The Clare Echo 30/06/22

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JUN 30 2022

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PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

A Jack Watson, Katie Carrigg and Aoife Watson with Kevin O’Meara from Bunratty Rescue Centre at the diamond jubilee celebrations of St Senan’s National School in Shannon

Photo by Joe Buckley

N OIREACHTAS committee hearing has heard claims that two of Clare’s leading quarries have accounted for some defective concrete blocks sold to devastated homeowners affected by pyrite.

Earlier this month, Clare was included in an expanded Defective Concrete Block Scheme valued at €2.7bn. Some 1,125 houses in the county are affected by pyrite according to estimates from the Clare

Pyrite Action Group.

Founder of the Action Group, Dr Martina Cleary told an Oireachtas Committee meeting that Roadstone in Bunratty and Ryan’s Quarry in Toonagh accounted for a percentage of the defective blocks sold to affected properties in Co Clare.

The Crusheen woman said homeowners have identified this through “receipts, through direct purchase, through clerks and even through connections”. Officials in the Department of Housing “have not been presented with any evidence against any company,” the sitting heard.

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THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

MUSIC MARRIAGE FOR TULLA AND KILFENORA

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

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Email: niall@clareecho.ie or sales@clareecho.ie This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Press Council’s Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Press Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, Lo-call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie

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lTALENTED: The wedding of Crusheen’s Francis Cunningham and Eimear Coughlan of Tulla

WEET sounds descended on Tulla for a marriage which brought two of the county’s greatest musical forces together.Incredible musical talent was on display for the wedding of Crusheen’s Francis Cunningham

and Eimear Coughlan of Tulla.

Francis is a member of the Kilfenora Céilí Band while Eimear is part of the Tulla Céilí Band. Parish priest, Fr Brendan Quinlivan noted it was a “mixed marriage” when one of the Tulla Céilí Band married one

from the Kilfenora as he wished the couple “many years of making sweet music”. Both bands came together in the Church of St. Peter & St. Paul before Francis and Eimear walked hand in hand down the aisle as husband and wife for the first time.

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THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Population on the Return of Willie week to rise reveals census lift Miltown PÁRAIC MCMAHON

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

lCrowds visit Lahinch

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paraic@clareecho.ie

OUNTY Clare has recorded a population increase of 7.2 percent in the space of six years.

Preliminary results from Census 2022 have detailed that the number of people living in Clare is now at 127,419 up on the 118,817 recorded in 2016. This is broken down into 64,733 females and 62,686 males.

Issued by the Central Statistics Office, the findings showed a natural increase of 3,122 and an estimated net inward migration of 5,480. 7.6% was the average increase in population recorded across the country.

Clare’s total housing stock is 58,148 as per the Census, a rise of 2,369 (4.2%) but which stands below the national average of 6%. 735 less vacant dwellings are in Clare, the tally of 5,369 represents a drop of 12%.

County councillors over the past 12 months in Clare have been vocal

in their criticisms of the population projections set out in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) which was adopted by the Southern Regional Assembly. Population projections estimate between 129,500 and 131,500 will live in Clare by 2026 and 134,000 – 137,000 by 2031 under the RSES.

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Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) remarked following the preliminary Census results, “I wonder can we now throw the totally outdated NPF and RSES out the window with regards to projected population allocations for the core strategy of our new County Development Plan”. He felt the projections were out of date before the Plan had even been adopted.

MILTOWN MALBAY’s economic is readying itself for a surge with the return of the Willie Clancy Festival.

Having been held online for the past two years, the summer school returns in-person running from Saturday (July 2nd) to Sunday (July 10th) in Miltown with surrounding areas of Spanish Point, Mullagh and Quilty also set to benefit.

In what will be the fiftieth annual festival, Willie Clancy week’s return is set to lift the people of West Clare.

Director of the festival, Harry Hughes said, “The excitement levels are gathering among ourselves, the local community and the business people are looking forward with great expectation to the first live event since 2019, we’ve been online in 2020 and 2021, all we’ll say about that is it kept Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy in contact with our constituency”.

It is viewed as an important cultural event which commemorates the town’s best known uilleann pipier, Willie Clancy and has been running since just after his death in 1973. The idea was initiated by Clancy himself, and implemented within six months by teacher Muiris Ó Rócháin in collaboration with CCE's timire ceoil Séamus Mac Mathúna and local musicians Martin Talty, Paddy Joe McMahon and Junior Crehan.

The school is focused around the teaching of instruments and set dancing in formal classes, but stresses the value of the oral/ aural tradition. In its fleadh-style volume of music-making in bars it has become something of a Mecca in the music, its retinue of up to a hundred and fifty teachers, and hundreds of improving and competent musicians, dancers and singers drawing in thousands of listeners.

House prices rise 2.2% THE price of the average second-hand three-bed semi in County Clare has risen by 2.2% to €230,000 in the last three months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance, writes Páraic McMahon.

The survey has shown that 60% of sales in the county are to first-time buyers, with 8% of all purchasers coming from outside the area.

Across the county, the average time taken to sell is six weeks, the Q2 REA Average House Price Index has shown.

“We are seeing a shortage of properties, and alongside this lack of stock houses are taking longer to sell,” said Liam Browne of REA Paddy Browne, Ennis.

“There is also a high level of landlords leaving the marketplace.”

The REA Average House Price Survey concentrates on the actual sale price of Ireland's typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an accurate picture of the second-hand property market in towns and cities countrywide.

A marked increase in pri-

vate landlords selling their properties nationally has increased supply levels and tempered price rises in some areas.

Up to 30% of houses for sale in some areas of Dublin are now due to landlords selling their additional properties, with knock-on effects for the rental market, the survey has found.

Actual selling prices in Dublin postcode districts have risen by 2.5% in the past three months, to an average of €493,333 – but the annual rate of increase has dropped 2%.

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

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Birthday party for tot got 'out of control'

by GORDON DEEGAN

A BIRTHDAY party organised by an Ennis granny for her one year grand-son “had got out of control” by the time Gardai called to the family home close to midnight, a court has heard.

At Ennis District Court, Insp David Finnerty told Judge Alec Gabbett that around 40 people were in attendance at Kathleen McDonagh’s (49) home at 21 Childers Rd, Ennis at 11.50pm on February 15th last year when Gardai called.

The country was adhering to Covid-19 Level 5 lockdown restrictions at the time when a ban on the staging of house parties was one of a range of restrictions in place aimed at halting the spread of Covid-19.

Judge Gabbett said to solicitor for Ms McDonagh, Tara Godfrey “did the 40 people get Covid-19 is the question?”

In response, Ms Godfrey said: “I have no idea on that Judge and I haven’t any information about any difficulty or outbreak arising out of this gathering at all.” Ms Godfrey pointed to a statement made by Garda Barry Comber who attended the home on the night and Garda Comber said “it was evident that the home-owner, Kathleen McDonagh had no control of the gathering taking place”.

Ms Godfrey said: “Ms McDonagh confessed to organising a party to celebrate her grandson’s first birthday. The party had got out of control and she didn’t have any control over it and that was the difficulty.”

Ms McDonagh pleaded guilty to organising an event in breach of Covid-19 health regulations and Judge Gabbett imposed a fine of €200 on the mother of two. In the incident, Gardai arrived at the McDonagh home at 11.50pm after responding to a report of a large gathering and loud music at Childers Rd. Insp Finnerty told Judge Gabbett that on arrival, Gardai discovered loud music coming from the rear of 21 Childers Rd and looked around the back and saw a marquee erected in the back garden of the home.

The Inspector said that Kathleen McDonagh arrived at the door and told Gardai she was having a party to celebrate her grand-son’s first birthday. Insp Finnerty said that Gardai informed her of numerous noise complaints and explained to her that she was breaching then Covid regulations having a large gathering of people .

Twelve party goers left the home at 12.05am and a further 23 exited the home at 12.15am. Insp Finnerty said that a Fixed Charge Penalty Charge (FCPN) issued to Ms McDonagh and remained unpaid prior to court. Insp Finnerty confirmed that Ms McDonagh has no previous convictions and Ms Godfrey said that Ms McDonagh has never created any problems, has led a very quiet life altogether and has never been in trouble.

Ms Godfrey said that Ms McDonagh has two children aged 28 and 20 and two grand-children and apologises for holding the event.

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Cleary claims two quarries supplied pyrite blocks

lREDRESS: The home of Steve and Michelle Mansfield in Sixmilebridge is among the worst affected in Clare from pyrite Photo by Joe Buckley

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

O

paraic@clareecho.ie

NE of the country’s biggest construction companies has been accused of being one of the suppliers of defective concrete blocks in Clare.

Founder of the Clare Pyrite Action Group, Dr Martina Cleary appeared before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage where she claimed that over two thirds of the 90 properties with pyrite that were surveyed in the county shared the same two suppliers.

According to the Crusheen woman, survey results showed that Roadstone in Bunratty and Ryan’s Quarry in Toonagh accounted for a proportion of the defective blocks sold to affected properties in Co Clare.

Officials in the Department of Housing “have not been presented with any evidence against any company,” the sitting heard.

Clare TD, Michael McNamara (IND) questioned if the Department had intensions of pursuing suppliers of defective concrete blocks. “How many people in Clare, for example, who have found their houses are now defective, could have a claim they could pursue or are the majority of cases for one reason or another not legally pursuable,” he asked.

In response, Dr Cleary outlined, “Of the 90 that have been surveyed, approximately 68% have identified the supplier as CRH Roadstone Bunratty or Ryan's Toonagh.

They identified that through receipts, through direct purchase, through clerks and even through connections. Those that

are unknown are usually second or third home purchasers. It may be that the builder has gone out of business, is deceased or cannot be identified, or it is a development on a housing estate and they would know where the blocks came from”.

Attempts to tackle the suppliers have not been fruitful, she admitted. “Over the past two years, we have observed that very few solicitors are prepared to take on the power and might of the biggest company in the country, which is our supplier. It is the responsibility of the State to address that.

There is no point in asking us, the homeowners, the questions. It is the responsibility of the State and all its legal might to answer that question. Regarding blaming the fact that it is the taxpayers' money; we are the taxpayers. This Bill will be a double charged on to us. It is the Government's responsibility to pursue these people”.

Deputy McNamara maintained, “It is right that the State step in to try to remedy this horrendous situation for people. Equally, it is right that the Exchequer should be compensated by those who supplied dangerous material, particularly when they did so for profit”.

He added, “It would be obscene if the State was going to pay out €3 billion and the only recovery mechanism is a levy on the industry generally, including those who complied and those who did not comply equally. In any event, all of that levy will be transferred to homeowners, future homeowners and people who are rebuilding their homes because of a pyrite claim in the first place. Some of the wrongdoers were named earlier. One of them is one of the biggest construction companies in Ireland, CRH”.

The Scariff native said of CRH, “this is a company with deep pockets”.

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Carving a 40km path through the local countryside, Limerick Greenway offers an authentic experience of rural Ireland for cyclists, runners and walkers.

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A 'great day for Killaloe'

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THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

K

lMAYOR: Cllr Tony O’Brien (FF)

Photo by Eamon Ward

paraic@clareecho.ie

ILLALOE is now home to the Mayor of Clare following Cllr Tony O’Brien’s (FF) election as the county’s first cit-

izen.

Elected representatives of Clare County Council unanimously backed the retired Bus Éireann inspector’s election as Cathaoirleach (Mayor) on Friday afternoon who succeeds Cllr PJ Ryan (IND).

O’Brien was first elected to the local authority in 2004, he was one of four Fianna Fáil councillors to out in 2009 but he successfully bounced back to win back his seat in 2014 and retain it in 2019.

Beginning his address in the Chamber of Áras Contae an Chláir, he informed Council staff that their job would not be made easier under his watch. He paid tribute to his wife Majella for her “undying support” and his children Shane and Elaine, his son-in-law Conor and grandchildren Lucy, Billy, Maisie and Finn, extended family, his friends, Smith O’Briens GAA club, the community of Killaloe

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and his former work colleagues.

“I’m from the beautiful heritage town of Killaloe, it is the gateway into the East of our county, when you strip away the beauty you have the people, they make our county special.

He expressed hope that his fa-

ther and grand-parents Willie and Marie who reared him would proud of him.

His experience with trade unions and various debates with family were recalled, “anyone will back you or stand by you when you’re right but your true friends will be

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there when you’re wrong. I’m not always right, sometimes I don’t always get it right, it’s a humbling experience when you are wrong”.

As Mayor, Tony said he will continue the “promotion and marketing of our great county” while helping to progress ongoing

projects. Among those he referenced were the Springfield flood defence works, the N19 Airport access road, the proposed takeover of Shannon Heritage sites and the South Clare Economic Development Zone.

Noting the presence of his Oireachtas colleague in the public gallery, Cathal Crowe TD (FF) and Senator Timmy Dooley (FF), he urged them to put the Killaloe Bridge and Bypass to the top of their agenda. “I am asking that any obstacles or difficulties that may be in place at national level to work to ensure they are settled, the importance of that project to East Clare cannot be overstated”.

