The Clare Echo 30/09/21

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Clare TDs slam rich list PÁRAIC McMAHON

paraic@clareecho.ie

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LARE’S TDs have said findings of a political rich list are misleading and inaccurate.

Figures from the Political Rich List compiled by The Irish Independent show that the county’s four TDs are worth a combined €2,610,798 with both Michael McNamara (IND) and Joe Carey (FG) included

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among the 68 millionaires sitting in Dáil Éireann.

First-time TD Violet-Anne Wynne (SF) is listed as the 158th wealthiest of the 162 TDs with Cathal Crowe (FF) ranked in 113th spot.

None of Clare’s four TDs have financial shares or an involvement in any business, the report outlined.

Deputy Carey told The Clare Echo “the figures put forward are misleading” while Deputy Crowe said “the findings are not accurate”.

Assets of senior civil servants and

journalists working for the State broadcaster should be included in future reports, Deputy McNamara maintained.

“It’s not something I would have given thought to, I take people at face value,” Deputy Wynne said of the report. She admitted that it was shocking to see some politicians in Ireland with a net worth in excess of €6.1m.

Full Story pg 10

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2 NEWS

Index NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

CELEBRATING THE END OF SUMMER IN STYLE

2-16

GREENER CLARE

17

COLUMNISTS

18-19

RECRUITMENT

22-23

HOME FEATURE

26-31

PROPERTY

32-35

SPORT

26-42

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

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

SALES

lGLAD RAGS: Jenny Bassett, Fiona Kelly and Rob Hopkins taking part in the Dance Extravaganza on Kilkee Beach at the weekend. The brave dancers all rushed into the sea too cool off after the event

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

Nugent family to meet Dept of Justice next week

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AMILY members of the late Patrick Nugent are to meet with Department of Justice officials next week to discuss the findings of an in-

quiry into the investigation of his death in 1984, writes Páraic McMahon.

A garda investigation, a criminal trial, and an inquest have all failed to establish the

full truth around the death of the banqueting manager.

Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys (FG) confirmed on Tuesday that the long-awaited advice from the Attorney

General had been received. She said an in-person meeting was to take place next week with the Nugent family to explain the next steps regarding Judge Clyne’s final report

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4 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Supreme Court Appetite to live in rural Ireland can sustain areas agree to hear appeal of Ennis Travellers

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HE Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal brought by two members of the Travelling Community against an order requiring them to vacate local authority owned lands in Ennis.

In October of 2019, Clare County Council secured an injunction which required Helen and Bernard McDonagh along with their family to vacate and remove their caravans and mobile homes from a site at Cahercallamore in Ennis.

They had been on site for up to a year until the injunction was obtained.

The Council claimed the McDonaghs breached planning laws and had no entitlement to be on the lands.

This High Court decision was appealed by the McDonagh family to the Court of Appeal who upheld the ruling in November 2020. The McDonaghs who say they have nowhere else to go lodged a further appeal to the Supreme Court.

In a recent determination the Supreme Court granted the McDonaghs permission to have their appeal heard by it and outlined that the case raised issues of public importance. The Supreme Court said it will consider questions whether a housing authority in the position of the Council is obliged to consider the impact of removal on per-

sons such as the applicants.

The Court will also hear an argument on whether the council should have considered the McDonaghs prospects for obtaining lawful accommodation elsewhere, as well as council's own interests, powers and obligations as a landowner and as housing and planning authority.

When the matter was previously before the High Court the Council claimed that several members of the McDonagh family had failed to comply with the terms of the injunction. Arising out of their failure to vacate the site the council brought further proceedings seeking the McDonagh's attachment and possible committal to prison for contempt.

Clare County Council’s initial action against the McDonaghs arose out of related proceedings where the local authority sought to have the McDonagh's vacate another site in Ennis, which they had previously resided at before it was destroyed by a fire in 2012.

The Council, which claimed the site was unsuitable, brought High Court proceedings against the McDonaghs in 2017 over their presence at that location. The McDonaghs eventually moved from that site to the site at Cahercallamore in August 2018, resulting in the council's taking another set of High Court proceedings.

lSCENIC: New Quay

PÁRAIC MCMAHON paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE County Council must swoop “to take advantage” of the rediscovered desire among the public to live in rural Ireland.

Property prices in scenic locations of the county such as Lahinch have soared since the onset of the pandemic with remote working prompting the public to reconsider their living and working arrangements.

Part of this has whet the appetite of individuals to live in rural Ireland.

It was part of the thinking referenced by Cllr Joe Garrihy (FG) in a motion before the West Clare Municipal District’s September meeting.

He urged the MD to establish “the critical mass of population

to sustain” existing services, schools and communities in towns and villages “along with giving a baseline target for reversal of decline experienced over the last 30 years or more”.

Principles of the motion will be explored between the West Clare MD and the planning section of Clare County Council, acting senior executive officer John O’Malley replied. “The new County Development Plan engagements are key here. Significant resources are needed to ensure that this matter is given its required attention”.

In July, Clare councillors voted to defer the adaptation of the County Development Plan by seven months to allow for more engagement with the public.

Focus of the Southern Assembly “to build a compatible critical mass around Limerick and Galway to compete with Dublin

and get balanced regional development,” was cited by Cllr Garrihy.

He stressed the need to know what is viewed as “a sustainable population” that will sustain school, local sports clubs and maintain vibrant communities.

“Loop Head is said to be losing one person a day for the last 20 years, look at places like New Quay, Carron and Kilfenora, what do we need and what services do we want to retain and attract people to live and work here”.

Actions needed to build this “replacement population” must be defined and incentivised in the County Development Plan, the Lisdoonvarna representative affirmed as he suggested allocations for towns and villages.

“We need to take advantage of people wanting to live in rural Ireland,” Garrihy commented.

Hit and run witness appeal GARDAÍ in Ennis are appealing for witnesses to a hit and run traffic collision which occurred earlier this month.

No persons were injured in the incident which occurred at 8.01 p.m. on Friday, 10th of September 2021 at the traffic lights just up from Coláiste Muire secondary school on Harmony Row. Damage to a black 212 Volkswagen Passat was recorded. The driver had stopped at a red light with the intention of going straight over Club Bridge but as the driver waited for the green light another car which Gardaí say was either silver or grey with a 10 or 12 registration hit the rear of the car and then reversed back towards the entrance gates of Coláiste Muire and drove away in the direction of the Maid of Erin roundabout.

Persons that witnessed the collision or may possess further information are asked to contact Ennis Garda Station on (065) 684 8100.

NEWS 5

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Courses in Limerick and Clare to Offer Opportunity to Start Your Own Business

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HE impact of the pandemic on driving testing in Ireland has been stark, with thousands of people still waiting to complete a driving test including practical tests and Driver Theory Tests. To address this, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) recruited additional driver testers and is seeking to recruit even more to help increase capacity at testing centres and address the backlog.

Currently in order to complete a driving test, all new learners must complete 12 Essential Driver Training (EDT) lessons as a minimum.

This means that now that lessons have resumed there is a shortage of driving instructors to deliver the required lessons to meet the demands of learners.

The resumption of testing may go some way towards alleviating the bottleneck, but it won’t address it completely as failing learners (2020 figures show 47.8% in Limerick, 57.3% in Shannon, 45.9% in Ennis and 43.6% in Kilrush) will need to repeat their tests and require further lessons.

This means there is now a golden opportunity for anyone interested in becoming their own boss by training to be a driving instructor.

If you have excellent driving abil-

ity, a calm and relaxed nature, good interpersonal skills and the ability to inspire people and give instructions clearly, then a job as a driving instructor could be perfect for you.

Once qualified you could be providing an essential service as the Government seeks to address the driving tests shortage.

To help you to reach the competency level required to start your own driving business, Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board is offering RSA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) courses this November.

These Further Education and Training courses at the ETB’s Shannon and Raheen Campuses will provide you with the necessary skills and qualifications to become an Approved Driving Instructor with the Road Safety Authority.

The course aims to help learners achieve a detailed understanding of the rules and regulations set down by the RSA. Modules on the course will include: RSA Approved Driving Instructor, Introduction to Digital Skills, Start your Own Business, WordPress for Business, Introduction to Vehicle Modification, Insurance and Business Support Workshops, Training Delivery & Evaluation, Equality, Di-

versity & Inclusion Workshop, Mental Health First Aid, and Children First E-Learning Programme.

The RSA Approved Driving Instructor qualification consists of 3 separate stages, which are each completed 6 weeks apart including the ADI Driver Theory Test, Advanced Practical Driving Test, and Instructional Ability Test.

The 14-week full-time course will be delivered through a combination of classroom modules and practical driving lessons. You will receive tailored instruction which will help you to master your existing skills before adding new ones, under the supervision of experienced and enthusiastic instructors.

Participants interested in undertaking these courses will need to be Garda-vetted, provide a tax clearance certificate, and be approved by the RSA prior to being deemed eligible.

An interview designed to assess your suitability for the programme will then need to be completed, as will a short cab test to assess your driving ability.

For more information on these exciting courses, go to learningandskills.ie/adi, or call Mary on 061 487 997.

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*Flight services to Corfu, Palma, Barcelona and Faro are seasonal and end in October and November.

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Ennis community launch Haven Hub

lHOPE: The team behind Ennis Haven Hub includes Tina Whelan, Lourdes Murphy, Scott Hasson-Rennie, Leona O'Callaghan and Senator Timmy Dooley THE community of Ennis have come together with The Haven Hub in Limerick to set up their own Haven Hub Suicide Prevention Organisation, writes Elaine Tubridy.

Its launch will be celebrated with a Light the Night Event on Friday October 8. The new crisis centre will give peer support to anybody that is struggling with low mood or at risk of hurting themselves late at night.

The founder of The Haven Hub in Limerick Leona O’Callaghan explains: “Suicide has affected so many people in both Limerick and Clare. The most tragic part about that is

how preventable suicide is. If experts alone could prevent suicide then we would not have an epidemic.

There will be an event to launch the opening of the Haven Hub, where members of the public can purchase lanterns for a Light The Night event in Cootes Shop and Bakery on the Kilrush Road, or Sweet N' Green Café in the Friary Car Park. The event will kick off at 7.30pm and can be viewed along the walls of the river in Ennis. All are welcome to attend.

To donate visit https:// gofund.me/f4e14ae6 www.HavenHub.ie

6 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Pádraig Ó Céidigh appointed Chair of Shannon Group PÁRAIC MCMAHON

F

paraic@clareecho.ie

ORMER CEO of Aer Arann Islands, Pádraig Ó Céidigh has been appointed as the new Chairperson of Shannon Group plc.

A three year term has been agreed for the Galway native following an appearance before the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport and Communications.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) confirmed the announcement on Tuesday afternoon, it was brought before a Cabinet meeting that morning. The Clare Echo reported in February that the 64 year old was among the potential candidates for the role.

In confirming the appointment, Minister Ryan stated, “Pádraig brings a wealth of experience from the aviation sector, as an entrepre-

neur and as a board member, and I am confident that he will be a good fit in this role with Shannon Group. I wish him every success as he takes on the challenge of leading the company out of the pandemic towards a brighter future.”

An experienced business leader and entrepreneur, Mr. Ó Céidigh has extensive knowledge in the aviation sector and has a strong track record at senior levels in both the public and private sectors. He has held senior management positions including Chief Executive Office and Chairman of Aer Arann for some 26 years. He is a former winner of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and represented Ireland at the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year.

