The Clare Echo 29/04/21

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LAHINCH WATER QUALITY RAISES RED FLAGS PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

F

UTURE housing developments should not proceed in Lahinch unless wastewater infrastructure is improved, local residents and business persons have said.

Clare County Council has sought further information on plans for a proposed 28 house development on the Station Rd while the green light was granted for 26 houses on School Rd with an application lodged last week for a separate eight house development also on School Rd.

In submissions to the local authority, Lahinch pharmacist Sasha Welleans cautioned that water capacity was already at capacity. “During holiday periods, there is an increase incidence of gastrointestinal complaints that present in the pharmacy”.

Occasional instances of swimmers developing e-coli as a result of swimming in Lahinch have occurred in recent years. In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency flagged that raw untreated sewage was being released into the sea at Lahinch.

Do not swim notices have been issued at the location following extended periods of heavy rainfall in recent years, the latest occurrence being in August of last year.

Full Story pg 4

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2 NEWS

Index NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

A FITTING FAREWELL

2-13

ENTERTAINMENT

14

GREENER CLARE

15

I

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

SHANNON FEATURE 20-28 OUTDOOR DINING

29-34

RECRUITMENT

35-37

SPORT

39-42

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

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Big plans for park

lFOREVER FRIENDS: The three amigos pay tribute to the fourth amigo as the late

Pat McDonagh of Ennis is laid to rest. Tom McDonagh, Brian McDonagh and Pat McDonagh are pictured standing outside the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul in Ennis waving Clare flags and wearing the county colours in his honour. Patrick was known as a kind and gentleman in the town of Ennis who had a salute for everyone, he died suddenly on April 19th

NITIAL draft plans to revitalise and reimagine the North Clare Sports and Amenity Park have been shared.

The plan aims to maximise the social, tourism and biodiversity potential of the park for the local community.

Improving walking infrastructure through the provision of paths, seating areas and benches along the main path, sculptures, art features and LED lighting have been identified. Possibility for a major tourist attraction through a tree canopy walk has been touted.

Development of a performance area has been included in the masterplan, including an outside stage and a bespoke entrance to into the woodland including a canopy or sheltered area. Biodiversity potential of the facility can be maximised through a woodland trail..

Options of extending the GAA facilities or a pump track to provide a mix of natural habitat and recreational activities have also been put forward in the masterplan. Managing grassland as a wildflower meadow which would then be managed as a conservation grazed meadow was also suggested along with the repair of the Twin Wells to serve tourism and heritage purposes.

Lisdoonvarna Fáilte have the plans available to view on their website.

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THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

ESB award Siemens contract for Moneypoint development PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

LMOST 100 years on from constructing the Ardnacrusha Power Plant, Siemens have been awarded the contract for a significant new development at Moneypoint.

ESB have confirmed that Sie-

mens Energy Ltd have been awarded the contract for the engineering, procurement and construction of the Synchronous Compensator at ESB's Moneypoint site. This development represents a €50m investment by ESB as part of the recently announced Green Atlantic project at Moneypoint.

A "competitive tender process" was followed, ESB have said which resulted in Siemens Energy Ltd receiving the contract.

The Synchronous Compensator will enable higher volumes of renewables on the system and provide a range of electrical services to the electricity grid which would previously have been supplied by thermal fired power stations. The investment is a key part of ESB's plans to transform its Moneypoint site into a green energy hub, where a range of renewable technologies will be deployed over the next decade with the capacity to power 1.6

million homes.

September 2022 has been set as the target commercial operation date for the Synchronous Compensator project.

It is not the first time Siemens have been awarded a contract for a significant piece of infrastructure in the county. 1925, Siemens-Schuckert started the works on the Ardnacrusha power plant. A completion time limit of three and a half years, with penalty clauses for failure of

adherence to this limit, was written into the contract.

Around 150 of the skilled workers and engineers on the power station were Germans. A camp was set up for the workers that included living quarters for 750 men and a dining room that seated 600. Initially employment for 700 was provided, whilst at its peak there were 5,200 employed during the construction phase, with this dropping back to 2,500 near completion.

Gardaí increase patrols Lahinch locals say water at popular Kilrush spots quality must be improved INCREASED patrols have been undertaken by An Garda Síochána at busy locations in Kilrush, writes Páraic McMahon.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) voiced his concern with the rise in anti-social behaviour at public amenities which also served as a big benefit to the public during restrictions.

Outside both the Coillte property in Kilrush and the Vandeleur Walled Garden, “we’ve seen a number of thefts from cars, windows have been broken at 3pm.

You would have thought in this day and age that a locked car was safe,” Cllr Lynch stated.

He reiterated his appeal for a review in the management of the sports complex in Kilrush so that it could become an enticing place for youths in the community to go to.

“A certain type of criminal will break into cars, people will break windows and clear

out cars,” Chief Superintendent, Seán Colleran responded.

He confirmed an increase in patrols has been undertaken by Supt John Galvin of the areas referenced by the Kilrush representative.

Management of the JPC requires a review, Cllr Lynch outlined. “We used to have

a JPC for Kilrush which was very focused on West Clare,” he recalled.

“Without an output document, we could end up talking for two hours and not get through a lot”.

Chief Supt Colleran acknowledged that such a document “might put a bit more structure” on the meetings.

l CRIME: Vandeleur Walled Gardens, Kilrush

by PÁRAIC McMAHON AN INCREASE in gastrointestinal complaints have been observed in Lahinch over holiday periods, a local pharmacist has warned.

Concerns have been expressed in the seaside town with the amount of planned housing developments in the locality impacting on the sewage system.

In 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency flagged that raw untreated sewage was being released into the sea at Lahinch.

Approval has recently been granted for 26 houses on the School Rd in Lahinch while plans for a further 28 houses on the Station Rd have yet to be approved.

One Lahinch businessperson told The Clare Echo that since 1969 approximately 200 houses have been built in the area but that no upgrades have been carried out to the sewage system. Swimmers in Lahinch have developed e-coli as a result of the area's water quality, one local resident told The Clare Echo.

Further information has been sought by Clare County Council into plans lodged in February to construct 28 houses on the Station Rd in Lahinch. Concerns on the overall surface water flow were raised by the local authority. The attenuation system proposes to discharge all the surface water from the site to three percolation areas, however the Council noted that these do not have an outfall to an existing surface water drain or sewer "therefore all surface water from site is going to ground".

Sasha Welleans who works as a pharmacist in Lahinch in a submission to the local

authority flagged the need to pay attention to the water utilities which "already seem to be at capacity".

She stated, "water quality is significantly compromised due to a lack of infrastructure. The tap water in the village is discoloured and tainted, especially after rainfall.

The treatment of wastewater and sewage is substandard. During holiday periods, there is an increased incidence of gastrointestinal complaints that present in the pharmacy".

Hotelier Michael Vaughan said continued development of Lahinch was welcome but put forward the case for permanent dwelling houses to add to the area's vibrancy.

At peak, there are over 4,000 inhabitants in Lahinch, "it is uncertain whether the current sewage treatment facility has the capacity to effectively treat the waste created when Lahinch is at peak occupation".

Other submissions also highlighted concerns relating to the wastewater treatment.

"No planning permission should be given till Irish Water and Clare County Council upgrade the local effluent treatment and water system," John Vaughan of Ennistymon believed.

The North Clare branch of the Labour Party have also voiced their opposition to further housing developments until an upgrade is carried out. They referenced the closure of the beach last year on the advice of the HSE. "The high levels of bacteria in the water were considered such a serious health hazard to bathers and surfers that the beach was closed and the Blue Flag status removed until the HSE lifted the ban," Robert Bennett wrote on behalf of the branch.

l HEALTH: Water discharged to the sea in Lahinch

Photo by John Mangan

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

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THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Three people over 97 years old waiting for Covid jab PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HREE elderly Clare persons all aged above 97 have yet to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

100 year old Margaret Morgan of Kilmurry McMahon, Kilshanny's Joe Kinneally who is aged 99 and 98 year old Sarah Ryan from Quilty have yet to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Margaret is hopeful to receive both doses in time to celebrate her 101st birthday at the beginning of June. Plans to mark hitting the centenary were curtailed because of the first lockdown.

Communication with the trio from the HSE has been poor, Clare TD Joe Carey (FG) informed a Dáil sitting. He outlined that Mr Kinneally was referred by his GP to the National Ambulance Service (NAS) as directed by the HSE in

early March. "Mr Kinneally's family have heard nothing since. They are becoming increasingly upset and are seeking clarity on whether he will receive his first vaccination, and hopefully his second as well, before his 100th birthday.

"They do not seem to be able to get answers from anyone. In fact, when watching the President celebrate his birthday last week on The Late Late Show, they mused which would come first for Mr Kinneally: the President's cheque for his 100th birthday or his vaccine," Deputy Carey stated.

Housebound Sarah has heard nothing from the NAS on the delivery of her second vaccine.

"The family feel they have just been left twisting in the wind and Ms Ryan feels she has been forgotten about," the Clarecastle native outlined. A mother of 13, grandmother of 34, great-grandmother of 33 and great great grandmother of 3, Sarah was left waiting until the end of March for her first dose, the delay of which caused angst and despair among the family.

An investigation of the progress made by the NAS with the 1,500 individuals referred to it by Gps was sought by Deputy Carey.

"These people feel forgotten and lost in bureaucracy. My appeal is for him to direct the NAS to write by letter, and I emphasise write, to everyone on this list and confirm to each person that he or she is on the list and to also give those people an indication regarding when it is expected that it will be possible to deliver the first dose of the vaccine", Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler (FF) in response noted that the NAS was operating "a seven-day service and deploys more than 10 vehicles every day to undertake appointments. We are averaging 400 appointments every week. The time it has taken to complete the project is driven by the complexities involved".

Immediate engagement on the issue with the HSE and the NAS is required, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly (FF) acknowl-

lVACCINATIONS: 98 year old Sarah Ryan from Quilty edged.

"The National Ambulance Service is doing Trojan work but we will engage, particularly after today's session, to see what more

can be done. It is very clear, as we know from our own representations also, there are many people who are still desperately waiting to be vaccinated and protected".

CSSL issue apology after AGM gets heated

by PÁRAIC McMAHON AN APOLOGY has been sought by the Clare Schoolboys/Schoolgirls Soccer League over "very aggressive and inappropriate behaviour" at its virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Matters came to a head at the AGM which was held last week as questions were asked of the CSSL's finances. Members of the media were not invited to attend the meeting .

Secretary of the CSSL, Caroline O'Brien told The Clare Echo that it was an "oversight" that the media were not at the meeting and that no decision had been taken by the committee to exclude the press.

Ennis Town delegate Tony Downey speaking after outgoing Treasurer Nigel Bradish went through the CSSL's accounts at the AGM expressed his belief that the books were not correct as he requested further information on the accounts from the previous year. He also queried detail on the terms of the loan for Lifford FC. An EGM held last January revealed that doctored accounts were put before delegates at the CSSL's AGM in 2019.

Numerous committee officials asked Downey to apologise for remarks and comments he passed while putting questions to the committee.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Downey said the questions he asked were not well received and he stressed the importance of delegates raising matters.

He said, "It is disappointing that no local Clare papers were invited in the interests of transparency".

"We stand over our accounts, Nigel did a super job as Treasurer and so did Donal O'Sullivan" the league's accountant, O'Brien

told The Clare Echo.

In a letter issued to all clubs following the AGM, Caroline stated, "I would like to begin by apologising for the turn the meeting took. Very aggressive and inappropriate behaviour was demonstrated by the Ennis Town delegate. Some of you expressed your shock and dismay last night and we have since received calls from people who attended expressing their concerns at what transpired. Statements were made to discredit peoples professional and personal reputations".

O'Brien confirmed that Ennis Town have been contacted with an apology requested for the CSSL Chairman Donal Kirby, ex Treasurer Nigel Braddish, the CSSL committee, Shannon Hibernians and all delegates that were logged onto the meeting.

"We cannot condone the behaviour that happened," the letter added.

Chairperson of Lifford AFC, Deirdre Allan in correspondence to the CSSL and Ennis Town stated, "I have never witnessed anything like the total disrespect and despicable behaviour of Mr Tony Downey".

She believed he had "his own agenda, to disrupt, insult, undermine and question the integrity of several people and clubs, not to mention the professional accountant who prepared and signed off on the accounts".

Deirdre said she took exception to comments made by the Ennis Town delegate regarding Lifford FC. She expressed her fury with the damage caused and called for Downey to issue a profuse apology to the CSSL. Deirdre said Tony should refrain from further involvement in

the league and confirmed no representative from Lifford FC would attend a CSSL meeting that Downey was present for.

"Anything that happened we will sort internally," O'Brien told The Clare Echo when asked if Downey had been banned from future meetings.

CSSL COMMITTEE 2020/2021: l Chairman: Donal Kirby

(Lifford FC) l Vice Chairman/PRO: Chris Curran (Ennis Town FC) l Secretary: Caroline O'Brien (Shannon Town FC) l Fixtures Secretary/ Registrar: Conor Twomey (Shannon Town Utd) l Treasurer: Deirdre Shannon (Hermitage FC) l SFAI Delegate: Tommy Molloy (Avenue Utd) l Committee Member: Brendan Wall (Shannon Hibs) lCONTROVERSY: (left) Tony Downey

Photo by Eamon Ward

NEWS 7

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Restrictions at Maternity Hospital to be eased

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

R

ESTRICTIONS on access to University Maternity Hospital Limerick (UMHL) are to gradually decrease as local transmission of COVID-19 decreases and the vaccination programme rolls out across the Mid-West.

As of Monday (April 26th), fathers/parents of babies in the neonatal unit will be permitted to visit, 4.30pm-6.30pm, subject to activity in the unit. The option of having a nominated partner present for anomaly scans has also been reintroduced at the hospital.

Weekly risk assessment are ongoing at the hospital with a view to giving a nominated partner 45-minute visiting slots on the hospital's postnatal wards, M1 and M2, from May 10th between the hours of 6pm and 8pm daily.

Eileen Ronan, UL Hospitals Group's Director of Midwifery acknowledged that the restrictions impacted on the women using the services along with their partners and loved ones. "The restrictions run counter to the spirit of joy and happiness traditionally associated with pregnancy and the arrival of new-born babies".

Rate of transmission of COVID-19 within the local community, the number of staff in the hospital and the possibility of those staff becoming unwell plus the infrastructure of the hospital site are the primary factors influencing management in their decision making.

Visiting on the basis of compassionate grounds will continue to be facilitated, as it has been throughout the pandemic.

Birthing partners will also continue to be supported in attending the Labour Ward and Theatre.

All nominated partners must adhere to the wearing of face masks, observe hand hygiene and social distancing. Temperature monitoring is in place at the main reception, along with the completion of a COVID-19 screening questionnaire. The measures are subject to change, and hospital management will continue to review the situation on a weekly basis, to plan for the safe, controlled and phased relaxation of restrictions, and to ensure all processes are safely introduced and managed.

Elected representatives in Clare have regularly called for restrictions at maternity hospitals to be relaxed. Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) at a recent briefing with health officials asked if the introduction of fast testing was possible at UMHL. "We are all hearing from new and expecting mothers of having to go through labour on their own, they are staying in the ward on their own".

A number of mothers "have had to come home too soon because the support system wasn't there," the Ennis representative flagged.

Cllr Howard previously raised the matter at a meeting of the County Council and detailed that new mothers "feel abandoned" due to the restrictions. At that meeting, Cllr Ann Norton (IND) shared her experience of a pregnancy at eighteen weeks, "if I hadn't somebody with me I couldn't imagine how I would feel on my own to go home on my own and return the next day on my own to deliver my dead baby". She added, "It's when something goes wrong that you actually feel it".

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THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Brendan honoured as Life Governor of Water Safety Ireland CIAN O’BROIN

C

cian@clareecho.ie

L A R E C A S T L E’ S Brendan McGrath was recently honoured as a Life Governor of Water Safety Ireland at their annual awards ceremony for his contribution to life saving education.

Brendan, who holds a degree in psychology and several diplomas, including one in sports psychology, became a lifesaving instructor in Miltown Malbay in 1973 whilst working as a lifeguard. He has since worked as a Munster coach, with the Irish squads, as a national coach and in lifesaving as part of the Irish team in various European and World Championships since 2004.

Crossing the border from Ennis to Clarecastle 40 years ago, Brendan remembers growing up on Clonroad and first being acquainted with lifesaving at Ballyalla Lake at the age of 10, before Ennis had its first pool, which was later founded in October 1969.

“Swimming was a bit of a trend on our road. I wasn’t the best swimmer at the time. It was all part of the Red Cross before that became the Water Safety Association. The struc-

tures are much better now, which I helped put in place here in Clare. It is nice to be honoured with the award and recognised,” he stated.

