The Clare Echo 29/08/24 by The Clare Echo

Sanctions await hospital bosses over Aoife’s death STOP THE BUS

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

SENIOR OFFICIALS at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) are to be hit with disciplinary proceedings in light of the Clarke Report into the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston.

Chief Executive of UHL, Colette Cowan is among the officials facing disciplinary proceedings in light of a report into Aoife’s death which occurred in December 2016.

She has stepped down from her role pending the outcome of the report com pleted by former Chief Justice,

Frank Clarke. Sixteen year old Aoife was admitted to UHL’s ED with suspected sepsis in December 2022. She died after waiting more than 12 hours for the treatment that could have saved her life. An inquest in April found her death was due to medical misadventure.

The Johnston family have said they “profoundly disappointed” with the report and that they have learned nothing new from it.

John Reddin speaks with a bus driver as Sixmilebridge students form part of a 200 strong protest over the removal of a dedicated school bus. More on page 6

Photo by Joe Buckley

Clean up bill for Roche’s Clarecastle manufacturing site now totals €95.6m

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

Call: 065 - 6719021

Email: editor@clareecho.ie or NEWSDESK CONTACT US news@clareecho.ie

SALES

THE clean-up bill for Swiss pharma giant, Roche’s former Clarecastle manufacturing site now totals €95.6m in what the company describes as “one of the largest remediation projects of its type in Europe”.

New accounts show that Roche Ireland Ltd recorded losses of €42.93m in 2023 as its decommissioning and remediation spend concerning its decision to exit manufacturing here continued to mount and now totals €95.6m over four years.

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A recent phase of the cleanup has involved the removal of 17,500 tonnes of contaminated soil and sending it, in 674 sealed containers, to a licensed thermal treatment facility in Holland.

The plant was once one of the most prestigious places of employment in the Mid-West and the Swiss-owned pharma giant announced its decision in 2016 to shut down its Clarecastle plant with the loss of 240 jobs.

After the firm failed to secure a buyer for the pharma site, it

set about decommissioning the site and demolishing its fine chemical manufacturing plant “to a brown field status”.

The 2023 Roche Ireland Ltd loss of €42.93m followed losses of €26.15m in 2022 and the losses relate to the environmental spend. The new accounts show that the company’s ‘environmental’ spend last year to-

talled €38m, almost a threefold increase on the environmental spend of €13.1m in 2022.

A spokeswoman for Roche Ireland said that the project spend “is a very significant capital project being undertaken by Roche Holding AG, the company’s ultimate parent”.

The Irish unit during last year received a €43m capital contribution from a connected Roche entity and this followed a capital contribution of €31m in 2022.

The Clarecastle Site Decommissioning Project commenced in 2020 and site remediation work will continue until end 2027 followed by groundwater treatment and monitoring until 2029.

Between 50 and 100 people are employed by contractors engaged by Roche to carry out the works. An employment level of this range is expected to continue for the duration of the project.

The company confirmed that the first two phases are complete, with the final site remediation phase underway. The final phase, which involves the remediation of specified areas as well as the removal of the legacy landfill, is scheduled to be completed by year-end 2027.

The third, and smaller area, will be remediated by a process known as in situ thermal treatment, eliminating the requirement to transport con-

taminated soil off-site, thereby reducing the number of truck movements through Clarecastle village.

Area Two of the remediation phase relates to an historic landfill, covering an area of approximately 24,000 sq. metres and will involve the excavation of around 150,000 tonnes of material.

Commenting on the company’s Decommissioning Project, Project Owner, Roche Clarecastle, Joe Murphy said, “In line with its corporate values of respecting the community and the environment, Roche committed to return the site to the region, following the successful completion of the decommissioning project”.

He said, “Delivering on that commitment, which goes beyond just legal requirements, will incur significant costs to ensure we deliver the project in an exemplary manner while adhering to strict environmental standards. As we carry out one of the largest remediation projects of its type in Europe, minimising the impact on the community is a key consideration for us”.

The demolition phase of the project involves the destruction of 10 buildings, 300,000 m2 of covered office/buildings, and approximately 210km of pipework were removed.

Sadhbh Ward was among the Feakle supporters in Cusack Park watching her uncles Oisin and Fiachra Donnellan line out in the TUS Clare SHC. This week, she celebrates her ﬁrst birthday.

Photograph: Ruth Grifﬁn. Weddings

Johnston family ‘profoundly disappointed’ with report into Aoife’s death & UHL boss faces disciplinary action

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE TD, Violet-Anne WynDISCIPLINARY proceedings await three senior officials at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) following a report into the death of Shannon teenager Aoife Johnston Chief Executive of UHL, Colette Cowan is among the officials facing disciplinary proceedings in light of a report into Aoife’s death which occurred in December 2016.

The Sunday Independent has reported that Cowan is one of three senior figures at UHL who have been notified that disciplinary action will be taken while a further three staff members are also set to be hit with sanctions.

This follows HSE Chief Executive, Bernard Gloster receiving a report into Aoife’s death by former Chief Justice, Frank Clarke. Cowan has stepped aside from her role pending the outcome of the proceedings.

Sixteen year old Aoife was admitted to UHL’s ED with suspected sepsis in December 2022. She died after waiting more than 12 hours for the treatment that could have saved her life. An inquest in

April found her death was due to medical misadventure. Limerick Coroner John McNamara said there were systemic failures, missed opportunities and communication breakdowns throughout Aoife’s time in the ED at UHL.

On that Saturday evening (December 17th) when Aoife was admitted, the emergency department had up to 191 patients, it was built to accommodate 49. The Clarke inquiry is understood to have investigated conflicting accounts of why a plan to relieve pressure on the emergency department was never activated.

An executive on-call on the night in question told Aoife’s inquest that on the weekend in question she advised that patients on trolleys waiting admission be moved out of the A&E department on to wards to ease the pressure. However, nurses in the emergency department that night robustly denied ever receiving that instruction.Last December, Health Service Executive CEO Bernard Gloster appointed former Chief Justice Clarke to conduct a formal investigation into her death. The

report was received by Gloster in July, he gave a public commitment that he will “discharge accountability” and ensure “appropriate justice” in relation to Aoife’s death.

According to the solicitor representing the Johnston family, they are “profoundly disappointed” with the report and that they have learned nothing new from it.

Damien Tansey, of Damien Tansey Solicitors, said it was hoped Mr Clarke’s report would offer new insight into what happened to Aoife.

However, he said Mr Clarke’s report did not resolve conflicts of evidence, did not make findings of fact and failed to advance their understanding of what happened on the night Aoife died. “Despite his assurances, we learn through the report that Mr Clarke cannot make findings of fact, that he cannot resolve conflict and he cannot make any finding against any specific person or group.”

Demanding and harrowing as the inquest into Aoife’s death was for her family, they at least learned how and why Aoife died, he said.

Planned care gradually resuming for hospitals across Mid-West

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PLANNED care is to be gradually restored by the UL Hospitals Group across its five hospitals.

Services were suspended on August 8th to help ease overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

Outpatient clinics have resumed at UHL, Ennis Hospital, Nenagh Hospital, Croom Hospital and St John’s. UL Hospitals Group said its plan allows for reductions in planned surgeries and care when there are significant surges through the UHL emergency department.

Since the suspension of services, overcrowding levels at UHL have eased. The move to suspend planned surgeries, day case care and outpatient clinics in the region was recommended by a three-member support

team appointed in April to find ways to ease pressures on services in the Mid-West region. Their report is expected to be published soon by the HSE.

HIQA’s review into emergency services is underway but is not expected to be completed until next summer. It will look at whether a second emergency department is needed in the region.

According to the Mid-West Hospital Campaign, “there is a sting in the tail” regarding the strategy to reduce planned surgeries and care when significant surges occur at UHL’s emergency department. “There are no time limits stated which means that surgeries and appointments can be cancelled at short or no notice depending on how busy the Emergency Depart-

ment is”.

Melanie Cleary expressed concern that that the people of the Mid-West are liable to experience further cancellations on an ongoing basis. “It is important that patients and the wider public receive regular updates on any proposed changes in the future. There has been increasing concern at the lack of communication since the cancellations were first introduced on 7th of August. As a Campaign we have been concerned at the lack of urgency these cancellations have received from all politicians from the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to TDs and Senators from all three constituencies of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary”.

CLARIFICATION

On August 1 on p4 of our print edition, The Clare Echo published an article titled ‘Time for words is over, time for action is here’.

The article in question involved an interview with Helga Himmelsbach, the widow of Gerry O’Connor, who died in a trafﬁc incident near Ballyvaughan on July 27, 2023.

Helga was quoted as saying, “Jerry was butchered to death by a French person,

who yesterday (Friday) pleaded guilty to speeding on the wrong side of the road.”

The Clare Echo would like to clarify that Mr Olivier Le Bozec, the French tourist in question, has pleaded guilty to the charge of dangerous driving causing death and accepts that he was driving on the wrong side of the road. There is no allegation whatsoever of speeding against him.

Over 200 people protest in Sixmilebridge as pressure mounts on school bus plans

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

OVER 200 people protested in Sixmilebridge on Thursday morning as pressure continues to mount on Bus Éireann and the Department of Education to scrap a pilot bus scheme and revert back to dedicated school bus transport.

Plans to bring in the 343 pilot bus scheme which will see students of Shannon secondary schools living

in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Sixmilebridge travel on the public bus service as opposed to the dedicated school bus transport system have caused plenty of concerns within the locality.

Cratloe had been initially part of the same scheme but has since been removed from the pilot. The hard shoulder on the N18 dual carriageway at Setright’s Tavern had been the designated stop for the bus but this was later amended to The

Woodcross but now Cratloe is no longer part of the pilot and a school bus will return.

Parents in Sixmilebridge were vocal in their call to give back the school bus. They came out in their droves with over 200 people attending the protest which commenced at 07:20 on Thursday morning, they were joined by students and parents from Newmarket-on-Fergus and surrounding areas.

Protestors walked in a loop

alongside both sides of the Shannon Rd and used the two pedestrian crossings in the vicinity of McGregor’s Pub and the Sixmilebridge Parish Office.

Traffic was delayed as a result with dozens of motorists forced to turn their car around and use alternative routes while persons relying on the 343 to collect them at different stops en route to Ennis were left waiting at the bus shelters in Shannon, Newmarket-on-Fergus and

Clarecastle.

Leading the calls to give ‘us our buses back’ was John Reddan of Sixmilebridge who helped to direct the early morning protest.

Addressing the crowd, Aoife Keogh praised all in attendance for helping to keep the pressure on. “No child will be left behind is our aim,” she said while vowing to continue fighting until the old system is returned.

Parents pledge to do ‘whatever it takes’ in Bus Battle

SIXMILEBRIDGE parents have said they will do “whatever it takes” to force Bus Éireann and the Department of Education to reinstate dedicate school bus services for students travelling to Shannon.

A new chapter in the lives of hundreds of Clare teenagers commenced this week with many young teenagers beginning their second level education at secondary schools across the county.

For those from Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus travelling via bus to Shannon’s two secondary schools, St Caimin’s Community School and St Patrick’s Comprehensive School, the creation of a new pilot bus scheme on the 343 and the removal of dedicated school buses continues to cause angst.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Aoife Keogh a Sixmilebridge mother of two students in Shannon slammed Bus Éireann for failing to conduct a health and safety audit. “A health and safety risk assessment hasn’t been done and this is the 316 route as part of the 343 so a risk assessment should have been done and a road safety audit should have been done especially in view of the fact that the plan is at the moment to pull in here in front of Crowe’s Shop

and drive up as far as The Grotto across from the church, pick up the kids there and drive up a narrow little passage beside the courthouse turning left to go up to the GAA pitch, a bus is going to come up and down there sixteen times a day from Monday to Friday and no risk assessment has been done, that is an absolute disgrace and it is endangering our children’s lives. They know about this since May, why has it not been done”.

Last Wednesday, the Cratloe designated school bus was reinstated, a move which has strengthened the belief of parents in Sixmilebridge and Newmarket-on-Fergus that similar results can occur in their locality. “We’ve one out of three areas reinstated and we want all three reinstated now and not in two weeks time, four weeks time or six weeks time, we want it back now,” Aoife said.

She continued, “We want this scheme to be scrapped, we want our buses back the way we had them in the traditional way. If Bus Éireann want to engage with the community about creating this sort of scheme then they need to reopen the public consultation for the route 343 amendment which was not transparent about what they were intending to use this route amendment for which was to scrap the school bus system and integrate students onto the public bus sys-

tem, they never told us that so we were never invited to make submissions and objections and help with planning or organising, we were completely left out, the schools, the families and the communities and it is not on”.

On the potential of more protests, Aoife outlined, “We’ll do whatever is required, we will do whatever it takes, we are not letting this go, these are our children, they are our priority”.

Mother of three secondary school students, Edel Rafferty said, “we’re all in this together, we’re a great community and the people are really getting behind us”. She continued, “We don’t know what more we can do, hopefully someone will take notice of this and do something to help us because as it is the safety of our children is the biggest concern, that has not been looked after, they won’t get to school on time, there is one bus which goes to Shannon in the morning at 07:50 and that is meant to be back here for 08:25 for 70 odd children and get them over the school, it is not going to work whatever way you look at it”.

Introduction of a new scheme has caught parents “completely by surprise,” Edel admitted. “We got an email on August 6th which was vague enough and just to say we’d be having a different collection point from where we were getting on previously and be get-

ting issued a leap card, at no stage at all in the email did it say anything about moving to the public service, then we looked into it because everyone seemed to have the same collection point and then the penny started to drop that something was going on and we made further enquiries we found out all of this. We got an email two weeks ago to explain it more, we should have that email months ago”.

Having studied the route on Tuesday morning, Aoife maintained that the 08:25 service will not get Sixmilebridge students to school in Shannon on time for a 09:00 start. On Tuesday, the 07:50

bus left Sixmilebridge with 28 students and returned to The Bridge at 08:20 while in Newmarket-on-Fergus the 07:45 bus didn’t arrive until 08:10.

Safety concerns were evident at collection time in Shannon on Tuesday evening, Aoife flagged. The double decker due to go to Sixmilebridge had difficulty pulling in at John and Paul Church in Shannon, she noted. She urged parents to speak with their children about staying on the path and not running towards the bus when it arrives.

The Clare Echo has contacted Bus Éireann for comment.

by Páraic McMahon news@clareecho.ie

l *Protesters in Sixmilebridge delay the 343 bus on Thursday morning. Photograph: Joe Buckley

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She was some actress’ - tributes paid to late Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Killinascully star Mary Harvey

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FINE GAEL’s top brass in TRIBUTES have been paid to Newmarket-on-Fergus actress Mary Harvey.

Best known for her role as Bridie Clancy on the Pat Shortt created TV series, Killinascully, Mary died peacefully on August 19th.

A native of Bruff in Co Limerick, Mary had resided on the Ballycar Rd in Newmarket-on-Fergus for some time and in her later months was in Carrigoran House. Her mother Sadie who was a stalwart of The Bruff Shamrock Players who were the dramatic group in Bruff throughout the 1930s and 1940s.

While living in Newmarket-on-Fergus, she was a key member of the parish choir and indeed one of the more colourful singers of the group with her sense of fun always clear to see.

Her work with the Torch Players meant Mary was a popular name on the Limerick amateur theatre scene. She performed in many Torch Players productions as well as Granary Players where she was fondly remembered for her portrayal of the role of Maimie Flanagan in 1995.

With Torch she won Best Actress Awards year after year at Drama Festivals throughout the country. She won Best Actress for her playing of Beatrice in The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man in the Moon Marigolds at the All Ireland Drama Finals in Athlone and the Dundalk International Festival in 1998.

On several occasions, she

won the best actress award on several occasions for the West Clare Drama Festival held in Doonbeg.

Her performances were still recalled with fondness decades on by founders of the festival. “She had a caravan over in Tommy Tubridy’s caravan park. She’s a great character,” Johnny Igoe recalled back in 2011. Murt McInerney added, “I remember her playing a drunk one night in Memory of Water. She was so drunk that she was hanging onto the door coming in. To get that right is something else. In another part in it they were waking her mother. She was so out of it that she fell into the wardrobe. Perfect”.

Maurice O’Sullivan of the Torch Players described Mary as a “wonderful, talented, unique and very funny” person. He recalled, “Mary first went on the stage with the Fit Ups in such exotic venues as Bundoran and Ballybunion in the sixties - at the age of 14, with the reluctant permission of her Mother. I first met her when she was acting

in John Mc Grath’s Anvil Players and when that Group took a sabbatical she came to Torch”.

Chris Rowley, an actor and entertainer for the medieval banquets in Bunratty Castle said Mary was “a talented actress and giving of praise and support to anyone who she worked with. A true pro and a pleasure to be with, whether on stage or in the green room”.

PRO of the Clare Drama Festival Tom Hanley said, “She used to grace the boards in Scariff with Torch Players for many years. She was some actress”.

Mary is survived by her partner Frank, sister Carmel, nephews Pat and John Paul, niece Michelle, grandnephew Ryan, extended family, neighbours, drama community and her many friends.

Government hiding behind reports & delaying fixing health system claims Wynne

CLARE TD has claimed the Government is refusing to answer her parliamentary questions on the training of staff in hospitals on sepsis.

Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne (IND) has said the Government is standing still and is hiding behind reports while the health system across the country lags behind.

Referencing the unpublished Clarke Report on the death of Shannon teenager, Aoife Johnston, Deputy Wynne stated this has put into writing the problems encountered by every person who has walked through University Hospital Limerick (UHL). She said, “We have been promised reform – scheduled care was paused for three weeks to allow the system to ‘reset’ but all that does is push the health problem one step back

down the line”.

Recent figures released by the Irish College of General Practitioners show Clare has 87 practising GPs, 68 per 100,000 people, significantly below the World Health Organisation recommendation of 100 per 100k. Waterford, has 129 GPs practising, making it one of only two counties in Ireland over the WHO minimum. “We are past the point where the training initiatives Minister Hildegard Naughton promised can help. We need investment in rural services, real follow through to make it enticing to set up in counties like Clare. If we cannot fix primary care, more people will report to emergency care, and it has become more and more clear that this government has no idea how to fix emergency care – but intends to hide that for as long as possible,

as it outwaits an election”.

In a statement to The Clare Echo, Deputy Wynne claimed that when she attempted to highlight overcrowding at UHL before the Dáil’s summer recess that the Taoiseach, Simon Harris (FG) said he was waiting for reports to be drawn up before discussing the matter further.

“People are suffering as the government waits. Aoife Johnston’s death should have been a tragedy, a moment of no more. Instead the government refuses to answer my PQs asking if staff must be sepsis trained before taking to the floor, and hides behind Reports and resets that let this government delay admitting what we all know that the health system is, quite simply, shattered,” the Clarecastle based TD added.

Celebrate National Cinema Day at The Arc Cinema Ennis with €5 Tickets

Ennis, 25.8.24 –The Arc Cinema Ennis on Parnell Street is excited to join in the National Cinema Day celebrations on Saturday, 31st August, offering all tickets for just €5. This incredible offer applies to all screenings throughout the day, giving you the perfect chance to catch the latest blockbusters, family hits, and more on the big screen.