He served as a Senator from 2016 to 2020 and is a native Irish speaker. He is an alumni of Harvard University and University College Galway, where he was awarded Business Alumni of the Year and is adjunct professor of Entrepreneur-

REACTION: CATHAL CROWE TD (FF): “He fully understands the importance of regional connectivity and how the west of Ireland, though geographically peripheral, has a key role in terms of east-bound transit to Europe and west-bound transit to North America. I hope, in his tenure, Pádraig will lead the resurgence of Shannon Airport and return it to its glory days of the 1990s and early 2000s where it enjoyed a significant number of inbound and outbound flights. The Covid pandemic has been beyond tough for all in aviation. The sector has been crippled over the past 18 months with very few flights taking off and landing. Of all of Ireland’s airports, Shannon was the worst effected with planes grounded at the airport for several months during the pandemic. The lack of activity at the airport resulted in many staff being temporarily laid off and the place often resembled a ghost town.There’s renewed hope for Shannon".

DEE RYAN, CEO OF LIMERICK CHAMBER: “The region has waited for over a year for the announcement of a new Chairperson of Shannon Group, which is a key asset for our local economy so we very much welcome the appointment. Pádraig Ó Céidigh has a background and wealth of experience in the aviation industry and we believe this is critical for the role of Shannon Group Chairperson given that connectivity through the airport is such a key concern for the vast majority of stakeholders across the regional business, tourism and hospitality community.

Mr Ó Céidigh’s insights will be hugely beneficial for the airport during the period ahead when route recovery and development together with passenger growth is a key focus for not just Shannon Group but the wider region.

“Pádraig Ó Céidigh is not just deeply experienced in aviation, he is of this region and recognises not just the importance of Shannon but the opportunities that can arise from it. His passion for both aviation and the West of Ireland region has been evident throughout his working life and, indeed, we saw it first-hand when he attended the launch of our Copenhagen Economics report not long before COVID hit”.

l NEW ROLE: Pádraig Ó Céidigh ship and Business. He also holds a qualification from the Law Society of Ireland. He has previous board experience with Fáilte Ireland, RTÉ and An Bord Iascaigh Mhara.

Pádraig stressed the economic importance of Shannon Airport to the region following his appoint-

ment. “Shannon Airport is a vital economic engine for the Shannon Region and wider west of Ireland economy. It is imperative that Shannon Group is supported in its recovery, and I am deeply committed to working with the CEO and Board to ensure this happens. The

JOE CAREY TD (FG) “I have had the pleasure of knowing Padraig for a long time, his unique mix of experience and skills, whether as a member of Seanad Éireann, as an entrepreneur, coupled with his particular understanding of the Airline Business and his ever alert awareness of the need for balanced regional development, places him as an ideal person for this challenge.

"Mr O’Céidigh faces a difficult task leading the Shannon Group through these extremely challenging times but he is well up to the task, he has my full support and I look forward to engaging with him soon as chair of the all-party Shannon Airport Oireachtas Committee.

“As we know, operations at Shannon Airport have been decimated as a result of the pandemic but long before the coronavirus struck, Shannon Airport was not reaching its potential.

Addressing this key issue will be the major role of the new chairperson. Some welcome progress has been made over the past couple of months with the return of passenger services most notably Ryanair’s eighteen routes, the return of the Aer Lingus Heathrow route and United Airlines commitment to returning Transatlantic services next March.

The Shannon Group has made massive progress in terms of its property portfolio having managed to attract a number of world leading companies whilst also embarking on a multi-million total transformation of the Shannon Free Zone.

It’s important that Mr O’Céidigh ensures that continued progress is made in this regard.

The challenge to ensure a successful transfer of Shannon Heritage Tourism Assets to Clare County Council also remains and must be overseen by the in-coming chairperson.”

“I have every confidence that Mr O’Ceidigh will place the Shannon Group on the right trajectory to succeed. We all have an obligation to work with Pádraig and together across the political divide to make Shannon great again.”

MARGARET O’BRIEN, CEO OF ENNIS CHAMBER: “We look forward to working alongside Mr. Ó Céidigh as the aviation sector recovers from the worst-affected period in its history and to ensuring that air connectivity at Shannon Airport is restored to at least 2019 levels in as short a timeframe as possible, and with the Government supports it requires to do so”.

revitalisation of the airport is important not only for the staff who work there, but for the thousands of people who rely on Shannon’s air connectivity for their business and livelihoods.”

CEO of Shannon Group, Mary Considine welcomed the long-awaited development with no Chairperson in place following the conclusion of Rose Hynes’ contract extension last August. “His wealth of business experience in the aviation sector in particular, will be of immense support to Shannon Group. Our focus now is on continuing to rebuild vital air services for the people and businesses in this region who rely on Shannon for air connectivity. We are doing this by working with our aviation partners to build on the success we have had to-date. There is a long journey ahead for aviation recovery, but I am confident that with the right supports and the hard work of the entire team here, we will see Shannon thrive again,” Mary stated.

SENATOR MARTIN CONWAY (FG): “This appointment is great news for Shannon Airport and tourism and business in the entire Midwest region.

Pádraig Ó Céidigh is an innovator in business, particularly in the area of aviation. Through his involvement with Aer Arann he has a deep understanding and knowledge of aviation and its benefits to business and tourism in the region. His innovative style of business and track record is an ideal match to deliver real change and grow Shannon Airport.

“Pádraig Ó Céidigh’s appointment is excellent news and comes on the back of the reintroduction of the Shannon - Heathrow flights and the announcement by the US Government of the re-opening of travel to and from the US. Having worked with Pádraig in Seanad Éireann I know first-hand how determined he is to achieve results and his commitment to the Midwest region”.

SENATOR TIMMY DOOLEY (FF): “The appointment of Pádraig Ó Céidigh as Chair of Shannon Airport is a great choice. Pádraig understands the aviation business and most importantly understands the needs and opportunities for the West and Midwest region. I’m looking forward to working with him to rebuild activity and connectivity at our great airport in Shannon.”

HELEN DOWNES CEO OF SHANNON CHAMBER: “The competencies Mr Ó Céidigh brings to this role are wide and varied, not just in aviation but in all aspects of business. He understands how airlines work and their route decision processes. He understands how important connectivity is to the western seaboard and how essential such connectivity is for the business and tourism sectors alike, delivered with a schedule that suits the needs of both sectors, in terms of turnaround times. His skills and track record as an entrepreneur equip him with an in-depth understanding of a ‘burning platform’ and the type of decisions that need to be made to reignite a sector when it has been affected by an unforeseen obstacle, in aviation’s and in Shannon’s case, COVID-19. His leadership skills will enable him to steer the Shannon Group on a winning trajectory. He understands the need for balanced regional development and the potential that exists at a regional level”.

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

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THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Teaching award for Fiona McGarry PÁRAIC MCMAHON

C

paraic@clareecho.ie

LARE journalist, Fiona McGarry has received a teaching award from the National University of Galway.

On Friday, Fiona was named as the winner of the 2021 excellence in teaching and learning award in journalism and communication at NUIG. Students in the discipline of journalism and communication voted for the award which recognises the lecturer who receives the overall highest marks in student evaluation of teaching scores annually. NUIG’s journalism programme was the top points course in Ireland in the CAO in 2021.

The discipline has more than 200 first year students, and attracts ap-

plications from countries around the world to study on its programmes annually.

Fiona was awarded the top prize for her commitment to high quality teaching, focus on student learning and the delivery of an outstanding student experience.

An award-winning journalist and radio producer, Fiona lectures in radio journalism, podcasting and in media studies. She is a reporter with The Clare Champion having previously spent four years as producer of Clare FM’s current affairs show, Morning Focus.

From Castelbar in Co Mayo, Fiona now lives in Ruan. In 2012, she secured a funding award from the Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund to travel to Haiti to produce a four-part print feature series for the Connaught Telegraph, a one-hour documentary for Midwest Radio and a slide show for Mayo Today. ie. She won a Justice Media Award

l JOURNALIST: Fiona McGarry

for a short radio series on the work of Bedford Row Project, which supports prisoners and families in the Mid-West.

She was closely involved in the

development of JOE.ie and Her. ie while she was a senior producer on the Newstalk’s Lunchtime Show which was presented by Damien Kiberd, Brendan O’Brien and Karen Coleman.

McGarry has worked as a broadcast journalist and producer with Galway Bay FM, Midwest Radio and Radio Kerry. In her native county, Fiona was news editor of The Western People and editor of the Mayo Advertiser.

Head of Journalism and Communication Tom Felle said: “Fiona is an outstanding lecturer and this award recognises her commitment to our students.

The last year and a half has been extremely difficult for students in schools and universities around the country, so this award for Fiona is a testament to all the hard work she has put in to ensure students achieved their potential in very challenging circumstances”.

€50k in suspected cannabis seized in East Clare TWO separate searches in East Clare under Operation Tara have seen Gardaí seize more than €50,000 of suspected cannabis Shortly before 4pm on Thursday, Killaloe Gardai assisted by members of the Clare Divisional Drugs Unit carried out a search of a premises at O’Briensbridge, Co Clare. Suspected cannabis herb with an estimated street value in excess

of €45,000 was seized. A man in his late 20s was arrested at the scene and subsequently detained at Ennis Garda Station under Section 2 of the Drug Trafficking Act, 1996. He has since been charged in connection with this seizure and appeared before a special sitting of Ennis District Court on Friday.

Meanwhile shortly after 6.30pm Gardaí con-

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ducted a separate search operation at a house in Bridgetown, Co Clare. Here a quantity of suspected cannabis herb estimated to be worth approximately €7,000 was seized.

No arrests have been made in relation to this seizure but investigating Gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry. The drugs seized are subject to forensic analysis.

Local road damaged by forestry work DAMAGE to the L6084 and L6083 in Moyasta has been noted amidst ongoing forestry work, writes Páraic McMahon.

It prompted Cllr Gabriel Keating (FG) to seek restoration works on both local roads in Moyasta in a proposal before the West Clare Municipal District.

Both routes had been used by forestry trucks “carrying felled trees from a nearby forest plantation,” to access the N67, senior executive engineer of the West Clare MD, Alan Kennelly acknowledged.

Forestry works must be concluded before the restoration works are contemplated, he said.

“More forestry works are due to commence in this area shortly. It would not be prudent to carry out restoration works on either road until all forestry works in the area are completed”.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Cllr Keating noted that contractors felling the trees and drawing them “have damaged the road”.

He flagged that the forestry company “only give so much towards its repair”. More funding is to be pressed for, Keating flagged.

NEWS 9

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

‘Neighbours from hell are wreaking havoc’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

“N paraic@clareecho.ie

EIGHBOURS from hell” are “wreaking havoc” in Clare County Council owned houses, an Ennis representative has declared.

Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) repeated his concerns at the ongoing conditions caused in some estates across the county by local authority tenants. “Serious drug issues in urban areas”, instances of racism and the presence of rats were among the bones of contention flagged.

He sought a progress report on the work of the three tenancy enforcement officers (TEO) appointed in a temporary capacity by Clare County Council at the start of this year.

Director of Service, Anne Haugh explained that the primary role of the TEO team is to “investigate fully” any complaints to alleged failure of tenants to abide by their letting agreement, work closely with the Traveller

community, serve notices on illegally parked caravans and to provide support to communities in relation to anti-social behaviour of Council tenants. So far in 2021, the TEO team has undertaken 1,731 callouts.

Flynn felt the abolition of Ennis Town Council as a housing authority coincided with a “huge influx in these neighbours from hell from rural parts of the county and from outside the county, they have created havoc in their own areas and then create havoc in the areas they move into”.