Despite structures being dictated by a national organisation, Brendan felt that Clare has looked beyond Ireland and got very good at competitions with a lot of international success. Complacency was never a factor in his philosophy.

He believed that if “the structure is good, you should be winning regularly.” Beginning in the late 1980s and 1990s, Clare began to win everything.

Even to today, he holds immense pride for both swimming and surf life saving in Clare, referencing Rory McEvoy’s recent bid for the Tokyo Olympics and Shannon’s Chris Bryan, the first Irish athlete to qualify for both European and World championships in Open Water Events. COVID, he stated, has opened the public’s eyes to the benefit of open water swimming.

Brendan endorses the importance of water safety this summer, with hundreds of people flocking to the many “beautiful beaches and areas in Clare.” Coaching swimming to the highest level, he also advises all parents to get their kids involved in swimming lessons “as it is such an important life skill.”

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For Brendan, local pride is hugely important and the award bestowed upon him is a huge honour.

“I would like to thank two former Instructors of mine who have been a great influence on my lifesaving side, they

are Tony Lynch from Ennis and Tom Moloney from Clarecastle.”

John Shannon of Clarecastle and Caitriona McMahon from Ennis were also acknowledged for their contributions to Lifesaving Sport in Ireland.

lAWARD: Brendan McGrath

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Council to open more loos as visitor numbers on the increase

by PÁRAIC McMAHON COASTAL locations in Co Clare experienced a big surge in visitors last weekend while Clare County Council have confirmed that public toilets at Spanish Point and White Strand will be open for the May Bank Holiday.

Fine weather coinciding with an easing in restrictions permitting county travel resulted in people flocking towards the coast and also in the vicinity of tourist spots in East and North Clare.

Traffic was “bumper to bumper” in Kilnamona as visitors headed to Lahinch over the weekend, one source told The Clare Echo. Spanish Point and Kilkee also welcomed large crowds.

Frustration had been voiced with the shortage of toilet facilities most notably the closed public toilets in Spanish Point. One source told The Clare Echo that hundreds of people were in Spanish Point but could not avail of public toilets or a place to dispose of rubbish and that access to the beach was hampered by ongoing works. The Armada Hotel allowed members of the public to use their toilets due to the facilities being closed at Spanish Point.

Public facilities at Lahinch, Kilkee and Fanore were open over the weekend. “Large amounts of litter discarded on the ground by the public was removed by Council staff despite the availability of bins,” a spokesperson for Clare County Council confirmed.

According to the spokesperson, “The plan had been to open these facilities a week before the bank holiday weekend and to follow with more facilities this coming May bank holiday weekend.

“However, it is acknowledged that last weekend some exceptional factors coincided a week ahead of the annual start of the season including the very sunny weather and the lifting of lockdown restrictions with people eager to go to the beach”.

Lack of “available resources” meant the facilities at Spanish Point did not open. “In order to open facilities, there needed to be adequate resources to ensure that facilities were maintained to the standard required during the pandemic. Clare County Council is committing to investing in the additional significant resources required at numerous beach locations throughout the county and will be opening toilets in Spanish Point and White Strand in addition to Fanore, Lahinch, Kilkee and Cappa for the coming May bank holiday weekend and for the summer season.

The management of crowds in a public place is a matter for the Gardaí in cooperation with the local authority and other agencies. This level of cooperation continues and plans are in place for the summer season”.

Current restrictions do not allow for inter-county travel only for persons to go 20km from their home if they are living on a county border. Garda checkpoints were in place outside the grounds of St Senan’s Kilkee over the weekend with fixed penalty notices issued for individuals that were travelling outside of their county. A tailback of cars said to be half a mile was visible at this time.

Lahinch representative, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) said it was “blatantly obvious” persons from outside the county were visiting Clare. “On the prom in Lahinch on Saturday evening, I could recognise 90 percent of the people as being ‘local’ from this side of Ennis.

“There are some but you are back to human nature and human decisions, we’ve had five months of a tortuous lockdown and you get the opportunity to avail of fine weather and big open spaces in beaches and proms along the west coast, it is not a Clare only problem, it is all over the country”.

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Childless couple on housing list for five years ‘pushed aside’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

N ENNIS couple on the social housing waiting list in Clare claim they are being discriminated for not having any children.

Chloe Conerney (24) and John Delaney (24) are among over 1,600 households on the social housing waiting list that have identified Ennis as their preference for a home. The couple who have been on the list for five years have said they have yet to be offered a house by the local authority and feel discriminated against because they have no children.

Engagement with the County Council was criticised by Chloe. "I don't feel they are making an effort with us, I feel we are being pushed to one side because we have no kids and it's not fair. There are people out there who have been put in front of us that haven't been on the list as long as us. They are not be-

ing fair at all with us," she stated.

Properties are allocated in line with the 2020 Allocation Scheme, the size of the property is based on the size of property the household qualify for. Chloe and John currently qualify for a two-bedroom property.

Not long after moving to Clare from Galway five years ago, Chloe was placed on the housing list.

This followed a threat of legal action. However, in the intervening timeframe, the pair have been frustrated and told The Clare Echo they have not been offered a house in five years while friends and family have been housed, "we feel we're being pushed to one side and not prioritised at all".

As they don't drive, John and Chloe wish to be housed in Ennis. They are currently staying in the same house as John's parents, his sister and her children, in total there are eight people living in a three-bedroom house in Waterpark Heights.

This living arrangement is causing frustration and is a worry for Chloe and John. In September,

lFRUSTRATED: Chloe Conerney and John Delaney in Ennis

Photo by John Mangan

Chloe is to begin receiving IVF treatment as they try to start a family together. "It will be a long journey, we need to be settled, relaxed and under no pressure when I'm going through it. This treatment is a private clinic and we have to pay out of our own pocket which is more stress on top of us, it is not nice," she explained.

A past pupil of Ennis Nation-

Applegreen fuel station Darragh,Kilrush Road, Ennis, V95RR97

al School and Ennis Community College, John believed the chances of the IVF treatment being a success would be hindered by the current stress Chloe is under.

"We want to have our own home before this. She has to go through all of this in an overcrowded house, it is not nice, we would like to have our own privacy". John confirmed that they are now considering legal

options. "The only thing we can do now is to try be heard through the newspaper, if we're not heard in the next few weeks our only choice will be to bring them to Court.

The basis of their case is "discrimination" according to Chloe.

"We were onto the Homeless Action Team several times when we first got together, they wanted me to go into a women's hostel and separate us because we have no kids. She said the only way out of it was to put our social welfare payments together so that we're a couple, we did that and they still refused us".

Supply and demand remains the primary issue when it comes to housing, a Council spokesperson highlighted.

"We appreciate many households are frustrated by the lack of supply and the consequential wait for social housing, however the Council can only allocate available properties. Allocations are on the basis of housing need and in line with the priorities as set out in Clare County Council's Social Housing Allocation Scheme".

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10 NEWS

‘Videoing of Gardaí should be banned’ VIDEOING of Garda on the beat by members of the general public should not be allowed, a Clare TD has outlined, writes Páraic McMahon.

Officials within the Department of Justice have confirmed that new laws are to be brought before the Government this month. The Digital Recording Bill 2021 would legislate the wearing of Garda bodycams. If approved by the Government, it will then be submitted to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for the formal drafting of the bill. The body-worn cameras will have to be visible on the clothing of each Garda officer.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) which is the largest garda union have voiced their backing of the roll-out with GRA President Frank Thornton calling it "a no-brainer".

Speaking at a meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee (JPC). Cathal Crowe TD (FF) detailed that discussions continued at Government level on the proposal. He voiced his opposition to members of the public who opt to video Gardaí and share the footage online.

"It is not good enough for people to be taunting them with videos, there should be no videoing of Gardaí allowed," the Meelick native stated.

Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran said he was supportive of the call. "Our job is hard enough without people videoing us".

NOTICE OF DRAFT CASUAL TRADING BYE LAWS 2021 FOR COUNTY CLARE Following a review of the current Casual Trading Bye-Laws, each Municipal District of Clare County Council hereby proposes to make Bye-laws for the regulation of Casual Trading in County Clare: 1. Ennis Municipal District Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2021 2. Killaloe Municipal District Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2021 3. Shannon Municipal District Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2021 4. West Clare Municipal District Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2021 Each Municipal District of Clare County Council has prepared Draft (Casual Trading) Bye-Laws 2021 for the regulation and control of Casual Trading in their administrative area of County Clare.

The Draft Bye-Laws for each Municipal District will be available for inspection at the following locations,

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY (due to COVID-19 restrictions) between the hours of 09:00 to 13.00, Monday to Friday for the period from 30th April 2021 to 31st May, 2021, both dates inclusive: • Clare County Council Offices, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare.

• Shannon Municipal District Offices, Shannon, Co. Clare.

• Killaloe Municipal District Offices, Scarriff, Co. Clare.

• West Clare Municipal District Offices, Town Hall, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

• West Clare Municipal District Offices, Ennis Road, Ennistymon, Co. Clare.

A copy of the DRAFT Casual Trading Bye Laws 2021 for each Municipal District can be viewed on Clare County Council’s website www.clarecoco.ie/news/notices Submissions with respect to the DRAFT Casual Trading Bye-Laws 2021 may be made IN WRITING ONLY to the Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development Department, Clare County Council Offices, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2 or by email to casualtrading@clarecoco.ie on or before 5pm on Monday 14th June, 2021. Submissions received will be taken into consideration before the making of the bye-laws by each Municipal District.

Signed: Carmel Greene, Senior Executive Officer, Economic Development Department.

Dated: 29th April 2021.

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Feasibility study needed to make Astor cinema asset to Greenway PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

FEASIBILIT Y study must be carried out in order to determine what progress can be made with regard to the future use of the vacant Astor Cinema site in Scariff which is viewed as a potential key asset to the Shannon Greenway.

An online public meeting held on Saturday gauged the views of the local community in Scariff on how to bring the Astor back to life. It previously served as the home of the Clare Drama Festival and an art-house cinema while also hosting concerts from the East Clare Musical Society, court sittings, dancing and bingo with tennis competitions held out the back.

East Clare tourism promoter Eoin O'Hagan convened the meeting. Widespread support is needed to develop the Astor, Eoin outlined. "It is privately owned, unless we get support of the owner of the cinema this is all a pipedream but it is good to dream.

It deserves the support of the entire East Clare community. It is important that the building doesn't disappear into the ground". He added, "The Astra was the heart of Scariff, with the right meeting of minds and permission of owner it could be again".

Secretary and treasurer of the Kilkishen Cultural Centre, Olivia King advised attendees on how the old protestant

church in Kilkishen became a cultural centre which prior to restrictions held exercise classes, yoga, pilates, zumba, set dancing, music classes, meetings and training courses. She informed the meeting of the multiple fundraisers they carried out to raise the €150,000 they required to bring the church back to a suitable standard.

Flagmount based architect Alan Brennan noted that "quite interesting street frontage" accompanied the Astor which he described as "a beautiful" building. "It is nice to retain that vintage style of the fabric of the town. It obviously has a lot of potential".

He advised that "minimal intervention" needs to be the strategy followed in bringing

it back to use.

Liam Dowling who ran the Midnight Court Film Society at the Astor from 1997 to 2011 believed there was an elegance still associated with the building. He recalled that the owner expressed an interest in expanding and acquired a property beside the cinema which Liam felt had potential as an office space. Issues with water running down the walls plus family and work commitments influenced the decision to end the film society.

Redeveloping the Astor would lead to an increase in tourists to Scariff, Beth Storey a tourism student at LIT predicted. In advance of the Shannon Greenway's construction, the infrastructure must be built, O'Hagan main-

tained, "for the foreseeable future the Greenway will end in Scariff, if I was walking 40km from Limerick to Scariff I wouldn't be walking back".

Scariff Foroige are on the look-out for a long-term venue as they current use the Teagasc building, Jordan Cassells commented. The absence of a community centre in Scariff is an issue, he said.

"It will only get worse if nothing is done with it. The best way to conserve something is to use it".

Musician Eoin Leonard also put forward the case for a creative arts centre in Scariff.

Progress will not occur until a feasibility study is completed, the meeting was advised by multiple participants.

l VACANT: The Astor Cinema building in Scariff Photo by Eoin O’Hagan

Plans for 18 unit Scariff social housing development hit stumbling block

by PÁRAIC McMAHON A REVISED application for the development of 18 social housing units in Scariff is to be submitted to the Department of Housing.

Department officials recently refused the pre-planning aspect of the application by Clare County Council. This stage involves a check on procurement, consistency with design guidelines, cost and value for money. These aspects now have to be revised.

Clare County Council intend to start construction of the eighteen house development in the third quarter of this year and to have completed by the same juncture in 2022. To hit this timeline, the revised pre-planning aspect would need to be with the Department by the end of

this week.

An update on the progress of the development was sought by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) at recent sittings of the Killaloe Municipal District and Clare County Council.

Director of Services, Anne Haugh confirmed that "a slight delay" had been encountered. "Complexities" around the site such as the cost have put local authority officials back to the drawing board. She said that consultation on the re-submission had been "fairly positive".

Changes were required to meet the needs of the Department, she confirmed.

When questioned by Cllr Burke if a reduction of units would be a result of the re-submission, Ms Haugh detailed that density and a reduction of footprint would be a factor assessed to achieve a

lower cost. "We're trying to get the balance of not losing many units but also achieve savings".

"It is a pity it met a stumbling block," Cllr Burke commented. "We are all aware of the shortage of housing and the need for developments to be fast-tracked," the Whitegate representative outlined.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe Municipal District, Cllr Pat Hayes (FF) voiced his disappointment with the delay and the potential that the car park would not proceed. There is concern in Scariff over the development's future, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) admitted. "Scariff is an area that could do with another housing development".

Such concerns were abated by Haugh who confirmed the plans for Scariff remained "very much in action".

NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Clare is Amazing,

11

Sponsored by

take it ALL in...

Explore ALL of Clare. It will surprise you!

This ‘Clare is Amazing’ page, sponsored by Clare County Council and Visit Clare Tourism, will be a regular feature in this paper over the weeks ahead. We will be reminding readers of experiences that can be explored and enjoyed in Clare in line with the latest public health guidelines.

We’ll also encourage readers to ‘Get out There’ and share their experiences with other readers – your tips! What have you discovered and loved on your trip-taking and staycations within the County? Tell us, and you could win some great prizes, and we’ll share some of the best tips on this page in the weeks ahead.

For now, here are just a few suggestions: • Be a Tourist for a day. In any typical year, Clare would be welcoming over 1.2 million visitors from within Ireland and worldwide. They are drawn to Clare because of all the possibilities for enjoyment and fun. Our seascapes, landscapes and lakescapes provide them with the amazing natural backdrops within which each visitor can shape their own experience. You have the great advantage of living here. For one or more days, imagine yourself as a tourist and really explore what can be enjoyed at this time.

Take in places that you are not overly familiar with.

• Head for the open spaces. In Clare, there are plenty of open spaces and amazing places. Enjoy the beaches, forests, parks, Wild Atlantic Way coastline, The Burren, the Hidden Heartlands, historical sites and geological wonders.

• Get Lost! As well as travelling to your favourite places, travel to the parts of Clare you don’t know. Go and get lost – and see where it takes you! Clare is full of surprises.

• Walk the Walk. Clare has lots of fantastic loop and linear walks to suit all levels of fitness. For the serious walker, there are well-organised routes, including national trails that are well sign-posted. There are also

great loop walks suited to walkers of different levels of fitness. Our clifftop, mountain-top, and hill-top walks are spectacular.

• Bring a picnic, or buy a picnic. As ‘eating in’ places are not yet open, either bring a picnic or check out the places you can pick up a tasty takeaway. Restaurants and cafés are very creative at this time, and you can order and pick up excellent meals and snacks. It’s also a great way to support local businesses!

re a l C l l Te N I W d an

Tell our readers what you loved most about your recent trip around the County, and win some great prizes - including a Family Staycation Holiday.

Every second week we will draw winners for our latest prizes from those who provide good feedback and tips. Then, at the end of August, we will also draw from all entrants for a very special weekend staycation for either a family or two sharing (the winners choice!).