Our cinema recently under-

went a refurbishment, enhancing your movie-going experience with updated facilities and a fresh, modern look. Whether you’re a regular visitor or returning after some time, you’ll enjoy our comfortable, revitalised setting at an unbeatable price.

Cathal O’Sullivan, Cinema Manager at The Arc Cinema Ennis, said, “We’re delighted to invite our community to enjoy National Cinema Day in our newly refurbished cinema. With €5 tickets for all ﬁlms, it’s the perfect opportunity to experience our updated facilities and the magic of the big screen. We can’t wait to welcome you!”

National Cinema Day 2023

was a huge success across Ireland, and we anticipate even more excitement this year. The Arc Cinema Ennis is proud to be part of this national celebration, bringing the best in cinema to our local community at an exceptional value.

Tickets for National Cinema Day can be purchased online at ArcCinema.ie or at our box ofﬁce starting Sunday, 25th August. Be sure to book early to secure your seat for the ﬁlm of your choice.

Join us at The Arc Cinema Ennis on 31st August for a day of cinematic fun in our newly refurbished cinema! For more information on what’s playing, visit ArcCinema.ie or check local listings.

Lahinch hitchhiker told he would be set alight if he did not pay for lift, court hears

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A 30-year old Ennis man threatened a hitch-hiker that he would set him alight after pulling out a plastic bottle full of petrol if he did not pay money for his lift, it has been alleged in court.

At Ennis District Court, Garda Amy O’Connor told the court that when Brian Joyce made the alleged ‘light you up’ threat to John Hourihan, Mr Joyce’s pregnant partner was driving and their two young children aged seven and nine were back seat passengers along with two puppy dogs.

Garda O’Connor said Mr Hourihan was hitch-hiking to Lahinch out of Ennis at around 5.30pm on August 13th when he was picked up.

Garda O’Connor said that Mr Hourihan got into the back seat and front seat passenger, Brian Joyce “got very aggressive during the journey towards the alleged injured party and said he wanted money for giving him a lift”.

Garda O’Connor said that it will be alleged that after Mr Hourihan refused this, “Mr Joyce pulled out a Powerade bottle full of petrol and threatened Mr Hourihan that he would set him alight if he did not pay them money”.

Garda O’Connor said that it will be alleged that Mr Joyce of St Enda’s halting site, Beechpark, Ennis also threatened Mr Hourihan that if his partner was not in the car, he would kill him.

Garda O’Connor said that Mr Hourihan managed to snatch the bottle from Brian Joyce and demanded that the car be stopped.

Garda O’Connor said that the car was stopped and the alleged injured party got out before the silver Golf drove off.

Garda O’Connor said that when the 171 CE Volkswagen Golf car came back down the road, Mr Hourihan had his phone out and took photos of Mr Joyce and his partner in the car.

Garda O’Connor outlined the State case against Mr Joyce during a bail application hearing for Mr Joyce where Gardaí successfully opposed bail.

In the case, Mr Joyce is charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to John Hourihan

between Lahinch Rd, Ennis and Monreel South, Ennistymon on the N85 on August 13th last.

Counsel for Mr Joyce, Amy Nix BL said that what has been outlined to the court are only allegations and her client is entitled to the presumption of innocence.

Garda O’Connor said that the plastic bottle suspected to contain petrol has been seized by Gardaí as part of the investigation.

Garda O’Connor said that Gardaí have fears that Mr Joyce may interfere with the progress of the investigation if granted bail.

Ms Nix said Mr Joyce was open to bail conditions that he stay out of Co Clare and of Lahinch and other strict conditions. She said that the next date to ﬁx dates for hearing at Ennis Circuit Court is December 13th for trials in February.

She said, “It would be disproportionate to hold Mr Joyce on remand at this juncture and he would miss his daughter’s tenth birthday in September and miss the birth of his child his partner is due in January”.

Garda O’Connor said that the alleged injured party is not from Clare but comes to the county every few weeks. Garda O’Connor said, “He is scared to come back to Clare out of fear of meeting the suspect”.

Garda O’Connor said that no bail conditions imposed would satisfy the concerns of Gardaí.

Judge Marie Keane said, “This is a really serious matter and I am absolutely satisﬁed that I can’t grant bail to Mr Joyce”.

Judge Keane said, “There are very serious allegations being made”.

She said the Gardaí allege that not only did Mr Joyce “put himself in some form of jeopardy on this occasion but there were two small children and a pregnant woman also at risk along with a third party”.

She added, “Obviously, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence but I am not satisﬁed that there are any conditions that this court can impose that would satisfy this court”.

Judge Keane said that she was refusing bail due to the seriousness of the charge and remanded Mr Joyce in custody to September 4th to Ennis District Court.

From the custody suite of the court, Mr Joyce said ‘thanks judge’ before being led away by prison ofﬁcers.

l JOURNEY: The hitchhiker was en route to Lahinch

Hilary Tonge to get Social Democrats nomination for General Election

She is the only candidate for Thursday’s selection convention which will be held at The Old Ground Hotel.

town over the past four decades. She now lives on the Tulla Rd and works as a development worker with the Women’s Collective.

30-HILARY TONGE (SD) is set to get the nomination from the Social Democrats to contest the General Election.

It will be the ﬁrst time that the Social Democrats contest a General Election in Clare having ran candidates in the 2019 and 2024 local elections unsuccessfully.

Tonge herself contested the local elections in June where she polled 598 ﬁrst preference votes and was the ﬁfth of thirteen candidates eliminated when she bowed out on the seventh count.

In advance of the local elections, she said, “I feel that people’s voices aren’t being heard, in fact they are being ignored” when discussing her reasons for entering politics.

Founder of the women’s community hub Mná ag Gáire which is located in Tracklands Business Park in Ennis, Hilary has been active with the Mid-West Hospital Campaign. Mná ag Gáire was founded in response to a call-out to make PPE during the pandemic, now over 200 women attend the hub on a weekly basis.

In advance of the local elections, Hilary was involved with Save Ennis Town, a community group opposing the construction of buildings on car parks in Abbey Street and Parnell Street as part of the Ennis 2040 strategy.

Having moved to Ennis forty years ago, she has raised a family here and worked in the county

Fiona Levie (SD) who contested the local elections for the party in the Killaloe MD is not seeking the party’s nomination and instead has been elected as the Chairperson of its Clare branch succeeding Garry Miley.

At its recent AGM held via Zoom, the party elected a committee which will be led by Fiona and also includes Bernhard Rohrer (Vice Chairman), Jan Strozer (Treasurer), Victoria Olukitibi (Secretary) and Tony Long (PRO).

Mountshannon’s Fiona has also been elected to represent the branch at National Council alongside Oliver Brett with Owen Hynes as the substitute.

Clare FM shortlisted for six IMRO awards & Cooke in the running for news story of the year

CLARE FM has received six nominations and Ennis reporter John Cooke is up for news story of the year at the IMRO Radio Awards. A shortlist of 192 was announced on Wednesday morning across 42 different categories for the radio awards.

Last year, John Cooke of RTÉ Radio One who is based in Ennis scooped two gold awards, the news reporter of the year and the news story of the year. Cooke who’s star continues to rise on the country’s most listened to radio station is in the running again for news story of the year, this time it’s for his work on ‘emergency department death trap’.

For the third time, Clare FM was named as local station of the year in 2023. The station is once again shortlisted in this category while also receiving a further ﬁve nominations.

Concrete Jungle a documentary which told the story of Clare links to the 9/11 tragedy in new York City which was produced by Padraic Flaherty is shortlisted for best documentary. It is the only submission from a local radio station in this category and faces competition from RTÉ Radio 1, Newstalk and RTÉ Lyric.

Presented and produced by Ennis reporter, Pat Flynn, ‘Atlantic Tales’ is nominated for best magazine programme. A long-serving

member of the Clare FM team, Flynn is also the main reporter with The Clare Herald and provides copy to a host of national titles, particularly on the subject of road trafﬁc accidents and emergency responses. Nominated in the local and regional sports broadcaster of the year category is sports reporter Derrick Lynch. The Kilmurry Ibrickane man heads up Clare FM’s sports output which includes the weekly Sideline View airing on Friday evening and their spread of GAA commentaries on weekends. The Clonbony Junior C hurling manager is also particularly active on the social media site formerly known as Twitter.

Alan Morrissey, presenter of Morning Focus has been nominated in the local and regional speech broadcaster of the year category. The Dublin native who resides in Clonlara joined Clare FM in June 2021 and has hosted Morning Focus since then, succeeding Gavin Grace. A former communications ofﬁcer with the HSE, he previously worked with Spin South West, Tipp FM and Live95FM.

Clare FM has also been nominated for best short feature for ‘the story behind the song’.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Carey resignationconfirmsfrom politics

CLARE TD, Joe Carey (FG) has resigned as a TD, seventeen months after experiencing “a life-altering medical situation”.

Carey conﬁrmed his exit from politics on Monday morning in a statement, hours before the close of nominations for Fine Gael’s selection convention for the General Election. The four-time TD has been on sick leave since last March. During this time, his team in his constituency ofﬁce have kept the show on the road while Deputy Carey has not been available for interviews or comment over the past seventeen months.

In a statement, Deputy Carey said the decision was based on medical advice and that he had to put himself, his wife and family ﬁrst and retire from a job that he loved. “In the past year, I suffered a life-altering medical situation that I will be dealing with for the rest of my time on earth. While I would dearly wish to continue, my decision to step away is based on medical advice”.

First elected to Clare County Council in 1999 at the age of 23, he topped the polls in the 2004 local elections securing the highest ever number of ﬁrst preference votes by a local election candidate in the county. He won a Dáil seat in 2007 and retained it at General Elections

in 2011, 2016 and 2020. His 2007 win saw Carey aged 31 win a second seat for Fine Gael in the Clare constituency for the ﬁrst time in 20 years when he was elected to Dáil Éireann at the age of 31. His father Donal, who served as Fine Gael TD for Clare from 1982 to 2002 and Minister of State from 1995 to 1997, was the only other candidate to win a second seat for the party in Clare, alongside of course their running mates Pat Breen and Madeline Taylor-Quinn.

To serve as a public representatives for the past twenty ﬁve years has been an “absolute privilege” he said. “I want to express my sincere thanks to my constituents who elected me to represent them on Clare County Council and in Dáil Éireann on six separate occasions”.

Clarecastle native Carey in correspondence to Fine Gael members expressed his appreciation to all those who campaigned with him during his political career. “It is hard to believe but 25 years have passed since I was ﬁrst elected to Clare County Council. It has been the greatest honour and privilege to be elected as a Fine Gael TD for County Clare at four successive general elections. My electoral success would not have been possible without your unwavering support.

“I also want to sincerely thank the extraordinary people who have

worked with me in my office over the years especially Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Paul Bugler and Ger O’Halloran and, more recently, John Stanton and Lorraine O’Meara. A big thank you to my election team headed by my Director of Elections, Martin Lynch, and to everybody who canvassed, leaflet dropped, helped in the office, and with postering,” he added.

He added his thanks to all those for their well-wishes during his sick leave. “The Fine Gael parliamentary party have been really supportive as have Oireachtas members from all political parties and none. I have been blown away by the messages, cards, texts, mass bouquets and get-well wishes. I want to take this opportunity to wish Taoiseach, Simon Harris all the best in the forthcoming General Election. His impact has already been spectacular, and I strongly expect the ‘Harris Hop’ to be ﬁrmly enjoyed in County Clare and throughout the Country when the next General Election comes around”.

His sister, Leonora has conﬁrmed she will be seeking the party’s nomination for the selection convention as has Senator Martin Conway (FG).

During Joe’s time in the Dáil, he was Deputy Spokesperson on Justice with special responsibility for Juvenile Justice in his ﬁrst term. He backed Enda Kenny (FG) during

an attempted leadership heave. He was appointed Assistant Government Chief Whip for his second term in Leinster House and served as a member of the Committee on Procedures and Privileges and was appointed Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Administration.

For his third term, Carey was appointed to the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly and served as Chairman of the Committee on Sovereign Matters. He served as a member of the Oireachtas Commission and was subsequently elected chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Rural and Community Development.

In February 2020, he was the only sitting Clare TD to be re-elected to the Dáil. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, he established the Shannon Airport Oireachtas Group and became its Chairperson. He was appointed temporary Chair of Dáil Éireann by the Ceann Comhairle and became a member of the Oireachtas Commission for a second term. He was later selected as Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications. His absence from securing a Junior Ministry at the time despite being a four-term TD was a big setback.

‘An outstanding champion for the people of Clare’ - tributes paid to retiring TD Carey

TRIBUTES have come in from across the political divide for retiring Clare TD, Joe Carey (FG).

After over a year of speculation, Deputy Carey confirmed on Monday morning that owing to health reasons he was retiring from politics and ending his time as a TD, he was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2011 and has spent twenty five years as a public representative.

Taoiseach, Simon Harris (FG) described Carey as “an outstanding champion for the people of Clare. Joe is putting his health ﬁrst and he has all of our support in Fine Gael on that journey. He leaves the Clare constituency ready for the future and is moving to his next chapter with all of our support”.

Senator Martin Conway (FG) stated, “It has been a privilege to work with Joe for the last twenty years and particularly the last thirteen years as a member of the Oireachtas. We have worked together

as members of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party to ensure Government delivered for Co Clare and its people”.

Ennistymon native Conway added, “Joe has been a great advocate for the people of County Clare. In recent times, Joe has undergone signiﬁcant medical challenges and I have no doubt it has been a very difﬁcult time for him. I would like to wish Joe, Grace and their family the very best for the future”.

Former Clare TD, Madeline Taylor Quinn who is currently Chair of the Fine Gael branch in Clare said, “I always found Joe an extremely approachable personable amenable person. He was very co-operative in advancing causes throughout the county and individual concerns of his constituents”.

She stated, “He was particularly concerned about community health service and the state of the health service in Clare and Mid-West region in general. He was vigorous in his pursuit of the health service in Clare, in addition he recognised the importance of

Shannon to both industrial and tourism business in the county and he chaired the Transport Committee in the Oireachtas, he advanced in every way he could the case of Shannon Airport. Personally it is a very difﬁcult time for him, I have absolutely sympathy for him, a man in his prime to be forced into a situation of having to step aside because of ill health”.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O’Donovan (FG) who himself experienced a health scare last year after collapsing in the Dáil but recovered ten weeks later to resume his duties, was another to wish the Clarecastle man well. “I want to wish my good friend and neighbour Joe Carey all the best with his decision to step back from politics. I’ve known Joe for years and in that time he has been a great servant to The Banner. I wish him good health for the years ahead,” the Limerick TD commented.

Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) said he was “saddened” to hear that Deputy Carey would

not be contesting the General Election on health grounds. “Joe is one of life’s gentlemen and was a good colleague when we both served together on Clare County Council and, more recently, as TD for the Clare Constituency. I wish to sincerely thank Joe for his twenty ﬁve years of unwavering commitment to public ofﬁce and to representing our county. Whilst the job of TD is an important one and is very demanding, at the end of the

day it’s just a job and one’s health and family must come ﬁrst. I wish Joe the very, very best on all fronts but, in particular, on the health front”.

Ex Junior Minister, Frank Feighan (FG) TD said during his nine years in the Dáil that Carey was “one of the nicest, hard-working and most popular TD in the Oireachtas”.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Conway & Carey the only nominees for Fine Gael Election ticket

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

FINE GAEL have received just two nominations for their selection convention to decide their General Election ticket in Clare.

Senator Martin Conway (FG) and Leonora Carey (FG) were the only candidates put forward at the close of nominations on Monday evening at 5pm, The Clare Echo has learned.

It is not a done deal that both candidates will be selected on the evening of the convention which takes place on September 6th at Treacy’s West County Hotel.

Political sources have told The Clare Echo that should a scenario occur where Fine Gael headquarters issue a directive to only select one of the two nominees then the party are working on bulking up the ticket by trying to recruit a big name in the county.

It will be Conway’s second bid for the Dáil. The Ennistymon man ran in the 2020 General Election and polled 2,285 ﬁrst preference votes and was eliminated on the sixth count prior to Cllr Rita McInerney (FF).

Conway has been a Senator on the Administrative Panel since 2011. He is the ﬁrst visually impaired member of the Oireachtas. He served as a county councillor in Clare from 2004 to 2011.

Clarecastle native Leonora will

be running for office for the first time. A sister of outgoing TD, Joe Carey (FG), she has been a pivotal figure in his four successful elections to the Dáil.

Leonora has served as Chair of Fine Gael’s National Executive Council and currently works as an occupational therapist manager with UL Hospitals Group. Since 1951, Fine Gael has elected a TD in Clare. The upcoming General Election will be one of its trickiest as it faces a battle to keep a seat in Co Clare but a very open ﬁeld remains.

HEAD Lighthouse marked 170 years with a special programme of events on Sunday. The anniversary celebration included talks on the lighthouse, local wildlife and the local area, as well as traditional Irish music, a scything exhibition, energetic yoga, Kettlebells and an opportunity to meet the Loop Head Alpacas.

Loop Head Lighthouse is one of two Signature Discovery Points in County Clare along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way at the mouth of Shannon Estuary. It also is a landmark location on the Loop Head Heritage Trail and is one of 16 Great Lighthouses of Ireland. See www.loopheadlighthouse.ie for more.

170TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

AS PART OF HERITAGE WEEK 2024, WE HELD A SPECIAL CELEBRATION FOR THE CURRENT TOWER AT LOOP HEAD!

L-R Councillor Dinny Gould; Deirdre O’Shea, Clare Tourism Officer; Tourism Guides Martin Gleeson and Stephen Rowan; Councillor Rita McInerney, Cathaoirleach of West Clare MD; Simon Day, Acting Head of Operations, Loop Head Lighthouse; and Dr. Simon Berrow, Irish Whale and Dolphin Group

Photos by Eamon Ward

Sharon Malone of Clare Tourism with her son Oisin Egan outside Loop Head Lighthouse

Tour Guide Stephen Rowan (centre) at the Loop Head Lighthouse 170th anniversary celebration

Zack Halliday of Common Knowledge provides a scything demonstration

Bernie Keane (accordion), Karen Walshe Costello (Concertina) and James O’Halloran (Banjo) performing at Loop Head Lighthouse

Roan and Noa Hammond from Kilrush pictured with Loop Head Alpacas. Circled is Caroline Rouine-O’Connor of Kildysart-based Retreat Yourself providing a yoga lesson at Loop Head Lighthouse

LOOP

Slow and steady wins the race...

and

work for our Clare Echo slimmers who both shed half a pound this week.

SLIMMER PROFILE

Kieran

Last week was busy with a few family celebrations, so I was not watching my portion sizes enough. Although I did relax a bit I was delighted to still register weight loss this week - I now have a total

of 11lbs lost and I’m delighted with that.

This week, I attended Martin’s Saturday morning class at the CBS in Ennis. Martina’s relaxed approach puts everybody at ease from the get-go.