“I am very concerned with a very small but a very troublesome number of tenants in local authority funded houses which are creating havoc not alone for vulnerable people trying to live peacefully in houses adjoining them but also for vulnerable children who I believe are at risk,” the Ennis representative flagged.

Individuals who worked on the frontline in the height of the pandemic have had to sell their house and emigrate “due to intimidation,” the former Mayor of Ennis remarked. He said the actions of the “neighbours from hell” are “keeping people up at night, it is keeping people up who are trying to get up and go to work the next morning to keep the country moving”.

‘Thanks for saving me’

l GRATEFUL: Michael and Pam Almada and (inset) the air ambulance AMERICAN man Michael Almadahas credited the Irish Community Air Ambulance and National Ambulance Service personnel for saving his life after he suffered a heart attack while on holiday in North Clare.

Michael has been coming to Ireland with his family for the last 20 years. He suffered a heart attack on Monday, September 6th while at their cottage in Kilfenora.

The Irish Community Air Ambulance airlifted Michael straight to the Cardiac Cath Lab at University Hospital Limerick where a team was waiting to operate on him.

“The Irish Community Air Ambulance was a vital link without which I would either not be here, or here in a terribly reduced state,” Michael said. He spent four days in hospital and is recovering well ahead of his return to the States.

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10 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 23 2021

Political rich list findings ‘misleading’ say Clare TDs

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by PÁRAIC McMAHON LARE TDs have said findings from a political rich list which reported that two of them were millionaires are “misleading”.

The Irish Independent published its political rich list this week following a two month investigation.

It detailed that of the 162 TDs, 68 of them were millionaires, this compares with 73 millionaires in the last Dáil term.

Figures from the report show that the county’s four TDs are worth a combined €2,610,798 with both Deputy Michael McNamara (IND) and Deputy Joe Carey (FG) included among the 68 millionaires.

McNamara ranks as the 62nd wealthiest TD in the Dáil with a worth of €1,085,046. Of this, €774,186 is for property and lands while €310,860 is for his TD pension.

As the county’s longest serving TD, Carey features as the 67th wealthiest member of Dáil Éireann valued at €1,024,616. His time in Leinster House is set to see him take home a pension worth €689,616 with his property and

lands valued at €335,000.

In the Dáil for eighteen months, Cathal Crowe (FF) is 113th on the list with a total of €463,980. Property and lands of the Meelick man are worth an estimated €422,136 while his pension is calculated at €41,844.

Fellow first-time TD, Violet-Anne Wynne (SF) is deemed to be the 158th wealthiest of the 162 TDs. Her pension is totted up at €37,156 while no property or lands are owned by the Kilrush woman.

None of the Clare TDs are listed at having any financial benefits from involvements with businesses or shares.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Deputy McNamara confirmed that all his property was located in East Clare, with the majority of it agricultural land. “Farmers are rich in assets but their income doesn’t match this.,” he stated. The Scariff man believed findings with regard to his projected pension were inaccurate. “It is important that politicians declare their assets but it is equally important that senior civil servants who have huge power and seem to be making a lot of the decisions do the same. What about RTÉ journalists getting paid by the public exchequer. It is a bit of an

pension which is currently worth approximately €35,000 per year.

The accrued pension figure is also based on an assumption that I will live until I’m nearly one hundred years old. Then they add the value which they have placed on my family home, which my wife and I own and are paying a mortgage on to arrive at their figure”.

According to Deputy Crowe, “the findings are not accurate”. He said he owns land near his parents home in Meelick and admitted to being “utterly confused” by how pensions were calculated for the investigation. “Yes there are rich people in the Dáil, I certainly am not one of them, I think it is evasive politics. I have to declare each year that my wife is a teacher which I think there is no need for.

I am certainly not a millionaire. I acknowledge it is a very well paid job”.

Deputy Wynne was unable to speak when contacted by The Clare Echo. easy thing to do to whip out, why focus exclusively on politicians, why not journalists”.

Figures put forward were labelled “misleading” by Deputy Carey. “They calculate a pension

entitlement which I have accrued since my election to Dáil Éireann but which I will not receive for another twenty years as I will need to be 66 years old and retired to be eligible to receive a full taxable

l ASSETS: Clare TDs Michael McNamara, Cathal Crowe, Joe Cary and Violet Anne Wynne

Lahinch's Liam to take over Green seat on Council

by PÁRAIC McMAHON EARTH and ocean science graduate, Liam Grant (inset) is to be co-opted to Clare County Council as the Green Party’s sole representative on the local authority.

Lahinch’s Liam will replace Susan Crawford who resigned from her role suddenly at the end of June. The Miltown Malbay woman was co-opted to the Council in September of last year following Roisin Garvey’s nomination to Seanad Éireann.

An online selection convention was held

by Green Party members with voting taking

place via postal vote with Liam announced as the successful candidate on Tuesday.

Ennistymon’s Cooper Piggot also contested for the seat.

Since May, Liam has been a retained firefighter in Ennistymon, he has combined this with working as a vaccinator at the COVID-19 vaccination centre in Ennis and at Murphy’s Pharmacy. He also lines out with Ennistymon’s Junior B football side.

Grant was one of the founders of Luvguru, an app which allows friends of a single person to match them up with others using Facebook. The start-up company ceased

operations in 2018.

Fergal Smith’s General Election bid of 2016 was Liam’s first foray into politics as he assisted the professional surfer with his campaign.

Speaking to The Clare Echo, Liam referenced his passion for the environment, particularly when it comes to water. “I want to put an end to beaches being closed in the county due to high levels of bacteria in the sea. That we aren’t dumping raw sewage into our oceans or leaving people with contaminated drinking water. We need to bring our water and wastewater infrastructure into the 21st century”. Last year, he worked as a lifeguard in Fanore which heightened his passion for water quality.

“More of my friends have left the country than own a house. I feel like just as many of my school friends have taken their own lives than own their own home. This is something that upsets me deeply. The housing crisis is stopping young people from progressing their lives and we need to offer them a future. Starting with affordable housing”.

He commended the work of Senator Garvey and revealed his desire to see “tidal swimming pools, similar to that seen in Belmullet and Bundoran.

Greenways have

been incredibly successful in other parts of the country and Clare needs to catch up”.

Liam is hopeful he will be formally co-opted to the local authority at its October sitting.

Senator Garvey believed that Liam was “an excellent fit” for the seat. "It is great to have a super community activist to take the Green Council seat. He is an intelligent, capable and dedicated community person and that's a great basis to be a strong rep for North Clare”.

NEWS 11

THURSDAY, SEP 23 2021

Michael ‘Danno’ Doyle - an appreciation

l TRIBUTE: Michael ‘Danno’ Doyle On a June day, having just finished his daily walk Michael Doyle passed to his eternal reward, suddenly and peacefully, at his home in Cregg, Whitegate.

‘Danno’ as he was affectionately known has been synonymous with Whitegate hurling for longer than most people can remember and his passing has left a huge void in the

community.

A hurling career, spanning over 60 years, began when he played senior for the Club in 1954 having come to the attention of the Clare Minor selectors the same year.

The golden era for Whitegate hurling was just about to begin.

For over a decade that team was to enjoy much success and admiration, with the highlight being crowned County Champions in 1961, sixty years ago this year.

As a central defender Danno had few equals, sometimes turning out to be ‘the cutest of forwards’.

He was a great reader of the game and possessed a great hurling brain.

Today, that might be termed sporting intelligence.

Even before his own playing career had come to an end, he began to give generously and unselfishly to the coaching of young players.

He was trainer, coach, and mentor to every age group in the club with notable successes before

moving on to the intercounty scene with Clare teams.

In later years, his proximity to the GAA field provided him with easy access to the pitch and he continued to keep a watchful eye on all proceedings there; never missing the weekly GAA card game on a Sunday night.

At the time of his death Michael held the position of Club President and the huge numbers that turned out to pay their respects at his funeral is testament to the legacy he has left for all ages and the respect in which he was held by all ages.

His loss is felt the greatest by his family: wife Teresa, daughters Rita and Eilish, sons Pat, Eamonn and Kenneth and his grandchildren.

His loss to the hurling community is immense, because Danno was a hurling man – a Whitegate man all his life.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Submitted by Cummann C.L.G. An Geata Bán

Clare Echo signs deal with Google for new media service PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

H E Clare Echo is one of seven Irish news partners that has signed an agreement with Google to support media in the country.

Google will license high-quality news content from these publishers for News Showcase, Google’s new product experience and licensing programme for news.

Seven publishers are currently taking part which represents almost 40 publications and a mix of local, regional and national news organisations from across Ireland. Google plans to roll out News Showcase to readers in Ireland in the coming months.

Google News Showcase supports news publishers by giving them a new way to curate their high-quality content on Google’s News and Discover platforms, connecting their readers with the news that matters to them and a deeper storytelling experience.

It is supported by Google’s $1 billion global investment in news.

Editor and Managing Director of The Clare Echo, Stuart Holly welcomed the investment of Google in local media.

“As one of only two independent Irish regional

publishers to have signed an agreement with Google, this is recognition of our excellent staff while this support will enable us to continue investing in keeping the people of Clare informed.

“While this signifies a step in the right direction, it is now imperative that the Government moves to support the many Irish publishers which provide an invaluable service to the public.

“I look forward to the launch of Google News Showcase, which I believe will greatly improve the reader experience, further inform the public on important issues and of course drive more traffic to our website,” the Ennis native added.

Nearly 1,000 news publications globally have signed deals for News Showcase since last year, in countries including India, Germany, Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Australia, Czechia, Japan, Colombia, the UK, Austria and Argentina, with discussions underway in a number of other countries.

Google is one of the world’s biggest financial supporters of news and Google News Showcase is the latest investment in its ongoing commitment to support journalism around the globe.

In Ireland, Google supports news publishers in a number of ways, including innovation funding and training, as well as products like Google News and Search which send valuable traffic to news sites.

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12 Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Shannon family announced as winners of MÓRglór PÁRAIC MCMAHON

R

paraic@clareecho.ie

UAN’S Shannon family have been announced as this year’s winner of the MÓRglór award.

Sharon, Garry, Majella and Mary Shannon are to follow in the footsteps of Eoin O’Neill, Frank Custy, Geraldine Cotter, the late Chris Droney and Mary MacNamara by accepting the prestigious accolade.

This annual award is curated by glór in partnership with Dr Tim Collins as producer of the event.

Noted as outstanding ambassadors for the traditional arts, the Shannon family have also inspired musicians nationally and interna-

tionally. They have dedicated the award to their parents, Mary and IJ. They were all involved on the farm as they grew up and consequently still have a love of the outdoors life. Their early exposure to music was mainly through the singing of their parents Mary and IJ and later through records and tapes of Trad, Country, and Pop music. They started in the late 70s on tin whistles at the Teach Ceoil in Corofin under the tutelage of musicians such as Tom Barrett, John Byrt, Tony Linnane and Gus Tierney.

As time went on, they soaked up the music of bands such as The Mellow Men, The Prodigal Sons and The Grogans in the local lounge bars in the company of their parents.

l TUNES: Sharon, Garry, Majella and Mary Shannon

They spent years competing at the Fleadhanna Ceoil, but the music was truly embedded only when it became their social outlet through attending Friday night

Distinctions awarded to Clare photographers

THREE members of the Clare Camera Club made successful applications to the Irish Photographic Federation for distinctions last weekend.

