The Clare Echo 28/10/21 by The Clare Echo

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Is this Ennis of the future? 2040 plan hailed as ‘visionary’ PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

,000 additional jobs and a population increase of 1.6 percent per annum have been earmarked as key targets of the newly launched Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy. Four key strategic objectives underpin Ennis 2040 which are its location as a place for investment, making it Ireland’s first climate adaptative town, the concept of a ‘ten minute town’ and making it an accessible place of quality.

A total of nine transformational projects form the long-term objectives of Ennis 2040 while twenty six actions are to be implemented which include the provision of an urban bus and making the town “more pedestrian friendly”. “Something like this will be seen as visionary,” owner of The Old Ground Hotel, Allen Flynn remarked of the strategy. Several false dawns occurred before Friday’s official launch with Taoiseach, Micheál Martin (FF) initially due to launch the strategy in January.

l Artist impression of what Abbey

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A GRAD DAY OUT AT LAST

2-12

GREENER CLARE

ENTERTAINMENT

COMMUNITY

RECRUITMENT

24-26

BUYING A HOME

27-33

SPORT

34-42

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

‘P

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

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Clinic delay ‘frustrating’

HATS OFF: Conor McCarthy of Tulla who graduated with BA Liberal Arts

from Mary Immaculate College at recent conferring ceremonies in the Limerick Collage. MIC on-campus conferring ceremonies made a welcome return this autumn after being held on-line last year due to public health constraints

Photo by Brian Arthur

OWER and paint’ work has been completed but the addition of extra services at a planned primary care centre in Kilrush is unlikely, a local representative has lamented. A review of current facilities, accommodation deficits and overall requirements as part of a business case for a new primary care centre in Kilrush by HSE officials has been delayed due to COVID-19, Chief Officer with Mid-West Community Healthcare, Maria Bridgeman has confirmed. Presently, public health nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, dental, audiology and dietetics are provided at the current site, Ms Bridgeman stated. She said a visit with local councillors at the location will be held towards the end of this year. “It is a perennial request about when we might have some forward movement. I know work was done, I see a lot of it is powder and paint which I understand needs to be done, I don’t see it delivering extra services which is the critical piece for people of West Clare,” Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) commented at a recent meeting of the HSE Regional Forum West. He added, “It is close to a year when I last asked this question and the response is pretty much the same”. Services are operating “very effectively,” Bridgeman replied. She noted that a number of services have been transferred to Kilrush with additional ones to follow.

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Moneypoint to close as planned despite energy fears PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

ONEYPOINT is to close as scheduled in 2025 despite warnings of a potential capacity shortfall in Ireland’s electricity grid over the coming five years. Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan (GP) told the Dáil that he does not envisage Moneypoint operating beyond 2025. “I will be pushing my Department, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, which is the energy regulator, and others to try to ensure we have the flexible open-cycle back-up capacity needed to give us balancing power, rather than having to rely on Moneypoint. Neither Moneypoint nor the station at Tarbert are suited to that role. The plants were designed to run constantly rather than to be switched on and switched off. They take a long time to heat up and do not work well in that sort of flexible back-up role”. In the interim, Minister Ryan acknowledged, “It is likely that Moneypoint will continue to operate up to 2025 to provide back-up power when the

POWER: Moneypoint wind is not blowing or other gas-fired generators are not available for any one of a variety of reasons”. Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) had questioned if the planned closure would be reversed given the energy shortages. “Britain has ramped up coal-powered stations in response to the energy shortage. France and Germany also have such stations,” he noted while querying if Moneypoint was to be “part of the solution”.

Speaking in Ennis, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar (FG) flagged that Moneypoint will be needed “for a couple of years yet because there is a bit of a crunch on energy supply which has improved in the last couple of weeks”. This use is unlikely to stretch past 2025, he admitted, “We think it is possible to come off coal and oil by then, given the energy crunch we have at the moment both Moneypoint and Tarbert will be needed for a couple of years yet”.

Urban housing will continue as priority by PÁRAIC McMAHON A PRIORITY on housing developments in urban areas is to continue, the Tánaiste has said but he acknowledged that efforts will need to be made to ensure rural areas can continue to increase their population. Two thirds of the towns and villages in Co Clare are set to be hindered from housing developments if the upcoming County Development Plan is approved. At the launch of the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar (FG) urged Clare councillors to continue working on housing. “Our housing shortage is very acute,” he stated. The Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Employment recalled that 400 new homes were built in Clare last year, “600 or 700 homes in the county is where we’d like to get to,” he said of targets for new builds. When questioned by The Clare Echo on how realistic such a target was considering the prospect of 52 towns being unable to build developments, the Fine Gael leader replied, “We’re aiming for compact urban growth, most new developments happen in our towns because that is where the infrastructure is and it makes much more sense from a climate point of view because people will be commuting less when they are living and working in the same town. “I think most of the new housing developments should happen in or around Ennis but every town and village should have some capacity to grow, a big cap on that is wastewater infrastructure and water infrastructure, we have increased the budget for Irish Water which will help but we need to look at that into the future because I don’t think there should be a ban on development into the future, every town and village should have capacity to increase population, we need to make sure we have the services in place to do that”. He refuted a suggestion that the future was bright but that the lights may need to be turned off in rural Clare. “We need to make sure housing development is possible in towns and villages and not just cities and big towns like Ennis,” he concluded.

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THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Ennis 2040 plan aims for 5,000 jobs and huge population jump PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

N INCREASE in population, jobs and settlement of Ennis has been forecasted following the launch of a new economic and spatial strategy. Seven years in the offing, Ennis 2040 was officially launched on Friday morning at The Old Ground Hotel by Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar (FG). Ennis’ long-term development is to be guided by the strategy which in many ways is inspired by Limerick 2030, a document that both Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Pat Dowling and Director of Economic Development, Liam Conneally were involved in. Four key strategic objectives underpin Ennis 2040 which are its location as a place for investment, making it Ireland’s first climate adaptative town, the concept of a ‘ten minute town’ and making it an accessible place of quality. Strengths of the Clare county town identified in the strategy include its population of 25,276 making it the largest in Munster, brownfield capacity of 23ha in Clarecastle and 20.8ha at Clare Technology Park, retail, its location between Galway and Limerick, cultural heritage, education, internet speed, quality of life, tourism and its proximity to Shannon Airport. 5,000 net additional jobs are to be created in Ennis by 2040, the strategy expects while it plans to have 37,000 plus people living in the town and its environs with an average population growth of 1.6 percent per annum calculated. Within the town centre, 500 jobs and 100 homes are to be delivered within the next nineteen years. As first reported by The Clare Echo, nine

DEVELOPMENT: Tánaiste Leo Varadkar speaking at the launch Photo by Paul Corey transformational projects form the basis of that everything you need is within a ten the long-term activation strategy of Ennis minute walk or cycle” was a positive move 2040. They are, Abbey Riverside, Wetlands according to Varadkar. He voiced his desire and Enterprise Area, Cornmarket Precinct, to see Ennis be more than a commuter town Friar’s Walk, Harvey’s Quay and Post Office as he pledged his personal support and that Field, Roche Opportunity Site, Former En- of the Department to the strategy. “With nis National School, Ennis Data Centre and this plan, this town is only going to go from Clare Technology Park. The sites according strength to strength”. to Chief Executive Dowling will make the Hotelier Allen Flynn described Ennis as town “pedestrian friendly” and help it adapt “one of the most beautiful parts of the world” to climate change. as he welcomed a renewed emphasis on Speaking at Friday’s launch, the Tánaiste bringing tourism to the town, “something admitted it was “a real privilege” to be pres- like this will be seen as visionary”. ent. The strategy is an example for other Dowling was confident, “Ennis can be the county capitals and towns to follow, he main- envy of every town and community in Iretained. “This town has a unique sense of land”. He felt the strategy would allow Ennis place, a sense of place you are all very proud to compete at a regional and international of and a unique identity you will want to pre- level. The Kilkee resident recalled that Ennis serve as town expands”. claimed its place as the county town in the Placing Ennis as a 10 minute town “a place 16th century as he painted the picture of the

River Fergus flowing through its medieval layout on streets “best explored by foot”. Liberal inhabitants were how the people of Ennis were described by John Llyod in his 1780 book, ‘A Short Tour, or an Impartial and Accurate Description of the County of Clare’. This liberalism tied in with a statue to Daniel O’Connell, one of the town’s most iconic settings, Dowling noted. He reminded the launch that Clare garnered its nickname as The Banner County because of the banners made by O’Connell’s supporters. “That is the pride and passion of Ennis and Clare. Today is about going forward and building the new and dynamic capital town of Ennis, creating the new story of our town, Ennis 2040, ideals yes slogans no, it’s bold, it’s brave, it is the new banner for the county”. Economic Development activities have been growing in Clare, Conneally acknowledged as he pointed to Ennis 2040 being the first initiative of this portfolio. “We’re not just talking the talk, we’re walking the walk. COVID-19 has made this plan even more relevant to the future of Ennis,” he stated. It is intended to give Ennis 2040 a statutory basis under the new County Development Plan by including the transformational sites for zoning, he confirmed. Conneally listed certainty, confidence and ambition as “the three words that sum up our approach to the plan”. He concluded, “Ennis 2040 will be a legacy to future generations of Enins, Clare and the Mid-West”. Chairman of the Ennis 2040 DAC, Gerry Cahill believed the public/private partnership underpinning the strategy was “really interesting”. He outlined, “We all recognise in the last 20 months that world has changed, COVID hasn’t brought change on us, it has sped up the rate of change, we’ve climate change, technological innovation, digitalisation, the world is changing, we as people are great we will generally adapt to change but the town we live and socialise in needs to adapt.”

Ennis targeting addition of major multinational by 2025 RETAIL development, an enhanced town centre and securing a major multinational

employer are just some of the aims emerging from the Ennis 2040 plan, writes Páraic

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McMahon. A total of 26 actions have been identified as part of the strategic and spatial plan which serve as its targets and aspirations. Actions include the establishment of an Ennis specific fund by using local authority assets such as land and funding sources to accelerate mixed residential and productive employment development by the private sector. Creating a vibrant town centre through an enhanced public realm is another action. This will lead to changes in traffic management such as the restriction of movements from Abbey Street and Francis Street through O’Connell Street. This forms part of the ‘ten minute town’ concept. Development of modern retail floorplates is earmarked as another action. In 2018, a total of 166 retail units were trading in the town centre representing 19 percent of the available ground floor units, the majority were located on O’Connell St (46%), Lower Market St (43%) and Parnell St (30%). Ground floor vacancy accounted for an estimated 16% of the overall units with 20% va-

cancy on O’Connell St, the town’s principal shopping street. It is viewed as unlikely that a fully-ﬂedged third level campus will establish in Ennis given its proximity to existing facilities in Limerick and Galway. Instead, the strategy outlines that there is scope to create an education quarter where facilities are co-located with access to shared services and a choice of learning in what it has coined a satellite third level presence. As part of the plan, primary outcomes are coupled with each action. The potential to attract at least one large multinational employer by 2025 is a goal for the county town. An appropriate location, skill base, ability to attract talent to Ennis, suitable accommodation and infrastructure have been listed as the envisaged requirements to enable this investment. Ludgate Hub located in West Cork is pinpointed as a model for Ennis to follow in trying to entice more remote workers to the area. The possibility of Ennis becoming a target location for app development is also stressed.

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

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More charging points are needed along the Wild Atlantic Way PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

TOURISM: Spanish Point

OWNS and villages along the Wild Atlantic Way must capitalise on a predicted increase in visitor numbers by installing charging points for electric vehicles, a West Clare councillor has said. Addition of electric vehicle charging points in towns and villages along the popular tourist route “in anticipation of the significant increase in visitor numbers expected with the easing of Covid restrictions” was requested by Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG). He noted that the summer period had been “exceptionally busy” with domestic visitors on the Wild Atlantic Way. Locating the charging points centrally would encourage motorists to avail of amenities in local areas, Keating felt which would “boost and encourage small

tourism providers in retail, arts and crafts and the hospitality business to further develop their many offerings”. Officials in the roads department need to commit to the proposal, the Cross native outlined. “We do not need a pilot scheme or any feasibility report. Car charging is readily available and is grant aided by the Department”. Director of Services, Carmel Kirby detailed that local authorities had been urged to develop strategies within their areas for the rollout of electric vehicle charging points. “A plan for the rollout has yet to be devised but it is the intention of Clare County Council to develop a strategy, identify the optimum locations and commence rollout of charging points for electric vehicles as soon as funding becomes available”. Speaking at a recent meeting of the County Council, Cllr Keating stressed that funding was available at present, “we should apply for it and move on, we will be left behind the same as with broadband if we don’t”. He added, “Be

the first to install charging points on the Wild Atlantic Way, we have the attractions on the Cliffs of Moher right down to Loop Head and over to Vandeleur Walled Gardens and Scattery Island, apply now for the funding and get moving”. As he seconded the proposal, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) confirmed, “We’re alive and well in East Clare too, could he open it up to the entire county and not just along the Wild Atlantic Way. We want to attract tourists to all the county”. Keating replied that the motion was for all of Clare, “we talk about sustainable tourism, park the car, get it charged and stay around for a day or two”. “Charging points are crucial if we are to achieve our energy targets for 2030, I suggest we focus on fast charging points,” Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) commented. Cllr Shane Talty (FF) informed the meeting that the redevelopment of Sea World in Lahinch includes the provision of an electric car charging point “in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way”.

LAST CHANCE!

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THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Saoirse named in global young brilliant minds programme PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

’BRIENSBRIDGE teenager, Saoirse Exton is included among the first ever recipients of a global talent programme to promote brilliant young minds worldwide. Sixteen year old Saoirse is the only Irish recipient of the 100 young people selected from thousands of entries across the world for the inaugural Rise Programme, the anchor programme of a $1bn (€860m) pledge by Google billionaires Eric and Wendy Schmidt to support talented young people. Rise is a program that finds brilliant people who need opportunity and supports them for life as they work to serve others. The program starts at ages 15–17 and offers a lifetime of benefits including scholarships, mentorship, access to career development op-

portunities, funding, and more as Global Winners work toward solving humanity’s most pressing problems. It is a partnership between the Rhodes Trust, which provides the prestigious international scholarship programme at Oxford University, and Schmidt Futures, founded by Mr Schmidt, the former chief executive of Google, and Ms Schmidt, a philanthropist and investor. Speaking to The Clare Echo, the climate activist remarked of her inclusion, “This means a lot for me. It means that I will become a member of an international network of passionate and dedicated young people from across the planet and I will have access to mentorships and trainings for the rest of my life”. For her application, Saoirse had to answer questions on her experiences as an activist which included founding Fridays for Future Limerick. A project also had to be completed and for this, she decided “to feed into my passion on mythology and rewrite some

of the myths. I rewrote some of them from the feminist perspective and others from a more comical perspective, but it was an interesting way to combine education and critical analysis of Ireland's stories together”. The myth of Mal from Co Clare, Nessa and Mac Dá Thó’s pig were among those included. “I'm very proud, but I also know that this opportunity could have been accessible to so many other talented young people I work with on a day to day basis. Obviously now that I've gone through the process I’ve shared everything with them, but I really want Irish youth to have more of a platform on a world stage,” Saoirse said of her selection as the only Irish representative in the programme. Details on funding for future ventures are to be clarified with the Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh student hopeful of utilising it for different social projects.

 ACTIVIST: Saoirse Exton

Photo by John Mangan

Clare home to 260 haunted sites Jacqueline O’Brien

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NEW research has found that Clare is home to 260 haunted sites, writes Páraic McMahon. Ahead of Halloween, Aldi has published new research to sends shivers down the spines of the Irish public. It has found that Clare is home to 260 haunted sites and a total of 211 graveyards. Conducted by iReach In-

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sights, the research examined derelict sites, graveyards, abandoned buildings ranking how scary they were and the amount of sunshine hours in the area. Based on this, Clare is the eighth scariest county in Ireland. Within Munster, ghosts are the most feared creature (32%) followed by the banshee and zombies (30% each). 53 percent of respon-

by PÁRAIC McMAHON EIGHT Clare projects have been included in the 189 nationally to benefit from €3.5m in funding to enhance natural amenities. Strengthening rural Ireland as a destination for adventure tourism is one of the goals behind the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) which is designed to support the enhancement of dozens of recreational amenities. Under measure one, the maximum investment is €20,000 with larger scale projects set to benefit under measure two where there are grants of up to €200,000 and measure three which has funding to the tune of €500,000, both of these are to be announced by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys (FG) in the coming weeks. Cahermurphy Looped Walk in Flagmount and the 12 O’Clock Hills in Sixmilebridge have both received an allocation of €20,000

dents in the province claim not to be afraid of any Halloween creatures. Speaking about the research, Aldi’s Group Buying Director, John Curtin, commented; “We wanted to create some fun, family-friendly conversations around fears this Halloween and the ﬁndings from our research certainly threw up a few conversation starters”.

each. The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk in Liscannor has been granted €19,576.77 with €18,182.70 for the Miltown Malbay River and a section of the West Clare Railway Walk in Miltown Malbay. €18,000 has been set aside for the Shannon Embankment Walk in Drumgeely, the Ballybeg Woodland in Ennis is to benefit from funding of €17,889.47 with the Clooney House Walking Trail getting €17,592.11 and the Ballyvaughan Wood Loop to receive €17,472.60. Outdoor amenities are benefiting from “an unprecedented level of investment”, Minister Humphreys believed. “We will carry out upgrades to our mountain trails and forest walks so that we can further unlock the beauty of our rural countryside. And under this fund, we will continue to develop our greenways, cycleways and blueways. COVID-19 has given us a newfound appreciation for our great outdoors”.