Martina also discussed up-andcoming activities and chose charity support activities that members are encouraged to take part in.

A few members of the group recently reached their target weight goal and Martina discussed the importance of maintaining your weight and offered continued support to these members, which they gladly accepted.

With this in mind, Martina discussed the Slim for Life book that is available when you reach your target weight.

This is a 12-Week comprehensive program designed to guide readers on a journey to lasting health and wellness. The Slim for Life program offers readers insights, tips, and motivation to kickstart and maintain their transformation.I was delighted this week with a half pound loss as it was better than a gain.

SLIMMER PROFILE

Denise Quinn

Title: Head of Sales

Age: 49

Height: 5ft 3in

Starting weight: 14st.05lb

Week 4: Lost 6lbs

Week 5: Lost 0.5lbs

Week 6: Lost 0.5lbs

Week 7: Lost 2lbs

Week 8: Lost 0.5lbs Current weight: 12st 10.5lb Goal: To lose 2 stone

I had a tough week and learnt I am an emotional eater. When I look back I wasn’t hungry when I binged on treats - I was left feeling crap after and disappointed in myself. Lesson learnt .

On Tuesday, I joined Pamela’s group at 9.30am in Treacys West County. Some amazing achievements this week with one of the group members Pamela achieving

the 2 stone she set for herself for her birthday while Gillian earned the half stone award, slimmer of the week and Slimmer of the month and is heading for her 1st stone award.

A tip from Pamela’s group that resonated with me: I can do this. There is nobody stopping me but myself and my choices. Show up for myself as I deserve to feel good, look good, be healthy and I will reap all the rewards.

Slimming World Venue Details

Louise: Friday at 9.30am, Newmarket on Fergus Community Hall, V95 RH93. Facebook: Slimming World Newmarket on Fergus

Tarah: Monday at 7pm, Hope Cafe In Shannon, also at Treacys West County Ennis every Tuesday at 5.30pm and 7pm. Facebook: Slimming World with Tarah

Pamela: Tuesday and Thursday 8am and 9.30 am at Treacys West County Ennis. Also on Wednesday 4pm and 5.30pm Teach Ceoil Church Ennistymon.

Facebook: Slimming World En-

nis & Ennistymon with Pamela Martina: Saturday at CBS primary school, New Road Ennis 8.30am and 10.30am. Facebook: Follow Slimming World Southcourt and Caherconlish Can’t wait, tell me more... Slimming World are currently recruiting Leaders for several areas. If you are interested and would like to learn more about the benefits you are welcome to the Radison Blu Hotel & Spa, Ennis Road, Limerick V94 YA2R On Friday September 13 at 6.30pm or Call Martina on 089 407 9264.

Will my flowers last into the winter?

ONE of the many questions that we get asked is how long will the summer flowers last?

In short, till the frost comes so most will keep going. Some, however, struggle as the weather can play a big part in how they are blooming. Some of the summer bedding that I have seen thriving and continue to thrive are the geraniums they are a great reliable bedding plant can be brought into your home and will continue to bloom over winter.

The busy lizzy are also lovely this season and once they are kept watered, they will continue to bloom. The begonias are one of my go-to summer bedding plant. Whether it’s the nonstop begonia or the trailing one, they are great to last into November and can come back again next year. So, to answer the

question, yes the summer bedding can continue flowering right into November sometimes.

Over the next few months, we use a lot of foliage plants to help brighten up the pots and beds over the Autumn/Winter like Ivy for the trailing effect, and Solomon is a lovely autumn plant with bright orange ball berries.

Sliver is another lovely colour and there are a few plants to choose from, cotton lavender also known as Santolina has a nice scent. Cineraria is another lovely one can get bushy and commonly known as Sliver Dust. Calocephalus is unusual looking sliver and can give a very interesting look to planters.

Heuchera are another great foliage plant from a luscious plum colour to a lime green shade

there are a great range of shades to choose from. If its colour the pansy and viola autumn selection is available, the cyclamen with again a lovely selection from white to cerise pink and many more colours. Primroses will be available soon. Autumn peppers and gaultheria a lovely red berry shrub idea for pots.

So, we have lots of choice coming and available at the moment so if you needs colour their will be some to suit everyone’s taste Happy gardening.

Alfred Austin: The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the soul. Rudyard Kipling: Gardens are not made by singing “Oh, how beautiful,” and sitting in the shade.

lBusy lizzies are doing well this year

SLOW

steady wins the race and that’s the formula that continues to

lSUPPORT: Kieran and Slimming World leaders Martina & Tarah

DID you know that Ireland is currently one of the top spenders in the world on complications related to diabetes?

It is estimated that between 8-10% of our overall healthcare expenditure is spent on diabetic complications such as hospitalisation, surgical interventions and long-term wound dressings etc. Even more concerning is that while other EU countries are successfully reducing the number of diabetes-related amputations, Ireland isn’t keeping pace.

Many countries have introduced Hyperbaric Oxygenation (HBOT) with great success, helping to reduce amputations, but Ireland has been slow to adopt this approach. This delay is having real

lVISIT: Clare Echo editor Stuart Holly testing out the HBOT treatment at Oxygeneration in Galway last year

consequences. People are losing their limbs when there’s an effective treatment that could help prevent such drastic outcomes. It’s frustrating to

think that many of these amputations might be avoidable if more people knew about the benefits of HBOT. Often, people are rushed into surgery

as a quick fix for chronic wounds, but that shouldn’t be the first or only option when a non-invasive, scientifically backed treatment like HBOT is available.

At OxyGeneration, we’ve seen the remarkable impact of HBOT firsthand. Many of our clients come to us after being told they need an amputation due to a diabetic foot ulcer. Thanks to HBOT, they have been able to avoid surgery and keep their limbs. This isn’t just a stroke of luck—it’s the known benefits of HBOT in action.

One of the biggest challenges for people with diabetes is dealing with non-healing wounds, especially foot ulcers. HBOT can significantly speed up healing by boosting oxygen supply to the affected area. In fact, European studies show

Thought for the week: Time stops for no-one

Spreading the word of positivity

RONAN SCULLY

I AM reminded of a quote: “As you breathe, another person takes their last breath. So stop complaining and live your life with what you got and make every breath count.”

Those are sobering words! While none of us are guaranteed tomorrow, we can improve our quality of life by making every day count. We often lose sight of the truly important things in life. We are so busy wondering about our dream car, dream house, our dream life but ironically, the best dream is to come to grips with living ‘in the now’ for time stops for no-one. Time is the most valuable currency. Every second we spend silently locked away in our rooms is time spent separated from the people that matter. Each second staring at social media is time spent disconnected from the world. Every second ruminating on the ‘should haves’ is time spent preventing beautiful new experiences from taking place. Life is but a vapor, so make every

day count with gratitude, acts of kindness and laughter, because we are not guaranteed tomorrow!

Invest your time in yourself, your hobbies, your passions, your prayers and good actions and the things that you enjoy doing.

DAILY ROUTINES

Life is full of routines, we all have them. One of my daily routines is to make a cup of tea before leaving the house. I like my tea a certain way, hot and weakish. It is my perfect cup of tea. It makes me very happy to share that perfect cup. Whether the person I am sharing it with likes it the same way or different, it is in the sharing that we find the most joy. However, that cup must be full to be able to share it. I recall a few years ago sitting in a chapel, feeling hollow. My work with Self Help Africa was going well; I was leading Camino walks and trips to Africa, and accompanying our supporters to continue to help the people we support in Africa. So why was I feeling so vacant? I was doing what I thought was all the right things. As I sat there, tears running down my face, a priest friend of mine came,

put his arm around me, and asked what was wrong. After explaining it to him, he said, “Your own cup is not full, you cannot give to others what you do not have. Don’t be so busy filling everyone else’s cup that you forget to fill your own.” Words I will never forget.

LIFE IS LIKE A CUP OF TEA

A group of alumni, highly established in their careers, got together to visit their old college professor. Conversation soon turned into complaints about stress in work and life. Offering his guests tea, the professor went to the kitchen and returned with a large pot of tea and an assortment of cups –porcelain, plastic, crystal, some plain looking, some exquisite.

He told his guests to help themselves.

After everyone had a cup in hand, the professor said, “If you notice, all the expensive cups have been taken up, leaving behind the cheap ones. While it is normal to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems. Be assured that the cup adds no quality to the tea.

“What all of you really wanted was tea. But

you consciously went for the best cups. And then you began eyeing each other’s cups. Now consider this. Life is the tea. The jobs, money, and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain Life. And the type of cup we have does not define, nor change, the quality of life we live.

“Sometimes, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the tea. So as much as you can, savor the tea, not the cups! The happiest people that I know in my circle of life don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

As your thought for the week, look at ways you can bring peace and joy into people’s lives that need it and try as much as you can to live a life of deep love and care and make every day and moment count. Look at your life’s experiences and see what you are doing about them and as the saying goes, go after your dreams, for happy are those that dream dreams but even more happier are those who try to achieve them.

that HBOT can improve the healing of diabetic foot ulcers by up to 75% in some cases. The combined antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits following sessions of HBOT create an optimal healing environment.

If you’re struggling with a non-healing wound or diabetic ulcers, there’s some positive news. Irish Life Health offers full coverage for HBOT sessions at OxyGeneration, so you can access this potentially life-changing treatment without financial stress. Alternatively speak to your consultant about getting a referral to the Galway University Hospital hyperbaric chamber. Accessibility is a significant obstacle for this chamber but as hyperbaric oxygenation is an approved treatment modality for non-healing wounds, it

is something that should be explained and offered to you by your consultant.

THERE IS HOPE….

These health issues are more than just inconveniences— they can dramatically affect your quality of life. But there is hope, and you don’t have to go through this alone. Just like Kathleen, a client of ours who was actually scheduled for an amputation surgery due to a diabetic foot ulcer. She chose to try HBOT first and shared,

“I firmly believe hyperbaric oxygenation can turn healing around for diabetics worldwide. It has prevented me from needing an amputation.” There’s a better way to handle these complications and knowing all the options could make all the difference in your life.

Beidh Scoil Samhraigh

Willie Clancy ar TG4 san oíche dé Domhnaigh

Macalla an Chláir

LE MACDARA Ó CONAOLA

Beidh scoth an cheoil thraidisiúnta ó Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2023, ar TG4 san oíche Dé Domhnaigh ag 20:30 déanfar neart plé agus spraoi freisin. This second series of the hugely popular traditional music series brings together the very best in traditional music from Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy in July 2023 and will feature entertaining performances and fascinating conversation.

AN BHFUIL SCÉAL LE ROINNT AGAIBH?!

Bígí i dteagmháil linn agus leanaigí ar Facebook agus Twitter muid ag: @macallaanchlair R-phost: macallaanchlair@gmail.com

Imeachtaí/Events:

• LUIMNEACH –AIFREANN GAEILGE, chuile Dé Domhnaigh, 10.30am, Mainistir an tSlánaitheora, Sráid San Doiminic, Luimneach

• Clare FM - Cúlchaint le Domhnall Ó Loingsigh chuile Dé

Sathairn, ag 9am ar Clare FM

• CILL INÍNE BAOITHE - Ciorcal Comhrá san XPO, chuile Dé

Céadaoin ag 7.30pm

• INIS – CAINT AGUS COMHRÁ, chuile Dé Luain ag 11am sa gCopper Jug, Dé Céadaoin ag 11am in O’Brien’s, oíche Déardaoin sa Temple Gate (8pm), agus Dé Sathairn i nGlór, 11am-12pm. Déan teag-

mháil leo ag: caintaguscomhra@outlook.com

• LUIMNEACH – Ciorcail Comhrá. Chuile Dé Céadaoin ag 10.30am, Bialann Eden, Ollscoil Luimnigh.Tuilleadh eolais ar fáil ó Noel ag 086 792 8389.

• AN SCAIRBH –‘’Lón i nGaeilge’’, 1-2pm, CHUILE DÉ MAIRT i gcaifé ‘’An Gáirdín’’, fáilte roimh chuile dhuine.

‘Why are we always last’ - Shannon reps seek more equal treatment

SHANNON ‘always seems to be last’ when it comes to delivery of services from the local authority, a county councillor has claimed.

Frustration on the resources within the Shannon Municipal District and the failure to replace old bins across the town were among the grievances aired at a meeting of the Shannon MD. Praise for the difference made by the road sweeper in Shannon was voiced by Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF), “it is lovely to see it that at long last the kerbs are looking like kerbs and not jungles”.

She warned that the cushion by the bend approaching the grounds of Shannon Hibs FC in Cluain Airne “needs to be moved. There is going to be an accident and it

is a wonder there hasn’t been already”.

An update on Shannon playground and “the removal of all the old bins, have they been replaced” was queried by Cllr Tony Mulcahy (FG).

“The preference when we remove a bin that is gone beyond repair that we replace it. Solar bins are being rolled out in Ennis, why are we always last? Every place I go I see were collecting seven or eight times the amount of rubbish, it is more compact with solar, we put three or four in at Drumgeely, maybe one of them would have done the job, are the older bins coming back,” he asked.

Cllr McGettigan replied, “The bins was a motion I put in a while ago, I understand that the leave no trace poli-

cy, I hate to say it because it is just not working, I would love to see it working because it is a brilliant policy. This is about trying to get the message out about leave no trace and how people can help their community”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) stated, “The bins we did put in at Drumgeely they are welcome even though there’s crows and magpies taking the stuff out, these bins would need to be sealed, the rubbish would go in and the crowe or magpie wouldn’t be able to get it back out”.

Responding to the elected members, senior executive engineer, Tom Mellett said of the road sweeper in Shannon, “we’re beginning to see

Sum of cash & several items taken in Lidl burglary

The Elected Members of ELIDL’s store in Shannon was subject to a burglary in the early hours of Monday morning.

At approximately 2am on Monday, the burglary occurred at Lidl’s Shannon store located in the Town Centre. Several items were taken from the store along with a sum of cash.

A male youth was later arrested and was due to appear before Limerick City District Court on Wednesday morning.

the effect that we’ve been expecting which is great”.

On the concerns in Tradaree and Cluain Airne, he explained, “standards insist they go into the centre of the lanes, we have to put in a continuous white line going up the centre of the road. The measures will see a mitigation, we’ve been carrying out our own checks on it, possibly one in ten cars going through the middle but the cars are slowing down, they are there to slow down traffic and it is having that effect”. Repairs were carried out to a swing in the central area of the playground in June, he said. “There is a slide to be repaired and we’re waiting on the unit to arrive, we’re having difficulty getting it on site but we expect it to

be there”. Staff in the Shannon Leisure Centre carry out visual checks on the equipment on a daily basis, Mellett stated, equipment is replaced and updated as required.

Bins are a common discussion, he acknowledged. “It does come up a bit, Donna had a motion on solar bins, the bins take a lot more material but we don’t have a lot of overflowing bins in the town, we’re looking to reduce the amount of bins, the solar bins are very expensive, the weight of these bins is far excessive, the current set-up for the collecting of bins is one person collecting them so the weight of these is excessive and we’d have to double our crew and look at taking resources from somewhere else. The issue is around physically managing them”.

This prompted Cllr Mulcahy to do further probing who said “they have been on trial in different areas”. Mellett said, “they have different set-ups. We’re talking about 30kg”. Cllr McGettigan questioned if it would take less time with solar bins but Mellett advised the circuit would still be the time along with the transit time involved. “Compact bins could take ten days to fill, we would only need to do it every ten days,” Cllr McGettigan said. “We are reviewing that, we’re not emptying them every day,” Mellett replied.

Tradaree Bridge Club, Newmarket on Fergus Mary Galvin (on right), President, handing over the proceeds of a Charity Night to Mary Meade and Bernadette Glynn from the St Vincent De Paul.

Mary Begley (Treasurer) on the left

Opportunity for Ennis town centre to THRIVE under new scheme

The Elected Members of Ennis Municipal District (MD) were briefed today (Tuesday, 27 August 2024) on Clare County Council’s participation in a new scheme to identify a vacant or under-utilised heritage/ historic building in Ennis town centre for adaption into community use.

Funded by government under the ERDF Regional Programmes through the Southern Regional Assembly, the THRIVE Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme supports local authorities and their citizens to regenerate town centres by transforming publicly owned vacant, under-utilised or derelict heritage buildings within key town centres through renovation, renewal, and adaptive reuse. It will deliver on policies set out in the National Planning Framework and Southern Regional Spatial Economic Strategy.

The Thrive Scheme will provide local authorities with funding to carry out a study into renovating, refurbishing

and adapting one vacant and derelict heritage building in their town centres. Heritage buildings under the scheme are classified as structures that form part of the architectural heritage and have unique architectural, historical, archaeological or artistic qualities, or are linked to the cultural and economic history of a place.

As part of the process, tenders are being sought from experienced and qualified consultants to create a new Integrated Urban Strategy for Clare County Council, focused on heritage properties, which will identify and prioritise projects that encourage the conservation and adaptive reuse of Ennis’ extensive built heritage, and address vacancy and dereliction in the Town Centre. It will also deliver on one of the actions (Action 21) set out in the Ennis 2040 Economic and Social Strategy which seeks to showcase the unique heritage and architecture of Ennis.

It is anticipated that the successful consultancy

team will be appointed next month ahead of an extensive Stakeholder and Citizen Engagement Workshop where a selection of heritage buildings will be presented for consideration. A draft strategy and a proposed heritage project will then be presented to Elected Members and the public in October ahead of the submission of a Part 8 planning application and an application for THRIVE funding in 2025.

“The primary goal of this new scheme is to inject new life into the heart of Ennis, so that it can function as the sustainable and vibrant heart of the community it serves,” explained Mayor of Ennis Municipal District, Councillor Clare Colleran Molloy. “It is important that we, through collaborative stakeholder engagement, avail of this funding scheme to deliver a transformative project that benefits our town centre and the wider community. The Elected Members will also play their part by supporting heritage-led regeneration and tackling vacancy

as part of the delivery of the Town Centre First policy.”

Carmel Kirby, Director of Economic Development and Ennis MD said the Integrated Urban Strategy, the development of which is a listed action of the Ennis 2040 Economic and Spatial Strategy, will focus on the town’s heritage and architecture and will support adaptive reuse of one vacant or under-utilised heritage buildings at a local level.

“The objective of this strategy is to preserve the county’s distinctive cultural and environmental assets, promote economic growth, and enhance the quality of life through sustainable urban development. Clare County Council looks forward to working with all stakeholders in identifying projects that will positively impact local businesses and further enhance the town’s appeal to residents, visitors and potential investors,” stated Ms Kirby.

Joan Tarmey, Town Regeneration Officer for Clare County Council comment-

ed, “The town’s successful participation in THRIVE will depend on the extent to which local stakeholders, property owners and the people of Ennis engage with Clare County Council in delivering this Integrated Urban Strategy focused on heritage buildings that deliver a significant and long-lasting positive impact on our town centre. There is an opportunity here to return a vacant heritage building back into use, whilst addressing community needs. The community and stakeholder engagement will be important in giving the people of Ennis a voice in the selection of a heritage building and its end use”.

Visit https://yoursay.clarecoco.ie/ for more on THRIVE Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme for Ennis.

