The Clare Echo 28/02/19

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28 Feb 2019

Dialysis centre for Ennis?

HOME & INTERIORS

PÁRAIC McMAHON

See our guide inside 17

SPORT ANALYSIS

Martin Daly

34

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news@clareecho.ie

PENING a kidney dialysis centre at Ennis General Hospital would save the Department of Health thousands of euro according to elected representatives of Clare County Council.

A joint motion from councillors Pat Daly, Pat McMahon and James Breen requested the local authority to ask both the HSE and Department of Health “to provide a kidney dialysis centre at Ennis General Hospital”.

Speaking at the February meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Daly claimed “up to 50 patients in Clare are on kidney dialysis” which they are treated for in Limerick and Galway. The transport cost is enormous, €1000s is spent every week”.

Full story PAGE 4

l PROUD MUM: Zahra sheds a tear as her daughter Razan Abdel Wahed (inset) collects her Clare Garda Divisional Youth Award. Razan arrived in Ireland as a Syrian refugee in 2017 and now lives in Ennistymon Pic Arthur Ellis

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Index NEWS

2-11

ENTERTAINMENT

13

REELING IN 1973

14

HOME & INTERIORS

17-25

PROPERTY

28-29

MOTORING

30-33

MARTIN DALY

34

CLASSIFIEDS

36-37

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

NEWSDESK

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

SALES

Email: ciara.farrell@clareecho.ie or ger.naughton@clareecho.ie

lBEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE: A beach-goer and his camp chair make the most of unseasonable conditions in Lahinch this week Photo by Martin Molloy

€5m solar farm is approved for Clarecastle PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

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€5m solar farm is to be built in Clarecastle as An Bord Pleanála have upheld Clare County Council’s decision to grant planning permission.

Global energy firm, Engie Developments Ireland Ltd last year sought a 10year planning permission for the development of a solar farm on a site located in the townlands of Lissane West and Ballaghafaddy West, Clarecastle.

The proposed solar farm will comprise the construction and operation of solar PV arrays mounted on metal frames on a site over 33ha, The proposal involves the provision of approximately 55,636 solar PV Modules. A 10-year permission is sought to allow flexibility of delivery and the operational phase is anticipated to be 30 years. According to the developers it will have a generation capacity of up to 19mw, enough electricity to power approximately 3,356 households.

An application for an agricultural haybarn along with all associated site works and services at the same site was refused in March 2017 with reference made to haphazard disorderly development and flood risk.

Three local residents, John Casey,

Patrick Callinan and Veronica Talty appealed to An Bord Pleanála after Clare County Council gave the green light to the project in May 2018.

However the planning appeals authority granted permission provided 15 conditions were adhered to. These include, A period of 10 years for the development with the permission to last for 25 years. No external artificial lighting shall be installed or operated on site, unless otherwise authorised while cables from the solar arrays to the inverters and substation shall be located underground. An archaeological assessment must take place on the site and the developer has been instructed to lodge a cash deposit and financial contribution with the planning authority.

Last year, planning permission was granted for the construction of 3 solar farms in Co Clare, the figure was 86 across the country, however there are currently no solar farms in operation in the Republic of Ireland. Data from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, show solar power accounted for just 0.03% of Ireland’s overall energy supply for electricity consumption in 2017.

4 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Calls for Ennis dialysis centre PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

OPENING a kidney dialysis centre at Ennis General Hospital would save the Department of Health thousands of euro according to elected representatives of Clare County Council.

A joint motion from councillors

Pat Daly, Pat McMahon and James Breen requested the local authority to ask both the HSE and Department of Health “to provide a kidney dialysis centre at Ennis General Hospital”.

Speaking at the February meeting of Clare County Council, Cllr Daly claimed “up to 50 patients in Clare are on kidney dialysis” which they are treated for in Limerick and Galway. "The transport

cost is enormous, €1000s is spent every week," he said.

The Ennis councillor added, “I know a man in Kilrush who leaves at 9:30am, he gets his dialysis and is only back home at 7:30pm, you’d be over to New York in the same time.

"The kidney association of Clare previously looked for this and they said the old ICU would be the ideal location”. His Fianna Fáil

colleague, Cllr Pat McMahon believed, “this would be a step in the right direction”.

Cllr James Breen flagged the cost involved of transporting patients via taxis.

“The cost involved transporting those patients to dialysis units in Limerick and Galway is enormous.

People in Kilrush and Carrigaholt receiving treatment are almost five hours on the road. The cost of taxis

to and from is enormous”.

“It is another example of how disadvantaged the people of Clare are with the people in the health service,” Cllr Tom McNamara stated. He said patients are being transported by taxi three times a week to Limerick or Galway. “I will raise this at the March meeting of the HSE Forum and will try bring it up with the Minister,” the Kilmaley councillor confirmed.

Drumcliffe concerns...

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LARE’S busiest graveyard is in need of a full-time caretaker according to Cllr James Breen.

He led the call for the appointment of a full-time caretaker at Drumcliffe Cemetery at the February meeting of the Ennis Municipal District. The matter was discussed in the Council Chamber 12 months ago following a motion from Cllr Paul Murphy requesting additional to help visitors find graves easier.

As Breen sought on update on a full-time appointment, Administrator Bernadette Haugh in an official reply referred to the views expressed at the January 2018 meeting. “The members concerns were raised with the Rural Development Directorate who confirmed that ‘A registrar/ caretaker is employed in Drumcliffe Burial Ground with sufficient hours allocated for the completion of works required for this position”.

Cllr Breen said he is a regular visitor to the graveyard as his parents and siblings are buried there. “There is no-one there to tell people where people are buried. Senior citizens are coming with flowers and the gates are closed, sometimes it is very difficult for a senior citizen to hold flowers and open the gates,” he highlighted. “I cannot see why the busiest graveyard in Clare hasn’t a full time caretaker. It is about time the busiest graveyard in Clare has a full time caretaker and I am seeking the appointment immediately”.

Over 12 months ago, Cllr Pat Daly seconded Cllr Murphy’s motion looking for signage and he also seconded Cllr Breen in requesting the appointment. “It is one the biggest graveyards in the county by a mile. Why not have a full time person there? There is people coming from different counties looking to see relatives and there is nobody there to help them”.

Fine Gael’s Mary Howard also backed Cllr Breen's request.

Director of Service, Carmel Kirby thanked the elected representatives for flagging the issue. “While the Rural Development Directorate have assured us there are enough people to manage it, thanks for bringing it to our attention that people are having trouble looking for graves. We will have a further discussion with the Rural Development Directorate and come back to you”.

NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Wheels in motion for Ennis bus PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

BUS service in Clare’s county town has been identified as a target for the Ennis 2040 plan.

Director of Physical Development with Clare County Council, Carmel Kirby revealed that the local authority was looking at a town bus service as part of Ennis 2040. “We do need a public transport system and there is going to be a public transport system in Ennis,” she stated.

Her comments were made at the February meeting of the Ennis Municipal District in response to a motion from Cllr Ann Norton. The Independent councillor questioned what transport facilities were in place for “the elderly and less mobile people” who had been provided with housing on the outskirts of Ennis for accessing “facilities and services like doctor appointments and hospital visits”.

Senior executive officer, Siobhán McNulty’s reply outlined that the local authority is “delivering social housing

both directly and in conjuction with Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs)”. Respond, Cluid and CHI were some of the AHBs “active in Ennis”. She confirmed the Council work with AHBs “to ensure household needs are met. As a housing authority we do not provide transportation services for tenants”.

Although Cllr Norton agreed “it is wonderful we have housing organisations working with Clare County Council”, she highlighted, “There are a number of people living in houses outside the town area that are finding it difficult to access amenities”. She added, “The cost of taxis from the Shanaway Road to town or the bus station is quite costly especially when you’re living on disability allowance or social welfare payment. It is putting pressure on people to access doctors, pharmacies and other essential resources”.

Fianna Fáil’s Tom McNamara seconded the motion. Cllr Johnny Flynn who has actively called for a town bus service criticised the transport offering for the people of Ennis. “For a town of its size the lack of public transport in Ennis is unacceptable”. He continued, “It is a bigger issue but expecting people 3 or 4 miles outside of the town centre to be housed in social housing is difficult”.

IN THE DARK OVER MONEYPOINT PLANS CLARE’S Independent TD has called on the ESB to revel its plans for Moneypoint Power Station after the decommissioning of the plant as a coal burning facility in 2025. In January Minister Richard Bruton in a letter to Dr. Michael Harty said he expected the ESB to outline a range of options on the future of Moneypoint by the end of the month. However, in response to a Dáil question from Dr. Harty, it is clear that the Department has not yet received the report in question.

“The delay is somewhat worrying. I certainly hope the ESB has a meaningful plan especially for the sake of the workers, the people of West Clare and the local economy. It is also very important that when the company reveals its options to the Minister, that he publishes the report to the fullest possible extent,” said Dr Harty.

l HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE: Anxious moments near the end of the Clare v Wexford game in Cusack Park for Sophie Howard from Quin Photo by Martin Connolly

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NEWS

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

We live in North Munster, not North Korea, says Cllr PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

EGULATIONS for the siting and design of rural houses in Co Clare “is going to impose a communist type house for everybody,” Cllr PJ Kelly has claimed.

For the last two successive meetings of Clare County Council, the veteran councillor has put forward the same question asking what determines “the appropriate siting of rural houses”, “the appropriate design of houses” and to reference the contents of the County Development Plan in support of that “which are in line with High Court decision on content and language of County Development Plan.”

Speaking at the January meeting of the local authority, Cllr Kelly referred to the years of 2003 and 2004 “where we had two different versions of the county development plan”. Kelly continued, “Tourism is mentioned in this chamber several times and our fore bearers built

housing without planning and we got fairly good results”.

In his view, local powers were not to be blamed as they were receiving instructions “from high”.

“We’re one step away from saying to people in rural places that they can only build houses in caves in future so that they can’t be seen from the roads", "We’re doing everything possible to shut down rural Ireland. I think we have to stop hiding behind words, appropriate, inappropriate and define clearly".

Senior Planner, Brian McCarthy confirmed 280 rural houses “were granted by Clare County Council” in 2018.

As he returned to the February gathering of the local authority, the Fianna Fáil politician brought with him the same question “on necessity”. Regarding the County Development Plan, he said, “The more I went through it the more contradictions I found, I sympathise with the planners on the front line”.

An official reply from Director of Service, Liam Conneally outlined that “the considerations which determine siting and design

of housing are set out in the Clare County Development Plan 20172023”. He flagged that regard must also be had to “the guidelines and policies issued by the Minister and the Government”. “Members will be aware of the Clare Rural House Design Guide which again provides advice, guidance and examples of considerations required in the appropriate siting and design for rural houses. The considerations of design and siting formed part of the assessment and granting permission in accordance with the provisions of the Development Plan of over 280 rural houses by Clare County Council Planning Authority in 2018”.

Cllr Kelly told the recent meeting, “As we look back at the architecture of the last 50 years, we can look at the houses of the day, they were an expression of the people of the time and what they could afford. Universal design in other words means all houses in Clare will have to look the same. On one hand we say we’re going to protect our heritage and on the other we’re going to impose a communist type

l INTERESTING COMPARISON: Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, which (right) Councillor PJ Kelly referenced at a recent meeting

house for everybody, this to me is totally unacceptable.