Frustration was voiced by Cllr O’Brien on the decision not to include phase two of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS) putting its future in jeopardy. “The decisions of elected representatives was wiped out, its removal from the LSMATS is nothing short of disgraceful”.

He pledged to campaign for the LNDR to be reintroduced into future plans as part of the County Development Plan which will be adopted in his tenure.

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THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Garrihy ferries sold to O'Briens

T

by PÁRAIC McMAHON WO rival ferry companies have put their differences aside with a deal reached to see the O’Brien family taking ownership of the Liscannor Ferry Company from the Garrihy clan.

Liscannor Ferry Company Limited, known as Doolin2Aran Ferries and owned by the Garrihy family, has agreed the sale of its Doolin ferry service to Baid Farantoireachta An Chosta Teoranta, owned by the O’Brien family who operate The Doolin Ferry Company, for an undisclosed sum.

Several clashes had occurred down through the years between the rival companies in what had been known as the ferry wars. A January 2015 sitting of Ennis District Court heard how a bust-up in September 2013 over poaching customers between Frank Hughes and Bill O’Brien resulted in Mr O’Brien getting a broken nose.

Owned and operated by brothers Joe, PJ, Eugene and Donie, the Liscannor Ferry Company has been a family business for over two decades. The Garrihy family have deep traditions and connections in the North Clare, Doolin and Aran Islands areas, with the family involved in the local fishing industry for many years before founding Cliffs of

lStar of Doolin

Moher Cruises and Aran Island ferry service in 1999.

Director and Owner of the Liscannor Ferry Company, Eugene Garrihy said, “We felt the timing was now right after discussions within our family. My father and brothers are steeped in the traditions and connections between the Aran Islands and Doolin, starting with fishing and ultimately moving on to the ferry business 23 years ago. I’d like to recognise the hard work of my brothers Joe, PJ and Donie, along with our loyal employees, in building a business that carries over 100,000 passengers per annum”.

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Martin Hayes pays tribute to late friend Dennis Cahill PÁRAIC MCMAHON

K

paraic@clareecho.ie

ILLANENA'S Martin Hayes has penned a beautiful tribute to his musical partner and dear friend, Dennis Cahill.

Regarded as one of the most innovative and finest guitarists in traditional music, Dennis Cahill died on Monday of last week in Chicago and not Co Clare as mistakenly stated in last week’s edition.

It was in Chicago where Hayes and Cahill first formed what would become one of the most iconic partnerships in Irish traditional music. The Clare man from the Maghera mountain moved to the States after some business ventures did not take off while Cahill, the son of Kerry parents, would prove to be an influential and calming figure in the career of the world renowned fiddler.

Cahill had been ill for two years before his death, with his wife Mary by his side at the time of his passing. Moments previously, The Lament from Limerick from his album with Martin had been on in the background.

Both Martin and Dennis knew each for over 35 years, verbally they may not have

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

expressed their true regard for one another but they were aware of their shared loyalty and love, “that feeling of trust was always there in such a way that we never had to talk about it. We really were great friends, we loved each other and we really had a hell of an adventure”.

While sitting in Manchester Airport on Tuesday last, Martin admitted he was unable to listen to their recordings as he would have been unable to keep his composure.

“It was kind of fitting that I found myself in an airport for many hours yesterday, maybe we spent more time together in airports than anywhere else. We’d often meet at the gate of some connecting flight, you having come from Chicago and me from wherever I was living at the time. I’d be searching for that backward slanting baseball cap in the crowd, or sometimes just your shaved head.

"Yesterday in the distance I spotted somebody from the back with a shaved head and a black T-shirt, and for an instant I had that familiar momentary jolt of thinking I’d just found you. I suspect that I will be having that experience for some time to come. You might have looked like someone else with a shaved head and black T-shirt, but in reality I never knew anyone remotely like you.

"You were one of a kind, a very special

l ICONIC PARTNERSHIP: Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill Photo by Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh

blend of talent, humility, grace and good humour”.

“We came from different musical worlds, but together, we made our own world of music and I think we made a difference. I am

forever indebted to you and grateful to you for all those magic years of music, friendship and fun. Safe journey onwards, you got the early boarding again, but I’ll see you at the other end. I love you”.

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THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

logistics service on the former Finsa Forest site.

It has been a source of great pride in East Clare that the Waterways Ireland Western Regional HQ was established in Scariff as one of the North South Implementation Bodies under the British/ Irish Agreement in 1999 and continues to be an important presence today.

A fantastic and varied range of land and water-based events will take place for the festival. Street activities will bring the town alive with an open-air market, scouting capers from the 10th Clare Scariff/Mountshannon Scout Group, magic and comedy with Oisin Foley and Zumba with Taylor, a Latin inspired fitness dance programme for everyone. Bands have always been a feature of the festival and none more so than this year. Talks and walks will also continue to feature.

Visit https://www.scariffharbourfestival.ie/ for more information and the full programme of events.

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Scariff Harbour Festival to maintain Northern links

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paraic@clareecho.ie

OLITICAL success of the Alliance Party will be among the talking points at the Waterways Ireland Scariff Harbour Festival which returns at the end of July.

A significant change in political allegiance followed the huge electoral success of the Alliance Party in Northern Ireland last May. In the heartland of unionism, Stewart Dickson returned two seats for the Alliance Party in East Antrim for the first time with his running mate Danny Donnelly. Dickson will outline the impact of the Alliance Party’s success for people North & South of the border, when he officially opens the upcoming Scariff Harbour Festival.

Running from the 29th to 31st of July, the festival returns after a two year absence. Chairman of the organising committee, Michael Rodgers outlined, “Although pri-

lBUILDING RELATIONSHIPS: Scariff Harbour Festival Commitee Members Harry O'Meara, Karina O'Brien and Mike Rodgers Photo by Natasha Barton

marily a family festival, we continue to maintain a link with Northern Ireland, set down when the

festival and our relationship with Waterways Ireland began in 2003”.

This year will also be the first of

“a new supportive relationship” with EKO Integrated Services who now operate a warehousing and

Wheelchair user 'a prisoner in own home'

by PÁRAIC McMAHON ONE Lahinch wheelchair user is “living as a prisoner in his home,” an elected representative has claimed.

At a recent sitting of the West Clare Municipal District, Cllr Shane Talty (FF) proposed that either dished kerbing or ramps be installed along the footpaths serving the front row of houses in the Council’s owned housing estate on Station Rd in Lahinch.

Talty explained, “these houses are designated for older people and currently among the residents, there is a wheelchair user and a mobility aid user”.

Dropped kerbs would be required in

this particular setting for numerous entrances, senior executive engineer, Enda MacNamara outlined. “These works will be added to the schedule of works for 2022 and will be completed later this year subject to funding being available for footpath works”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Talty commented, “there is a wheelchair user living as a prisoner in his own home because he can’t go past the front gate”. He added, “it is a relatively inexpensive piece of work that needs to be done but it would be transformative for the residents”.

Similar issues are cropping up in Kilkee estates, Cllr Cillian Murphy (FF) flagged.

Principal appointed for new North Clare school ORLA Conway has been appointed as the principal for the new Ennistymon Community School which is to open in 2023, writes Páraic McMahon.

Currently Acting Principal at Ennistymon Vocational School, she previously served as Assistant Principal along with roles the

PDST Leadership Team and a former Associate with the NIPT. She taught Business, LCVP, SPHE and also taught children who have additional needs.

Her own education began at Cree NS and St Joseph’s in Spanish Point. She obtained further qualifications at UCC, Mary Immaculate

College, Maynooth and the University of Limerick.

“I see this opportunity as both challenging and exciting and I’m really looking forward to working collaboratively with the entire school community to create a positive learning culture for students and staff,” the Cree woman said.

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THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

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THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Last night as I lay dreaming...

Photographer Chris Copley captures the return of the 400 year old Spancil Hill Fair PÁRAIC MCMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

PANCIL Hill’s “once a year traffic jams” returned as the famed Horse Fair brought with it crowds in excess of 4,000 in atten-

dance.

Four centuries of history were celebrated with the return of the Spancil Hill Horse Fair which had been cancelled for the past two years due to COVID-19.

Cancellations also occurred in 1921 and 2001 on account of the War of Independence and the Foot and Mouth disease.

Uncertainty clouded over this year’s Fair due to the committee’s difficulty in securing an insurance quote, however an intervention by Clare County Council to extend its public liability cover on foot of requests from Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy (FF), Cllr PJ Kelly (FF), Cllr Pat Hayes (FF), Cllr Pat Burke (FG) and Cllr Joe Cooney (FG) in April saved the day.

“It’s back with a bang,” declared PRO and local vet, Paddy Hassett.

The Fair was open since 6am on Thursday with crowds coming from the four corners of Ireland bringing with it “once a year traffic jams” to Spancil Hill.

Horse prices have risen, Paddy noted with the level of interest in horses and ponies increasing over the past two years. Back in the 1930s and 1940s, cattle, sheep and pigs were sold at the Fair.

Sales were referenced at the AGM of the County Council with Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) praising the local authority for its input.

“It was an outstanding two days that went off well, my colleague PJ Kelly had a horse that was wind sucking, there is someone gone back to Athlone with a dud of a horse,” he quipped.

An Athlone punter may be cursing the veteran politician but Hassett referenced the weather curse that clouds over the Fair. “The priest curse is still on, there is a bit of a mist, back in the 1940s there was a heatwave one year, before bottled water came, the locals sold water from the well here and the priest announced from the altar they would never have a full clear day in Spancilhill without rain, it’s true”.

lFAIR DAY: (this page and opposite) Spancil Hill Fair took place last week, after a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 400 year old tradition had only been cancelled twice in recorded history, once in 1921 due to the War of Independence and in 2001 when Foot and Mouth disease rocked the country Photos by Chris Copley

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

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16 COLUMNIST

Be thankful

RONAN SCULLY

Thought for the week

I

AGREE with Robert Louis Stevenson, when he wrote, “The person who forgets to be thankful has fallen asleep in life”. Unfortunately, because the beauties of life are so abundant, sometimes we take them for granted.

The Awareness of Gratitude

I have a memory of my teacher Mrs. Carroll in first year asking us to write a short essay describing the things in our lives for which we were thankful.

I sat for the longest time just staring at that piece of paper. I couldn’t think of a thing for which I was thankful. I was surrounded by gifts, but I didn’t recognize them as gifts, and so I couldn’t begin to express my gratitude for them.

I naively assumed that everyone had food and clothing, a loving family and a comfortable home. I was unaware of how privileged I was to enjoy these things on a daily basis, and simply took them for granted.

Gratitude springs from the awareness that we have been given a gift. Often this awareness comes upon us in sudden and unexpected ways. We are walking along and suddenly our breath is taken away by the beauty of the various seasons, or we are talking with a close friend and suddenly we realize what a gift this person has been to us.

We’ve been given a gift: something has come to us from outside ourselves – something unexpected and even undeserved – and our lives have been enriched by it. We feel grateful. This awareness can rise in us suddenly and unexpectedly, but it can also be cultivated. We can develop our awareness, and learn to practice gratitude.

Learning to see with eyes of gratitude, becoming more aware of the gifts that surround us on every side, is an ability that needs to be kept alive through constant practice.

There is not much in our culture that encourages this sense of wonder or that leads us to gratitude. More often, we are

seduced into thinking that we need to acquire more in order to be truly happy and fulfilled. The advertising that assaults us each day encourages us to be greedy for more gifts. Our neighbors or co-workers describe to us their latest purchases with a sense of pride and satisfaction, as if these things were proof of their personal importance and worth.

If we listen to these voices, we won’t feel much gratitude. Instead, we’ll start thinking we don’t have enough and that we need to get more…and more…and more. To resist the lure of voices that tell us we don’t have enough takes courage and determination.

We can nurture a spirit of gratitude by cultivating our awareness that we are surrounded by gifts.

But to become aware of these gifts is not enough.

Gratitude moves beyond the recognition of the gift to the recognition of the giver. In some ways, the gift itself is secondary in importance. What is more important is the exchange that takes place when we express our gratitude. The offering of the gift is only complete when we receive it with gratitude, and when that gratitude is expressed.

Without the expression of gratitude, something is missing, for both the giver of the gift and the one who receives it.

Thought for the week

As you’re thought for the week, be thankful for what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Live life with no excuse and love with no regrets. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence.

Prepare for the future without fear. In closing I would like to give you this prayer of gratitude that I have adapted to suit what I am grateful for and maybe you should try and adapt it for what you are grateful and thankful for in your life today. "Lord, I thank You with profound gratitude for the countless blessings in my life.

Help me to daily be-

come more aware of those blessings and to be grateful for them.

Help me to see that life itself is a gift and that You are active in my life day and night. Help me to especially see these blessings when life is hard, or when some burden weighs me down. May I be filled with a grateful heart and always rejoice in Your goodness. Jesus, I trust in You. Thank you, God. I’m grateful for so many things that you have given me. I am so grateful for the gift of life that you have given me with all its ups and downs. Without you I wouldn’t be here. Without you nothing would be here. Without you nothing would be at all. I’m grateful for my beautiful and loving parents.