DeValera Public Library, Ennis will host Creative Writing Workshops for Adults for 6 weeks beginning Monday 23rd September from 10.30am -12.30pm. These are free events, but booking is essential as spaces are limited. These workshops are suitable for beginners to those with some writing experience. Please contact DeValera Public Library on 065 6824207 or ennislibrary@clarecoco.ie for more information or to book your place.

ENNIS ACTIVE RETIREMENT.

Ennis Active Retirement meetings to resume on Tuesday 3rd September at 11am in Scout Hall, Ennis.

Blood donation clinic in Ennistymon as IBTS seek to increase supply

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

BLOOD donation clinics are to be held in Ennistymon and Scariff in the coming weeks as the Irish Blood Transfusion Service seeks to increase its amount of donors in Clare.

This year, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is seeking 15,000 new donors to ensure the stability of the national blood supply. The demand for blood is constant and on any given day 200 patients receive transfusions in Irish hospitals. An additional 15,000 new donors are required this year according to the IBTS to maintain a secure and stable blood supply.

Since this time last year, the demand for blood from hospitals in Ireland has gone up by six percent. New D-negative blood types that is A, B, and O negative (the Universal blood group) are especially sought after.

Upcoming blood donation clinics are to be held in Clare to try increase supply. The Falls Hotel in Ennistymon will host clinics on Monday (2nd) and Tuesday (3rd) September from 16:50 to 20:10. Scariff GAA Hall will be the venue on Thursday (September 5th) from 16:50 to 20:10 for a blood donation clinic in East Clare.

New donors are welcome at all clinics. For appointments please phone 1800 222 111 “We would ask people who have not donated before to please consider becoming a blood donor. By doing so you will save or improve someone else’s life,” a spokesperson for IBTS told The Clare Echo.

Ennistymon Farmer refused planning over pollution fears for Ballymacraven River

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

AN BORD PLEANÁLA has refused planning permission to an Ennistymon farmer in a planning row between two North Clare farm households.

Both households have already been engaged in a right of way dispute dating back more than two decades.

Joseph Scales has been refused planning permission by An Bord Pleanála for the development of American Barn Horses stables at Calluragh West, Ennistymon due to potential pollution concerns for the nearby Ballymacraven River.

The project was stalled in December 2023 after neighbouring farmer, John Joseph Madigan appealed the Clare County Council planning permission.

The appeal came more than two years after a Circuit Court judge pleaded with the Scales and Madigan households in a long running right of way dispute not to bring “more hatred, bitterness or even tragedy on any of your families”.

At Ennis Circuit Court in October 2021, Judge Brian O’Callaghan said that court proceedings concerning the right of way at Calluragh, Ennistymon, Co

Clare “have been going in and out of this court for the past twenty years”.

Judge O’Callaghan stated, “It is quite clear to this court that in 20 years that common sense has to yet to visit the households of the Scales and Madigan families”.

In the case concerning Joseph Scales and John Joseph Madigan’s father, PJ, Judge O’Callaghan said, “I am inviting both set of parties to take a step back, buy ‘a bottle of cop-on’ and to drink from it”.

The first court order concerning the initial proceedings involving Joseph Scales and PJ Madigan was first made in June 2002 at Ennis Circuit Court. Since then, a further eleven court orders were made including one in 2003, two in 2006, one in 2007, one in 2008, two in 2009 and two in 2010.

Now, in the separate planning row, the board has refused planning permission after stating that it is not satisfied that the development would not be prejudicial to public health or would not seriously injure the residential amenities of properties in the vicinity.

On the pollution fears, the board stated that it is of the opinion that due to the proxim-

ity of the site to the Ballymacravan River which is a tributary of the Inagh River and the Inagh Estaury SAC that the presence of potential hydrological pathways involving surface water/ groundwater have not been adequately addressed so as to definitively preclude contamination

The appeal stated, “Cows when frightened can be dangerous to the drover and this may result in serious injury”.

Mr Leahy said that the Madigan’s home is directly across from the proposed horse stables and exercise area. “We believe that the proposal will interfere

of the watercourse.

Architect, Michael Leahy on behalf of John Joseph Madigan told An Bord Pleanála that the proximity of the Joseph Scales proposal to the road with horses galloping on the exercise area, “has the potential to frighten animals, mainly dairy cows, being driven along the road over and back twice daily”.

with Mr Madigan’s ability to carry out his farm business and no consideration has been given to the continued viability of his farm business on the assessment of this application”.

Mr Leahy stated that “Mr Madigan has invested heavily in his farm business and is concerned that the proposal will affect the financial viability of his farm”.

Ballymacraven River

I wouldn’t put a tricycle out on it’sympathy shared with cyclists on condition of parts of EuroVelo route

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

PART of a European cycling route in West Clare is not fit for a tricycle never mind a bike, a county councillor has quipped.

West Clare’s wild Atlantic coastline is included on the 10,650km long EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route. The route also visits the majestic fjords of Norway, the rough cliffs of Brittany and the sunkissed beaches of Portugal.

Section 20 of the Atlantic Coast Route is where cyclists ﬁrst come across Co Clare, on the shoulder of Woodcock Hill. The route continues onto Sixmilebridge, Fenloe Lake, Knappogue Castle, Craggaunowen, into Quin and then stopping in Clarecastle.

Clarecastle is the opening of the Clare phase of the EuroVelo route moving along the Shannon Estuary Way via Ballynacally and Labasheeda before moving to Kilrush.

On the ofﬁcial guide for the Kilrush to Kilkee section which encompasses the Loop Head Peninsula, the road surface is described as “generally moderate and well rideable on asphalted roads however some sections are showing signs of degrada-

tion and care needs to be exercised. Roads are generally peaceful and trafﬁc volumes low on the route however trafﬁc speed and volume can be high on the N67 section between Moyasta and Lisdeen”.

From Kilkee, section 23 travels to Doolin and this is then the starting point for the ﬁnal section which leads onto Kinvara.

In a proposal before the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Rita McInerney (FF) encouraged Clare County Council to seek separate and additional funding from the European Union “given the extensive parts of the Clare coastline from Clarecastle to Kinvara which form part of the EuroVelo1 route”. She believed the EU could provide extra funds for the upgrade and maintenance of the road network.

Senior executive engineer in the transportation section of the Council, Anne O’Sullivan explained that the upgrade and maintenance of the road network pavements was funded by the Department of Transport through the restoration improvement and restoration maintenance grants”.

She added, “in relation to speciﬁc European funding

opportunities for pavement maintenance and improvement on EuroVelo routes it has been indicated by the na-

Elected representatives were advised by O’Sullivan that the preparation of the three year multi-annual plan

ﬂagged the matter with an MEP. “The majority of the Clare coast makes up a chunk of our road network,”

tional coordinator of EuroVelo Ireland that speciﬁc European funding for EuroVelo routes may only be available for dedicated cycling infrastructure rather than shared public roads. We will revert with conﬁrmation of eligibility if it becomes available”.

for the restoration improvement schemes is due to commence and they will be able to make representations regarding “roads of concern”. Speaking at a meeting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr McInerney outlined that she has also

she stated. “If you go back to Cross and take the road that is supposed to be on EuroVelo route I wouldn’t put a tricycle on it. The condition of it is just atrocious, it is a catch 22, they are designed to be A less frequented road, coming from Kilkee they encourage

you to go down by Corbally and Farraghy and onto the N67,” the Cathaoirleach of the West Clare MD added.

Backing the call, Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) commented, “it is a pity that such money has been made throughout the country, there is no funding coming to maintain it, it is an embarrassment, we can’t cycle out the road anymore and we expect tourists to do it”. He was frustrated with the lack of progress done to improve roads in West Clare.

“My heart goes out to these cyclists on these rural roads, they are meeting a tractor and are jumping into the hedges. What must be their feedback on it, it has to have been a frightening experience, I’m not sure the EU would keep funding it if they were getting a feedback report,” remarked Cllr Shane Talty (FF).

Acting Director of Service, John O’Malley responded, “the feedback coming back is that they are up to a good standard which might be surprising”. Cllr Talty questioned, “is it Eamon Ryan that cycled them” to which O’Malley pointed out that the surveys had come back from the transport section of the Council.

Harvest Day celebration at Vandeleur Walled Garden

VANDELEUR WALLED

Garden Harvest Day will celebrate Clare’s rural traditions and craft producers on Sunday (September 8th).

A range of activities, demonstrations and events such as a local producers market, demonstrations of traditional skills, a group artist exhibition and a local produce competition are planned for the family day out.

Brian Markham, Acting Head of Operations at Vandeleur Walled Garden & Visitor Centre commented, “We are very excited about welcoming people, both young and old, from all over Clare and further afield to Kilrush on September 8th for what will be a celebration of our many producers and those who have kept rural traditions and crafts of old alive.”

which brought communities together to support and toast the end of a good season,” the Coolmeen man added.

Visitors will be able to witness local craftspeople at work including Deirdre Hetherington of West Clare Willow as she carries on the time-honoured tradition of basket making, wool craft

“We look forward to celebrating the very essence of the harvest days of old

and knitting demonstrations with Valerie Leonard from the Loop Head Alpacas, a metalwork demonstration by Blacksmith Jamie Smith of Triscele Forge, and forging with Paddy Murray of Kilkee Forge. The Bean an Tí will be demonstrating the art of butter making, while there will be Aran Knitting, Weaving, Crochet, Needle Felting, Wool Crafts and Wood Turning.

Within the Victorian-era

glasshouse of Vandeleur Walled Garden, there will be a local produce competition in a range of categories including Funniest Shaped Three Carrots, and the Best Loaf of Brown Bread, Vase of Flowers, Six Onions, Six Potatoes and Four Sods of Turf. The public is asked to present their entries to the venue by midday. Among the other events taking place will be Foraging with local Homeopath and Herbalist Suzanne Hammond in the woods around Vandeleur Walled Garden, a demonstration by a local beekeeper and horseshoe throwing for the kids. Meanwhile, a group artist exhibition with Delaney Davis, Ailish Malone and Hazel Murray will run throughout the weekend from Friday 6th September to Sunday 8th September.

The Harvest Festival at Vandeleur Walled Garden takes place from 12:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, 8th September. See www.vandeleurwalledgarden.ie for more.

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

‘I

haven’t seen a Garda speed check on East Clare roads in two years’

by Paraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

EAST CLARE representatives have lambasted the lack of a Garda presence while hitting out at the repeated instances of speeding on roads from Killaloe to Killanena.

At the most recent sitting of the Killaloe Municipal District, four motions tabled by elected representatives related to the matter of speeding on roads and appeals for traffic calming measures.

Quin was highlighted by Cllr Pat Burke (FG) who asked for a revision of the existing measures on the R469 entering the village adjacent to the playground. No plans for further traffic calming are envisaged, works were completed in 2022 from the church towards the playground while a new section of footpath was also created.

Killaloe was brought into focus by Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF) who requested raised platforms be installed at the pedestrian crossings at New Line and Abbey Street. Enhancements are in the works for Abbey Street and St Flannan’s Cathedral “in the coming years” while a review of the streetscape of Carrigs Lane is ongoing while the area referenced by O’Brien is to be added to a low cost safety scheme.

Kilkishen’s case was raised by Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) who felt speed bumps were warranted to slow down traffic in the village. Within the last three years a new zebra crossing while a commitment to complete another speed survey was made by Killaloe MD staff. Updates on proposed traffic calming measures from Scariff to Tuamgraney were sought by Cllr Pat Hayes (FF). A detailed 3D site survey has been completed, acting senior executive engineer Declan Flanagan outlined, the design of new measures are expected to take “a number of months”. He added, “the issue of speeding and results of surveys have been provided to An Garda Síochána to request monitoring of speeding on this section of road”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Burke remarked, “The Clare Champion aren’t here but the night of the count Dan Danaher asked me what was the biggest issue I met on the doorstep and it was speeding, I could have had ten motions down about speeding”. He said in Quin, there are “three sets of speed limit signs, one is too far out of the way, cars went completely past ignoring the first feedback sign, they are completing ignoring it. This has been raised before, when the playground was installed the

Council looked at traffic calming, I’m going back to 2001, the playground lacks signage and traffic calming of any kind”.

Driver feedback signs work initially but not on a long-term basis, Cllr O’Callaghan stated. “It is going to be raised in every town and village in our own MD over the new few months, I’m hearing it around Kilkishen hurling field and Tulla soccer club and that is traffic calming, something needs to be done”. He continued, “An Garda Síochána will be able to fill a book every time they come to our village and we’ve done everything we can, I don’t want to flood the place with ramps, reducing the speed limit is ludicrous, what is there is fine”.

Within the Killaloe MD there are currently “no plans to implement further traffic calming,” noted Cllr Hayes. “We don’t have the funding or the mechanism to deal with it, everyone en masse has talked about the same issue, we couldn’t say we have any town or village controlled with speed, it is something we have to address”.

Killaloe based O’Brien said he hasn’t observed a speed check on an East Clare road in two years. “We have a responsibility to do something about this, if it is only to highlight the inadequacy, I haven’t seen a speed check in two years, it is a disgrace and we have been let down”.

He continued, “My motion came from just before the holidays, was coming down by Abbey St and Boys NS, a kid went to step on platform and the car coming up the hill actually increased their speed so they would be gone through ped crossing so child of eleven would be across, when I stood out on the road to berate him then he decided to have a go at me”.

Gardaí need to have a stronger presence, Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) stressed. “As far as I can see putting up signs, feedback display signs and all that, people are not paying any heed to them, it is down to driver behaviour”. He added, “It is time for An Garda Síochána to get out, if you cannot obey the speed limit then tough luck”.

Hayes responded, “We don’t have Gardaí to look after the basic things, our last man Ollie Baker is already gone from the area, we didn’t even get a full briefing or a comeback on that which is a story in itself, the new policing committee has an independent chair and won’t be responsible to us”.

Cllr Cooney insisted, “It is

an issue for An Garda Síochána and we’re throwing it back on the County Council, we’re looking for junction and road improvements but what more can the Council do but put big ramps in every town and village. I’ve proposed ramps before and had calls from people saying do you realise the impact to the farming community with tractors and trailers. Penalty points and fines is the way to tackle it, we’re probably all breaking the law with speeding but something needs to be done”.

Seven speed ramps are in place for motorists arriving into Newmarket-on-Fergus from Sixmilebridge, “they are working,” observed Cllr O’Callaghan. “Are we saying we need to put speed ramps through every village in the Killaloe MD,” questioned Cllr Cooney to which O’Callaghan replied, “It is something we need to look at”.

Elected members cannot be discussing speeding for the duration of the Council term for the next five years, Cllr Hayes said. He suggested picking two villages per year until 2029 and “sort them out”.

Cathaoirleach of the Killaloe MD, Cllr Cooney questioned what Cllr Hayes could put in place. “The plan was done up through the school programme, it needs to be done and implemented,” Hayes responded. “I could name ten more villages to Quin, we don’t need this on the agenda going forward, we need to resolve it. We got elected to do it. If you go back through the agenda, we’ve asked a lot of the same questions on traffic calming,” he added.

Hayes continued, “I don’t think Gardaí have done much on speeding, maybe they will be out this weekend after hearing us”. He said, “The Council needs to up its game in delivery and getting things done, it is not a criticism against personnel but the system frustrates us all”.

Speeding is breaking the law, Cllr O’Brien emphasised. He suggested they write to the Department of Justice and ask to be included in a pilot project on speed cameras. Cllr Cooney proposed inviting the Chief Superintendent of the Clare Garda Division to a future meeting. “If they are coming we need to have an agreed agenda and look at broader picture and how our policing model is working because the present system is not,” Hayes responded.

Burke among the political figures at Michael Collins annual Béal na Bláth commemoration

WHITEGATE’s Cllr Pat Burke (FG) was among the political ﬁgures to attend the annual commemoration to Michael Collins at the annual Béal na Bláth commemoration writes Páraic McMahon.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG) led the ceremony, the 102nd commemoration of the death of Michael Collins in Cork. Senator Martin Conway (FG) and Cllr Pat Burke (FF) were among the Clare politicians in attendance. Collins was just thirty one when he was ambushed and killed, during the Irish Civil War.

Harris is only the third Taoiseach to speak at a Collins commemoration in Cork.

During his maiden speech in Dáil Éireann in March 2011 when as the youngest member of Leinster House he nominated Enda Kenny (FG) as Taoiseach, Harris quoted the words of George Bernard Shaw in a letter to Hannie Collins, Michael’s sister who suggested that instead of mourning the leader we had lost, we should “rejoice in his memory” and “hang out our brightest colours in his honour”.

Speaking in Cork, the Taoiseach said, “It is a part of the Michael Collins story that has always resonated with me because it reminds us that even in the darkest of days we need words of hope, to light the way and direct us forward. Having provided hope to an entire nation during years of fear and uncertainty, Michael Collins would have understood that message better than anyone.

“It is no surprise that so many of us find inspiration in the life and legacy of Michael Collins. He was the idealist who dreamed of freedom. The revolutionary who brought a new energy to an old conflict. The administrator who made the War of Independence possible. The Minister for Finance who built up the administrative apparatus of this fledgling state, and who successfully created, marketed, and utilised the loan fund to make dreams a reality. He was the intelligence chief who laid the foundations for victory. The peacemaker who found a new path to freedom. The visionary who saw the enormous possibilities for the future. The statesman who believed in democracy, and the consent of the people above all else. The leader who became a martyr at Béal na Bláth. The realist who never stopped being an idealist.

“For so many of us, Michael Collins is not an abstract figure, far removed from our lives. We know him from books and television, from stories and films. In life, he was larger than life. In death, he has become even larger still. Every town, every community, has a Michael Collins story. My own hometown of Greystones has many. It is said that he proposed to Kitty Kiernan at the Grand Hotel in Greystones, and that they hoped to live on Trafalgar Road, near St. Brigid’s School, an area I know very well, after they got married. On the morning he sailed to Britain to negotiate the Treaty, he went to the Catholic Church in Greystones at 5.30 a.m. to make his confession and receive holy communion, before heading to what is now Dun Laoghaire, to board the steamship. Even more poignantly, he returned to the same church on the 19th of August 1922 to have his confession heard before making his final journey homeward bound”.

Meanwhile on Sunday last, Fianna Fáil members attended the Frank Barrett graveside commemoration at Killone Abbey in Ennis.

Those in attendance included Seamus O’Sullivan Commemoration Chairman, Frank Barrett Michael McTigue who sang the national anthem, Cathal Crowe TD (FF), Mayor of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Michael Neylon who raised the tricolour and Liam Hansbury.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (FG) with Cllr Pat Burke (FG)

Sun shines for 40th Gort Show

Top Picks for Radiant Skin

Style, Beauty and Lifestlye

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

GORT & DISTRICT SHOW held their fortieth annual event in recent weeks.

A popular event in the year for several individuals, there was an array of activity including free facepainting and balloon making, free access to the inflatable obstacle course, puppet show and circus entertainment show, an array of live music from three different performers, vintage display and the Ox Mountain Model Railway display.

Once again, Gort Credit Union were the main sponsor with organisers blessed to have some sunshine as a small token for their efforts.