“I’m very proud in this country that we have freedom of speech, other countries don’t... I never thought I’d see the day, this is a dictatorship, we live in North Munster not North Korea. The

CEO should call people aside and tell people to be less adventurous with language and more adventurous with common sense,” Council CEO, Pat Dowling in response to Kelly said, “I take it you’re not happy with the reply and I take your advice on board”.

Calls to extend Lahinch parking ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour in Lahinch would be stopped with the extension of a car park in the town according to Cllr Bill Slattery.

At the January meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, the Fine Gael councillor requested Clare County Council to extend the public car park on the Miltown Malbay road “as near as possible to the adjoining landowner on the south side and nearer to the cliff wall on the west side, and that new fencing and public lighting be provided, blacktopped and relined”. He was seconded by Cllr Richard Nagle.

An official response from acting senior executive engineer, Morgan Lahiffe acknowledged that the Council would “consider the feasibility and the cost benefit of such a project”. He outlined that a funding stream must be identified as well as addressing planning and environmental obligations.

Cllr Slattery maintained this was “the fifth time in eight years” that he has brought forward a proposal regarding this car park. “There is a lot of anti-social behaviour here, people are drinking at that side of the car park. It could take another 100 cars and stop anti-social behaviour.

There is no light up there whatsoever,” he said.

Lahiffe felt the proposal “is worthy of looking at”. “To do what you’re talking about is a bigger project, it can’t be done between now and July but we will continue to do existing upgrades”. He confirmed he would get back to Cllr Slattery “in the next few months” with an update and l BUSY SPOT: Traffic at Lahinch carpark on they would look at a part 8 process. Christmas Day 2018 Photo by Martin Connolly

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Clareman hits gym with Obama PÁRAIC McMAHON

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paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE fitness instructor, Peter Barron completed a gym workout alongside former US President, Barack Obama this week.

Peter who lives in Dubai was in San Francisco for Samsung’s launch of its new foldable galaxy smartphone. The 28-year-old happened to be staying in the same hotel as Obama and introduced himself to the former President of the United States of America, one day after recognising him.

Initially Barron dismissed what he saw. “I had been using the gym, it was really small and there was nobody in there and I looked over and saw what I thought was Barack Obama so I walked up close and pretended to stretch, I took out my phone and

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

googled an image of him, I obviously know what he looks like and I was holding the phone looking down and up and I could see he was looking at me thinking ‘what is this fella doing’”.

However the Shannon native soon got a message from a friend to say the 57-year-old Democrat was also in St Regis. As he was in the hotel lobby, Peter spotted singer John Legend and quizzed hotel staff on whether the former Whitehouse resident was also staying there.

Back in the gym the next morning, Peter soon spotted a familiar face. “I was on the cross trainer paying no attention to the fella beside me and I looked over and he was two cross trainers down and I was like ‘oh my God that’s him' and I started to panic and said ‘right I’m not leaving this gym without a picture’ so I got off the cross trainer and went to the other side of the gym,” he told Doireann Garrihy and Declan Pierce on Today FM’s Dermot and Dave Show of

which fellow Shannon native Sean Reidy is a member of the production team.

“I didn’t know what to say to him so I said ‘you did a great job with the Barack Obama Plaza'. He turned around and goes ‘oh you’re Irish, where are you from’ and I said ‘Clare, just over the road’ and he said ‘we’re family’. He was really friendly and was chatting away and asked why I was in San Fran and went back to his workout. I wanted to relate to him as opposed to being a fan girl”.

“As he was leaving the gym, he passed where I was and said ‘it was nice to meet you, send my love back to Ireland',” Peter said. He did request a photo but the winner of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize politely declined as he commented, “If I get a photo with you I’ve to get one with everyone”.

His acquaintance with Barack Obama comes five months after appearing on the front cover of Men’s Health Magazine.

Awards for young heroes...

l RECOGNITION: (Clockwise from left) Pictured with her Special Achievement Award is Orla Platten with Rose Hynes, Chairman Shannon Group, Supt Brendan McDonagh (left) and Supt John Galvin; with her Individual Award is Hannah Morrissey with Ms Hynes, Supt McDonagh and Supt John Galvin; and Roisin McMahon, Group Award winner with Lough Graney Youth Club and her parents Geraldine and Patrick

Photos by Arthur Ellis

COUNTY Clare’s bravest and most outstanding young, unsung heroes have been honoured at the fourth annual Shannon Airport sponsored Clare Garda Divisional Youth Awards in Ennis.

The winners, who are all aged between 13 and 21, were surrounded by proud families and friends at the special annual event at the Woodstock Hotel, Ennis, on Saturday.

Hero cave diver Jim Warny was the guest speaker. He praised the winning teens for their fantastic achievements and said he was privileged to be a part of the event and hear their amazing stories.

The winners of the Special Achievement Awards were Orla Platten from Quin and Sadie Keane from Ennis.

The Individual Awards were won

by Razan Abdel Wahed, who arrived in Ireland as a Syrian refugee in 2017 and now lives in Ennistymon, and Hannah Morrissey from Ennis.

The Group Awards were won

by Clare Youth Action, based in Ennistymon, and Lough Graney Youth Club in Caher. The Community Safety Award was won by Laura McDonnell from Barefield.

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Flynn wants lifelong learning for Ennis

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HE National Skills Strategy recognises that Lifelong Learning and access to a range of learning opportunities beyond school is increasingly important. In Ireland, Lifelong Learning participation is half the EU average at just over six per cent of the population. University Cork College (UCC) issued a report last week that two out of five existing Irish jobs could be lost to use of automation and technology. Some economists, while believing this figure might overstate the impact, do recognise that embracing life-long learning provides the opportunity to stay current in an age of technological advances and remain employable throughout adulthood.

Cllr Johnny Flynn is an advocate of education and states, “In terms of access to third level education, I was glad to be instrumental in 2013 to assist Dublin Coach in getting its licence to operate the ‘Green Bus’ service which brings Ennis and Clare students of all ages to and from UL and LIT daily. It also gives access to job opportunities in Limerick and Bunratty.”

The newly launched pilot LIT course in Ennis for Local Heritage Tour Guiding is a prime example of this type of learning.

The course is designed to develop the skill of guiding by ensuring that guides will have a background of core national knowledge combined with in-depth local heritage, culture and social history of identified regions. Due to the turnout and success of the pilot, LIT is actively considering rerunning it next year.

Cllr Johnny Flynn comments, “I was delighted to help secure the funding for this particular course as I see the benefit for

the course participants and tourism in Ennis. Ennis is one of the identified regions in the curriculum for the course as a result of this funding. A large portion of my work centres on education throughout my time as an Ennis Councillor. For well over six years I have been a member on the Boards of Management (BOM) for both Scoil Christ Ri and CBS Ennis with the aim of getting the two new schools built. In late 2017, I was invited to assist the Knockanean National School BOM in working to progress getting an urgently needed new school built. Investment in Primary Education is vital for the future potential of the young, but continual Education is essential to keep the adult community actively engaged and employed.”

This month LIT announced that it will open an Ennis campus in a building provided by Clare Co Council at Bindon Street with six degree programmes in Social Care, Early Childhood Care and Education, and Marketing and Management, commencing in September with further possibility of evening or professional courses.

Cllr Flynn added, “Progression has been made towards making Ennis a Centre of Lifelong Education with the LIT Ennis Campus announcement and Clare County Council acquiring property in Quin Road for further Campus buildings to host Civil Defence courses and possibly a Paramedic course from UL in September.

“To develop this further Clare County Council needs to put a plan in place for utilising in the future the De Valera Clare County Library buildings, Bindon Street and possibly acquiring the vacant land near the Rowan Tree Hostel.”

Kerin successor on way

A SUCCESSOR to John Kerin as Chief Superintendent in County Clare will “be appointed in the very near future”, Assistant Commissioner Anne Marie McMahon has confirmed.

Speaking at a special meeting of Clare County Council on Monday, the Southern Region Assistant Commissioner for An Garda Síochána diffused concerns that the county would remain without a Chief Superintendent.

Kerin had served in the role from February 2010 up until January 1st 2019, it has remained vacant since. “I can tell you there will be a replacement in the very near future, I understand it will be in the relatively near future which is very good news,” McMahon said.

Fine Gael’s Johnny Flynn welcomed the announcement. “It is very reassuring to hear the l POPULAR: Former Chief Supt Chief Superintendent post will be filled. We have John Kerin Photo by John Mangan had enormous cooperation and success working with the predecessor”.

“It is very important for the status of our county that we have a Chief Superintendent”, Cllr PJ Ryan stated, “We have an international airport with a lot of traffic coming through it”, the Independent councillor added. According to Cllr John Crowe, “People were afraid we were going to lose our Chief Supterintdent. John Kerin was excellent, he was a great leader and we don’t want to lose that”.

“It is excellent news to know we are going to have a Chief Superintendent in place.

What timeline are we talking about,” Cllr Joe Cooney asked. “The quicker the Chief Superintendent could be appointed, the better”. “The policing authority appoint the rank of Chief Superintendent, the allocation is a matter of the Garda Commissioner and I’m reliably informed that it will be in the very near future,” Anne Marie replied.

No Roche replacement

IT NOW seems certain that finding a replacement for Roche, the former jewel in the crown of Clare industry, is a lost cause, according Dr Michael Harty.

Clare’s Independent TD said that is the only reasonable conclusion one can draw from the statement by Business Minister Heather Humphreys, who told him in answer to a Dáil question despite all the efforts by the IDA since the announcement was made to close in 2015, no offer has been made for the site.

“The company has already written to the local community detailing the wind down of its operations by mid-2020. Put the two together and it can only mean that it is curtains for Roche in Clarecastle,” said Dr Harty.

12 THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Ronan Scully

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Author spreading the word of positivity

BASIC INGREDIENTS

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ECENTLY, I received the most beautiful note from a close friend of mine who was thanking me for praying for them in their time of need with the following quotation enclosed: “Friendship isn’t about whom you have known the longest....

It’s about who came and never left your side.” Among the basic ingredients of true friendship are: loyalty, trust, compassion, love, care, honesty, mutual commitment and shared ideals. Friends are very special to us because we know that they are there for us, just as we are there for them. When we have the safe haven of a true friend and genuine friendship, we have something precious beyond words. Friends make life worthwhile because they embody the powers of goodness, trustworthiness, honesty and love. True friends enrich our lives in so many ways and shower us with many blessing’s. Through a magical combination of similarities and differences, friends offer us the opportunity to know ourselves as we are and help us grow into who we want to be. Our similarities attract us to each other, comforting us with familiarity when we see ourselves in them. When we are drawn to those we admire, the same recognition is at work, unconsciously acknowledging that these people possess qualities that we ourselves possess. By acting as mirrors, friends help us define who we are by reflecting ourselves back to us. True friends also help us know ourselves through our differences.

Differences allow us to see other options and make choices about who we want to be. Sometimes we are drawn to those who appear to be our opposites, and we learn to accept the parts of them we love and the parts of them that don’t resonate with us.

True friends have the courage to correct each other’s mistakes rather than keep silent and do nothing. True friends help us to be a better version of ourselves and any friendship that brings toxic elements of bullying or judgementalism and hurtfulness needs to be dissolved as it will lead to illness and hardship. Friendship for it to work needs to have a positive impact on our lives not a negative one. True friends are very hard to find and if you have them in your life cherish them forever. Part of the joy of friendship is the feeling that we are accepted just the way we are, with no need to change. It is a gift they give us, and one we can give back every day. Ultimate-

ly, we choose friends because they make us feel good about ourselves and life. Through tears and difficulties, friends help us find the laughter. When we find those special people who offer us that perfect combination of comfort and stimulus to grow, we are very fortunate. Friends, those wonderful blessing’s of companions that walk with us through life, help us define and refine who we are and who we choose to be every day.