This Weeks Prize Win a ‘Walk with a Hawk’ at the Aillwee Cave Burren Birds of Prey Centre A Hawk Walk at Aillwee is a once in a lifetime opportunity to interact with some of nature’s top predators. Guided and instructed by experienced Falconers, Aillwee’s hour-long ‘Walk with a Hawk’ through hazel woodland and across Burren limestone pavement is tailor-made for anybody seeking a totally unique experience. The lucky winner and a friend can avail of the prize once the Aillwee Cave and the Birds of Prey Centre re-opens. That’s something to look forward to! See www.AillweeCave.ie

Feedback Online to Win! To have a chance to win, visit www.Clare.ie/TellClare

Stay safe. Protect each other. Please remember to follow all public health advice. Above all, always distance yourself at least 2 meters (6 feet) from other people. Wear face coverings, covering your mouth and nose, when in proximity to others. Wash your hands well and frequently. See www.gov.ie/covid

www.Clare.ie

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Fairies not responsible for vanishing doors PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

B

ETWEEN 80 to 100 fairy doors remain missing in Shannon despite the best retrieval efforts of local volunteers over the weekend, fairies have been ruled out of the reckoning for completing the act according to Tidy Towns officers.

Earlier this month, all fairy doors dotted along the River Walk in Shannon vanished. An Garda Síochána have been notified of the disappearance of the doors but few inroads have been made as part of their investigation.

In 2019, Shannon Men’s Shed collaborated with local crèches in the vicinity to make the fairy doors.

The painting was completed by

the children with the members of the Men’s Shed depicted different parts of the town and buildings such as the Seán Lemass Public Library, the Rescue 115 helicopter and the Shannon Garda station in their designs.

On Saturday, volunteers of Shannon Tidy Towns carried out a big search to try locate the missing fairy doors. Their efforts saw five of the doors retrieved as they scoured the bushes, trees and surrounding areas of the popular walking route.

Secretary of Shannon Tidy Towns, Derek Clune is of the view that the act was pre-planned and that it took place in a small window of time.

“We suspected all along that whoever took them down took them away with them, they went to a lot of trouble to take them down from the different areas”.

“It is very strange, it is a complete mystery,” he said. “Whoev-

er did it, it took time to put them up and it would have taken them considerable time to take all the

lMYSTERY: The five fairy doors that were retrieved in Shannon over the weekend

Five Chamber companies to take part in technology projects

by STUART HOLLY “THE fact that five projects from the MidWest have received funding under the third round of the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund announced by Government, all of which involve Shannon Chamber member companies, is a huge endorsement of the innovative capability of the region’s and Shannon’s industry base,” said Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes.

Successful projects from the Mid-West, accounting for €12.8 million of the total €95 million funding announcement, involve Shannon-based companies, PBC Biomet Ltd, Mincon Group PLC and Modular Automation, and Limerick-based Analog Devices and the University of Limerick.

PBC Biomed Ltd is a consortium member with Dolmen Design and Innovation Ltd and Dublin City University (DCU) in a €3.4 million health and wellbeing research project, called the Ostic project, whose mission is to deliver an adhesive that will stick broken bone tissue together following fracture and then facilitate rapid healing and repair of the bone.

Mincon Group PLC and the University of Limerick are consortium members with Subsea Micropiles Ltd., and National University of Ireland, Dublin (UCD) in a €2.88 million energy, climate action and sustainability to design and build a prototype robotic drilling system and anchor template for the installation of micropiled anchor foundations; anchors will be load tested to prove suitability for a wide range of applications including offshore wind.

Modular Automation and Analog Devic-

doors down, it would have had to be pre-planned to do it. Everybody is disgusted and upset with what

es are consortium members with Emdalo Technologies Ltd., and Tyndall National Institute in a €2.85 million manufacturing and materials project The project called SAFETYBOT, will realize Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled safety solutions to service the Factory of the Future, enabling immersive collaboration between human workers, robots and automation equipment.

Analog Devices and the University of Limerick are consortium members with mSemicon Teoranta, ICERGi Ltd., Glantreo Ltd, TisaLabs Ltd., Smart M Power Company Ltd., and Tyndall National Institute in the delivery of a €3.65 million ICT research project, named TRIDENT, which will develop a low-cost, high-performance sodium-ion smart battery system using entirely sustainable materials and processes.

The overall ambition is to provide a complete plug-and-play solution for grid-integrated residential battery energy storage systems.

The University of Limerick will also be part of an ICT project team involving Tyndall National Institute, National University of Ireland, Dublin (UCD), A-TechSYN Ltd.,True Communication Technologies Ltd T/A VRAI and Ocean Print Ltd T/A WAZP who will use artificial intelligence to develop drones to detect drug smuggling.

This project will establish Ireland as a world leader in autonomous drone and drone-AI technologies.

The advanced drone capabilities developed will dramatically improve capability and reduce costs for interdicting drug smuggling.

happened”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Derek ruled out the prospect that fairies were in fact responsible for taking the doors. “I think it is fair to say that it is definite that the fairies didn’t take the doors”.

While members of the public, local children, volunteers with Shannon Men’s Shed and the Tidy Towns remain both frustrated and disappointed with the act, Derek outlined that new fairy doors will replace the ones that have vanished.

Both the Men’s Shed and the crèches of Shannon have committed to designing and painting new doors, he confirmed. “It is disappointing and frustrating but whoever they are they won’t deter us, we will go froward and put them back up again”. Consideration will also be given to placing CCTV to the numerous entry points to the River Walk.

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THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

in association with

Ennis Drain Art evokes excitement in county town CIAN O’BROIN

E

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

XCITEMENT has been stoked throughout Ennis with the appearance of unique drain art in different locations across the town.

The project forms part of a collaboration established between two artists and Ennis Chamber of Commerce last November. Local artists Martin Shannon and his wife Giodana Giachéhave created 10 pieces of drain art, adding to “a rich tapestry of street art, in a town full of culture.”

Having graduated from art college in 1992, specialising in sculptures, Martin and his wife

Giordana now run a street art theatre company in Limerick and specialise in creating spectacle parts, such as puppets, for parades including the Ennis Street Arts Festival. The family friendly project includes animated depictions of fish, robots, cars and an octopus.

Martin lauded the pedestrianisation of the town, which he feels, will assist parents and their children in locating all 10 drain art characters throughout the town. The paintings were made using eco-friendly paint, to avoid any harm to local wildlife or water systems.

Martin conceded that they are ephemeral and will eventually run off due to wear and tear.

However, he remains hopeful that the project could be a starting point for further street art

throughout the town. The couple are all too familiar with the growing appreciation for the form. They previously worked together on creating wall art in the Market, along the side of Knox’s pub as well as a mural in Chapel Lane.

l Drain art Photo by Ennis Chamber of Commerce

Activity at West County vaccination centre will impact Abbeycourt works

by PÁRAIC Mc MAHON LEVEL of activity at Clare’s COVID-19 vaccination centre will determine at what stage traffic calming works for Abbeycourt and Abbeyville will conclude.

Traffic calming works at Abbeycourt and Abbeyville in Ennis will be completed by a local contractor, senior executive engineer Eamon O’Dea informed the April meeting of the Ennis Municipal District.

Works were intended to commence in early April, he advised.

“The completion of the section adjacent to the R458 will be subject to the level of activity at the Vaccination Centre based in the Conference Centre at the Tracey’s West

l Abbeycourt

“People are becoming more aware of street art. Ennis is a very picturesque town. The drain art project is currently finished, but there is always scope to add to it. Ennis is calling out for more street art,” he concluded.

County Hotel,” O’Dea stated.

Acknowledgement of the impact of Level Five restrictions on such work was expressed by Cllr Paul Murphy (FG). The Mayor of Ennis had requested an update on the progress of the traffic calming measures which he felt had been “a big issue”. His proposal was seconded by Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF).

“A massive population” reside in the area, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) flagged. He also referenced the activity at both the pub and hotel adjacent to the entrance.

Parking difficulties had caused frustration for residents, Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) noted.

“It is great to see the commitment to moving it forward”.

Whizzing cars lead to calls for speed bumps SPEEDING concerns at Tobearteascáin have resulted in requests for table top speed bumps, writes Páraic McMahon.

Following "numerous complaints" regarding traffic issues at Tobearteascáin, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) voiced her worry with the use of the area as a rat run with drivers breaking the speed limit.

Traffic and speed surveys are to be carried out, senior executive engineer Eamon O'Dea confirmed. "The outcome of the traffic and speed surveys may identify the necessity for actions by the Ennis MD or an Garda Siochana," he added.

Multiple issues have become apparent on the stretch of road, Cllr Howard stated. "In certain sections you cannot cross the road because of the speed of traffic.

It is being used as a rat run to the town centre".

Although three different speed ramps are on the road, the issue of speeding persists, she flagged. "Cars are whizzing around the corner and you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time," Howard warned. She suggested table top speed bumps and relining of the road.

14 Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Bank Holiday weekend ‘like no other’ promised for Killaloe Music Festival PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

BANK Holiday weekend like no other is promised in the Killaloe Music Festival which will be held for the ninth time from June 4th to 6th this year.

St. Flannan’s Cathedral hosts the weekend of music, art and culture. Paul Herriott of RTÉ Lyric FM will present the special series of free live-streamed concerts. The programme of events has been created by artistic director Katherine Hunka and includes a world premiere by Malachy Robinson.

On Friday 4th June, the festival will open with a version of J.S. Bach’s Chaconne from Partita No. 2 in D minor by violinist, Katherine Hunka, and the echoing voices of Cómhar.

Friday’s programme will also include the Clarinet Quintet

by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart featuring Carol McGonnell, clarinet, Diane Daly, violin, Siún Milne, violin, Joachim Roewer, viola and Christopher Ellis, cello.

This year’s weekend festival will also include two Late Night Concerts at 10pm. Talented cellist, Christopher Ellis will perform Bach’s first unaccompanied Suite for Cello. Di-

ane Daly will give an imaginative interpretation of Ysaÿe’s Violin Sontata Op, 27 No. 2. Saturday’s Late Night Concert includes international stars, Zoë Conway, fiddle, John McIntyre, guitar and festival musicians.

One of the many attractive features of the festival is ‘The Rising Star’ emerging artist platform. On Saturday 5th June the Coffee Concert at 11am will introduce a performance from cellist Zoë Nagle accompanied by the German pianist Clara Siegle. Far Flung Trio will perform their own fun-filled

lSHOWTIME: Killaloe

Photo by Gavin Sheehan

version of Prokoviev’s ‘Peter and the Wolf ’ for the Children’s Concert at 3pm.

Saturday evening welcomes a blend of magical performances from Irish pianist Finghin Collins with cellist Christopher Ellis; an exclusive premiere of ‘For the Atoll’, a new work composed by Malachy Robinson with poetry by Jane Robinson.

The final day of the festival will kick off with a special lunchtime concert featuring performances from Finghin Collins, piano, Carol McGonnell, clarinet and Hannah Miller, French horn, inspired by the works of Robert Schumann and Felix Mendelssohn. ‘Let’s Play Together’ Children’s Concert will include a series of performances under the musical direction of Diane Daly. These recitals will be aired on the festival website at 3pm on Sunday afternoon. The festival will draw to a close with an evening concert at 8pm, celebrating the music of Schubert.

Killaloe Music Festival’s will also explore the work of Charles Harper and Paul O’Brien curated by Patricia Haselbeck in St. Flannan’s Cathedral. Bringing the exhibition to life in the digital realm, the works will be featured on the Killaloe Music Festival’s website for the duration of the festival. The ninth annual Killaloe Music Festival comes in a different guise than previous years with free online streamed performances bringing a June bank holiday weekend of music like no other.

Ruan actress appears Graham explores meaning of life through music following wife’s illness on Call The Midwife

by CIAN O’BROIN

lMORTALITY: The Signal

RENOWNED Ennis born guitar virtuoso and teacher Graham Keane has released a new single channelling the existential meaning of life following his wife’s illness.

His music lessons have been taking place online since March 2020. Graham admitted that although convenient, Zoom guitar lessons don’t work well for beginners who need physical guidance when starting off. He is now delivering lessons in person once again, following the return to schools.

Writing his own music has always been a passion of his. “I never thought I would release anything to anyone. It became a more pressing thing when my wife became sick, six or seven years ago. I came up with the importance of time, which became an

important factor. I realised that time is limited.”

The concept of mortality is something he now thinks about every day.

This inspired his new single ‘The Signal’ released as part of the Vicious Head Society. It forms part of an album to be released in May. “It’s about the way we isolate ourselves and how pride keeps us from reaching out and apologising for those things. For everybody that’s close to you or may have passed away, there’s often someone that’s close to you that you didn’t get along with or had a falling out. That’s a regret that’s hard for most people to live with.”

The album launches on May 28. The Signal is out now and can be viewed on The Vicious Head Society’s YouTube Channel, Facebook page and across all streaming platforms.

A RUAN actress made her first on-screen role in the BBC period drama Call The Midwife on Sunday, writes Páraic McMahon.

Lisa O'Connor (inset) starred as Jacinta O'Malley, a mother who is pregnant for the second time but would rather not to have found herself in the predicament.

Appearing on the eleventh series of the award-winning show is seen as a big step in Lisa's acting career. High ratings in Call The Midwife's first season in 2012 made it the most successful new drama series on BBC One since 2001. Created by Heidi Thomas, the series was originally based on the memoirs of Jennifer Worth who worked with the Community of St. John the Divine, an Anglican reli-

gious order, at their convent in the East End in London.

Producers have extended the show beyond the memoirs to include new, historically sourced material. The series focuses on the midwives working in London during the 1950s and 1960s.

Call The Midwife airs on BBC One at 8pm on Sunday.

FEATURES 15

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

GREEN CLARE

Communities work together to create Energy Master Plan CIAN O’BROIN

G

cianobroin@clareecho.ie

ROUPS in Clooney, Spancilhill and Maghera have banded together to look at collective energy generation and the potential to invest in the community through renewable energy.

Working together, the communities have developed an Energy Master Plan (EMP) which enables the group to look at its existing and future energy needs in terms of power, heat, and transport and to determine where it sees priorities and opportunities for action. The group are a registered member of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) Sustainable Energy Community (SEC) Network.

Chairman of the Development Committee Tom Larkin referenced Templederry as a template to the vision of Clooney/Spancilhill/Maghera. He said that the Tipperary group are the only community within the country with two wind turbines not owned by developers and have been for the past 11 years.

“Windmills are the work of developers and are of no benefit to the local community. In Templederry they have been averaging a €1.1m income between both turbines. Now that there is a Green Minister for the environment and advisors under him, there is a pathway for communities and an incentive for them to apply for a grid connection.”

The EMP has turned up stark figures for the local community, making for telling reading. It found that oil is the most common residential heating fuel at 71 per cent.

The average estimated heating and electricity cost is €2,700 per year, with households using 7,500MWh of energy per year. This equates to €900,000 being spent on heating and electricity in a population of 950 people across 332 houses every year.

Fuel poverty, CO2 emissions and BER house rating also tell another sad story which the community are looking to remedy by establishing themselves as a sustainable

energy community. The estimated annual household CO2 emissions from heating and electricity is 6.6 tons. The EMP found that 1,325 acres of Sitka Spruce forest would have to be planted to balance the CO2 emitted by households in the community. In addition, only five per cent of houses have a BER-B rating or better. This is a certificate that indicates your homes energy efficiency from A being the most efficient to G, being the least.

39 per cent have a BER-D rating, whilst 30 per cent hold a BER-C rating.

Fuel poverty is an issue that needs to be addressed, in Tom’s opinion. Approximately 25 per cent of households within the Clooney/Spancilhill/Maghera communities are living in fuel poverty. Tom stated that 75 to 80 per cent of funding is put together by the development committee to offset against grants. This committee is formed from two members of each adjacent sub-group including Tidy Towns, Heritage, the walks group, the environmental group, the road safety group as well as a group that is looking to form a local hub. Funding obtained already includes €10,000 from the SEAI for the Energy Master Plan. A further €99,000 went towards Clooney village works.

“It’s possible for the community to reduce their electricity and heating bills. If solar panels are on the roof, you could generate your own power, charge your own car and reduce heating expenses after you update your housing standards. In the long term there would be huge savings. For those in fuel poverty, there is 80 per cent grant aid. This is substantial. There are huge possibilities, and I don’t think people realise the potential.

“When communities apply for the grid connection, they receive more money per unit than the developer does. If every community had one or two turbines going forward, then that would bring huge development and would help them sustain themselves”.

16 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Eoin Neylon

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum With

With With

Joe Melody appeals for a halt to discrimination against those who call rural Ireland their home

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HE wonderful thing about growing up in rural Ireland is the variety of experience one gets to gratify themselves with seeing the seasons progress and the cycle of creation and destruction that is at the very essence of nature.

For many young country people they also get to do their stint away from home living, studying and working in the cities or provincial towns of Ireland. This gives a greater acceptance and awareness of how other people live and breeds a sense of decency and tolerance towards the situations of others.

However what I’m seeing more and more of is a lack of tolerance for our culture and way of living. Much of this uninformed bigotry towards farmers and dwellers of the countryside can be seen in the recent objection to the building of the Glanbia cheese factory in Belview. It now feels as if the marginalisation of rural life is reaching a crescendo.