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park and King John’s Castle to host spooky Halloween events

SPECIAL programme of chilling events with hair raising surprises await visitors to Bunratty Castle & Folk Park in Clare and King John’s Castle in the heart of Limerick City this Halloween. Monsters, misﬁts and mayhem will be the order of the day. This Halloween midterm Bunratty Castle & Folk Park is returning to its Irish pagan roots and will mark the festival of Samhain in its own unique way. Focusing on the old Irish traditions associated with this time of year, visitors are invited to come and experience a traditional Irish Samhain (or Halloween) from Saturday October 23rd to 31st. As part of the events, Bunratty Castle will unveil a creepy crypt full of scary surprises. Should you dare cross the threshold of this ancient structure beware of ghostly voices and spooky sounds at every turn. The fortress’ creepy castle guides tell you all about the deadly dungeon or monstrous murder hole. Visitors are encouraged to dress in costume and join the village characters dressed in traditional Halloween attire as they lurk around dark corners of the Folk Park! Over the past few weeks, local primary schools have been busy getting into the Samhain Spirit creating lifestyle scarecrows which will be on display throughout the park over midterm. Visitors are invited to take a stroll across our spooky 26-acre park and rate their favourite scarecrow based on design, originality and of course “scary-ness”. The school with the winning scarecrow will receive a special prize. Halloween was a day that feasts were held and this tradition will be a central theme

Bunratty Castle

of Bunratty Folk Park’s celebrations as the resident Bean an Tí’s, dressed in costume, demonstrate the food that typically would have been eaten during Samhain including homemade Apple Pies and Brambrack. Traditionally a slice of brack would be left outside on all hallows eve so that any passing Faeries or Spirits could feast and bestow good luck upon a household. The Bunratty Folk Park fairies are also getting into the Halloween spirit and have transformed their magical fairy village into a

frightening forest for all to enjoy. Beware of creepy creatures lurking behind trees, gruesome gravestones and petrifying pumpkins at every turn, it is sure to keep the littlest of monsters entertained. King John's Castle is partnering with Fidget Feet Aerial Dance, Lumen Street Theatre and the Samhain Halloween festival to bring a spine-tingling schedule of events to the iconic riverside visitor attraction. Halloween events at the Castle will run from the 23rd to the 31st October.

Fidget Feet will perform a daring aerial dance and bring witches, werewolves and spirits flying high above the castle in search of young victims!!! Performances will take place from 29th to 31st October running at 11.30am, 1.00pm & 3.00pm. On October 28th at 5.30pm the Castle will resound with the sound of children from 'Sing out with Strings', the Irish Chamber Orchestras' flagship community engagement programme. They will perform spine tingling Halloween music presented as part of the Samhain Halloween Festival. On October 26th and 27th, the Castle will welcome the return of Planet Science Kidz as they host a series of Spooktacular Science workshops across the two days. This hands-on STEM Halloween Lab will allow kids to discover science and explore gooey topics in Chemistry. Courtesy of Lumen Steet Theatre, King John's Castle will also showcase a display of extraordinary Halloween costumes and props. Visitors can stop for a selfie in the spooky surrounds of Limerick's most formidable fortress.To wrap up the Halloween festivities, King John’s Castle, in co-operation with Lumen, join Morbid & Sons Victorian Undertakers on Castle Parade for a street side interactive, macabre show about death and the afterlife as part of Samhain: Limerick's Halloween Festival. The Samhain activities at Bunratty Castle and Folk Park run from the 23rd to October 31st inclusive and tickets are now on sale on www.bunrattycastle.ie/halloween. Events at King John’s Castle are capacity controlled and prebooking is essential visit www.kingjohnscastle.com/halloween

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

West Clare ‘left without ambulance cover’

 HSE: Ambulance WEST Clare has been left without ambulance cover during summer months with dispatches made to Cork instead, a county councillor has claimed, writes Páraic McMahon. At a recent meeting of the HSE Regional Health Forum West, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) sought an amendment to the operational procedures for dispatchers in the National Ambulance Service “to ensure an estimated time of arrival by the ambulance to the required location”. National Control Operations Manager in the National Emergency Opera-

tions Centre of the National Ambulance Service, Sean Brady in a written reply detailed that a Medical Priority Dispatch System is currently used. This he said, “has a systemic evidence and research based methodology which assist our emergency call takers to determinate the level of acuity which ranges from minor injury or illness to serious life threatening calls”. Brady stated that it would be “very difficult and can be misleading to predict a respond time at time of call certainly for the lower acuity calls”. Cllr Murphy said it was

“disgraceful in my view and disrespectful to the committee” that no member of the NAS was virtually present at the meeting. “I know people working in the ambulance service who have serious frustrations with ambulances being used as a taxi service to hospital, that is their words not mine”. He felt the provision of approximate times would encourage more people to make their own way to hospital. “If someone is waiting 23 hours for an ambulance then to me it doesn’t fit the criteria of an emergency”. Over the summer period, the ambulance in Kilrush has been tasked to Cork “leaving West Clare without cover in the summer when we’re dealing with a population explosion going from 1,000 people in Kilkee to between 15,000 and 20,000”. “I think the whole process is flawed in my own view, it’s not my first time or my last time saying it, the deployment system might tick all the boxes but on the ground in human terms it doesn’t stack up,” the Kilkee representative concluded.

Average of 273 cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year AN ONLINE resource devoted to supporting and educating parents, friends and families with metastatic cancer has been ofﬁcially launched, writes Páraic McMahon. New ﬁgures have revealed that 273 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in Clare every year, on average. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Metastatic breast cancer is when breast cancer cells

have spread to other parts of your body, away from the breast. It is also known as advanced or secondary breast cancer or stage four cancer. While treatable, it cannot be cured. According to the Irish Cancer Society, approximately 700 Irish women present with metastatic breast cancer every year. There are estimated to be around 3,200 women living with the disease in Ireland. TodayMyWay.ie is a new

online resource which aims to offer holistic support to patients who have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer as well as their loved ones, and to remind them that they are not alone on their journey. It houses information related to diagnosis and treatment as well as advice for living well with the illness and aspires to give these woman a voice and show they are not alone in their journey.

Judge rules against mother’s wishes to give vaccine to child

by GORDON DEEGAN JUDGE has given the go ahead for a Covid-19 vaccine to be administered to a disabled 15 year old boy against the wishes of the boy’s mother. At the Family Law Court in Ennis, Judge Mary Larkin has used a provision in the Child Care Act to allow the Child and Family Agency (CFA) to proceed with the vaccination of the teenager. Solicitor for the CFA, Muiris Gavin told Judge Larkin that the boy’s mother was opposed to him being vaccinated. Judge Larkin granted the order to the CFA under Section 47 of the Childcare Act after the boy’s GP in a letter stated that due to his disabilities the boy “is at risk of serious and potentially fatal complications should he contract the Covid 19 infection”. The court heard that the boy has told his dedicated social worker that he wants the vaccine so that he can go out to town and the cinema again. Judge Larkin said that at the boy’s age “the voice of the child” in the court proceedings has to trump the view of others with a different view. Judge Larkin stated: “The tenor and thrust of all medical data and evidence is that people with underlying needs have greater need to

be vaccinated than anyone else. I have no difficulty in granting the order that he receive the vaccine.” The teenager has been in full time care with the CFA since he was aged four after the agency secured a full care order in 2010. The teenager has since lived with foster carers. The boy’s allocated social worker told Judge Larkin that the teenager wants the Covid-19 vaccine. The social worker told the court: “He is currently not vaccinated and life has become extremely limited for him since March 2020.” She stated that at a meeting with the boy in September “when I asked him does he want the Covid 19 vaccine he replied ‘yes’ and when I asked why he told me ‘because I want to go to the cinema and go into town’”. The social worker said that the teenager has a range of medical issues and has a mild to moderate intellectual disability. Asked by Judge Larkin does she believe the boy receiving the Covid-19 vaccine is in the boy’s best interests, the social worker replied: “I do Judge because he is at home and rarely goes out unless he is in a car or goes to his respite carers three afternoons a week.” She stated: “His whole life is centred around the house and it has affected his mental health…He gets very

angry with his foster carers because he finds his life very limited .” The social worker stated that a more recent letter from a different GP in the same medical practise stated that the teenager’s medical problems “render him more susceptible at developing complications should be contract Covid 19”. The social worker stated that the boy’s two foster carers both want him to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. In response to queries from Judge Larkin, the social worker said that the boy does not see his biological parents. She stated that the boy’s father is the only one who is in contact with him. The social worker stated that the father sends him a Christmas card and a gift of money at Christmas time. She stated that “the boy decided back in 2009 that he didn’t want to see his father - seeing his father was frightening for him”. Mr Gavin stated that he was in contact with the boy’s mother’s solicitor who was not able to get in contact with the mother before court but that her last communication was that she was opposed to her son receiving the vaccine. Mr Gavin stated that the woman’s solicitor had no instructions for the case. Judge Larkin stated that the child is in the care of the CFA and decisions for this child are to be made by the CFA.

‘Penny wise and pound foolish’ to charge for ﬂu vaccine by PÁRAIC McMAHON FLU vaccines should be given to the public free of charge to minimise pressure on the health service, a Clare Senator has said. Currently a wide range of people in the country can already receive the flu vaccine for free. They include those aged 65 and over, children aged between two and seventeen, pregnant women and persons with long-term conditions. Individuals living in a nursing home or long-term care facility can also get the jab for free. In a statement to The Clare Echo, Senator Martin Conway (FG) issued a call for the flu vaccine to be given free of charge to everyone as he sought a scaled-up information campaign on the benefits of the flu vaccine. Senator Conway referenced the concern

expressed by Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan on the high incidence of COVID-19 across the country and the need to increase vaccinations, currently 92 percent of the public have received the jab for COVID-19. “It is “penny wise and pound foolish” to charge people for the flu vaccine, the Ennistymon man remarked. “The flu vaccine has the potential to protect those most at risk of serious illness and hospitalisations, so it makes perfect sense to provide the flu vaccine free of charge at a time when our hospitals are under pressure as a result of Covid-19 admissions. It seems to me that charging people for the flu vaccine is penny wise and pound foolish, as the benefits of providing the flu vaccine freely far outweigh the cost implication”.

NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

COVID-19: Reframing the challenge, continuing our recovery and reconnecting

COVID-19: Proceeding with Caution COVID-19 infection rates are once again increasing along with hospitalisations and ICU admissions – which means that we must all continue to proceed with caution.

The resilience and solidarity of our people, however, combined with exceptional support for the vaccination programme, means that we can move forward carefully.

Here are four important things to know:

1 2

Vaccinations work

Vaccination is the best means of protection against COVID-19. The vaccines are free, safe and effective..

Act immediately if you have symptoms

If you experience any symptoms, you must self-isolate and get tested even if you are vaccinated. Stay at home — do not go to work, school or college. Do not socialise.

Take steps now to reduce your risk of infection

Vaccination does not eliminate the risk of spreading the virus. That is why it is important to wear masks, clean our hands, cover up when we cough or sneeze, choose outdoors over indoors, keep our distance, and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated. These behaviours ARE effective - they DO work. And remember if you are in a place where guidelines are not being followed and you don’t feel safe – take your business elsewhere.

Your actions inﬂuence others

Think about what you can do to support and encourage all of the people around you to stay safe - your work colleagues, your clients and customers, your family members and friends.

The following measures will continue for the time being:

COVID-19 Pass — Proof of vaccination or recovery (e.g. Digital Covid Certiﬁcate) is necessary for access to indoor hospitality and events.

Keep your distance as an important protective measure.

Wear a face covering in the appropriate settings.

We will have to live with the virus for some time to come. We must continue to work together so that it causes minimal disruption to our lives. For further information please go to gov.ie/recovery

Return to workplace continues on a phased and cautious basis for speciﬁc business requirements.

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

‘More ﬂexibility’ needed for medical card allowances PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

LISDOONVARNA native with a multitude of health issues has called on the Government to rethink the illnesses and conditions absent from the medical card allowance. John Lyons who has lived in Ennis since getting a job in the county town in 1972 was among one of the first people in Ireland to be diagnosed as a coeliac, meaning he is unable to consume gluten or wheat. On top of this, he has Charles Bonnet syndrome which causes a person whose vision has started to deteriorate to see things that aren’t real while he also suffers from bi-polar. He suffered a stroke in 2019, he also has “severe arthritis” and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He found the height of the pandemic last year to be a very difficult time and noticed a deterioration to his mental health with little answers to be obtained from some service providers when John went looking for help. A visit to hospital last March also caused frustration with one doctor telling the sev-

Please do not grieve alone We listen and support You are welcome to contact us by call or text

Call or text

086 0565373 087 369 8315 www.claresuicidebereavementsupport.com

enty two year old that nothing was wrong with him. “It doesn’t make sense to go to hospital if there is nothing wrong with you. I don’t know how people get seen today. There was never an operator to answer the phone, there was times when I got fits of crying and I couldn’t stop”. “I was in hospital a good few times during the COVID, I was in the temporary facility at UL for a few weeks and they did physiotherapy there but I was falling suddenly with no warning, I fell to the floor one day just like a dead weight, it took three or four of them to lift me up, I couldn’t get up. I was kept there for a few weeks. I’m getting seizures every night but I don’t know about them only for my wife Susan telling me, I rave a bit in my sleep and I don’t make sense,” he outlined. While some services have led to negative experiences for John, he has been bowled over with the support from staff at the Day Centre in Clarecastle when the facility was closed. “I have to say they have some lovely nurses there who kept in contact with me right through the bad period when everything was shut down and they’ve stayed in contact with me, Mary O’Brien, Nuala Dolan and Áine Clune, they have never met Susan but they talk to her the whole time and she

is mad about them, fair dues to them they keep in contact with me. It must be my personality because they seem to be very fond of me”. He also praised South Clare Meals on Wheels which he receives alongside his wife. In 1984, John was diagnosed as a coeliac, a disease which doctors found difficult to pinpoint. This forced him to leave his job with Mangans and he was put on medical allowance. Initially, gluten free products were covered on the medical card but this allowance was cut in September 2012. He calculated that the cost of getting gluten free products is more than €100 per week. The impact has led to John eating food containing wheat and gluten, a move which could prove detrimental. “It was affecting me mentally, I’d always be peckish and hungry, no matter what I’d do I’d al-

ways be hungry. I’d an awful time during the COVID, I was crying and crying, you’d get very hungry in the evening, now I’m starting to break out because I have to eat something and I’m eating ordinary Corn Flakes again and I shouldn’t be. I know two people died because they didn’t stick to the diet, I hope I don’t reach that stage but I have broken the diet a few times. You can be fooled, the doctor told me if I kept doing it I’d be able to eat nothing in the end and it will become chronic so I started getting worried over that”. By sharing his story with The Clare Echo, John is hopeful more people will come forward to highlight the need for more consideration to come into play with medical card allowances, “I think the Government doesn’t understand me and there’s lots of people like me”.

HEALTH: John Lyons pictured at his home in Drumbiggle

Photo by Natasha Barton

Clare Suicide Bereavement Support are here to help CLARE Suicide Bereavement Support is a group of trained, non-professional volunteers who befriend and support individuals, families and communities bereaved by suicide. Our support is completely confidential and is free of charge. The suicide may be recent or in the past. You may be finding it difficult to cope with the kind of feelings you are having following the death of a loved one. These feelings are a natural consequence of what has happened. It could help to talk to one of our support workers. Our ways of supporting you include one to one befriending at home or at an agreed location or at our premises at Roslevan, family

support, a healing programme or our monthly support meeting. Our healing programme is an eight week series of meetings available for people bereaved by suicide. The programme aims to help people ﬁnd support and healing in a caring, safe and conﬁdential environment and to provide an opportunity to meet with others who have also experienced loss from suicide. Clare Suicide Bereavement Support can be contacted by telephone or text on the following numbers 0860565373 or 0873698315. Our website is www.Claresuicidebereavementsupport.com

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Robotic Process Automation

Ever heard of Robotic Process Automation? Did you know that RPA is revolutionising customer experience? Want to be part of it?

We are enrolling for a fully-funded Robotic Process Automation Developer Programme. This introductory 12-week online programme, delivered online by School of Automation, will empower you with work-ready skills for a career in tech. On successful completion, you can progress to our Software Process Automation Developer Traineeship which will advance your skills and knowledge to seek employment in roles such as Junior RPA Developer, Process Automation Developer/ Consultant, Process Automation Solutions Architect and Project Management.

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If you enjoy problem-solving, are creative and an early adopter of technology, go to

learningandskills.ie/rpa #FindTheBestInYou Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

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14 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Submarine sessions Eoin Neylon An inside look at Clare’s hosted in Coroﬁn political spectrum

HUP: Musicians gather at the Yellow Submarine in Coroﬁn on Sundays

by DEBORAH McDERMOTT ON A recent Sunday afternoon at The Yellow Submarine restaurant, more than a dozen musicians gathered. Tunes began as they sometimes do at such a session, a fiddle player picking up the first bars of a tune, some players joining in immediately, still others holding back for a bit, listening, listening until they felt they, too, were ready. The previous night, Dysert flute player Mick Nestor and his friends could be found at Bofey Quinn’s, where they had played so many Saturday nights before COVID 19 silenced the music. Now they are back. Others, too, joined in that night, performing jigs and tunes all evening long, encouraging members of the audience to sing a song they might know. Welcome to the weekend in Corofin. “I’m hugely glad there’s music again,” said owner Niall Cleary of Bofey Quinns. “When you open the door and you hear traditional music, there’s a feeling of being alive. The music is going, the fire’s going, and everything’s right with the world.” Everything is right with the world, indeed, said a number of those who come to play. For them, being able to gather again after 18 months has been a balm in more ways than one. Not only are they doing what they love, they are also able to finally again socialize with other musicians. And this is no small part of the joy. “There’s an important social aspect to playing, checking in with people. ‘How are you getting on?’ said Vincent Fogarty of Corofin, who plays the bouzouki (“so there’s a little bit of Greece in Ireland!”). “That 18

months had a negative effect on musicians and on music. I am lucky. I have a family. But those living on their own must have had a hard time.” An accomplished fiddle player who first picked up her instrument at 9 years old, Laura Ugur has been organizing the Sunday afternoon gatherings at the Yellow Submarine since music began outdoors last summer. She said she was delighted to be among her musician friends again. “Music is my lifestyle and it’s my social outlet as well. The lockdown had left empty spaces. A lot of people felt that,” she said. “It was surreal at first to get together. We weren’t sure how to talk with each other. We didn’t recall the tunes quickly. But after the first few weeks, things settled in again.” “COVID was tough. There was nowhere to come out to,” said Nestor, a North Clare native who grew up at a time when neighbors gathered at someone’s home for house dances and “soirees,” when socializing and music were intimate parts of daily life. “Suddenly, your freedom was taken away. It wasn’t possible to meet people. It’s a social thing for us. We do it for the camaraderie. But I do feel sorry for those who do this for a living.” As Ugur intimated, gathering again meant not only getting into the social groove. It also meant reintroducing in a group setting the jigs and reels that make up Irish music – in other words, getting into the musical groove as well. Thibaut Caron, who owns the Yellow Submarine, has been playing the bodhran since 2000 and frequently attends the Sunday afternoon sessions.

Liffey Mills celebrate ﬁve years in business with autumn sale LOCATED on the Gort Road Ennis, Liffey Mills are celebrating 5 years in business in Co. Clare with their annual autumn sale this weekend the 29th & 30th of October. Liffey Mills have 6 branches across the midlands and Midwest along with two mills producing quality coarse feeds. They pride themselves in the high inclusion

rates of native grains (barley, wheat, oats) and locally grown protein sources (peas, beans). Animal health care covering fluke, worms, lice and all minerals can be got in store with expert advice from their trained responsible person at the counter. Be sure to pop in over the two days and check

out their exclusive offers on dosing products, in store promotions on household fuel and special offers in the homeware department for one weekend only. They will have plenty of advice on hand from our product advisors and competitions and giveaways galore on the day. Call in and say hello!