Friendship’s Rainbow “Once upon a time the colors of the world started to quarrel. All claimed that they were the best. The most important. The most useful. The favorite. Green said: “Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and of hope. I was chosen for grass, trees and leaves. Without me, all animals would die. Look over the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority.” Blue interrupted: “You only think about the earth, but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and drawn up by the clouds from the deep sea. The sky gives space and peace and serenity. Without my peace, you would all be nothing.” Yellow chuckled: “You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower, the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun.” Orange started next to blow her trumpet: “I am the color of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious, for I serve the needs of human life. I carry the most important vitamins. Think of carrots, pumpkins, oranges, mangoes and papayas. I don’t hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise or sunset, my beauty is so striking that no one gives another thought to any of you.” Red could stand it no longer. He shouted out: “I am the ruler of all of you. I am blood life’s blood! I am the color of danger and of bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire into the blood. Without me, the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the color of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy.” Purple rose up to his full height. He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: “I am the color of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs and bishops have always chosen me, for I am the sign of authority and wisdom. People do not question me! They listen and obey.”

Finally Indigo spoke, much more quietly than all the others, but with just as much determination: “Think of me. I am the color of silence. You hardly notice me, but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep water. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace.” And so the colors went on boasting, each convinced of his or her own superiority. Their quarreling became louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of bright lightening. Thunder rolled and boomed. Rain started to pour down relentlessly. The colors crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort. In the midst of the clamor, rain began to speak: “You foolish colors, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the rest. Don’t you know that you were each made for a special purpose, unique and different? Join hands with one another and come to me.”

Doing as they were told, the colors united and joined hands. The rain continued: “From now on, when it rains, each of you will stretch across the sky in a great bow of color as a reminder that you can all live in peace. The Rainbow is a sign of hope for tomorrow.” And so, whenever a good rain washes the world, and a Rainbow appears in the sky, let us remember to appreciate one another.”

Thought for the Week As your thought for the week, look around you and truly cherish those special people and friends that are part of your life and always remember that friendship can be a true place of refuge and is one of life’s most wonderful blessings. Let me finish this thought with a prayer I say for my friends, “I will pray for you, my friend. I will name you in my heart before God and ask all His blessing be upon you. I will be concerned for your rising and your daily mood. I will be sympathetic to your personal needs and desires in each day of your life. I will wish you well in your learning, or your work, in your domestic round and your leisure.

I will think of you at the close of each day and pray that God’s peace be with you. If you have been especially kind or helpful to me then I will make my gratitude known

to you. If you are in trouble or difficulty of any kind, or simply tired and worn down, I will do all and anything I can to lift your spirits. I will ache for you in your sorrows and disasters and rejoice with you in your joys and triumphs. I will love and care for you as I love and care for myself. Amen” So always remember that a friend is someone who walks in when the whole world has walked away. Be thankful and cherish those true friends that are part of your life and understand that we all need help and support now and then. Please remember that Friendship is one of the most beautiful, most powerful, and most valuable treasures in life. It is your true wealth. A song that I listen to regularly is , ‘My Forever Friend’ by Charlie Landsborough and it reminds me to always pray and be thankful for the gift of friendship in my life. Here is my friendship prayer for you. “I pray that each of you who read this article each week will have or find a special forever friend; Someone who changes your life just by being part of it. Someone who can make you laugh until you can’t stop; Someone who can make you believe that there really is good in the world. Someone that when you’re down, and the world seems dark and empty, will lift you up in spirit and make that dark and empty world suddenly seem bright and full. Someone who will help get you through the hard times, the sad times, and the confused times. I pray that you will find a Forever Friend. A forever friend that will hold your hand and tell you that everything is going to be okay. I hope that all of you who already have found such a friend in their life, feel’s happy and complete, because you need not worry. You have found a forever friend for life, and forever has no end. Cherish them always! Amen.”

Entertainment SWEET ABOUT ME

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LÓR is delighted to present the premiere of Sweet About Me, written and performed by Ennistymon based playwright and glór Associate Artist, Jacinta Sheerin.

Sweet About Me is a new one-woman show which premieres in glór Ennis on March 6th, 2019, before touring to Limerick, Drogheda and Dublin.

Set in an addiction treatment centre over the course of four weeks, the play is an honest, emotional, and warmly funny play about addiction and the road to recovery.

Sheerin introduces us to a series of five patients each with their own stories and secrets. They are seen through the eyes of 18-yearold Bernadette Fagan who has an eating disorder, a controlling mother and a body image to die for.

As Bernadette encounters characters battling with demons who will test, enrage and push her to her limits, she realizes that she too has a voice of her own.

Sheerin has loosely based this fictional story on her own experience of eating disorders and the issues she herself faced getting treatment for her addiction. By casting a spotlight on this

subject, she hopes to create conversations about guilt, addiction and recovery.

County Clare’s flagship Arts Centre, glór, is placing theatre squarely at the heart of its programme and is about to launch a programme of co-productions with some of the country’s most respected theatre makers. The first production that credits glór with such support is Sweet About Me. More about Jacinta Sheerin Dublin’s Jacinta Sheerin fell in love with theatre when she joined Dublin Youth Theatre at 15 and has been involved with the theatre ever since as an actor, writer and producer. She is well known to national audiences through her successes with Waiting for IKEA and I’m not ADHD I’m BOLD, as well as the 2018 touring production of Holy Mary by Eoin Colfer. This is her first solo show.

Recently Jacinta moved with her partner and 2 young children from Inchicore in Dublin to Ennistymon in the heart of Co. Clare, and in summer 2018 Jacinta was announced as an Associate Artist at glór. She has been working on Sweet About Me with the team there for the past few months and the premiere of the production in Clare will be a key element of her residency.

“The decision to move to Clare made so much sense”, says Sheerin, “My partner, Stephen and I were really thinking about where we wanted to raise our two little boys and Clare won out hands down”. The attractions of a laid-back country lifestyle are manifold for any parents of young children but when both parents are artists, the benefits of living west of the Shannon are duplicated.

“I am so lucky to have the fantastic team at glór as supporters and theatre collaborators.

The quality of life in Clare is wonderful, Ennistymon has so many quality restaurants and coffee shops, fantastic walks, galleries galore, great bars and, of course, there’s the beach - loads of beaches. The atmosphere has really helped me sustain my creativity and writing.” glór Wed 6 – Thurs 7 March 10.30am for post-primary schools & 8pm Tickets €18/€16 conc. /€8 schools’ per performance

14 COLUMNISTS

REELING IN THE YEARS

with Cian O’Broin

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Miriam O’Donohoe Join Miriam on her history tours to hidden locations of Clare

1973 H

A

S WE whistle our way through the seventies, we arrive at a 1973 in County Clare that mirrors some social issues affecting modern-day Ireland. We see the death of world-renowned traditional musician Willie Clancy as well as the recurring issue of rural housing and rent prices soaring throughout the county that year.

THE WILLIE CLANCY FESTIVAL IS BORN Willie Clancy is a name that certainly rings a few bells and evokes thoughts of annual music, dancing and elation. But who was the man behind the name of a festival responsible for lining the streets with thousands of music enthusiasts?

Clancy was born in 1918 during a changing Ireland. Oblivious to the tumultuous warfare, he was born into a musical family. Willie was immersed in singing and dancing from the very beginning. Garret Barry, a blind piper from Inagh, was a huge inspiration to Willie Clancy. He became known for his infatuation and adept pioneering of the Uillean Pipes. Synonymous with a lot of Irish people through history, Clancy was forced to emigrate to London where he put his hand to carpentry, all the while forming associations with other musicians and carried on with his true passion. He returned to Ireland in 1957 and word spread of his immense talent. The Summer Music Sessions provided a platform for Willie to showcase his talent to the rest of the country. Epitomizing the personable feel of Irish traditional music sessions, Willie’s friends established the Willie Clancy Summer School in his honour in 1973 shortly after his passing.

ENNIS RFC UNDERAGE ESTABLISHED

One particular field of play that tends to fall to the wayside in terms of media exposure in Ireland is local rugby. A fantastic sport of which Ireland has always been one of its main driving forces. 1973 saw the beginning of Ennis Rugby Club’s underage setup.

The club was initially founded in 1923 but was disbanded for some time following the second world war.

Following the return of Ennis Rugby Club, a huge influx of players traversed the county in order to make it to Ennis to take part in a growing sport. This required a huge commitment from anyone interested in playing rugby in Clare. The youth setup currently has hundreds of young kids playing from u7 all the way up to U18, with the recent foundation of u18 and u15 girls teams. The club has played an integral part in the Munster Rugby setup throughout the decades, in recent years having achieved major success at underage level.

RURAL HOUSING INITIATIVE When we look back at history, we love to find something that truly blows our socks off. We spend very little time ruminating over the smaller details that affected our ancestors gone by. Rural housing in Clare during 1973 was one of those issues. A weekly news feature on the issue dominated the headlines throughout the county. In hindsight it all seems a little insignificant but at the time, there was a serious decrease in the population seen in Irish villages. The lead culprit, emigration. The youth endeavoured for a more favourable lifestyle in cities such as Limerick and Dublin or indeed beyond the emerald isle. Twelve villages in Clare were selected for housing development in 1973 seeing new families introduced into the community. The Rural Housing Organisation evinced in 1969 was responsible for this reorganisation. Father Harry Bohan, a native of Feakle, started the initiative with the hope of allowing people who wanted to return to Ireland, to do so under an affordable housing scheme. The organisation made use of local government funding and borrowed the remainder of the money. Local tradesmen were employed to build adequate allotments for new settlers to reside in. This was Ireland’s first countermovement against the rapid urbanisation and industrialisation as seen throughout the seventies.

Be sure to look out for next weeks edition of Reeling in the Years in Clare 1974 where we pay special intention to the Feakle Talks that played such a huge role in the Troubles up North.

Magical history of the Burren’s 7 streams I ALL,

If you are into rural life biodiversity and all things organic, you will love the Burren.

I remember growing up there in the ‘60s. We were not surrounded by modern technology as we are today which in many ways was a blessing, neither did we have Wi Fi. No, back then we spoke to humans, not software.

I do often wonder, is the art of speaking getting lost in the process of progress? Having said that, we didn’t always appreciate the fact that we were lucky enough to live and work in one of Ireland’s greatest learning landscapes where one could find a wealth of history and culture just outside their own front door.

Nevertheless, the memories of childhood stay with you forever, as I can always recall my mother Bridget telling me stories as we sat around the fire before bed - largely historical fiction and mostly based on the Burren landscape. There were many stories but I have to say the one which I found most inspirational was entitled ‘The legend of Lon Mac Liomhth’.

This was a story about a friendly giant who allegedly was a remarkable character. It was said he had three hands and one leg, therefore assuming that he was a Tuatha De Danan [a supernatural race in early Irish mythology], who lived in a cave 2km south of the Carron uplands in a townland called Teeskagh.

Lon never walked in the usual manner of men as was obvious from his construction, but instead bounded from his pedestal and whenever he ventured abroad which was very seldom, he would be seen flying over the valleys and bounding over the hills like a kangaroo.

It was on one of those trips to Spain that Lon supposedly stole this amazing cow called Glas Gaibhneach. Having settled with her in various parts of Ireland he finally took refuge within the remoteness of the hazel forest in southeast edge of the Burren, in Teeskagh. Here among the tranquil valleys of rich fertile grasslands upon gentle meandering streams, Lon found isolation and

inaccessibility which provided considerable protection from any enemies he may have had.