A friend of mine recently got the news out of the blue that from next year he would not be able to continue to supply milk in the peak months of production at similar levels to the current year. He was told that this was due to An Taisce’s objection to the development of a cheese factory in Belview to process all this milk. The young man is a new entrant only two years into dairying, he has built up a thriving dairy business on the back of good cows, good grass, good husbandry but also farming with nature and producing milk from grazed grass. He now has limited options; reducing next years spring cow numbers or splitting the herd and letting some of his cows calve in late summer to reduce his peak production of milk for April, May and June.

He and his father have invested and continue to invest large amounts of capital in facilities and land improvement. Most of this was based on a well thought out business plan that was built around milking 120 spring calving cows for 2022.

Now he will have to calve a chunk of these cows in the summer/autumn period.

This will make for a much less financially sustainable situation as it will require more bought in inputs and more diesel being burnt to feed these winter milking cows.

An Taisce objected to the plant on the grounds of the damage dairy farming would do to the environment so now by this they will have moved a large percentage of our milk production towards winter in turn doing the opposite.

An Taisce has a line about how one of their functionaries is “protecting Ireland’s treasures” in their eyes Ireland’s farmers and the environment are not treasures.

An Taisce’s appalling doctrine sees progressive farming as an unnecessary evil and is allowed to wreak havoc on rural dwellers and their livelihoods all in the name of greenwashing under the banner of ill thought out nonsense. Most of the key staff in An Taisce are Dublin based and know little of rural life. When are we going to start discussing the marginalisation of rural people by these unaccountable and un-elected organisations.

It is time for rural Ireland to get its voice again and not be pushed to the side on the issues that are most pertinent to its people.

If any other demographic in Ireland were being so discriminated against by an organisation, there would be an outcry against it. However you can push anything through in the name of environmentalism no matter how ill conceived.

EXCESS: Milking

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor, What a display of poor journalism on the front of The Clare Echo - “69% want pedestrian plan”giving the false impression that there exists huge appetite for the four

little streets in Ennis to be pedestrianised. Who did the survey for The Clare Echo??

If you (the editor) have some private reasons to push pedestrianisation it is unethical to use your

free paper as a platform to misrepresent the facts.

Perhaps charge for your paper to get a proper survey done instead of just asking family and friends!!

Yours etc. *Signature illegible

What are our MEPs up to?

E

VERY five years, around half the people of Clare go through the same ritual. Just two years ago, roughly 50,500 of us did it. For some, it was the culmination of much preparation. For others, it was simply going through the motions. For the majority, they’ve never given it a second thought since.

I speak, of course, about the European Parliamentary elections. For a large section of the population, most would struggle to name all five Clare MEPs, let alone recount the last they heard from them.

Nevertheless, the decisions and actions of these people have impact on our everyday lives. Most of us will have heard one or all of them talking about Brexit, Vaccinations, or EU grants at some point but what else have Clare’s five MEPs been hitting the headlines for in the near two years since their election?

Poll topper in May 2019, Sean Kelly easily retained his seat without much fuss.

Since then, the ex-GAA President has been campaigning on many issues but is getting most coverage for his promotion of Ireland as a substitute location for Erasmus students from the continent now that the UK has left the block, wanting to change Ireland to summertime permanently and end the practise of biannually changing the clocks, steadfastly protecting CAP payments and winning the Industry, Research & Innovation award in The Parliament Magazine’s annual MEP Awards. He remains a highly regarded politician in Brussels and a potential future Fine Gael candidate for the Irish Presidency, if certain sources are to be believed.

Following Kelly in the poll in 2019 was Fianna Fáil’s Billy Kelleher. Having defied his party leaders

wishes to run, he secured his place on the FF ticket by HQ addition after initially losing the selection convention to his running mate, Malcolm Byrne. Since then, however, Kelleher has not looked back, being vocal on issues such as Digital Green Certs to speed up post Covid travel, price transparency in the food chain, the state covering the cost of mandatory hotel quarantine for returning Irish Erasmus students, and also critical of An Taisce for taking a case against a new Glanbia cheese manufacturing plant. However, he also had to apologise for breaching self-isolation protocols in attending an FF Parliamentary Party meeting last Summer having only just flown in from Brussels.

Mick Wallace was third over the line in the last European elections and has been as vocal as ever within the Parliament.

His pronouncements have garnered accusations of “fake news” and have been heavily criticised by many NGOs, charities and advocacy groups in recent weeks with regard to his dismissal of the chemical weapons attacks by the Assad regime in Syria. He has repeated, in the Parliament, shocking and completely unsubstantiated claims or Islamic militant links, against the White Helmets charity group in Syria. He also gained notoriety in attacking the Belarusian opposition leader in exile, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, claiming she was nothing more than a “puppet of western neoliberalism”.

He similarly claimed that Ukraine’s issues were a fault of Europe, as opposed to Russia, who were the ones who annexed a part of that country illegally. Time and time again, Wallace has used his position as a representative of the people of Clare, and Ireland South, to act as seemingly nothing

more than a ventriloquist dummy for the the Kremlin without explanation.

Last over the line in 2019, Green MEP Grace O’Sullivan has been possibly the most vocal of the lot when it comes to the Green New Deal at the heart of the future of European budgeting. She has also been to the fore of pushing for more sustainable fishing practices and looking for legislation on protected marine environments. She has also lent her voice to condemn the practice of ‘Gay Conversation Therapy’, liking it to torture, and of anti-LGBTQ measures that have recently cropped up in Poland.

O’Sullivan was a proponent of the Greens entering Government after the 2020 General Election and pointed to the ability to secure a wide-ranging environmental bill and better, sustainable, public transport network as reasons for entering coalition. One thing she was keen for the Greens to press in Government was for the abandonment of the Shannon LNG terminal project.

Finally, Ireland South gained an extra MEP in FG’s Deirdre Clune on the day the UK left the block.

Since her return to the Parliament at the beginning of last year, she has campaigned hard on the issue of plastics in our oceans and seafood, has sought for funding for Erasmus programmes to be doubled, and for vital supports to our tourism industry in a post Covid world. Although in the EP less time than her colleagues this term, her previous experience has made up for lost time. All in all, the five have certainly been active. Whether or not those actions have all been positive is a matter of the individual voter. We need to pay more attention as to what they’re doing on our behalf if we are to hold them to account.

COLUMNIST 17

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

MACKEREL AND ROASTED RHUBARB Kearney Cooks

I

WAS scrolling through Twitter the other night and Mike Hanrahan, of Stocktons Wing fame and a proud Clareman, had a lovely photo up of his dinner of mackerel and rhubarb. Now as rhubarb is in season I had planned on doing a rhubarb and cream dish, but let’s face it, most people think of dessert when they see rhubarb. So I thought let’s take inspiration from Mike Hanrahan, who is by the way, an excellent chef according to my sources, and cook some mackerel with roasted rhubarb and a horseradish cream.

and paprika. Fry skin side down first on a medium to high heat for three or four minutes and then flip it and cook for another two minutes. Take it out of the pan and leave to rest for a minute.

YOU WILL NEED: • 1 mackerel fillet • 1 stick of rhubarb • 1 cup of plain flour • 1 tsp of paprika • 1 large tblsp of whipped cream • 1 tsp of horseradish sauce • A knob of butter • A few capers • A tsp of cider vinegar

Step 5 Plating up time. Put your mackerel on a plate skin side down. Stack your warm rhubarb beside the fish and pour on some horseradish cream over it. Drizzle some caper butter over your fish and voila, you have a beautiful dish of local Clare fish and fruit.

Step 1 Cut the rhubarb up into four finger sized batons and put them into an oven dish. Horse them into the oven @180c for 15 to 20 minutes until they are just becoming soft and yielding to the touch.

Step 2 Heat some oil and butter in a pan and dust your mackerel with the flour

R

ebecca O’Neill

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Step 3 Fling a knob of butter, some capers and the apple cider vinegar into your still hot pan. Let it bubble away for a minute and then set aside.

Step 4 Stir the horseradish through the cream. Handy out.

and would have been able to pick everything up with ease in all three locations. Even better, in all three locations the ingredients were local to Clare as well. So well done to the merchants of Clare on that one.

Thanks to Mike Hanrahan as well for the inspiration and as always keep an eye out for the instructional video that goes with this article on The Clare Echo social media pages. As usual if you wish to contact me for whatever reason than look me up on Instagram @kearneycooks or @stevekearney37

Enjoy

Steve K

Step 6 Horse into it, stopping in surprise as you realise that this strange affair of a dish actually works.

People get weirded out when they see a dish like this, but trust me, they are actually a great combination. Lots of punchy flavours on this this plate and it is a great way to kick off a meal.

At this time of year these ingredients are readily available as well, I checked in Shannon, Ennis and Ennistymon,

Waking with the sunrise This week, Rebecca shows how small changes to her morning routine have made a big difference to her daily life HERE have been a few changes to my daily routine that have made a major positive impact on me in the last two

weeks.

I finally discovered that making these small changes really changed the way I treated my everyday life.

Adding healthy actions has made me act and feel so much more positive. A lot of tips I’m going to list are habits that take time to get into, but once you stick with them it will make such a difference.

EARLY RISING I absolutely understand the struggle of getting out of bed in the mornings. It is very hard to rise from a warm bed but surprisingly enough, you get very used to it. For me personally, I found waking up early causes me to be a lot more productive. I would get so much of my daily goals achieved just by starting my day earlier.

This is a hard task at the start, due to changing your sleeping pat-

tern and going against what your mind and body are used to. After the two week mark of doing this, you will adapt to this change and see a large difference in yourself, mentally and physically. I wake up at 6:00am every morning now and swear by it. Studies have shown that waking up earlier can improve your mental and physical health also meaning that early risers tend be happier than late risers.

SUNRISE WALKS The first time I ever did a sunrise walk I said to myself that I wanted to do it every single morning.

I bring my dogs with me and we go for a 10 minute walk along the Shannon Loop. Watching the sunrise really made me appreciate the little things. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen the sunrise properly until then.

I would highly recommend doing this at least once in your life just to experience it. Morning walks are so essential for your health. The increased oxygen outside in the morning, helps the

brain function a lot better and improves cognitive function.

EXERCISE Working out first thing in the morning has really helped me maintain focus and to also get it done before I start my day. I find exercising in the morning gives me

so much more energy and makes me feel accomplished.

Exerting yourself for the first 20 minutes in the morning has been proven to stimulate energy in your body and offer more focus and optimism. Studies have shown you will more than likely eat healthily and stay active throughout the day.

18 FEATURES

Love every tree

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

F

Trees are perhaps best known as metaphors for life and spiritual growth. So by looking closely at tree symbolism, we can see correlations with our own lives. We can learn lessons that may inspire us and provide insights along our own spiritual paths.

Trees play important roles in the ecosystem and in the support of human life and culture. Trees reduce erosion. They moderate the climate. They produce oxygen and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and store Tree Links large amounts of carbon, which I always feel there is a calming we know is an important factor in effect from walking in a forest, mitigating global warming. They wooded area or along a laneway of trees. An elderly man from my par- provide valuable habitat for many species of animals and plants. They ish church told me how, after the loss of his wife, he would sit among provide shelter and shade; timber for building; fuel for heating and the trees at the edge of a place called Barna Woods where I would cooking; and fruit, nuts and oil for eating. Trees are living beings, sometimes go on my prayer walk.

When he goes there, he would pray created by God, and they offer and process the loss of his beautiful their praise to God by raising their branches to the heavens and "clapwife. ping their hands" like the psalmist As he lingered under the trees, writes. he said he felt "God's peace gently Trees are perfect examples of comforted his wounded heart." how to live, grow, transition, He told me to always take time change and even die with grace. to notice trees as you read God's Trees purify the air; they also puriWord and as you explore God's fy the mind. Without trees, life on World. There is something special earth would be inconceivable. They about them, he said. Trees he have been thriving for millions of said in some ways frame God's years and have helped us evolve redemptive plan. He liked to refer as one of the smartest creatures to Barna Woods as a cathedral of on earth. They are not only key God's creation. He also told me to our existence but also teach us that when you need to pray, when some of the priceless life lessons: thoughts are dominated by hurt, How to deal with difficulties and fear and anxiety, go for a walk and yet stay quiet, patient and flexible; stroll among the silent sentinels face challenges courageously; steal that declare God's faithfulness, the happiness in every season; endure towering trees in Barna Woods pain and loneliness; live life hapthat point to the heavens in worpily no matter what comes in the ship. And if you plant trees like way; keep the steps firm; and rise the charity, Self Help Africa that I steadily and wisely to the top of the work for are doing in Ireland and world.

Africa he said, "consider their benTrees exude and embody a efits and count your blessings from special energy we sometimes take God. As you witness trees grow, for granted. They cleanse the air year after year, as new life appears we breathe, gifting us with pure each spring, consider the hope we oxygen as they drink in the carbon have in Jesus Christ. This hope dioxide we exhale. They have much gives us peace in the present and to teach us. With silent but undegreat expectation for the future, as niable confidence, trees grow taller we look forward to the eternal tree and stronger each year, extending of life." their trunk and branches ever upward toward the heavens.

Trees Teach Us Remember to stand tall and Trees are fascinating. We can proud in who you are as well. appreciate their uniqueness and Trees are flexible and adaptable beauty, their complicated root in a variety of conditions, from systems, and the way they seem to blistering cold winters to searing offer a sense of peace and serenity summer sun to occasional stormy when we enter their presence like winds. Trees and their branches what happens to me when I go on can bend and not break in some my prayer walk in Barna Woods. fairly extreme conditions. Develop Yet, we can find the greatest fascithis same flexibility in yourself; nation by exploring tree symbolbend and adapt to changing condiism, how it relates to us and our tions, and don't be afraid to go out universal connection to all things.

ROM the time I was little, I have heard some people say "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today."

I have been curious about trees most of my life and especially all of my working life as the charity organisation I work for Self Help Africa plants millions of Trees in Africa to help combat climate change.

on a limb once in a while!

Trees have an uplifting yet grounded energy. This is because even as they are reaching ever upward toward greater heights of achievement, they always remain grounded and secure with a root system that's often as large as they are. Continue to reach for the stars in your own life, but always remember to stay grounded and connected with your roots.

Trees are known for adding a new tree ring to their trunk each year, and you can tell how old a tree grew to be by counting the rings. Strive to add a new ring or layer of achievement to yourself each year. Explore a new skill, do something you've always wanted to do, or go somewhere unfamiliar; become multi-layered, like the tree.

Trees drink in water from deep within the earth as well as during long rains. They extend their leaves and branches to the sunlight and fresh air all day, drawing in nourishment, and they gather nutrients and minerals from the soil below them.

They cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with the wildlife all around them. Are you drinking in all the nourishment that life has to offer. Each new season has its own special features and qualities, and trees are experts at embracing each one for what it is. Be like the tree and enjoy the rebirth and renewal of spring, the growth and relaxation of summer, letting go of the past in autumn, and resting and renewing yourself during the winter. Trees bring a stately elegance wherever they grow, and we're lucky to share the planet with them. Remember these lessons from the tree and start living a more enriched, faith filled, reflective, grounded and uplifting life.

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Clare students assist in release of multi media news project PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

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WO Clare journalism students formed part of the team behind a multi-media news project in Limerick.

Limerick Voice is a publication from journalism students at the University of Limerick. It was distributed with The Limerick Leader's weekend edition.

Lissycasey's Conor Clohessy was Features Editor for the publication while Erin Dwyer of Doonbeg was a reporter for Limerick Voice. There was a further Clare connection through ex journalist Peter O'Connell from Kilmurry McMahon who is a part-time journalism lecturer at UL. Erin received national coverage for an article she wrote on the sanctions dished out by UL to students who held a largescale street party at College Court in March.

A hashtag campaign launched in the wake of a controversial Forbes article about Limerick reached a staggering 8.6m people in just sev-

en days, the newspaper revealed. Over 300 stories were published across multi media platforms; 100 podcasts were broadcast along with a number of TV and radio news bulletins.

Hands on experience of working on professional news project was provided through Limerick Voice, Editor Christine Costello maintained. "This has been an extraordinary year for both Limerick Voice and the people of Limerick.

"It has been a privilege to give a platform to all of Limerick's triumphs over the past seven months. Our team rose to the challenge in their kitchens and bedrooms across Ireland to produce a paper that is every bit as professional as its predecessors".

UL Lecturer in Journalism and New Media, Kathryn Hayes noted that the project has become "an integral part of journalism education in UL, which is very much rooted in experiential learning. We are extremely proud of what our students have achieved this exceptional year ,when they rose to the challenge of online learning and remote working.

These skills will really stand to them as they prepare to enter the highly competitive work force."