There were demonstrations on Brown Bread Making, Cake decorating and wool weaving, with a variety of food and trade stands to shop from.

Tommy O’Donnell his 1972 Rover P5 Coupe led a parade of vintage cars with Galway camogie player, Aine Keane a chauffeured guest to the showgrounds. She had the honour of cutting the tape to officially open the show.

Indoor classes entries were up this year especially in the children’s section. There were competitions in garden produce, flowers, baking, arts & crafts, children’s section and

post primary section. The All-Ireland Photography final winner was Cliona Jones who was represented on the day by her grandfather Seán Custy who received the cup and prize money on her behalf.

Bonny Baby competition winners were Lilly Healy from Ardrahan, Danny Farrell from Kilbeacanty, Emily O’ Neill, Tubber and Bob Casey, Dublin.

Glamorous Granny winner was the elegantly dressed Maureen Smith from York and Gort. Most Appropriately Dressed Lady winner was Claire O’Neill, Ballygar, and Most Appropriately Dressed Gentleman winner was Seamus Brady, Castlebar. The winner of the Tom Joe Scully Memorial Cup went to Pat Finnerty for his Vintage 1963 Ford Consul Capri.

Rachel Porter @rachels_day_

Haven Pharmacy Hollys Ennis are stocked in the latest skincare and makeup essentials that promise to give you that radiant glow.

Hollys have stocked up on the newest must-have: Sundae Whipped Shower Foam (€14.95)! This product is so fun and innovative—it might sound odd to say that about a shower foam, but trust me, you’ll get it once you try it. It literally looks like whipped cream! Packed with Kakadu Plum, one of the richest sources of Vitamin C, and Finger Lime for gentle exfoliation, it leaves your skin smoother and brighter.

No list of radiant skin essentials would be complete without Bare by Vogue Self Tan Dark Lotion (€25). This gives you a gorgeous, mid-

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luxurious, heavenly-scented dry oil is infused with a subtle golden shimmer that leaves your skin glowing and delicately scented. Rub it in daily for a fabulous, all-over glow!

up hybrid gives you lightweight, buildable coverage, perfect for that no-makeup makeup look.

Plus, it’s enriched with Hyaluronic Acid for long-lasting moisture and comes in a whopping 20 shades!

Finally, Clarins Lip Oil Balm (€31) is a must for glossy, hydrated lips. This little tube is packed with nourishing oils to keep your lips soft and smooth, adding a subtle pop of color and shine. Perfect for those on-thego touch-ups!

Be sure to call into Haven Pharmacy Ennis and chat to the wonderful staff about their large range of skincare and beauty products.

When you’re ready for a fresh start, the Bare by Vogue Self Tan Eraser (€19) makes removing your tan a breeze. Its hydrating formula locks in moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and ready for your next tanning session. I like to use an exfoliating mitt too, to ensure every bit of old tan is gone.

I get why Bare by Vogue Golden Shimmer Dry Oil (€29) keeps selling out. This

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Of course, I had to include Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Tint (€25)! This skincare-make-

Seán Custy, Ruan representing his granddaughter Clíona Jones whose photo won the All-Ireland Photography Final. Nell Giblin from Giblin Trophies Gort presents the Nell and Padraic Giblin Perpetual Cup to Seán with committee members Fiona Curley Dervan and Mary Moloney

GREEN CLARE

‘Serious issues with Hogweed in Shannonbanks’

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential'

Ming from renewable sources, this was met in 2020. Now, he wants this doubled to 80 percent by 2030.

“I’m convinced we can do it, one of the ways we can do it is by switching offshore, our sea area is seven times our land area, there is a limit in Kerry as to how much turbines you can put up in any area but at sea, the resource is huge and the wind power is really strong,” he

eypoint is central to this. Speaking on Radio Kerry’s flagship current affairs show, Kerry Today, Minister Ryan outlined, “We will have a lot of offshore wind which will come into shore at the Shannon Estuary, -

"If you look at what the likes of ESB are proposing and look at Moneypoint on the other side of

Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 per cent of the country’s energy com

bert on this side, you’ve all you need there, you have a really good deep water jetty so any ships can get in, you have a platform there which you could deploy turbines out but what the ESB want to do, you bring the offshore wind in there, you use the grid which we have, there’s major electricity wires

HOGWEED’s spread across SouthEast Clare needs to be got to grips with, elected representatives have stressed.

Development of a long-term strategy “to combat the growth and spread of Hogweed across the Municipal District with particular focus on the Shannonbanks area” was sought by Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF).

connecting to both Tarbert and Moneypoint, you can put that electricity onto that grid to power the country.

A contractor has been appointed within the Shannon Municipal Disrict to treat Giant Hogweed on the Erinagh and Blackwater catchments, senior executive engineer Tom Mellett advised. “This is the third year of treatment and it is envisaged another three years of treatment will be required. This treatment was extended in 2023 to cover areas either side of Athlunkard Bridge when stands were identiﬁed here including Shannonbanks”.

“When the wind isn’t blowing, the ESB are saying we should do and everyone in Europe is now talking about and starting to do, you convert the electricity into hydrogen and use electrolysis, it is a new but advancing technology, when the wind isn’t blowing you burn the hydrogen to generate power and you run the power out on the same grid, you have a continuous stable electricity source,” he explained.

Treatment has followed a survey and mapping project conducted by Clare County Council’s planning department and Dr Frances Giacquinto, the Feakle based independent plant ecologist.

Mellett added, “in order to carry out comprehensive treatment the Shannon Municipal District ofﬁce identiﬁed private landowners in the catchments to have them included in the eradication project. Separately to this we engage a contractor to treat roadside stands on an as

Having read the reply, Cllr Hartigan acknowledged a strategy exists. “These invasive species are very difﬁcult to deal with and eradi-

cate. The people in Shannonbanks do feel it is something that is ignored or cast aside so I’m delighted to have the response. I would be happy to see the results of the survey”.

and cut it and ended up with permanent scarring on their neck,” she highlighted.

Seconding the proposal, Cllr Michael Begley (IND) pointed out that the matter had been discussed on “numerous occasions”. He stated, “I still have issues with how the programme is going, there seems to be a lateness with starting the programme each year”. Begley said, “It has literally taken over some areas and areas along the Blackwater river and the public road which worries me a bit more, Giant Hogweed is dangerous particularly to children, all you have to do is touch off it on a sunny day and you have a rash for life”.

An auction for the country’s first “major offshore projects” is to commence this year on the east coast, Minister Ryan said. “Most of them you drive the turbines into the sand banks on the coast, we’re now planning phase two which goes to the west and south-west, it can be done”.

In the past fortnight, the Irish government approved the procurement of 450 megawatts of emergency generators to help close the gap over winter if there was no wind to generate power and one of the larger power stations experienced a shutdown, this will cost

According to the Clonlara representative, “We need a stronger campaign for Government, it needs funding and it should not be coming out of our roads programme”. Begley continued, “A concerted effort has to be promoted by Clare County Council and perhaps the environmental section needs to do it rather than Municipal District on its own”. He said, “The hogweed is something we have to get to grips with”.

Giant Hogweed “is a serious issue” in the locality, Cllr Don na McGettigan (SF) cautioned. “I personally know someone who was waiting on the programme, who got annoyed waiting, went out

€350m.

Support for the proposal was voiced by Cllr David Grifﬁn (FF). “Japanese knotweed doesn’t have has much of a health impact but we do have it around Carrygerry and Stonehall, there is a fear that it is spreading into agricultural land”. This prompted Cllr Begley to point out, “The more you cut it the more you spread it”.

Cathaoirleach of the Shannon MD, Cllr Pat O’Gorman (FF) commented, “I’ve been telling people in Shannonbanks for last six months that it will be taken care of but it is like we’ve been made fools of”.

Minister Ryan insisted that this was necessary. “We will have emergency generators to provide back up as well, we do need that, the really big strategic option by 2030 what we’re planning to have is 5GW of offshore wind and to put that in scale, that is equivalent to the amount of energy we’re using at the current time.

"We by 2030 can deliver that level, then the following decade and this is the really big industrial plan for the country, we can use that to go further to really tap into the scale of power that is available”.

Addressing the Shannon MD meeting, Mellett admitted, “one of the big constraints we have is the funding is coming from our own resources”. He stated, “We identiﬁed each landowner on the corridor and contacted them, it is very difﬁcult for private landowners to address this, we’ve gone beyond what we normally do”.

He continued, “The areas in Shannonbanks have been treated over the last number of years, the seeds can lie on the ground for several years before they become active”. The engineer concluded, “We have a commit ment to have funding with our own contractor for three years”. Cllr Rachel Hartigan (FF)

Photo by Eamon Ward

Hedge cutting scheme launched in Clare

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

COMMUNITIES and groups in Clare have been encouraged to apply for grants under a hedge cutting scheme.

Landowners and community groups can be facilitated by Clare County Council in maintaining hedgerows throughout the county while adopting a management regime in keeping with biodiversity considerations.

First piloted in 2013, the Community Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme was the ﬁrst of its kind to be developed in Ireland, will see €15,000 being provided to deal with the local road network over the coming autumn and winter seasons.

Applications are being invited from communities and groups before September 30th, 2024. Each application will be assessed and a grant of €50 per km of hedgerow will be paid, subject to certain conditions and available resources.

Ofﬁcials in Clare County Council

said the scheme will provide some ﬁnancial assistance to communities and groups that undertake hedge cutting and the cutting of overhanging trees, and will assist landowners in complying with their responsibilities under Section 70 of the Roads Act, 1993.

“We are conﬁdent that this scheme, complemented by the Council’s ongoing hedge cutting programme, will be of beneﬁt in dealing effectively with this issue.

Our objective is that by the start of the nesting season in March 2025, much of the worst affected local roads in the County will be significantly enhanced in their capacity to accommodate the traffic that uses them, while sustainably managing hedgerows for biodiversity and wildlife through best practice,” explained Liam O’Connor, Administrative Officer, Transportation, Clare County Council.

He added, “The Roads Act, 1993 stipulates that all growth emanating from any part of the roadside boundary structure or from within

the land protected by same is the responsibility of the landowner”.

O’Connor said, “From a road safety point of view, it is important that this responsibility is acknowledged and embraced by roadside landowners and the Community Hedge Cutting Grant Scheme is intended to provide support in this context to offset some of the costs associated with hedge cutting. The works will also take cognisance of the requirements of the Irish Wildlife Act (as amended) having a particular regard to hedgerow management and nesting birds. We are urging that hedgerows be lightly trimmed to protect the structure of the hedgerows adopting a triangular A shape height on the hedgerows and to avoid overcutting too far into the hedgerows”.

Application forms are available online via www.clarecoco.ie, and from the ofﬁces of Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis.

Winter Weddings at Dromoland

DATING back to the 16th Century and surrounded by 500 acres of unspoiled woodlands, Dromoland Castle is a self-contained world of light-hearted luxury. Once the ancestral home of the O Briens of Dromoland whose lineage dates back to Brian Ború, one of the last High Kings of Ireland.

This grand Castle is renowned for its warm welcome from the Castle’s wonderful cast of characters and is perfectly positioned to explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

Nestled away in a sprawling 500 acre estate Dromoland Castle offers a magical winter wedding experience.

Catering for large gatherings or small and intimate weddings and ceremonies on select dates from November through to March, Dromoland Castle’s Winter Wedding Package offers a memorable and unique wedding day steeped in luxury, heritage and the warmest of welcomes.

Imagine the soft light of flickering candles dancing upon ambient table decor with delicate seasonal blooms. Imagine the meticulous artistry of the dream weavers who specialize in crafting unforgettable celebrations. Imagine ancient stone walls warmed by the glow of roaring ﬁreplaces that invite your guests into a world of winter enchantment.

Dromoland Castle offers a myriad of beautiful and historical spaces including the Brian Boru Hall, the intimate Terrace Room and the Kincora Hall for Civil Ceremonies. Enjoy a wedding menu inspired by local artisan producers, explore the hidden landmarks on the Estate for dreamy wedding photography, the iconic Castle as your backdrop, the Lilypond, the Walled

Gardens or the Temple of Mercury.

The charm of Dromoland Castle’s 16th Century castle merges seamlessly with the desires of modern romantics, creating an immersive experience that promises cherished memories steeped in history, all wrapped up in light-hearted luxury.

Explore Dromoland’s historical Walled Gardens, forest trails and gourmet cuisine inspired by the Clare coasts rugged landscape or the Castle Spa along with a host of countryside pursuits including archery, falconry, 18-hole Championship Parkland Golf Course.

Enquire with Dromoland’s Wedding Team for Winter Wedding Packages

for a bespoke offering for a dream Irish Castle wedding.

Brian Ború Hall celebrations start at €150 Per Person, for select dates from November through to March. Minimum guest numbers 70. Choice of overnight room options for your guests at Dromoland Castle and The Inn at Dromoland.

Intimate Wedding Package celebrations in The Terrace Room starting at €250 Per Person for select dates from November through to March. Minimum Wedding Party numbers of 20 Guests, maximum of 65.

Contact the Weddings Team at Dromoland Castle weddings@dromoland. ie or contact (061) 700647.

Perfect your smile for photos that last a lifetime

YOUR wedding day is one of the most photographed and cherished days of your life.

Every detail, from the dress to the venue, is meticulously planned to perfection. But what about your smile? As the focal point of countless memories and photographs, your smile deserves just as much attention.

Specialist Orthodontist Jeeves (pictured) at En nis Orthodontic Practice understands the importance of a radiant, confident smile.

With years of expertise, Jeeves offers a range of orthodontic treatments, including traditional braces and clear aligners to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of for your big day.

Starting orthodontic treat ment well in advance of your wedding date allows ample time to perfect your smile.

brides-to-be, which are discreet and removable — ideal for a busy schedule filled with pre-wedding events.

Beyond the wedding day, investing in orthodontic care with Jeeves offers lifelong benefits, boosting your confidence and enhancing your overall oral health.

Jeeves recommends clear aligners for

So, as you plan for your special day, remember to prioritize your smile. Say "I do" to the perfect smile with Specialist Orthodontist Jeeves at Ennis Orthodontic Practice, and ensure that every photo reflects the joy and beauty of the moment.

After all, your wedding day is just the beginning of a lifetime of smiles.

l Anna G Photography

Dromoland Castle Winter Weddings

Starting from €150 Per Person

Select Dates available for Winter 2025 & 2026. November to March

Enquire with our expert Wedding Team for Intimate or Larger Celebration Packages

Web: www.dromoland.ie Email: weddings@dromoland.ie Tel: (061) 700647

Helping couples shine on their big day

ABRIDE and groom’s personalities shining through on their big day is integral to achieving a successful wedding.

That’s according to County Clare celebrant Vincent Hely, who delivers spiritual, semi-religious, non-religious weddings, vow renewal ceremonies, funerals and baby naming ceremonies.

“The important thing for me is that the couple’s own personality comes through on their wedding day. My job is to facilitate that couple, get the message of their story across and pick out some nice stories that reflect the couple’s personalities,” Vincent tells The Clare Echo. He adds, “Humour would

be very important to me for wedding couples, where I take a nice story and make it nice and humorous where possible. Inject a bit of energy into situations.”

A proud Tulla man, Vincent himself has been married for 23 years and lives happily in Ennis with his wife and two daughters.

Vice chairperson of Tulla Ceoltais, one of his great passions in life is music and Vincent stresses that songs can often be the beating heart of any ceremony,

“From a spiritual point of view, there’s something very healing and important about music, whether you play it at weddings or baby naming ceremonies or a funeral. Music is very central to a ceremony.”

An IT professional by trade, Vincent was

moved to become a celebrant five years ago having been inspired by wedding ceremonies he attended in recent years. “I recognised a great opportunity for people to express themselves in a wedding outside the Church and I really enjoyed it,” he explains.

“More and more people are going to these [civil] services, there’s a bigger awareness out there that this is a viable alternative to being married in the church, and they can make it much more personalised.”

Vincent, a registered legal solemniser, says he is happy to help couples through the entire process of finalising their paperwork with the HSE, to sitting down with the couple to go through all the details

to achieve their perfect day, coordinating with photographers, videographers, musicians and venues.

“Once the paperwork is looked after, I’ll sit down with the couple and get their story and build the whole ceremony around them to learn what type of ceremony they want, be it a handfasting or a traditional ceremony, who they want involved, what kind of music, what tone or style of wedding they want etc.”

Vincent is happy to meet with local couples over a coffee or via zoom if you’re further away. Email lifeandsoulcelebrations@ gmail.com or call 086 824 0523.

l Celebrant Vincent Hely

Hot tips for Clare grooms

YOUR Mrs to be is more than likely doing most of the wedding planning (and most of them prefer it that way), but there’s no harm in getting yourself prepared for the big day. We’ve got you, grooms. Check off every item on this list and you will be the best husband ever, in their eyes at least.

1 BUY HER A GIFT

There are the classic gift options such as a nice piece of jewellery, her favourite perfume or lingerie. But we think you need to dig a little deeper here and put some major thought into this.

Is there a place/time of year/ restaurant etc. that’s special to both of you? Incorporate it into the gift and she will be mighty impressed.

2 FLOWERS FOR THE MOTHERS

For the love of all that is holy, do not forget the mothers on your wedding day. Make sure you have a bouquet of flowers to present to your own mother and the mother in law to be. It’s a lovely gesture and to be fair, we would be lost without them.

3 THE SUIT

This is one area where you have (almost) complete control, so make the most of it. Take a trip to Ennis and check out Manix, Club Dangan and Patrick Bourke’s, who will have you kitted out in no time. Two months before the wedding should be plenty of time to get

the suit sorted, but the sooner you check it off the list the better.

4 GROOMING FOR THE GROOM

Fellas generally have it easy when it comes to looking good, as they don’t have to put a huge amount of effort into their ap-

pearance.

Your wedding day is one occasion where you want to look (and feel) your best, so it won’t hurt to put in a little prep work. Start taking care of your skin regularly before the wedding, step away from the burgers and hit the gym. You will thank us. Also, make sure to get a haircut a couple of days before the big day.

5 LOOK AFTER YOUR GROOMSMEN

It may seem obvious, but it’s your job to make sure your best man and groomsmen are sorted for the wedding.

Help your best man with his speech, give them a game plan for their various responsibilities (making sure the band is paid etc) and show your appreciation with a gift. Have their back and they will have yours on the wedding day and beyond.

Limited dates available at the Inn At Dromoland

RECENTLY engaged and planning to host your wedding reception here in county Clare?

Why not consider the Inn at Dromoland as your dream wedding venue.

The Inn at Dromoland is renowned for its warm welcome and ideal location along the midway point of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Situated in a majestic setting on Dromoland Estate and overlooking the Shannon Estuary it poses as a unique and convenient wedding location for couples to mark their special day.

As one of Clare’s premium wedding destinations, The Inn at Dromoland recently completed a dramatic renovation of their Ballyhannon Suite.

This beautiful banqueting space caters for both smaller intimate weddings and larger events up to 250 people.