Yes, Lon lived there for many years on the mountain called Slieve na Glaise (Mountain of the famous cow, pictured), supported by his invaluable cow who grazed not far from his forge [he was also a Smith, the first in Ireland to make edged weapons]. I say invaluable cow, due to the fact that it was reckoned she could fill any vessel. It was also said that Lon used take his cow to neighbouring villages each week, where locals would queue up to fill their canisters for which they were always grateful. It actually became a saying throughout the neighbourhood that no vessel could be found which the cow could not fill at one milking.

Unfortunately for Lon, this gossip reached the ears of an old witch who lived in a bordering town. Being a discontented ill timpered old grouch, she arrived one day to Slieve Na Glaise, holding in her hand a small container which resembled a strainer. With the consent of Lon Mc Loimthth she began to milk the cow, and lo and behold, didn’t the milk pass through the bottom of the sieve and streamed onto the ground.

It then divided into seven rivulets which flowed from the plateau where the cow stood, down over the 30-metre high cliff.

When the cow turned around and saw the colossal amount of milk flowing down the crag, she was devastated, fell down and died of a broken heart.

To this day you can see seven clear streams of water running through the channels once formed by the copious floods of

milk from the Glas Gaibhneach.

Actually, said Bridget, during the winter months one of these streams forms an amazing waterfall where you can capture some breathtaking views (inset).

What I also found bizarre was that, even now after such a long time, not a single blade of grass has grown where the cow lay down and died.

As for Lon McLiomhtha, disheartened he returned to his forge where he resumed his trade. Back then [9th century] people did not use iron or steel, but fought with sticks, having stone, flint and bronze heads.

Nevertheless Lon learnt of the great warrior and Chief called Fionn Mac Cumhaill , who had now become leader of the Fenians, a mighty group of warriors who guarded Ireland for the high king at Tara. Lon approached Fionn, advising him that he could provide swords and edged weapons with which Fionn would effortlessly destroy his enemies, thus extending his fame. Later on Fionn and his warriors attacked a party of Dedanites (Hebrew for people from the low ground), and they cut them to pieces with the razor edged swords which Lon had made for him.

Lon stayed working for Fionn and it was believed that a long lasting friendship developed.

After all he did not have his invaluable cow to support him, so he was now obliged to depend on his trade for support.

Thank you for sharing my childhood memories and keeping me company along the way, Until next time , Bye for now.

PS: As with all historical sites, take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.

WEDDING FAIR 15

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

The scene

CONTACT US WE’RE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Inn At Dromoland Wedding Fair...

V ISITORS to the Inn At Dromoland in Newmarket on Fergus were treated to a day of matrimonial bliss on Sunday as the wedding destination served up a bonanza of bridal treats.

Brides and grooms to be were given ideas and inspiration for their upcoming big day, with delicious tasters from The Inn At Dromoland’s eloquent menu on offer while models hit the catwalk in some of the finest gowns and suits.

The Inn At Dromoland’s award winning wedding coordinator Claire Coughlan was

on hand to meet with couples while a number of local businesses were also displaying their goods, including Órga Wedding Car Hire and Bellas Bakery.

The Inn At Dromoland is one of County Clare’s top wedding destinations and the experienced staff are always looking to welcome engaged couples to take a tour with their wedding coordinator.

If you’re interested in having your wedding party at The Inn At Dromoland, call their wedding coordinator on 061 368 161.

l HERE COMES THE BRIDES: Clockwise from above Models from Catwalk agency with Inn At Dromoland General Manager Nico Hernandez and Wedding Coordinator Claire Coughlan; Claire plans someone’s Big Day with Amy Ryan; a dress on display and; Denis Woulfe, Jennifer Mulqueen & Finula Crowe Bellas Bakery Photos by John Mangan

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

16 BRIEFS/OPINION

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Kilrush pupils bark Eoin Neylon up the right tree An inside look at Clare’s ON THURSDAY, March 7 at11.30am the ‘One Tree Per Child Ireland 2019’ event will take place at the Active Kilrush Sports Complex. As part of National Tree Week new pupils from the two local Primary Schools, St. Senan’s NS and Gaelsoil Ui Choimin, will help plant their own dedicated tree. National Tree Council Vice-President and renowned envionmentalist Eanna Ni Lamhna will be overseeing the planting ceremony.

In 2017 Kilrush became Ireland’s first participant in ‘One Tree Per Child’ movement which extends across nine nations worldwide. Kilrush Tidy Towns, in partnership with the local schools and Clare County Council, have embarked on an initiative to ensure every child will plant a tree of their own. Every year, during National Tree Week, new pupils get to plant their tree alongside those planted in previous years. The trees are planted in an area designated for each class so that connection between childhood friendships can forever be maintained.

Clare County Council recognize the value of this project and this year as well as providing an area of land for planting, at the Active Kilrush Sports Complex, this year they have also donated the native Irish trees.

‘One Tree Per Child’ was started in Australia in 2013 by environmentalists Olivia Newton-John and Jon Dee. Jon and Olivia were the founders of Australia’s highly successful ‘National Tree Day’. This success led to them establishing the international ‘One Tree Per Child’ project. In February 2015, Bristol, who were the European Green Capital that year, became the first UK city to participate in the ‘One Tree Per Child’ project. Since then, One Tree Per Child projects have been planting trees in the UK, Australia, Kenya, Ghana, Mali, South Sudan, the Netherlands, Germany, U.S.A and Ireland. To date, nearly 250,000 trees have been planted around the world.

political spectrum

Fianna Fáil in crisis

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LL changed, changed utterly. A terrible beauty is born.” Such were the words of W.B. Yeats.

One thing is inevitable in life, especially political life; change. It may be painfully slow at times but without change, politics wouldn’t exist. If everything stayed the same, there would be no need to change the laws that govern us nor the development plans that dictate how our cities and counties grow. Yes, change is the very thing that drives politics which is why it’s so frustrating when the body politic cannot keep pace with society.

Every few years though, seminal events happen that do dramatically change things and for the parties, that means change with the times or die out.

One such event was the 2002 General Election. That year saw, in the words of then Fine Gael leader, Michael Noonan, “the opposition being voted out of office”.

Fine Gael knew that it had to adapt to the 21st century style of politics or else they would fade into irrelevance. That they did, and in some style, with a huge host of new candidates elected right across the country at the subsequent local elections in 2004.

That generation of politicians are now, 15 years later, sitting at the Cabinet table as Fine Gael enjoys its longest ever spell in office.

It has maintained a fresh air by constantly recruiting in new blood to contest elections in all corners.

It took the disastrous 2011 election for Fianna Fáil to learn a similar lesson. However, the party didn’t embrace the mantra quite as wholeheartedly as FG did the decade previous. The 2014 local elections did see FF promote a raft of fresh faces but only in certain areas and, often

the case, along side many of the old guard making a return. This is why FF’s good performance in the 2016 election wasn’t the shock some commentators thought, but also explains why the party failed to overcome FG in terms of Dáil seats.

At the 79ú Fianna Fáil Ard Fheis, some journalists were taken aback at the number of young faces introducing themselves as local election candidates.

Some 42 of these are now under the age of 35 from counties across the country.

‘‘

Timmy Dooley needs to rally his troops, get the once proud organisation functioning like it once did with regular meetings and community engagements. Ógra within the country needs to be re-ignited and new candidates, with a particular focus on more women, need to be discovered. One such person that the party should have approached years ago in my opinion is Brian Markham.

The Coolmeen native surprised many in the 2011 General Election where he finished 8th with 1,543 first preference votes.

Given that the estuary area of the Kilrush LEA is without a candidate, he would seem an ideal choice should the party look to fill the vacancy in the Kilrush LEA. FF need to be ambitious though and General Election candidate Rita McInerney should be added to either the Kilrush or Ennistymon LEA. This would somewhat go to alleviate the shocking lack of female candidates in the county but also give McInerney much-needed electoral exposure should she hope to springboard from there to Dáil Éireann. The party is floundering badly in finding a Shannon-based running mate for Cllrs. Pat McMahon and Crowe.

FG will closely monitor their rivals’ movements and will not want to give them free reign over any geographic gaps that exist on the Clare electoral map.

I fully expect them to make several additions of their own, especially in the vast Kilrush area where they currently only have two candidates, both coming from the peninsula side of the constituency. With less than three months to go, whoever gets added at this stage will have ground to make up. For FF, maybe the time for radical change in the county is at hand. If they don’t do something, ‘Dev country’ will be no more and FF hierarchy will not be too pleased with their Clare TD for that.

Timmy Dooley needs to rally his troops, get the once proud organisation functioning like it once did

Students do business

OVER 400 second level students from 15 schools across Clare will be bidding to secure a golden ticket to this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Final in Croke Park when they showcase their business ideas at the County Final on March 6-7 in Treacys West County Hotel.

Hosted by Local Enterprise Office Clare, the programme was launched last September and initially saw over 900 students across 17 schools take part in three induction days at locations throughout the county.

The upcoming two-day event will see students from Junior, Intermediate and Se-

nior categories showcasing their businesses, products and services across four categories, namely food, craft, retail and technology & manufacturing. A panel of local entrepreneurs will engage with the students before the successful group or individuals are selected to represent Clare in the Student Enterprise Programme Final on May 3.

“Participating students have demonstrated a wealth of entrepreneurial skills and an acute understanding of how to develop and promote a business idea,” explained Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Clare.

Meelick upgrades

Irish Water plan to construct a new treatment plant for Ballycannon by 2021, following complaints from residents over a powerful smell of raw sewage in the area.

Southeast Clare councillor Cathal Crowe said in a statement that Irish Water positively responded to his plea for an upgradeof the Meelick sewage treament plant.

“In January I wrote to Irish Water’s CEO, Jerry Grant, asking that significant upgrading of the raw sewage pump facilities at Ballycannon Heights be undertaken or, alternatively, the entire estate be connected to the Limerick Main Drainage system.

“Irish Water have informed me that they plan on constructing a new treatment plant for Ballycannon with an anticipated completion date of late 2021. The residents of Ballycannon Heights have waited since the 1970s to have their sewage facilities upgraded so this is great news but I will be doing everything possible to ensure that the much needed capital works are undertaken far sooner than 2021.”

‘‘

l FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS: Linda Earlie of Local Enterprise Office Clare with Transition Year students from St Josephs Secondary School Spanish Point at The Armada Hotel in Spanish Point on Tuesday Photo by Arthur Ellis

The notable absentee was Co Clare. At 36, Cllr Cathal Crowe is the youngest FF candidate in Clare. But with all conventions now over and a raft of retirements confirmed, the party in Clare has four vacancies in three areas it has failed to fill. This is worrying for the local organisation and this sentiment was shared by many party delegates I spoke to last Saturday in Citywest in Dublin. The lack of new blood making it to convention in the first instance in what was ‘Dev country’ has raised a few eyebrows among Fianna Fáilers across the country.

Compare this to the Ennis LEA convention for the 2014 elections that saw 10 party members contest.

Many feel this is endemic of a party that has not performed locally and is floundering under substandard local leadership.

As the man in charge,

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Top 10 interior trends for 2019

N 2019, the home décor and interior trends have taken up a notch and it’s time to reinvent all those corners of the house.

As we bid adieu to winters and spring is upon us, the top design trends this year have a lot in store.