CAP is a bad word

GRICULTURE is often a glossed over topic in political circles in mainstream political conversation in Ireland, which is a surprise to most international conversation. When you think that the agri-food industry accounts for almost 10% of our exports and represents 7% of the workforce, you would think that it would be more front and centre more often. Certainly, Brexit has shone a light on the delicate balance of circumstances the industry needs to prosper but much more important to the future of agriculture in Ireland, and across the continent is the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Long lauded as a huge success of the European project on these shores, it should be noted that such sentiment is not universal across the block. Only 6 years ago this week, I and two county councillors from Sligo and Carlow, travelled to the European Political Congress of LYMEC, an influential wing of the ALDE party, the centrist grouping in the European Parliament which traditionally holds sway on the voting of motions at Parliament, to speak on CAP. At the time, the official policy of LYMEC was “scrap the CAP”, a policy that, we successfully argued, would lead to massive loss in food security across Europe, at a time that we were facing huge energy crisis due to dependence on energy supplies from outside the EU. With support from politicians from the likes of Finland, Sweden, Portugal and Estonia we succeeded in reversing LYMEC’s decade long policy, despite fierce opposition from German, Dutch, Danish and Austrian delegates. The landscape at that congress

are reflective of the overall national positions across Europe and a warning that we should not take the CAP for granted as there is a significant weight of political pressure out there to do away with the single biggest portion of the EU budget altogether. In certain parts of Europe, subsidy is a bad word. Officials and politicians from Ireland and similar countries have been working hard in recent years to ensure that, not only that CAP survives but that it is reinforced as a central tenet to the European project. Hence, seeing a near 30% increase in overall CAP and it’s national budget top up announced by Government this week has to be seen as a major win for the Irish Government and the line Minister, Charlie McConalogue. The Minister was at Ennis mart at the beginning of the month to discuss the new CAP arrangements with Clare farmers and listen to their concerns and it appears that he was listening to small farmers, typically more common in the west of the country, who will do far better under the new CAP scheme than in previous iterations. The bottom 74% of farmers will be at least no worse off, if not significantly better off, under the 2021 – 2027 scheme than previous years. Large farmers are not happy though, as CAP payments look set to be capped at €66,000. Nevertheless, this is only right and proper. Previously, the largest beneficiaries of EU farming subsidies were industrial scale argi-food businesses and their industrial farms who did not need it. CAP should always have been about supporting small farmers primarily and ensuring our food security long into the future. This now appears to be the

emerging reality. Moreover, CAP has long been the EU’s main environmental protection policy, and this is underlined in the new Pillar II commitments. Some €723 million, the lion’s share of the €1.2 billion national increase in CAP funding in Ireland, will be taken from carbon tax revenue to re-invest in rural communities and help improve environmental innovation and protection here in Ireland through farming practices and defences. Overall, the new CAP funding through EU and Irish Governmental funding for this 7-year cycle will come to €9.8 billion, a massive, and much needed investment in rural Ireland. However, it has not received widespread acclaim with IFA President Tim Cullinan going so far as to organise protests at the Minister’s mart meetings since the new CAP arrangements were announced. This is all the more conspicuous when Cullinan had been absent at every single such meeting prior to the announcement, including that in Ennis despite it being so close for the Tipperary native to make the trip. Even more surprising was his statement on Monday evening criticising the emission ceilings for agriculture in the new carbon budget, despite no such ceiling being included in it for agriculture. One has to wonder who is advising the IFA President and why he is standing over protests at new CAP funding model that sees small farmers benefit at the expense of large farming industrialists? Innovation is the name of the game in agri-food, and Ireland has always been a world leader. This new model should see that title last for another generation.

NEWS 15

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

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16 FEATURES

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

GREEN CLARE

Flushing wipes down the toilet will ‘come back to haunt you’ STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

HE people of Clare are being urged to stop flushing wipes down the toilet. In doing so, the Think Before You Flush Campaign says everyone will help combat frightening fatbergs, wastewater blockages and scary sewage related litter on our beaches this Halloween. “There is nothing spookier than waste that comes back to haunt you! When waste items like wet wipes and sanitary items are flushed down the toilet, they can reappear in the form of frightening fatbergs much to our horror,” said a spokesperson for the campaign. When flushed, wet wipes can cause blockages in the sewer pipes at your home or in the public wastewater network. Wet wipes can also cause blockages at pumping stations and can clog screens at wastewater treatment plants. Unlike toilet paper, which disintegrates quickly when flushed, the synthetic materials in items like wet wipes, cotton buds, sanitary products and even dental floss makes them very strong leading to blockages and overflows that can harm our beaches, seas and marine life.

Speaking about the campaign, Sinead McCoy, Coastal Communities Manager, Clean Coasts said: “This Halloween we are urging the public to always Think Before You Flush and throw any wipes used for removing scary make up in the bin to avoid frightening fatbergs! “The Think Before You Flush campaign aims to increases education and awareness about sewage related litter, enabling people to realise the consequence of their simple bathroom routine, and letting them know that small changes can prevent items like cotton bud sticks and wet wipes washing up on Ireland’s spectacular beaches.” Talking about the size and scale of the problem associated with flushing the wrong things down the toilet, Tom Cuddy, Irish Water said: “In 2021 we found out that 1 in 4 people living in Ireland were still regularly flushing the wrong things down the toilet that’s almost a million people. The impacts of flushing the wrong things down the toilet are very real in our day to day lives, as we are still removing thousands of sewer blockages from our network every month.” Removing blockages can be a nasty job; sometimes workers have to enter sewers to remove blockages with shovels. Some blockages can be removed with jetting and suction equipment. There have been pump blockages that workers have had to literally clear by hand

in order to get the pumps up and running again in a race against time to avoid sewage overflows to the environment, onto local beaches or into rivers and streams. “Our message is simple, only the 3 Ps, pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. All other items including wet wipes and other sanitary products should go in the

bin even if they are labelled as flushable. “We all have a role to play in protecting our beaches, seas and marine life. A small change in our flushing behaviour can make a big difference - put wipes, dental floss and even hair in the bin and not down the toilet to help us avoid frightening blockages this Halloween,” Tom concluded.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ADOPTED WASTE MANAGEMENT BYE-LAWS IN 2018 In order to comply with the Bye-Laws: • You need to demonstrate that you are disposing of your waste in a responsible and legal manner; • You must segregate your waste correctly. YOU MUST USE ONE OF THESE OPTIONS

OR KERBSIDE COLLECTION

Find out more at www.mywaste.ie HORRIFIC: Frightening fatberg lurking in our sewers

AUTHORISED WASTE FACILITY

Arts & Entertainment 17

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

RCB scoops two gongs at CRAOL community awards PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

AIDIÓ Corca Baiscinn has scooped two awards at the CRAOL Féile National Community Radio Awards. Based in Kilkee, the community radio station collected a gold award for the documentary ‘Let Erin Remember’ while the Brian Clohessy presented ‘Tune in for the Tunes was awarded silver. The awards are an annual national event recognising the talents of broadcasters and producers involved in community radio stations around the country. Awards are given for a wide variety of categories including documentaries, music and dramatisations. A commissioned programme, ‘Let Erin Remember’ tells the story of the first World

War when tens of thousands of Irishmen joined the fight for freedom for small nations with a promise of home rule, for the many that did return they were vilified and ostracised. The documentary tells the story of the four O’Higgins brothers from Liscannor, they fought in the war, one of whom died at the age of 23 while the trio were forever impacted by their experience, like many Irish soldiers who fought, were never commemorated or recognised for their service, much to the anguish of their families. Interviews for the documentary were completed by Corofin native Dermot Hayes with James Flanagan responsible for editing the compiled material. Station manager of RCB, Mairead O’Higgins Finnegan shares connections to to the O’Higgins family who play a central role in ‘Let Erin Remember’. “I am delighted for the station to receive such an accolade, during what has been a very challenging time for community radio

This programme Let Erin Remember also means so much to me as it reflects a personal history of my own family during a very sad time in the recent history of our country. And I would like to thank the whole team from the bottom of my heart in making this documentary come to fruition,” Mairead told The Clare Echo. ‘Tune in for the Tunes’ received a silver award in recognition of presenter Brian Clohessy keeping listeners informed and entertained throughout various lockdowns. He paid tribute to all personnel involved with the station and the listeners as he toasted to his success.  REMEMBER: WW1 memorial

stations. We have been limited in our ability to get out into the community to make interesting and entertaining high quality programming due to the Covid-19 situation.

RCB broadcasts between 1 pm and 9 pm Monday to Friday and 1 pm to 6 pm Saturday and Sunday on RCB.ie and also on FM across South-West Clare on 92.5FM and 94.8FM.

Cuimhneamh an Chláir delves into the archives in their new podcast series by PÁRAIC McMAHON

 STORIES: Chris Droney (RIP)

CUIMHNEAMH an Chláir will be dropping its ﬁrst ever podcast this Friday (October 29th). Over 12 years of memories and stories collected from Clare’s oldest citizens exist within the oral archive of Cuimhneamh an Chláir and the podcast series will delve into this vast collection. Funding from the Heritage Council will make the most surprising, interesting, informative and moving of stories recorded available in a permanently accessible manner. Stories from Chris Droney (Bellharbour), Madeline Killeen (Ennis), Teresa Flynn (Mountshannon), Paddy Malley (Feakle), Pat Flanagan (Doolin) and Joe Tuohy (Scariff) feature in the ﬁrst episode of the podcast. Three of these storytellers have since passed on but their voices and stories are preserved forever in the invaluable Cuimhneamh an Chláir archive. Hitherto Cuimhneamh an Chláir shared its material by organising live community events where the stories recorded in an area were brought back to that area.

Producer of the podcast, Paula Carroll explained that this approach has had to change. “The pandemic has made that kind of in-community sharing impossible in the last 18 months. Older people have been isolated in their own homes – the very people who gave us these stories in the ﬁrst place. Yet the demand is still there. People love hearing stories gathered in their own locality, and people everywhere love a story well told. After all our live events we are always asked ‘Where can I hear more of these stories?’ Well now we’ve got an answer for you”. “Hundreds of Clare voices have been recorded in the last 12 years by Cuimhneamh an Chláir’s collectors. It was such a pleasure researching this, having all those voices ringing in my ears, and being able to make something permanent with them, that will hopefully bring joy to some,” the Feakle woman added.

The Clare Oral History podcast will be available on all the usual platforms, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Cuimhneamh an Chláir on Facebook (@clarememory) for information on the latest episodes.

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

in association with

Ennis Cathedral ﬁrst Irish church to have columbarium for internment PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

HE Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ennis is the first in the country to provide the option of a columbarium for internment. On Saturday next (November 6th), the first internment of ashes will take place at the new columbarium built at the Ennis cathedral. Cremated human remains are interred in a columbarium. Bishop of the Killaloe

Diocese, Fintan Monahan consecrated the columbarium on Thursday which becomes the first in Ireland provide this option for internment. Local builders Michael Clancy and Michael McInerney installed the columbarium while the facility is provided for churches by Eternum Columbarium. The columbarium in the Cathedral has capacity for 240 urns, while 104 niches have already been reserved.

FINAL RESTING PLACE: Bishop Fintan Monahan consecrating the columbarium

Expansion of Ennis hospital services need to be fast-tracked HEALTH CRISIS: Ennis General Hospital

FUEL SPECIALISTS IN Kiln Dried Timber, Wood Pellets, Ecologs & Smokeless Fuel

by PÁRAIC McMAHON EXPANSION of services at Ennis Hospital need to be fast-tracked, a Clare TD has stated. Earlier this month, the HSE conﬁrmed that the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU) at Ennis Hospital was to be expanded with an allocation of €286,000 from the National Treatment Purchase Fund announced last December upscaling services by forty units. This increase in services needs to be in place for the approaching winter season, Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne (SF) stressed. “The expansion is still very much in a theoretical stage. The units of service have been increased by four slots Monday to Friday, which is obviously a good start. But the fact that personnel are still being recruited shows how slow and ineffective these changes are”. She added, “The health system is in crisis and needs emergency resources and stafﬁng to deal with a chronic lack of capacity. Since elected, I have been advocating

for increased community health services, including the restoration of localised ShannonDoc services and the development of the long-awaited primary healthcare centre in Kilrush. “University Hospital Limerick (UHL) has experienced unprecedented trolley numbers in recent weeks, up to 85 people were waiting on just one day earlier this month. The Irish Nurses and Midwives have expressed grave concern that the situation is going to degenerate as Winter sets in”. Asking people in Clare to travel to the ED in UHL is unfair, the Kilrush woman afﬁrmed. “It’s nonsensical that the people of Clare are expected to travel to Limerick Emergency Department where they know they will have to wait on trolley, for medical attention that could and should be available locally. The staff are working under exceptionally difﬁcult circumstances and are doing their best, but even the escalation plan put in place to resolve these issues is not enough. There’s simply not enough staff”.

NEWS 19

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Shannon services to Budapest, Fuerteventura and Birmingham to take ﬂight within week PÁRAIC MCMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

HANNON Airport is to launch three new services within the next week. Ryanair services from Shannon Airport to Fuerteventura (October 31st), Birmingham (November 1st) and Budapest (November 3rd) are to take flight in the next week as the airline boosts its winter service from Shannon. Addition of these new routes was previously reported by The Clare Echo in August when Ryanair announced it was to restore its second based aircraft at Shannon. Fuertevenutra flights from Shannon will operate weekly, on Sundays departing at

TRIP: Holidaymakers will soon be able to enjoy new routes

6:20am. A new twice weekly service to Birmingham will operate on Mondays and Fridays departing Shannon at 7.40am both days. The new Budapest service operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays will depart Shannon at 5.25pm and 7.45pm respectively. Shannon’s new route to Turin takes off in

December in what will be a weekly service. These flights are part of a series of new services announced by Ryanair for their Winter season which included services to Gran Canaria, London Luton and Edinburgh which are already operating. CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine said the announcement was “another milestone moment in our efforts to rebuild our air services. We are delighted to be able to offer our airport customers these three new diverse destinations from Shannon. Whether it’s a sun holiday to recharge, a cultural break or a shopping trip, the choice is there”. She added, “During the pandemic we have taken time to invest in new technology to make our passengers’ journey through the airport even easier. For example, we’ve just begun operating our new €2.5 million stateof-the-art security screening system which

Is halving the time our customers spend in the airport security screening area by making the removal of laptops and liquids from cabin bags a thing of the past”. Eighteen Ryanair services are now available from Shannon Airport. “We know that restoring connectivity and rebuilding our air services is hugely important for our customers, and these three new popular destinations are welcome additions,” Ms Considine commented. The latest development is keeping Shannon “on the right path,” she concluded. Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Aer Lingus will resume transatlantic flights from Shannon in March of next year. The airline have yet to confirm these plans but the online sales portal has reopened, permitting bookings to Boston from March 10th and to New York from March 27th next.

Wetlands paths omitted from grass cutting scheme by PÁRAIC McMAHON AREAS of the Wetlands in Shannon have been omitted from the area’s grass cutting contract, a local representative has flagged. In a proposal before the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) asked that the cutting of grass along the paths in the Wetlands form part of the grass cutting contract. “So far this work has been carried out by volunteers, which isn’t always feasible,” she remarked. Senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett detailed that the Shannon MD ofﬁce are “exploring ways to ensure existing footpath widths are maintained”. He added, “This path is one of several in the town where vegetation has encroached onto the surface thereby narrowing the effective width, unfortunately the Ofﬁce does not currently

PATHWAY: The Shannon Wetlands

have the resources to remedy each path in this condition and so must prioritise based on use”. Mellett committed to arranging a crew to edge the path as requested and acknowledged the “stellar effort of different community groups when it comes to issues such as this”. Children in buggies are among those at risk with unkept parts of the Wetlands “going right into your face,” Cllr McGettigan highlighted. She stressed the need to give back to the volunteers looking after the “widely used” Wetlands. “We have a lot of footpaths that have narrowed in with briars and such. It is a serious situation, if you have footpaths then the public are entitled to use them,” Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) stated as he supported the proposal.

Photo by Joe Buckley

20 FEATURES

Keep it going

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

HEN people experience hard and worrying times, it can sometimes seem that they’re never going to end. I think we are all feeling tough times like that at the moment as we daily try to deal with the fall out of trying to live with the Coronavirus. The dictionary defines adversity as “a serious or continued difficulty.” Although some people going through adversity are more likely to define it as hell. It is the long drawn-out nature of adversity, rather than brief spells of misfortune, that can crush the human spirit and cause related illnesses such as stress, anxiety and depression. However, it’s also at such times that people can discover their inner resilience and optimism, while having strong faith that the difficult times will come to an end. Adversity visits us all from time to time, some more than others and in many different ways. It can come disguised as marriage trouble, sickness, financial calamity and debts, hardship from personal attacks, or even difficulty in the workplace or even the loss of one’s job, or death of a loved one. Adversity is no respecter of persons. All of us will face it at some time or other. The question is how we will respond to it. Just like we have and are at the moment in dealing with the Coronavirus. At this stage as we enter the months of winter, it’s hard to predict what the future holds when it comes to COVID-19, but it’s likely months upon months before things go back to “normal.” The best way to keep going over the long haul is to be kind to yourself and have true faith and acceptance in God above. Take the extra time to stay active, get adequate sleep, eat food that nourishes your body, and do things that make you smile and remember that anxiety might be in some way contagious but compassion for oneself and others is contagious as well. So try if you can muster up the energy to “Keep it Going”!! For me through my prayer life encouragement is one of my most powerful antidotes against adversity. Have you ever heard a car engine knock or splutter because it was low on oil? Then after oil was added the engine hummed along smoothly? Our lives are the same. Many times we get so busy with the cares and worries of this world and just getting by, that we run low on oil and get knocked and spluttered around. We stop putting the encouragement, prayers, care and love into our hearts and souls and that only lends to putting our lives in jeopardy. Learning how

to overcome adversity should be always a major part of our character that we all must continually try to develop.