I am so grateful for my job. It’s not always a bed of roses, but at least I have a place to work and I am able to make ends meet. That’s more than many people have. Help me to be a good co-worker, to give people the benefit of the doubt, to care for the people and children who are in need and in extreme poverty with whom I work. And help me remember that all work done freely and with a loving heart is worthy in your sight.

I’m grateful for all the things that I know many people in this world don’t have. And that’s a long list. So I’m grateful for the food. And clean water that is easily available. And clothes.

And a roof over my head and my family's head. And heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. I’m grateful that I can go to the doctor and get a check up and even get shots to help me avoid illness. That’s a lot more than most people have. Help me to be grateful, and help me remember that I can help those who have less by being generous, caring, compassionate, merciful and loving. That’s one way of thanking you. Most of all, God, I’m grateful for your presence in my life.

You’re everywhere, and if I remember to pay attention I can see your invitation to meet you at every moment of the day.

I know that it is you who turn my mind to thoughts of gratitude and I pray to you to be more mindful of the positive during this day than the negative. Amen."

Eoin Neylon

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

An inside look at Clare’s political spectrum

Hope for rural areas

F

OR well over a decade the decline of rural Ireland seems like it had been allowed to continue unabated.

This is no news to many of the readers of this paper who live in rural Clare and have seen banks, schools, social clubs, businesses and sports clubs all close their doors over the past while. Hence news that Co. Clare has registered a 7.2% population growth over the last six years will come as welcome news to communities that have been fearing oblivion.

Coupled with that, the arrival of new refugees, and with them a renewed vibrancy in western communities, albeit on the back of awful circumstances, has given much hope to the future of large areas of Ireland’s west coast.

Whereas the refugees will largely return home once the horror unfolding there has ceased, the sense of renewal that they will leave in their wake will long stand to the communities. This contribution from these people, who have been to hell and back, deserves acknowledgement. I firmly believe that without them, and the spotlight their resettlement in rural communities brought to the dearth of services in these areas, that we would still not be in a position where balanced investment would be on the cards for rural Ireland.

All that appears to be changing, however.

News at the start of this month filtered through of a €30 million investment by Government, spread over 3 years, into the rural Post Office network. This represented a major departure from previous Governments, headed by Fine Gael lest we forget, where the

network was seen as cumbersome, antiquated and too far gone to save.

Many previous comments from officials labelled investment in the rural Post Office network as a waste of taxpayer money, however that did not perturb campaigners.

Most notable in this was the establishment of the Independent Post Masters Group (IPMU) and their persistent campaign, backed hugely by the Rural Independents group of TDs along with numerous Government backbench TDs. Finally, the message seemed to get through; here is an established business and community focal point, around which service provision can be based.

An obvious win to most, but not to the largely urban based civil servants that seemingly couldn’t fathom being able to lodge money to your bank account, apply for a diving licence and posting a letter in the same building. Perish the logic in that! Yet this funding will not secure the long-term viability issue for the POs. Since January 2018, some 190 POs have closed their doors permanently. This leaves a little over 900 still in operation. Government badly needs to roll out a full swath of services throughout the network, not just to keep the doors of these businesses open, but to make rural Ireland a more attractive area in which to live. In the age of working from home and wanting people to have more options to live more sustainably, surely having basic services in your local village is far more environmentally friendly that forcing people to drive to the nearest large town or city just to avail of some basic civil services?

If Ireland is serious about

becoming the green capital of Europe, allowing our citizens to live more sustainable lives in this way is as important as building new renewable energy capacity.

The population of County Clare according to the census now stands at 127,419. With the constitutional cap of 30,000 people per TD being required, the above figure is roughly 4.25 TDs. That figure would put the county at least 1,419 people over the 5% tolerance in terms of the representative allowance on 2022 figures alone.

This means either more boundary shifts will be required to keep Clare on the right side of this limit, or else Clare could be granted an additional TD. I would hazard a thought though that the expansion of either the Tipperary or Limerick City constituency boundaries are the more likely scenario though. In practise, if this option was to be followed through on, it would require a transfer of some 3,000 people to a neighbouring constituency.

This is potentially bad news for a number of TDs or hopefuls.

If Limerick City is to expand, it would be a huge blow to Cathal Crowe, who was recently singled out for praise in the Postmasters’ campaign. He polls well in his home area immediately bordering Limerick. Similarly, if Killaloe and surrounding areas were to go to Tipperary it could spell disaster for the chances of Timmy Dooley to regain a Dáil seat or perhaps end Michael McNamara’s chances of retaining his.

An electoral commission will now be tasked with the role of dividing up the numbers to meet the constitutional requirements.

One thing is for sure though, the Dáil chamber is going to need more seats.

NEWS 17

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Bottle bank squashed SHANNON Leisure Centre will not be used as the location for a mobile bring bank site in the town, despite pleas from local representatives, writes Páraic McMahon.

In 2017, Clare County Council removed the bottle bank from Shannon Leisure Centre. A recycling centre remains in operation in Smithstown. According to Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) the decision to remove the bottle bank “has inconvenienced" people with limited access to the Recycling Centre. He asked that a mobile unit be provided within the environs of Shannon Town. "I would suggest possible one day a week on a trial basis”.

Senior engineer with the Council’s water services and

environment section, Cyril Feeney explained that the original site at the Leisure Centre “is no longer suitable due to resurfacing works at the centre which will not facilitate the turning movements of the collection vehicles which service the bring banks without potentially damaging the new surface”.

Efforts are ongoing to have an additional bring bank facility in Shannon, Feeney confirmed. “The site will need to be readily accessible for safe vehicular access and be in a well lit area to facilitate users. We are currently investigating the ownership and suitability of a number of sites. It is not possible at the time to provide a mobile unit due to transport logistics and the provision

of a suitable site but we will continue to look to provide a permanent location,” he stated.

Speaking at a sitting of the Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Flynn voiced his unhappiness with the response.

The Smithstown recycling centre incorporates the entire MD, he noted while reinforcing his call for a dedicated facility for the town to aid the individuals with mobility issues that have struggled to get to Smithstown. “I thought the mobile service suggestion was reasonable, it would afford people who used to walk to the bottle bank the comfort by having it there for half a day a week.

It should be worked on, I’m not happy with response,” he said.

Rail spur deemed 'biggest prospect' lPUBLIC TRANSPORT: Ennis Train Station Photo by Firestone

PÁRAIC MCMAHON

D

paraic@clareecho.ie

ELIVERING a rail link can provide Shannon Airport with a unique selling point that competitors in the country will not be able to match.

Provision of a rail spur to Shannon Airport is referenced in the €165bn National Development Plan which runs from 2021 to 2030 while it is also one of the key aspects of the revised draft Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS).

Speaking at a briefing with Shannon Airport management, Cllr Pat Daly (FF) recalled visiting the Airport as a young boy where “thousands of young people were going to New York City and Boston. Shannon was up against it since the 1990s, Limerick and Galway have huge populations but the sad thing is a lot of Galway people are going to Dublin Airport.

"I don’t know what is wrong, I met people from Laois and Offaly who flew out of Shannon and found it great, it is important

to market the Midlands, they’re avoiding Dublin and it could be Shannon’s gain”.

Every effort must be made to make the mooted rail link a reality, the Ennis native said.

“The biggest prospect that Dublin can’t deliver is a rail link. If you’re in Athlone, Galway or Thurles, you can sit in the train and you would be brought directly into the Airport. Shannon Group should push it in a big way”.

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine acknowledged that the rail link “is very important”. She explained, “it is something we’ve reflected in our own submission on the feasibility study and we also made a strong submission for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy”.

Plans for a rail link are at “very early stages,” with work ongoing with the Department of Transport she stated while expressing hope of the potential boost the “more longer-term project” would bring to Shannon.

Another aim of management is to secure access to a strategic hub in Europe, “it is something we’re actively working on,” Mary commented while referencing the importance of their routes to Paris and London.

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NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

New Municipal District Mayors announced lPOLITICS: Mayor of Killaloe Municpal District Cllr Alan O’Callaghan (FF) (far left); Mayor of Shannon Municipal District Cllr Michael Begley (IND) (centre) and Mayor of the West Clare Municipal District Cllr Shane Talty (FF) (right).To read the full stories of how they plan to use their time as Cathaoirleach of their respective districts, scan the QR code with your phone or visit clareecho.ie

Photos by Eamon Ward

'MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND'

l PÚCA: The Púca has finally been unveiled in its new home at the Michael Cusack Cen-

tre. Commenting about his first piece of public art, the Kilkenny artist Aidan Hart described the Púca as one of Irish folklore’s great characters. “Douglas Hyde, the first President of Ireland (1938-45), described ‘a terrible steed’ carrying mortals to fairyland on his back,” he said. “Catch him in the right mood, said Hyde, and the Púca tells fortunes and grants wishes. People who never heard these stories want to know if the Púca is bad or good. He’s neither. Like the rest of us he’s inconsistent”. He added, “They tried to cancel the Púca and they have failed. Now having it in Carron is an opportunity for people in Clare to go see what people didn’t want them to see and for them to make up their own minds.” Pictured L-R Dónal Ó hAiniféin, Chair of the Board of Michael Cusack Centre and Artist Aidan Harte at the unveiling at The Michael Cusack Centre in Carran Photo by Arthur Ellis

Maternity leave granted

M

ORE women will be inclined to enter politics following approval for the provision of maternity leave for councillors across the country, a Clare Senator has said, writes Páraic McMahon.

On Tuesday, Cabinet approved a scheme to allow county and city councillors to take paid maternity leave and will give them the choice to appoint an individual as a temporary substitute in their absence for 26 Currently female councillors are office-holders rather than employees and are not covered by the statutory framework for employees on issues such as maternity leave. By making a leg-

islative provision for female councillors to access maternity leave under the Maternity Protection Act 1994, councillors will be entitled to the same rights as female employees, and those with the relevant PRSI contributions.

Senator Roisin Garvey (GP) is one of two female Oireachtas members for Clare, in 2019 she became the first woman elected to the Ennistymon local electoral area of Clare County Council. “This legislation could not come quick enough. In my work I encourage women to become engaged in politics. It is very difficult to do so when there are no maternity supports.

I hope that this will lead to

more women considering becoming councillors. When only four of 28 councillors in Clare are women, we have a lot of work to do to improve gender balance,” she stated.

“In the Green Party, half of our elected representatives are women. This scheme will allow for the increased participation of women in local government, which will have a positive knock-on effect for politics at large.

An equal Ireland can only be achieved when we have women’s voices at the highest offices in local government and beyond,” the Inagh native added.

Following Cabinet approval, the draft legislation will be prepared and will pass through the Oireachtas.

NEWS

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

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SUN SHINES FOR KILNAMONA SUMMER PARTY

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CROWD 200 strong gathered together at the newly refurbished Community Centre for Kilnamona’s Summer Party last weekend, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Organised by the Kilnamona Development Association, the event aimed to bring neighbours together for chat, fun and food.

Luckily, there was a break in the weather so there was plenty of

sunshine with only a few scattered showers.

The event had something for all age groups including face-painting, giant games, kids cinema, music, raffle, a baking competition and a tug of war challenge. There was a range of food and refreshments on offer including a BBQ. Trina Rynne, chairperson of Kilnamona Development Association said: “It was a fabulous

event and we were delighted to do it. Those of us in the organisation feel that it is so important to bring our community together with events like these. The turnout was great and after a tough 2 years of restrictions it was lovely to see people of all ages socialising. Positive vibes all around.

We’d like to thank everyone that helped out on the day, supported us with prizes and their time as well as everyone who came”.

l COMMUNITY: (clockwise from left) Face-painting gets underway at Kilnamona’s Summer Party; everyone gets stuck in to the Tug of War; Patrick O’Loughlin and Oliver O’Neill enjoy a chat

Photos by Áine Dillon

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Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Féile Brian Ború back with a bang STUART HOLLY

F

editor@clareecho.ie

ÉILE Brian Ború takes place for the 29th time in Killaloe-Ballina next week, in what promises to be a unique celebration of the area.

The Féile Brian Ború website (http:// www.feilebrianboru.com/) explains that the festival celebrates the life and legacy of Ború, Ireland’s most famous high king and the most famous son of the twin towns. However, a quick glance at the festival programme and it’s clear that the event (which runs Wednesday July 6 to Sunday July 10) has evolved into something much more than that.

“It has really,” admits Treasurer Arlene White, who has been on the Féile Brian Ború committee since 2001. “That was the initial thing, that it would be a commemoration of Brian Ború over the years but it’s become a celebration of the town and everything we have to offer. So it’s not only history and heritage, it’s arts, culture, and the water which is a huge part as well.”

Much of the activities are “linked back to Brian Ború” in a nod to the festival’s origins. Art workshops with emphasis on fairies, warriors, swords, shields, and battle flags; a talk in Brian Ború fort on the wild food that was consumed at the time of Ború; a historical lecture in St Flannan’s Cathedral which kicks off proceedings on Wednesday.