It will help in revamping home and workspaces with the choicest looks and at the same give it a sense of warmth. Whether it is maximalism or minimalism, exquisite woodwork or filling up big spaces, we spoke to interior designer Angie Kripalani, who gave us the latest tips as far as the current trends in interior decoration are concerned.

What are the top 10 trends of 2019 in interiors and home decor?

Right now everyone is more into luxury with detailing in design and at the same time want their place to look spacious, warm, welcoming and comfortable.

It is a huge task for a designer to deliver a space where the client can feel cosy and ease so that they can enjoy family time. According to these demands, the following are the top 10 trends in interiors and home décor.

LIGHTS: Wall brackets, table lamps, standing lamps and chandeliers are good options to fill a room with warmth and dramatic lighting.

COLOURS: Colours always brings a space to life - shades of coral, green, yellow and especially grey are in trend this year to decorate your homes and office spaces.

CLASSICS: A shift towards classics is what’s visible nowadays as clients are turning more and more towards accessorising the place with good accented highlights and artworks.

FLOORINGS: All though people like to experiment with colours black and white are always safe but

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especially in flooring.

FABRICS: Fabrics with rich materials such as damask, chenille and velvets are the talks of 2019 for interiors.

METAL: Metal coffee tables, side tables and consoles give a ‘hot’ look when placed in a room.

WARMTH: Everyone loves coming home to a warm and cosy environment where they can just stretch and relax with their families.

WOOD: Clients currently are looking for a lot of woodwork to comfy up their homes and offices.

WALL: Exotic wall textures and dramatic wallpapers look amazing without any question and gives off a nice vibe in all types of spaces.

LARGE SPACES: Clients always asks for a large living room, dining area and bar in the homes to entertain the guest and host house parties.

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18 HOME & INTERIORS

The Dyson Cyclone V10 now at Ennis Electrical Q: What is the Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum and how does it work?

The Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum is a new top of the line cord-free machine from Dyson. It’s purpose is to transform the way consumers clean and to replace the need for a full size corded vacuum cleaners suction power in the household. Like all Dyson cord-free machines, the Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum offers versatility and ease of use, allowing you to clean up high, down low and everywhere in between. It quickly and easily transforms to a handheld for cleaning the car, sofa and stairs. Thanks to the Dyson digital motor V10, the Dyson Cyclone cord-free vacuum delivers the most powerful suction of any cord-free stick vacuums.

The Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum has a powerful d i re c t - d r i v e cleaner head.

The direct-drive motor is housed inside the brush bar itself, driving the stiff nylon bristles into carpet to remove groundin dirt. The Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum [also] comes with the soft roller cleaner head, engineered to remove both fine dust and large debris from hard floors, simultaneously. The cleaning roller is covered in soft woven nylon. The fibres envelop large debris, allowing it to pass under the cleaner head and into the vacuum while maintaining a tight seal with the floor. Rows of soft anti-static carbon fibre filaments help to remove fine dust from the floor surface, allowing it to be sucked into the vacuum.

Q: What core technology has gone into the Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum?

With the ultimate goal of making the most powerful cord-free stick, our engineers have developed the Dyson digital motor V10, it spins at up to 125,000rpm that when combined with the new in-line format to it creates 20% more suction than a Dyson V8 stick. The motor is 20% smaller and half the weight of the Dyson digital motor V8. Alongside a powerful motor, V10 needed a powerful battery – the 7-cell Nickel, Cobalt and Aluminium batteries now store and deliver the energy to three power modes for more versatility in cleaning customization: Suction mode 1, Suction mode 2 and Maximum suction mode. Like Dyson V8 Cord-free vacuums, 14 concentric Cyclones capture dust and dirt from the air and deposit it in the clear bin. Other new features on Dyson Cyclone V10 Cord-free vacuums include; Up to 60 minutes of fade-free suction – and up to 30 minutes if used with a motorized cleaner head, or 40 with mini motorized tool in suction mode 1. Hygienic Dirt Ejector – it’s Pointand-shoot bin emptying

mechanism hygienically drives out dust and debris in one action. There’s no need to touch the dirt. So that the wiping mechanism works effectively, the shroud inside the bin is constructed from chemically etched stainless steel, which has a smooth surface punctuated by approximately 15,000 holes that are 0.4mm in diameter. Quick Release tools and cleaner heads – A quick release mechanism makes it easy for the machine to transform from stick to handheld mode, allowing you to clean all areas of the home & car Larger bin – [Large bin variants only] The Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum has up to 40% larger bin capacity than Dyson V8 vacuums. Combined pre and post motor filters – The Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum filter at the back of the unit is a pre filter and a post filter combined. So when washing and drying there is only one piece to remove and service. New LED indicators – LED indicators on the battery indicate remaining charge, blockages and even when to perform filter maintenance.

Q: How does it compare to other cordfree vacuum cleaners?

A: The Dyson Cyclone V10 cordfree vacuums are the most powerful cordless stick vacuums and have key Dyson technologies that can’t be copied. They are powered by the Dyson digital motor V10, which provides the most powerful suction.

Like some of our full-size machines, Dyson cord-free vacuums have 2 Tier Radial™ cyclones, to capture dirt and fine dust from the airflow and capture it in the bin. On the brush bars, the configuration of carbon fibre and stiff nylon bristles remove ground-in dirt from carpets and fine dust from hard floors. The light weight of the Dyson digital motor gives our machines versatility and ease of use, allowing you to clean up high, down low and everywhere in between. As with all Dyson cord-free machines, the wand of the Dyson Cyclone V10 vacuum can be removed allowing the machine used as a handheld vacuum. The Dyson Cyclone V10 Cordfree vacuum also has a number of features upgrades from the Dyson V8 Cord-free vacuum range.

HomeGallery-Linen-Ennis2019.qxp_Layout 1 20/02/2019 14:29 Page 1

BEDDING & LINEN EVENT

ALL BED LINEN HAS BEEN REDUCED 30% TO 50% OFF

50% OFF

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ONLY

COLOURS AVAILABLE

Deauville Double bed & 2 lockers was €1195 NOW 595

30%

Albus double bedframe was €1195 NOW €895

30%

Ziggurat Double Duvet Set was €45 NOW €31.50

Brushstroke Double Duvet Set was €45 NOW €31.50

OFF

OFF

Newquay Double Duvet Set was €28 €19.50

SOFIE 4’6” BED WAS €595 NOW €295

30%

30%

OFF

€79

OFF

OFF

Kyoto Double Duvet Set was €45 NOW €31.50

NOW

30%

30%

OFF

LOCKER WAS €149

Embroidered Blossom Double Duvet Set was €45 €31.50

30% TO 50 % OFF

Meadow double duvet set was €50 NOW €35

Open Mon - Sat 9.30am - 6pm SUNDAY 1pm - 5pm

50% OFF

I N T E R I O R S Acanthus Kingsize Duvet Set was €160 NOW €80

Fabian Double Duvet Set was €180 NOW €90

Kilrush Road, Ennis Ph: 065 6797040

20 HOME & INTERIORS

Top class carpentry in Co Clare

W Introducing NeatSpace

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ASED in Clare Neatspace are a joinery company producing high quality custom made furniture. We provide a wide range of finishes from natural wood laminates to RAL sprayed colours. The skilled craftsmen we employ can deliver and install our full product range throughout Ireland. Our goal is to provide a personalised service supplying high quality materials at a competitive price.

Our process involves getting as much infor-

mation as possible from our customer about the bespoke furniture piece they would like to have made. In order to produce better quality results, contacting us with the following information would be of great benefit.

- A picture of the space where you want the custom piece fitted.

- The rough measurements showing heightwidth – depth.

- A hand sketch with a rough format with what you have in mind. Even a link from a dif-

ferent website with similar requirements Once we receive basic information about the project you would like to create we will prepare a rough quote for the design and installation.

We also provide a free home survey to discuss all aspects of your project with our designer. Our designer will have various samples, door styles, finishes and custom colours we have available.

ITH over 15 years of experience, Frank O’Dea Carpentry are ideally placed to offer our clients a level of service that is second to none throughout Clare, Limerick, Galway and Nationwide. Our mission is to offer customers the option to have one point of contact for both fitted furniture and internal joinery.

This results in a much better working relationship and less stress for the client. It also ensures a clean crisp finish throughout the house as attention to detail, quality products and outstanding craftsmanship are a guarantee when you come to Frank O’Dea Carpentry.

So whether it is a wooden floor or a bespoke handmade fitted kitchen we at Frank O’Dea Carpentry will strive to provide you with a professional and innovative service that satisfies all of your needs.

Contact : 087 954 8385 | info@ frankodeacarpentry.ie

HOME & INTERIORS

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22 HOME & INTERIORS

HALF PRICE MATTRESS SALE

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MC Home Trends, located on Parnell Street Ennis is running a HALF PRICE MATTRESS SALE. Kmc Home Trends is a family run business and is your one stop shop for all your Furniture and Mattress needs. High volumes of Irish Made Mattresses have been purchased by the store owner, guaranteeing massive savings to the customer with the best and lowest prices in town without compromising on quality. Irish made 4’6 Sprung Interior Mattress €169 HALF PRICE, 5’ & 6’ Sprung Interior Mattress €229 HALF PRICE, 4’6 Luxury Orthopaedic Anti-Allergy Mattress €269 HALF PRICE, 4’6 Luxury Pillow Top Mattress €349 HALF PRICE. The New Supreme Coil Luxurious Pocket range including Silver, Gold and Platinum all Half Price, so early attendance will guarantee massive savings. For the duration of the Sale, Kmc Home Trends are delighted to offer their customers FREE delivery, FREE removal of old Mattress and FREE recycling of packaging and Deposits taken

on all stock.

Fantastic value on Bedroom Packages, the Cara Package deal which includes 4’6’ Contemporary Divan Base, 4’6’ matching Headboard with 4’6 Sprung Interior Double-Sided Mattress now only €399 Half Price. Excellent choice of Bedframes available in every colour and size and must be sold to make space for the new collection which will be arriving in the main showroom.

Family owned and run, Kmc Home Trends have several years of experience to help you find the right Mattress at the right price especially for you in their Half Price Mattress Sale.

For Quality, Service and Value call today and don’t miss out on the biggest opportunity of the year where you can buy the Mattress of your dreams.

Early attendance will guarantee massive savings.

Don’t miss out on the Half Price Mattress Sale - Kmc Home Trends Parnell Street Ennis – 065 6797853.pening hours Mon-Sat 10am – 6pm.

Curtain Design Trends 2019

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NE can find a variety of curtain trends in 2019 that have come to the market. If you are planning to buy a specific curtain trends in 2019 then the first tip to follow is to choose the accurate design or right style of drapes in your residence that will suit your personality to attract and appeal to your list of guest and friends when they visit your home. Drapes facilitate you to obstruct sunlight and insert some confidentiality and create some space for yourself in the room.

While you are in the process of choosing drapes, make certain that you are taking into consideration further factors such as the other accessories and elements of the room such as paint, wallpaper and lighting setting of the room. One must do some minute and detailed research on the varieties and kinds of drapes and its categories before he jumps in to buying a particular one.

The first impression is the last impression. It’s a very true statement. Same goes for your house. If the entrance of your house is clean, spacious and well decorated, people will feel more welcome. After all, who does not like to be appreciated?

Curtains are a major factor when it comes to decorating your entrance hall. Depending upon the space and furnishings, you need to choose the curtain. Don’t go for loud colours if your room is small. Go for smoother pastel shades instead.

If you have antique furniture, go in for richer tones and finer material.