Thought for the week

As your thought for the week, plant a tree if you have the opportunity too. By doing so you are not only giving life to a tree, you are ensuring the life of the planet.

Trees have so many wonderful benefits to the ecosystem. What could be more healing and sacred than that? If you can't personally plant a tree, consider donating funds to Self Help Africa's One Million Trees campaign see www. selfhelpafrica.org for further information on their care for trees and planting trees.

A tree planted in someone's memory is a living tribute that benefits present and future generations, and is perhaps the most fitting memorial gift of all. Planting a tree in someone's name is a unique and green gift for events such as birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, new births, anniversaries, or any special occasion. If you want to save our world, you must plant trees. Let's get saving and planting today!! https://selfhelpafrica.org/onemilliontrees/

lFUTURE OF JOURNALISM: Limerick Voice Editor Christine Costelloe and UL journalism lecturer Kathryn Hayes

Photo by Alan Place

Fencing suggested to prevent illegal dumping

by PÁRAIC McMAHON dents living in close vicinity to MEASURES such as fencing have been suggested as a possible deterrent to future dumping at a vacant site in Ennis.

In recent weeks, staff from Clare County Council cleared away rubbish that was dumped at Shallee Drive.

Ongoing dumping has been noticeable at the site, Cllr Mark Nestor (FF) outlined. Speaking at the April meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, he flagged the concerns of resi-

Shallee Drive.

"Over the past few years it has been used as a dumping site," the Cloughleigh man stated. Electrical goods were among the items deposited at the location, he observed of the "overgrown" area. He queried the potential of having fencing around the site to prevent repeat scenarios. Senior executive engineer, Eamon O'Dea informed the meeting, "it is my understanding that there is an intention to fence the site".

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Community

THE RNLI is launching its Mayday Mile fundraiser as the charity’s rescue figures for 2020 show that volunteer lifeboat crew at its lifeboat station in Kilrush, county Clare launched nine times and brought 11 people to safety. Three of those launches were carried out in the hours of darkness.

Nationally, over half (53%) of the charity’s 945 lifeboat launches took place in the months of June, July and August. Volunteer lifeboat crews are getting ready for what they expect will be a busy summer with people continuing to holiday at home. Last year, with the country dealing with restrictions put in place to fight the pandemic, lifeboat crews were still busy, bringing 1,145 people to safety.

The RNLI’s Mayday campaign begins on Saturday 1 May and runs throughout the month. Lifesavers are calling on supporters

WANT to learn how to draw some of Ireland's beautiful birds? Or to improve your Irish language skills? Then follow Atlantic Folklore Facebook Page to take part in two free art workshops in May. These are made possible thanks to the Creative Ireland Project Award and Clare County Council.

Conas Éin an Chláir a Tharraingt/How-toDraw Birds of Clare are two 15-minute drawing videos suitable for 10 year old students and older. Art teacher Marie Connole will illustrate the basic shapes to use for drawing a Robin and a Goldfinch and demonstrate how to use colouring pencils.

The videos will be launched in an Irish-language version and an English-language version on Atlantic Folklore Facebook Page at 11am on Saturday 1st May (Robin) and 8th May (Goldfinch).

Viewers will hear folklore and facts about these beautiful birds as they draw. Improvers in the Irish language can use the videos to brush up on their language skills. The videos are especially suitable for beginners to drawing and Leaving Cert Students of Art and Irish.

Afterwards participants can upload their drawings to Atlantic Folklore FaceBook Page (with parental permission) to receive feedback from the artist, encouragement and learn more interesting facts about our beautiful birds.

Suggested materials: Paper, sharpener, eraser, tissue and colouring pencils.

Marie Connole is a Clare Artist and Teacher whose research-based art explores folklore,

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

to join the Mayday Mile and cover the distance for the charity in any way they chose to raise vital funds to help lifeboat crews continue their work. Sign up at RNLI.org/ SupportMayday Kilrush RNLI Helm Charlie Glynn said ‘Our callouts last year ranged from a young child blown out to sea on an inflatable to rescuing three people from a sinking vessel in gale force conditions. For every callout there is a person behind it who is worried that something bad may have happened to a loved one and we are there to help find them and bring them home. Thank you to everyone who supports the work of the volunteer lifeboat crews. From the vessel we use to the training and the state-of-the-art kit, it is all funded through donations.’

To sign up for the Mayday Mile, or to make a donation in support of the RNLI’s lifesavers, visit RNLI.org/supportMayday

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KILRUSH RNLI MAYDAY MILE

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lBESTIES: Molly, Dolly, Polly, Jolly and Folly waiting on their afternoon snack in Maurices history and storytelling. An award-winning artist, her work has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Ireland, the Irish Arts Center New York, Eva International, Draíocht, Tulca and worldwide. www.marieconnole.com www.facebook.com/AtlanticFolklore

Mills, Inagh Photo sent in by Emma Vaughan

QUILTY

lFOLKLORE: Art teacher Marie Connole

LOOP HEAD LOOP HEAD TOGETHER

ARE you living on Loop Head? Perhaps you like to visit there? Do you have an interest in the future development of the area?

Have you heard about this conversation?

'Loop Head Together' is a grass roots initiative on the Loop Head Peninsula, currently supported by over FORTY local groups so far - and engaging with hundreds of individuals across the peninsula and beyond.

The resident population of Loop Head is in steady decline.

How can we go about reversing this trend in a sustainable manner?

How do we work together to ensure a viable and vibrant community for everyone to thrive

in?

The aim of the initiative is to reach out to and engage with - everyone on Loop Head (and anyone with a passion for the Peninsula) to gather all views, discuss the challenges and identify the opportunities – with the end goal of collaborating on a Loop Head Peninsula Development Plan 2020-2025.

This is an open and ongoing conversation.

If you would like to get involved and join the conversation or if you would just like to be kept up to date with it, please go to www. loopheadtogether.ie for information and ways to join the conversation" Or email the initiative on: loopheadtogether@gmail.com

lTAKING IT ALL IN: Three year old Robert enjoying the sunset at Seafield beach recently

Photo sent in by Bjoern Stamprath

20 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Masterplan crucial for Shannon growth PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

DEFICIT of facilities in Shannon for community, civic and creative activity have been flagged by Shannon Chamber in a submission to a masterplan for the town.

Remote working has been adopted by Shannon Chamber over the past year as they continue to organise webinars on topics of interest for its members. Delivery of training programmes through its Skillnet network has also been maintained.

Chief Executive of Shannon Chamber, Helen Downes outlined that they are consulting with stakeholders on the finalisation of the Shannon Town masterplan, assisting in the preparation of a business case for a new funding model for regional airports, including

Shannon and, consultation to enable the finalisation of the second draft of the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).

Each exercise aims to put forward the attributes of Shannon “to enable it develop to its optimal potential,” Helen stated. She felt they offered “constructive suggestions” on the development of a spatial Masterplan for the town.

“We have called for the same level of innovation that is happening at an enterprise level to be evident in any plan to enhance the living aspects of Shannon, which lacks the natural town centre or streetscape that would be typical in most Irish towns of Shannon’s size”.

She continued, “The town also lacks significant public buildings that would normally feature in urban areas with the economic significance of a town like Shannon and, there is a deficit of facilities for community, civic and creative activity. We hope issues like this

will be addressed in the final delivery of a plan for Shannon’s future development. We have made the point that in framing a new Masterplan for Shannon Town Centre, it is critical that the vision for Shannon is not defined in the narrow context as the development of particular plots of town-centre land but in the context of what

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Shannon means and needs to offer to all residents of Shannon, living and working in Shannon. Shannon needs to be attractive to people and investment and we need to plan for this, hence our active involvement in the development of the next Shannon Town Masterplan”.

As previously reported by The Clare Echo, Shannon Chamber collaborated with its Ennis, Limerick and Galway counterparts and the Irish Hotels Federation to prepare a business case for a multi-annual, fully funded regional air access recovery and growth action plan for presentation to Government.

Ms Downes explained that this was undertaken “to demonstrate that, while the funding allocated

by Government to date to support Irish airports is welcome, a reform of funding strategy is needed given that the recovery, restoration, and growth of regional air access will require a sustained period of multi-annual funding until at least

Route recovery needed to support local business

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2024 and as late as 2029, depending on when traffic returns to 2019 levels. Restoring connectivity is a critical element of this recovery”.

This case will be presented to the Minister of State for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Hildegarde Naughton (FG) and the Oireachtas Committee on Transport in the coming weeks.

“Regional airports, including Shannon, will face global competition when travel restrictions are lifted and we simply have to support the restoration of routes that existed pre COVID-19; losing out to competitor airports simply cannot be allowed to happen. That is why we have joined forces with the IHF and more recently have consulted with Tourism Ireland, to ensure that the Government attributes a higher ranking to the reopening of aviation in a national context. This message will continue to be made by the collective voice,” added Ms Downes.

A CLEAR plan for route recovery for services to Shannon Airport needs to be identified to safeguard the hundreds of jobs reliant on air traffic in the region.

Case studies showcasing data on the impact of Shannon Airport to a number of businesses in the Mid-West was detailed at a recent briefing organised by Shannon Chamber as part of their efforts to stress the need for multi-annual funding for Shannon Airport.

Current board member of Shannon Chamber, Kevin Thompstone outlined, “real business data shows the strong association between Shannon Airport connections to source markets and overseas bednights” for a number of hotels in the catchment area.

Dromoland Castle had 16,000 North America room sales in 2019, between 75 to 80 percent of these used Shannon Airport as an entry or exit point. 100 percent of the 1,600 UK room sales used Shannon to access Dromoland in 2019. Up to 300 people were employed at Dromoland Castle at this time with €21m detailed as the local economy and exchequer spend as a result of its trade.

“Unless we get access back, it will be practically impossible for Mark Nolan and his team to get back to this level. That means 300 jobs and a five star hotel is at threat,” the former CEO of Shannon Development

warned.

Similarly, all of the 1,500 UK room sales at the Shannon Springs Hotel in 2019 availed of Shannon Airport to make their trip. For their 9,500 US room sales, 95 percent utilised Shannon Airport. There is a workforce of 60 at the Shannon Springs Hotel with an estimated local economy and exchequer spend of €5.5m.

All of the 15,000 North American bed sales at the Grand National South Court Hotel used Shannon as an exit or entry point while over 95 percent of the 3,000 UK room sales in 2019 did likewise.

Detailing a case study on Pat Keogh Chauffeur Service, Thompstone said it was a clear example to showcase the “devastating impact of air traffic collapse on a previously viable and successful ground transportation business”. He stated, “the business has almost collapsed and route recovery is key to getting the business back to where it was previously”.

A 56 percent reduction in transport of airline crew was recorded by the Shannon based chauffeur service last year. Up to 65 percent of the guests that availed of the business owned by the Newmarket-on-Fergus are typically from North America. Last year, it recorded a 90 percent reduction in its revenue.

NEWS 21

THURSDAY, APR 29 2020

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Are you seeking employment or in receipt of PUP? Would you like to refresh your skills?

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Discover more and register online today for one of our fully subsidised Skills Connect programmes:

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22 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Eddie leaves behind incredible legacy PÁRAIC MCMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

OUNDER of the Shannon Aviation Museum and Atlantic Air Adventures, Edward Ryan has died with many tributes highlighting the legacy he has left on aviation in the county.

On Monday evening, Eddie died peacefully at University Hospital Limerick. A native of Tipperary, he lived in Shannon Town and more recently Carrygerry in Newmarket-on-Fergus.

In 2008, he founded the Shannon Aviation Museum and Atlantic Air Adventures. The idea its establishment first dawned on him in 1997 while he began pursuing it when he retired from a distinguished career in aviation in 2001, the first step began with a model of a 40 acre transport theme park.

This project was set up to honour the aviation history of Shannon.

When it opened, it became the first learning facility of its kind in Ireland or Britain that was accessible to the public. “We want to make people aware that Shannon is an aviation town, that the town was born out of the Airport and not vice versa,” he stated at the time of its unveiling.

Last August, Eddie received the Royal Aeronautical Society Distinguished Service Award for a lifetime dedicated to aviation excellence and inspiring many young people.

He joined the Irish Air Corps some 72 years ago. From there, he moved to the United Kingdom and worked on iconic aircraft including the Lightning, Victor, Vulcan and Valiant as well his treasured Buccaneer and TSRII. Eddie had always been regarded as a strong advocate for Shannon and the importance of aviation to

the locality.

Managing Director of the Aviation Museum, Aviation Education Centre and Flight Simulation Centre, Jane Magill in an online tribute stated, “We will all miss your

infectious inspiration and passion which touched so many, encouraged and enabled so many, not least me. You left an incredible legacy which will live on past us all”.

Ex Aer Lingus worker, John Mo-

ran of Ennis noted, “Eddie will be a loss to those who knew him and those who encountered him.

His contribution to aviation and community in Shannon will not be forgotten”.

Similar sentiments were issued by former CEO of Shannon Development, Kevin Thompstone, “Eddie has left a wonderful legacy,” he reflected.

Commercial Project Manager at Lufthansa Technik Shannon Limited, Sheena Quinn commended his passion for aviation, “Eddie has done so much for aviation in Shannon over the years, I really enjoyed all our conversations over the years”.

Eddie’s private funeral mass will be celebrated in St. John and Paul’s Church, Shannon this Friday (30th April) at 11am followed by cremation in Shannon Crematorium. He will make his final stop at Atlantic AirVenture at 10.20 on Friday morning.

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NEWS 23

THURSDAY, APR 29 2020

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

DB Schenker breaks ground on new facility

I

N LATE December 2020, DB Schenker hosted a number of local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony at their new premises.

This marked the official start of the construction process, which is scheduled to run through to the end of Q1 2022, at which time DB Schenker expects to take occupancy of their new building.

The new site is located close to Shannon Airport (SNN) and has direct access to the local highway network, thus providing swift access to the western corridor of Ireland. The site will offer customers all services, including air and ocean freight, land transport, and value-added logistics solutions.

The new building will have an area of 4,831 square meters in total. This will include a warehouse with an area of 3,716

square meters. The clearance height will be 12.5 meters. The site will be TAPA A-certified in terms of security, including secure fencing, full CCTV coverage, access control throughout, an intruder alarm system, remote monitoring, etc.

The facility, once completed, will also comply with DB Schenker’s certifications for quality (ISO 9001), environmental protection (ISO 14001), and health and safety (ISO 45001). The warehouse will be heated and will allow temperature control in a range from 15oC to 25oC. The heating system will utilize a combination of a thermal solar facility and energy efficient heat pumps. All lighting systems will be equipped with LEDs and the site will also provide electric-car charging stations. In addition, it will be set up to accommodate the installation of truckcharging stations in the future.

Pictured at the groundbreaking ceremony: Pat Dowling, CEO, Clare Co Co; Bryan Quille, Director of Monami Construction; Sean Meaney, Commercial Director, DB Schenker; Ray Hennessy, CEO, DB Schenker UK & Ireland; Paddy Coleman – P.Coleman & Associates, Consulting Engineers; Mike Halton, Director of Business Transformation & Projects, DB Schenker UK & Ireland; Helen Downes, CEO, Shannon Chamber; Liam Conneally, Director Economic Development, Clare County Council; Gerry Dillon, Managing Director, Shannon Commercial Properties

24 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Clean Habit committed to working with Shannon community for 38 years

C

LEAN Habit is a Shannon based company working with the community for the past 38 years employing over 100 people.

We are committed to the delivery of a safe, clean and compliant working environment, and it is this which drives our company forward towards the high standards required in the cleaning industry.

We are both dynamic and responsive to our customers changing needs, and customer service is of the highest standard and at the core of everything we do. This is evident from our testimonials and the long relationships we have, with our clients, some of whom we have been serving for over twenty-five years.

The Clean Habit culture encourages continuous improvement

through innovation, participation and communication. Always future-focused, we at Clean Habit understand that cleaning in Ireland is a people business and that a dedicated workforce is at the core

of exceptional service. A happy and positive working atmosphere is of the utmost importance, and the Clean Habit Work-Life Balance Scheme ensures a flexible and supportive environment for all

employees.

Our experienced team is fully trained to ISO9001:2015 standards and follow a strict protocol to ensure the highest industry standards are exceeded. Not only

are we fully standards-compliant and operationally flexible, but we also have a demonstrated track record in responding quickly and effectively to unexpected cleaning tasks. We have engaged with large-scale industrial factory installations and sensitive medical and pharmaceutical environments to resolve issues quickly 24/7.

The reliability we provide is reassuringly built around your business requirements, delivering superior quality cleaning with competitive value.

Our versatile range of services, qualifications and dedication to standards maintenance make us the ideal partner for your business or office. If you would like to arrange a consultation, please contact us for more information about how we can help you.