However, life on Lough Derg lends itself to the outdoors and this is also reflected in the festival programme. There are kayaking taster sessions on the canal; sailing taster sessions with the sailing club on the lake; an LED flyboarding display; guided walking tours of Killaloe and St Flannan’s Cathedral; Thrive, a local gym, is offering a free fitness class from Wednesday to Saturday; and of course the popular fireworks display on Saturday night which is expected to attract thousands of revellers.

And that’s only touching on a five-day programme

packed with activities and outings, including a garden party at the Lakeside Hotel, a dogshow in aid of Limerick Animal Weelfare, a gardening workshop, the inaugrial classic car and coffee event, and an emergency services open day which will include a centenary exhibition at the garda station.

Arlene notes her gratitude for support from the local community but admits it’s a “fairly hectic” time for the committee of four which also includes Cillian O’Mara, Eugene McDonagh and Paddy Collins. She adds that the presence of former chairperson John Grimes is sorely missed since he passed away in January 2021. “He had been involved for so long, since 1993, and it wouldn’t have kept going without him.

He loved Killaloe, loved the Féile and the sailing, the St Patrick’s Day parade, anything to do with the community.”

While a hybrid version of the event was held last year which was “very much online”, Arlene says she’s most excited about seeing visitors and locals filling the streets for the duration of the highly-anticipated festival.

“I think it will just be nice to see people out enjoying the events, the fireworks or the watching the flyboarding display, getting on the water. Just to see people out enjoying themselves, it’s been a long time, it’s 2019 since we had a proper event.

“In a sense running it online last year has showed us that we can change things up a little bit. We did a Brian Boru Boogie – a mobile disco – and we’re doing it again this year where our DJ will go around in a truck or a van to two different locations for the kids to dance for around 45 minutes. So, it has changed things a little bit, hopefully for the better.”

Arlene notes the support of Clare County Council and Tipperary County Council, and despite being from the Eastern side of the bridge she insists, “I class it as one town and a lot of people do,” conceding, “In hurling terms, it’s the only time it’s an issue.”

Arlene encourages people to arrive and enjoy proceedings however some events must be booked in advance on Eventbrite via the website or Facebook page.

For more info, visit http://www.feilebrianboru.com/

lFÉILE FUN: (above) Fireworks will adorn the skies and (below) and LED flyboarding display is promised

Martina Durac named Artistic Director of EBCF

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON NNIS Book Club Festival has appointed a new artistic director who holds strong links to Scariff and West Clare.

Martina Durac who was the director and producer of the acclaimed TG4 documentary series on The Burren succeeds Dani Gill in the role, the Galway woman has joined the board of the EBCF following her two year stint.

Although a native of Limerick City, Martina has strong ties to Co Clare. Her father came from Scariff, and many of her childhood

summers were spent in West Clare.

In recent years she had the chance to celebrate this with the making of an award-winning documentary series, An Bhoirinn/The Burren which she directed and produced for TG4.

2023’s festival has been set for the first weekend of March with Martina and the committee now beginning the preparations.

“It is a great honour to have been appointed as the new Artistic Director of the Festival. Not only does it afford me the opportunity to deepen my relationship to Ennis and Clare but also to take up the mantle for a wonderful festival

that champions both readers and writers alike. It is with great enthusiasm that I join with the committee in planning for the next festival and look forward to meeting all the readers and writers who will join us on the journey,” Martina commented of her appointment.

For over 25 years, Martina has been a documentary film maker, curator, designer and lecturer.

With a particular interest in art, nature and community she has explored these in her projects, whether observing the lives of coastal communities and wild landscapes, the work and lives of writers, musicians and painters,

drug-free environments, or musical gatherings.

She was the originator and series producer on a long-running weekly books programme on RTÉ called Imprint which featured many memorable interviews with writers such as Eavan Boland, Brendan Kenneally, Joe O’Connor, Gore Vidal and Maeve Binchy.

Durac also made the weekly arts programme, Soiscéal Pháraic, for TG4, which ran for five years and featured many writers.

Her work has been intimately connected with the world of the arts and writing for many years.

She directed a documentary on the

writer Hugo Hamilton and produced a documentary on Patrick Kavanagh.

A member of the Documentary Alliance of the Screen Directors Guild of Ireland where sits on its board, Martina also served on the board of the European Documentary Network (based in Copenhagen) for two years.

She is a member of the European Women’s Audiovisual Network (EWA) and Women in Film & Television (Ireland). She was a member of the jury for best documentary series of 2020 for the International Documentary Association.

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

NEWS

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COLUMNIST

SIMPLE HAKE EN PAPILLOTE

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Emily says it best with poem

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

S

CARIFF Community College have named the winner of the inaugural Edna O’Brien Award for creative writing, writes Páraic McMahon.

Emily Chen’s poem ‘They Say’ was selected as the best entry, she will receive €100 and be presented with the Edna O’Brien perpetual trophy for creative writing in Scariff Community College which will be formally presented to her at the beginning of the next academic year.

Galway poet and filmmaker, Luke Morgan was the judge for the competition.

He stated, “It was an honour to judge the entries for the inaugural Edna O’Brien Creative Writing Award for Scarriff Community College.

"It was truly inspirational to see the legacy of one of our most treasured writers has left on the young people of this area. Seriously, there must be something in the water!

"I was blown away by the standard of the entries. I feel like the future of creative writing in Ireland right now is in safe hands”.

On the successful entry, he said, “For me, the winner has got to be “They Say”. It’s creative, it’s daring and ambitious, and it’s topical. Congratulations to the poet who wrote it, I am very jealous”.

Exhibiting an excellent demonstration of

lPOETRY: Emily Chen

palindrome poetry, a poem which can be also be read backwards, Emily’s work touches on hypocrisy, humanity, sustainability and biodiversity.

'We are hear for you' Kearney Cooks

C

OOKING fish "En Papillote" sounds like something incredibly fancy and French. Well, it is French, but it ain't fancy. In fact, it is one of the easiest methods to cook fish that I know of and is a staple in many french homes.

There are three things you need to make this dish a success, a good flaky fish such as cod or hake, veggies that cook quick such as onions, peppers or peas and the ability to wrap all that stuff up in a little parchment paper parcel.

If you want to get an idea of what I'm talking about I will put an instructional video up on my Instagram at the weekend @kearneycooks.

Also with this dish, don't be freaked out that it's presented in a little paper parcel, that's how it is served in France and should be

presented this way wherever you go. Anyways, enough jibbering from me, onto the recipe.

YOU WILL NEED (per person) • 1 square of parchment paper about the size of a page of the Clare Echo • 1 piece of hake • 4 cooked baby potatoes • 1/4 of an onion sliced finely • 1/4 bell pepper sliced finely • 1/4 carrot sliced wafer thin • 1 clove of garlic, crushed • 1 slice of lemon • 20 g butter • 10ml white wine • Two sprigs of dill or parsley • Salt and pepper to season Step One Lay your parchment paper on your work surface.

Put your spuds in the cen-

tre, the veggies on top of the spuds, and then the fish on top of the veg. Season with salt and pepper and then top with the butter, lemon and herbs. Finally pour a drizzle of wine over the fish.

Step Two Wrap your fish up by folding over the sides of the parchment and sealing the ends. Kind of like a parcel.

Bung your parcel into an oven dish and fire that into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 180 degrees.

Step Three Serve your fish in its paper parcel, on a plate. Don't try and fancy this dish up with sides or fancy plating.

It should be served simply, as it was cooked. Serve with some white wine, preferably Italian and not French as I am still sour over the Henry Handball.

Enjoy

Steve K

THIS July, Samaritans Ennis and Clare is reminding the public that its volunteers are here around the clock to offer a listening ear to anyone who is struggling to cope.

Amid continuing uncertainty, Samaritans Ennis and Clare is highlighting the power of talking as part of the charity’s annual Talk to Us awareness campaign which takes place throughout July.

As part of Talk to Us month, branches across the UK and Ireland will mark Samaritans Awareness Day on Sunday 24 July, one of the most important days in the charity’s calendar, to help spread the message that volunteers are available to listen to anyone who is struggling - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Samaritans Ennis and Clare Branch Director, Margaret MacMahon said: “We’re looking forward to spreading the word about Talk to Us in person this July. Now that the pandemic restrictions have lifted, our volunteers will be walking 7 km around Ennis at 7pm on 24/7 (24th July) to make sure people know that we are always available 24/7.

“It's been a challenging few years and we know that many people are still facing all kinds of pressure, however, we want to remind the public that they are not alone. It doesn’t matter how great or small the problems feel, our volunteers are here at any time of day or night, whatever they are facing.”

Volunteers from Clare Samaritans will be chatting to the community to raise awareness of its emotional support service and encourage people to get in touch if they need support. Members of the Clare community are invited to come and talk to volunteers to find out more about the branch and its work in the local area too.

Volunteers from Clare Samaritans will be

starting the walk on 24 July at 7pm from their branch on the Kilrush road. If people in the local community would like to join us,we can talk about our services and provide emotional support to anyone who may need it.

Samaritans’ volunteers across the UK and Republic of Ireland spent over one million hours responding to calls for help last year and continue to be there for anyone struggling to cope.

Peadar White is completing a stationary cycle on Saturday July 9th in Support of the Samaritans at the Height in O’Connell Ennis from 9am-6pm. Please support in situ at the bucket collection or virtually through the following link https://www.idonate.ie/ fundraiser/11442872_peadar-white-cyclefor-samaritans-ennis-and-clare.html Can you run walk or cycle a marathon (26.2 miles) or more in July and get sponsorship in aid of Samaritans Ennis and Clare or alternatively donate to one of our volunteers?

A personal Samarathon fundraiser can be generated via iDonate Samarathon or Enthuse samarathon see links below.

Alternatively a financial contribution can be made to our volunteer Ann Gillan who is taking part in Samarathon ,also using either of these two virtual links: https://www.idonate.ie/ fundraiser/11442879_samarathon-completea-marathon---walk--run-or-cycle--for-thesamaritans-in-july.html or https://samarathon.enthuse.com/ samaritansennisclare/profile Alternatively a cheque or cash can either be dropped in or posted to Samaritans Ennis and Clare Kilrush Road V95 V004.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, or you can email jo@ samaritans.ie

COMMUNITY 23

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Community

CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

CLOONEY QUIN/KILMALEY

lFÉILE: The Clooney Quin panel (left and the Kilmaley panel (right) which took part in the John West Féile na nGael Division One National Camogie and Hurling Finals, 2022 at the GAA National Games Development Centre Campus, Abbotstown, Dublin on Saturday. Eighty club sides from Ireland, the UK, Europe and US competed in the final stages of the under-15 competition across Dublin and Meath. Sponsored for the seventh time by John West, it is one of the biggest underage sporting events on the continent Photos by Fintan Clarke

KILKEE

ENNISTYMON

lHOMETREE: From left to right: Martin Duhig (Board member TFI Local Link Limerick Clare), students of Kilkee Community School, Karen Foley (Environmental Awareness Officer Clare County Council) and Rebecca Conlon (Vice Principal Kilkee Community College) KILKEE CC WIN TFI COMPETITION Kilkee Community College came out on top in the competitive TFI Local Link Limerick Clare competition. They received €500 for a school environmental project. The project the students chose to invest it in was the enclosed school garden to support biodiversity and produce a sensory garden

for fellow students who have additional educational needs. They will purchase a water fountain and plants to fulfil the idea of sensory for students on the autistic spectrum. The second part of the students prize was transport for a day trip to Tayto park. The last part of the prize was one work experience placement for 2 weeks.

KILRUSH WILDLIFE OF WEST CLARE KILRUSH Library are hosting a talk by Elaine Keegan, Wildlife Ranger, on Monday the 4th July @12 noon, for children aged 6 – 12 years on the Wildlife of West Clare, including the wonderful wild plants

and animals found in the area. It will be illustrated with beautiful photos as well as some furry friends. Free Event. All are welcome. Contact Kilrush Library on 065 9051504 or email kilrush@clarelibrary.ie to book your place.

SIXMILEBRIDGE/BALLYVAUGHAN RED CROSS FUNDRAISER THE Irish Red Cross Clare will hold a fundraiser this Friday at Crowes Gala Sixmilebridge from 8.15am to 5.30pm and on Saturday at Village Stores and

Ballyvaughan Service Station from 8.15am to 5.30pm.

All funds raised is for our Training Unit and Ambulance centre.

Please give generously.

lHOMETREE: Ray O’ Foghlu leads the group to an ancient forest where Daniel Buckley and James Rainey discuss the future of native woodlands Photo by Patrick Cross NATIVE TREES TAKE CENTRE STAGE HOMETREE Charity hosted their first ever Ardnaculla Summer School last weekend in Ennistymon.

What began as a community garden project in West Clare in 2015, has grown into a woodland creation charity, with a range of projects aimed at connecting people with nature while addressing the climate change crisis and Ireland’s declining biodiversity.

The weekend brought together people from all across Ireland, connecting and engaging through talks, workshops and panel discussions mixed in with some live music

and food at Pot Duggans.

Organising and hosting the event involved an incredible amount of work from both the fulltime and voluntary members of staff, which have helped Hometree, grow so rapidly.