Kilmihil’s Gerard O’Neill (pictured above) whose work appears in The Clare

Echo’s sport section weekly submitted a panel for associateship. The panel for this consists of 15 prints on a theme with hurling and football selected by the Sixmilebridge resident. Joe Ahearne and Thomas O’Flynn both from Ennis submitted panels of 10 prints for licentiateship.

After selection, the panels go before a number of judges for scrutiny, any flaws or defects result in the panel failing to pass.

Getting a distinction is a recognition that a photographer has reached a certain standard of competency.

“It is important to point out that the success of the three panels was due to the advice and guidance from club members John Mangan, Michael O'Brien and Michael Kearney. As a club we all help one another and this is at the core of the ethos of the club,” Gerard told The Clare Echo.

sessions driven by Frank Custy in Toonagh Hall. Playing for dance became second nature with Frank’s Toonagh Céilí Band and soon, they were also recording and tour-

ing abroad with Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin’s Dísirt Tóla.

Since then, they have all travelled independent avenues at home and abroad as performers and as teachers, with Sharon in particular achieving exceptional international recognition as a collaborator and crossover performer.

On Friday November 6th, the people of Clare will come together to acknowledge a depth of gratitude to The Shannon family for their enormous contribution to traditional Irish music with a concert in glór featuring the family, friends, and extended family, along with some of the most renowned traditional musicians and singers in the county and the country. Tickets for this concert are now available from glor.ie and on 065 6843103.

Ballyea Choir and friends live in a slatted house THERE is a long history of choir in Ballyea but the present adult choir is in place since the mid nineties. It’s a choir that welcomes young and old and presently has over 30 members. George Benn hails from Miltown Malbay and has been a musician all his life. George is a member of the choir since 2015 and has driven this project of making a CD for charity. In September 2019 we had planned a concert but Covid 19 made sure that didn’t happen. Those participating in the CD are choir members, friends and family of George. We will pay tribute to all when we launch this unique CD.

Martin, a member of the choir, is a local contractor and farmer who provided space for us to meet safely when Covid restrictions allowed. We met as a small group singing every song we knew and laughing our hearts out. We used the slatted house when the weather would not allow us to be outside!

It was such a relief for all to sing but especially for George who needed to sing to exercise his lungs and keep up his playing guitar.

George admits himself that he had no inclination to play and sing at home. We were all a gift to each other in those confusing, anx-

ious Covid times. Choirs attribute positively to ones’ wellness. Most of the songs chosen for the CD were the songs we sang for fun week after week and the larger choir has recently joined us in the chorus lines.

We are going to record the CD in the slatted house on October 10th. As a choir we come from all walks of life and varying levels of musical ability but we had some lovely people help us along the way. We wish to thank you most sincerely for helping us on our way to producing this unique CD where the proceeds go to Irish Cancer Society.

NEWS 13

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

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Camán to the Burren The Michael Cusack Centre, Carron, North Clare Reasons to Visit 1 6 2 7 3 8 4 9

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Situated in a stunning location in Carron in the heart of the award winning Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

Come and explore the “Heart & Soul of the GAA” where Michael Cusack was born and where the story of the GAA began. Our audio visual experience transports you back in time to famine era 1840s Ireland at the Cusack Homestead Thatched Cottage.

The Exhibition Centre dedicated to Michael Cusack is a must for any GAA fans – the story beginning in 1847 is told to the formation of the GAA in 1884 and beyond.

The Cusack Way Walk – this looped walk takes you to Cahercommaun 8th Century Cliff Fort, an outstanding example of Celtic Ring Forts in Ireland. Reaching the fort the walker is rewarded with stunning panoramic views. The walk is free and open to the public (guided walks can be arranged).

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Family Fairy & GAA Trail – each county and province in Ireland has an Ash Tree planted in 1984 to celebrate the centenary of the GAA and in each Counties Colours. The Family Fairy Trail caters for all family members and is a place where younger children can have fun.

Perfect location for Wellbeing and Wellness - if you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle to find tranquillity and relaxation in this very peaceful and mindful setting.

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Group, Individual, School and Family Tours are catered for. We are also delighted to offer private tours outside normal opening hours. Can be arranged by contacting (065) 7089944 or www.michaelcusack.ie

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Date for your Diary in 2022 – the 175th birthday of Michael Cusack will be celebrated on Sunday 18th September 2022.

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14 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

SHANNON NEWS in association with

Preparation of Masterplan to precede ‘significant funding application’ PÁRAIC MCMAHON

S

paraic@clareecho.ie

UBMISSIONS from members of the public and county councillors will be taken on board before revised plans go on display.

94 questionnaires have been completed on the Shannon Town Masterplan with 54 written submissions received by Clare County Council.

Director of Service with responsibility for Economic Development in the Council, Liam Conneally confirmed a workshop to amend mapping and text aspects of the

Masterplan would be amended before another period of public display begins.

He said that the concerns of elected members of the Shannon Municipal District regarding the previous public display period and its material has been noted. “The Department are paying for this exercise and are expecting we would move ahead and conclude this piece of work before we apply for a significant URDF application, this is the prep work for that, we expect to be making a significant application,” Conneally stated.

Parallel to this, he outlined that considerable work is ongoing by the Council regarding land acquisition in Shannon Town Centre.

lSUBMISSIONS: Shannon Town Park

Some aspects of the initial plan included downgrading the R471 and removing the roundabout linking it with the R472 to develop a new main street, an expanded and reinvigorated green town square is also proposed for where

the Farmers Market is currently held and plans for a multifunctional building, which will serve various community uses and be known as the One Shannon Hub. Speaking at the September meeting of the Shannon MD, Cllr

Gerry Flynn (IND) expressed his delight that the views of the elected representatives were “finally” listened to.

Flynn referenced a recent visit to the town by senior planner, Brian McCarthy to assess Sli Cara, the road in front of the Seán Lemass Public Library which “is crying out to be made into a public road”. He previously tabled on the motion on the matter, “I don’t think any progress has been achieved but senior planner was well impressed when I identified the road”. The Shannon resident told the meeting that an invitation for the Chief Executive and Director of Service to conduct a similar visit to the town was still open.

Another safety assessment planned for Scenic Garden

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AN ASSESSMENT is to be arranged at The Scenic Garden in Shannon, less than twelve months after Clare County Council hired a contractor to examine the area.

Calls for “a full inspection” of the trees located in the Scenic Garden next to Mary Immaculate College in Drumgeely were issued by Cllr Gerry Flynn (IND) at the September meeting of the Shannon Municipal District.

He outlined, “there is a concern for public safety as this is a public area and a huge attraction for visitors.

Over recent years some of

the large branches have come away and thankfully no one was injured but there is a risk that needs to be assessed by the Council”.

Senior executive engineer in the Shannon MD, Tom Mellett detailed that a contractor was requested to assess the area in 2020 after a number of branches fell.

“No further works were required following that assessment. However as there are ongoing concerns the office has arranged for another assessment. Contact with the group main-

taining the garden to discuss any measures arising will also be required”.

Volunteers involved with the Scenic Garden have spoken to Cllr Flynn of their worries regarding safety and potential risks to visitors. “There is a need for urgency, there are three to four trees up there which are quite dangerous, the safety of people using the garden has to be utmost in our minds,” Flynn stated.

“It is a public space used widely, a lot of people use it for photographs, it is constantly in use,” Cllr Donna McGettigan (SF) commented in seconding the proposal.

lRISK: The Scenic Garden

Photo by Joe Buckley

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

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THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

in association with

French Court fencing is 'an eyesore’ TIMBER fencing at the entrance to the French Court estate in Ennis is “an eyesore for every resident,” a county councillor has claimed, writes Páraic McMahon.

Upgrading of the timber fence at the entrance to the Clonroad estate was requested by Cllr Pat Daly (FF) at this month’s sitting of the Ennis Municipal District. Executive engineer with the Ennis MD, Barry Conway confirmed that the location would be assessed “to determine where responsibility lies for this fence and a suitable proposal will follow on from inspection. If works are required by the council a suitable funding stream will have to be identified”.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Daly labelled the fencing as “an eyesore for every resident in French Court”.

He added, “the timber fence is all over the place”. Support for the proposal was voiced by Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) in what he labelled as a “very important” appeal. “This estate needs to be looked after, the people living there are paying property tax”.

€560,000 made available for new Irish language plan PÁRAIC MCMAHON

T

paraic@clareecho.ie

HE sum of €80,000 has been made available for the implementation of an Irish language plan in the town of Ennis over a seven year period.

Prepared by An Clár as Gaeilge Teo, the group will also be responsible for the implementation of the plan with Foras na Gaeilge to provide continuous assistance.

Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers (FF) visited Ennis on Friday to launch the town’s language plan while he also stopped off at both Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg and

lTEANGA: Domhnall Ó Loinsigh, Mayor of Ennis Cllr Ann Norton (IND), Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers (FF), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) and Donal Ó hÁiniféin Photo by Eamon Ward

Gaelcholáiste an Chláir to meet with staff members and pupils

from both schools.

Speaking in Ennis, the Junior

Minister described the launch of the Ennis Language Plan as an important day regarding “promoting the Irish language in the town.

“A lot of work has been undertaken and is still underway locally to boost the Irish language in Ennis and An Clár as Gaeilge Teo and everyone else involved in compiling the language plan for Ennis town are to be commended”.

He believed the Irish language “has a strong foundation as a language that is thriving and alive in the town.

“The implementation of the language plan that I am launching today will only add to that great work under the language planning process”.

‘Scary’ Ennis station slammed

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HEAVY criticism of Ennis’ train and bus station has been voiced.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) was vociferous in her disapproval of the current conditions at Ennis station as she sought an invitation to be issued to Irish Rail and Bus Éireann to attend a future sitting.

She outlined that the station was “very profitable” and calculated that up to 2,000 people were using it on an almost daily basis prior to COVID-19 while affirming that neither Irish Rail or Bus Éireann had “pride” in the station. “There is no personnel there, it is all machines, the inspector from the bus station was removed three years ago,” Cllr Howard added.

Rubbish is taken from the location weekly by volunteers with Ennis Tidy Towns, the former Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council outlined.

First opened as a railway station in 1859, Howard lamented the fact that it was the

first destination for many individuals stepping foot in the county town. “The station can be a very scary place,” she observed.

Bus Éireann have confirmed they are working on a nationwide upgrade to all in-station information displays and that no plans exist to have a supervisor in Ennis while flagging that tickets can be purchased from automatic machines, on board the bus and online. “There hasn’t been any change to the ticketing situation in Ennis for almost 10 years and there are no current plans to reintroduce a supervisor in the station”.

A recently opened fully accessible lift and footbridge at Ennis Station was referenced by Iarnród Éireann regarding their commitment to the location. Resurfacing of the platforms is due to commence in the coming months, a spokesperson highlighted. “We have an excellent working relationship with Ennis Tidy Towns. There is a staff presence at this location and our Station Manager for the area regularly visits the station to ensure that high standards are being maintained”.

lNO PERSONNEL: Bus station

FEATURES 17

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

GREEN CLARE

Take up the Gaisce challenge and plant #BulbsForBees STUART HOLLY

T

editor@clareecho.ie

O CELEBRATE 35 years of Gaisce – The President’s Award, the organisation is encouraging people in Clare regardless of age, location or size of back garden to take up their own Gaisce challenge this autumn and plant a pollinator-friendly bulb to protect one of the most important players in the climate change battle – bees.

If planted in autumn, the bulbs will bloom in Spring. The #BulbsForBees campaign is supported by President Michael D. Higgins and the ‘All-Ireland Pollinator Plan’ who have worked with Gaisce to undertake the largest ever pollination project in Ireland.