Ups and downs

I don’t know about you but there have been times in my life where I just wanted to throw in the towel especially during some of the time in lockdown over the past twenty months. I am sure we have all been down on our luck at some point. Personally, I have had the highest of highs and the lowest of lows through my journey through life so far. I have been depressed, discouraged, hurt, sad, worried, anxious and even terrified. I have even done some things I am sure no one could be proud of. But let’s make one thing clear, Life is a continuous succession of both small and large problems or joyful and sorrowful mysteries as I would like to call them. They never end. No sooner do you get control of one situation when you are hit by another. Life is a process of “two steps forward and one step back.” No matter how smart and clever and careful you are, you’ll face life struggles, challenges, difficulties, and sometimes heartbreaking adversities every day, week and month of your life. And in some way thank heavens for that! You couldn’t possibly have become the person you are today if you had not had to contend with adversity. Perhaps your chief aim in life is to develop a noble character, to become an excellent human being, to become everything you are capable of becoming. Only by contending with hard times that seem to be beyond your strength to handle at the moment you can grow more surely toward your goal. The starting point for me in dealing with any difficulty or worry is simply to relax and pray and ask God to help me and guide me safely through it. Clear your mind. Get yourself into a state where you’re calm and cool and in full control of your emotions and senses. Step back and look at the problem with a certain amount of detachment, as if it were happening to someone else. When you can analyze your adversities clearly, you sometimes see opportunities to turn them to your best advantage. And for me I always turn to God in prayer and light a candle for help, direction and guidance so that hopefully no matter how hard it is to make the right choice or decision. I pray to God that I always do. In dealing with adversity effectively, your ability to ask questions and to seek help and

support and guidance is essential. As long as you are asking questions, you are expanding the range of options and possibilities that are open to you. As long as you are asking questions, you are keeping your mind calm and cool and objective and my prayers help me do that. It’s important to not be afraid to admit that you’re in a bind. If you made a mistake, or dropped the ball and found yourself in a difficult situation, don’t be afraid to go to someone that you trust and admit that you need help. You’ll be amazed at the valuable advice that you can get from someone who has already experienced the difficulty that you’re going through or that you know when you share your worries they will be received and listened to with love and genuine care. In dealing with adversity, perhaps one of the most important positive affirmations that I know that was given to me by my good friend David who sadly passed away recently and hopefully you can remember it to at times if you are like me and suffer from anxiety and depression is this: “This, too, shall pass.” Whatever it is, however difficult it may appear, say to yourself, “This, too, shall pass.”

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, always remember that one of your main jobs in life is to become an expert in dealing with adversity, to triumph over difficulty, to rise above the challenges of day-to-day life especially now for all of us during these uncertain times of the Coronavirus. Keep your thoughts on where you’re going, not on where you’ve been. Keep your eyes on your goals, and keep your chin tilted upward towards the heavens and to God. Resolve in advance that you will meet and overcome every difficulty, and then, no matter what happens, keep it going and don’t give up until you do. Remember In life, things happen around us and things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us. Sometimes when we’re heartbroken, our heart is broken open and we’re able to give and receive more love. As long as we choose not to shut down around the pain but stay with the feelings and trust that we can survive them, heartbreak can be an opportunity to experience more love for ourselves, for a sick loved one or really for anyone in our lives. “God grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next. Amen.”

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Photography course in Killaloe could earn graduates €90k

OPPORTUNITY: James Treacy SCARRIFF based photographer James Treacy has launched a new photography course in his neighbouring town of Killaloe. He claims this course has the potential for any student who ﬁnishes the course to earn more than €90,000 per annum. This is the second course he is running and is based in the Killaloe Hotel on Wednesday the 10th November next at 8 pm until 9.15pm over three weeks. He intends to cover all the basics of photography and how to take good pictures with a Canon camera as well as editing photos using software such as Photoshop. James started out a number of years ago photographing pilgrimages in the Holy Land and Fatima before turning his attention to Holy Communions and Graduations and later cattle mart photography in which he does a lot of work for the Irish Examiner and the Irish Independent.

James has travelled all over the world with his camera and has been to every cattle mart in Ireland worth talking about from Tullamore to Bandon and from Dungarvan to Maam Cross and there is very few newspapers his work has not been published. His proposed classes will be small in number with personal attention guaranteed. The price of the course is €195 and is the only one of its kind in Co. Clare at the moment. He will show students that it is possible to take good photos with a basic DSLR Camera. He also intends giving work to some of his students in wedding photography after the course but he doesn’t know at the moment how many he will hire. He can be contacted on 061921470/0860572216 or email jamestreacyphotography@gmail.com. Visit www. jamestreacyphotography.ie for more.

ADDAMS FAMILY VIBES

TERRIFYING: Dee Uí Mhuirithe sent inthis photo of her crew all dressed up for Halloween

NEWS 21

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

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Spooky Happenings in Clare this Halloween Weekend

The Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience is just one of a number of local visitor attractions hosting a Halloween experience this week. The visitor centre will be adorned in Halloween decorations this coming Saturday and Sunday. Staff will be sharing spooky stories of long ago within the cavern-like visitor centre, while anyone who arrives in Halloween fancy dress will be in with a chance of winning some scarily good spot prizes. On arrival, kids will also receive a Treasure Hunt with clues leading them to five locations on site with successful hunters being presented with Goody Bags. Visitors to Ireland’s most popular natural attraction also will be able to enjoy a menu filled with locallyAbbey sourced produce. The Cliffs Clare View Café and Puffins Nest Café, both The abbey at visitor Clarecastle was located within the centre, will be founded by Donal Mór O’Brien offering visitors Halloween Muffins,in& 1189. Some parts the single-aisled Treats, as well asof Pumpkin Soup. church date back to the 12th century, See www.cliffsofmoher.ie. and there are alsoWalled two chapels and Vandeleur Garden aintower the 15th In Kilrushfrom is putting on acentury. Halloween 1278, monastery was and the site of showthe with decorations spooky acharacters massacre scattered due to friction among throughout the historic gardens, complemented by a the various factions of the O’Brien host of festive treats in the Woodland family. Bistro. The attraction is open daily from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Kilfenora Cathedral and Crosses See www.vandeleurwalledKilfenora Cathedral is dedicated garden.ie. to Focusing St. Fachtna, founded his on thewho old Irish traditions monastery the sixth associated during with this time century. of year, The original church wasCastle probably& visitors to Bunratty wooden. The Folk Park are present invited to structure come and experience traditional1189 IrishtoSamhain dates from abetween 1200. (or Halloween) day this week up The Cathedral each contains some fine to and including Sunday. The Bean carvings on grave slabs, windows an Tí’sdoorways. will explain the types of also food and Kilfenora that typically have signifi been cant eaten boasts one ofwould the most in Samhain and of traditional Halloween concentrations high crosses in games including that wouldthe have been“Doorty enjoyed Ireland, famed by children in the olden days. Guests Cross”. also will be invited into the fairy village where they must be on their toes for creepy characters, such as spooky scarecrows, before entering the haunted castle.

See www.bunrattycastle.ie/ halloween. Doolin Cave is hosting a Halloween experience this coming Sunday. Members of the public are invited to take a spooktacular tour of the cave where they will discover mysterious passages and the longest free-hanging stalactite anywhere in the world. Children under 12 who arrive in fancy dress go free (1 child under 12 goes free per paying adult). Wild at the Cave cafe will also be open from 10am to 4pm, and will be serving delicious food, coffee, autumnal cakes and more. Visit www.doolincave.ie or call 065 707 5761 for more information. Poulnabrone The Scariff-based Derg Isle Adventure Centre will take people on Halloween boat ride along the ‘Scare-iff’ River to seek out ghosts and ghouls in specially constructed scenes that would not be out of place in an episode of The Walking Dead. The 75-minute experience will finish with passengers returning to the seasonally decorated “Celtic Hut” for treats and activities. See www.dergisle.com for pricing and details. Ahead of Sunday’s family Halloween activities, Clare Arts Office and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media will host an evening of music at St. Columba’s Church in Ennis. ‘Harping On’ takes place at 8.00pm on Saturday (October 30th) and will feature six harpists and solo guitarists playing music of the highest calibre. See www.clarearts.ie/events for more. Visit www.visitclare.ie to find out more about the wide range of activities happening across County Clare.

H A L L O W E E N B U N R AT T Y C A S T L E A N D F O L K PA R K

S TA L A C T I T E AT D O O L I N C AV E

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park

www.VisitClare.ie

H A L L O W E E N AT VA N D E L E U R WA L L E D G A R D E N

22 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Kearney Cooks

BEEF TACO THURSDAY

T WAS Taco Thursday in my house the other night. I worked with a Mexican lad years ago that gave me this lovely simple recipe for wonderful beef tacos, so I decided to unleash it on my family, and boy did it go down a treat. The bulk of the work is done in the slow cooker. There is a bit of faffing with serving this up, but trust me, it is so worth it. YOU WILL NEED: • Beef that’s suitable for a slow cooker (brisket, cheeks, rump etc) I generally calculate it as 200g per person • 1 pint of beef stock • 3 tomatoes • 3 chilli peppers • 1 onion • 2 garlic cloves • A handful of coriander • 200g shredded smoked cheese • 3 small tortilla wraps per person Step 1 Cover your beef in salt and pepper and seal it in a pan. Then lob it into the slow cooker with all the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high for four hours or until the beef is tender and falling apart. Step 2 When the beef is done take it out and

ebecca O’Neill

set it aside, then put all the cooking liquor and veggies into a blender and blend the bejaysus out of it. This will act as your dipping sauce. If you need it to be thicker you can boil it in a pot for 10 minutes and it should reduce down to a thicker sauce. Then shred your cooked beef. Step 3 Heat up a frying pan and lay a tortilla wrap down (you can dip the wrap in the sauce first if you like for an extra flavour hit). Cover half in your shredded beef and grated cheese. Now fold over the wrap and fry on both sides. Repeat until you have enough tacos. Step 4 I like to serve three per person, but you do you. I usually accompany this with a tomato salsa that’s heavy on co-

riander and a bowl of the dipping sauce that we made from the cooking juices. This recipe could be easily adapted to be used with shredded chicken and pork as well. This is also great food to be trotted out for a party where everyone has congregated in the kitchen, and is best eaten family Shtyle, with everything in the middle of the table. As usual if you have any questions about this recipe or others please feel free to message me on Instagram @ stevekearney37. Also keep an eye to that account or The Clare Echo Facebook page for the instructional video that goes with this recipe.

Enjoy

Steve K

Top hikes in Clare

This week, f mer Miss Clare Rebecca O’Neill expl es some of the top hikes in the Banner County

HIS week I’m sharing details on five of the top hikes to trek in Co Clare, some of which I’ve done and others which are on my to do list. Clare has some amazing views and by completing these hikes, you can see some of that natural beauty for yourself. Hiking is a healthy little habit that I want to get into, to learn more about our county. Hiking has so many positives, like keeping up with your steps target and witnessing beautiful views that are right on our doorstep. These list of trails are long and short and are all very achievable.

Cliffs of Moher walk

CLIFFS OF MOHER WALKING TRAIL This is located near Balleysteen offering beautiful landscapes and exceptional views. Dogs are allowed to be walked on this trail which includes some muddy paths so ensure your hiking boots are ready. The views include the amazing Doonagore Castle which is absolutely worth the visit. This is an exposed area and weather can tend to change instantly so definitely make sure you are fully prepared. This is a very challenging trail with the distance of 20km and on average it takes 4.5 hours to complete.

taking views of the lake located at Glenroe/ Ballyeighter. This trail offers a lot of activity options and allows you to bring dogs with a leash required. Many people interested in fitness would find this trail a small bit difficult but a good challenge. Certain pathways become muddy after winter weather. It is vital to bring food and water with you as there are no facilities around. This trail is a doable 7.6km.

LOUGH GAELEN TO MULLAGHMORE This hike is widely known for its breath-

DOONBEG LOOP This loop starts not too far from Doonbeg

Castle. Spanning a distance of 8km, this trail contains some amazing views and is a very achievable distance to complete. It is based mainly on minor roadways and bog tracks. This trail shows off views of Doughmore Bay and Mutton Island that have stood the test of time. This loop offers a great opportunity to see the local area and to learn more about Doonbeg village. BALLYVAUGHAN WOOD LOOP This loop starts right back at Fanore beach at the sea front. It brings you on a journey full of views of farmland and traditional country roads. Along this trail you can stop at the well renowned Aillwee Caves which consists of thousands of caves under the Burren. This is a long two and a half hour trail with many uneven parts so be sure to wear suitable hiking boots. This trail is 8km. TEMPLECRONAN LOOP This loop is located in land from Ballyvaughan and is relatively easy with just a 5km distance. This part of our county offers stunning views of the Burren’s lunar landscape and one of the largest lakes in Ireland lake Turlough. You will also pass the ruins of the 12th century Templecronan church.

COMMUNITY 23

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Community ENNIS

COUNTYWIDE

RED CROSS FUNDRAISER

AOIBHEANN’S PINK TIE

THE Irish Red Cross Clare will hold a fundraiser on this Friday at Kavanagh’s Spar, Lifford, Ennis. All funds raised is for our Training Unit and Ambulance Centre. Please give generously.

CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

MILTOWN MALBAY

FIREFIGHTERS from Clare will take part in a ladder climb the equivalent of Mount Everest this Saturday in support of the Aoibheann’s Pink Tie appeal. All NRFA stations will be holding bucket collections on the day.

KILMALEY

SPOOKY: The Grifﬁn family did an outstanding job with their Halloween costumes this year. Brónagh (10) dressed up as Coraline, Bláthnaid (9) as Cruella, Múireann (8) as the Joker, and Donnacha (6) as Beetle Juice. Raghnaid (11), also dressed up as Annabelle (missing from photo)

MEDAL: Melissa Hickey recently completed London marathon, in aid of IKA & Internationa kidney research, in memory of her Dad Sean Hickey, Inch, Kilmaley. The Hickey family is extremely grateful to all who supported their fundraising event, in Feb 2020, at Woodstock Hotel

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BABY BOO: James Joyce Murphy takes a well earned break during the Halloween trail through the Burren, which led a group along the cow paths on the mountain. The group also enjoyed wreath making from recycled materials, Báirín Breac tasting and ring searches, traditional Halloween games eg. three saucers and ghostly stories! The trail will take place again on Saturday, October 30.

Ennis Community College Live Virtual Open Night will be live on November the 4th at 6.45pm and Gaelcholáiste an Chláir live Virtual Open Night will be live at 8pm.

24 RECRUITMENT

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

St Flannan's past pupil elected treasurer of European personal injury lawyers group STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

T FLANNAN'S College Ennis past pupil Liam Moloney (pictured right) was recently elected as Treasurer of the Pan European Organisation of Personal Injury lawyers (PEOPIL) www.peopil.com at its Annual Conference in Malaga, Spain. PEOPIL is a not- for- profit organisation that has members in over 44 European Countries along with the USA, Canada, Panama, Mexico and South Africa. It has over 400 members and its primary aims include lobbying European Countries for fair compensation for accident and medical negligence victims and to

ensure access to justice. Liam will serve as Treasurer on the Executive Board for a 3-year term and his new role as Treasurer will also involve him working with his Board colleagues on PEOPIL’s marketing, membership recruitment, case referrals and international development strategies. Commenting on his appointment Liam Moloney said: “I am honoured to have been elected as Treasurer of PEOPIL. PEOPIL is a vibrant representative body for Claimant lawyers With many challenges in the area of tort reform, it is important that the rights of accident victims to recover fair and proper compensation is protected”. Liam represents people injured in accidents in Ireland and overseas. He has secured compensation for Irish tourists

injured in road, hotel, cruise ship and air2c plane accidents and is an expert on international travel law.

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THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

BUSINESS 25

Pillow Fluffer We’re looking for housekeepers to join our team.

You’ll know that to ﬂuff a pillow is all about a bit of elbow effort. You’ll know that it’s the little details in a room that guarantee a great night’s sleep. Little touches like the choice of two pillow types or the Baileys and poem at bedtime. Fabrics made by local craftspeople. Handpicked locally harvested seaweeds used in all our soaps. We hire the best, and train the best. That’s what makes the Armada the ultimate career move. Think you know a housekeeping trick we don’t?

F a big adventure by the sea Now recruiting 100 team members in over 30 roles Are you the best in hospitality, or would like to be? For more information visit jobsbythesea.com or email your CV to HR@armadahotel.com

26 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Armada Hotel to create 100 jobs

TOTAL of 100 new jobs are to be created by the Armada HoREVISED REVISED OPENING OPENING HOURS HOURS tel as part of a €3m Clare Clare County County Council, Council, Áras Áras Contae Contae an an Chláir, Chláir, New New Road, Road, Ennis, Ennis, Co. Co. Clare Clare isis open open to to the public redevelopment plan, from Monday to Monday Friday asto follows: the public from Friday as follows: writes Páraic McMahon. Service Public Counter By Appointment Posts are set to be filled by Service Public Counter By Appointment Opening Hours Opening Hours February when a €3m redevelopment plan at The Armada Hotel is Housing 9.00am to 1.00pm to 4.00pm Housing 9.00am to 1.00pm 1.00pm 1.00pm to 4.00pm completed. The announcement of Homeless By appointment Homeless Action Action Team Team By appointment only only 100 new jobs coincides with the Motor 9.00am to 1.00pm Motor Tax Tax Office Office 9.00am to 1.00pm launch of a recruitment drive titled ‘The Quest for Ireland’s Best,’ Planning 9.00am to 4.00pm Planning 9.00am to 4.00pm to attract talent from across the Local 9.00am to 4.00pm Local Enterprise Enterprise Office Office 9.00am to 4.00pm island to posts in more than 30 Environment 9.00am to 4.00pm Environment 9.00am to 4.00pm hospitality roles. Renovation plans at the four Roads 9.00am to 4.00pm Roads 9.00am to 4.00pm star hotel in Spanish Point were Cash 9.00am to 4.00pm Cash Office Office 9.00am to 4.00pm stalled last year due to the panCustomer 9.00am to 5.00pm Customer Services Services 9.00am to 5.00pm demic. Works include the delivery of a large extension housing Clare Clare County County Council Council Customer Customer Services Services may may be be contacted contacted on on (065) (065) 6821616 6821616 from from 9am to 5pm ‘Aileens’ - a brand new 90 seater Monday to Friday. 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. restaurant with its own 100% sustainable energy kitchen; a new ocean bar with an interactive UAIREANTA UAIREANTA LEASAITHE LEASAITHE OSCAILTE OSCAILTE cocktail space; a private dining Tá Comhairle Contae an Chláir, Áras Contae an Chláir, An Bóthar Nua, Inis, Contae an Chláir ar Tá Comhairle Contae an Chláir, Áras Contae an Chláir, An Bóthar Nua, Inis, Contae an area for parties of up to 12 guests; oscailt phobal ó phobal Luan goóhAoine i rith na n-uaireanta seo a leanas: Chláir don ar oscailt don Luan go hAoine i rith na n-uaireanta seo a leanas: and a dedicated space for wedSeirbhís Uaireanta Oscailte Gá le coinne Gá le coinne Seirbhís Uaireanta Oscailte ding arrivals with feature bar and Cuntair Phoiblí a dhéanamh Cuntair Phoiblí a dhéanamh panoramic views. The remainder Tithíocht 9.00am go1.00pm dtí 1.00pm 1.00pm 1.00pm go dtí 4.00pm of the renovation works will take Tithíocht 9.00am go dtí go dtí 4.00pm

place in January when the hotel is closed to guests. To facilitate its ‘Quest for Ireland’s Best’, the hotel has opened its own recruitment agency to fill the 100 vacancies within the next four months. The headquarters of the recruitment firm is a beach hut by the sea at Spanish Point. Hotel owner and managing director, John Burke outlined that they are keen to find the country’s best “for our next big adventure”. He explained, “We’re building a world-class extension to give our guests the most authentic experience of life by the coast. That’s what we have to offer as a career too: the chance to work in one of Ireland’s most innovative hotels, offering something few other establishments are facilitating, a healthier approach to working hours, pay and conditions that means our team and their families get to truly enjoy life by the sea”. Change within the hospitality industry is needed to attract and retain staff, Burke believed. He felt the onus was on hospitality

employers to rethink the workplace environments they create in order to make careers in the sector more appealing. He was hopeful the West Clare resort would “lead the way within the sector by ensuring The Armada is a great place to work, with conditions, pay and supports to match”. Efforts are ongoing to source accommodation for persons considering relocating to the county, the Spanish Point native revealed. “At The Armada we are constantly reviewing staff pay and conditions around everything from breaks and benefits to the comfort of the working environment and we’re currently looking at introducing premium rates for staff working past midnight. We’re also proud to run what we believe is the most active employee wellbeing and assistance programme existing in any Irish hotel." Anyone interested in finding out more about the jobs available should send their "By The Sea. C.V." to HR@ARMADAHOTEL. COM or visit www.armada.ie/ jobsbythesea