The success, which Hometree has had to date, shows how a small community group can grow into something, which can make a difference at a larger scale. Engagement and Education Officer at Hometree, Ray O’ Foghlu says “native woodlands are a fundamental part of our heritage, our history and our culture is saturated with them”.

Visit hometree.ie

QUIN TIDY TOWNS DUE to the inclement weather on Monday night the Litter Pick with the Primary School children had to be cancelled. We're rescheduling to July 11th at 7.30pm and all are welcome.

Next Monday the wonderful Community Games group are coming out to help us once

again to keep our village spick and span.

During the summer holidays it is imperative that we all remain committed to our plan of keeping Quin clean and tidy.

Dog littering is still around and we appeal to all dog owners to act responsibly please.

"LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE" is a good slogan to remember.

24

RECRUITMENT

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

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

Shannon Airport needs to push itself as 'low carbon alternative' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

ONVERSATIONS have taken place between the Minister for Transport and US officials on making Shannon Airport the “sustainable” option for flights between Ireland and America.

Shannon Airport needs to be marketed “as the low carbon alternative,” Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) stated.

During engagements with Shannon Group management and US authorities, Minister Ryan has been pushing how Shannon Airport can capitalise by going greener.

“What I’m saying to Shannon Airport

and have been saying to US authorities in the States, let’s go back to what Shannon has always historically been which is the nearest connection point between North America and Europe, whichever of the new sustainable transport fuels are available and they are evolving because every sector has to move to this cleaner future, we will provide those in Shannon and that starts to bring Shannon back relevant again as the low carbon alternative. For the region, that’s where the world is going,” he said.

lSUSTAINABILITY:Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan at Shannon Airport

Photo by Arthur Ellis

LET YOUR CAREER TAKE-OFF WITH ASL AIRLINES Aircraft Maintenance and Engineering Apprenticeship Scheme Shannon Airport ASL Airlines Ireland is part of a world-leading aviation services group with 140 aircraft, a global cargo network and passenger services in Europe and Africa.

Our new apprenticeship scheme will start in September this year and we now invite applications to become ASL Apprentice Aircraft Maintenance Engineers based in our Shannon Hangar.

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This ASL apprenticeship scheme has been established in partnership with Solas, the government body responsible for apprenticeships in conjunction with the Educational Training Board (ETB).

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25

Burrane NS smash targets THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

STUART HOLLY

B

editor@clareecho.ie

lJUNIOR ENTREPRENEURS: Thomas Kelly and Caoimhe Kelly Photo by Jerry Kennelly

Students can opt for FET courses close to home AS THE CAO change-ofmind deadline approaches on 1st July, SOLAS is reminding Leaving Certificate students in Clare and Limerick that they can see the apprenticeships, traineeships and post leaving cert courses on offer by going to CAO.ie/options where all of these pathways can be explored. #SOLAS, the state agency that oversees further education and training, is encouraging Leaving Cert students in Clare and Limerick, who may be still deciding their next step, to consider FET (further education and training) courses, traineeships and apprenticeship programmes as great local opportunities for achieving their career ambitions, with many exciting programmes being delivered through Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board (ETB).

Limerick and Clare ETB is delivering a broad local offering of FET courses and apprenticeships, and driving change in the sector.

Many FET courses and apprenticeship programmes delivered by Limerick and

Clare ETB remain open for application, past the CAO change-of-mind closing date.

They offer flexible, vocational learning that can include practical skills training and work experience.

According to SOLAS, the many and varied choices on offer through Limerick and Clare ETB can help Leaving Cert students in Clare and Limerick reach an informed decision on what career they want, while studying close to home, or support them on a pathway into higher education with apprenticeships also enabling them to learn and earn.

For example, FET courses offered in Clare and Limerick include Animal Science; Accounting Technician; Music Performance; Aircraft Maintenance Technician Traineeship; Beauty Therapist Traineeship; among other choices, at levels five and six on the National Framework of Qualifications.

Apprenticeship opportunities in Clare and Limerick are also available to explore and applications are open all year round in a wide range of in-

URRANE National School have smashed their product sales target for the Junior Entrepreneur Programme.

Pupils from 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th classes in Burrane National School surpassed their sales targets for their classroom business, Glo Bottles. Glo Bottles are environmentally friendly, bespoke, light-up, decorative glass bottles.

Each bottle was hand-painted by pupils, with a selection of designs to choose from and a personalisation available on request, their sales exceeded their target by a whopping 62%. With their profits of €522.45 and the support of their teacher, Niamh Kelly, they arranged an ice cream van and treated the entire school, in addition to purchasing new sports and playground equipment.

9,000 children have launched start-up businesses while still in primary school. The pupils from almost 300 schools island-wide taking part in the 12th year of the Junior Entrepreneur Programme (JEP) experienced what it's really like to be a start-up entrepreneur, doing market research and agonising over their final business plan before investing their own cash and putting their business in motion.

The pupils combined their innate creativity with the skills they developed on

dustries. Through an apprenticeship, you can gain an NFQ award at levels 5 to 10, not to mention the confidence that comes with hands-on experience in employment with a leading organisation in your chosen profession.

Commenting on the FET and apprenticeship options available through Limerick and Clare ETB, Andrew Brownlee, CEO of SOLAS, said: “FET is for everyone.

There’s a broad range of FET options delivered through Limerick and Clare ETB, designed to help people looking to take the next step after completing their Leaving Certificate. Our research shows that many of these options, including apprenticeships and traineeships, can prepare learners for in-deOur Hashtag mand occupations that are emerging and expanding or that recruiters are struggling to fill. A FET course can also be a pathway to higher education. ” Leaving Certificate students can explore options on offer through Limerick and Clare ETB via the CAO website at CAO.ie/options.

Stay Curious | Campaign Toolkit

#PostGradAtUL should be used (in our UL Modern Green only) when there is no option to mention PostGrad in the messaging.

When the messaging is clearly Post Grad at UL then the #StayCurious hashtag should be used in one of the campaign blues.

Our Hashtag icons should never overpower or equally never be too insignificant in a graphic. So powerful without being ‘overpowering’ is key. It should NEVER be shoved into a corner of a graphic.

The top angle of the icon width can be used as a minimum space around it to allow it to breathe.

the programme to create original products and launch businesses ranging from board games to storybooks to high-end craft and educational products.

Managing Director Marie Lynch commented, "Participation by schools has returned to close to pre-pandemic levels, and JEP has become a rite of passage for children in many primary schools before they move on to secondary school.

"Teachers indicate a huge increase in confidence and life skills as well as a strong reinforcement of the primary school curriculum in Maths, English, Art and SPHE," she added.

In an exciting development for the programme, Enterprise Ireland has supported JEP in 2021 and 2022 under its Primary Schools Entrepreneurship Initiative, underlining the vital role of entrepreneurship in shaping Ireland's future.

Among the other Clare schools that participated were Caherea National School, Bridgetown National School and Scoil Náisiúnta Realt Na Mara, Kilkee JEP is an entrepreneurship skills programme promoting teamwork, resilience, problem-solving and creativity. It is offered free to 5th and 6th classes in primary schools throughout the island of Ireland.

The programme started in Kerry in 2010, and approximately 90,000 pupils have participated in the programme since its foundation.

JEP has been supported from the outset by co-founder Jerry Kennelly of Tweak.com.

6

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26 FEATURES

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

GREEN CLARE

Moneypoint a major part of our 'untapped potential' PÁRAIC MCMAHON

M

paraic@clareecho.ie

INISTER for the Environment, Eamon Ryan (GP) has pinpointed Moneypoint as a vital component in Ireland reducing its energy emissions.

Members of the Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce are currently assessing the strategic strengths and comparative advantages of the Estuary will be assessed by the Taskforce while also scoping out potential economic opportunities. The group is to have a report compiled by the end of November.

Chairperson of the Taskforce, Barry O’Sullivan recently met with Minister Ryan and for the Green Party leader their engagement hammered home the possibilities for the entire region surrounding the Shannon Estuary.

During his time as Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources from 2007 to 2011, Ryan set a target of 40 percent of the country’s energy com-

l Moneypoint power station

ing 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 stated.

Offshore wind energy by Moneypoint 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, that’s where we have the deep-water port.

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

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

“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.

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

€350m.

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”.

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

NEWS

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As we close, we recognise some customers may need extra assistance moving and switching their accounts. If you or a loved one need extra financial help or support during this time, please call our dedicated team.

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27

30-06-22

Clare Echo THE

pg 28

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

Hayes & Nolan battling for corner back PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

RORY Hayes and Cian Nolan are battling out for the left corner back spot on the Clare team which is expected not to show any major changes.

Two-time All Star nominee Hayes was substituted after eight minutes in Clare’s quarter-final win over Wexford. The twenty five year old had been cleared of a onematch suspension on a technicality in the days preceding the game.

Brian Lohan and his management wasted no time in offering the Wolfe Tones clubman an opportunity to settle into the Wexford game and made an early call to whip one of their top performers in this year’s championship.

Cian Nolan who made his championship debut in May against Waterford and replaced Paul Flanagan in the Munster Final defeat to Limerick was then given the task

of marshalling Lee Chin, a job he didn’t shirk from. Preparations in advance of the Wexford game had planned for Nolan to be marking Chin in the event that an appeal to clear Hayes of the suspension was unsuccessful.

Who is selected at number four is the big decision for Lohan and his management with Hayes tipped to get the nod having impressed with his determination and attitude in the past fortnight.

Inagh/Kilnamona’s Aidan McCarthy is expected to be included in the matchday twenty six for the first time this year. A nominee for Young Hurler of the Year in 2021, Aidan sustained a broken bone in his leg following a workplace accident in December which has kept him out of action for the county all season. He was introduced as a substitute for Inamona at half-time in their final outing of the Clare Cup where they overcame Cratloe to retain their status and relegate Conor Earley’s charges.

Rory Hayes during the Munster final

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

McCarthy’s return allied with that of Mark Rodgers and Aron Shanagher’s availability for selection and the impact of Shane Meehan on each occasion boosts the

attacking options at the disposal of the Banner management.

Captain Tony Kelly started in the full-forward line for Clare’s quarter-final win, the setting of Croke

Park is set to see the secondary school teacher be given a roaming role which may see him start in a similar spot but he is expected to be venturing more around the half-forward line this weekend.

Kilkenny have not been in action for the past four weeks since their Leinster Final success against Galway who are managed by one of their greatest hurlers, Henry Shefflin. Full-back Huw Lawlor will have benefitted from the extra month, he returned to the side for the Galway win after a hand injury and will be battling against Peter Duggan this weekend.

Brian Cody is expected to name both Conor Fogarty and Adrian Mullen at midfield to face off with Ryan Taylor and Cathal Malone.

Where exactly Cody deploys star man TJ Reid will be of intrigue, the Ballyhale Shamrocks ace lined out at centre forward in the provincial final and may be pushed to the inside line to create a dangerous goal threat.

Clare & Cats to serve up another memorable contest KILKENNY and Clare have provided many memorable contests over the years and this Saturday should be no different, writes Seamus Hayes.

It’s been 16 years since the counties last met in the championship and, coincidentally, their meeting that year was also at the semi-final stage. Clare fans will be hoping that the result on this occasion will be different as Kilkenny won by eight points in 2006 in what turned out to be Anthony Daly’s final game in charge of the Banner county.

Despite losing to Galway and Wexford in the round robin section of the Leinster championship, Kilkenny go into this week’s All-Ireland semi-final as Leinster champions.

Clare have suffered just one loss in this year’s campaign, in the memorable Munster final against Limerick after extra time.

On their way to this stage of the championship Clare have amassed a total of 7-157 while conceding 11-122 and the concession of 11 goals is likely to worry Clare. Kilkenny have scored 14-139 in their six championship games while conceding 4-113.

Tony Kelly leads the way in scoring with 1-50 from Clare’s six games. David Fitzgerald has landed 2-15 while Peter Duggan has contributed 1-22. TJ. Reid has top scored for the Kilkenny man with 2-46 to his credit and he is followed by Adrian Mullen with 0-20 with Eoin Cody accounting for 2-11.

The last five championship meetings of the counties have seen Kilkenny with four wins while the teams drew in an All-Ireland quarter final in 2004.

Kilkenny boss Brian Cody is the GAA’s longest serving manager and this Saturday’s game will be his 22nd time in charge of his native county in an all-Ireland semi-final since he took over he role of manager in 1999. They have won sixteen, drawn one

and lost four of his previous 21, a remarkable record.

This will be the eighth championship meeting between Clare and Kilkenny, with the Cats having won five to Clare’s one while there was one draw from the previous seven. Clare’s only win came in the 1997 All-Ireland semi-final.

The last competitive clash of the sides was in last season‘s Allianz league when Clare won on a scoreline of 4-20 to 1-25.

All Clare followers will be hoping that Banner manager Brian Lohan can maintain his 100% record against the Noresiders and lead his side into the All-Ireland final.

pg 29

30-06-22

‘Tony vs TJ will define meeting of Clare & Kilkenny’ - PJ Delaney SEAMUS HAYES SATURDAY’S All-Ireland SHC semi-final outcome will be decided by the respective talisman, Tony Kelly and TJ Reid according to an ex-Kilkenny hurler now residing in East Clare.