The pollinator friendly bulbs will bloom in spring creating a variety of flowers including crocus tommasinianus barr’s purple, allium moly and muscari armeniacum.

Over the next two weeks, over 50,000 pollinator-friendly bulbs will make their way to every post-primary school in the country; to Gaisce Award Partners including disability services, prisons and volunteer centres

with the help of An Post; and over 300,000 bulbs through the Irish Local Development Network for distribution to the wider community and youth sector.

In Clare, community and youth groups can contact Clare Local Development Company about collecting their Gaisce bulbs, while their stock lasts. Members of the public are encouraged to visit their local garden centre to pick up a pollinator friendly bulb to participate in the challenge by October 21st.

You can find out how to participate in the project and how to receive a special commemorative certificate of participation from the Gaisce – The President’s Award website.

Commenting in support of the campaign, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins, said: “I thank all those who will be partaking in this special Gaisce challenge and who, by doing so, make a profound statement of their real desire to protect the life we share on this planet.”

Also commenting, Yvonne McKenna CEO of Gaisce – The President’s Award, said: “We are calling on people in Clare to pick up a pollinator bulb and plant it, to help safeguard the future of our vital bee population. One third of our bee species is threatened with extinction in Ireland. This

lPETALS: Mary Neville and Caoimhe launch the #BulbsForBees campaign

is because we have drastically reduced the number of flowers they eat and places where they can safely nest. We’re asking everyone from schools and local authorities to sports clubs and shops to come together and create an Ireland where pollinators can survive and thrive.”

Joe Saunders, CEO at the Irish Local Development Network, added: “We are delighted to support the #BulbsForBees campaign by using our links to community groups in

every part of the country. This is a fantastic initiative by Gaisce – The President’s Award to protect our bee population. We want everyone in the county to participate in their own Gaisce challenge that will protect the future for us all. Just like the Gaisce Award itself, this doesn’t happen overnight. A bulb planted now will need care and attention before it blossoms in the Spring, and that’s something wonderful – and important - for everyone to be part of.”

18 COLUMNIST

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Kearney Cooks

SPICY SQUASH SOUP

S

OMETIMES necessity becomes the mother of invention. I found myself in such a situation during the week. You see I was tending to my pumpkin patch to see how my various squash and pumpkins were coming along , and I accidentally kicked one off its vine.

Now even though it was a little under ripe, I decided I would try and make some soup with it.

So I doused the little fella in whatever vaguely curry flavours were sitting in my press, roasted him and mixed him into a soup along with some other bits and bobs I happened to have lying about.

YOU WILL NEED: • 1 squash or pumpkin • 1 carrot • 1 parsnip • 1 onion • 2 cloves of garlic • 1 chilli • 1 can of coconut milk • 500ml of chicken or veg stock • 1 tsp of curry powder • 1 tsp of cumin • 1 tsp of mustard seeds • 1 tsp of cinnamon • 1 tsp of paprika • 1 stick of lemongrass • 20ml of veg oil Step 1 Quarter your squash and deseed it.

R

ebecca O’Neill

I

Mix all your dry spices with the oil and massage this mix into the squash. Then roast the squash for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes take it out and let it cool.

Then spoon the cooked flesh away from the skin to use later.

Step 2 Sweat off your carrots onion and parsnip in a pot for five minutes. Then add your chilli garlic and squash. Crush your lemongrass stick and add it to the pot as well. Cook for a further five minutes then add your stock and coconut milk.

Step 3 Allow the soup to simmer for 10

minutes then blitz it with a food processor or soup gun. Pour into bowls and serve with some crusty bread.

The above recipe is good for four people. It can be made with any kind of squash or pumpkin, and it is a great vehicle for spice, so if you want to ramp up the chilli content then go for it.

Keep an eye out to The Clare Echo Facebook page for the instructional video that goes with this recipe or check my Instagram @stevekearney37 where I post the videos as well.

Enjoy

Steve K

My autumn reliables

This week, beauty therapist Rebecca O’Neill shares her go-to pieces for staying cosy and on trend this autumn

LOVE this time of year when it comes to being able to dress up in an entire different season. Brown blazers, beige jeans and cream sweaters are the perfect combination coming into the colder months. I had a look at some of my favourite boutiques in Ennis and I have to admit their new stock contains some of my reliable favourites.

CORNUCOPIA: The clothing in this well renowned boutique always sets the bar high. The JDYMORENA Knit Sweater in black gives such a nice casual look with a hint of beige. This can go with any pair of leather or denim black jeans with a long beige jacket.

Speaking of jackets, another favourite of mine is the PCEDA Teddy Long Jacket that involves this lovely green on the body with cream sleeves. It shows the look of comfort and fashion, all in one.

Next is the JDYALESSI Soft Cardi in Taupe.

This looks so cosy and perfect to throw over any outfit. Another cosy piece is the ONLKATIE Highneck Knit in Tan. It has a tighter sleeve towards the wrist with a gorgeous high neck giving such an elegant look.

Footwear is so important especially in the winter months when you want to be up to date with the trends while also being cosy. A top

TOASTY: ONLKATIE Highneck knit available from Cornucopia

pick of mine is the Pearse Black Patent boot that looks so elegant and comfortable. It is similar to your typical Dr Martens shoe but a lot more affordable.

WILLOW: This is another boutique I absolutely adore.

The knitwear range is one of my all time favourites. A warm casual dress is definitely

a staple piece for any wardrobe. The Jordan Dress is a high neck dress with sleeves and midi length. Perfect for a casual dressy outfit with a long trench coat and boots.

Next is a new style I absolutely love and it is the Pam Wrap Cardigan. This is such a good cardigan for layering when worn indoors and outdoors. The Autumnal Linear Knit Jumper is another very autumnal piece with a cream neckline and cosy sleeves.

Vests are also another staple in the wardrobe and are probably the most reliable when you can’t think of anything to wear. The Jordan Vest in the stunning light grey would look phenomenal with a white shirt underneath.

THE COUNTY BOUTIQUE: This boutique has a large variety of clothing to suit all seasons. The thing I love about this boutique is their jackets. They have some fabulous pieces that are so trendy for outdoor wear that I love. The Cream Elizabeth Jacket is perfect for Autumn/Winter and gives off a very glam look.

Another one is the White Sugar Raincoat and I think would match anything in a wardrobe. It is definitely a very reliable and bright coat to add that pop of colour into your outfit.

They also have some lovely sweaters and cardigans that really show off their unique style.

Listen to the cries

FEATURES 19

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

RONAN SCULLY

and as gratifying to the giver, is not going to solve the massive challenges of poverty, hunger, mental illness, homelessness and addiction.

B

Thought for the week

Thought for the week ETWEEN the pandemic, climate change, and the multitude of worries and tragedies the world has endured within the past eighteen or so months, many people are finding themselves lost and are crying out in need of guidance, support, care, love, food, housing, a job, balance and healing when it comes to living their lives in a normal, healthy and spiritual way. As well as Covid-19 spreading all around our world, Climate Change has reached crisis levels as well, with our planet Earth crying out for much help, care, love and support which has added another large layer of stress and anxiety to humanity.

We must remember that when the Earth is crying, we are all crying.

Help one another

In a country and a world that is hurting at this present moment and that seems to be ravaged by worry, stress and illness and in some part by evil, the bitter fruits of greed, war, and ignorance are multiplying.

I have noticed over my life, that to be a good person or to have a good heart one does not need to depend on religion, status in life, job status, race, skin colour, ethnicity, what country they are from, political views or culture. It solely depends on how each of us treat each other. I have also noticed that our ears are constantly bombarded each day by all sorts of sounds.

And these sounds we hear stress a certain kind of hearing whether they are joyful or sad. But for me the hardest is hearing the cry of the poor, and even in that cry of the poor the worst of it is hearing a child’s voice. The cry of those who cannot speak.

The cry of those who are

alone and have no one with whom to share their loneliness or sadness or homelessness.

The cry of those who have no one to help them in this life. The cry of those who have been abandoned or rejected. The cry of those who are so weak and helpless that you can not even contemplate or imagine.

The cry of those who are at the bottom of the heap and live under constant oppression. The cry of those who feel they are not worthy to live. It’s the worst sound for it’s the real cry of the poor. The cries of the poor and the homeless do not go away. And although I believe that God is on the side of the poor and the homeless, I somehow feel in our society and culture today, we have found ourselves separated not only from each other, but from the poor, the orphaned, the abandoned, the worried, the stressed and the homeless. We live in a world that insulates us, for the most part, from that which is difficult and uncomfortable.

We have diversions that keep us from encountering the pain, the loneliness, the weakness, the fear, the emptiness, the meaninglessness of those around us.

We even have diversions to keep us from encountering our own pain, loneliness, weakness, fear, emptiness, and meaninglessness.

If we really truly care and love, then we must respond, but we must do so now today, for tomorrow will be too late for a lot of our fellow human beings, especially our children.

The more separated we are from real love and compassion, the more lifeless we become. There can be no easy fix for narrowing the growing divide between rich and poor in Ireland and in our World. Individuals helping individuals, as important to the receiver

As your thought for the week, I ask God to bless your hearts and your ears so that you may hear the cry of the poor in the midst of your daily life. I ask God to bless your heart and soul so that you may act out of the centre of compassion, and know what it is to be human and fully alive. I ask God to bless your heart and soul that you may recognise your own poverty. I ask God to bless your ears that hearing the cry of the poor and becoming poor yourself, you will find out what life is really all about and that the answer to it, is genuine true love and giving and helping others from the goodness of your heart. And I ask God to make you always remember where there is life, there is hope. Let me finish with a prayer called A Prayer for Our Earth - "All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures.

You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.

Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one. O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.

Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction. Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth. Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognise that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.

We thank you for being with us each day.

Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace. Amen."

With With

Landowners around the county are beginning to cut their hedges in what farming columnist Joe Melody pinpoints as a signal marking the transition from late summer to autumn.

S

EPTEMBER for us has been mainly a month of preparation for spring and catching up on maintenance in the farm yard.

One of our cow sheds is an old cubicle shed built around the early 1970s and with the ravages of time the old cubicles often break or rot. Repairs have been ongoing in this shed and are now complete and ready for its winter time lodgers.

In the past week some of our hen’s grass was growing so vigorously we had to cut it and bale it up as a surplus. With the recent heavy rain, the hens have been busy during the day scratching for worms and what a nutrient rich exam-

ple of nature’s bounty the worm is to the hen.

An important milestone along the course of the year is getting the hedges cut.

It signals the transition from late summer to autumn.

The job itself helps advance a new kind of beauty into existence, that of the autumnal scene with neat hedges adorning the edge of roadways and fields.

The same hedges are sometimes punctuated by a tree hanging onto its summer foliage for dear life.

As the weeks pass by these trees stand as the skeletal remains of growth and abundance from a warm summer.

Our friend Aidan Mulready, takes to cutting the

MAMA MOO: The Melody dairy herd are currently being scanned to see how many are in calf

hedges every autumn here and where there was once high growth, he leaves a thick box like hedge. As a keen birdwatcher, Aidan is conscious of the part we all play in not only maintaining but enhancing our ecosystem. Hedges on farm are not only the home to much wildlife but they are also the highway wildlife often use to travel within for the protection it affords to them. Different hedge types are home to different creatures and hence some of our higher older hedges offer a variety of ecosystem on farm.

