downes and Deirdre Glynn are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, regenerate an old shed on site as a garage, install a new sewerage treatment system, new entrance 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 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 SCARIFF, CO CLARE.

We ,Scariff Investments intend to apply to above authority for permission to change use from existing restaurant , to office use for ground floor portion of our property at The Green Scariff Co Clare The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, 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 GAURUS, ENNIS, COUNTY CLARE (V95K4V8).

I, Fintan Molony, intend to seek planning permission for the following: (a) Retention of (1) The ‘as constructed’ relocation of the previously approved (Reg.ref.

17257 & 18167) detached bungalow within the original site together with (2) The ‘as constructed’ rear ground floor extension and (3) The conversion of the original integrated garage to habitable accommodation. (b) Approval for the replacement on site of the existing septic tank with an EPA 2009 compliant comprehensive wastewater treatment system at GAURUS, ENNIS, COUNTY CLARE (V95K4V8).

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased as 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 of the authority of the application.

Clare County Council No. 84 Sycamore Close, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare

Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd: Architects & Chartered Engineers of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting. ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Patrick Holland for permission to

THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE.

THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE.

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude faithful servant & friend of Jesus. The Church honours & invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of matters almost despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless & alone.

Make use I implore you of that particular privilege given to you, to bring speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation & help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations & sufferings & that I may praise God with you & all the Elect forever. I promise O Blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour to always honour you as my special & powerful patron & to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

This prayer must be said for 9 consecutive days & published immediately & in 3 days the favour will be granted.

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude faithful servant & friend of Jesus. The Church honours & invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of matters almost despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless & alone. Make use I implore you of that particular privilege given to you, to bring speedy help where help is almost despaired of.

Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation & help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations & sufferings & that I may praise God with you & all the Elect forever. I promise O Blessed St. Jude to be ever mindful of this great favour to always honour you as my special & powerful patron & to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

This prayer must be said for 9 consecutive days & published immediately & in 3 days the favour will be granted.

M.A.P

construct an extension and carry out alterations to existing dwelling house together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.

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

Clare County Council Unit 2 Quin Road Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare

Take notice that Fazammy Ltd intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission for change of use of part of the existing retail unit to a coffee shop and associated 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, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours (9am to 4pm). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

PLANNING

37

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38 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2020

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THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JAN 28 Best Daily Word Search: 21 November 2019

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S N C N A P T S U D O V

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Solution

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The Clare Echo Crossword ACROSS 1 Be a go-between (7) (5) NOV JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG5 Located SEP OCT 8 Vocal compositions

(5) 9 Furnace slag (7)

and Solve (/games/best-daily-word-search/?

21 November: Pots 10 Non-attendance (7) now puzzleDate=20191121) 11 Tale (5) Pans

12 Lethal (6) 14 Spiny desert plant

More Puzzles (6) . Ashpan () 18 Wash vigorously (5)

. Bedpan () 20 Separate (5,2)

22 Raiment (7) . Brainpan () 23 Gumption (5) . Crackpot ()

24 Prose composition . Deadpan () (5)

25 Unlucky accidents D () (7)

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, JAN 28 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz SHANNON AIRPORT QUIZ

In 1936, the Government of IreShannon Airport has the longest 1velop land confirmed that it would de6 runway in Ireland, what length is a 3.1-square-kilometre for the it?

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. 3,200 metres

Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedys

Knappogue Castle, Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Bunratty Folk Park

ANSWERS 1. Newmarket-on-Fergus

Who was the first US President 5 to fly into Shannon Airport?

Franklin D. Roosevelt,

Which tourist attraction came 10 into existence with the building of the runway at Shannon Airport?

lSHANNON AIRPORT:

7. Joe Sheridan

1944, 1945

Syl O’Connor, Brendan O’Regan, John Crowe

2. 1939

4

What year did the first scheduled commercial flight pass through Shannon Airport?

1940,

Who was the Sixmilebridge man 9 that invented the concept of the Duty Free?

8. 1947

did it fly from?

Boston, New York City, Washington

1947, 1955, 1960

3. New York City

In 1945, the first transatlantic 3 proving flight, a Pan Am DC-4, landed at Shannon Airport. Where

The world’s first Duty Free shop 8 opened in Shannon Airport in what year?

9. Brendan O’Regan

1939, 1940, 1941

Michael ‘Gazzy’ Collins, Joe Sheridan, Sean McNamara

10.Bunratty Folk Park

The first passenger aircraft land2 ing occurred at Shannon Airport in what year?

Who was the Shannon Airport 7 chef that invented Irish coffee in 1942?

4. 1945

Shannon, Sixmilebridge, Newmarket-on-Fergus

3,000m, 3,100m, 3,200m

5. John F Kennedy

country’s first transatlantic airport.

This land was in what parish?

Last weeks Answers . Woman in background (pattern missing on sleeve) . Chain pendant missing . Light pole missing in the background

. Line missing on pillar in background . Badge missing on Garda hat . Dry patch missing on step . Part of railing missing in background

Moya Brennan & Aisling Jarvis in Kylemore.