Foireann Foireann Gnímh Gnímh do do Dhaoine le coinne a dhéanamh Gá leGá coinne a dhéanamh gan Dídean Dhaoine gan Dídean Oifig Oifig Mótarchánach Mótarchánach

9.00am go1.00pm dtí 1.00pm 9.00am go dtí

Pleanáil Pleanáil

9.00am go4.00pm dtí 4.00pm 9.00am go dtí

Oifig Oifig Fiontair Fiontair Áitiúil Áitiúil

9.00am go4.00pm dtí 4.00pm 9.00am go dtí

Comhshaol Comhshaol

9.00am go4.00pm dtí 4.00pm 9.00am go dtí

Bóithre Bóithre

9.00am go4.00pm dtí 4.00pm 9.00am go dtí

Oifig Oifig an an Airgid Airgid

9.00am go4.00pm dtí 4.00pm 9.00am go dtí

Seirbhísí Seirbhísí Custaiméara Custaiméara

9.00am go5.00pm dtí 5.00pm 9.00am go dtí

IsIs féidir féidir teagmháil teagmháil aa dhéanamh dhéanamh le le Seirbhísí Seirbhísí Custaiméirí Custaiméirí Comhairle Comhairle Contae Contae an an Chláir Chláir ar ar (065) (065) 6821616, 6821616, Luan Luan go go hAoine hAoine óó 9am 9am go go dtí dtí 5pm. 5pm.

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Further Education and Training Ref. No. 010681 Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced Tutors to form a panel for Further Education and Training programmes in City of Limerick, Co. Clare and Co. Limerick. We have an immediate requirement for the following subject areas. • Retail Practice

• Art, Craft, Design

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• ESOL

• Culinary Operations

• Beauty Therapy

Online application form and further details are available on www.lcetb.ie Closing time and date for receipt of applications is 12 noon Tuesday 09th November, 2021. Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Canvassing will disqualify.

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CLARE ECHO HOME BUYER GUIDE 28

OCTOBER

2021

REMAIN PATIENT:

Advice for first-time buyers

STUART HOLLY

editor@clareecho.ie

HOSE who follow housing market trends are witnessing ‘for sale’ signs being replaced by ‘sale agreed’ signs at a rate not seen in years. In the current climate, the advise for home hunters from one of Clare’s most successful auctioneers is to remain patient. Auctioneer Cormac O’Sullivan (inset) admits that because housing demand is outstripping supply, more and more young couples setting out to find their first home are being left frustrated. “There are some couples we have been meeting with years who have unfortunately been outbid on various properties or circumstances may have changed ever so slightly for them during the purchasing process. We’re meeting couples where, they would have been expecting their first child

and we are still meeting them as they’re expecting their second child, so that will give you an idea as to how long some young firsttime buyers have been struggling out there. And the rents have gone up, they now have two kids as well that they need to allow for in their costings of purchasing, it’s proving very difficult for them." However the Ennis-based auctioneer says that if buyers remain patient, the correct property won’t pass them by. "Absolutely, now you have demand that’s well outstripping supply so you have people waiting on the wings for the property of their choice to come to the market and once it does, it gains immediate traction. For us as agents, it’s how we manage that in terms of transparency and fairness. We would always ensure that anyone bidding on a property would have approval in principal so that everybody bidding on the property knows it’s a very level playing field. "You try and keep everybody as calm as you can. At the end of the day this is supposed to be a very enjoyable experience,

it’s a life experience process. You should be getting the keys to your home very happy with the experience from the first time you looked to getting your keys. "Unfortunately that’s not the case at times and it is a very stressful process now and it’s very difficult to say to people ‘just go and purchase a property’ because you can’t purchase something unless it’s suitable to your needs. Something will always come along if people are patient. It might take longer than expected, it might take four or five months, but it’s about keeping in touch with the agent, the agent keeping in touch with you and hopefully the right house will come along." Mr O’Sullivan also gave a word of warning for those who are waiting in anticipation of a property bubble

burst. "If you take the last property bubble, or most property bubbles, it’s where you have a far more significant supply than demand is meeting. You have people who own multiple units, you have properties out there people have purchased and are sitting on and speculating. That’s not what we’re experiencing right now. "There is an absolute shortage, the bubble hasn’t even started to inflate. There is no supply there. It’s all about affordability and that’s where the market is at. Nobody is going into a property today where they’re purchasing 110pc of its value. “People are far more level headed, they’re being advised more cautiously… so everyone is taking a very cautious approach, which is part of the problem we have because if you don’t have risk takers in the market it’s very difficult to get things motoring."

Clare's 17.5 per cent price climb: expect upward trend to continue by STUART HOLLY THE cost of buying a home in Clare has risen by almost 20 per cent since this time last year, which is the biggest increase throughout Munster. The latest daft.ie report has revealed that County Clare has seen the second largest increase nationwide in house prices, rising by 17.5 per cent. The average price of houses in Clare now sits at €219,189, which follows the national trend of the largest increases being found in rural regions. The largest increase was seen in Mayo (21.7 per cent). Nationally, a three bedroom semi-detached house now has an average asking price of €153,000, which represents a 23.1 per cent increase on similar properties in Q3 of 2020. Clare house prices are up across the board, with a one bedroom apartment now drawing an average asking price of €83,000, a rise of nine per cent since this time last year. A two bedroom terraced house averages €105,000 (up 17.9 per cent), four bedroom bungalow owners are asking €289,000 (up 20.4 per cent) and a ﬁve bedroom detached house now has an average asking

year; a drop of 78 per cent on this time last year. Notably, housing supply was down by 31 per cent in Munster on September 1, a drop of 1,800 listings from the same date last year.

price of €295,000 (up 10.2 per cent). Clare’s rate of inﬂation is even higher than Dublin. A ﬁve bedroom detached house in Dublin 2 now averages an asking price of €971,000, an increase of 20.4 per cent on this time last year. There were just eight transactions involving newly built homes in Clare over the last

RISING PRICES: NO END IN SIGHT Cormac O’Sullivan of DNG O’Sullvian Hurley in Ennis says that supply shortages have created the price surge adding that “unfortunately it’s a trend that’s going to continue because new homes are not being built”. O’Sullivan believes the problem will exist for the next three to ﬁve years at least, citing a hesitancy among banks to ﬁnance developments as well as problematic planning processes which exist in our country. "The biggest obstacle we have right now is the planning process, the services to be able to take further capacity. Any planning application that goes into An Bord Pleanala will come back with a planning permission that does not work and will not be built, making our problem even bigger." RELOCATERS Another factor driving prices in Clare by 17.5% in the last year is a surge in people looking for a lifestyle change, relocating from

cities to a coastal location. “Where we’re seeing a huge increase in demand is from people relocating to County Clare or returning to County Clare. Coastal property has seen signiﬁcant increases from Kilbaha right up as far as Ballyvaughan, you’ve seen an enormous increase in house values there in the last 18 months so that has probably accounted for a good chunk of the increase, along with our capital town increases in Ennis. "It’s a lifestyle choice. We’re seeing a lot of the purchases in Lahinch coming from more heavily populated urban areas such as Galway, Dublin, Limerick, Cork; they’re seeking a complete change in how they dictate their personal lives, particularly with remote working and the accessibility our coast is blessed to have in terms of motorway infrastructure and transport links, that’s really adding to the appeal of County Clare." O’Sullivan adds that there’s been a knockon affect which has also seen steady price increases in satellite towns such as Tulla, Crusheen and Newmarket-on-Fergus. "You’re probably likely to see those house prices continue to increase because of the cost of build. It’s a vicious circle in one sense."

CLARE ECHO HOME BUYER GUIDE 28

OCTOBER

2021

What to expect from your solicitor when buying your home - Cashin Clancy

UYING your home is probably the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime, and it can be a stressful but also a very exciting experience. At Cashin Clancy Solicitors we have been helping people buy property for over thirty years and whether you are a firsttime buyer, owner occupier, investor or re-mortgaging, we will guide you, step by step, through the process. Here is an outline of the legal steps in your purchase: Once you have ‘sale agreed’ on the property selected, you pay a booking deposit to the Auctioneer, who will then exchange the buyer’s and seller’s, and their solicitors details, and confirming the purchase price agreed and booking deposit paid.

 Your Solicitor must give you an estimate of the legal fees and government charges (including V.A.T., stamp duty and land registry fees) that you will have to pay.  Your Solicitor will examine the contracts, title and planning documentation and make any legal enquires required.  If you are getting a mortgage, your Solicitor will review and explain the mortgage documentation, have you sign the necessary documents and agree with the bank to send them all the title documents when the transaction has completed.  On signing contracts, you pay a deposit of 10% of the purchase price. Once the seller has also signed the contracts, you then have a legally binding agreement in place.

 A ‘closing date’ is agreed, and you then arrange to let your Solicitor have the balance funds required to complete the purchase. If you are getting a mortgage, your Solicitor will liaise with you and your bank to ensure your mortgage funds arrive in time for the closing date. You will need your property insurance and life assurance in place at this time.  Once the purchase is completed, you can collect the property keys from the Auctioneer. You must then sign the Deed transferring the property to you, which your Solicitor will have stamped with Revenue, and will register your ownership in the Land Registry (Property Registration Authority). Your Solicitor should answer any questions you have, when guiding

you through the process, and for further information, see our Guide for Buying Property on our website www.cashinclancy.ie/property or talk to us on 065 6840060 and we will be happy to help you.

EXPERTS: Sheila, Angela and Pamela are here to help

HOME BUYER GUIDE 29

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

74 O'Connell Street, Ennis, Co. Clare Phone: (065) 684 0200

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

Thinking of Selling? Meet the award winning team at DNG O Sullivan Hurley Selling more homes than any other agent

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CLARE ECHO HOME BUYER GUIDE 28

OCTOBER

2021

What to prioritise when buying your home

HETHER you’re a first time buyer or you’re looking to downsize after your brood has flown the nest, it’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of purchasing a new home. There are a few things to consider, however, before you go rushing into signing on the dotted line. In this case, it’s definitely better to lead with your head than your heart.

BUDGET

It sounds obvious, but it’s so important to have a good look at your budget before setting out to buy a new home. Sit down and work out how much money you have available to you between savings, mortgage approval ﬁgure, any other assets you can take into account, as well as gifts from parents or grandparents. Then you need to ﬁgure out the maximum you can bid on a house. Find out how much above asking price houses are selling for in the area you are looking to buy. If your budget is €300,000 and houses are starting at €295,000 but end up closing higher, then you need to go back to the drawing board.

WISH LIST

At this stage in the process, anything goes. Always wanted a library in your home? Write it down. Room for a pony? It goes on the list. Write everything down from a back garden to a walk-in wardrobe. Then go through it with a ﬁne tooth comb and ﬁgure out what you actually need and what would be nice to have. Getting everything down on paper is a great way to go into the house hunt with a clear list of priorities.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

A good rule of thumb when searching for a new home is to choose the right area rather than the right home. You might ﬁnd your dream home at the ideal price three hours drive from where you work, but what’s the point in that? You are better off to ﬁnd the ‘worst’ home in the ideal location and take your time turning it into the perfect casa. You are most likely going to live there for years to come anyway, so there’s no rush.

UP TO

HETHER you’re a first time buyer or you’re looking to downsize after your brood has flown the nest, it’s easy to get carried away in the excitement of STARThowever, HERE bepurchasing a new home. There are a few things to consider, fore you go rushing into signing on the dotted line. In this case, it’s definitely better to lead with your head than your heart.

BUDGET

BACK IN CASH

ON YOUR NEW MORTGAGE If you’re looking to buy a new home EBS Ennis are ready to help Drop in, call us on 065 - 6899600 or email ennis@mail.ebs.ie EBS MORTGAGE MASTERS

DO YOUR RESEARCH

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Warning: If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating, which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Warning: If you do not keep up your repayments you may lose your home. Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. For eligible customers, 2% will be paid back into your account. Additional 1% paid on the 5th anniversary of the EBS mortgage. EBS d.a.c is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Offer valid until 31st December 2022. LM016 Ext Press 09.21

If you view too many properties without taking the time to really look at whether or not they could work for you, it’s going to be very difficult to see the wood for the trees. It’s easy to throw your hat in the ring for every property on the market, but you will most likely get burned out very quickly. Buying a home can be a long haul, so while you need to get in there quickly if you find a home you like, first you need to make sure that you actually like it. Before you go to see it, find out if the property meets your needs.

PERFECT ENOUGH

While it’s a good idea to make a wish list, it’s also important not to get too hung up on ticking off every box on said list. The likelihood is it will never fully meet your expectations and you will waste time trying to ﬁnd the perfect home while prices are going up.

HOME BUYER GUIDE 31

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

CLARE ECHO HOME BUYER GUIDE 28

OCTOBER

2021

ABBEY VIEW, CLON ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE AMV €154,950

CAHERINA COTTAGE, BAREFIELD, CO. CLARE

SUPERB LOCATION / UNLIMITED POTENTIAL TO EXTEND OR RENOVATE / C.1 Acre Plot Fantastic Value / 4 Bed 2 bath semi-detached property with private garden to rear (not overlooked) , a stroll to Ennis Town Centre. • Extensive Site Extending to Approx 0.1 Acres • Town Centre Location, Excellent Potential to Renovate or Extend • Private Rear Garden Not Overlooked • Solid Fuel Stove / Block Built Garage / Secure side Access to Rear

COTTAGE FOR SALE WITH OUT-BUILDINGS / APPROX 0.53 ACRE PLOT / UNLIMITED POTENTIAL AN IDEAL opportunity to extend or renovate, whilst the outbuildings are suitable for a myriad of uses, workshop, stables etc. This Cottage is approached by a private tree lined avenue with a drystone wall, whilst positioned on a stunning south facing site approx 0.53 acre with mature trees. Services: Water is roadside (Mains) Electricity

Contact: LOCATION LOCATION Tel: (065 672 9999) PSL 003928

DOUGH, KILKEE, CO. CLARE

• • •

AMV €150,000

Unlimited Potential to Extend/Renovate Panoramic countryside views Stone Built Cottage

Contact: LOCATION LOCATION Tel: (065 672 9999) PSL 003928

€279,950

BALLYCOTTON, LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE

91 ABBEY COURT, CLARE ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

AMV €259,000

RENOVATED /SUPERB LOCATION / QUIET CUL-DE-SAC / CORNER SITE LOCATION LOCATION are delighted to present this contemporary property to the market renovated & extending to 123.22 sqm (1326 sq ft) this home, which was built in 1998 is a four bedroom linked family home that is presented for sale in impeccable condition. Recent renovations include a new kitchen with granite worktops, new flooring, light fittings, bathrooms, wardrobes, clever storage, composite front door and so much more. Comprising of an entrance hall, livingroom with stove which is open plan to the kitchen-dining with new sliding double glazed doors to a private landscaped patio & garden. Contact: LOCATION LOCATION Tel: (065 672 9999) PSL 003928

€289,000

1 THE CLOSE, CAPPAHARD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€195,000

THIS is a wonderful opportunity to purchase a bright, spacious, well proportioned living accommodation, all finished to an exceptional standard. The property boasts 4 large bedrooms, one currently set up as an office and a fabulous recently modernized kitchen. The property is set on a mature south facing site with gravelled back yard area and large lawned area. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

BEAUTIFULLY restored, extended and modernized detached stone built cottage on a elevated and tranquil site overlooking Liscannor Bay and Lahinch. The property is less than 10 minutes drive to the Prom in Lahinch and Liscannor village with fantastic views over the Atlantic Ocean. Features like natural stone walls, natural flagstone flooring internally, large front garden giving fantastic Liscannor Bay views, ample workshop/outside storage space giving potential for additional uses, makes this property a must see. Viewing is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents

POSITIONED on a corner site, No. 1 is a bright and spacious 4 bedroom semi detached home presented for sale in excellent condition throughout. The spacious entrance hallway with the ceramic tiled flooring leads to an equally spacious main reception and open plan kitchen/dining. The main reception has the solid wood surround feature fireplace with solid fuel stove, oak style timber flooring, bay window feature and leads into the open plan kitchen/dining which boasts the ceramic tiled flooring, quality fitted kitchen, integrated appliances, open plan to dining area with sliding patio door to rear patio and from the kitchen is the fully equipped utility.