PJ Delaney knows what it takes to win All-Ireland semi-finals. The Fenians clubman from Johnstown played in his share of semi-finals with his native county. He was also in the Cats attack in the 1997 semi-final when Ger Loughnane’s Clare prevailed on their way to winning the Liam McCarthy cup for the second time in three years.

Now living in Ogonnelloe and chairman of the local GAA club, the holder of All-Ireland minor, under 21 and senior hurling championships believes that “there will be very little between the counties on Saturday. It’s a 50/50 game”.

Married to Sarah King from

year and just last Sunday we were narrowly defeated for promotion to the senior league.

“There is great slagging and banter at present ahead of the game.

Clare are quite confident, they are a very good side. They have been the more consistent side this year and they are unbeaten in 70 minutes in hurling this year,” says the All-Ireland senior winner from Kilkenny’s 1993 win over Galway.

“I am a Kilkenny man to the back bone and I will be shouting for Kilkenny on Saturday. I will be travelling up to the game with a number of family members including my daughter who plays camogie with the local Scariff-Ogonnelloe team. They will all be sporting the saffron and blue and I will be the only one in black and amber but there will be plenty up there to meet me”, quipped PJ who believes Tony Kelly in action in the Munster final and (inset) Kilkenny’s TJ Reid Clare might out support Kilkenny Photo by Gerard O’Neill by as much as 70/30. “Clare are inOgonnelloe, PJ has been living in here for over 20 years and I am in- credible supporters”, he said before the East Clare parish for over 10 volved with the local club. We won admitting that should the result years. “I have been coming down the junior A championship last not go in Kilkenny’s favour, he will

then join his family members in supporting Clare.

PJ is full of praise for the game’s longest serving manager, Brian Cody. “He is just incredible. He comes back every year and they perform for him. This will come down to a puck of the ball. It will come down to the best players, Tony Kelly and T. J. Reid and who can perform on the day. There will always be someone who will have a great game and that will be the difference”, he said.

He went on to say “Eoin Murphy is a superb keeper, arguably the best in the game. Goalkeepers play a key part in the game and their roles are becoming more important every year. As I said this is likely to be very tight as there is very little between the teams. In Croke Park once the ball ins thrown in games take on a life of their own.

Whoever grabs the initiative early on could win this won”, according to the man who had just turned 26 when his career was ended due to serious injury.

30-06-22

pg 30

Clare need more big-day experience

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

CLARE’s footballers will only begin to close the gap on top counties by making a quarter-final appearance an annual occurrence.

Current county U20 manager and former senior selector, Michael Neylon has backed the call for Colm Collins to remain in the helm for what would be a tenth season in charge of the Clare footballers.

Derry put five goals past Clare with Rory Gallagher’s men recording a 5-13 2-08 win over the Banner in Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final.

While there has been disappointment with the performance given on the day by Clare in some quarters, other supporters have underlined that making the last eight and retaining Division 2 status represents a positive year.

Speaking on The Water Break, The Clare Echo’s vodcast, Neylon expressed the view that the county can progress further by earning more clashes with heavyweight sides. “The challenge that lies ahead for everyone in Clare football is to support Colm and the management team and the players in whatever way possible to make sure that we give them the environment to get this far again next year, I think you will close the gap year on year if you can keep getting there, it mightn’t happen next year but it could be two years time”.

Almost a decade on from his time as a selector to Mick O’Dwyer during his stint in charge of the senior footballers, Michael was under no doubt that Clare football is in an unrecognisable condition, largely due to the influence of Colm Col-

lins. “I think it is in a totally different place, the professionalism there now is where it should be, it’s as good as any county in the country I would say. I think that young men coming through that are good footballers have real value in playing with Clare.

“I remember meeting Colm at a game in Cooraclare just when he was appointed, we were walking into the pitch together and we had a quick chat, he mentioned one thing and this was nine years ago, he said ‘it’s all down to lifestyle’, if you were to pick one word I think that is

the change Colm has brought, this has become a lifestyle choice, he has created the environment and I think players like that environment, it is a great way to live your life in your twenties to be able to challenge yourself to be in a good setup and be able to test yourself against the best in the country, there is a real appetite from players in the county to do that”.

As he has done every year, Collins will take time to consider his position. According to Neylon, the Cratloe man has a big role to play in the county’s future. “Everybody’s job is to make sure Colm is given his bit of time but he also needs to know from everybody that it’s important for the future that he stays on and keeps driving it, I’m hoping Colm is only starting, give him a good few years before he writes the book and I’d be interested in reading that book when he writes it, there’s a lot of chapters to be written by Colm yet”.

A two-time Clare SFC winning manager of St Joseph’s Miltown, Michael has yet to decide his own future as U20 boss but appears to be leaning towards a fourth campaign. “No more than Colm, I haven’t given it much thought, I’ve got caught up as a supporter of the senior team for the last month or two, you can see the buzz, what Colm is doing is having a positive impact on all of us. If we can help or contribute in any way, it is something that we will definitely be giving serious consideration to”.

ALL IRELAND SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMP’SHIP QF: CLARE 2-08 DERRY 5-13 AT CROKE PARK

FACTFILE CLARE: DERRY: Frees for: 7 (2/5) Frees for: 5 (4/1) Wides: 12 (7/5) Wides: 11 (7/4) Spread of scorers: 4 Spread of scorers: 7 Scores from play: 2-04 Scores from play: 5-11 Top scorer: Eoin Top scorer: Shane Cleary (1-05 2f) McGuigan (1-08 1f) Bookings: Darren Bookings: None O’Neill (42) Own kickouts won: 17 Own kickouts won: 18 from 22 (77%) from 29 (62%) REFEREE: Martin McNally (Monaghan)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

PLAYER WATCH: CILLIAN ROUINE Minutes Played: 35 Possessions: 7 (7/0) Passes: 7 (7/0) Long Pass: 0 Short Pass: 7 (7/0) Foot Pass: 2 (2/0)

Hand Pass: 5 (5/0) Tackles: 2 (2/0) Turnovers For: 0 Turnovers Against: 0 Frees Won: 0 Frees Lost: 0

RORY GALLAGHER, DERRY MANAGER: “We had a good idea that Clare’s game plan would be to keep the game tight and conservative in the opening stages anyway, but we got those two opening goals and we were able to build from there. They set their stall out by conceding the kick-outs, but we wanted to get off the mark as quickly as possible.

“When we missed a number of chances to get points we made up for it by converting a number of scores during a period when we were on top. There is no doubt that we became a little bit nonchalant when Clare got their second goal. I have to say, though, that there was a very good response from my players...I thought it was great to see the quality coming to the fore. We tacked on scores and kept Podge Collins has a goal chance saved and (top of page) Chrissy McKaigue gets past the challenge of Cillian Brennan during Saturday’s disappointing loss in Croke Park Photos by Gerard O’Neill taking the game to Clare.

COLM COLLINS, CLARE MANAGER: "That goal before half-time was a killer, we had got it down that (first one). If you're on the back foot then, things change.

“Things needed to go really right for us and I don't think they did. I don't think we played particularly well in a lot of to six at that point. Listen, you can go on and on and on I thought we were doing well up to then. That was a killer. It about Clare but you've got to give credit to Derry. It was a wasn't a great display by us, you'd be disappointed with that. aspects of our game. And we were punished”.

If you'd gone out and performed well and got beaten, then fair “Conceding those early goals is exactly what you don't do. fine display and (Rory Gallagher) has a fine team”.

"One of the key things about the top teams, and I would enough. But as I said, you're as good as you're allowed to And anytime we made a break to get back at them, they rate Derry as that, is that you don't give away silly goals like play.”

Compiled by Páraic McMahon answered immediately with a goal”.

pg 31

30-06-22 ALL-IRELAND LADIES INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CH’SHIP: CLARE 3-11 LONGFORD 0-04 AT BIRR

FACTFILE CLARE: Frees For: 15 (8/7) Wides: 4 (4/0) Scores from Play: 2-8 Spread of Scorers: 7 Top Scorers: Chloe Moloney, Catriona Callinan (1-1) Own Kick-Outs won: 6 from 8 (75%)

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

LONGFORD: Frees For: 26 (12/14) Wides: 4 (1/3) Scores from Play: 0-3 Spread of Scorers: 2 Top Scorer: Michelle Farrell (0-3) Own Kick-Outs won: 9 from 18 (50%)

EVAN TALTY, CLARE MANAGER: “We really went after was getting a performance today and not fearing knock-out football but embracing it. You can’t win anything unless you play pressure games and the key is to perform in them.

“You could just see that there was hunger and energy out there today. We had that against Louth but didn’t take our chances while today we took most of our chances and that was the big difference.

“Today was a big result but it will mean noting unless we back it up. In general, at half-time etc, these girls don’t need a lot of coaching. If you go through our team, they’ve ei-ther won All-Stars, won

O’Connor Cups and played in big games all their lives. So when we have that experience in our dressing room, we don’t need to say a whole lot to them.

“Once they bring that energy and intensity, there are very few ladies Fidelma Marrinan launches a Clare attack BurrenEye Photography football teams at this level that we certainly haven’t been the means be-ing the best team could live with it but it’s about bring that every best team all year. Laois al- for 60 minutes twice. That’s it ready beat us and we got rel- so if you perform for 60 minday.

“Against Laois, we have to egated from Division 2 of the utes twice, then you’re going places so that’s something to bring the same performance Na-tional league.

“You’ve only got to be the go after in two weeks time”. as they’re a really good side.

Ef-fectively, you don’t have to best team from now on and be the best team all year and breaking that down, that

Markham on mark at Nationals

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

Caoimhe Carmody in action for Clare

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

Must-win for camogie side

by PÁRAIC McMAHON

CLARE’s senior camogie side are in must-win territory this weekend if they are to avoid a relegation catfight.

Cusack Park is the venue this Saturday as they welcome Waterford to Ennis for a 4pm start. At 2pm, the county junior side will be in action in Breffni Park facing off with Cavan.

Without a win in four games, the senior side currently sit at bottom of the table in Group 1 of the Glen Dimplex Senior All-Ireland Championship. Waterford are already guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals but the Banner needing a win and for Dublin to overcome Wexford in order to stay out of a relegation playoff which will pit them against the losers of Down versus Offaly.

Managed by Conor Dolan and John Carmody, Clare reached the Munster Final only to lose to Cork in extra time. They have failed to bring this form into the All-Ireland series and the high overlap with players on the junior panel has limited the depth of their panel.

Progression to the knockout stages remains on course for the Junior outfit who are currently unbeaten in championship. They have had convincing wins over Mayo and Waterford while they drew with Tipperary.

For the second championship contest in a row, the senior side will be deprived of supporters owing to a fixture clash with their male counterparts. The county hurlers take on Kilkenny at 5:30pm on Saturday evening, an hour and a half from the throw-in of the camogie game.

ENNIS Track’s Niamh Markham took home a bronze medal at the Irish Life Health National Track and Field Championships.

The 150th edition of the championships took place at Morton Stadium Coolmeen’s Niamh claimed an impressive third place finish in the 1500m.

Carla Sweeney (Rathfarnham AC) grabbed the national ti-

tle, controlling the pace of the race in a brilliant display of front running (4:37.96). Maisy O’Sullivan (St Abbans) secured a gritty silver medal in 4.38.53, with Niamh following hot on her heels in 4:39.21.

Niamh was best of the Irish in May at the Irish Milers Club promotion held at the Mary Peters Track, Belfast when she finished in third spot in the women’s 1500m with a time of 4:26:30.

Cathal Crosbie of Cratloe had a fourth place finish in the 400m with his Ennis Track clubmate Jemil Saidi competing in the heats. Crosbie had to settle for a tenth place finish in the 800m final with Ennis Track duo Michael Keane and Colin Ryan in the heats.

Ennis Track sprinter, Gabriel Kehinde advanced to the semi-finals of the 100m but missed out on a place in the final.

No word on Sporting Ennistymon appeal ONE of the biggest sporting controversies in the county is still clouded in uncertainty with Sporting Ennistymon’s attempts to claim back points deducted from them by the CDSL and their Premier Division status ongoing, writes Páraic McMahon.

Officials in Sporting Ennistymon and the CDSL were without an update on the North Clare club’s appeal before the Munster Football Association following their relegation from the Premier Division.

Sporting were initially deducted five points for fielding a player without completing an international transfer certificate (ITC). This deduction put Sporting in a relegation playoff against Kilrush Rangers which was to take place at the beginning of June but the Ennistymon club claimed that the CDSL rescheduled the fixture and its clash with the Munster senior hurling final left them without several players.

A meeting of the CDSL the following Tuesday (June 7) decided that Kilrush Rangers secured promotion to the Premier Division and Sporting would be relegated from the top flight.