NEWS 25

THURSDAY, APR 29 2020

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Begin a career in aviation with IAC

I

INTERNATIONAL Aerospace Coatings is the global leader in aircraft painting, interiors and graphics. With 11 state-of-the-art facilities across the USA and Europe, IAC has capacity for 36 lines of aircraft and processes 1000+ paint events per year. IAC works in all segments of the aviation industry, including OEM, commercial, military, and general aviation. Its European headquarters are based in Shannon, County Clare.

IAC/LCETB Traineeship Graduation The latest group of new graduates successfully passed through the IAC traineeship in Shannon this week. Eleven successful candidates graduated through the program with all of these graduates being offered full time positions within the company. The current class is the sixth group that have passed through the IAC program in the last 4 years which has proved to be a real success.

The program is an intensive course run in conjunction with the LCETB which involves many different aspects of the aircraft painting process and offers can-

IAC is the global leader in aircraft painting, interiors and graphics

didates a real opportunity to learn practical skills in our Shannon aircraft hangar.

Many of these new graduates will become vital team members within our company potentially progressing to leadership positions such as team leaders and graphic designers.

The next training course will start in May 2021 and we are currently accepting applicants. No previous painting experience is required to apply for this training programme. We are also accepting direct entry applicants for full time employment with any previous domestic or industry related painting experience.

All enquiries and applicants can send their CV and details to careers@iac.aero.

The picture above shows the successful graduates along with John Mulqueen (IAC), Scott Helm (IAC), James Power (LCETB), Seamus O’Riain (LCETB ) and Emily Sammon (FRS training).

European Headquarters East Ramp, Shannon Airport, Co. Clare, Ireland

Tel: +353 (0)61 471 800

26 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Mairead McMahon highlights career path opportunities at Ei Electronics

F Shannon Chamber welcomes creation of 80 new jobs

S

HANNON Chamber has welcomed the news of 80 additional jobs by Shannon Free Zone aviation services company, Shannon Technical Services Welcoming the recent announcement by aviation services company Shannon Technical Services, Shannon Chamber CEO Helen Downes said; “It is very heartening to watch a company grow its market share to the extent that it can announce the delivery of such commendable employment levels for Shannon by the end of its fourth year in operation.

“Shannon’s link with aviation is long-standing and to have a new nameplate operating from the Free Zone, whose leaders and employees have the industry experience and capability to make such an immediate impact in the global aviation market is most encouraging.

“The support from the Government, through Enterprise Ireland, is an endorsement of the strength of the company. This announcement will provide valuable employment and job opportunities in the MidWest region and in Dublin in a variety of aviation-focused disciplines.

“News of this nature is most welcome

at a time when the aviation sector generally has been so negatively impacted by the pandemic. We congratulate Shannon Technical Services on the progress made to date and look forward to working with CEO Ben Whelan and his team throughout its growth phase.”

Established in February 2019 by Ben Whelan and Colm Ó Ceallaigh, STS primarily provides services to the aircraft leasing market and to airlines when an aircraft is being delivered off lease and redelivered back onto lease, known as aircraft transitioning. Whelan started his career with Shannon Aerospace before moving to other areas within the aviation sector.

Located in the Shannon Free Zone, STS are involved in the technical and physical inspection of the aircraft and the technical records and documentation associated with the transition of an aircraft off lease.

At present, the company is in the process of obtaining Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) approval from the Irish Aviation Authority. Having started out as transition consultants, its services now include mid-lease inspections, engine management, structures review, and materials services.

OR Mairead M c M a h o n from Shannon, working at Ei Electronics has provided exciting new challenges and allowed her to develop her career over the last 10 years.

After joining Ei Electronics as a general operator in 2009, the Clare native has worked her way up through the ranks to now be part of the Accounts team at the Company’s Corporate Headquarters in Shannon. Working within the Finance department, Mairead supports the day-to-day flow of cash for the Company’s global operations.

“I joined the Company initially as a production operator. Over the years there have been many internal promotions and opportunities. Back in 2014 I was delighted to be offered the role as receptionist for the Company and most recently have been promoted to Accounts Assistant.”, Mairead explained. In parallel she has benefitted from numerous upskill-

ing opportunities over the years that the Company has supported, including Payroll & Taxation certifications and most recently a Management module through the University of Limerick.

As a global leader in the design and manufacture of fire and carbon monoxide detection products, Ei Electronics produces over 12 million alarms every year at its Shannon headquarters. “The Company philosophy of Quality, Service & Innovation applies just as much to internal operations – The quality of the workplace, the long service & commitment of the team here and the continuous growth and development of you as a person, not just the products.”

“In addition to career development opportunities, the work-life balance of living and working in the region is fantastic.”

As one of the largest employers in Shannon, Ei Electronics’ commitment to employee development can be seen in it’s various accredited apprentice-

ships, part-time upskilling opportunities and graduate programmes. Through Partnerships with numerous education and training providers in the region and nationally, all employees can feel supported in growing their career within this Indigenous multinational that’s right on their doorstep.

“I have a 7-minute commute from my front door to work. The location provides an unbeatable work life balance, and goes hand in hand with the great social side of working in Ei.” Employing over 1,000 people worldwide, Ei is headquartered in Shannon where all key Manufacturing, R&D and Commercial functions are co-located.

Its business has expanded significantly over its 30-year history and today it is ranked as one of Ireland’s leading indigenous electronics manufacturing and exporting companies.

Overseas subsidiaries are located in the UK, Germany, France, Poland and the USA.

NEWS 27

THURSDAY, APR 29 2020

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

28 NEWS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Top Industrial Solutions: a business that genuinely cares for community TOP Industrial Solutions is a one-stop shop for all your industrial requiremebnts.

Based in Smithstown, Shannon, Top Industrial Solutions use their 25 years of knowledge in the industry to find customers the correct product at the right price.

Stocking everything from hand tools, abrasives, welding, safety equipment, to electrical and plumbing supplies, PPE and cleaning equipment. TOP also provides for repairs of hydraulic hoses, and has a large selection of hoses and fittings with expert advice from people who have decades of experience in the industry.

Why Choose Top Industrial Solutions?

• Supporting local businesses and jobs.

• Reduce your footprint

• Fast & reliable service • Dedicated account managers at the end of the phone ready to assist.

• Reduced Supply Chain Costs You will be supporting a business that genuinely cares for the community. Here is a few examples of Top Industrial giving back to our community.

• Before restrictions eased during first lockdown Top provided free Sanitisier, wall dispenser and PPE to every GAA club in Clare • Donated PPE and sanitiser to hospitals and nursing homes including Carrigoran nursing home, Cahercalla Hospice and Milford Hospice.

• Donated PPE to fire stations and Garda stations in the height of the first lock down.

• Sponsor local gyms and sports clubs.

­

NEWS 29

THURSDAY, APR 29 2020

SHANNON IN FOCUS THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Noel secures €100k investment during Dragon’s Den appearance PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

SHANNON man secured a €100,000 investment after appearing on the BBC’s Dragons Den. On Thursday last, Noel Marshall secured an investment from Sara Davies in his company, MuscleBallers Ltd, which makes the BackBaller foam roller device, and which now plans to launch the larger BodyBaller device.

Tennis great Roger Federer and Premier League sides including Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal are among the athletes using the BackBaller before and after training sessions and games

to avoid injury. The roller applies targeted pressure to release the muscle groups and joints that can easily be strained during intense training.

Originally from Ballygarvan in

Cork, Noel is now living in Shannon with his wife and three children. He previously invested the Bricky wall-building tool, a device which helped bricklayers lay the perfect line of mortar.

Last year, Noel recorded a €1.3m turnover with the BackBaller, more than 60,000 individual units have been sold, he confirmed. The former middle-distance runner invested the device after being told about six years ago that he faced surgery to cure chronic lower back pain. He said regular daily use of the BackBaller effectively cured his back problems.

During his appearance in the Den, Noel was helped by Olympic athlete Marilyn Chinwenwa Okoro, who told the dragons the device had helped extend her athletics career.

“I was nervy enough going into the Den. You are a bit daunted and they do take you asunder on your numbers. But when you get into the heat of it, it was alright,” Noel reflected. He added, “I went in looking for a £100,000 investment

in exchange for 5% of the business but I parted with 20%, which will come down to 10% when Sara gets her money back.

Next month, Noel is hopeful to appear on the QVC shopping channel which will expose the product to “hundreds of millions” of people. He is hopeful to launch the BodyBaller which is aimed more at older people as the foam rollers will be mounted on a bedlike frame.

Three people are currently employed by BackBaller in Shannon with Marshall also planning to relocate his entire production process from China back to Ireland after shipping costs soared in recent years.

Pictured: Noel Marshall on Dragon’s Den last week

Outdoor Dining

30 THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Holly’s Café to accommodate 20 outdoor diners

H

OLLY’S Café, a new coffee shop offering a sophisticated array of ‘to die for’ desserts created by two chefs that have worked in Michelin star kitchens in the UK and Ireland, has recently opened by the sea in Kilkee, Co. Clare.

The café, whose eye-catching pastries, cakes and cookies along with their scones and soda bread are all freshly made in house each day, has initially opened for takeaway only in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

Once it’s safe for them to do so, the café will have the capacity to comfortably seat thirty people inside and a further twenty people outdoors.

Having spent years mastering their trade at luxury five-star hotel, The Ritz London, and honing their skills in the likes of Adare Manor’s Michelin-starred The Oak Room restaurant, in Co. Limerick, it comes as no surprise that Co-Owners, Holly Kelliher’s and Jon Butler’s picture perfect pastries are as enjoyable to eat as they are pleasing to the eye.

Commenting on the recent opening Co-Owner, Holly Kelliher, said: “The pandemic has given both Jon and I the chance to press pause, reflect and take stock. It was always our dream to open our own business and the current situation has accelerated our long-term plans. Kilkee has always been a home away from home so when the opportunity arose to put our own stamp on the place and offer something completely new here we didn’t need to think twice.”

Not only have they opened their first business in Kilkee, the couple have also taken the decision to buy a house and relocate there permanently. This commitment will allow them to open the café throughout the year, not just seasonally.

Holly’s Café is open six days a week (closed Mondays), Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. l Pictured is co-Owners of Holly’s Café, Holly Kelliher and Jon Butler

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Outdoor Dining

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Outdoor Dining

32 THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Clare TD asks for outdoor supports for pubs

F

IANNA Fáil Spokesperson on Tourism and Aviation Cathal Crowe has requested that supports similar to the outdoor dining scheme be made available for bars – adding that no distinction must be made between gastro and ‘wet’ bars.

The Meelick native says tangible supports will be key to ensuring any sort of meaningful recovery of the tourism and hospitality sectors in Ireland this summer.

Both industries have been effectively at a standstill for over 14 months now, despite brief times of respite, and uncertainty remains around how they will operate down the line.

“I’ve been speaking within the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party about measures that need to be put in place in order to give a viable summer and best possible chance possible to people running these businesses,” said Deputy Crowe.

“I’ve proposed a number of things – but the key thing that needs to happen is the resumption of inter-county travel.

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“I’ve also asked that TEL: 086 807 4129 in any plans for reopening of bars, there Email: info@csicleaning.ie must be no differentia-

tion made between wet and gastro pubs.

“The differentiation made over the past 14 months has caused huge ire to publicans and when we are in a position to reopen, there should be no discriminating between the two models of pub.

“I have asked that supports, similar to the outdoor dining scheme for restaurants, would be made available so that bars can also serve customers in a safe and controlled outdoor environment.

“It is essential that those who operate tourism and hospitality businesses have a decent lead-in period within which they can plan for reopening - for some premises, this means additional carpentry is required, or new furnishings, or staff needing to be re-hired.

“So it’s imperative that a decent period of notice is given.

“The international travel restrictions that were in place throughout summer 2020 forced many Irish people revert back to the ‘staycation’, something hadn’t been major feature of Irish life for many years “Domestic tourism had experienced a boom last summer and they can have an even better trading season this summer, if effective plans are put in place now and if international tourists, who are Covid-vaccinated, start to visit Ireland once again.

“Vintners and hoteliers in Clare that I’ve spoken to are very much recognise the risk Covid has presented over the past 14 months and in complying with government regulations, they have seen their businesses almost obliterated “We need to recognise the sacrifice they have made and support them financially and in policy terms in the months ahead.”

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33

Outdoor Dining

34 THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Outdoor hospitality likely to return by the end of May

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S

paraic@clareecho.ie

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UBSTANTIAL meals are to be scrapped while late May has been identified as the likely period for the resumption of outdoor hospitality.

Separate meetings were hold by both the Government and the COVID-19 oversight group of civil servants on Wednesday evening. All recommendations from these sitdowns are to go before a Cabinet meeting today (Thursday). A further easing of restrictions are due to come into effect from May 4th.

Resumption of outdoor dining was discussed by the Government plus the scrapping of the ‘substantial meal’ and a late May reopening for personal services such as hairdressers and barbers. Click and collect services plus the reopening of garden cen-

tres are also envisaged to take place next month.

Other items raised also include a possible return of non-contact training for adult teams and driving tests at the end of next month.

Government sources are “hopeful” outdoor dining will reopen from the week of May 24th. Detail on the plan to restart the hospital and internal sectors in June are due to be outlined by the Government also, this factors in hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses, this will coincide with the lifting of the ban on inter-county travel.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) has said the rule regarding €9 substantial meals in pubs will be scrapped. “We don’t want all those systems where people would get a certain meal, it was kind of a false division. I think it will start outdoors and I don’t think it will be whether it will be divided between food or not. Outdoors or indoors will be the difference.”

Vaughans Garden Centre and Florist For all your Outdoor Dining floral requirements

RECRUITMENT 35

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Community Destination Development Programme launched for Shannon Estuary Way

lTOURISM:

STUART HOLLY

L

editor@clareecho.ie

OCAL communities and businesses on the Shannon Estuary Way are to benefit from a year long Destination Development Programme to boost economic growth for rural communities along the newly launched tourist route.

Located just off the Wild Atlantic Way, the Shannon Estuary Way was developed by Fáilte Ireland, together with Clare and Limerick City & County Councils, and is set to become a key tourist attraction for the Mid West Region. The route is 207km in length and is the first in a series of Wild Atlantic Way looped drives aimed at increasing visitor ‘dwell time’ and spend in local communities.

The drive showcases the spectacular stretch of water, where the the Shannon meets the Atlantic Ocean and offers a beautiful drive along the scenic and unspoilt coastlines of Limerick and Clare, taking visitors through the picturesque towns and villages, heritage sites and many visitor attractions featured on the route.

The Shannon Estuary Way was officially launched in March 2019, following a community led project supported by Clare County Council, Limerick City and County Council, West Limerick Resources, Clare Local Development Company and Fáilte Ireland. The initial development programme facilitated communities on both sides of the Shannon Estuary to come together to create a vision for the new

route and harvest the rich heritage and history in each of the areas, under the concept of ‘big skies and sheltered waters’.

This new destination development project represents the second phase of development for the Shannon Estuary Way and is specifically designed to support the local communities in leveraging the route to deliver positive economic benefits for their local communities and to position the drive as a key tourist offering in the Mid West. The project is a joint initiative between West Limerick Resources and Clare Local Development Company and has been funded through the LEADER programme. The programme is being delivered by leading Irish tourism consultants, The Tourism Space.

Managing Director of the Tourism Space, Tina O’Dwyer said: “This programme is designed to bring solid, tangible benefits to both businesses and communities along The Shannon Estuary Way. The purpose is to foster collaboration and also build capacity, so that the people and places of the Estuary can make the most out of this new tourism opportunity.”

“There is a great appetite now amongst visitors to be able to connect with nature, engage with local people and uncover the real stories of a place. Throw in the chance of adventure on land and water and the Shannon Estuary Way is really well positioned to capitalize on tourism” O’Dwyer continued.

The training programme is scheduled to begin in early May 2021. For further information on this training programme contact the Tourism Space at tina@thetourismspace.com

The Shannon Estuary Way Photo by Abarta Heritage

SEL R eta i l Top Qua lit y Ti ll R olls ( R a nge of Size s ) Vis a R olls T h ermal Sc a le La be ls ( Print e d or Pla in)

Ca l l J i m o n 0 8 6 2 5 7 9 8 8 5

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36 BUSINESS

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Hoteliers call for detailed roadmap for re-opening ELAINE TUBRIDY

H

news@clareecho.ie

OTEL and guesthouse owners in Clare and across the country are calling on the Government to clarify next week what the reopening of the sector will look like.

They are also seeking a commitment to specific measures and supports including inter-county travel that will enable businesses to plan effectively for a safe and sustainable reopening. Dermot Kelly, chair of the Shannon branch of the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) says "With June just over a month away, hotel bookings nationally are at an historic low, currently averaging only 22% for the key months of July and August. It is critical that the Government gives clarity to consumers and businesses as a matter of urgency."