Wedding guests comment time and again on the exceptional quality of food, top class service and now the brand new refurbished Ballyhannon Suite with soft lighting, enhanced surround sound,

a walk out Garden for Outdoor Ceremonies or Drinks Receptions, along with options for an Indoor Ceremony and select activities on Dromoland Estate to avail of including packages for Pre Wedding Day skincare preparation at the Castle Spa.

The Inn at Dromoland’s wedding packages start from €80 per person and include room décor and styling from well-known local supplier Rí Weddings & Events.

A wide array of table centrepiec-

es are available, along with a choice of traditional chair covers or chivari chairs. Everything offered is uniquely tailored to the couple’s individual needs and taste.

To arrange a show-around and consultation with their award winning Wedding Co-Ordinator Pauline, call the Inn at 061-368161 or email her directly on pauline. cassidy@theinnatdromoland.ie (Limited dates are still available for 2025 and 2026).

Picture Perfect Locations for your Wedding Photography

Ballybeg Woods, Ennis: 1 4 2 3

Corcomroe Abbey: Cliffs of Moher:

Set in the heart of the Burren... this early 13th Century monastery in its ruined raw state, needs no embellishment and makes for a stunning majestic setting for your wedding ceremony or that epic photo. You will also capture stunning images on the limestone flags of the surrounding rugged landscape...it’s movie set worthy!

Nestled away amongst the green trees and earthy woodland, this wedding shot sings romance and the contrast in colours makes it all the more stunning. That little moment immersed in nature, just the two of you, will surely stand out as a wedding day highlight and the picture will forever remind you of that precious time on your precious day.

Lakes of Killaloe: 5

Are you even married in Clare without a token shot at the Cliffs of Moher?! There’s a reason it’s a must on the photographers shot list and now with the advances in technology and a lens’ ability, drone shots etc the results are breathtaking. With views and a backdrop this good it’s hard to say no. Avoid the hustle and bustle of the visitor centre and access the Cliffs from Nagle’s car park in Liscannor or get right to the highest point at Guerin’s Path. It’s worth the trek up though, believe me!

Majestic castle, tick, stunning views, tick, romantic country bohereen, tick! Overlooking the Aran Islands and the quaint village of Doolin, Doonagore Castle is nestled on a height and provides a picturesque focal point for a bride and groom taking a casual stroll towards wedded bliss!

Is there anything more tranquil than the stillness of a lake? Arrive by boat and you’ve got “Notebook” romance status right there! Wait until evening for that beautiful light, framed by nature and you’ve got the perfect Kodak moment.

Why the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh is the ideal wedding venue

YOUR wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life—a day where your love story takes centre stage.

At the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh, we understand the importance of this day and are dedicated to making it truly unforgettable. As one of Munster’s most cherished wedding venues, we offer everything you need to create a wedding that is as unique and special as your love.

Explore Our Stunning Venues

The Abbey Court Hotel offers a variety of beautiful venues to suit any wedding style or size. Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, our spaces are designed to bring your vision to life.

Our newly refurbished Ballroom, with a capacity to seat up to 300 guests, is ideal for larger weddings. Its elegant décor and spacious layout create a perfect setting for a day filled with love and celebration. For a more intimate atmosphere,

our cosy Garden Room provides the perfect setting for smaller ceremonies and receptions. Its warm, inviting ambiance will make your special day feel even more personal. If you’re looking for something truly unique, our Tipis venue offers a magical outdoor setting. Ideal for wedding receptions or a relaxed Day Two celebration, the Tipis blend rustic charm with modern amenities, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that you and your guests will never forget.

A Team Committed to Your Special Day

At the Abbey Court Hotel, we believe your wedding should reflect your individuality. From the moment you contact us, our dedicated wedding team is here to make that happen. With years of experience and a passion for creating unforgettable weddings, we work closely with you to ensure every detail is perfect.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but our team is here to support you every step of the way. Whether it’s selecting the right package, choosing the perfect

menu, or coordinating with suppliers, we’ll help make the process smooth and enjoyable. Our goal is to create a wedding experience that is truly yours, tailored to your vision and preferences.

Join Us at Our Wedding Showcase

We invite you to experience the magic of the Abbey Court Hotel first-hand at our Wedding Showcase on Sunday, 15th September 2024, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This is your opportunity to see our venues fully set up for a wedding, helping you visualise how your special day could unfold.

Tour our newly refurbished Ballroom, explore the intimate Garden Room, and experience the unique charm of our Tipis venue. You’ll also have the chance to meet our wedding team and connect with trusted suppliers who can help bring your wedding dreams to life.

Start Your Wedding Journey Here

Choosing the Abbey Court Hotel Nenagh as your wedding venue means choosing a team commit-

ted to making your day as special as possible. We’re here to create a magical experience that you and your guests will cherish forever. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, the Abbey Court Hotel offers the perfect setting for your dream wedding. Begin your journey to an unfor-

Wedding Showcase

September

gettable wedding day by joining us at our Wedding Showcase.

Register your attendance at www. abbeycourt.ie/weddings, email us at weddings@abbeycourt.ie, or call us on +353 (0) 67 41111. We look forward to helping you create the wedding of your dreams.

How much does a wedding cost in Ireland in 2024?

NEWLY engaged, ready to plan your big day out and curious about the average cost of a wedding in Ireland? Then read on.

There’s no getting around it, weddings are very expensive occasions. You might be working to a budget, but ultimately be prepared to spend.

However the silver lining is - most married couples will tell you, their wedding day was amongst the best moments of their lives so (maybe) it’s all worth it in the end!

So how much does the average wedding in Ireland cost? This is the question that, if you’re newly engaged, you’ve almost certainly asked yourselves.

The Average Cost of a Wedding in Ireland

While it is true that you can plan a wedding on almost any budget, the average cost of a wedding in Ireland is roughly €36,000 (includes everything from venue, dress, rings to honeymoon). This, as we say, is just an average. Your big day could cost more, or less. And it’s important not to feel like you’re being swindled if it’s more, or tight if it’s less. Just use this figure above as a guide, but plan your wedding as you see fit.

The Breakdown of Wedding Costs

If you’re looking at that final figure and wondering, how does each element fit into

that overall number – here’s a break down of some of the larger costs to give you a better understanding of where you’re at, and what you’re working towards.

Wedding Venue: €15,400

Your venue is arguably one of the most significant aspects of wedding planning, and it needs to be organised first. Choosing the perfect backdrop for your wedding may take some time and effort, but we promise it will all be worth it.

€15,400 is based on 140 guests, eating and drinking at €110 a head.

Wedding Photographer/Videographer: €2-4,000

To capture all the best moments, you’ll need to hire a professional wedding photographer. Choose a wedding photographer you trust, and who’ll capture your big day in a style you love today, and forever.

Wedding Dress: €2,300

The price of a wedding dress really depends on the style, designer, and elements it has on it. But on average, you’ll be looking at around €1,500 to €2,000+, not including any necessary alterations.

Wedding Rings: €800-€2,000

As the ultimate symbol of undying love and commitment, selecting the right wedding rings is crucial. Wedding ring prices vary greatly depending on the metal used, and whether diamonds are included.

A DJ & Live Band: €2-3,000

Music can often make or break the atmosphere at a wedding so it’s crucial you do your research on this one. A live band has an average cost of around €2,200, whereas a DJ can cost up to €500.

Flowers: €1,500

Flowers play a significant role in wedding decor and accessorisation, from the bride and bridesmaid’s bouquets to buttonholes, to ceremony and table decorations.

Wedding Decor: €650

Lighting and decor, in addition to flowers, are hugely impactful ways to personalise the look of your wedding. Candles, statement lighting installations, signage, table displays, non-floral centrepieces, and other decorative elements will all come together to create the look of your big day.

Unexpected Costs

There are, of course, many other costs involved in weddings in Ireland. From makeup and hair, through to transport and invitations. And more! You should be aware of any unexpected costs that might crop up along the way.

Hidden charges, emergency changes and little things you hadn’t costed for will hap-

pen. Therefore, if you can, try to put aside an extra portion of budget to pay for anything that might come up.

A sum that is proportionate to the overall cost of your wedding. Roughly 5-7% of that should be about right. Try not to rely on your credit card for emergencies, and have a pot of real money waiting as backup.

Global award for Ennis woman Nicola

ENNIS woman Nicola Corless was among the winners in the 2024 International Business Awards.

Living in Ennis since 2007, the Mayo native is a former journalist with The Clare Champion. She is currently the Communications and Marketing Manager of Lero where she has been recognised once again with another accolade.

Known as the “International Stevies”, this is the 21st year of the International Business Awards which are open to organisations of all sizes worldwide, and at-

tracted more than 3,600 nominations from 62 countries, across a wide range of categories. Nicola will receive

the Communications Professional of the Year Silver Stevie® Award for her work as Communications and Marketing

Manager of Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, headquartered at University of Limerick.

Judges commended Nicola for her “exceptional skills and dedication” with one judge noting “her significant contributions to Lero, demonstrating her strategic impact, innovative approach, and measurable successes in enhancing the organisation’s media presence and engagement”.

Lero Director, Professor Lionel Briand, commended Nicola on her win,

“Lero has built an outstanding research reputation over the years and Nicola’s work has helped us to manage, leverage and augment this. Nicola is a leader in her field and winning this internationally recognised award showcases this,” he said.

A journalism graduate of Dublin City University, Nicola was formerly communications offi-

cer at the University of Limerick. Prior to that she worked as a journalist and in marketing for Irish and multi-national web companies.

Prior to joining UL’s Marketing and Communications department in September 2016, Nicola’s name was familiar among the people of Clare through her work with The Clare Champion. During her time at

the publication, she won Feature Story of the Year Award at the Local Ireland journalism awards. Nicola is a previous winner at the International Business Awards having led Lero to win a Silver for its re-brand at last year’s awards, while also previously winning a Gold and a Silver for her public relations work with University of Limerick in 2017.

CLARE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DAC

Clare Tourism Development DAC is a subsidiary company of Clare County Council that oversees the management, development, and promotion of a portfolio of signature visitor attraction sites throughout Clare.

The position of Human Resource Business Partner is an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in playing a significant role within Clare Tourism West i.e. Cliffs of Moher Experience, Loop Head Lighthouse and Vandeleur Walled Gardens and we are inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for this competition.

The successful applicant will report to the Group Human Resource Manager within Clare Tourism Development DAC, Shared Services and work closely with the General Manager, Senior Management and Line Managers within their designated visitor attraction site.

Clare Tourism is now hiring for

• Human Resource Business Partner

HOW TO APPLY / FURTHER INFORMATION:

If you are interested in applying or wish to obtain further information about the position, contact the HR department at careers@claretourismdev.ie or email your CV with a cover letter to careers@claretourismdev.ie

Closing date for applications is Friday, 6th September 2024, at 5pm.

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

l Nicola Corless

40 articles: a journey of growth & gratitude

AS I write my ﬁnal piece for The Clare Echo for now, I am ﬁlled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude for the incredible journey that has unfolded over the past year.

Since November, I have penned 40 articles, each one a reﬂection of my evolving voice as a writer and a testament to the power of shared ideas. This experience has been transformative, not only in honing my skills but also in building my conﬁdence and creative expression.

When I ﬁrst embarked on this journey, I was driven by a desire to write about topics that resonated with me both personally and professionally. As the founder of O’Brien Learning Solutions, my work focuses on leadership development, change management, and fostering high-performing teams. These themes naturally wove their way into my articles, allowing me to share insights and experiences that I hold dear.

One of the topics I explored for example, was the importance of ongoing leadership development, a theme that is central to my work. In an article titled “Why Ongoing Development

is the Key to Success,” I delved into how continuous learning and development are crucial for both personal and organisational growth.

This piece was inspired by my belief that true leadership is about nurturing potential and empowering others to achieve their best. Having to lead myself on this journey is testament to me ‘walking the talk’ in my own life, whilst not always easy is always a rewarding experience.

I also had the opportunity on occasion, to draw inspiration from popular culture. For example, in “Leadership Lessons from Taylor Swift,” I examined how the global pop sensation’s career offers valuable insights into leadership and business acumen. This article was a fun exploration of how lessons from unexpected sources can be applied to leadership.

Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to have the support and encouragement of my colleagues, my partner, and the innovative use of AI, which helped me to research topics, streamline my thinking and reﬁne my writing process. These resources have been invaluable, allowing me to

n Denise O’Brien of O’Brien Learning Solutions

maintain focus and clarity in my work, whilst always encouraging me to bring my authentic self to every piece of writing.

Writing for The Clare Echo has been an immensely rewarding experience. It has taught me the power of words and the importance of sharing ideas with a wider audience. I have been fortunate to engage with readers who have challenged my perspectives and enriched my understanding of the world. This interaction

has been one of the most fulﬁlling aspects of my role as a writer.

I owe a debt of gratitude to Stuart Holly, Denise Quin, and the entire team at The Clare Echo. Their unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in my journey. Their belief in my work provided the foundation I needed to thrive as a writer and a recognised voice in the ﬁeld of leadership development. I am deeply thankful for the opportunities they have given

me and for the collaborative spirit that has enriched my experience.

As I prepare to step away from my print-media writing for now, to pursue the parttime master’s degree, I want to encourage anyone with a flair for writing to embark on a similar journey. Writing is not only a cathartic exercise but also a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It allows you to explore new ideas, challenge your perspectives, and connect with others in meaningful ways.

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR ASPIRING WRITERS:

- Write Regularly: The more you write, the better you become. Treat writing as a skill that needs regular practice and reﬁnement. Having a goal, target or an outcome helps immensely.

- Embrace Feedback: Constructive criticism is invaluable. Use it to improve your writing and gain new perspectives. Be prepared to listen if you’ve asked for feedback!

- Experiment with Style: Don’t be afraid to try new writing techniques and styles. This experimentation can lead to discovering your

unique voice. Reading your work out loud can also help with this.

- Read Widely: Exposure to different genres and styles will enrich your understanding of language and storytelling. Listening to audiobooks is another way to read which might best for some. In closing, I honour the achievements of this past year and the personal growth that has accompanied it. I am excited about the new path I am about to embark on and look forward to the opportunities it will bring. Thank you, dear readers, for being a part of this journey. Your engagement and feedback have been invaluable, and I hope my articles have inspired and entertained you as much as they have fulﬁlled me. Until we meet again, keep leading, keep exploring, and never underestimate the power of your own creative voice. Go n-éirí an bóthar libh! Denise.

Feel free to keep in contact with me directly on denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie and follow me on all social media platforms @ obrienlearningsolutions.

Multi-millionaire farmer JJ McCabe records 2023 profits of €328,740

by Gordon Deegan news@clareecho.ie

A JOINT venture property ﬁrm controlled by colourful, multi-millionaire bachelor farmer, John Joseph (JJ) McCabe last year recorded post tax proﬁts of €328,740.

During the Celtic Tiger era, Mr McCabe now 87 scooped the largest amount from any land-deal in County Clare when he sold 48 acres of land for €18.8m outside Ennis to a consortium in 2005.

As part of the record deal, Mr McCabe gave the developer a ‘luck penny’ of €50,000 – a luck penny is a very old Irish tradition orig-

inally associated with the buying and selling of animals where the sellers immediately gives back the buyer a ‘gift’ of a sum of money for ‘Good Luck’.

However, a subsequent planning application by the new owners for a planned €50m retail park on the site close to the Ennis by-pass was refused due in part to ﬂooding concerns. The lands remain undeveloped today. Mr McCabe has used some of the cash from the sale to enter property management and he set up JJ Property Enterprises Ltd in 2013. In 2015, Mr Mc-

l Businessman JJ McCabe

Cabe conﬁrmed that he paid at auction €320,000 for the 41bed Kilkee Bay Hotel and €305,000 on the 22-bed Ashford Court hotel in Ennis.

New accounts ﬁled by Mr McCabe’s majority owned JJ Property Enterprises Ltd show that its profits increased from €129,143 in 2022 to €328,740 in 2023 - a 154 percent jump.

The company recorded the proﬁt arising from a proﬁt of €447,777 on the disposal of tangible assets in 2023.

The accounts show that the book value of the disposal of ‘land and buildings’ last year totalled

€815,830.

The disposal contributed to the value of the company’s tangible assets declining from €1.048m to €230,507.

During the same period, the company’s cash funds increased from €60,619 to €1.19m.

At the end of December last, the company’s shareholder funds totalled €266,078.

In the annual return for the new accounts, Mr McCabe describes his occupation as ‘farmer’.

A note attached to the accounts on its going concern status stated that after reviewing the compa-

ny‘s forecasts, plans and ﬁnancial projections, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The accounts show that Mr McCabe has a 51 percent controlling interest in the company while engineer, Liam Walsh of Corbally, Limerick has a 25 percent share and Michael Walsh of Terenure, Dublin has a 24 percent shareholding. The accounts show that the company owes Mr McCabe €1.16m.

'It

looked a very intense physical game and some great scores were taken by both sides'

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP

1 ROUND 2

Éire Óg, Ínis 1-23 Clonlara 1-20

Venue: Dr. Daly Park, Tulla

Compiled by Séamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

ÉIRE ÓG, ÍNIS

Frees For: 10 (6/4)

Wides: 8 (5/3)

Scores from play: 1-17

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Danny Russell (0-11, 6f's)

Bookings: Darren O'Brien (35) & Liam Corry (40)

Own puckouts won: 23 out of 32 (72%)

REFEREE: John Bugler (Whitegate)

“

CLONLARA

Frees For: 12 (6/6)

Wides: 10 (4/6)

Scores from play: 1-14

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Mícheál

O'Loughlin (06, 3f's, '65)

Bookings: Pauric

O'Loughlin (35) & Diarmuid Strith (40)

Own puckouts won: 24 out of 32 (75%)

MANAGER COMMENT

Gerry O'Connor, Éire Óg, Ínis manager

“It’s hard to judge what sort of a game it is when you are on the sideline. We felt that our concession of frees was keeping them in the game at vital times and Tots (Cathal O’Connell) had a big inﬂuence in the last ﬁfteen minutes but Danny Russell gave a performance which I thought was incredible especially when SODs (Shane O’Donnell) went off”.

“The ﬁrst couple of scores were huge and SODs and Danny were huge. We switched Davy Mac onto John Conlon and brought Oran Cahill into the middle of the ﬁeld. The stats were

telling us that John was having a huge inﬂuence before half time. Clonlara are a savage team and we might meet them again later on in the year. It looked a very intense physical game and some great scores were taken by both sides”. Donal Madden, Clonlara manager

Kilmaley move to top spot with one point victory over Feakle

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

GROUP 2 ROUND 2

Kilmaley 0-22 Feakle 0-21

Venue: Cusack Park

Compiled by Ross O'Donoghue

“We were part of a great game but at the end of the day its about winning and they probably out worked us on the day. We have not become a bad team overnight. We have to go back now and prepare for what is a huge game against Clooney/ Quin”.

Ballyea back on track with victory over Clooney/Quin

MANAGER COMMENT

“It was a great response. I mean since the Clonlara defeat, we actually lost Brandon O’Connell who went back to Australia, a situation we had known for some time. He was one of the few shining lights from the Clonlara game and then Aaron Grifﬁn pulled his hamstring for Lissycasey so we were down two big players but we knew from the last two weeks that there would be a reaction".