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

32 HOME BUYER GUIDE

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

HOME BUYER GUIDE 33

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

Sale Agreed in 10 Days

16 Phoenix Court, Kilrush Rd €29k above asking price

Sale Agreed in 2 weeks

44 Bishops Court, Ennis €38k above asking

Sale Agreed in 2 weeks

32 tsean dun, Tulla Road €38k above asking

Sale Agreed in 2 weeks

7 Considine Road, Ennis €29k above asking price

Sale Agreed in 2 weeks

66 Dromard, Lahinch Rd €48k above asking

Sale Agreed 3 weeks

19 Inchicronin, Crusheen €45k above asking

Sale Agreed in 2 weeks

20 Tobarkeel, Gort Rd €52k above asking price

Sale Agreed in 11 days

2 Lenabeg, Claureen €35k above asking

Sale Agreed 2 weeks

12 St. Joseph’s Terrace,Clarecastle €35k above asking

Sale Agreed in 2 weeks

18 Garville Court, Shanaway Rd €20k above the asking

Sale Agreed in 2 weeks

12 Clonlea, Shanballa €41k above asking

Sale Agreed 3 weeks

Bealcragga, Connolly €16k above asking

WE LET THE NUMBERS DO THE TALKING CONTACT Mairèad or Tom at LOCATION LOCATION 0656729999 065 672 9999 Unit 2 Summerhill, Market Place, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 WD2H

info@locationlocation.ie locationlocation.ie psl no 003928

28-10-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 34

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CLARE SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS

Better team won ‘by a country mile’ KILMURRY IBRICKANE 0-17 LISSEYCASEY 0-08 Venue: Cusack Park

AIDEN MOLONEY, KILMURRY IBRICKANE MANAGER: “Over the hour we deserved our win, we were sharper and had a very good attitude coming into the game”. “From the off we went up four points, our boys had a good workrate today, they worked hard right through to the final whistle, if you win you win but if you lose you still need to be happy with the workrate but there’s no doubt we showed a bit of quality today”. “Lissycasey will be a bit disappointed with their performance and I think that has a lot to do with it. We have been struggling with the scoreboard for most of the year to be honest, we were looking for more people to step up, we got a few extra today but there was a few positives today with the likes of Mark McCarthy coming on, Eamon Bracken played well, they were bonuses for us today”. “Our attitude was spot on today, the lads knew they’d be up against it today, the dog on the street thought Lissycasey were going to turn us over but fair play to our lads, they came and were ready for the battle, that was the big turning point for us today. We were up for it and I didn’t think Lissycasey were going to beat us”. “Even when you get to the last four it is always an achievement for any club, you always want to get into the top four and when you get there you want to get into a final, we’re delighted to be there, I won’t say we’re used to being there but it is a great achievement to get to the final. It is still another stepping stone, we have a huge task in the final and there will need to be another big improvement to beat Éire Óg who have been very impressive. There’s no doubt there won’t be much in it. I think the two best teams are in the final”. “Éire Óg they have the panel that the rest of us don’t have, it was only a matter of time before Éire Óg got to this point and hopefully they will have to wait another year. I was impressed with Éire Óg you would have to be impressed with them, they don’t seem to have any weaknesses in their team and they have a strong bench. Our lads have been there and hopefully that will stand to us”. JOHN RYAN, LISSYCASEY MANAGER: “It’s very hard to put into words, I feel so sorry for the players and the management, there’s been a massive

KILMURRY IBRICKANE: Frees for: 16 (10/6) Wides: 5 (1/4) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 0-8 Top scorer: Keelan Sexton (0-06 3f 1’45) Bookings: Keelan Sexton (15), Ciaran Morrissey (30). Own kickouts won: 10 from 14 (71%)

Enda Coughlan is fouled by Cian Meaney Photo by Gerard O’Neill

LISSYCASEY: Frees for: 18 (11/7) Wides: 6 (3/3) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 0-2 Top scorer: Killian Normoyle (0-03 3f) Bookings: Niall Kelly (18). Own kickouts won: 12 from 22 (55%) SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

amount of work put in but sport is sport and you always get out what you put into it. We were in the huddle afterwards and you could tell everyone is gutted, there’s nothing to say only console them. Hopefully they will regroup again, it is a young side, there’s a lot of good players coming through, today they didn’t do themselves justice”. “We definitely didn’t do ourselves justice on the scoreboard, we played against the wind in the first half, was

that a wise decision, I don’t know but everything is great in hindsight. There’s nothing we can do now only wish Kilmurry Ibrickane the best of luck”. “We thought we had prepared very well and had done everything right coming into it, we were going well in training. We’re very disappointed but the better team won by a country mile”. REFEREE: Jim Hickey (Cratloe)

Compiled by Páraic McMahon

‘Very professional’ win for Éire Óg ÉIRE ÓG 0-11 ST BRECKANS 0-05 Venue: Cusack Park

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

ÉIRE ÓG Frees For: 17 (6/11) Wides: 4 (2/2) Scores from Play: 0-8 Spread of Scorers: 4 Top Scorer: Gavin Cooney (0-5 3f) Own Kick-Outs won: 7 from 10 (70%) ST BRECKANS Frees For: 12 (6/6) Wides: 5 (4/1) Scores from Play: 0-4 Spread of Scorers: 4 Top Scorer: Padraig Kelly (0-2 1f) Own Kick-Outs won: 11 from 15 SCAN HERE FOR (73%) MATCH REPORT

Manus Doherty emerges from the tackles of Joe McGann and Aiden Davidson Photos by Gerard O’Neill

PAUL MADDEN, ÉIRE ÓG MANAGER: “If you told me at the start of the year that we’d be in a football final, I’d take it. As I said to the lads ‘it was a very professional performance today’ but we’re still just on the train line and now are heading towards the county final which is where we want to be. “Workrate is going to trump most things so that was the big thing today. “Discipline was the one thing we emphasised beforehand. They’re [St Breckan’s] are a fine football team, they’re young and are definitely a coming team and are well organised so we needed to have discipline and I think we had that for the most part. We probably did concede a couple of silly turnovers that led to scores but if you told me that we’d keep them to five points, I’d have been hap-

py with that beforehand. “We were probably written off to a degree in some quarters but at the end of the day there’s a good group of lads there and they have great ambitions so today was just another step in that ladder.” DONIE GARRIHY, ST BRECKANS MANAGER: “Not performing is very disappointing. We didn’t perform and I have to ask myself questions. I won’t be asking the players questions, I’ll be asking myself first and talk to the management team as to why we didn’t perform as maybe it’s not about the players. “I mean, we’re not like this, we’re way better than this. Am I going to blame anyone now? Not until we find out what happened here. “With four minutes of additional time left, I still believed that we could win. It’s

just a momentum shift. If you keep chipping away and get a goal, all of sudden you’ve everything to play for. It was never gone today until the final whistle but we’ve just got to pick up the pieces and go again. We’ve an O’Gorman Cup Semi-Final coming up so at least the year doesn’t finish like this. “We believed that we had a lot of homework done on them but we just didn’t perform. We didn’t run at them and maybe we made it a big easy for Éire Óg today. But fair play to Éire Óg, they’re well able to win and I would like to think that Éire Óg respect us for being good losers. I hope they don’t let us down in the final and that they perform to their best in the final and that it’s a great final”. REFEREE: Niall Quinn (St Josephs Miltown)

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CLARE INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI FINALS

‘Scoreboard doesn’t lie’ as Kildysart win

Kilfenora’s Gearoid Howley is tackled by Kildysart’s Stephen Sheehan and Ian Flanagan Photo by Natasha Barton

KILDYSART 0-14 KILFENORA 0-04 Venue: Miltown Malbay NOEL O’GRADY, KILDYSART MANAGER: “We got off to a good start and that was key. The scoreboard doesn’t lie, we were the better team on the day. Conditions were difficult, you will always gets wind up here. The boys controlled the ball well and you have to do that in those conditions. We have three lads injured today

and that’s a huge worry for us. I just heard Corofin won, on paper we were singled out at the start of the year as the two best teams. We are there now. They have a chance and we have and we will go at it and see what happens”. PAUL CARKILL, KILFENORA CHAIRMAN: “It was very disappointing on the day. We

put in a huge amount of effort. There is huge credit due to Aidan O’Keeffe who put in a huge effort both on and off the field, with everything he has given us. There were a lot of things we couldn’t control on the pitch. A few things let us down on the day, it wasn’t because of a lack of work. Things just didn’t go our way on the day”.

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Compiled by Seamus Hayes KILDYSART: Frees For: 22(13/9) Wides: 3 (1/2) Spread of scorers; 5 Scores from play: 0-7 Top scorer: Emmet McMahon (0-7 4f) Bookings: Brian Eyres, Kieran Leahy, Fergal Guinnane, Mikey Donnellan, Michael Eustace; Black Card: Ryan Casey (33) Own kickouts won: 4 from 7 (57%)

CLARE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

KILFENORA; Frees For: 27 (11/16) Wides: 7 (3/4) Spread of scorers: 3 Scores from play: 0-3 Top scorer: Micheál Duffy (0-2 1f). Bookings; Paul Carkill, Daniel Egan, Cian O’Dea, Jack O’Dea, Paudie Ireland, Pat Connole. Own kickouts won: 8 from 17 (47%)

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COROFIN 3-13 O’CURRY’S 1-06 Venue: Cusack Park Gearoid Cahill celebrates his goal for Corofin in their win over O’Curry’s Burren Eye Photography

Tough day for Ballyvaughan ENNISTYMON 0-10 BALLYVAUGHAN 0-07 Venue: Miltown Malbay

O'CONNELL STREET, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Cahill on song for Corofin

ENNISTYMON; Frees for: 20 (10/10) Wides: 7 (2/5) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 0-4 Top scorer: Niall Canavan (0-4 3f) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 9 out of 13 BALLYVAUGHAN Frees for: 20 (13/7) Wides: 6 (2/4) Own kickouts: 9 out of 11 Spread of scorers: 2 Scores from play 0-2 Top scorer: Jonah Culligan (0-6 4f) Bookings; Lorcan Mahon (43)

BRENDAN ROUINE, ENNISTYMON MANAGER: “We are delighted with the fact that we will have teams at senior and intermediate. We have seen Kilmurry Ibrickane and Éire Óg do that. All the top clubs are doing that. It’s a great level to be playing at behind your first team. It’s all about developing players and getting more games and that’s what we want in Clare. I am thrilled for the lads but I am very disappointed for Ballyvaughan. They are such a great bunch of lads, a great club up the road from us. I am sorry for Pat Costello and

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

the lads. I am disappointed we had to beat them today but they are a great club and they will be back again”. PAT COSTELLO, BALLYVAUGHAN MANAGER: “It’s very disappointing. We should have done more in the first half. We felt we could do more in the second half but we didn’t, we tried very hard. We needed to get a bit of momentum going. We needed to get a couple of scores in a row. When they hold the ball you have attack them and then you have to watch that they don’t break at

the same time. It’s very disappointing to lose two finals in the one year. Hopefully we will be back. They are a tough bunch of lads, very resilient but it’s tough today”. REFEREE: Barry Keating

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CLARE SNR HURLING RELAGATION PLAYOFF CLOONEY-QUIN 2-17 Compiled by Eoin Brennan CRUSHEEN 1-12 Venue: Shannon CLOONEY-QUIN Frees For: 18 (10/8) Wides: 7 (6/1) Scores from Play: 2-8 Spread of Scorers: 6 Top Scorer: Peter Duggan (1-9 9f) Own Puck-Outs won: 16 from 23 (70%)

CRUSHEEN Frees For: 16 (7/9) Wides: 10 (4/6) Scores from Play: 1-4 Spread of Scorers: 4 Top Scorer: Conor O’Donnell (0-6 5f) Own Puck-Outs won: 18 from 26 (69%)

NOEL HARRISON, CLOONEY/QUIN JOINT MANAGER: “Games between Clooney-Quin and Crusheen take on a life of their own. Being near-neighbours, it was a pure dour battle as neither side wanted to give an inch so in those circumstances, we’re absolutely delighted to have come out on top. Even if we had only won by a point, we would have been equally as happy so overall, we have asked for any better. “The goals probably gave us the platform to put clear daylight between the sides and to hold a ten point lead by the break gave our lads huge confidence to be able to drive it on until the end as we knew that Crusheen would come back at us. “You just can’t beat winning and especially in this scenario, momentum is huge so after a huge battle against Clarecastle, w e carried that into today’s match. Now Crusheen had won their previous game as well but we set out our stall that it’s only one game at a time so after overcoming Clarecastle, we’ve now also beaten Crusheen so it’s onwards and upwards hopefully against the Mills. KEVIN SHEEHAN, CRUSHEEN MANAGER: “We never got out of the blocks in that first half and the two goals just buried us really and gave us a real mountain to climb. We’re quite disappointed in how flat we were but we know where we are now, we’ve got to park it pretty quickly and try and circle the wagons again because we can’t afford to dwell on that performance. “The first goal was difficult to stomach but the second goal just before half-time put plenty of daylight between the teams and meant that it was difficult to try and claw that lead back in the second half. “If we ever needed a bit of luck, Conor O’Donnell’s shot that seemed destined for the top corner needed to go in. But it was well saved SCAN HERE FOR and then we missed frees after that so MATCH REPORT especially at this time of year, you definitely can’t be missing frees. It’s win or bust now definitely as you have to get four points on the board at least to have any chance of staying up”. REFEREE: Rory McGann (Newmarket-on-Fergus) Fergal Lynch Photo by Gerard O’Neill

CLARE SNR FOOTBALL RELAGATION PLAYOFF CLONDEGAD 2-11 Compiled by Derek Dormer KILRUSH SHAMROCKS 0-07 Venue: Cooraclare Gary Brennan

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

CLONDEGAD: Frees: 28 (13/15) Wides: 7 (5/2) Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 2-6 Top scorer: Barry Toner 1-2 Bookings: Sean O’Leary (42), Cillian Brennan (44). Own kickouts won: 12 from 18 (66%)

KILRUSH SHAMROCKS: Frees: 29 (16/13) Wides: 7 (1/6) Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 0-5 Top scorer: Liam Madigan (0-3 2f) Bookings: Jim Young (28), Stephen Ryan (30), Ross Phelan (40) Own kickouts won: 17 from 21 (84%) FLAN ENRIGHT, CLONDEGAD MANAGER: “I’m delighted for the lads, it’s a tough place to be in especially two games getting over Cooraclare and then having to get up for Kilrush. They threw everything at us in the first half and it was about us being patient. The lads dug in and we survived. We have regrets, we beat Éire Óg but we have to be consistent. The last two days we got consistency and it’s up to the lads to build again. The panel is there we have great leaders like Gary Brennan. Look I’m just delighted to survive, it’s tough on Cooraclare and Kilrush two proud clubs, we were intermediate for a long time and struggled to get out of it so relief is the word today and pride”. KEVIN SHALLOO, KILRUSH SHAMROCKS TRAINER: “It’s the place where nobody wants to be. We prepared as best we could we are just a little bit short. It was a difficult year but we battled, we battled today but Clondegad are just that bit better, they could as SCAN HERE FOR easily be in a county semi final rather MATCH REPORT than a relegation final. They survived, we didn’t and I wish them luck. We’ll have a few pints tonight, we didn’t train any less than anyone else we had great commitment, we are just not there yet. If we had survived today we would probably be fighting fires again next year. We will regroup try win some games and have a crack at the intermediate championship”.

Inagh-Kilnamona and Clooney-Quin reach Minor A Final INAGH-KILNAMONA and Clooney-Quin will contest this year’s Under 17A Hurling Championship Final, writes Eoin Brennan. Thesemi-final ties on Saturday went along expected lines as first an early brace of goals through Fionnan O’Sullivan and David Considine propelled Clooney-Quin into the ascendancy against St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield, with Callum Hassett subsequently holding off the Parish revival led by U15 duo Eoin Ogie Fanning and Padraic O’Donovan to eventually win by 2-12 to 2-07 in Clarecastle. Inagh-Kilnamona meanwhile had a more straight-forward passage in Kilmaley as an early Sean Rynne goal set the tone for a dominant display against Clarecastle that eventually saw the full-forward finish with a tally of 1-11 as the favourites ran out 1-21 to 0-08 victors. The first minor hurling silverware of the season was handed out on Sunday when the Academy A and B finals took place in Ennis and Kilkishen. Ballyea edged a nine goal thriller with Inagh-Kilnamona to secure the U17 Academy A honours by 5-16 to 4-14 in Éire Óg. It was a compelling tie, with Fiachra Kirby (3-3) firing a hat-trick for Ballyea alongside 1-7 for Eoin Kennedy who 24 hours earlier had led the Ballyea U15s out on Croke Park for the Féile 50th anniversary celebrations. Equally, there was an U15 flavour to Inagh-Kilnamona’s chief marksmen as Gearoid Barry (2-6) and Jack Mescall (2-3) provided the bulk of the scores as they actually held a 3-8 to 2-5 cushion by half-time. In contrast, Scariff-Ogonnelloe led from start to finish against Kilmaley to secure the Under 17 Academy B title by 1-13 to 0-08 in Hamilton Park, Kilkishen. A 1-6 unanswered opening quarter including 1-2 from John Walsh provided the platform for Scariff-Ogonnelloe to take a 1-10 to 0-02 advantage into the break. Midfielder Thomas McGuire and Joe Casey led the second half revival and between them accounted for Kilmaley’s entire tally. However, eight points would be as close as Kilmaley would get. Kilmaley had more luck in the U13A Hurling Shield Final the previous afternoon when Andy Clancy’s injury-time goal snatched back the crown from a crestfallen Éire Óg by 1-14 to 1-11 in Ennis. Kilmaley, led by Jason Keane Hayes, Odhran Murphy and Clancy had previously held the whip hand for the majority, only to be reeled in by their hosts. Through the inspirational Luke Vaughan who grabbed all but a solitary point of their total, the Townies hit the front at the perfect time with a goal in the 50th minute at 1-11 to 0-11. Kilmaley refused to yield however and following Clancy’s late strike, Seanie Connellan added a brace of insurance points to ensure that both their first and second teams ended the Under 13 campaign with silverware.

League Cup titles for Connolly, Newmarket & Bunratty/Cratloe NEWMARKET Celtic completed a club double while Connolly Celtic and Bunratty/Cratloe also collected League Cup honours over the weekend. CELTIC SECURE IMPORTANT WIN Newmarket Celtic A 2 Avenue Utd A 0 Venue: Frank Healy Park, Doora

Newmarket Celtic A added to their list of titles with the premier league cup after victory over a fancied Avenue United on Friday night. With two wins over Celtic earlier this season in the league cup and the league, Avenue followers went to Friday’s game with high hopes. Played before a big attendance, the winners took con-

trol in the opening half with two goals from Kevin Hartnett and MOTM Aaron Rudd. From here on Avenue were chasing the game. Newmarket Celtic held the upperhand from here on despite losing their central defender and captain Paddy Purcell to injury. The sides will renew rivalry on this Sunday when they meet in the Munster Junior cup at Roslevan MCCOY GOAL PROVES DECISIVE Newmarket Celtic B 1 Shannon Town B 0 Venue: Frank Healy Park, Doora

Ciaran McCoy scored the only goal to give Newmarket Celtic B victory over Shannon Town B in the first divi-

sion league cup final at the county grounds on Saturday. The win completed a great double for Newmarket who had won the premier title on the previous evening. McCoy who earned the man of the match award, scored after just seven minutes and this proved to be the only score. SILVERWARE FOR CONNOLLY

Connolly Celtic 2 Rhine Rovers 1 Venue: Frank Healy Park, Doora

After a scoreless first half in this second division final played under lights on Saturday, Connolly Celtic took control of the game with goals from Kevin Tubridy and MOTM Aidan Kennedy.