Subsequent to this, Sporting have been vocal in their criticism arguing that a lack of information and clarity was provided by the FAI surrounding the rules with regards to registering a Ukrainian refugee. An outcome into their appeal to Munster has not been forthcoming as of yet. This is expected to be one of the big items discussed at the AGM of the CDSL which is scheduled to take place on July 14.

30-06-22

pg 32

Ennis RFC men Coughlan & Butler line out for Irish U20s CLARE duo, Tony Butler and Ethan Coughlan are part of the Irish U20 rugby squad competing in the 6 Nations summer-series, writes Páraic McMahon.

On Saturday, Richie Murphy’s side lost to France 42-21 in Verona in their summer series opening outing. With the score at 17-0 inside 20 minutes, Ireland had conceded more points in the opening quarter than they did in the entirety of their last meeting with Les Bleulets.

Coughlan and Butler, both products of the

Ennis RFC underage ranks, formed the 9-10 axis for the France game as they did many times for Ennis in their underage careers.

Scrum half Coughlan’s smart thinking led to a sharp pass sending right wing, Aitzol King over for their first try which was duly converted by Butler.

Neither Tony or Ethan were included in the squad for Wednesday’s meeting with South Africa but they’ll be hopeful of returning to action for Tuesday’s final pool game against England.

Lynch bends it like Beckham; Kirkland in Treaty LOI debut

BeeBee stars in Colin Barry Memorial

by MICHAEL MAHER

FRIDAY night’s Galway card featured the Final of the Colin Barry Memorial Novice Sprint Sponsored by NC Paints and Moroneys Bar Ennis.

As the traps rose for the Final of the Colin Barry Memorial Novice Sprint all six runners came away as one with Crafty Toto just about best away towards the outer but it was the Tommy Skeffington-owned Beebees Star that showed the best pace on the run towards the opening bend as the favourite Brioscai Gloire began to motor along the inner. At the turn Beebees Star held her ground well forcing the “jolly” to check wide. Off the home bend Beebees Star was in command and the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Absolutely Ace stayed on well to score by two and a half lengths in 19.36.

In the Paddy Coote Memorial 525 race again sponsored by NC Paints & Moroneys Bar, this A3 graded contest was as good as over passing the halfway mark as the Lads Night Out In Dublin Syndicate of Clarecastle-owned Insidethehuddle set sail for home. All six Clareowned participants were away in turns with Krystaline, Pinnacle Rio and Insidethehuddle lined across the track approaching the opening bend. Striding out well the Gerry Reidy of Clarecastle-handled son of Ballymac Best and Ballydoyle Grace led by four lengths exiting the back straight and although tying up close home was always in control of matters.

The first semi-final of the W.G.O.B.A. A5 Tri –Distance Stake resulted in a one-two for trainer Martin Fahy as Menmal Princess (Paddys Magic-Cottage Brandy) who he owns with Michael Casey of Mullagh held off the late challenge of Donegal Tom by a length at the line in 30.79. Menmal Princess was very smartly into her stride and rounding the opening bend she led Donegal Tom and Cheetara by over two lengths rounding the bend. Racing along the back Menmal Princess extended her advantage to over three lengths and railing well she looked set for an easy success until Donegal Tom stayed on well from the home bend to be closest at the line.

In the S2 graded finale Confused Fitzy, Burrow Busty and Cormore Harrier were all away well with the Gerry Manley of Cratloe owned Confused Fitzy showing the best pace to lead by over two lengths approaching the opening

bend. Rounding the bend the leader (Confident Rankin-Confused Breda) shot further clear and scored by four and a half lengths in 19.04.

The opening contest on Saturday night’s card at Collage Road was an A5 graded affair battled keenly by Rockalong Paloma and Annadown Sky. Rounding the bend Rockalong Paloma carried her rival slightly wide but she still held a one-length lead entering the back straight. Racing along the back Annadown Sky switched inside but had the door slammed in her face at the third bend as the Michael McNamara of Tulla owned Rockalong Paloma (Droopys Cain-Sues Stout) continued to lead but she was all out close home to prevail by a neck in 29.42.

As the traps rose for the Novice Sprint both Anna Be Slick and Burnpark Maggie came away half a length ahead of their rivals and racing towards the opening bend it was the Emily Browne of Cree owned Burnpark Maggie that showed the better pace to lead by over a length with Caislean Bambi in third place. Racing around the crown of the home bend Burnpark Maggie began to increase her advantage and the daughter of Pat C Sabbath and Burnpark Leanne drew away to defeat Caislean Bambi by two and three quarter lengths in 19.42.

The A6 graded contest was effectively decided at the opening bend where the Siobhan Garrihy of Lahinch owned Cloneyogan Ivy enjoyed a trouble free passage along the rails and those on her outside got in each other’s way.

Turning down the back the Declan McDonagh of Liscannor trained daughter of Laughill Blake and Cloneyogan Flash kicked three lengths clear as Medicine Bow made ground out wide.

Leaving the back straight the gas was down to a length and although Medicine Bow tried hard Cloneyogan Ivy dug deep to prevail by half a length in 29.75.

The opening round heats of the €5,000 to the winner John Whelan Memorial Kennedy Cup A3 525 got underway in Limerick on Saturday last. In heat five, Wizard recorded a fourth career win for Gary Pepper of Feakle and Paraic Campion. In the last heat, Tromora Rocket made light work of his field to win in convincing fashion. Owned by David Hogan of Quilty, Tromora Rocket (Ballymac Bolger-Ballymac Cameo) won by six and a half lengths in a brisk 28.66.

T H U R S D AY NIGHTS ARE THE

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Noel Coote, Gerry Barry, Tommy Skeffington and Noelette Barry at the trophy presentation to Beebee Star, winner of The Colin Barry Memorial at Galway Greyhound Stadium

SHANNON’s Jack Lynch (pictured) channelled his inner David Beckham with what he described as “the best goal I have ever scored” while another Clare footballer has made his debut for Treaty Utd, writes Páraic McMahon.

Captain of Treaty Utd, Jack scored a sublime free kick from 50 yards in their 2-1 win over Athlone Town. It served as the highlight in what has been a frustrating season for the Limerick club who have dealt with a high amount of injuries.

Reflecting on his memorable goal, Jack remarked, “I meant it and I just want to get that out there straight away... It’s probably the best goal I have ever scored.”

On Monday evening, Sixmilebridge’s Scott Kirkland made his League of Ireland debut for the First Division side as they suffered a 5-0 home defeat to Cork City, introduced as a substitute on 76 minutes. Lynch lined out at right back with Ennis’ Joe Collins and Newmarket-on-Fergus duo Callum McNamara and Lee Devitt all getting starting jerseys.

SUMMER

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Book online on www.LimerickGreyhoundStadium.ie T&C’S APPLY. ADDITIONAL COURSES AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ON THE NIGHT.

pg 33

30-06-22

Impressive results at Kilrush

by SEAMUS HAYES

Irish Open strengthened by calibre of Dromoland DROMOLAND Castle’s setting as the venue for the Women’s Irish Open plus the addition of a new sponsor for the tournament is hoped to inspire the country’s next generation of female golfers.

A three year deal has been agreed with KPMG the new title-sponsor for the tournament which returns to the Ladies European Tour (LET) schedule, following a ten-year absence. The tournament will take place from Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th of September 2022.

Dromoland Castle’s championship course will stage the event with tickets on sale at www.womensirishopen.ie. Four-day tickets are priced at €35 while single-day tickets will cost €15.

Under 16s attending the event will also be admitted free of charge.

Leading Irish golfer, Leona Maguire is currently sponsored by KPMG. One of the world's leading professional services firms, it has previously supported the 20x20 campaign and also sponsors Rachael Blackmore and the Dublin ladies football team.

September’s tournament in Dromoland will be

“historic,” Declan Keane, KPMG Chief Operating Officer said. He added, “we are committed to investing in young talented people in Ireland and it is my hope that the KPMG Women’s Irish Open will inspire the next generation Irish golfers to compete at the highest level of the game”.

Managing Director of Dromoland Castle, Mark Nolan was hopeful their recent €2m investment in its championship golf course would provide a “platform for the leading women golfers to showcase their talents”. He stated, “KPMG’s commitment to women’s sport and women’s golf over the past number of years, both in Ireland and beyond are a clear indication of their vision and we are delighted to join them on this journey and help establish the KPMG Women’s Irish Open as one of the premier events of the Ladies European Tour”.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin (GP) noted a rising excitement about Ireland’s female golfers. “Irish women’s golf is on a high and this event will showcase not only the fantastic

golfing talent in Ireland, but hopefully inspire more women and girls to play the sport. The event is also another opportunity to show our great golf courses to the many potential overseas visitors and promote Ireland as a premier destination for golf tourism around the world. Prior to Covid, more than 200,000 international visitors came to play each year. We are hoping to see an increased number of golfers returning to play in Ireland in 2022 and beyond,” she commented.

Commercial and Marketing Director of Golf Ireland, Vicky Tyas said, “The calibre of the venue at Dromoland and now the addition of KPMG as lead sponsor over the next three years gives the event enormous strength and depth. It is a tremendous commitment and vote of confidence in the development of women’s golf and we, at Golf Ireland, are sure that the re-establishment of the event will inspire many young children to take up the game and participate in the various levels of the Golf Ireland Pathway in the years ahead”.

KILRUSH GOLF CLUB: Open week competitions continued at Kilrush last week when there were some impressive results.

In the ladies singles stableford competition Ann O’Loughlin from Ennis (17) was the winner with 38 points from another Ennis member, Aideen Considine (25) who had a similar score. Mary Nolan (21) from the host club was third with 36 points In the 12 hole competition Hanora O’Dea-Kilkenny was the winner with 28 points from Ann McMahon who had a similar score.

In the men’s v par competition Noel Kilkenny (20) won with 4 up from Malcolm McCarthy (10) who also had a score of 4 up with Andrew Egan (18) in third spot with 2 up The winner of the St. Gobain sponsored prize was Bernard Coleman (19) with 43 points from Seamus O’Doherty (16) with 40 points with third spot filled

by David Abbott (14) with 39 points.

Michael F. Ryan (9) won category 1 with 36 points from Denis Nagle (14) with a similar score. Pat Shannon (20) won category 2 with 39 points from Thomas Coffey (16) with 38 points while category 3 was won

by Matt Fitzpatrick (22) with 39 points from John Robinson (25), who also had 39 points.

Pat Murtagh (17) won the front 9 with 21 points while Noel Kenny was the back 9 winner, also 21.

In the AON physiotherapy sponsored competition, John Clancy (16) won with 42 points from Brian Scanlan (10) with 38 points.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Last week’s ladies 18 hole medal stroke competition saw Ann O’Loughlin (18) win the silver medal with 73 nett from Della Burns (20) who also had 73 nett. The bronze medal was won by Rose Enright (28) with 64 nett from Peggy Costello (23) with 66 nett.

The overall winner in the 9 hole was Eileen T. Corry (18) with 21 points. Ann Casey (14) won Div 1 with 18 points, Maura O’Rourke (16) won Div 2 with 20 points and Marie Dilleen (24) won Div 3 with 21.

Last week’s senior ladies competition was won by Brid Cunningham, Claire Pyne and Nuala D’Auria with 49.3 points. In second place were Mary Glynn, Claire Ruane and Claire Kennelly with 50.3 points and they were followed by Geraldine O’Mahoney, Ann Casey and Bernie Brooks with 50.8 points The Shanahan trophy, a golfer of the year competition sponsored by Shanahan Paints, was played for at Ennis last weekend. Neil Cremin (29) emerged as the winner with 42 points and he had three to spare over Ger Donohue (18). In third place, also with 39 points, was Stevie Keane (13). Alan Butler (3) won the gross with 34 points while the category winners were Conor Malone (9) with 37 points, Padraig Cusack (16) 38 points and Paul Slattery (27) with 37 points.

Vincent McEligott (23) from Ballyneety won the Friday open singles with 38 points from Jon Murray (5) from Tipperary with 37 points with Donagh Stack (18) from the host club in third spot, also 37 points.

The Tuesday fourball winners were Padraig McNicholas and Michael Ball with 36 points from John Gavin and Fintan McEvoy with 35 points.

EAST CLARE GOLF CLUB: The men’s open singles at East Clare last Thursday

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was won by David Sheehy with 43 points from Pearse O’Shiel with 42, Ray Bane with 38, Terry Coughlan with 38 and John Fahy with 37.

In the weekend’s men’s singles Jason Hogan was the winner with 42 points while Eoin McGuinness won the gross with 75.

Last week’s ladies 18 hole stableford competition was won by Noreen Skehan with 38 points.

The winners of the ladies Wednesday competition were Joan Kinsella, Breda Mc Carthy and Tricia Kerr from Margaret Lynch. Jenny Ryan and Mary Bugler with third spot filled by Connie Mc Kenna, Nancy Starr and Margaret Egan.

In the senior men’s competition last week the winners were Martin McKeogh, Willie Roche and Nick Ryan from Terry Coughlan, Paul Truss and Steve Symes with third spot filled by Batt Skehan, Charles Stuart and Jimmy Nagle.

The Friday evening scramble continues with the tee reserved from 5.30p.m. to 6.30p.m.