Dry matter might be low on grass currently but quantity is high. Fibre is the main thing that is being supplemented in the form of hay.

It is of little use having the cow consuming large quantities of grass if it is transitioning too quickly through her system, this leads to a negative energy balance where she is having to eat more and more grass just to satisfy her energy requirements.

Monitoring the cow’s body condition is also key in ascertaining where the cow is getting her energy from, her body fat reserves or the grass she is consuming We are scanning the dairy herd this week to see what the picture for spring 2022 looks like in terms of how many are in calf and nearly as importantly when they will calve.

As the cows are being scanned, I will input the days they are in calf into my herd watch app, this will help generate a graph of expected calving dates.

Any cows calving early next spring will be monitored for body condition and if needed will be given a prolonged holiday before they calve.

20 COMMUNITY

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Community

CONTACT

NEWSDESK 065 671 9021 news@clareecho.ie

CAHEREA

lRAINBOW: Students of Caherea National School take off at high speed near their colourful mural CAHEREA NATIONAL SCHOOL CREATE WONDERFUL MURAL

of the design. Also, farming is a large part of life and features prominently. Noel Hill, a famous concertina player from Caherea, is referenced in the design as is Mícheál Ó Gríofa whom Eamonn De Valera chose to translate his constitution,” said school principal Maolíosa Quinn.

All of the pupils took an active part in designing and painting the mural, from junior infants to sixth class. “They were so eager

KILMIHIL

THOOR BALLYLEE

IT’S clear there is no shortage of young artists in Caherea National School as the students have created a stunning multicoloured mural to brighten up their school yard, writes Elaine Tubridy.

During the month of June, Caherea took part in the Artist In Schools scheme. Local artist Marie Connole worked with the pupils to design and paint a mural that would add

COFFEE MORNING

PAULINE and Noel Cooney will again be holding Bewley’s coffee morning in aid of Cahercalla hospice on Oct 2 at their home in Shyan, Kilmihil. Call in anytime during the

vibrancy and a sense of identity to Caherea National School. She spent time brainstorming ideas with the pupils that included their interests and hobbies, and also elements to do with the heritage of the school.

“The school has a wonderful tradition of music and sport. These pastimes are very important to the children and they wanted to make sure that they were a key element

day, takeaways also available. All are very welcome.

Every euro donated goes directly to our local hospice. Please support, we will be following Covid guidelines.

BALLYEA FERN CELTIC PLAYMAKERS

DISNEY comes to Ballyea, with Fern Celtic FC running the UEFA Disney Playmakers Programme .

Fern Celtic FC is one of 30 soccer clubs in Ireland chosen to run this UEFA developed and FAI sponsored Disney Programme.

The programme focuses on girls between the ages of 5 and 8 and works with them to develop the child's interest in physical activity, not only soccer, in a Disney themed

environment.

UEFA Playmaker Co-coordinator Niamh Doyle commented that the Disney Programme engages the children at their level, and encourages them into physical activity through their imaginations and stories of their superheroes in Disney and Pixar’s Incredibles 2 movie.

All places have been booked for this session of the Playmakers but will be running again next year.

WB YEATS EXPERIENCE

GREAT Visitor Experiences are delighted to partner with Yeats Thoor Ballylee Society to bring the history of Thoor Ballylee and the poetry of WB Yeats to life. We share the story of Yeats's time at Thoor Ballylee and the poetry that he wrote in the iconic south Galway tower. We have put in place 10 ‘Hotspots’ marked by QR code panels throughout the site at Thoor Ballylee, containing stories, pictures & audio files of Ger Conneely reading Yeats’s poetry. This technology, which is free for anyone to use will enable visitors using our interpretive app technology to learn more about the Nobel Poet Laureate and his time at Thoor Ballylee.

To learn more about Great Visitor Experiences email Hello@Greatve.com or visit www.GreatVisitorExperiences.com.

The information can be accessed by searching for & downloading the Great Visitor Experiences App on the App Store or Play

to be involved and the artist, Marie Connole, was fabulous in how she worked with each of them,” Maolíosa added.

She commented that she is very proud of the students for the work they put into the mural.

“They are wonderful children, full of enthusiasm, and the mural is the first point of conversation with all who visit the school. We are all delighted with how the project has turned out,” she concluded.

Store on your smart phone. Once you have downloaded the app you can search for ‘Thoor Ballylee’ within the app and then click ‘Free Download’ to get the content relating to the Yeats Site directly to your phone.

We advise that you download both the app & content where you have good Wi-Fi access, once downloaded you can then use the app to navigate through the site during your visit and immerse yourself in the history & heritage of this beautiful place.

Scan the QR code with your phone to download the app.

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Take a certified, flexible course in Clare this autumn…

Our part-time courses are QQI Level 4 to 6 accredited or equivalent, and are offered by our Vocational & Employee Skills Development team. Courses are available across Clare at a Further Education and Training campus near you. Find the perfect entry route if you wish to upgrade your work skills, progress to further studies or return to learning.

Part-time courses

Ennistymon Miltown Malbay

Courses on offer include: Kilrush

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Shannon

Healthcare/Childcare Leaving Certificate Beauty Business Food Sports

Flexible course structure and content means you can fit learning into you busy work and family life, building up to a full award.

In light of COVID-19 public health guidelines, our courses may be delivered through a combination of online teaching and classroom-based learning at our campus.

Apply Online Today

learningandskills.ie/ennis

#FindTheBestInYou Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union

Co-funded by the

EUROPEAN UNION

applyennis@lcetb.ie 065 682 4819

21

22 RECRUITMENT

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

BUSINESS AND RECRUITMENT

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

Clare reps seek action on IAA dispute PÁRAIC MCMAHON

A

paraic@clareecho.ie

CLARE TD has urged the Minister for Transport to intervene in an escalating row between Irish air traffic controllers and their management.

Irish airspace is threatened to be disrupted as a result of the conflict with workers alleging a poor treatment of staff and inadequate cover due to roster changes, claims which have been disputed by management of the Irish Aviation Authority.

Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) has received a letter from a group of air controllers and elected representatives highlighting the concerns of workers. A lack of air traffic control services caused temporary shutdowns at both Shannon Airport and Cork Airport during the month of July, some of the correspondence has flagged

with roster changes enforced “under protest and duress”.

An intervention from Minister Ryan is said to be unlikely while he did order a briefing from the IAA who provided this and refuted allegations from the air traffic controllers.

Last week, the Oireachtas Committee on Transport agreed to a proposal from Senator Timmy Dooley (FF) to write to Minister Ryan requesting the appointment of Kieran Mulvey to assist with “finding a resolution to the very serious issues raised by staff of the aviation authority”.

Deputy Cathal Crowe (FF) who serves as his party’s spokesperson on Aviation and Tourism believed there was scope for an independent mediator to be involved. He said, “The IAA has an internal disputes mechanism called the Internal Dispute Resolution Board and whilst there is always merit to ironing out industrial relation issues through internal mechanisms, the fact that this dispute is now playing out on national

papers and is pretty much in the public domain, I think it’s important that there’s some element of political oversight to what is going on”.

“Many industrial relations disputes happen on factory floors but the IAA is quite a different entity in that it’s very specialised work and anybody who takes to the skies depends on their skilled air traffic controllers to get them safely in the air. For this reason, I think it’s important that Minister Ryan and any third party that can help to bring this to a swift end would intervene as quickly as possible.

"We certainly don’t want a protracted dispute between workers and employers. The IAA is a hugely valued company with a major staff presence in my own constituency of Clare and whilst ordinarily politicians don’t get drawn in on industrial relations disputes, it is important in the public interest that this matter is resolved quickly and in a manner satisfactory to everyone,” the Meelick native added.

lAVIATION: Radar tracking station

BROTHERS OF CHARITY SERVICES IRELAND CLARE REGION INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY SERVICES COMMUNITY MANAGER Region

Contracts Available

Hours

Ennis

Permanent Full Time

78/78

SOCIAL CARE WORKER Region

Contracts Available

Hours

Ennis

Permanent Full Time

78/78, Various

Permanent Part-Time & Specified Purpose

SUPPORT WORKERS

Further details available on www.irishjobs.ie Application via www.irishjobs.ie Applicants must, on date of Application, have a Full Clean Driving Licence

Region

Contracts Available

Hours

Miltown Malbay

Permanent Full Time

42/78

Ennistymon

Permanent Part-Time

52/78

Various

Permanent Part-Time Specified Purpose & Relief

Various

Please note you may be called forward for interview at short notice

SHORTLISTING MAY APPLY ● PANELS MAY BE FORMED ● CANVASSING WILL DISQUALIFY ● EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER

BUSINESS 23

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Job Role: Formulator Reporting to the Team Leader you will be primarily responsible for manufacturing batches of products in line with all health and safety guidelines.

You will work from the daily schedule, established procedures and regulations, operating several mixers, weighing, and measuring equipment to enable you to identify weight and measure accurately.

You will also perform periodic quality control analysis to complete in-process batches e.g. Spread Test Further to this you will report any discrepancies or problems during formulation to both the Team Leader and QC lab at the same time.

Consult with lab and Team Leader on acceptability of finished products and any adjustments that might be needed to maintain the quality of products.

Training will be provided for the successful candidate and full flexibility in the long term will be required in terms of shift work for this role.

If you would like further details or to apply for this role, please reach out to Bryan Williams (HR Manager Europe) on bpwilliams@itwpp.com

·

· · ·

· ­ Clare · Crusaders Clinic Helping Children with Special Needs · ­ ·

Skilled Grounds workers, pipe layers, concrete workers, and general operatives required for work based in Ennis Station, Co Clare

PLEASE APPLY NOW FOR IMMEDIATE START

­ ­ ­

Please Contact in confidence: mark@conneelybuilders.com or 09096 31836.

Application form will need to be filled out or dropped into site.

Safe pass required, Abrasive wheels, manual handing and PTS preferable.

Other work sites include Galway, Athlone, Limerick and the midlands

24 NEWS

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

‘They’re proud to be from and we’re proud to serve

Donie O’Keeffe Champion Meats celebrate 25 years of STUART HOLLY

“I

editor@clareecho.ie

T WAS the sixth of September, 1996 when we opened,” begins Donie O’Keeffe, as he recalls a quarter of a century in business in Ennis.

The Kilnamona native was just 26-years old when he set up shop in the Turnpike, however he was an experienced operator at that stage having left school aged 15 to become a butcher. Donie learned his trade with various Ennis butchers including Malones, Vincent Kellys, and Galvin and Gaffney's. A spell working in London was followed by a return to Clare in '89 when he worked in Ennistymon with

the Haughs for the following seven years.

Armed with 11 years’ experience and his grounding in a farming upbringing, Donie earmarked the Turnpike as the area which would fulfil his ambitions and Donie O’Keeffe Champion Meats was born.

“It was the year that Limerick knocked us out of the championship after Clare won the All Ireland in ‘95. I opened where CS fish shop is now - next to my current premises. The only business near to me was the Clare Fruit & Veg shop and across the road was Darcy’s Bar. Urlan TV was here where I am located now, Fitzgerald's Guest House was on the corner and you had O’Dowds up the road. That was really it in Turnpike. That’s what I remember, it was totally dif-

ferent times.”

"I had a farming background, and my brother Pat who works with me buys all the cattle and lamb. We always planned to open our own place and had been looking at this place for a while, we thought it was a good location for a butchers especially with the veg shop being there. Next thing, it’s 25 years later.”