Rhine Rovers replied with a goal from Cathal Nolan late in the game but they were unable to get back on terms. BUNRATTY/CRATLOE BRIDGE 12 YEAR GAP Bunratty/Cratloe 3 Ennis Dons 0 Venue: Frank Healy Park, Doora

Bunratty/Cratloe justified favouritism when accounting for Ennis Dons in the third division league cup final. The winners were 1-0 in front at the interval thanks to a goal from Adam Harrington. Darren Lindsay doubled their lead in the second half and they sealed victory when Jimmy Houlihan came off the bench and scored less than a

minute after his introduction. The victory marked the club’s first trophy win in twelve years. Back then Stephen Russell and Donal Magee were in charge and on Sunday Stephen’s son Dean was the joint manager with Pat Twomey. Paudie Fitzgerald was named as the man of the match in Sunday’s final and he was presented with his trophy by CDSL Chairman Jason Ryan who also made the presentation to the winning captain, Derek Maxwell. Connolly Celtic due Ray Maher and Jason Devitt celebrate

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CLARE INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SMITH O’BRIENS VS ST JOSEPH’S DOORA-BAREFIELD

Doora/Barefield's twin threat - the Hannan brothers EOIN BRENNAN

Nolan leading the lines... Cian Nolan holds off Blaine Earley as he wins the race for possession Photo by Ruth Griffin TRUE leadership becomes apparent when the need is greatest and in the case of Smith O’Briens’ hurlers, it has been typified by joint captain Cian Nolan, writes Páraic McMahon. Now 10 years on the panel, the fullback is one of a handful of survivors from the Killaloe side that last played senior championship. They dropped from the top tier in 2013 and have been edging closer to a return with each passing year. His dedication to the cause is hard to fault but it is the actions of the 27year old on the field that earns him deserved plaudits - such as his commanding finish to their quarter-final win over Tubber and how he has consistently quietened the most difficult forward on the opposing team. Recognition in the form of a call-up to Brian Lohan’s Clare panel followed on the back of his displays last year. “I wasn’t really expecting the call up to be honest,” the civil engineer with Limerick-based Punch Consultants Engineers admitted. An ever-present attendee at club training, his county commitments posed the unusual scenario of club training happening without Nolan’s involvement but it was something he managed to navigate. “It was a bit strange to be missing the first few club trainings but we worked around it and trained on days when I was able to make training so at least I could get up to the field and support the lads which was frustrating in itself but it was better than missing training altogether.” That Lohan’s management team appreciates the standard on offer in the intermediate championship brings an added incentive. “It is good that they are looking at intermediate teams because there’s good quality hurlers there along the top teams and even some of the mid-level teams,” Cian surmised. Maturity is flagged by the All-Ireland U21 winner as a reason why the Killaloe side have advanced to the county final, eight years on from being relegated. “The age profile was very young for a good while, in the last year or two lads matured a good bit,

the age profile is around 25-28 on average. Lads have matured. “The oldest on the team for years would have only been two or three years older than me, at one stage the oldest on the team was 25 or 26... we were hit hard by emigration and a lot of lads packed their bags, this year the experience is coming to fruition.” Another help has been the camaraderie amongst the panel, “It’s always been tight-knit since I’ve been on the panel, everyone seems to be good friends, that is helping us a bit more this year.” Speaking to The Clare Echo, Nolan noted that players are enjoying the build-up but are “trying not to get too carried away with it”. “It’s nice to see the houses decorated around the town and people are making an effort to support us.” He is one of the long-standing members of the panel but Cian has to go back to his U14 days to recall his last occasion representing Smith O’Briens in a county final. On Sunday, he is joint captain of the side alongside Paddy Gough, in the role he’s quite satisfied to let his hurling do the talking. “I told him he can take the coin toss and I’ll step aside. There could be 10 captains on the team, there isn’t any real captain’s role as such, there are so many lads who have stepped up to the plate this year that there hasn’t been any need for a captain to step in at any time so there’s no real pressure.” Returning to the county final is a plus that is made all the sweeter by the fact it is to be played in Cusack Park, the Killaloe man stated. “It’s brilliant, the last time we were there was six years ago, it is a great day out playing in Cusack Park no matter what stage of the competition it is, it will be enjoyable especially on a county final day. With an open field we might actually be able to play hurling if the weather permits instead of getting caught in a slugfest, hopefully it will be a good game with an open field to suit both teams”. Slugfest or not, if matters swing the way of Smith O’Briens expect Nolan to be one of the driving forces proudly wearing the number three jersey.

Having already won intermediate hurling and football titles, twins Jack and Tom Hannan lead St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield’s bid to become an established dual senior club once more, a three year quest that requires one major push on Sunday in the Intermediate Final against Smith O’Brien’s in Cusack Park (2.45pm).

vious finals will be a small bit more easier on the nerves I suppose but they’ll still be there,” admits Jack. “The way I look at it is that the majority of players on the panel now were either involved in 2016 or they were playing football last year,” continues Tom. “There’s only a minority that haven’t been involved in anything so it’s good that most players have played in an adult championship final.” Delving deeper it seems that previous losses have driven on this Parish side in terms of sheer hunger to get over the line. The 2019 final defeat to Broadford was difficult to stomach but it was the aberration of last year’s 15 point semi-final reverse to Tubber that cuts deepest. Tom admits, “I know we didn’t play well in the 2019 final but the hurt of last year is the big one for most lads. That semi-final was a pretty embarrassing performance so that’s still fresh in most lads’ heads as we don’t want to see a repeat of that ever again in any game.” Thankfully according to Jack, Doora/Barefield have already received this year’s wake-up call in Cusack Park with a final group defeat to Corofin. “We actually got lucky because if t h a t had been a quar-

ter-final, it would have been curtains again. Last year, everything was going well until the Tubber match but we just never turned up whereas this time against Corofin, we weren’t overly poor, it’s just that they worked harder than us and I think it was a good eye-opener.” So what of Sunday’s opponents Tom? “We’ve played them a couple of times and it’s never been straight-forward, there’s always only been a puck of the ball in it. I saw them play against Tulla this year and they’re a real hardworking team so we’re not going to get anything easy off them. If you switch off for a second, they’ve plenty of hurlers to punish us. Their hunger on breaking ball especially is just phenomenal so our big goal is to match that and if we can do that, we’ll be well in with a chance.” Jack and Tom’s ability to finish each other’s sentences is remarkable which begged the final question, what’s the big difference between them? “I’m a forward and he’s a back.” is Tom’s immediate quip. “Although he’s been creeping up the field a little lately so he has been coming into my zone a bit which is a little worrying.” A score from either a green or blue Hannan helmet will be equally celebrated on Sunday as St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield look to open a new chapter of their already storied history.

Distinguished by their numbers and different coloured helmets, it’s more difficult to tell the twins apart when meeting them for the first time in Roslevan. Thankfully, any fears were allayed with the response to the standard opening twin question ‘which one of you is older?’ “I am, Jack by the way in case there’s any confusion.” There was but admitting the extent of it wasn’t entirely necessary as further ice was broken by listing each other’s key characteristics and strengths. “Jack is extremely determined. I think he gets injured because he plays on the edge so much. I think it’s a great quality to have to be able to play on the edge and especially after so many injuries to still not lose any of the competitiveness or hunger. That bravery and desire to win comes through on his performances,” says Tom. “Tom is probably the real leader for us this year anyway. He sets the standards in training and on the field. Shane [Dowling] keeps note of the tackle count during the game and between himself and Eoin Hanrahan, I’d say they’re almost top in every game so he’s the stand-out leader for us this year. People call him a moaner at times but he’s only trying to make sure Tom Hannan gets a shot away from Conall Ó hÁiniféin Photo by Natasha Barton we win and wants every- and (above l-r) Jack & Tom one to perform and play well,” Jack surmises. Other common denominators include both suffering cruciate injuries, supporting each other to the hilt on and off the field as well as their experience in finals with this being Doora/Barefield’s fourth intermediate final in six years including last year’s football triumph. “Having played in pre-

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CLARE INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SMITH O’BRIENS VS ST JOSEPH’S DOORA-BAREFIELD

CATHAL STRITCH

CIAN MOLONEY

CIAN NOLAN

DARRAGH NOLAN

CAIMAN QUIGLEY

EDDIE BOURKE

EOIN POWER

EVAN CONNOLLY

JASON MONAGHAN

DAVID O’SHEA

DWAYNE SHEEDY

KEVIN WALSH

MARC O’HALLORAN

MARK McINERNEY

MARK STRITCH

KEITH STRITCH

KEVIN McEVOY

NOEL McINERNEY

PADDY GOUGH

PATRICK AHERN

ADAM MOLONEY

BRIAN McINERNEY

DAVID GOUGH

JOHN CUSACK

fdsa

MICHAEL GOUGH

MICHAEL O’SHEA

TOMMY REDDAN

MICHEÁL RYAN

Smith O’Briens Management team: (back l-r) Nicole Foley (stats), Brendan Foley (selector), Kevin McCarthy (selector), Danielle Sheedy (stats), Pat Minogue (selector); (front l-r) Tony Gleeson (manager / coach), Alex Simpson (selector) and Eoin Ryan (selector)

All photos by Natasha Barton

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CLARE INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SMITH O’BRIENS VS ST JOSEPH’S DOORA-BAREFIELD

AARON LANDY

ADAM MUNGOVAN

BRIAN CLANCY

BRIAN GUILFOYLE

BRUCE PIGGOT

CATHAL RUANE

CIAN BARRON

CONOR KERINS

CONOR TIERNEY

DARA NAGLE

DARRAGH O’SHEA

KEELAN BUTLER

KEVIN MEANEY

MIKE ROSEINGRAVE

EOIN HANRAHAN

FIONN KELLEHER

JARLATH COLLERAN

PAUL MADDEN

PETER COLLINS

SEANIE KEANE

Pictured above is the St Joseph’s Doora Barefield management team of (l-r) Darragh Droog (S&C), Liam Clohessy (stats), Vinny Sheedy (selector), Sean Conroy (kitman), Michael Guifoyle (manager) and Shane Dowling (coach) All photos by Natasha Barton

DAVY CONROY

DONAL O’HALLORAN

EOGHAN TALTY

JOEY KEANE

JACK HANNAN

TOM HANNAN

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CLARE INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SMITH O’BRIENS VS ST JOSEPH’S DOORA-BAREFIELD

Foley harks back to 2004 title ahead of final fling EOIN BRENNAN

HERE’S no such thing as a two minute conversation with Brendan Foley. Being a hurling fanatic, his boyish enthusiasm for the sport has brought many a soul down a black hole of hurling talk that could last for hours. Far from being trepidatious however, this reporter willingly embraced a deep dive into all things Smith O’Brien’s, with the end result of inevitably referencing their Intermediate final win of 2004 as having much more of a correlation to the current crop than Foley had originally realised. “I didn’t think that there were so many similarities between that team and now but between the hurt of the previous year’s semi-final loss, the buzz of the town and going in as underdogs to a team that had contested a few finals, it’s amazing the common ground between the two even down to the fact that we won it on a Halloween night 17 years ago”. Foley, then in the twilight of a glittering career, was in goal during that memorable 2004 campaign, with only players John Cusack and Pa Aherne along with fellow selector Kevin McCarthy forming the other current links to that historic breakthrough. “I distinctly remember our captain Brian Lenihan making a speech after the 2003 semi-final loss to Broadford in the Park about ‘remembering this feeling when we drive for-

ward for next year’. “And we did. We won the intermediate league without losing a match and that gave us the confidence again. So even though we had to come through the backdoor in the championship after being well beaten by Clooney-Quin at the group stages, we managed to build up a head of steam and meet them again in the final in Sixmilebridge. “It was our first ever intermediate final and the town had gone bananas not unlike at the moment. In contrast the players were almost too relaxed going into the final and it almost passed us by against Clooney-Quin. Because it was our first final, we were trying to keep it all low key as we had a lot of young players on the squad but we found ourselves 0-9 to 0-1 down at half-time. “I remember that there were no roaring or bawling in the dressing room. However, just as we were about to go out for the second half, Liam Doyle shut the door and said ‘I’m just after being told that Clooney-Quin are after confirming the Tulla Pipe Band to march them through Quin.’ I’ve still no idea whether that was true or not but it was a masterstroke as we nearly took the hinges off the door going out and we never looked back from then on. We brought it back level within 15 minutes and it was Clooney-Quin that ended up having to draw the match with a late Brian Shally free before we managed to win the replay by a point”. The same would do again

Wishing Smith O’Briens the very best of luck from everyone at Boruma (061) 375 542

Killaloe County Clare

on Sunday for Foley and Co. as they face a St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield side contesting their third final in six seasons. “The favourites tag brings it own pressure. Our aim in 2004 is just as it is now, to be in the mix coming down the final stretch just to put seeds of doubt in the favourites’ heads. The bulk of our team have been together for five or

six years and the buzz is back Tony Gleeson celebrates with Mikey O’Shea and David Gough following Smith O’Briens semi-final win in the town again”. Photo by Natasha Barton Incidentally, what do you see as the major difference between 2004 and now? “Playing hurling then and SMITH O’BRIENS now is like going from a MorRound One on 15/08/21 in Clonlara ris Minor and stepping into Smith O’Briens 2-21 O’Callaghans Mills 1-11 a Formula 1 car. “The pace is frightening and it’s very much Round Two on 05/09/21 in Clonlara a young man’s game now, Smith O’Briens 3-21 Cratloe 0-07 that’s for sure”. Round Three on 19/09/21 in Whitegate -

PATH TO FINAL

Smith O’Briens 2-16 Tulla 0-19 Quarter-Final on 03/10/21 in Sixmilebridge Smith O’Briens 0-17 Tubber 1-10 Semi-Final on 16/10/21 in Sixmilebridge Smith O’Briens 0-15 Tulla 0-10

PICTURED: Brendan Foley

Photo by Ruth Griffin

ST JOSEPHS DOORA/BAREFIELD: Round One on 15/08/21 in Broadford St Josephs Doora/Barefield 7-23 Clonlara 1-12 Round Two on 04/09/21 in Shannon St Josephs Doora/Barefield 1-19 Parteen 0-11 Round Three on 19/09/21 in Cusack Park Corofin 1-22 St Josephs Doora/Barefield 3-14 Quarter-Final on 03/10/21 in Sixmilebridge St Josephs Doora/Barefield 2-18 Bodyke 1-10 Semi-Final on 17/10/21 in Sixmilebridge St Josephs Doora/Barefield 5-14 Ruan 2-10

Wishing Smith O’Briens the very best of luck in this years County Final from everyone at the Derg Credit Union

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CLARE INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL: SMITH O’BRIENS VS ST JOSEPH’S DOORA-BAREFIELD

Experts tip Smith St Joseph’s Guilfoyle eyes O’Briens for glory a repeat of intermediate SEAMUS HAYES FOUR men who have all played or managed teams that have come up against both Clare intermediate hurling championship finalists have given their views on how Sunday’s final will go, with Smith O’Briens tipped as favourites by the quartet despite St Josephs Doora/Barefield viewed as the likely side to seal promotion. Scariff’s Mark McKenna who managed his club to this title last season first spoke about how difficult it is to win this championship. “This is a first final experience for this Killaloe team. They have lost five semi-finals in recent times. Now that they have got to the final, it’s huge for the club. St. Josephs are more used to being in this position, they have been in this championship final a few times and have won. They have a certain know-how. It’s a huge championship to win and we experienced a great sense of relief to get over the line last year. “From the outset this season and from playing them regularly, I tipped Smith O’Briens for this title. That said, St. Josephs’ timing is good and they had an emphatic semi-final victory so they are going into the final with huge confidence At the end of a very close contest, I believe Smith O’Briens will be narrowly ahead.” Tulla manager Jim McInerney, an All-Ireland winner with Clare in 1995 says of Smith O’Briens, “They have brought in a couple of young players this year while players like Michael Gough and Micheal O’Shea are going well and Cian Nolan is tremendous at full back. They have a very good set of backs, they are well coached and they are able to find the man in space all the time.” The Tulla man points out, “St. Josephs have ran up a couple of big scores this year. Killaloe’s defence is very strong and it will be interesting to see how the St. Josephs forward line will cope. Both are big strong physical teams and that is a huge help at this time of the year. Both have coaches from neighbouring counties and this will add to the interest in the game. Can they get the players to do what they want them to do? It should be a very interesting final. Smith O’Brien’s were very unlucky to lose at semi-final stage last year, they will be difficult to beat and from what I have seen

this year, I give them the nod to win this one.” Sixmilebridge native and Broadford clubman Danny Chaplin also gives the nod to the East Clare club. “If Smith O’Briens can open them up and play a running game, they might have the upperhand but St Josephs are a big strong physical team and they like to keep it tight and it’s very hard to break them down. The Killaloe side was very impressive in the second half against Tulla in the semi-final. Their workrate is massive. “I have seen St. Josephs twice in this championship and they work very hard off the ball and make it difficult for the opposition to find team mates. Alan O’Neill is massive in the air and he has a huge physical presence. It’s a game I find very hard to call but I have a slight preference for Smith O’Briens. A lot of the guys that won Minor A when amalgamated with Broadford have come through to their adult team. Tommy Reddan is one of the best freetakers in the county,” added Chaplin. Former Clare captain, Tubber’s Pat O’Connor is equally well versed with both finalists. “It’s a very hard championship to win. Once you get to quarter finals, all teams are in the hunt with as good a chance as any. I have played against both and they are worthy finalists this year.” O’Connor, who missed this year’s campaign due to a cruciate ligament injury, felt Smith O’Briens were the team of the championship. “They look to have had the harder route to the final, they have had plenty of questions asked. They pushed Scariff to the absolute limit last year, the game went to extra time. When we were doing our analysis of them ahead of the quarter-final, it was very hard to figure out a way to stop them. They had seven different scorers in the semi-final and they have an excellent free taker and good backs. “St. Josephs are coming into this final with a really young team, the bulk of whom are in their mid twenties, Killaloe look to be the more experienced. That’s not to say that St Josephs can’t win it but I believe Smith O’Briens will shade it”, the Tubber man concluded.

final success with Feakle by PÁRAIC McMAHON

UST three years ago, Michael Guilfoyle was coach to the Feakle hurlers that were crowned intermediate champions, this Sunday he is hoping to repeat the dose but instead as manager of St Josephs Doora/ Barefield. Off the back of a four and a half year stretch involved with his native Feakle, Michael got the call when St Josephs Doora/Barefield had appointed 2018 All-Ireland winner with Limerick, Shane Dowling as their new coach. It was a case of being reinvigorated with the prospect of a new challenge. “The Feakle thing had run its course, I had done four and a half years, they needed change whether they thought so or not... and the opportunity came up to talk to Barefield about this, it was an odd situation where Shane had already been picked.” He equates preparing Doora/Barefield for the county final and Feakle as “chalk and cheese” while admitting that reverting to a non-coaching role has been a task that took time to adapt to. With both Dowling and S&C coach Darragh Droog on board, the rhetoric countywide has been to applaud the professional set-up at their disposal. “We really didn’t get to see Shane until May, ever since he has played the game the way I like it to be played. It has taken time to get that drilled into guys but really they are comfortable on the ball and know what to do. Darragh Droog gave the programmes at the start of the year, it’s hard to call when you are giving programmes out and trying get lads to progress themselves without being able to measure it but certainly anytime he has been physically with us he has added a huge amount of experience and knowledge to it, you can’t buy that stuff at club level,” Guilfoyle told The Clare Echo.