Fergal Lynch, Clooney/Quin manager

“The margins are so tight but look we had chances to see

ROUND 2

Ballyea 0-19 Clooney/Quin 0-17

Venue: O'Garney Park, Sixmilebridge

Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

BALLYEA

Frees For: 9 (2/7)

Wides: 12 (10/2)

Scores from play: 0-14

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Niall Deasy (07, 4f's, '65)

Bookings: P.Casey (43) & N.Deasy (64)

Own puckouts won: 13 out of 27 (48%)

STORY OF THE GAME

KILMALEY

Frees For: 9 (5/4)

Wides: 10 (5/5)

Scores from play: 0-15

Spread of scorers: 8

Top scorer: Michael O'Malley (0-9, 6f's, '65)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 17 out of 25 (69%)

CLOONEY/QUIN

Frees For: 10 (6/4)

Wides: 11 (5/6)

Scores from play: 0-11

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Peter Duggan (0-7, 4f's)

Bookings: C.Hassett (37), C.Gara (50), C.Duggan & S.McNamara (55), D.Keogh (56)

Own puckouts won: 16 out of 31 (51%)

REFEREE: Chris Maguire (Wolfe Tones na Sionna)

out the game but we didn’t. Our game management was quite poor so that’s the most disappointing part about it because we created the chances but didn’t take them. “We opted to go against the breeze on the premise that we’d work really hard and put ourselves on the front foot going in at half-time".

FEAKLE

Frees For: 10 (4/6)

Wides: 4 (2/2)

Scores from play: 0-11

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Shane McGrath (0-15, 8f's, 2'65's)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 19 out of 32 (62%)

REFEREE: Fergal O'Brien (Broadford)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Conor McMahon, Kilmaley selector

“Half-time didn’t look good for us. We were a point up at half time playing with a strong breeze. It was a tough dressing room for us. We just put it up to our lads. We needed heart to win this. It was a huge test and thankfully we came out on top".

Ger Conway, Feakle manager

“We went through a patch in the middle of the second half where we didn’t score. We were up three points and we seemed to let Kilmaley come back and get the next four or ﬁve. It’s very hard to judge it only from the sideline so we’ll need to look back at it”.

l Shane O'Donnell ofﬂoads the sliothar ahead of Michael Clancy.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1

l Niall Deasy stops Brian McInerney from getting a head of steam. Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Oisin O’Connor is kept under pressure by Kilmaley’s Martin O’Connor. Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

'It was an absolute classic East Clare derby and I’m really proud of the lads as they fought to the death' - Hickey

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 2 ROUND 2

Cratloe 4-23 Coroﬁn 0-19

Venue: Cusack Park

Compiled by Ross O'Donoghue

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

“ MANAGER COMMENT

Ger Hickey, Broadford coach

“It was an absolute classic East Clare derby and I’m really proud of the lads as they fought to the death. We knew that we were coming with a big performance and a few breaks went against us in the end but I’m so proud of them".

STORY OF THE GAME

CRATLOE

Frees For: 14 (8/6)

Wides: 8 (3/5)

Scores from play: 4-17

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Rian Considine (1-9, 6f's)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 15 out of 22 (66%)

COROFIN Frees For: 14 (7/7)

Wides: 3 (0/3)

Scores from play: 0-10

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Gearoid Kelly (0-10, 9f's)

Bookings: Shane O'Brien (61) Own puckouts won: 12 out of 29 (43%)

REFEREE: Eoghan O'Leary (Whitegate)

MANAGER COMMENT “

John O'Gorman, Cratloe manager

“Both teams were under pressure coming into it after ﬁrst round defeats. We just knew we needed a good start and we got that with the goals and they never caught up with us. We’re just delighted. At half time we were in a good position and the boys kicked on until the end".

Joe Cahill, Coroﬁn manager

“Today we said we’d go and try and express ourselves. We were happy with certain things. But we had metrics set out in our dressing room and they weren’t being met either so that’s disappointment".

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 3 ROUND 2

Broadford 2-15 Scariff 1-18

Venue: Dr. Daly Park, Tulla Compiled by Eoin Brennan

STORY OF THE GAME

BROADFORD Frees For: 4 (1/3) Wides: 12 (7/5)

Scores from play: 2-12

Spread of scorers: 5

Top scorer: Craig Chaplin (0-9, 2f's, '65)

Bookings: Mark Moloney (39) & Pauric Taylor (42) Own puckouts won: 18 out of 30 (60%)

REFEREE: Aaron Hogg (Clonlara)

SCARIFF Frees For: 10 (5/5) Wides: 12 (6/6)

Scores from play: 1-12

Spread of scorers: 9

Top scorer: Mark Rodgers (0-6, 3f's)

Bookings: Shane Kavanagh (41) & Liam Crotty (42) Own puckouts won: 17 out of 28 (61%)

Mark McKenna, Scariff manager “We went through every single emotion out there today. When we did manage to get the draw, the good emotions of pride in the ﬁghtback shone through but when you think back to the off-nature of the ﬁrst half performance, it was so unlike this group of players. We made a lot of mistakes that Broadford, in fairness to them, capitalised upon and they really took the game to us and at the time it was just so disappointing that our lads just weren’t able to respond. But again that’s down to the performance and application of Broadford".

The Combo back in contention with victory over the Fireballs

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 3 ROUND 2

Inagh/Kilnamona 2-19 O'Callaghan's Mills 0-9

Venue: Gurteen Compiled by Páraic McMahon

STORY OF THE GAME

INAGH/KILNAMONA

Frees For: 7 (2/5)

Wides: 13 (9/4)

Scores from play: 2-16

Spread of scorers: 10

Top scorer: Evan McNamara (2-0)

Bookings: Seán Rynne (47) & Jason McCarthy (58) Own puckouts won: 13 out of 19 (68%)

O'CALLAGHAN'S MILLS

Frees For: 11 (6/5)

Wides: 10 (4/6)

Scores from play: 0-5

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Colm Cleary (0-3f's)

Bookings: Conor Cooney (52) & Michael Cotter (61)

Own puckouts won: 25 out of 34 (74%)

REFEREE: Kevin Corry (Sixmilebridge)

MANAGER COMMENT “

Tomás Kelly, Inagh/Kilnamona manager

“We needed to get a reaction from the first day out, we were very disappointed as a group, we knew the first day wasn’t a fair reflection of everyone, we got off to a great start and we targeted that, we were lucky winning the toss and we played

well with the wind, we were delighted to get back on the road”. “This won’t count for much the next day against Broadford, I saw them against Scariff and they were outstanding for forty minutes, they were just caught at the post but some of the hurling they played was outstanding, they are one of the form teams of the championship, we’ll have to step it up again to be able to beat them”.

l Rian Considine takes on Damien O’Loughlin. Photo by Ruth Grifﬁn

l Mark Rodgers tries to elude the grip of Eoin Donnellan.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

l Killian Nugent takes on Niall Mullins.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

'We have a lot of work done over the last eight and a half months and that came out in the second half'

TUS CLARE SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP

4 ROUND 2

Sixmilebridge 1-20 Crusheen 2-15

Venue: Clarecastle

Compiled by Séamus Hayes

STORY OF THE GAME

SIXMILEBRIDGE

Frees For: 15 (8/7)

Wides: 15 (10/5)

Scores from play: 1-12

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Alex Morey (19, 7f's, '65)

Bookings: None

Own puckouts won: 16 out of 22 (73%)

“

CRUSHEEN

Frees For: 12 (5/7)

Wides: 5 (3/2)

Scores from play: 1-8

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Ross Hayes (14, 1-2f's, '65)

Bookings: None Own puckouts won: 24 out of 36 (67%)

MANAGER COMMENT

Tommy Liddy, Sixmilebridge manager

“If you go through the years there has never been more than a puck of the ball between the ‘Bridge and Crusheen and today was no different. We are delighted to have come out at the right side of the result. We came out at the wrong side in a few battles last year”

“We have a lot of work done over the last eight and a half months and that came out in the second half. that’s the main thing when you are putting all of these hours in and its great when it comes out on the ﬁeld”.

Alan Tuohy, Crusheen selector

"“Credit to Sixmilebridge, they are a seasoned team. They showed their experience as the game wore on. We are disappointed that we couldn’t get key players onto the ball in the second half. We will move on, we have another game to go in the group and we will take the learnings from today”.

“There was no confusion at our end as we knew there were four points in it before the free was taken. We are disappointed that we weren’t able to inﬂuence it more in the second half. They got a grip on things and we weren’t able to take it back. We will have to watch it back and take the learnings”.

Frees For: 16 (6/10)

Wides: 10 (5/5)

Scores from play: 2-5

Spread of scorers: 7

Top scorer: Peter Power (0-8, 6f's)

Bookings: Seán O'Connor (34)

Own puckouts won: 15 out of 22 (68%)

DOORA/BAREFIELD

Frees For: 18 (9/9) Wides: 7 (1/6)

Scores from play: 1-7

Spread of scorers: 6

Top scorer: Pádraic O'Donovan (0-7f's)

Bookings: Cian Barron & Brian Guilfoyle (54) Red Card: Mark O'Connor (65)

Own puckouts won: 11 out of 25 (44%)

REFEREE: Joe Mullins (Clonlara)

MANAGER COMMENT “

James Carrig, Newmarket-on-Fergus manager

“The main thing today was to get the result so we’re very happy with that. We were disappointed to lose the last day by a single point so the objective today was to stay in the championship and thank-fully we did that. Today was always going to be difficult because both were fighting for their lives so Doora/ Barefield fought very hard and the conditions were tough out there as the wind was funny and hard to work out. I suppose the goal just before half-time was a massive score because it meant that we went in five or six in front".

l Tadhg Dean takes on Jason Loughnane.

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

REFEREE: Gus Callaghan (Feakle)

l Colin Guilfoyle ﬁghts for possesion off Alan O'Neill

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Stakes are high in final round of football championship

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

HEADING into the final round of group games in the adult football championships this weekend eleven of the twelve teams are still in with a chance of making it to the knockout stages.

Doonbeg are the only club that cannot progress and they will be taking part in the relegation play off.

For Corofin and Kilmihil to avoid joining Doonbeg in the relegation battle, they must win this week and hope that other results go their way.

In Group 1 Kilmihil must beat Kilmurry Ibrickane and hope that Éire Óg justify favouritism and beat Lissycasey. Should that happen it will leave Kilmurry Ibrickane, Lissycasey and Kilmihil with one win each and then it would be down to score difference between the three to decide the order in which they will finish in the group. Currently Kilmihil are well off the pace in score difference having lost their opening game to Lissycasey by fifteen points.

A Kilmurry Ibrickane victory and a win for Lissycasey over Éire Óg would leave the three level on four points each and score difference would be needed to decide the order in which they would finish but all three would be still in the race with the third placed team in

a preliminary quarter-final for the last quarter final spot.

In Group 2, it’s a similar scenario but things are much tighter on the score difference front.

Corofin must beat St Breckan’s this week and hope that St. Joseph’s Doora/Barefield beat Kildysart. Should that happen it will be down

to score difference between St. Breckan’s, Kildysart and Corofin to determine positions two, three and four and going into this week’s games St Breckan’s are on plus 12.

A Corofin win could make things very interesting in this group.

Victory for St Breckan’s over Corofin and Kildysart over St. Jo-

seph’s Doora/Barefield would leave Breckans, Kildysart and Doora/ Barefield on four points each and here again, score difference will be needed to decide the order in which they finish.

The teams that finish in third position in Groups 1 and 2 will playoff for the final quarter final place

Three world titles won by Clare handballers

by Séamus Hayes news@clareecho.ie

After six days of One Wall handball which produced over 1000 games for 800 competitors, Clare players brought home three World titles.

In action up to the very last hours at the world event at UL were Sean Coughlan (Men’s A doubles), Claire Minogue (U-17 doubles) and Chloe Philpott (Ladies C doubles) who all ran out as winners.

Sophia Moroney Newmarket-on-Fergus; Ava Considine, Clarecastle, Iarla Kelleher, Tuamgraney all played U11, Iarla also played in U13 with Lochlainn Collins and Eoin Shanahan, both Kilkishen.

Sean Considine, Clooney/ Quin played at U15 with Cathal Noonan, Toonagh and Oisin Fahy, Newmarket-on-Fergus in the U17 grade

Adult players taking part were Amber Nolan, Tuamgraney, Chloe Philpott, Kilkishen, Sean Coughlan, Clooney-Quin and Ciaran Malone of Tuamgraney.

and that play off will take place in two weeks time.

Three teams automatically qualify from Group 3 and all that has to be decided is the order in which Cratloe, Ennistymon and St Joseph’s Miltown finish. Doonbeg can’t avoid bottom spot even if they were to beat Cratloe and Miltown were to lose to Ennistymon which would leave both with one win each but Miltown have beaten Doonbeg and would go ahead of them on the head to head rule.

In the intermediate championship Liscannor and Killimer are out of contention and will finish bottom of their respective groups.

In Group 1 the outcome of the clash between the Banner and Coolmeen will determine who goes through in second place with Kilrush from the group.

It’s a similar situation in Group 3 where the winners of the O’Currys v Cooraclare game will finish in second place to Wolfe Tones.

There is a lot to play for in Group 2 from which three teams will qualify for the quarter finals and all four are still in contention. Naomh Eoin with two wins from two outings are through but there is a keen battle between Clondegad, Shannon Gaels and Ennistymon for the other two positions.

The meeting of Clondegad and Shannon Gaels this week is crucial as the losers could end up bottom of the table.

Clare schools discover Munster opponents

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

Community School, St. Josephs Tulla

Spectators were full of praise for the event which was hosted by Munster Handball and GAA Handball. Clarecastle’s Tommy Hegarty is the current Munster Chairperson.

With players attending from Ireland, England, Wales, The Basque, America, Canada, France,

The winning Clare players partnered as follows Claire Minogue (Tuamgraney) with Caislean Treacy Greencastle, Tyrone). Chloe Philpott (Kilkishen) with Elizabeth Pearson (Clough, Kilkenny) and Sean Coughlan (Clooney/ Quin) with Rory Grace (Lahorna, Tipperary).

Japan, Palestine, United Arab Emirates and Moldova, it really is becoming a worldwide event. This was the first ever standalone hosting of one wall World championship and given the success it’s sure not to be the last.

GAA President Jarlath Burns stated at the opening ceremony this is the start of something and with the expansion of the game as seen in the past few years there is a place at the Olympic table for it.

l Claire Minogue,

CLARE schools have discovered their opponents for the TUS Munster Under 19 A, B and C Hurling competitions and the Under 19 A Football competition.

On Monday, the draws took place for the respective competitions. The Under 19 A, B and C Hurling competitions are scheduled to begin on Wednesday October 16th while the TUS Corn Uí Mhuirí - Senior Under 19 A Football competition is scheduled to commence on Wednesday October 23rd. Fixture details will be confirmed in due course.

Rice College, St Joseph’s Tulla and St Flannan’s College will fly the county flag in the Dr Harty Cup while several Clare hurlers will also be lining out with Ard Scoil Rís. St Flannan’s College will also compete in the Corn Uí Mhuirí.

TUS Dr. Harty Cup – Senior (Under 19) A Hurling (Corn An Artaigh)

A total of 21 schools will take part in the TUS Dr. Harty Cup - Under 19 A Hurling (Corn An Artaigh) competition. Nenagh CBS are the defending champions.

Group 1 - Rice College, John The Baptist, Hospital, CBC Cork, Scoil Na Troinoide Naofa, Doon

Group 2 – Ard Scoil Ris, Castletroy College, Our Ladys, Templemore, Colaiste Choilm

Group 3 – Charleville CBS, Cashel Community School, Blackwater

Group 4 – Nenagh CBS, Midleton CBS, St. Francis College Rochestown

Group 5 - De La Salle College, Gaelcholaiste Mhuire An Mhainistir Thuaidh, St. Colmans College, Fermoy

Group 6 – Thurles CBS, St. Flannans College, Tralee CBS.

TUS Corn Uí Mhuirí - Senior (Under 19) Under 19 A Football

A total of 19 schools will take part in the TUS Corn Uí Mhuirí - Under 19 A Football competition. Mercy Mounthawk are the defending champions. Group 1 - St. Brendans, Colaiste Choilm, St. Francis College Rochestown, St. Flannans College

Group 2 – Clonakilty CC , Pobalscoil Inbhear Sceine, Hamilton Highschool, Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh

Group 3 – Mercy Mounthawk, Abbey CBS, Skibbereen CC, St. Patricks Castleisland

Group 4 – Patrician Academy Mallow, Intermediate School Killorglin, De La Salle College, Macroom, Mitchelstown CBS

Group 5 – Tralee CBS, Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne, Presentation Milltown.

TUS Corn Thomáis Mhic Cholaim - Under 19 B Hurling

A total of 13 schools will take part in the Corn Thomáis Mhic CholaimUnder 19 B Hurling competition. Group 4 – Scariff Community College, Pobailscoil Na Trionide, Eochaill, St. Josephs College, Borrisoleigh.

Seán Coughlan & Chloe Philpott.

l Éire Óg, Ínis' Phillip Talty takes on Gavin Downes and Mikey Keating of Kilmihil in the second round of the Clare Senior football championship

Photo by Gerard O'Neill

Clare clubs find out their fate in FAI Junior Cup first

by Páraic McMahon paraic@clareecho.ie

THERE will be one all Clare clash in the first round of the FAI Junior Cup.

Shannon Town Utd will host Bunratty Cratloe FC at Lynch Park and they will be hot favourites for the tie.

Fair Green Celtic, Shannon Hibs, Shannon Olympic AFC, Newmarket Celtic FC, Mount-

shannon Celtic and Shannon Town have all secured home advantage for their respective ties.

Lifford FC, Bridge Utd, Avenue Utd, Tulla Utd, Bunratty Cratloe and Coole FC will all be on the road for their first outings in the competition.

One of the standout opening round ties is the meeting of Newmarket Celtic and Killarney Celtic, the sides having previously met in the Munster Champions Tro-

ROUND TWO THROWS SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP WIDE OPEN

phy semi-final with Newmarket prevailing on penalties.

Dates have yet to be set for the games.

FAI Junior Cup Round 1:

St Brendan's Park FC vs Lifford FC

Fair Green Celtic vs Broadford Utd

Killarney Athletic AFC vs Emerald Eagles FC

Dromore Utd vs Bridge Utd

Shannon Hibs vs Mastergeeha FC

Glin Rovers vs Ballyheigue

Atheltic FC

Listowel Celtic vs Shannonside

Shannon Olympic AFC vs Strand Road

Inter Kenmare FC vs Avenue Utd

Castleisland AFC vs Breska Rovers

Creeves Celtic vs Tulla Utd

Newmarket Celtic FC vs Killarney Celtic FC

Tralee Dynamos vs Abbeyfeale Utd FC

Mountshannon Celtic vs Rathkeale AFC

Shannon Town vs Bunratty Cratloe FC

Askeaton/Kilcornan AFC vs Newcastle West Town FC

Classic FC vs Coole FC

Double delight for the Bridge's Murray in Galway

by Michael Maher news@clareecho.ie

SIXMILEBRIDGE trainer

Stephen Murray had a double success in Galway over the weekend.