Try going contemporary with jute or bamboo curtains 2019.

They even keep the house cool and of course are eco friendly as well. So whatever you choose, select on the basis of your tastes, budget and interiors of your hall. Welcome guests and watch them stand awed at your creativity and taste the moment they step in!

HOME & INTERIORS

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24 HOME & INTERIORS

Toasty warm home on a budget M AEVE from Fairgreen Stoves explains the benefits of stove heating The times they are a changing and gone are the days when people had to waste fuel and money trying to heat the house from an open fire. Stoves are the answer for those looking for a toasty warm home on a budget.

For every €10 of fuel you put into an open fire, only €2 comes into the room. However with a stove €8 worth of heat comes into the room. Now that’s hot!

Stove parts will wear out much quicker with coal. Timber is a much cleaner fuel to use in your stove and with the right fuel you will have plenty of heat.

Whether you are cutting your own timber, or buying it in a shop, there are a few key points to look for: . Split logs have a better burn rate and more heat. . Size: A good mix of small pieces to start the fire and larger pieces for longer run-

1 2

ning is ideal. . Moisture content. If the timber has too much water in it, the fire struggles to burn off the moisture which causes reduced heat output, slow running smoky fire, increased soot and corrosion in the chimney, and black glass.

Twenty per cent and below is the ideal moisture content for efficient burning of timber (or turf). If you are buying your fuel at 23-24 per cent you can easily dry it beside the stove overnight. You can measure the moisture content with a moisture meter. To ensure our customers get the best out of their stoves, we supply these with our stove installations.

When I’m buying my timber, I bring my moisture meter and check the levels. The last

3

thing I want is to arrive home with damp timber. Wet timber reading over 40 per cent which is freshly cut can take over a year to dry.

We have been working with Moloney Fuels over the last couple of years and find them the most reliable supplier of dry timber in the area.

They have a great selection of timber in pallets and bags. Something for everyone, and they deliver direct to your home.

Burning means:

dry

timber

1.

More heat 2.

Burning less, saving money 3.

Cleaner chimney with reduced risk of chimney fire 4.

Cleaner glass The general rule of thumb is to

clean your chimney once a year and this rule also applies to stoves.

A reputable cleaner will check your stove appliance and chimney to make sure they are in good working order.

Happy Heating from all at Fairgreen Stoves For any enquiries, contact Fairgreen Stoves on (065) 679 7453

26 COMMUNITY

Community MILTOWN MALBAY

l READY FOR ROAD: James Sexton, Mike Howe, Pat Kelly, James Mc Mahon and Frank Minogue, members of the John Minogue Memorial Run/Walk/Cycle organising committee at this year’s event launch.

Sunday, March 10 sees the seventh running of the John Minogue Memorial Run/Walk/Cycle in Miltown Malbay. The event is in memory of local man John Minogue who sadly passed away in 2012. John was a very talented footballer and athlete. The event has raised over €80,000 for local charities in the last six years and this years recipients are Slainte an Chlair, Burren SA Search and Recovery, Elevate and Clare Cycstic Fibrosis. These charities provide much needed support and comfort to the people of Clare and the organising committee feel that it is important that they receive oas much support as possible.

Committee Chairman Pat Kelly has thanked the people of Clare for their support over the last six years and has praised the generosity of local business people in the Miltown and Clare area who have given so much to the event. This year’s event will take place in the new setting of Hennessy Memorial Park. The 40km cycle will start at 10am with registration from 9am. The 8km Run/Walk will begin from the football field at 11am with registration from 10am, the route will take participants out the lahinch road and then follow the Wild Atlantic Way to the Armada Hotel before returning to the football field by the N67 where one lap of the new Walking/Running Track will see everyone finish at the clubhouse where refreshments will be served.

NORTH/WEST CLARE

THE BLACK & TANS IN MEMORY & HISTORY The North Clare Historical Society continues its current lecture series on Monday, March 4 with The Black and Tans in Memory and History, a talk by Tomás Mac Conmara.

The Black and Tans and the Irish War of Independence in social memory will be explored using oral recordings documented across Clare with the county’s oldest citizens.

Stories of the Black and Tans have been told across Ireland since the force was first released into the country in March 1920. Casting a dark

and lingering shadow, they remain an evocative and emotive category of memory.

The talk is based on Tomás Mac Conmara’s almost two decades of oral history recordings, selected from over 400 interviews, as well as access to multiple private family collections. The Time of the Tans illuminates the stories of a period that has dominated the historical consciousness of Ireland. The majority of interviewees who were recorded for this research have sadly since passed away. Now, their memories which have been preserved for posterity, breathe new life into an enduringly important period in modern Irish history.

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

CONTACT NEWSDESK

065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

Tomás Mac Conmara is an award-winning oral historian from County Clare.

Venue: Courthouse Gallery, Ennistymon Time: 8pm / Admission €5 / All are welcome

ADULT LEARNERS FREE TASTER WORKSHOP

Clare Education & Training Board are hosting free taster workshops in I.T., Creative Writing, Cookery for Men, Genealogy, Textile Art on March 6-8 in the Resource Centre, Ballard Road, Miltown Malbay. An opportunity to try something new – places can be pre-booked. ‘Reading the Local Landscape’ Exhibition of projects will be on display over the three days. Open evening on Wednesday, March 6 from 7pm where you can pop in and hear about learning options. Come along and see the centre’s facilities and refurbishments, and bring a friend. To pre-book taster workshops and for more info contact Imelda Cahalan at 065 708 4774.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS SIX WEEK PARK RUN INITIATIVE

The Park Walk initiative is a continuation on from Operation Transformation, to encourage more people to walk at parkrun every Saturday. Walkers are always welcome at parkrun, but surveys have shown us that fear of being last, or standing out as very unfit, alongside the associated embarrassment, are the biggest barriers for people starting parkrun. The Park Walk initiative is aiming to break down those barriers.

On Saturday 2 March a six week Park Walk initiative will start at Lees Road Sports Complex Ennis, Clarisford Park Killaloe and Vandeleur Park Kilrush along with the other 82 parkrun Ireland locations.

By highlighting Park Walk for a fixed time period we will hope to attract walkers of all abilities by providing them peer support during parkrun.

We are teaming up with The Irish Heart Foundation and Get Ireland Walking and Clare Sports Partnership to get Clare Walking.

GORT WHEN ALL IS RUIN ONCE AGAIN

Get ready for a poetic journey in cinema on Saturday 9th March in Sullivan’s Hotel in Gort, when Crusheen Community Centre and Gort Riverwalk host a screening of When All Is Ruin Once Again, the award winning documentary which paints an unforgettable picture of a moment in our time in the West of Ireland during the opening years of the twenty-first century.

The evening will kick off at 7pm in Sullivans Hotel Gort with a cheese and wine reception, with the film to be screened afterwards; director Keith Walsh and producer Jill Beardsworth will both attend and will participate in a question and answer session following the showing. Tickets are €15 and all proceeds go to Crusheen Community Centre and Gort Riverwalk.

Awarded Best Cinematography in an Irish Feature in the 30th Galway Film Fleadh, and Best Feature Film in the Kerry Film Festival 2018, When All Is Ruin Once Again is a compelling exploration not only of rural life in modern times, but also of the implications of our own mortality, and of our species’ place on Earth at the beginning of the Anthropocene – that epoch defined as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on the natural world. The film’s title quotes from W.B. Yeats, who, while living in the Gort area, also engaged with mortality and with our quest to be remembered when writing the lines which plead “And may these characters remain, when all is ruin once again”.

Tickets are available from local outlets including Sullivans Hotel, Clarkes and Fogarty’s in Crusheen, Hassett’s in Ballinruan, Finnerty’s in Tubber, Whelans in Shanaglish, and will also be available on the door subject to availability.

When All is Ruin Once Again 7pm, Saturday 9th March Sullivan’s Hotel, Gort Tickets €15.00 from local outlets In aid of Crusheen Community Centre and Gort Riverwalk

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

CONTACT US FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM #CE

Huge concern for our beef industry

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HE Clare beef industry will be decimated in a no deal Brexit, according to Fianna Fáil general election candidate Cllr Cathal Crowe, who made his comments on foot of reports that the UK plan to open their market to South American beef in the event of a no deal Brexit.

Cllr Crowe said: “The UK is Ireland’s largest export destination for agri-food products with exports valued at €5.2 billion in 2017. Our beef industry in particular is hugely reliant on the UK market and 48% of all our beef exports went to the UK in 2017. Most of the national discourse at this time centres on the north- south border but there is very little said of east west, our coastal border with Britain and how we trade beef and other agri produce.

“Agri-food businesses in Clare are hugely exposed to Brexit. There are more than

6,000 Clare families involved in farming and there are approximately 80,000 beef cows in the county. On top of this we have dozens of small, artisan food producers who do not have the financial resources to deal with a major market shock.

“If in the event of a no deal Brexit, the UK opens its doors to South American beef this would be nothing short of a catastrophe for our beef industry and would have a devastating effect on farmers the length and breadth of this county.

“Every effort must be made to safeguard this industry and the hundreds of thousands of people employed in it, both directly and indirectly. The Government therefore must ensure that sufficient contingency plans, including a financial aid package, are in place to insulate our beef and agri-food industry in as much as feasibly possible from the fall out of Brexit.”

Growth on cards for Clare

THE Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan has been launched, aimed at supporting enterprise growth and job creation in the region through collaborative initiatives.

Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council believes that the public-private partnership approach adopted by the plan provides real opportunities for employment and enterprise growth in Clare.

Barry O’Sullivan, Global Manufacturing Platform Lead for J&J Vision, added, “I want to thanks the three Local Authority Chief Executives for their leadership, and their willingness to work in partnership with other public bodies and private sector experts.

The economic benefits of these collaborations have impact; to date we have accessed over €9.4m in funding to deliver five game-changing projects, which will support the creation of up to 2,000 jobs over the coming years.”

l VISION: At the launch of the Regional Enterprise Plan for the Mid-West, Front Row: Junior Finance Minister Patrick O’Donovan, Rural Minister Michael Ring; Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys; Junior Trade & Employment Minister Pat Breen. Back Row: Barry O’Sullivan, Chairman Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan Steering Committee; Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise Clare County Council; Órlaith Borthwick, Manager Mid-West Regional Enterprise Plan; Jerry Moloney, Regional Manager Enterprise Ireland; Liam Conneally, Director of Economic Development Clare Co Council; Anne-Marie Tierney La-Roux, Head of Regions, IDA; Joe Leddin, Manager Mid-West Regional Skills; John Moloney, UL

BUSINESS 27

Beautiful homes all over the County UNLOCK YOUR DREAM

Property THE EBS MORTGAGE CAFE

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AST Friday saw an unusual sight when the EBS Mortgage café popped up in Abbey Street Car Park. Emer O’Reilly and Ann Marie Hartigan, the Mortgage Masters from EBS Ennis, were on hand with their colleagues giving coffee and buns to everyone that visited the café. They were also there to talk about how to go about buying or building a home. The mortgage cafe itself has left town, but if you want a coffee and a chat about buying or building, you can still drop into EBS Ennis any time.