From Day 1, the support from what Donie calls “the great community” of the Turnpike has been an integral and loyal support to O’Keeffe’s, along with customers across the Ennis and Clarecastle surrounding areas. He has also found a loyal customer base in the people of West Clare, “Where we’re situated, it’s probably the road home for most people in West Clare when they come to town. If

Turnpike Road Ennis, Co. Clare

lCOMMUNITY: Family butcher

you’re from Quilty or Labasheeda or wherever, on the way home, people will come up by the Old Ground and this is the road home and they pull in here and get their meat and veg.”

Today the scene is different with

more businesses having sprung to life in the bustling Turnpike. And while much has changed, O’Keeffe’s remains an anchor of the community, employing 12 staff among whom he can count his siblings Pat and Bridget. A trusted mas-

(065) 682 3906

NEWS 25

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

the Turnpike them’ business in Ennis ter butcher and family business, O’Keeffe’s supplies high quality, locally sourced beef, lamb, poultry and pork (some of which grazes at the family farm in Kilnamona).

Donie O’Keeffe now also offers his loyal customers Dry Aged beef from his state of the art dry Aging Chamber in store while his team of master butchers are available for expert advice on the best cut of meat for their needs along with cooking tips and recipe ideas.

Of course, O’Keeffe’s know the importance of origin, and everything sold is fully traceable back to the farm. "We buy our own beef, we buy our own lamb, we mature it properly.

We kill it at a local abattoir in Cratloe, it’s maturing there for 14 days. We then bring it into our shop and we bone it out and we put our sirloins and our T-bones into a new

dry-ager that we’ve invested in this year and it’s maturing there for another 14 to 21 days. Basically, we know quality and can stand behind our products."

Donie has developed a keen interest in the Turnpike area during his time there. "I’ve heard stories and read books about it, going back to the time De Valera used to come to Ennis in the ‘50s or ‘60s.

I’ve met people who remember when there was no Clare Road so the main road into town was the Turnpike. There was a toll there also, you had to pay coming in. De Valera used to come in through Turnpike and there used to be huge crowds out and then I suppose other history we have is Mu h a m m e d Ali, he came to Turnpike in 2009, his great grandfather originated in Turnpike. So there is a lot of history with it, it’s quite unique and they’re very loyal

lLOCAL: Champion Meats

people. We’ve got to know them, many have come and went over the last 25 years but the next generation are coming into us now and they’re lovely people, we’ve a good connection with them. They’re proud to be from the Turnpike and we’re proud to serve them every day."

Sandwiched in the middle of those 25 years was a move next door to No 1-2 Turnpike in 2008.

Despite the move coming at the beginning of the recession, it proved to be one the family butcher would never look back from. It would also see O’Keeffe’s become one of the first in the midwest to modernise their offering to a boutique-style butcher, modelled at the time by Dutch shop fitters Techna Koude.

"It’s hard to believe we’re here longer than we were next door, when I say it out loud,” reflects Donie. "It has been a big success.

When I bought it originally, it was the start of the downturn in 2008, and things started to change but we found we started to get busier.”

Donie admits that customer habits have changed over the years, and the team at O’Keeffe’s offer a wide range of cook-in bags from joints of bacon to stir fries for the modern-day customer. The customer, he explains, is at the centre of everything they do which is evident in their successes in being twice listed by Retail Excellence Ireland as a finalist in the Top 100 Stores in Ireland. Donie also keeps records every Christmas of his customer orders to help them fill out their order the following year, depending on how many they are cooking for. “It’s the same week in week out, we advise people based on what numbers they’re cooking for.” And while O’Keeffe’s are ever-evolving to meet the needs of the modern customer, the family

lQUALITY: The customer is number one

hold tradition dear. This is evident in the stuffing recipe handed down by their grandmother Nell Vaughan, which is still sold in their premises and continues to be popular.

While thanking his customer base, Donie thinks for a second when asked the secret to O’Keeffe’s secret to success and longevity.

"I suppose a combination of consistency with quality, consistency with staff and hard work. We’re fortunate enough to have loyal staff, and good customers. You have to keep changing it, it evolves all the time … but essentially it comes down to providing good quality, value, and a personalised service."

CHAMPION MEATS in Turnpike are Open 6 days Monday-Saturday 8am-6pm with late opening Friday until 6.30pm.

lEXPERT: Donie O’Keeffe

26

30 S eptember 2021

E

VERYBODY knows how important it is to have a good Mattress, but did you know that Home Trends are running their biggest Mattress & Bedroom Sale of the year in conjunction with the launch of their new Ecommerce Website?

Home Trends, located on Parnell Street, Ennis have reduced all their stock and Sale will end Saturday 2nd October.

Whether you are upgrading your own Mattress, your child’s or guest room Mattress, we have what you are looking for and all at reduced prices. If you are unable to get into our store, you can sit back, relax and order from the comfort of your home. Just log onto our new Website courtesy of Digital Eyes Media, based here in Ennis Co Clare - website address -www.hometrendsfurniture.ie so feel free to browse the range. We can help you with your decision over the phone also and offer you any advice you may require.

Home Trends’ very owned manufactured Mattresses are engineered through Spring Air, the world’s leading manufacturers in Pocket Sprung Mattresses. Unlike many competitors, Home Trends buy directly from the Manufacturer which means bypassing the wholesaler guaranteeing massive savings to the customer with the best and lowest prices in town without compromising on quality.

The team at Home Trends will work with you if you have a specific budget. We cover the commercial, rental and airbnb market with prices to suit every budget. All size Mattresses are on Sale and if you are looking for a particular size, we can also accommodate you. 3ft Single Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattresses now only €99, 4’6 Double Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattress only €179. If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, the 4’6 Royal Coil Mattress is a great choice and very popular. It features a 7 zoned Pocket Sprung Support System providing exceptional support for spine, lower back and hip alignment, and is retailing at just €499. Noteworthy also is the stunning 4’6 Hannah Bedframe with 4’6 Irish Made Orthopaedic Mattress reduced from €599 to €399, an excellent package deal.

The experienced staff at Home Trends will ensure you have a very positive shopping experience and will go the extra mile to ensure your needs and requirements are catered for. The Delivery Team do nationwide delivery, will take away your old Mattress and Bedframe and all packaging will be recycled free of charge.

To celebrate our success to date and the launch of our exciting new ecommerce website, we are giving away a €500 voucher to spend in store to one lucky Winner, so be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram Competition online. The lucky winner could be you!

This is the final week of our Sale, so call today and don’t miss out on our Sale of the year where you can buy the Mattress or Bed of your dreams all at knock down prices.

Home Trends Parnell Street Ennis / Sale will end Saturday 2 Oct – Call (065)6797853 / www.hometrendsfurniture.ie

Here

Your dreams start

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

HOME IMPROVEMENT 27

28

30 S eptember 2021

Create a calm cocoon T

HE world is a crazy place at the moment and we all need to create some space for a bit more calm in our lives. When working on your home improvements, why not include a meditation room, or even a little zen corner?

The first thing to consider is the location.

Ideally you want to choose somewhere quiet, away from passing traffic and household noise. An area that has plenty of natural light is also a prime location, as the suns rays are known to be a natural mood booster (in moderation!).

Once you have chosen your chill spot, remove all screens from the area. Almost every single person on the planet has too much screen time these days and your meditation room should be a screen free zone.

Make sure the room is warm enough, but not too hot. Trying to stay in the moment is

difficult when you are slowly turning blue, but if the room is too hot, you will just fall asleep.

Keep the decor to a minimum. While your first instinct may be to fill the room with cosy cushions and soft blankets, the key here is to reduce the level of distractions rather than adding to it. That much being said, be sure to include something comfortable to sit on, whether that’s a rug, a cushion or a supportive chair.

For meditating in the evenings, add a lamp to the room. The soft light will be more relaxing than having the “big light” on.

Stock up on some essential oils. They work amazingly well for calming the mind and bringing you into the present moment.

A nice scented candle is also a great option.

Last but not least, a speaker loaded with soothing music will have you chilled out in no time.

Vaughan’s Garden Centre celebrate Flower Rooms first birthday

W

E RECENTLY celebrated ‘The Flower Rooms’ first birthday which is just in time for the Autumn Season.

Our Master Florist Luis Da Silva has more than 25years’ experience and having formerly worked as course director of McQueens Floristry school in London, he has had the opportunity to create for royalty and celebrities alike.

He is passionate about providing the perfect flower arrangement for whatever the season especially this time of year around the pumpkin season!

For all of our Bride and Grooms Luis will work with you on flower selection, colour combinations and the theme to ensure satisfaction and perfection.

He is passionate about providing the perfect floral designs for your special day no matter how big or small the occassion.

We here at Vaughans Garden Centre have a full range of gardening necessities/desires and free parking right outside the door aswell as our Flower Room. Qualified staff to answer all your gardening questions.

Vaughans Garden Centre on the Gort Rd Ennis stock a huge range of plants including; Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Alpines, Heathers, Roses, Herbs, Vegetables, Climbers, Hedging, Fruit Trees, Fruit Bushes and seeds. We have a wide variety of House Plants and Garden care products, Tools Gifts. Ceramic and Terracotta Pots, Half Barrels, Tubs, Water Butts, Garden Ornaments, Compost, Fertilizer Gardening Tools, Gloves, Arches, Trellis and Bamboo Stakes.

HOME IMPROVEMENT 29

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Vaughan’s Garden Centre

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30

30 S eptember 2021

There’s a smart home gadget for that

T

HERE is no escaping the fact that we live in an age of smart technology and while we are not quite at the HAL 9000 stage yet, we are not a million miles away from it either, so we might as well embrace it.

A smart home can make our busy lives

more efficient, more convenient and let’s be honest, sometimes asking Google to turn off the washing machine is just easier than getting off the couch.

Almost everyone has some form of smart tech in their home, so let’s look at some of the more unusual options available to the discerning consumer.

The KOHLER Veil smart toilet boasts a hands-free opening and closing system, plus a number of other convenient features including a night-light, an automatic deodorizer, and a self-cleaning function that uses UV light to sanitize the bowl.

Available for the very reasonable sum of €5,910. No, that’s not a typo.

€5,910 €79

The DROP scale lets you put ingredients on its heat-resistant surface and view the resulting weights right on your phone or tablet using your Drop Recipes app. Using clever extras such as Recipe Rescaling and Ingredient Substitutions the scale and app combined are a fun option for those looking to broaden their cooking horizons. The Drop scale will set you back €79.

Worried about what your pooch gets up to while you’re in the office?

Worry no more!

The FURBO dog cam lets you keep an eye on your four legged friend and sends you alerts when it detects activity. Its two way audio lets you chat with your pupper and you can even toss them a treat if they are being good. Yours for only €128.

€329

€128

The SIMPLEHUMAN dual compartment rectangular sensor bin “removes effort from the task” of dumping your refuse, with three microphones for voice activation, a motion sensor and a built in compartment for storing special bin bags.

A steal at just €329.

31

30 S eptember 2021

Avoiding the trend trap U Read on!

NLESS you have Kim Kardashian’s budget, chances are your home renovations will need to last more than just a single season.

With that in mind, you will need a design vibe that will stand the test of time. How can you spot an aesthetic that will look good for years to come over a hot trend that will be outdated in six months time?

ANTIQUES

Antiques are a winner for so many reasons. If a dresser has been around for a hundred or so years, chances are it will still look great in your bedroom in 50 years time. Antiques add a touch of class to your home and can be mixed in with modern pieces for a more eclectic design. Purchasing antiques is also more sustainable than buying new furniture, which brings us nicely on to our next point; sustainability.