Corner forward on the first Clare team to win a provincial minor title scoring 1-03 in their 3-13 3-11 win over Tipperary, Michael’s last appearance in the saffron and blue was a February 1993 tournament outing for the seniors. While at club level, senior glory in 1988 was the highlight with his Feakle career continuing towards the early 2000s. When this door closed, the opportunity to coach underage with Doora/Barefield arose “the guts of 20 years” ago. Hs twin sons Brian and Barry were starting off with the U6s and he got involved with the age-groups above which featured current panellists Alan O’Neill, Jarlath Colleran and Aaron Landy. “I was coming to the end of my own career at senior level and I wanted to give something back, I always got a huge amount of time from a lot of people in Feakle so you always felt you owed it to the kids of wherever you were to give them something and make an effort by giving some of your knowledge and experience. It wasn’t a problem because I was living locally.” Two thirds of the current panel have been coached by Guilfoyle

up along The Parish ranks with the trio of Fionn Kelleher, Eoghan Talty and Dara Nagle getting their first taste of the man noted for being a little bit vocal on the sideline. Although not involved with St Josephs at intermediate level, Michael always kept a close eye on their outings. Fitness and physicality were the areas he earmarked that needed considerable improvement when he took on the job. “Shane’s training has brought that to the fore, it took time to get used to but it is now in place and it’s the norm for training at this stage.” Intermediate success for the club’s footballers last year was a help but managing both codes has been difficult while soccer commitments have also entered the fray. “We’ve had injuries most days, some serious injuries which is difficult to manage, with a smaller panel it would be a lot harder but the fact we’ve numbers has made it easier. I can only give 100 per cent credit to Kevin Frehil and his team, working together we made sure there was no crossover.” Whether it’s the Guilfoyle family in Feakle, Newmarket-on-Fergus or Roslevan, hurling is never far from the conversation. Michael admitted that despite his son Brian lining out at wing-forward and Barry’s involvement in their backroom team, there is some reprieve on discussions related to the small ball. “We do because they are gone most of the time doing their own thing. You always have stuff to do between video analysis, pitch work and different things that can on the whole time. Personally I don’t get to turn off from it much but that’s the enjoyment you get from putting the time into it, hopefully there will be a positive result at the end of the day on Sunday.”

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Woodstock trump Ennis 19th win for Mullach in the Costello Cup owned Finnure Storm by SEAMUS HAYES

WOODSTOCK had a great win against Ennis in the Costello Cup which was played at Ennis on Sunday. This is an annual fourball competition played between the Ennis clubs. The competition did not take place last year due to Covid 19 restrictions. It was an extremely tight contest with Woodstock coming out winners by a single point. The final score was Woodstock 211 points to Ennis 210 points. Paul O’Shea (8) won the weekend singles competition at Woodstock with 41 points. Declan Heffernan (8) with 39 points won category 1. The category 2 winner was Stephen McCarthy (12) with 38 points while category 3 was won by Joe McInerney (16) with 35 points. Last week, the seniors played for the AAA taxis prizes when the winner was Tony Coote with 44 points from Richard Pyne with 38 and Brian Logue with 38. Michael Griffin and John McGrath won the nines while Brendan Arthur (0-75’s) and Jim McMahn (0-80’s) also featured amongst the prize winners. The prizes will be presented at the senior’s AGM in December. There will be a club singles this weekend while the Autumn league league will be a scramble. Twenty seven teams of four have entered for this year’s league

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: The Christmas hampers competition for members at Dromoland Castle golf club took place over the Bank holiday weekend when Darren Reilly emerged as the winner with 43 points from John M. McCarthy who had a similar score. Brendan Spicer was in third spot with 41 points ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Della Burns (10) won the ladies 9 hole stableford competition at Ennis recently with 19 points. Patricia O’Donnell (20) was second with 18 with Anne Kiely (14) in third spot with a similar score followed by Carmel Cummins

(21) with 17 points. In a similar competition last week, Mary Nagle (13\) was the winner with 21 points from Claire Ruane (10) with 19 points. Bridie Keane (17) was third with 18 points followed by Della Burns (10) with a similar score

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: The closing date for entries for the Paddy Leyden trophy winter matchplay competition at Lahinch is this Friday, November 29. The format is fourball matchplay and all matches will be played on the championship course off the green tee markers. The draw will be made on Monday, November 1 and round 1 must be completed by November 14. KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Tom Cleary (14) was the winner of the October Winter weekly singles competition at Kilrush with 29 points. He had one to spare over Declan O’Donovan (7) with third spot filled by Noel Thornton (12) who was a point further back with 27 points. PORTUMNA GOLF CLUB: Last week’s ladies competition at Portumna was won by Dagmar Ullrich-Werner (36) with 43 points. In second place with 31 points was Patricia Rowland (6).

FINNURE Storm stormed to his nineteenth win at Limerick Track as he gave the Kelly family of Mullagh even more reason to celebrate. A smart time of 28.98 saw the four year old rack up his nineteenth win. A son of Shaneboy Spencer and Brickfield Roxy, he is trained by legendary Limerick trainer Denis O’Malley. Mianun Flyer is quickly becoming a star attraction at Limerick, trained by Gerry Burke from Miltown Malbay this son of Droopys Cain and Croopys dream made it four wins in a row last Saturday night in a very impressive 29.57 over the 550 yards trip. Owned by Miltown Malbay native Gordon Vaughan, Flyer has laid down his credentials as a formidable player in the upcoming Matchbook Betting Exchange Irish St. Leger. At the same venue on Thursday night last fresh from her victory last week, Blastoff Zara followed up with at two-length victory in 29.14 in a A3 contest, a daughter of Droopys Jet and Blastoff Annie, Zara is owned by Leo McNulty from Drumline in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

Approaching his fifth birthday, Snuggie Bonnie consistently displays his determination to win and that was no different last night when he landed the spoils in 28.81. Owned by Breda Casey from Newmarket-on-Fergus, this was an eighteenth career win for the son of Sir Paddy and Snuggie Whisper. Race 7 a graded A6 was won by Gower Lottie in 29.29, owned by Anne Carey from Cooraclare, Lottie is a daughter of Greenwell Hulk and Gower Lady, and this was her first career win. The next race on the card was won by O’Callaghan Mills’ Donal Cooney with Monsoon Moon in 29.33, a first career success for this son of Droopys Cain and Roxy Music. The third round heats of the SIS Fair Warrior Open 400 took place on Saturday Night last at the Mullingar Track, after putting in an eye catching performance to finish second in heat four, Ballyea’s Noel Gavin saw Ballyea Scrutiny progress to the semi-final on this Saturday night.

CLARE/GALWAY SENIORS The Clare/Galway seniors alliance will hold their last outing of the season on Monday next November 1 at Ennis when the tee will be available from 8.30am to 1p.m.and to book a tee time contact Ennis Golf Club. SHANNON GOLF CLUB: The winner of last week’s men’s green tee challenge at Shannon was Eoghan McAteer (11) with 45 points from Dave Egan (21) with 41 points. Ed Hickey (1) won the gross with 36 points. Michael Marnell (5) won thee 9 hole competition with 21 points This week’s Autumn league format will be fourball.

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PLANNING 43

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CORRANROO, KINVARA, CO. CLARE Further Information/ Revised Plans Planning Ref: P20/861 Development Description: (a) bay window, (b) orangery (c) shed and (d) retention of use of stone structure as habitable accommodation. Location: Corranroo, Kinvara, Co. Clare. Take notice that Chantal McCabe has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P20/861. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL MOYRIESK, QUIN, CO CLARE EIRCODE V95 YV57 Take notice that Grainne O’Brien and Adrian Boyle intend to apply for: 1. PERMISSION to RETAIN the Storage Shed to the rear of the Creamery Building & 2. P E R M I S S I O N to change the use of the Creamery Building to a Private Dwelling & Extend the building & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL GLENINAGH, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE EIRCODE H91 XN62 Take notice that, Jo Irwin Training Ltd, T/A i4 Training intends to apply for permission to construct a building, in which to provide a space for business and management skills training and career/interview coaching purposes, office administration area, install a wwts and percolation area and all associated site and ancillary services. This building will use the existing

access road and entrance through the grounds of the family dwelling house at Gleninagh, Ballyvaughan. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL SITE NO 6, KNOCKADERRY GROVE, TULLA ROAD, ENNIS, CO CLARE. Take notice that Liam Eustace intends to apply for outline planning permission to construct a two storey dwelling and garden shed on the vacant serviced site at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL TIERNAGLOHANE, COORACLARE, CO. CLARE. Take note that Gerard & Marie Keane, intends to apply to Clare County Council for Planning Permission to retain the existing private garage/storage facility and conservatory at the rear of the existing dwelling house to include the changes to site boundaries and for planning permission to retain the extension to existing commercial offices previously authorised under planning permission P96/105 with all necessary ancillary services at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY Take notice that

Gallagher intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, garage, foul sewer treatment plant and percolation area at the above address. The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KINLEA, KNOCKALOUGH,, CO CLARE Take notice that David O Connell is applying for planning permission to construct an extension and carry out alterations to an existing house along with all necessary associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RHYNAGONNAUGHT, DOONBEG CO CLARE Take notice that Margaret Clohessy & Frank Canning are applying for planning permission to change the design of the dwelling house granted under P18-841 along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOUGH, KILKEE, CO CLARE Take notice that Mairead Boland is applying for retention permission for the revision of the site boundaries around the one dwelling house constructed as per condition no 3 of P98/1028 along with all associated ancillary works at the above

address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISSYCASEY, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that Deirdre & Declan Donnelly are applying for planning permission to construct new dwelling house, private garage and carport, new entrance, sewerage treatment facilities and all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DERRYGARRIFF, CRUSHEEN, CO. CLARE Take notice that Tracy Farren & Graham Walsh intend to apply to the planning authority for permission for (a) change of use from an existing substandard dwelling house to shed/storage units, (b) permission to construct a new replacement dwelling house with a garage and upgrade the existing sewage treatment system (c) permission to demolish an existing shed, along with ancillary site works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NEWTOWN, BALLYVAUGHAN, CO. CLARE Further Information / Revised Plans Planning Ref: P21/190 Development Description: Permission to (a) Part demolish, refurbish and extend existing derelict dwellinghouse (b) Install wastewater treatment system and soil polishing filter (c) Improve sight distances together with all associated

site development works and services Location: Newtown, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare Take notice that James Droney has lodged significant further information in respect of the planning application P21/190. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the office of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority or in the case of a planning application accompanied by an EIS within 5 weeks of receipt of such notices by the planning authority. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CRAGGAKNOCK EAST, MULLAGH, CO CLARE Take notice that Silvercreek Developments Ltd. intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain the following a) the rear extension and elevational changes made to the as constructed dwelling house b) front boundary wall and vehicular entrance as constructed along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, ARMADA HOTEL, SPANISH POINT, CO. CLARE. Take notice that Armada Hotel Holdings Ltd. intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter the elevations of an existing office and to change its use from an office to a cafe ancillary to the existing Armada Hotel Complex along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the

application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, DOUGH, SPANISH POINT, CO. CLARE. Take notice that J. & K. McInerney intend to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to construct a storage shed along with associated site works at the above address. That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BUNRATTY SHOPPING VILLAGE LIMITED Clare County Council – Bunratty Shopping Village Limited intend to apply for permission for development at a 3.078 Ha site at Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty, Co. Clare, V95 DW9N (a Protected Structure). The development will consist of the rationalisation, upgrade and repair (principally required as a result of fire damage) of part of the existing hotel resulting in an increase in Gross Floor Area from c. 1,377 sq m to c. 1,559 sq m. The works proposed principally include: the removal of selected internal and external walls, and external structures (c. 123 sq m); the reconfiguration of selected internal spaces; the construction of a single storey extension to the rear of the hotel (c. 119 sq m); the provision of a new extended (c. 13 sq m) frontage to bar/bistro with full height doors and an entrance lobby with retractable awning on the southern elevation; the infilling of an internal courtyard to provide an internal extension (c. 56 sq m); the removal of two bedrooms and an office at First Floor level to provide a double height space below (c. 97 sq m); removal of external fire escape stairs; reinstatement of blocked up window; insertion of a new window in lieu of the existing door opening to fire escape stairs; and all associated elevational changes. The development will also include the removal of a water storage tank and enclosure on roof; removal of proprietary metal steps on roof; the provision of an extension to the external terrace to the southern elevation (c. 93 sq m); reconfiguration of the existing car parking resulting in an increase in the number of spaces from 141 No. to 153 No.; bicycle parking spaces; boundary treatments and landscaping; and all associated site and development works above and below ground. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the

reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CLAUGHAN, LISDOONVARNA. I Aiden Fitzgerald B.Eng. MIEI of AF Engineering, Doolin, Co. Clare, 0879955689, intend to apply to Clare County Council on behalf of Aidan McDermott for planning permission at the above address, the development will consist of a dwelling house with proprietary wastewater treatment system and percolation area together with ancillary site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission. CLARE CO. COUNCIL MUNNIA, NEW QUAY CO. CLARE. Permission for the (1) retention of extension & alterations to existing dwelling house and (2) retention of domestic garage is being sought by Catherine Sides. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

44 CLASSIFIEDS

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THANKSGIVING THANKSGIVING. ST. JUDE.

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46 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES OCT 28

WORD SEARCH Advent

Adamant

Advice

SUDOKU 3

Adverb

8 8

Addendum

9 2

5 2

Adder

Addition

Address

3 6

Adept

1/1

Adhesive

Adieu

How to play

Adjutant

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

ANSWERS 6

9 5

9 6 7 3 4 1 8 5 2

5 1 3 6 8 2 4 7 9

2 4

5 7

7 9

6 3

7 9 5 8 2 3 1 6 4

8 4 1

1/1

9 6 5 3 2 7

10/22/21, 12:27 PM

Advance

Adult

Adonis

Adobe

Admiral

HOW TO PLAY

How to play

Adjective

Adaptor

The Clare Echo Crossword

1/1

Daily Quick Crossword: 22 October 2021, 10/22/2021 Michael Curl

ting (7)

soft napped

n falls (7)

P P

C A R A M E A

)

L O Y

A L

finding directions 1

E L

P 9

E D U P 16

S H E E N

M O N O C L I

C O M P A S S 2

L O U T

A 5

L A S S O 6

Michael Curl

Daily Quick Crossword: 22 October 2021, 10/22/2021

Order Online www.supermacs.ie

tals (5) ne eye (7) (7)

antastic (5)

F A L

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D A N C E

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te "The Canterbury 18

For a quicker faster delivery service (065) 682 0914

21 Edible bulb (5)

O'Connell Street, Ennis

l care (7) 19 Dodge (5)

N D E

for grinding food

C H

A G A R A

napped surface (5) 25 No longer existing (7)

ng food

ed (7) 6)

N C T

CROSSWORD ANSWERS D

1 Poet who wrote “The Canterbury Tales” (7) 2 Tooth adapted for grinding food (5) 3 Very bad indeed (7) 4 Easy, foolish (6) 5 Countries (5) 6 Achieve one’s ambitions (7) 7 The Atlantic, for example (5) 13 Writer’s pseudonym (7) 15 Unlawful (7) 16 Person requiring medical care (7) 17 Burning (6) 18 People of Denmark (5) 19 Dodge (5) 21 Edible bulb (5)

DOWN

1 Instrument for finding directions (7) 5 Lariat (5) 8 Mixture of metals (5) 9 Eyeglass for one eye (7) 10 Chewy sweet (7) 11 Gloss (5) 12 Small wave (6) 14 Bound (6) 18 Trip the light fantastic (5) 20 Quarrel (7) 22 North American falls (7) 23 Rebuke (5) 24 Leather with a soft

21 Edible bulb (5)

ACROSS

E X

S U E D E

ambitions (7) or example (5) onym (7)

mark (5)

ing medical care (7) 19 Dodge (5)

nterbury 18

(7) e (5)

Adage

Adagio

ections

10/22/21, 12:27 PM

QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, OCT 28 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz ALL ABOUT CLARE

The Burren in Clare is home to 1a. 700 how many species of plants? b. 900 c. 1100

There are ____km’s of explorable 7 caves in the Burren Region. a. 50 b. 70 c. 90

Which of these is not found in the The Burren contains the longest 2 peatlands of County Clare? 8 ______ in the world? a. Common goose a. Stalactite Raised bogs are generally found 3 in which part of the country. a. North of Ireland b. West of Ireland c. Midlands

In what year was the Shannon Es4 tuary designated as a Whale and Dolphin sanctuary? a. 1991 b. 2001 c. 2011

The largest mainland Puffin colo5 ny is located at ____? a. West of Kilkee b. c.

b. Stalagmite c. Pillar Which type of bat is common to 9 Clare’s woodlands and trees? a. Fruit bat b. c.

Brown Long-Eared Bat Bulldog bat

How many types of land and 10 sea mammals are there in Clare?

l QUESTION 7: There are ____km’s of explorable caves in the Burren Region?

a. 11 b. 33 c. 55

Loop Head Cliffs of Moher

Which county as well as Clare 6 house the most turloughs? a. Donegal

ANSWERS

6. Galway 7. 90 8. Stalagmite 9. Brown Long-Eared Bat 10. 55

Feral cats Common lizard

1. 700 2. Feral cats 3. Midlands 4. 1991 5. Cliffs of Moher

b. c.

b. Galway c. Wicklow

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

Last weeks Answers . A missing on Boruma sponsor man (left) . GAA logo missing . the middle part of the ‘O’ missing on Conor . Helmet different colour (right)

. Hurley grip different colour . Sliotar missing . 4 missing on jersey

Students pictured at the launch of the new Clare Echo sponsored post primary Gaelic Football competitions. Photograph by Gerard O’Neill

AND GUTTERING CLARE

ROOF MOSS CLEANING