GET FREE MORTGAGE GUIDANCE FROM THE MORTGAGE MASTERS

TO BOOK A MORTGAGE APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR MORTGAGE MASTER CONTACT ANN MARIE HARTIGAN ON 065 689 9600 OR EMAIL annmarie.hartigan@mail.ebs.ie

Emer O’Reilly Financial Services Limited is a tied mortgage agent acting solely on behalf of EBS d.a.c. EBS d.a.c. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

TOYOTA’S NEW COROLLA HITS THE HYBRID HEIGHTS NEW COROLLA LOOKS GREAT, IS FUN TO DRIVE, AND VERY FRUGAL

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TOYOTA COROLLA HATCHBACK 1.8 HYBRID SOL

T’S funny to think that, twenty years ago, when Toyota first started making hybrid cars, most other car makers thought it was a colossal waste of time and investment cash, and promptly got on with shovelling cash into diesel power.

Today, as Toyota brings the Corolla name back to its five-door family hatch (the Auris is no more) it seems like the most prescient thing ever to have sunk all that investment money into hybrids. Indeed, so big is Toyota’s lead in hybrid power, that most car makers aren’t even bothering to compete, and instead are holding on for the holy grail of battery electric power.

Which is not to say that Toyota isn’t investing in electric — it is, but is apparently waiting until faster-charging solid-state batteries mature into useable technology before it fully commits — but it has more or less perfected is hybrid engine building expertise, to the point where, now, there are no more diesel-engined Toyota passenger cars (bar the vast Land Cruiser, which is strictly speaking a commercial vehicle).

The new Corolla range — the successor to the most successful car badge of all time — is almost entirely hybrid powered now.

There is a base-model 1.2-litre petrol turbo engine available in the hatchback, and —

oddly — a non-turbo 1.6 petrol available in the four-door saloon (apparently ultra-conservative saloon buyers don’t trust turbo engines) but the rest are all hybrids.

The hatchback gets the option of a powerful 2.0-litre hybrid engine with 180hp, but the majority of Irish sales will use the existing 1.8-litre engine, carried over from the Prius and C-HR, with 122hp.

While it’s basically the same engine as before, with the same electric motor and the same stack of nickel batteries under the back seats, Toyota has tweaked its software and operating systems a little. That means that the electric motor takes more of the strain, more of the time. In fact, on a typical urban commute, Toyota says that you should spend around 60 per cent of your journey running on just the battery and electric motor. That’s good for aroundtown fuel economy, but Toyota has worked too on making long-haul motorway miles more economical, and it’s worked. The Corolla Hybrid isn’t quite as economical as the Prius, but it easily breaches the 5.7-litres per 100km barrier (50mpg) on long runs, and can even creep up to 4.7-litres per 100km (60mpg) around town.

Yes, it still revs too high and too long when you accelerate hard (a consequence of Toyota’s continued love of the CVT continuously variable transmission) but that effect is less intrusive than it used to be, and you do become accustomed to it.

The Corolla’s chassis is entirely new, the same TNGA (Toyota New Generation Architecture) that has already been used in

the Prius, CH-R, Camry, and RAV4. The structure is therefore stiffer than before, by 60 per cent, and the centre of gravity drops by 10mm. That has quite a profound effect. In fact, brace yourself, here is a Corolla that’s actually enormously good fun to drive.

Previous Corolla’s have been sure footed but rarely engaging for the driver. The new one is properly sharp, approaching Ford Focus levels of interactivity. The steering falls slightly short of chatty, but it’s positive and well-weighted, and the supple suspension and good body control means that you can set this car up into a gorgeous rhythm on a twisting, turning road. It’s really, really good.

As part of Toyota boss Akio Toyoda’s command to make “no more boring cars” Toyota’s engineers have really gone to town on the Corolla’s chassis. It uses conventional McPherson strut suspension up front, but at the rear there’s an expensive multilink wishbone setup, which is far more sophisticated than the simpler, cheaper torsion bars used by rivals such as the Focus and the incoming new Mazda 3.

It’s also the best looking Corolla since possibly ever. There was a rather handsome fastback Corolla Sprinter model for a brief period in the 1980s which was pretty good looking, but since then it’s all been a bit plain on the Corolla styling front. Not this one. There’s a deep, aggressive-looking bumper and air intake, snarling headlamps, and unlike the old Auris hatchback, a rear end that doesn’t look like an after-

FACTS & FIGURES

Toyota Corolla Hatchback 1.8 Hybrid Sol Pricing: €30,115 as tested; Corolla starts at €25,380 Engine: 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid Transmission: CVT automatic, frontwheel drive Body style: five-door hatchback CO2 emissions: 101g/km (Band A3 €180 per annum) Combined economy: 85.6mpg (3.3 litres/100km) Top speed: 180km/h 0-100km/h: 10.9 seconds Power: 122hp at 5,200rpm Torque: 142Nm (engine) + 163Nm (electric motor) Boot space: 361-1,024 litres Safety: Euro NCAP rating for Toyota Corolla: Not yet tested

thought.

The hatchback is a little smaller inside than either the estate or the saloon, as those two models ride on a longer 2,700mm wheelbase that helps a bit with rear seats space. The saloon also looks a little less exciting than the hatchback or estate, as Toyota has toned down the styling somewhat, basically because saloons tend to sell to a more conservative sort of buyer.

Thankfully, the cabin is basically the same either way, with very high quality, lovely front seats, and an impressive big-screen infotainment system. Safety levels are excellent too, with Toyota’s ‘Safety Sense’ system as standard.

MOTORING

MOTORING EXPERT NEIL BRISCOE GIVES HIS VIEWS

SEAT SETS IRISH RECORD FOR JAN SALES MORE THAN 1,000 SEATS SOLD IN JANUARY

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EAT Ireland has kicked off 2019 in sensational style enjoying phenomenal growth on the same period last year and posting record sales results for a single month.

In January alone, Seat delivered a staggering 1,016 units which represents a 7 per cent increase in sales year on year in a market which is down almost 13 per cent overall. Even more impressive for Seat is its significant increase in market share with Seat achieving a record market share of 3.1 per cent in January.

Once again, it is the performance of Seat’s outstanding SUV range which is one of the key drivers of Seat’s success.

Ireland’s Small Crossover of the Year 2019, the Seat Arona has been a resounding success with Irish motorists

since its arrival in late 2017 and accounted for some 25 per cent of sales in January 2019, a staggering 90 per cent increase in sales year on year. The other major factor behind Seat’s jubilant January is the continued brilliant performance of the award winning Seat Ateca. In January, the Ateca contributed to 30 per cent of overall sales which represents a considerable increase of 13 per cent year on year. Overall, the performance of Seat’s SUV range demonstrates just how much of a game changer it has been for the brand with SUV sales of the Arona and Ateca accounting for 55 per cent of volume in January.

There was also cause for celebration for traditional mainstays of the Seat brand, the Seat Ibiza and Seat Leon also enjoying a strong January accounting for 25 per cent and 16 per cent of sales respectively.

Niall Phillips, Brand Director at Seat Ireland commented, “The story of Seat in Ireland is one of continued momentum and excellent performance driven by the outstanding product range we now boast.

Seat has the youngest and most dynamic fleet in the market and the variety we can offer Irish motorists means we are becoming more and more relevant to consumers and are giving them a reason to choose Seat

as their vehicle of preference. This month’s performance, a record in the history of our brand is testament to this and we are looking forward to an extremely successful 2019 and launching our very first seven-seater SUV, the all new Seat Tarraco completing our outstanding SUV range and giving Irish motorists even greater choice.”

Audi had a strong partner at its side for this project: the Austrian beverage producer Red Bull. The two companies are long-standing partners of the Hahnenkamm Race and conducted this event together.

Renault MEGANE Grand Coupé Now with a powerful petrol engine

Renault Mégane Grand Coupé from €209 per month* AND €1000 Cashback Take a 24-hour test drive to experience the 140hp petrol engine today Model shown: Mégane Grand Coupé Signature TCe 140 GPF starting RRP €28,440. *Finance example: Mégane Grand Coupé Play TCe 140 GPF. RRP €23,940. Deposit €8,200. Term 36 monthly payments of €209. APR 3.9%.

Total cost of credit €1,438 inc fees of €150. Optional final payment €9,504. Includes 3-year service plan. Offer exclusive to Renault Bank. Excess mileage plus excess wear-and-tear charges may apply upon return of vehicle.

Offer is made under a hire purchase agreement. Subject to lending criteria. Terms and conditions apply. See Renault.ie [Warning: You will not own these goods until the final payment is made.] Renault Bank is a trading name of RCI Banque Branch Ireland and is authorised and regulated by the French banking authority and supervised by the Central Bank for conduct of business purposes.

HOGAN MOTORS ENNIS Gort Road, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel 065 6821704 www.hoganmotorsennis.ie

Book a test drive

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SPORT

EchoSport

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Stats make grim reading for Clare Martin Daly GAA ANALYSIS

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IVISION 2 footballers couldn’t be blamed for suffering whiplash - one minute they’re looking up the table hopefully and the next they’re looking over their shoulder in fear of the drop to Division 3. The fine margins between promotion hunters and relegation battlers became a bit clearer at the weekend and Clare, following defeat on a tight pitch at Newbridge, found themselves in the second grouping. It doesn’t look unlikely now that two Munster sides will be relegated, it’s just a matter of which two.

Last year the Banner men blew hot and cold and the trend appears to be repeating itself - even when you take into account that Kildare are admittedly a step above Cork and Armagh. I believe this Clare side is a better version of its 2018 self, so what needs to be addressed?

To start with, decision-making was at an all-season low on Sunday and it led to an incredibly poor first half. There were examples all over the park - but it is fixable.

Systematically, Clare are in a good place.

We work well as a defensive unit, generate plenty of possession in midfield and we certainly exposed Kildare a few times.

But all that’s no good if players are having brain farts, or at least failing to make the correct decisions when coming under a bit of pressure. Cian O’Dea has a savage work ethic and does so many things right but his distribution was sloppy in Newbridge.

He wasn’t the only one rushing passes and

l MIXED BAG: Jamie Malone grew into the game Photo by Martin Connolly

it seemed Kildare were celebrating a score every time we coughed up possession.

Goalie Pierce DeLoughrey won’t have fond memories of Kildare’s goal, which came courtesy of a penalty after a loose kickout was plucked by Kildare’s corner forward. A backtracking Gordon Kelly was forced to pull him down in the square, which left us a goal down and a man down for 10 minutes when Kelly was black-carded. At the other end of the field we missed two glorious goal chances, including a Jamie Malone one-on-one with the keeper.

Keelan Sexton - who I have a lot of time for - was taken off at half time after he tried to kick a few scores into the wind off his bad foot, off balance. One or two of them weren’t within 20 yards of going over the bar. Jamie Malone and Gary Brennan were culpible in either soloing the ball into traffic or into a dead end. Management can’t do a whole lot about that; the decision-making was poor. The tight pitch and step up in intensity probably led to some of that - but you need to adapt to that. Colm Collins’ men certainly should not have been going into the changing room discussing how they would claw back an eight-point deficit at half time.

Secondly, much like the Banner hurlers, indiscipline is costing Clare’s footballers. I mentioned above that our defensive unit is cohesive and seems to be gelling well.

Kevin Harnett’s return is a huge boost, Gordon Kelly has been steady, Cillian Brennan is fitting into that fullback role very well, as is Aaron Fitzgerald in centre back. However when we’re stretched and forced to man mark, problems emerge.

Clare are scoring 16 points per game but are conceeding the same amount, which is the most in the division. Kildare’s Fergal Conway did a lot of damage on Sunday because he didn’t fit into any zonal system of marking and he pulled us around the field. Dean Ryan was on him for a while and then we put Sean Collins on him.