"We are asking the Govern-

ment to outline a more detailed roadmap for reopening the hotels sector safely based on clear progress markers for restrictions to be eased in line with public health improvements.

"While we recognise the challenges around public health and supressing Covid that it is facing, the ongoing lack of detail is jeopardising the viability of hotels and guesthouses as they grapple with the financial and operational commitments required to be ready to reopen after months of prolonged closure.

"Booking levels have never been this low so close to the key summer months, which are a lifebuoy for many businesses for the remainder of the year. Unless this is turned around quickly, there will be serious implications for the recovery of our sector here in Clare and elsewhere that could take years to remedy."

The Irish Hotels Federation is calling for the Government to commit to the following measures

to enable hotels and guesthouses reopen safely and sustainably: inter county travel to be permitted; hotels to be open to all patrons whether residents or not; capacity to be linked to function room size for events; outdoor capacity to be linked to space available; plans to be put in place for easing of restrictions for family gatherings such as weddings and christenings; EU Digital Green Certificate

to be adopted and plans to be put in place for other vaccinated international travellers.

"We also require a commitment on business and employment supports. While the supports to date have been very welcome, it is essential that the Government provides greater clarity and certainty now around supports into 2022 and beyond. Wait and see is not the approach for sustainable busi-

l CLARITY: Dermot Kelly Photo by John Mangan

ness planning and job recovery," said Mr Kelly.

"Public health remains our number one priority as we reopen society and the economy. The hotels sector has a vital role to play as part of this process in ensuring Irish tourism and hospitality returns to a more stable footing in the months ahead – helping to sustain thousands of businesses and almost 270,000 livelihoods throughout the country.

"These jobs represent 11% of total employment nationally and, with 70% located outside of Dublin, the regional contribution is vital to many communities. Here in Clare tourism pre-Covid supported 12,000 jobs and contributed €266 million to the local economy.

With over 160,000 tourism jobs lost over the last year, including many here in Clare, recovery of tourism and hospitality must be to the fore of Government economic policy as we seek to restore employment levels as quickly as possible," he said.

CLDC announces biodiversity Carey Corbett welcome Emily enhancement plan training Lynch to commercial team

by ELAINE TUBRIDY CLARE Local Development Company (CLDC) is seeking applicants to participate in a project which will deliver bespoke farm biodiversity enhancement plans as part of a countywide LEADER funded biodiversity training programme.

The training programme which will run throughout 2021 and which is free to participants aims to protect and enhance biodiversity in County Clare through local awareness and education.

The programme will be led by Damien Coyne Agricultural Consultants who will explain the fundamentals of biodiversity and habitat protection, and show participants how to increase biodiversity across their farm without impacting on farm output.

“In my experience as a farm advisor, it has been clear that there is a keen interest among the farming community in biodiversity and the idea of farming for nature.

"County Clare is world renowned for its biodiversity and this exciting project provides an opportunity for farmers to develop their skills to enhance biodiversity on their farms”, said Mr. Coyne.

“The approach will be a simple one.

We will, in conjunction with the landowner, develop a plan specific to the individual farm that will detail zero or low cost actions that will enhance biodiversity without restricting the ability of the landowner to maintain their current farm enterprises”, he said.

“We will also provide the necessary training to implement these actions.

"At the end of the programme landowners will have a clear knowledge of

why certain actions are being proposed and how to implement them.

"I am looking forward to working with farmers throughout Co. Clare and I would strongly encourage any farmer with an interest in this area to take part in the project,” he added.

CLDC LEADER Development Officer, Gerry McDonagh is urging farmers who are interested in learning how their farm can sequester carbon to apply for a place on the course.

“The training programme provides an opportunity for the participating farmers to be among the first in the country to measure their carbon storage as a result of biodiversity actions”, said Mr. McDonagh.

Most of the training will be delivered on each participant’s farm on a one-toone basis with a small element of group training taking place online depending on Covid-19 restrictions.

Applications to participate in the training programme are invited from all farmers with the exception of participants in the Burren Programme and Hen Harrier Project EIP which offer similar services.

Places are limited however and participants will need access to internet and a smart phone or laptop.

Further information and an application form can be obtained by emailing info@ damiencoyne.com The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 14th May, 2021

CAREY Corbett Sullivan Insurances are delighted that Emily Lynch is part of our Commercial Insurance Team.

Emily has 14 years insurance experience in personal & commercial insurance, working both with a direct insurer and within the broker market. Her focus is on customer service. She has particular depth of knowledge in sectors including Construction Liability - Employers Liability, Public Liability, Contractors All Risks; Property Owners Liability; Motor Fleet – small or large; Retail Shop insurance & Hospitality Pubs & Restaurants.; Commercial Combined "Emily is the backbone of our commercial team," says Tommy Corbett, "she is a proud Inagh woman, born & bred." Emily has a keen interest in camoige. Since retiring from playing, she coaches several camogie juvenile teams within the club.

l CUSTOMER FOCUSED: Commercial Insurance expert Emily Lynch

Photo by John Mangan

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BUSINESS 37

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

LEO Clare supporting 1,283 jobs according to new figures STUART HOLLY editor@clareecho.ie

T

ÁNAISTE and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Leo Varadkar TD, has announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2020 which showed that over 7,500 companies employing over 35,000 people are now supported by the LEOs. Mr Varadkar TD said: “LEOs are at the very heart of business in communities across the country. The work they do is invaluable and I want to express my particular appreciation to all LEO staff for their professionalism and commitment. I know 2020 was a really difficult year for them and for the businesses they help. The coming months will be similarly busy as we reopen our economy and help businesses get back on their feet. I know LEOs will be to the forefront as we rebuild after the pandemic.”

Supported by the Government, Local Enterprise Office supported companies created 5,585 new jobs in 2020. Despite the new jobs created, there was a net jobs loss of 1,494 across the LEO portfolio of client companies in what was a challenging year for small businesses.

The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2020, helping thousands to pivot online or adapt their products and services through new Government supports introduced as part of the July Stimulus Package. The LEOs approved 13,091 Trading Online Vouchers to assist businesses get online to trade or improve their existing online offering. This was up over 950% from 1,218 in 2019 and proved to be a vital resource for many businesses helping to reach their customers.

The Local Enterprise Offices are now supporting 35,236 jobs across 7,529 companies. 2020 also saw the successful transition of 133 companies from the Local Enterprise Offices to Enterprise Ireland and they continue to scale and look to international markets.

The LEOs provided significant training and mentoring to small businesses in 2020 to help them navigate the particularly difficult trading environment created by Covid-19 and Brexit. Last year, the Local Enterprise Offices trained over 77,000 entrepreneurs and business representatives, up from 37,000 the year previous.

16,231 completed business mentoring assignments up from 10,756 in 2019. In 2020, over €22 million was approved by Local Enterprise Offices to clients for projects across the year

Upcoming Training Supports for May 2021 Fees highly subsidised by LEO Clare. Places limited.

All workshops must be booked on LocalEnterprise.ie/clare

STUDENT ENTERPRISE AWARD WINNERS

CLARE HIGHLIGHTS l401 approved for Trading Online Vouchers l179 new jobs created lNet Jobs Loss 55 l235% increase in training participants l236 businesses employing 1,283 people l32 businesses supported with €659k funding l75% increase in mentoring support

to help improve their businesses in a range of areas.

Padraic McElwee, chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices (inset), said; “2020 was a challenging year for everyone, and small businesses were no different. The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in trying to help these companies pivot or adapt their businesses to sustain through the issues caused by Covid and Brexit.

"The figures show the level of support that was given, both financially and through training, mentoring and significantly, the work done in getting small companies online to ensure they could continue to reach their customers. While the challenging environment still exists for many, we have also seen the best of Irish business.”

l TOP MARKS: (top) Padraic McElwee, Head of Enterprise

Local Enterprise Office Clare presents Student Enterprise Intermediate Winner Mae Kivlehan with her award at Scoil Mhuire Ennistymon and (underneath) overall winners Aoibhnait O'Dea and Roisin Montgomery with their award at St Joseph's Spanish Point Photo by Arthur Ellis

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27th May

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Property

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

Beautiful homes all over the County

79 DROMARD, LAHINCH ROAD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€269,000

€249,950

8 NOUGHAVAL, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

The vast open greens areas, mature trees and stunning landscapes, it’s proximity to Ennis Town Centre and access to the inner relief road, theses are just some of the reasons Dromard has fast become one of the most sought after housing developments in Ennis Town. No 76 is just one of eight detached dormer bungalows in the development and is presented for sale in excellent condition throughout. Outside, the brick paved drive leads to the main entrance door and gated side access. To the rear is a stunning raised deck, patio, brick paving, raised beds and a block built detached shed. Inside, the current owners have presented a modern, bright and spacious home. To the ground floor is an enormous main reception, open plan kitchen dining, separate utility, 2 double bedrooms (one en-suite) and main bathroom. To the first floor are two further double bedrooms, both en-suite with extensive built in wardrobes. The modern fitted kitchen, wood surround fireplace, quality tiling and timber flooring and built in wardrobes to three bedrooms are all worth a mention

Located in Doora, the much sought after suburb of Ennis Town and within walking distance of all local amenities including National School, Gorteen Sporting Complex, Equestrian facilities and an abundance of country laneways, this 4 bedroom Bungalow is the ideal family home. Accessibility is outstanding, with the M18 just 400m from the property and Ennis Town just a 5 minute drive. Set on a magnificent site of approximately 0.5 acres, mature trees, shrubs, patios, vegetable plots and an enormous garage are some of the outdoor highlights worth mentioning. Inside, the original house accommodates three bedrooms, bathroom, main reception and open-plan kitchen/dining. The property was later extended to facilitate an additional reception room and a fourth bedroom, ensuite with walk in wardrobe.

Extensive timber flooring, tiling, solid fuel stove, quality fitted kitchen and stone surround fireplace are some if the interior highlights. This fantastic home is a must view and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

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

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

RADHARC AN CHNOIC, TULLA, CO. CLARE

HELEN Gallery Auctioneers & Valuers and Galvin Construction are delighted to present to you the new development of modern, comfortable homes at Radharc an Chnoic in the heart of Tulla.

Surrounded by the beautiful Clare countryside, Tulla is an idyllic area to call home. The heart of the village is bustling with shops, pubs, butchers, hair salon, bank, GAA grounds, Football Club, playground, Primary School and a newly built Secondary School. The village is also well connected being located just 10 minutes from the M17 & M18 with access to Shannon, Limerick and Galway.

Contact: Helen Gallery Tel: 065 682 9481 PSL 002433

PRICES START FROM €215,000 Radharc an Chnoic comprises of just 17 new homes - two, three and four-bedroomed semi-detached and detached homes - designed to meet the needs of a variety of homeowners.

Phase one was released recently and there are only a couple of units remaining.

Choice of finishes available. Prices start from €215,000 All homes qualify for the Help to Buy scheme up to €25,000.

Further details are available from Helen Gallery Auctioneers & Valuers, 68 Parnell Street, Ennis, 086 250 4671 & 065 6829 481.

20 WESTPARK, SPANISH POINT, CO. CLARE

38

€349,000

Property is located in a well sought after residential estate with a mix of full time and holiday home residents just a stone€TM throw from the renowned Armada Hotel and Spanish Point Beach. 20 Westpark has views of The Atlantic Ocean & Mutton Island to the rear and side. The property has tarmac drive to the front with ample space for 3/4 vehicles, and lawned area to the front and rear with south west facing paved patio.

Viewing comes highly recommended and is strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents. ·

5 Minutes Drive to Miltown Malbay

·

South West Facing Paved Patio

·

Detached Block Built Garage

·

Sea Views Of The Atlantic Ocean & Mutton Island Contact: DNG O’Sullivan Hurley Tel: (065) 684 0200 PSL 002295

1 BALLYGIRREEN, NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS, CO. CLARE, V95 NW25 LOCATION Location is delighted to present this exceptionally well presented home to the market, offering bright superbly proportioned accommodation. Extending to 176.56 sqm (1900 sq ft), this property which was built in 2004 is presented for sale to an exceptionally high standard. Set on approx. 0.5 of an acre, a large sweeping driveway provides extensive car parking. Truly one of the special features, is the landscaped site, where great care and thought have gone into making this a place to be enContact: Location Location Unit 2 Summerhill, Market place, Ennis, Co. Clare Tel: 065 672 9999 PSL: 003928

€335,000

joyed by the whole family.

There is no doubt this property could be the perfect forever home. Compromising of entrance hall, lounge with a Henley solid fuel stove & interconnecting doors to an open plan kitchen/dining/living area, utility room, ground floor master bedroom with en-suite whilst there are three double bedrooms (2 x ensuite) upstairs & main bathroom.

Sport Clare Echo THE

29-04-21

pg 39

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Malone not lacking motivation for season ahead PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

Cathal Malone

Photo by John Mangan

paraic@clareecho.ie

ATHAL Malone has been on the Clare senior hurling panel since 2014, last year’s season stands out at his best to date but he’s determined to go bigger and better for the campaign ahead.

A regular member of the starting fifteen during Donal Moloney and Gerry O’Connor’s tenure in charge of the Clare seniors, Malone had unfairly been the subject of weak analysis which would have focused on his scoring contribution rather than what he brings to the fold.

Last year, the hurlers on the ditch were quietened so far as Cathal’s asset to the team was concerned. An All Star nomination was deserved following his championship performances, most notably his showing in Nowlan Park when he stood up as Clare’s top performer in a slender one point win over Laois.

Viewpoints outside the Clare camp have always been of little interest to Cathal, he admitted, “I just focus on the management and the teammates around me”. Those involved in the set-up hold the secondary school teacher in high regard.

He outlined, “You’re trying to play your best every single day. Last year is already forgotten about and we’re trying to fully focus on this year and the next few games ahead and gathering a bit of momentum in the league”.

Time was not wasted during the restrictions by the Sixmilebridge hurler. During the lockdowns, he watched back several games to focus more on his own performance by “analysing your movements and pick up where you should be at certain times, getting into the best position when the ball is breaking or attacking ball. It gave

had bought my own gym equipment from last year and was able to use that, we were given running programmes to follow to keep us ticking over throughout the few months, we had gym sessions on Zoom which was a great help to get everyone together”.

While Clare’s hurlers kept a low profile in recent weeks, Clare GAA has regularly been splashed across the pages of national newspapers. The Ennistymon footballer said he has avoided reading such coverage. “I’d be more watching the golf or the Formula 1 to be honest, I’m a big golf fan so that’s what I’m watching every weekend. The only thing we’ve been tweeting about is Club Clare and the good work they have been doing”.

Over €100,000 has been raised by Club Clare to date which he described as “brilliant”. The wing forward explained, “It costs a huge amount to run teams each year especially senior teams with nutrition, the gym equipment and supplements, whatever it is there is a huge cost and we’re all aware of that. There has been great work done by

CELINET All about Quality Not Quantity

you time to watch back games, you’ve extra time to prepare, we had our gym equipment this time round and we were able to have a good strength and fitness base before we got back”. On top of this, he also been busy completing a Masters in Architectural Technology and Design.

Finding motivation while training on his own was no obstacle for the four-time Clare SHC winner who made a long-term investment by setting up a home gym. “Towards the end you were hoping to get back and waiting on an announcement, lads were getting anxious to get back. It wasn’t too bad, I

Limerick FC clarification The Clare Echo unreservedly wishes to apologise to Limerick FC, its coaches and volunteers with regard to its publication of an article contained in our newspaper dated April 15, 2021, titled ‘Limerick FC approaches criticised’.

The Clare Echo accepts Limerick FC’s stance that they did not make improper approaches to players as stated in the article. The Clare Echo also accepts that the Limerick FC Academy is not a new academy as the article suggests; Limerick FC Academy was founded in 2008. It is a participant Academy since the beginning of the National League catering for U13 (now U14) U15, U17,U19.

It is the policy of Limerick FC as promoted by the FAI to offer young players a pathway to develop their football and life skills through participation in the National League Clubs.

Limerick FC insists it applies the highest standards which involve the movement of players whether to the club or from the Limerick FC to any other club. The Clare Echo fully accepts that Limerick FC applies the highest standards pertaining to child protection in the case of all players playing with their academy as required by controlling body of Football in Ireland, The FAI.

Wireless Rural Broadband No landline needed to get you connected

the people behind the scenes. There is great work being done underage and it is important that it is known, there is fantastic managements all up along”.

Having tasted success with his county at minor and U21 level, Cathal is keen to add to the 2016 National League title he has won with the seniors. “The years are flying, you want to try make the most of it and try win stuff, all the lads are ambitious and we want to achieve”.