At the Galway Track on Friday night last the Martin Williams of Quin owned Knockanoura Kate put up a ﬁne performance in taking the A4 graded eighth contest by ﬁve and three quarter lengths from Spirngwell Thomo in 29.20.

The Stephen Murray of Sixmilebridge trained daughter of Burgess Bucks & Crokers Wish who was completing a kennel double in the process raced in fourth place approaching the opening bend as East Clare Way led from Knoppogue Time and Springwell Thomo. Racing down the back East Clare Way opened up a sizeable lead but Knockanoura Kate really lengthened her stride racing along the back and striking the front at the penultimate bend she quickly stamped her authority on the contest to complete a double for her trainer.

The double was initiated in the A7 graded fourth contest as at the fourth time of asking the John Croker owned Crokers Primrose recorded her maiden career success as the Stephen Murray trained daughter of Doratosn Wildcat and Crokers Ruby held the renewed challenge of Calabria Park by a length at the line in 29.96.

Calaﬁa Park was very smartly into stride and led by a length from Pierview Toony and Crokers Prim-

rose approaching the opening bend. Rounding the bend though the winner forced her way through along the rails and turning down the back she led by over three lengths from Calaﬁa Park. From the third bend Calaﬁa Park began to narrow the gap to the leader but the line was always coming in time for Crokers Primrose. In the early strides of the A9 graded contest Glynnscross Razz and Brickhill Mick were both prominent with the striped jacketed Brickhill Mick just showing the better early toe to lead by half a length at the turn. Cutting towards the rails the John Collins and Albert Long owned Brickhill Mick extended his advantage to three lengths over Grangeview Razz as they passed halfway.

The concluding A2 graded 525 yards contest was the feature in Friday night’s card at Galway Greyhound Stadium and as the traps rose for the feature Glynnscross Ted trapped best on the wide outside but he was quickly joined in the run towards the all-important ﬁrst bend by the white jacketed Brickhill Fayla on his inner and as they rounded the bend the John Collins and Kate Comerford of Gort owned took a deﬁnite advantage. Turning down the back the daughter of Good News and Twentylittletoes set sail for home and passing halfway she led Glynnscross Ted and Donies Wood by in excess of three lengths. Off the home bend Donies Wood began to close but Brickhill Fayla was home by a length at the line in 29.06.

Lydia Ko claims the AIG Women's Open

by PÁDRAIG MCGRATH

While watching the 2024 AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews last weekend in strong winds and rain, it was nice to see the tour getting to experience the conditions we usually have to play here in Ireland. It also has the makings of an exciting final day because you know some of the leaders are going to struggle in the final round due to the weather and dropping shots were going to be a certainty among the leaders. This major was going to be won by the player who made the least mistakes versus the player shooting a very low final round, that usually occurs to win most weeks on tour. It did not disappoint either and as expected for most majors played in difficult weather conditions the AIG Womens Open concluded in a thrilling fashion. On the back nine there was still several of players in contention to lift the trophy and winning one of golf's most sought-after prizes. The Open is such

a prestigious tournament but it is even more prestigious when it is hosted at the fabled Old Course at St. Andrews, the birthplace of golf, playing host to the world’s top female golfers as they competed for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.

The final round was nothing short of spectacular entertainment. At a windy St. Andrews after four days of fierce competition, it was Lydia Ko who emerged victorious in the end, claiming her first Women’s Open title. Ko, already a major champion, navigated the challenging links with poise and precision. Her final round of 69, three under par, was a masterclass in shot-making under pressure holding a lengthy putt at her final hole, which was eventually the winning putt to secure the victory. She seems to be able to hold those pressure putts at the right moments in the final round when so many other players struggle to, which is why Lydia Ko’s is winning more and why her resume just keeps on growing. With her victory at

the AIG Women’s Open, the 27-year-old has 21 LPGA Tour victories, three of which are major titles. She had showed signs of form when she secured the gold medal at the Olympics in Paris only a couple of weeks ago and she is finishing her season off in style. Lydia seems to be a strong finisher especially on the back nine on a Sunday.

As the week develops, she seems to be able to keep herself within contention and pounce with birdies when she needs them, just like she did again on the final hole last Sunday holding a twelve-foot putt for birdie.

Nelly Korda showed she is back to herself; she was in contention all week however she looked extremely tentative over every putt,

especially in her final round as she seemed to lag every putt to the hole in a negative manor. Her putting stroke certainly didn't look like the positive one we are used to seeing from Nelly.

I was extremely impressed with England's Lottie Woad the amateur that finished on a total of 287 (-1 Under) and inside the top 10 of a major ahead of some big golfing

Ennis ladies in All-Ireland quarter-ﬁnal action

by Séamus Hayes

news@clareecho.ie

The Ennis ladies' intermediate foursomes team will take on Kinsale in an All-Ireland quarter-ﬁnal on this Saturday at 1pm in Gort.

The team members are Kitty Morris/Mary and T McMahon; Mary Lenihan and Bridie Hanrahan; Ann and Helen Gallery, Rose Enright and Peg Hanrahan. The reserves are Anna Marie Darmody, Sinead Hegarty, Mary McMahon and Mary Nagle.

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB

The closing date for inclusion in the Kincora cup mixed matchplay competition at Lahinch is Sunday, September 8.

The Kincora Cup is a Mixed Foursomes Matchplay two-part competition consisting of:

(i) A round-robin series which runs from 1st October 1 to December 31

(ii) A matchplay knockout series which runs during March/April 2025.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB

The Specsavers Ennis July medal was played for at Woodstock at the weekend when Morgan Lahiffe (9) emerged as the winner with 70.

Tony Nugent (2) won the gross with 75. Category 1 was won by Rob Cantwell (10) with 72 from Sean Crowe (5) who also had 72.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB

Ruairi Price returned 44 points to win the men’s singles stableford competition at Dromoland at the weekend.

He had four to spare over Frank Melody with

Niall Cannon in third spot with 39 points. The over 20 handicap category was won by Alan O'Flanagan with 39 while the g ross was won by, Jason Ryan with 38.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB

In the ladies section the winner was Maria Kennedy (37) with 41 points and she had four to spare over Maureen Clune (35) while Bridget Minogue (30) also with 37 points, was in third spot. Eileen Donnellan won the gross with 20 points and she also won the long drive while the nines were won by Deirdre O'Neill with 19 points and Geraldine Finnegan with 16 points. Jenny Ryan was nearest the pin while the past president’s category was won by Siobhan Shanahan.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB

Brew's Hardware singles competition at Kilrush at the weekend was won by Brendan Carey (17) from Jason Gallagher (16) with Thomas Coffey (12) in third spot and all three scored 35 points.

GORT GOLF CLUB

John Daly's President's prize ﬁnal took place at Gort on Saturday when All-Ireland hurling medal winner with Galway, Steve Mahon emerged as the winner with 78 points. He won by two from Ray Quinn with Gerry Broderick, also with 76, in third spot.

SHANNON GOLF CLUB

President Tony McNamara’s prize to the ladies at Shannon was played for last week when the winner was Margaret Ryan (34) with 70 from Mary Park (41), also with 70. Dympna Hogan (28) was third with 71 followed by Mary Sheehan (20) with 72. Noeleen Neylon (11) won the gross with 82.

names including Leona McGuire. The last time I recall an amateur to achieve such a feat was Justin Rose at The Open and look at the career that followed him since that appearance. I have no doubt we have watched a future star in the making in Lottie Woad as she heads towards Curtis Cup this week in Sunningdale , where she will play alongside our local golfing hero Aine Donnegan as both ladies will represent Great Britain and Ireland team against the US team. We would like to wish Aine all the best this week as she tees it up at Sunningdale in the Curtis Cup. Also teeing it up this week in The KPMG Womens Irish Open at Carton House is local legend Aideen Walsh. Aideen fresh off yet another victory last week defending her trophy in The Irish Womens Mid-Am. Hopefully Aideen will have plenty of local support heading towards Carton House this week to support her. Best of luck to both Aine and Aideen this week in their battles with Sunningdale and Carton House.

Walsh retains Mid-Amateur title

by Darragh Small news@clareecho.ie

ENNIS’ Aideen Walsh retained her title as Irish Mid-Amateur champion on Sunday.

A member of Lahinch Golf Club and Woodstock Golf Club, Aideen came out on top at Tipperary Golf Club with Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas) winning the men’s equivalent.

Between them, they have won five Mid-Am titles and it was a sixth Irish crown for O’Keeffe while for Walsh this win paves the way for another appearance at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open in Carton House this week.

O’Keeffe won the best overall gross score too while he also picked up the Irish Mid-Amateur Men’s Over40s crown.

However, it was Walsh who landed the first silverware of the day when she got the better of Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe) after an intense battle. They played together

in the final group and while Burke drew level early in the round, Walsh’s experience proved vital.

Walsh played her first Senior Cup in Tipperary in 2017, and the Bridgestone Order of Merit leader, who got the better of Emma O’Driscoll in a similar battle last year in Portsalon, backed up her earlier rounds of 72 and 71.

Walsh and Burke both birdied the 12th but when Burke bogeyed 13 it left the door open for the reigning

champion to ease her way to another sweet victory on +3.

“Today was a bit of a roller-coaster but I am happy I kept it together because I bogeyed the first two holes,” said the 26-year-old. “I used this week to prepare for next week so it’s very exciting. I’m very happy with where my game is at, so it’s definitely good for the confidence. But I do understand that it’s a professional event so I’ll keep that all in perspective,” she said of her upcoming Irish Open appearance.

l Lydia Ko poses with the 2024 AIG Women's Open trophy.

l Peter O'Keeffe (Douglas) and Aideen Walsh (Lahinch) were crowned Irish Mid-Amateur champions again at Tipperary. Photo by Fran Caffrey/Golfﬁle.

CLARE COUNTY

COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

Planning Ref: P23/60393

Development Description:

We, Prospect Flexpower Ltd, intend to apply for permission for development at this site in Ballygeery West, Co. Clare. The development will consist of: 1 No. enclosed battery energy storage system compound on a total of c. 6.2 hectare site, to include: 1 no. 220kv GIS electrical substation building and 1 no. single storey customer substation building, control and switch room, 220kv transformer and four no. auxiliary transformers, up to 192 battery storage blocks on concrete support structures including heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit (HVAC units), 16 transformer and 32 inverter units. Including access tracks and site entrance, associated electrical cabling and ducting, security gates, perimeter security fencing, CCTV system, landscaping works and all associated ancillary infrastructure. The proposed development will have a projected life span of 35 years.

Location: Ballygeery West, Co. Clare

A Natura Impact Statement has been prepared to accompany the application.

Take notice that Prospect Flexpower Ltd, has lodged significant further information in respect of planning application P23/60393. This information and planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, not later than 5 weeks a er the receipt of the newspaper notice and site notice by the planning authority.

CLARE COUNTY

COUNCIL

ERRINA

CLONLARA

CO. CLARE

Take Notice that We Montpellier Clonlara Developments Ltd. intend to apply to Clare County Council For permission for construction of amendments to Housing layout approved under P20/740 to include (a): Replacement of 4 No. Detached, Type 5 Houses at Errina Locke with 6 No. Detached, Type 4 houses. (b) Minor revision to road layout to include visitor parking and revised turning hammerhead at Errina Locke. (c) Change of House Design to Type 5D for No. 5 & 7 Errina Close.

(d) Change of House Design to Type 5E for No. 6 & 8 Errina Close, (e) including revised house boundaries & all ancillary site works.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reason-

able cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co.Clare during it’s public opening hours. A submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on pa ment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL RIVERVIEW, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO CLARE V95 TE29

Take notice that Dawn Kearney intends to apply for Retention Permission to retain a) the front elevation of the original dwelling house as constructed and b) the rear extension to the original dwelling house including all ancillary site services and works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority, in writing, on payment of a fee of €20.00 within five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the Planning Application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL FAHY, CAHER, CO. CLARE

Michael Smyth intends to apply for permission for the construction of a dwelling house, garage, treatment unit and all associated site development 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 Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

34 CORROVORRIN GROVE, ENNIS, CO CLARE V95 F5TE

Take notice that Liam Bourke intends to apply for Planning

Permission to;

a) Demolish the existing attached garage

b) Construct a new front porch and attached garage for use as a garage/workshop/ store, ground floor bedroom and en-suite including all ancillary services and works at the above address.

The District Court No. 86.3 Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12

Glor Music Designated Activity Company

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Glor Music Designated Activity Company of Friar’s Walk, Ennis, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 (and at such adjourned sitting thereof) for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit: LOCATION Glor situate at Glor, Causeway Link, Ennis, Clare, in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

Signed MHP Sellors LLP

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors 9/10/11 Bindon Street, Ennis, Clare

Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL

FURTHER INFORMATION/ REVISED PLANS

Applicant: Neisha Twomey

Planning Reference: P23/642

Development Description: To retain the existing cottage for use as Ancillary Living Accommodation including all ancillary services and works at the address below

Location: Freagh Castle, Miltown Malbay, Co Clare V95

HE02

Take notice that Neisha Twomey has lodged significant further information/revised plans in respect of Planning Application P23/642. This significant further information/ revised plans is available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the Planning Authority of Clare County Council, Planning Department, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours.

A submission or observation in relation to the significant further information/revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority not later than two weeks

Licence Applications

An Chuirt Duiche

The District Court No. 86.3

Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis

District No. 12

Mark Nolan as Nominee Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Mark Nolan as nominee of Dromoland Castle Holdings Limited of Newmarket on Fergus, Clare, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit: LOCATION

The Inn at Dromoland Signed Cahir & Co. LLP

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 36 Abbey Street, Ennis , Clare

Dated this 26 Aug 2024 situate at Dromoland, Newmarket On Fergus, Clare in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing. To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare. CE@Garda.ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

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

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

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

after receipt of the newspaper and site notice by the Planning Authority. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation.

An Chuirt Duiche

The District Court No. 86.3

Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12

John Connolly Applicant TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant John Connolly of Lisdoonvarna, Lisdoonvarna, Clare, Ireland, V95 Y768 intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit: LOCATION

Rathbaun Hotel

Signed Cahir & Co. LLP

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 36 Abbey Street, Ennis , Clare

Dated this 22 Aug 2024 situate at Rathbaun, Lisdoonvarna, Clare, . in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@Garda. ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

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

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

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

An Chuirt Duiche The District Court No. 86.3

Public Dance Halls Act, 1935 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PUBLIC DANCING LICENCE

District Court Area of Ennis District No. 12

Paul Madden as Nominee

Applicant

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Applicant Paul Madden as nominee of Temple Gate Hotel Limited of O’Connell Square, Ennis, Clare, Ireland intends to apply to the District Court at Ennis District Court on the 27 Sep 2024 at 10:30 for the grant of an Annual Dance Licence a Licence to use a particular place, to wit: LOCATION

Temple Gate Hotel Limited Signed Cahir & Co. LLP

Solicitor for Applicant Solicitors, 36 Abbey Street, Ennis , Clare

Dated this 22 Aug 2024 situate at O Connell Square, Ennis, Clare in court area and district aforesaid, for public dancing.

To the Garda Superintendent, at CT.Clare.CE@Garda. ie, Ennis Garda Station, Abbey Street, Ennis, Clare, V95 TR83

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

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

To the District Court Clerk, Ennis District Court

Vivienne Carr (née Lee) Shannon, Clare

Bridie Cleary (née McMahon) Miltown Malbay, Clare

Joseph (Joe) Considine Lisdoonvarna, Clare

Kitty Garvey Parteen, Clare

Pat (Patsy) McInerney Newcastle, Dublin

RITA O’BRIEN (née Treacy) Scariff, Clare

Frances Hehir (née Mahony) Kilrush, Clare

JOBS

Recent Deaths

Kathleen Mc Inerney (née O’ Mahony)

Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare

Melinda Moloney Clarecastle, Clare

Noreen Flanagan (née Moloney) Bunratty, Clare

Michael Hoey Tulla, Clare

Janet Hopkins (née Spencer) Shannon, Clare

Elizabeth (Lily) McMahon (née Nestor) Lissycasey, Clare

Eamon Toner Lahinch, Clare

Air logistics Specialist Kuehne & Nagel (Ireland) Ltd, Shannon Co. Clare

Job Description: Assist in coordinating shipments, managing documentation, and liaising with clients, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.

Annual Salary: 35000.00 Euro / 39 hours per week Send CV to: laura.davidson@kuehne-nagel.com

Margaret Byrne (née Fitzgerald) Naas, Kildare

Gretta Hynes (née Hehir) Barefield, Clare

Hilda Wallace Ryan (née Daly) Ennis, Clare

PRAYER

THE MIRACLE PRAYER

Dear Sacred Heart of Jesus, In the past, I have asked for many favours. This time, I ask you This special favour. (Mention Favour)

Take it and place it within Your own broken heart

Where your Father sees it, Then in His Merciful Eyes It will become your favour Not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for 3 times a day for 3 days and favour will be grateful. Promise publication, never known ot fail T.F

Prayer to St.Rita, Patroness of Desperate Causes

‘‘O powerful St.Rita, rightly called Saint of the Impossible, I come to you with confidence in my great need. You know well my trials, for you yourself were many times burdened in this life. Come to my help, speak for me, pray with me, intercede on my behalf before the Father. I know that God has a most generous heart and that he is a most loving Father. Join your prayers to mine and obtain for me the grace I desire (here mention your request). You who were so very pleasing to God on earth and are so much so now in heaven, I promise to use this favour, when granted, to better my life, to proclaim God’s mercy, and to make you more widely known and loved. Amen’’

The Clare Echo Quiz

1Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee came to Clare from which country?

a. India

b. Sri Lanka

c. South Africa

2 Dr. Moosajee Bhamjee later became involved in which political party in Clare?

a. Fianna Fail

b. Labour Party

c. Fine Gael

3 Marty Morrissey lived in which American state before moving to Clare at age 10?

a. New York

b. Chicago

c. Boston

4For how many years did Marty Morrissey play with the Clare Minor Football Team?

a. One

b. Two

c. Three

5In which country did political leader Daniel O’ Connell die?

a. France

b. Italy

c. England

6What happened between O’ Connell and D’Esterre in County Kildare in 1815?

a. A political debate

b. A gun dual

c. Public trial

7Gene Kelly was a famous American ____ who’s grandparents came from Clare.

a. Baseball player

b. Singer

c. Actor

8Robert McNamara who’s grandfather was from Clare was the U.S ________?

a. Secretary of Defence

b. President

c. Vice President

9He was an architect of which famous war?

a. Korean War

b. The Gulf War

c. Vietnam War

10Which famous Australian Actress grandparents originate from Clare?

a. Margot Robbie

b. Nicole Kidman

c. Kate Blanchett

Spot the Difference

Last weeks Answers

l QUESTION 5 : In which country did political leader Daniel O’ Connell die?

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES AUG 29

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