When we’re stretched indiscipline can creep in and there isn’t a Division 2 team that won’t have a free-taker to punish you for that. Kildare scored four points from frees, along with a mark, and a penalty.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. I actually believe Clare will beat Fermanagh in Ulster. While Clare are conceeding on average 16 points per game, Fermanagh have leaked on average 6.5 points per game (or 8.75 when you include goals). It’s astoundingly low, which is the result you get when you multiply the Donegal style of football by 10. They’re super defensive, very disciplined and obviously very good at it. But they don’t score much either (10 points on average this campaign) and I actually think Fermanagh will suit Clare.

They play very deep, get everyone behind the ball, it’s a very slow tempo game - so you need to find a gap. With the likes of Jamie Malone (who did go on to have a very good second half in Kildare with five scores from play), David Tubridy, and Eoin Cleary who is just coming back to match fitness, Clare are well capable of getting 12 or 13 scores against Fermanagh and that will be enough to beat them. We might just need to, as I wouldn’t like to be going to Tipperary on the last day looking for a result to keep us in Division 2.

SPORT

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Clare can’t come alive in dead rubber match Dublin 1-07 Clare 0-07

Banner can’t fade again - O’Connor NHL Div 1 preview

Littlewoods Camogie Div 1 @ Cusack Park PÁRAIC McMAHON

PÁRAIC McMAHON

that when Limerick come to Ennis the form guide goes out the window.

“Limerick and Clare, no matter who is going well, takes on a life of its own, it’s a local derby and there is never anything between Limerick and Clare. More than likely with the way the points are gone in the League table it is a must win game for us so we will have to go about putting in a top class performance and see where that dip came in the second half and how we can improve on that for next Sunday”.

C

A

THIRD defeat brought an end to Clare’s 2019 National Camogie League campaign on Sunday.

In what was already a dead rubber, Dublin overcame Clare by three points in a disappointing affair. Although there was nothing to play for, a better display was expected from the hosts who could only muster a single score from play.

Talk of an Ennis town bus service by 2040 has been mooted at local authority level this month and the old adage of waiting for one bus and two arriving at once was applicable in the opening half of this contest. Clare’s first score arrived on the 18th minute via a Chloe Morey free with a brace of three points (one for Clare two for Dublin) coming in the space of the next four minutes. Morey slotted two more frees before the break while Dublin added points from Aoibhe Dillon and Orla Beagan to lead by the minimum at half-time.

Those hoping for a more exciting game in the second half were left underwhelmed as the Dubs continued to do enough to stay on top. Within four minutes they struck for goal as Aisling Maher received a Siobhan Kehoe handpass and was left one on one with Lauran Solon where she made no mistake.

Three Morey frees was all Clare could manage to put on the scoreboard while Frank Browe’s Dublin had two efforts, one each from Beagan and Dillon.

Although members of the Clare panel have sought

l FLAT: Clare’s Eimear Kelly is beaten to the sliotar by Laura Twomey Photo by Martin Connolly to have their games played in Cusack Park over the years, it is abundantly clear that the home of GAA does not suit the Banner girls. Teams like Limerick, Cork and Dublin have all come to Cusack Park in recent years and bossed Clare from start to finish. A tighter pitch would be a better option for this panel.

Fortunately for Ger O’Connell and his management, there is a long way to go until championship because they have a hell of a lot of work yet to do.

The return of Aimee McInerney and Alannah Ryan to the half-back line was a positive while Orlaith Duggan when she gets more training under her belt will be a significant addition to any line of the field.

Meanwhile Clare’s junior side defeated Wicklow 1-2 to 5-16 to secure their second victory of the Littlewoods Irl Div 3 League on Sunday in Aughrim.

Clare are now placed joint top of the table, just behind Roscommon on scoring difference, with the sides meeting in Roscommon on Saturday next.

LARE can’t take their foot off the pedal if they’re to have any chance of suppressing the challenge of All-Ireland champions Limerick this Sunday at Cusack Park, according to joint manager Gerry O’Connor.

It comes after his players nervously held on to defeat Davy Fitzgerald’s Wexford last weekend 2-22 to 1-22, despite leading by 13 points with just 20 minutes remaining.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, O’Connor said, “Limerick is going to be a huge challenge, we’ve got to go and look at where we conceded, some of the stats say we conceded 1-08 in the space of fifteen minutes without reply so we’re going to really have to look at that. You can’t afford to go that length of time without scoring against Limerick”.

Clare have reenforced Cusack Park’s reputation as a fortress in recent times, l HANDSHAKE: O’Connor and Davy Fitz at Photo by Martin Connolly however O’Connor says the weekend

Golf tip: Long bunker Padraig McGrath shots (20-60 yards) GOLF ANALYSIS PGA Golf Professional

T

HE above yardage for a bunker shot is never easy. What’s most difficult about this shot is the judgment of distance.

This isn’t just a regular greenside bunker shot, one where there is a fair margin for error in how far you can hit behind the ball and still create a reasonably successful result.

The main issue is trying to judge the correct length of your backswing, along with trying to hit the right amount of sand for this shot. The long bunker shot asks for real precision through impact if you are to not go either way too long or come up well short.

Firstly I always try find the spot where I’m looking to land my ball on the green, however if I’m in a position below the green, one where I

can’t see the green then I imagine I’m trying to land the ball on top of the flag stick. My stance will be slightly open to my target like in a short bunker shot, however I won’t use a lob or sand wedge I will use a gap wedge or possibly a

35

pitching wedge. Using a less lofted wedge is often the most effective way to create a bit more distance without altering your regular swing in any way.

Depending on how far you have to fly the ball, open the face on your wedge at address less than you would normally. Square up the face as much as you think necessary for the distance of the shot. I like to play my ball position for this shot still forward in my stance between the centre of my stance and my front foot. You don’t want to get too steep on this shot, therefore a forward ball position will help you to achieve a shallow angle of attack through impact. The amount of sand you take for this shot will slightly vary depending on the length you are away from the flag.

But generally you only need to strike a little bit of sand behind the ball.

When I’m looking to strike less sand I will grip further down on my club, which helps me to achieve this. Finally for this shot I use a full smooth golf swing to make sure my club is accelerating through impact.

I take distance off my bunker shots by opening my clubface more and by taking slightly more sand, rather than shortening my swing. This technique helps to prevent your golf club from decelerating through impact which isn’t ideal for a longer bunker shot.

Acceleration of your club-head is vital to achieve distance when hitting from a bunker, therefore don’t be afraid to use a full backswing and follow through for this shot.

#PadraigKnowsGolf

The Scorecard in association with

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB Senior Mens Scramble Wed 20 Feb. 1. Bernard Coleman, Noel Thornton, John Stapleton 61.5 pts 2. Tom Coffey, Pat Shannon (Cranny), Tom O’Dea 61 pts 3. Billy Clarke, T J Lyons, Finbar McMahon, Murt Collins 61 pts 12 Holes Men’s Singles 18-24 Feb 1. Tony McMahon (Lissycasey) 29pts 2. Brendan Carey 28pts WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB Club Singles Feb 23/24 1st Pat Keane (10) 37pts 2nd Joe Green (7) 36pts(B9) 3rd Joe Casey (16) 36pts Spring League 4Ball Better Ball Result 1st Jimmie Kelly & Paul Sherlock 41pts 2nd Andrew Sherlock & Tyrone Kearse 39pts(B9) ENNIS GOLF CLUB CLUB SCRAMBLE 23RD FEB 1ST CARMEL VERLING, CONOR GLEESON, WILLIE DONNELLAN 66PTS 2ND MAIREAD CAVENEY, ML KEARNEY, PAUL MOCKLER 65PTS 3RD DELLA BURNS, JOHNNY KEARSE,

PJ HEHIR 65PTS 4TH UNA O’REILLY, TIM SCANLON, PAT RUTHERFORD 61PTS Team of Four 23rd / 24th February 1st M Flynn(20),S Ryan(23), F Sheedy(19) E Kelly(20) 90pts 2nd T Flynn(14), G Hannon(18), P Brigdale(20) P Garry(25) 86pts 3rd R Ryan(11), N Townsend(10), C O’Neill(18) D Kinsella(13) 86pts 4th D Considine(11), K Ryan(18), C Corry(12) S Ryan(8) 85pts Ennis Golf Club Men’s Seniors Social Group February 21 Modified Scramble 1st Conor Murphy & Kevin Murray (38) 2nd Johnny Kearse & Maurice Walshe (36) 3rd Andy Cregan & Pat O Reilly (36) 4th Mattie Molyneaux & Peter Quinn (35) 5th Michael Kerin & Brian Touhy (34) 6th Don Ryan & Ken O Farrell (34) 7th Gerry Kelly & Matt Flynn (33) 8th Eamon Kelly & Brian Higgins (33) 9th Michael Butler & John R Ryan (33) 10th Frank Sheedy & John Guilfoyle (33) 11th Tim Kelly & Ollie Kennelly (33) 12th Ger O Brien & John Devitt (33)

36 CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds ACCOUNTANCY

BEDS

CARER REQUIRED

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

FIREWOOD

CARER REQUIRED

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KITCHEN UNITS

mbs-clare-echo.indd 1

18/12/2018 22:08:41

The Clare Echo Classifieds Contact 065 671 9021

CLASSIFIEDS 37

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

Classifieds JOB OPPORTUNITIES

WINDOW AND DOORS

CONTACT SALES

065 671 9021 sales@clareecho.ie

THANKSGIVING St Jude - prayer said for nine consecutive days O Holy St Jude!

MAINTENANCE RELIGION

Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke you, special patron in time of need; to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my urgent need and grant my earnest petition.

In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.

St. Jude, pray for us and all who honor thee and invoke thy aid.

(Say 3 Our Father’s, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.)

St Anthony - prayer said for nine consecutive days O Holy St. Anthony,

ROOFING PAINTING STORAGE

gentlest of Saints, your love for God and Charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms; and the gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen.

Say 3 Our Father’s, 3 Hail Mary’s, and 3 Glory Be’s after this.

The Clare Echo Classifieds

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QUIZ 39

THURSDAY, FEB 28 2019

The Clare Echo Quiz HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY OF CLARE

of these are not based in 1 Which Clare?

Ogonnelloe, Cranny, Inishmot

island lies off the coast of 2What Clare?

Blasket Island, Inishloe, Inishmurray

3

What is the highest average temperature in February around Clare? 8.5c, 8.1, 8.9

many baronies 4 How is Clare split into?

118,817, 123,291, 109,579

former presi9 What dent did not live in Clare?

Michael D. Higgins, Patrick Hillery, Douglas Hyde

In the county coat of arms 10 which symbol stands for the heritage?

The rose motif, The tau cross, The stag’s head

14, 11, 9

is the …. Biggest 5 Clare county based on area?

5th, 9th, 7th

clare was 6 Inparttheof1600’s what province?

lQUESTION 10: (above) In the county coat of arms which symbol stands

for the heritage? lQUESTION 5: (left) Clare is the …. Biggest county based on area?

Munster, Connaught, neither

ANSWERS

colors of the Clare flag was 7 The believed to be carried by who?

10.The tau cross 9. Douglas Hyde

4.11

8. 118,817

3. 8.5c

7. Brian Ború

2. 1956

6. Connaught

1. Inishloe

to the 2016 cen8 According sus the population in Clare is?

5. 7th

Fionn mac Cumhaill, Brian Ború, Oisin from Tír na n-óg

OLD IMAGES OF COUNTY CLARE

Castle, Carrigaholt, Co. Clare

Image NLI.ie / Collection: The Lawrence Photograph Collection