Now as one of the more experienced members of Brian Lohan’s panel, he has been impressed with how new additions have carried themselves. “The younger lads coming in are well able to talk and to do their talking on the pitch, the main thing is performing on the pitch and giving your best on the pitch and seeing what happens then, there is leaders all over the field and the panel. Everyone is a part of it and no one is afraid to say something if it has to be said”.

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29-04-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 40

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Golfers back in action SEAMUS HAYES ONE hundred and seventeen days after golf was last allowed, clubs welcomed back their members on Monday.

“Delight was evident as members hit off for the first time this year. Hearing the cuckoo sing here in East Clare during April and May is a key ingredient and as we played on Monday we were all delighted to hear the cuckoo singing”, said East Clare club PRO, Rachel Whelan.

“The course is in great condition and we are fortunate that members are allowed play 18 holes. Timesheets are full and the club is still open for membership”, added Rachel.

It was a similar situation at Woodstock where timesheets are full from 8am-8pm this week. Members are full of praise for the condition of the course and the recent spell of sunny weather has helped in ensuring that courses are in such good condition.

“It was great to welcome the members back this week after such a long lay off. Demand for tee times has been huge,” according to Woodstock manager Anne Marie Russell.

Tennis club loves returning

It was a similar story across the county as members rushed to play at Shannon, Dromoland, Kilrush, Ennis, Kilkee, Spanish Point, Trump International in Doonbeg and Lahinch while Gort and Portumna over the border in Galway, both of whom have a strong Clare membership, were also very busy this week.

Because of the demand for game time, some clubs have limited members to 9 holes so that all of their members will have an opportunity to play. For now m e m - bers in all clubs must be s a t i s - fied with casual golf as a return of competitions is not yet allowed.

Bill Twomey Aidan Clancy in action at Ennis Tennis Club on Monday

John Moylan Photography

Pascal and Carmel Regan embrace the return of golf at Shannon Golf Club Photo by Joe Buckley

THE CUTTING EDGE

ENNIS Tennis Club re-opened on Monday to great excitement and a lot of pent of demand.

Courts were busy from 8am and with glorious sunshine members couldn’t have picked a better day to be back on court.

The club is ideally situated in a scenic riverside amenity area near the centre of the town within walking distance of three local schools. The site and buildings are owned by the club and are managed by an active management committee and club trustees for the benefit of all members. The club was established here in 1887 and is one of the oldest in the country.

Ennis Tennis Club has over 300 members, with an active calendar in both tennis and badminton.

Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions badminton courts remain closed at the moment. The timing of reopening couldn’t have been better as the Club will shortly redevelop 3 Courts installing

new Domo Ultra Topspin Court Surfaces and new LED Floodlights. This development is being funded with the assistance of a Sports Capital Grant and from the club’s own resources.

Membership for new members will be available from the end of May and to celebrate both re-opening and the club’s new development, a special introductory offer of €164 for 2021 is available.

All new adult members receive two complimentary Group Coaching sessions to get you started as well as a dedicated Tennis Express programme.

Great rates are also available for Juniors and dedicated Junior Coaching is available throughout the year.

Any questions just email the Club at ennistennisclub@gmail.com and we will respond as quickly as possible.

WITH MARK O’DONNELL

Place for everyone in coaching choir

M

ARK O’Donnell this week explores ways in which more adult volunteers can be embraced by clubs.

Youth sport across the nation returned on Monday with communities flocking to their local clubs yearning for social interaction.

Gaelic Games provide a wonderful outlet to help us connect and form life lasting relationships, with a role for everybody within the club. Coaches have a duty to facilitate the needs of those in our community willing to volunteer.

The GAA’s slogan “where we all belong” is most apt and should never again be taken for granted.

Before we cast aside people on the sidelines, let’s examine these practical suggestions towards engaging more adults, especially those with little or no coaching and playing experience.

Fáilte – Every country needs a Taoiseach to keep tabs on all things business, and underage sport is no different!

Whilst coaches are planning an upcoming session, a handful of parents could be tasked with player check-in and welcome.

This is an excellent method of settling nerves and tracking attendance over time, which is useful to monitor potential dropout. Why not create an information catalogue which can be handed over to the successor coach, this detail could include records on hand/foot dominance, school location or favourite skill.

BBC – Fellas outside Croke Park proclaim “hats, scarves & headbands”,

coaches need “balls, bibs and cones”. No sporting expertise is required to organise bibs into respective teams, balls for each game, and cones to mark out playing areas. Subtly, we can engage parents who are waiting around regardless, whilst their children play. Simple tasks are the entry point into the coaching journey. Therefore, coaches have no excuse to delegate and share this workload with those willing to lend a hand.

TLC Younger

players crave attention when under our care, meaning huge responsibilities are placed on coaches. It’s impossible to supervise all children at all times.

The nature of coaching children is chaotic, and occasionally accidents occur. “Boys don’t cry” or “that’ll be better before you get married” isn’t conducive with compassionate coaching, however the whole session can’t pause whilst tears are shed. Therefore, the presence of parents is imperative to provide a pat on the back, a virtual hug or even scold the “bold hurley”.

Cabhair - “Coach will you tie my laces” is often said on the field and is common whilst we’re in the middle of a demonstration.

There’s coaching alone in tying laces and helmets or sourcing a missing hurley or mouthguard.

Every elite sports team has a

kitman or logistics person, so find your gal/guy and make use of the readily available help. Simply announce it at the start of every session, Person X will do ABC. Teorainn – Parents love their children, and children love their parents. They love nothing more than sharing experiences together. Why not create a playing area using parents as the boundary cones? Players will be like newborn calves when they return to fields, high on life and the return of sporting freedom. Sidelines and grids will be the least of their concerns!

The application of these roles may alleviate the demands placed on coaches and promote an inclusive environment catering for “as many as possible, for as long as possible.” Happy coaching!

pg 41

29-04-21

Clare Echo THE

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

Stack’s Loxley takes 15 GAA clubs to field an additional team this year the spoils in Limerick

By SEAMUS HAYES

DYNAMIC Twinkle owned by Ballyea’s Kieran Nugent recorded her maiden success on Friday while Clare hurling great Sean Stack (pictured, photo by Joe Buckley) saw his Loxley take the spoils in Limerick.

In race eight at the Galway Track on Friday night, Dynamic Twinkle had her maiden success in this A9 graded contest as she made all form her trap six berth to defeat Way Out Caprice by nine and a half lengths in 30.04.

Away smartly the Dynamic Twinkle led by two lengths from Sports Stadium and Cragmnoher Flyer rounding the opening bend . With crowding behind the winner drew further clear racing down the back straight and she was out in splendid isolation leaving the back straight.

Michael Costelloe of North Clare saw his Pinnacle Abbie return to winning ways in race four which was an A4 graded contest as she made all the running to comfortably outpoint Cragbrien Bengie by two and three quarter lengths in 29.53. The winner a daughter of Laughill Duke and Maries Legacy trapped well and led by two lengths from Cragbrien Bengie rounding the opening bend. Racing down the back the lead remained about three lengths as the winner set sail for home and railing well throughout was home and hosed turning for home.

On the long run towards the opening bend in race 6 for the A5 graded 575 yards contest Sports Show and Dunsallagh Sal disputed the lead just ahead of French Deluxe in third place. Rounding the bend Sports Show railed well and took two lengths out of her rivals but approaching the third bend the Sean Hehir of Miltown Malbay owned Dunsallagh Sal switched inside to challenge and striking the front on the crown of the home bend she drew right away to defeat French Deluxe by three and a half lengths in 32.28.

In race 10, the Tommy Flanagan of Ennistymon owned and trained Turn The Page never saw another rival in this A4 graded contest as he made all the running to defeat Hanover Power by a length and a half in 29.11. Smartly into his stride the winner led from Oribi and Drombeg Davy on the run towards the opening bend. Racing down the back Hanover Power came out of the pack to give chase and although looking dangerous off the home bend he couldn’t see it through as Turn The Page dug deep on the run to the line.

The final of the Collage Road A6 550 Yards Stake was the most valuable contest on the card and as the traps rose for the feature event the Joe Kelly of Ballynacally owned Ballylean Rogue was smartly into his stride on the run towards the opening bend and rounding the bend Ballylean Rogue led by two lengths Astro Suzie and Port West Honey as they negotiated the opening bend.

Racing down the back Ballylean Rogue opening up a four length advantage on his

COVID-19 has disrupted all aspects of life including sporting competitions, many of which have been cancelled while the remainder have been curtailed.

Restrictions to travel has resulted in many GAA clubs benefitting from having more players available and this, in turn, has led to applications from many clubs to enter additional teams.

Fifteen clubs have made application to Clare GAA to enter an additional team in competition in 2021.

In hurling, Kilmaley, Broadford and Clooney-Quin have applied to affiliate a fourth team at adult level for the first time in their history. Other hurlrivals and although Port West Honey did close Ballylean Rogue saw the challenge off by a length and a half in 30.69.

A 29.90 finish saw Cloneyogan Zippy hold off Killerk Cool Sky in the opening A5 graded contest over 525 Yards. Owned

by Lahinch’s Siobhan Garrrahy, Cloneyogan Zippy made rapid progress approaching the third bend and railing well she took over along the inner on the crown of the bend.

John Browne’s Rathmeehan Dier defeated Last Rabbit by five lengths in a time of 29.66 in the Novice 525 Yards contest. Last Rabbit and Rathmeehan Dier disputed the lead just ahead of Crokers Velcro and rounding the bend Last Rabbit held a narrow advantage along the fence. Racing towards the halfway mark the Ballyea owned Rathmeehan Dier found his stride.

Browne was in the winners enclosure also at the Limerick Track on Saturday night after the Garry Hannon sponsored, Deadly Kennels A0 525 as Own Spice romped to victory. Own Spice broke smartly from trap five as he disputed the early running with Offshore Falcon in four. Owned by Thomas O’Doherty of Cooraclare and trained

by John, Own Spice powered to the front rounding the penultimate turn. From here, it was a matter of how far and the son of Skywalker Puma .

Coolavanny Spice flew up the home straight to win by six and a half lengths. The time was a terrific 28.24.

The final race of the night was the Ballymac Stud A1 and it was landed by the Sean Stack of Sixmilebridge owned Loxley who landed the spoils. Only moderately away from five, Loxley showed fine speed from bends two to three and she held off the fast finishing Elms Fly to grab the win. A half a length separating the duo at the line, the time was 28.96.

ing clubs planning to field an additional team at adult level are Crusheen, Ogonnelloe, Éire Óg, St. Josephs Doora/Barefield, Scariff and Ennistymon. The North Clare side (Ennistymon) will be fielding a second adult team for the first time.

All of these new teams will compete in the junior C championship and in the junior, division 6 league.

In football Cooraclare have applied to compete at junior B level in addition to senior and junior A while, Lissycasey, St. Breckans, Ennistymon and Clondegad will be fielding a third team at adult level for the first time and they will all compete in the junior B championship. St. Senan’s Kilkee will have a second

adult team for the first time in a number of years.

Incidentally St. Breckan’s won the junior B championship title last season and that group will move up to the junior A grade for 2021.

To facilitate these applications special permission has been granted to the clubs involved to have more than the standard five players regraded.

Clubs can have a maximum of five players re-graded but in recent seasons clubs entering an additional team have been successful in getting permission to have more than five.

These re-grading applications are currently being processed by Clare GAA’s competitions control committee (CCC).

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THURSDAY, APR 29 2021 23 NEWS

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THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

43

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL, CLOONBONY, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO CLARE Take notice that P. & C. Vaughan intend to apply to the Planning Authority for retention permission for the following; a) the alterations to the windows and doors on the rear and side elevations b) the garage as constructed c) the site entrances and front boundary wall 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 KILLERK EAST, DARRAGH, ENNIS, CO CLARE Take notice that Aaron Nugent intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS CLONMONEY WEST TLD., HURLERS CROSS, NEWMARKET ON FERGUS, CO. CLARE. PLANNING REF: P20/619 Development Description: For permission for the Construction of a

Dwellinghouse, Shed & Wastewater Treatment system & polishing Filter, & to utilize existing vehicular entrance to access site including ancillary works.

Location: Clonmoney West Tld., Hurlers Cross, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare.

Take notice that Gary & Louise McGAhon has lodge significant further information in respect of planning application P20/619. 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, 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 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 THE OLD SCHOOL, FANOREMORE, CO CLARE H91 FXV8 Take notice that David, Elaine, Suzanne & Yvonne O’Connell intend to apply for permission to retain the detached Garage/ Storage Shed on site and all 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 ENNIS ROAD, LEAGARD NORTH, MILTOWN MALBAY , CO CLARE V95 AFP9.

Take notice that Derek Considine, T/A Derek

Considine Car Sales Ltd., intends to apply for permission to RETAIN the green security fencing as fitted along the property boundaries and for PERMISSION to remove the existing low wall to the front of the property and provide a footpath along the front boundary in the area between the existing security fencing and the road edge and all 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 ST FLANNAN’S DRIVE, CLONROADMORE, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Paul Conway Architects are applying on behalf of Jada Projects Ltd to the Planning Authority of Clare County Council for planning permission for development at St Flannan’s Drive, Clonroadmore, Ennis, Co Clare. The development will consist of the Construction of 2No detached two storey dwelling houses, with site works and connections to services.

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 O’BRIENS BRIDGE, CO CLARE I, Eugene Fleming, am applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Fahy More, O’Briens Bridge,Co Clare: Permission for detached two storey dwelling, detached

domestic garage, onsite wastewater treatment system and percolation area, bored well, new entrance together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BEARNAFUNSHIN, BAREFIELD, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Monica McMahon is applying for Planning Permission for a change of design to house no 2 granted under outline permission P09-27 and permission consequent P12-178 (and extended under P16-691), revise site boundaries and relocate the dwelling house and garage 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 CAHEREA, LISSYCASEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Board of Management of Caherea National School are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for the construction of an astroturf playing facility along with perimeter fencing, alterations to the parking area and entrance walls 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 BURRANE LOWER, KILLIMER, CO. CLARE Take notice that Estate of Mary Bohannon is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to decommission an existing septic tank and install a new wastewater treatment system and percolation area 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 CLOONNAGARNAUN, DOONBEG, CO. CLARE Take notice that Trish Nugent and Simon Ryan are applying to Clare County Council for planning permission to construct a new dwelling house, access road, entrance, private garage and install a new wastewater treatment system along with all associated works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARNAKELLA, NEWMARKET-ONFERGUS, CO. CLARE Take notice that John Quinn is applying to Clare County Council for planning permission for the construction of a slatted shed along with all necessary 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 KNOCK AGUILLA, LISDOONVARNA, CO CLARE. EIRCODE V95 E9R3.

Take notice that MELYSSA MAC GILLIVRAY & KIERAN HAUGH intend to apply for permission to RETAIN the Porch to the eastern gable of the existing dwelling and for PERMISSION to extend the Dwelling and include an Attached Garage/ storage area in lieu of that granted under P17/325 and all 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.

44

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46 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES APR 29

WORD SEARCH

SUDOKU

4/26/2021

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, APR 29 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz

KILFENORA CÉILÍ BAND 1919 1929

Fiddler Michael Slattery was encour2 aged to form the band to participate at local fundraisers by who?

Local farmers Local traders The local priest

Who spent 40 years as manager of 3 the band?

Molly Connole Kitty Linnane Brigid McGrath

After this success, they toured every 6 county in the Republic on the Céilí circuit except which county?

Donegal Louth Sligo

In what year did John Lynch succeed 7 his father PJ as band leader?

1993 1999 2005

The band retired from completions 8 after what event in the 1990s? . Clare winning the 95 All-Ireland title

. An RTÉ special in their honour . Winning three All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles in a row.

When fiddler Gus Tierney first played The Kilfenora played at which iconic 4 as a stand-in for the band during the 9 music festival?

1930s, what age was he??

Glastonbury 8 13 17

l John Lynch of the Kilfenora Céilí Band

Oxygen Electric Picnic

A sibling of which famous musician The Kilfenora won their first three in a 10 is currently a band member?

5 row All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil titles in Martin Hayes the 1950s, which year did they win their

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

ANSWERS

6. Louth 7. 1993 8. Winning three All-Ireland Fleadh...

9. Glastonbury 10.Sharon Shannon

Noel Hill Sharon Shannon

1909 The local priest Kitty Linnane 13 1954

first title as part of this feat?

1950 1952 1954

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

year was the Kilfenora Céilí 11909What Band founded?

Last weeks Answers . window missing . Helmet on white bike missing . Bottle different colour . Phone tower missing (left)

. Window missing on lighthouse . reflector missing on blue bike . Telephone pole missing (right)

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