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: The men’s competition at Dromoland at the weekend was singles stableford which was won by David O’Brien with 41 points from Matthew Fahy with 40, Tony Cotgreave with 40 and Barry Nugent with 39.

Adam Merriman won the gross with 31.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: The weekly Woodstock men’s seniors scramble on Tuesday was won by Gerry Griffey, Denis O’Neill and Nick Germaine with 41 points.

Woodstock have progressed to the next round of the inter club mixed competition following a victory over Dromoland at Woodstock at the weekend GORT GOLF CLUB: The Glen Cahill Cars sponsored 18 hole singles stableford competition at Gort at the weekend was won by Dave Hennessy(27) with 43 points. Paul Brennan (4) won category 1 with 39 points, Barry McMahon (17) won category 2 with 42 points and Philip Dunne (25) won category 3 with 38 points.

In the ladies section the Commins trophy, an 18 hole singles stableford competition sponsored by the Commins family was won by Ann Nolan (23) with 43 points from Siobhan Forde (12) with 43 with third spot filled by Anne Connolly (24) with 42 points.

Joan Fogarty (19) won the gross with 23 points.

Emma O’Halloran and Connie Corry

Photo: Joe Buckley

SHANNON GOLF CLUB: Emma O’Halloran was winner of Connie Corry’s Lady Captain’s Prize held over the weekend.

19-05-22

pg 34

St Aidan’s win first Johnny Cregan Cup THE inaugural Johnny Cregan memorial tournament was hosted by Wolfe Tones na Sionna, a mixed hurling/camogie event for Shannon schools.

Five schools (St Aidan’s, St Conaire’s, St Senan’s, St John’s & Gaelscoil Donnacha Rua) partook in the blitz day, with every child that attended getting four games. Across three divisions, six teams made the finals; the Plate Final (7-a-side) pitted St. John v Gaelscoil Donnacha Rua, Shield Final (10 a side) St. Senans 2 v St. Conaire’s; and the Cup Final (10 a side) St. Aidan’s v St. Senans.

There was a massive turnout from parents, adult players and older members and Jim Hickey refereed all proceedings on finals night.

In the Plate Final, St. Johns were defeated

by Gaelscoil Donnacha Rua in a super battle.

The effort by every player was brilliant and some of the skills were exceptional. Colm Ó hAmhragáin put in a player of the match display. A special mention to St. John’s Abdul Al Mustafa who scored 1-2 in the final.

The Shield final was next up, St. Conaire’s v St. Senan’s 2, this game was a battle from start to finish. A late rally from St. Conaire’s did just enough to eek out an incredibly tight game. A powerful display for Liam Hogan saw him receive player of the match.

The Cup final pitted St Aidan’s v St Senan’s.

Senan’s started powerfully getting a few early scores, with excellent performances from Robbie O’Connell, Kyrylo Nazarenko & Caelan Tourish. St Aidan’s were struggling to get to grips in the first half but Ayla Murphy being one of the standout performers.

Early in the second, Noah Carthy came to life and struck for goal to level up the game and followed up moments later with a second to put St Aidan’s in the lead for the first time. St Senan’s reacted well with Caelan and Robbie scoring points. Into injury time and the lead was at the minimum, St. Aidan’s being co-managed by current Clare hurler John Conlon, defended with everything. Caelan Tourish got the chance with a late free to equalize and he made no mistake.

Extra time was required where a Noah Carthy goal proved the difference. St Senans threw everything they had at St. Aidan’s but a gallant defensive display held tough and St. Aidan’s became the first school to win the Johnny Cregan Cup. Wolfe Tones were delighted to host this tournament and plans are in place already for next year.

PICTURED: Grace Cordon and Darragh Buckley of St Aidan’s primary school receive the Johnny Cregan Cup from Brenda Leahy (Cregan); (left) Lochlainn O’Connell of St Conaire’s gets the sliotar away despite the attentions of St Senan’s Leon Sulaiman and Mark Hodges (blue helmet); (below l-r) Plate finalists St John’s National School and Plate winners Gaelscoil Donnacha Rua All photos by Eugene McCafferty

OBITUARIES 35

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

Anniversary

Recent Deaths Quinlivan, Frankie Ballyvaughan, Clare Date Published: Wednesday 29th June 2022 Rooney, Paddy Doonbeg, Clare Date of Death: Monday 27th June 2022 Lenihan, Michael Miltown Malbay, Clare Date of Death: Monday 27th June 2022

FIONN O’ BRIEN (1ST ANNIVERSARY) In Loving remembrance of Fionn, Knockanean, Ennis who died on 5th July 2021.

“Unable are the loved to die, For Love is immortality.”

Emily Dickinson Fionn’s anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Tues 5th July in the Church of Our Lady, Roslevan at 11am.

Taylor, Lal Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Monday 27th June 2022 Mc Intyre (née Fitzgibbon), Mary Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 26th June 2022 Normoyle, Gerard Ballynacally, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 26th June 2022 O’Brien Fanning (née Kennealy), Patricia Shannon, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 26th June 2022

Fall (née Daly), Meave Quin, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 26th June 2022 O’Connell, Morgan (Morgie) Cranny, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 26th June 2022 McGann (née Coleman), Martha Bell Harbour, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 26th June 2022 Murphy, Tom Mullagh, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 25th June 2022 Kearney, Paddy (Muscles) Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Sunday 26th June 2022 Fitzpatrick, Gerry Ennis, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 25th June 2022

Kennelly, Tom Kilshanny, Clare Date of Death: Thursday 23rd June 2022 Cooley, Mickey Kildysart, Clare Date of Death: Wednesday 22nd June 2022

Prayer ‘As we come to the end of June, the month of the Sacred Heart remember to say, daily, ‘O Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in thee’

Reidy (née O’ Grady), Nora Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare Date of Death: Saturday 25th June 2022 O’Donohue, Mary Corofin, Clare Date of Death: Friday 24th June 2022

PLANNING CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILMORE, CO. CLARE I, Adrian Mullally intend to apply to the above-named Planning Authority for permission to construct a dwelling house, entrance, wastewater treatment system, and associated site works at Kilmore, Co. Clare. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Clare County Council Offices, New Road, Ennis Co. Clare during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

The planning authority may grant permission subject to, or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL FEENAGH, CLOONEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Shauna Murphy and Daniel Stenson intend to apply for planning permission to construct a new dwelling, installation of a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of Clare County Council, Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare, V95 DXP2 during its public opening

hours. (Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm).

A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DRUMELLIHY, CREE, CO. CLARE Take notice that P. Neenan intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain existing ground floor structures Ref P04/869, and to complete dwelling, garage, septic tank, foul sewerage treatment system & percolation area at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISHEEN, BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that A. Gallagher intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to erect dwelling house, foul sewer treatment plant and percolation area at the above address.

The Planning Application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ROSMADDA WEST, BLACKWATER, ARDNACRUSHA, CO. CLARE Tom Duggan intends to apply for planning permission for the change of use of part of the Retail Shop Area to Off-Licence Retail at Centra Supermarket, Rosmadda West, Blackwater, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare. The Planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made

in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ROSMADDA WEST, BLACKWATER, ARDNACRUSHA, CO. CLARE Tom Duggan intends to apply for planning permission for (i) to demolish the existing entrance lobby on the South Eastern corner of the existing Supermarket building. (ii) the change of use of the existing Store Room to Retail Area on the Southern side of the existing Supermarket building. The Retail Area is to be amalgamated with the existing Retail Area. (iii) to construct a new Extension consisting of retail area (10.3m²) and new entrance Lobby (10.2m²) on the South Eastern corner of the existing building. The Retail Area is to be amalgamated with the existing Retail Area and all associated site works and associated signage at Centra Supermarket, Rosmadda West, Blackwater, Ardnacrusha, Co. Clare. The Planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the Offices of the planning authority during its public

opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILDOORUS, CLONLARA, CO. CLARE We, Adrian Howard & Rebecca Minihan, are applying to the above authority for permission for the following development on property at Kildoorus, Clonlara,Co Clare: Permission for detached single storey dwelling, detached domestic garage/home office, onsite wastewater treatment system and percolation area, connection to necessary services, new entrance together with all associated ancillary and incidental site works. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of

the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL NEWPARK, SIXMILEBRIDGE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Maria Colfer for permission to a) demolish existing conservatory b) construct rear extension together with all ancillary site development works and services at the above address.The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL LISCANNOR, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Foudy & Associates Ltd of Osprey House, Carmody Street, Ennis, Co. Clare 065 6893565 www.foudyconsulting.ie. intend to apply to the planning authority on behalf of Declan Leyden for permission to construct an entrance, dwelling house, shed, wastewater pump chamber together with all associated site development works and connections to public services at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or pur-

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL ISLANDMAGRATH, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE Permission for the construction of a hybrid treatment system composed of constructed wetlands and assimilation in tree plantation for domestic effluent and all associated site works is being sought by Clare Drains Environmental Ltd. 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.

Continues page 37

36

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PLANNING Continued from page 35

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL BALLYNAHINCH, TULLA, CO. CLARE Take notice that Martin Gallagher intends to apply for permission to build a new dwelling, garage, install a wastewater treatment system & all other associated site and ancillary works at the above address.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRININISH, BALLYNACALLY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Brian Murphy & Gemma Rothwell intend to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with an access road, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DERRYGEEHA, KILMURRY MCMAHON, CO. CLARE Take notice that Geraldine Purtill intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct a new dwelling house and garage complete with a new entrance, sewage treatment system and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, Clare County Council, Aras Contae an Chlair, New Road, Ennis during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CREE, KILRUSH, CO. CLARE Take notice that PJ Kelly is applying to Clare County Council for retention permission for the relocation of house, garage, entrance, site boundaries and septic tank along with all associated works at the above address.

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

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKLOSKERAUN, MILTOWN MALBAY, CO. CLARE

Take notice that M. Marrinan and D. Ainsworth intend to apply to the Planning Authority for outline permission to construct a dwelling house, garage and proprietary waste water treatment system along with ancillary site works at the above address.That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL DOUGH, SPANISH POINT, CO. CLARE Take notice that J. & D. O’Malley intend to apply to the Planning Authority for retention permission for the

following works a) boundary walls and site entrances as constructed b) windows, fascia, soffit and rainwater pipes c) internal layout between No.5 & No.6 along with associated site works at the above address.That the planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CRAGG, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE Take notice that D. McDonagh intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to alter the design of 1No. split level house as granted under P22/115

along with associated site works at the above address.

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

38

QUIZ

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022

The Clare Echo Quiz

CLARE & GOLF many 18-hole golf-courses 1a. 7How are there in Clare?

a. The Irish Open b. The South of Ireland championship c. West Coast Challenge

In what year was Lahinch golf2 course founded? a. 1892

will host the 2019 Dubai 7Who Duty Free Irish Open in 2019?

b. 9 c. 11

b. 1895 c. 1905

a. Padraig Harrington b. Graeme McDowell c. Paul McGinley

In 1886, the Fulmar sank north of Which famous golfer met with 3 Kilkee. How many bodies were 8 Team Ireland Clare golfers ahead recovered of the 17 that drowned? a. A donkey

b. 1886 c. 1896

In what year was the Ennis Golf 5 Club founded? a. 1890 b. 1900 c. 1907

6

Lahinch Golf Course has hosted which national competition since 1895?

Golf Course was 9Dromoland founded in which year? a. 1955 b. 1961 c. 1973

l QUESTION 9: Dromoland Golf Course was founded in which year?

ANSWERS

river flows through Dro10Which moland Golf Course? a. River Rine b. The River Fergus c. River Shannon

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

6. The South of Ireland championship 7. Paul McGinley 8. Padraig Harrington 9. 1961 10. River Rine

Kilkee golf club was created in 4 which year? a. 1880

of the 2019 Special Olympics? a. Paul McGinley b. Padraig Harrington c. Graeme McDowell

. Boots diiferent colour . line on wall missing in background . Writing on black cap missing . Jacket in background different colour

1. 9 2. 1892 3. A goat 4.1896 5. 1907

b. A horse c. A goat

. Yellow zip missing on child (left) . Red piece on chair missing (left) . Pattern on teachers dress missing

Sean Rouine gets lost in the tactics board in front of the Burren Gaels substitutes Photo by Burren Eye Photography

WORD SEARCH

9/10/21, 12:38 PM

3

2

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How to play

Prayers

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

ANSWERS 1

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9/10/21, 12:38 PM

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7

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1

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2

HOW TO PLAY

2

Ornament

6

9

4

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6

1

3

5

Heaven

3

2

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3

8

2

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2

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9

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4

5

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7

8

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White

4

8

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Bow

9

4

Spiritual

How to play

Blessing

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

The Clare Echo Crossword

1/1

Daily Quick Crossword: 9 September 2021, 9/9/2021 Michael Curl

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Michael Curl

Daily Quick Crossword: 9 September 2021, 9/9/2021

Supporting Journalism in Clare

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THIS WEEKS PUZZLES JUNE 30th

1/1

of travel

PUZZLE

THURSDAY, JUN 30 2022