SUSTAINABLE PIECES

Not only is sustainability the buzzword du jour, it is also vital that we get on board with the movement. As consumers, we need to look towards a more viable future. We can’t keep cutting down virgin forests or importing goods at the current rate. Look for locally made, sustainably sourced products where possible.

CHOOSE QUALITY

It’s easy to get sucked into buying something cheap and cheerful online from a flatpack furniture retailer, but the odds are it won’t last half as long as a well built, sturdy piece from your local store. Shop around and choose pieces that may cost a little more, but will sit happily in the corner until your children are putting their own homes together.

KEEP IT SIMPLE

If you don’t plan on ripping the wallpaper off the wall for another 15 years, stay away from bold patterns and bright colours. There is nothing wrong with an accent wall, but make sure it’s a colour you won’t tire of easily. It’s better to paint the walls a neutral colour or choose a paper with a subtle design and add statement soft furnishings that can be upcycled in time.

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN

A simple yet effective way to add a luxurious, lush vibe to your home is to invest in some decent houseplants. The bigger ones can be expensive, but if you are willing to start small and put time and effort into looking after them, they will brighten up your home for years to come. Do a little research first though.

There is no point spending your hard earned cash on a stunning phalaenopsis orchid and watching it burn to a crisp on a sunny windowsill.

Beautiful homes all over the County

Property

NEWHALL, DRUMEEN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

14 WILLOW PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

32

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

€500,000

€189,000

CREGGAUN, DOORA, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€495,000

EXTENDING to over 3,500 square feet and on a site of approximately 0.5 acres is this stunning family home located in this very popular Newhall address on the immediate outskirts of Ennis town.

On arriving at the property, the automated gated entrance leads to a stunning wrap around tarmacadam drive which is bound by raised dry stone walls, mature shrubbery beds, hedgerows, trees, patios and leads to the detached garage and to the rear of the property.

On entering the main entrance hallway you are immediately greeted with the wow factor with a stunning main entrance hallway with void area from ground to first floor with wrap around first floor landing and this fantastic welcoming space leads to the main reception, kitchen/living/dining and family room and family/TV room.

The main reception, is a a vast open plan space with an integrated gas fire unit with the wrap around stone, solid timber flooring which connects into the sun lounge with windows onto the gardens and patios.

POSITIONED on a fantastic corner site and boasting a front row position in the popular Willow Park housing development, conveniently located within a short stroll of all of Ennis towns amenities and the Lees Road recreational Facility and ease of access to all main transport links including M18 Galway - Shannon - Limerick Motorway.

Number 14 is a bright an spacious semi-detached dormer style bungalow with adjoining garage and boasting ample off street parking via the gated and fully walled front. To the rear is an equally spacious rear garden boasting an abundance of mature hedgerows, trees and shrubs. The interior of the home is finished with extensive timber style flooring, tiling, modern fitted kitchen, four double bedrooms and has added features such as double glazed pvc windows, duel fired central heating and connected to all mains services.

This would make a fantastic multi buyer type property with viewing highly recommended and strictly by prior appointment with sole selling agents.

PERCHED on a stunning elevated landscaped and tree bound mature 1 acre site, this fantastic 5 bedroom family home is a must view to truly appreciate the abundance of top quality features experienced throughout the bright and spacious living accommodation.

As you enter the stone walled entrance, the sweeping tarmacadam drive leads to the round stone faced facade, to the side double garage and to the rear. On entry the vaulted ceiling porch lead glass doors lead to the main entrance hallway with the L-shaped centre carpeted stairs to the first floor. At ground floor level is the main reception with open hearth fireplace and views onto the manicured gardens and decking, the split level open plan kitchen/ living/ dining with traditional kitchen units and stone surround fireplace connect to the outside decking and gardens via sliding doors.

Off the kitchen is the spacious utility and completing the ground floor accommodation are three bedrooms, 1 en-suite, and main bathroom.

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

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

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

10 SANDHILL LODGE, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

7 CREGG ARD, LAHINCH, CO. CLARE

CLOONMACKAN, INAGH, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

€495,000

€490,000

€375,000

BOASTING a stunning location. immediately off the Liscannor Road, Sandhill Lodge is positioned on a wonderful elevated site bound by traditional stone walls, lawned area and sweeping drive that extends to the front, side and rear.

Private dwellings don’t come much closer to the golden beaches of Lahinch and Championship and Castle Courses, with all facilities being within 300 meters of the property offering the ultimate in holiday or permanent home residency.

Sandhill Lodge is a bright and spacious 3 bedroom dormer style dwelling boasting 3 double bedrooms, all of which have built in wardrobes, spacious main reception with solid fuel stove, and an open plan kitchen/ dining room with a solid oak fitted kitchen, the ground floor bedroom being en-suite and the main bathroom being at first floor level.

From the main dining a sliding patio door leads to extensive patio area which further connects to the front lawn and to the rear yard.

LAHINCH seaside resort has become one of Ireland’s most sought after coastal towns and this is due to its remarkable position along the wild Atlantic Way boasting the Championship Golf Course, Castle Course, the Burren National Park, Cliffs of Moher, Doolin, the Aran Islands, Doonbeg, Kilrush and Kilkee.

Cregg Ard is a small development located just off the Miltown Malbay Road on a nice elevated site with ample carparking, fantastic rear gardens and patios and this home has the added advantage of having a block built garden shed. To the interior the bright, spacious and well proportioned living accommodation is ideal for both holiday home and permanent residence with the spacious main reception interconnecting with the equally spacious open plan kitchen/dining with the option of having a second TV room or bedroom 1 to the ground floor with a fully equipped en-suite and utility also located on the ground floor level.

LOCATED just 1km from Inagh village and situated on a fantastic site extending to approximately 0.5 acres is this fantastic 5 bedroom detached family home presented for sale in excellent condition. The spacious feature entrance hallway with the open void between ground and first floor leads to an equally spacious kitchen/dining and main reception and a ground floor en-suite bedroom.

The main reception features the cast iron surround solid fuel fireplace with the bay window onto the front gardens, The kitchen/dining with the built in solid oak wall and base units has also the facility of the dining area for a solid fuel or oil/gas stove with the open connecting arch to the side sun lounge.

Rounding off the ground floor accommodation is the utility and ground floor WC.

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

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

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

PROPERTY 33

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

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

O’SULLIVAN HURLEY

Thinking of Selling?

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

John Clohessy

Anne-Marie Daly

Cormac O'Sullivan

Sarah Foster

Douglas Hurley

Lauren McGuane

SA LE AGR EED

SALE AG REED

SALE AG RE E D

SA LE AGR E E D

For your free no obligation Market Appraisal

Call us today on 0656840200

Ireland's Biggest Property Website

info@dngosullivanhurley.com

PSL No. 002295

34 PROPERTY

RATHKEANE RUAN, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

€340,000

37 CLANCY PARK, ENNIS, CO CLARE

€140,000

NEWTOWN, KILKEE, CO. CLARE

€200,000

SHERRY FitzGerald McMahon are delighted to offer for sale a fantastic five bed detached dormer on a substantial private site measuring c. 0.86 of an acre which is located in the much sought after and well-established residential area of Rathkeane, Ruan.

This property offers all that one would possibly desire in terms of comfort and convenience. Homes in this idyllic location rarely come to the market making this one of the finest family homes to become available for some time. The location of this beautiful property makes it ideal for access to Ruan village, 10 mins to Corofin, 15 mins to Ennis, 10 mins to Barefield and Barefield Interchange leading on to the M18 for Galway or Limerick. Furthermore, it is a 25 min drive to Lahinch beach and 35 mins to Spanish Point. The property is also within easy reach of a number of local schools, church, shops and Dromore woods.

The property is presented and maintained in showhouse condition with careful attention to detail and decor throughout. The property is nestled in a quiet residential area and is set back off the road on a large mature site containing space in abundance. A large separate steeltech garage/shed sits tastefully to the rear of the residence. This is an excellent opportunity for owner occupiers to buy a quality home in the heart of Ruan.

No. 37 is a beautiful three-bedroom end of terrace home available for sale in Clancy Park, Ennis, Co Clare. Built in c.1971, this property is superbly located just a short walk to all town centre amenities.

Internally, the accommodation is deceivingly spacious and fitted to a good standard. The main entrance is by way of entrance hall leading into a bright open plan kitchen/dining/ living area with feature front and rear aspect windows, a solid fuel stove with back boiler with raised granite hearth and a rear door leading to a south facing patio area. The feature windows flood the room with natural light. The washing machine and dryer are located under the stairs, and this completes the ground floor accommodation. At first floor level, there are three substantial bedrooms. The main bathroom completes the first-floor accommodation.

Externally, a concrete driveway to the front offers off-street parking. A gated side entrance leads to a sun-filled south facing private rear patio area with well-defined boundary walls and a rear access gate.

It also has the benefit of being positioned at the front of the development.

SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON are delighted to offer for sale this fantastic four bed detached property. The property stands on a substantial private site measuring approx. 0.59 acres, located in the much sought-after area of Newtown, Kilkee. The property is located on the coast drive 10 km south of Kilkee Village, the scenery on the coast road is second to none and boasts some of the most spectacular views on the Wild Atlantic way.

Reconstructed circa 2000, this property offers all that one could possibly desire in terms of modern comfort and convenience. Homes in this idyllic location rarely come to the market, making this one of the finest properties to become available for some time.

This family home approx. 1,038 sq ft. is finished to a very high standard throughout, with care and thought evident in every aspect of this home.

The grounds are immaculate with patio areas & lawns to the rear and side. It also features a paddock area to the side of the property.

Overall, this is a fantastic property in an excellent location, and we highly recommend viewing to fully appreciate what it has to offer.

Contact: Jason Pyne SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

Contact: Jason Pyne SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

Contact: Jason Pyne SHERRY FITZGERALD MCMAHON Tel: (065) 686 7866 PSL 001212

Clare house prices rise 5% in three months - survey

T

HE PRICE of the average second-hand three-bed semi in County Clare has risen by 5% to €210,000 in the last three months, according to a national survey by Real Estate Alliance.

Homes in the county are reaching sale agreed in four weeks, the Q3 REA Average House Price Index shows.

“Like most regions in Ireland, with the high demand and lack of second-hand homes or new developments, we are seeing strong prices and it would appear that this will continue for the foreseeable future,” said Liam Browne of REA Paddy Browne, Ennis.

Average house prices nationally have risen by €3,500 per month since the end of June, with selling prices in commuter areas and small towns increasing by over double the growth experienced in the major cities.

The 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.

The price of a three-bedroomed semi-detached house across the country rose by 4.1% over the past three months to €264,056 – representing an annual

increase of 12%.

The biggest rises in Q3 came in commuter counties (4.6%) and the country’s large towns (4.9%) as buyers continue to move out further from the capital in anticipation of long-term remote and hybrid working situations.

They are being joined by a surge of interest from expats, anxious to return to Ireland after the pandemic, with more set to return when family homes become available.

The rural and commuter area increases are double those being experienced in Ireland’s major cities, with Dublin increasing by 2.3% to €467,000 and Cork, Limerick and Galway by an average of 2.4% to €281,750.

“The survey’s average of four weeks to sell should be even lower because, while bidding is fast and furious, vendors are not rushing to accept offers,” said REA spokesperson, Barry McDonald.

“With an exceptional shortage of stock, demand is being fuelled by an increase in mortgage-approved buyers on the market.

“The rural flight, which began during lockdown, shows no signs of letting up, even in the face of a return to office working.”

PROPERTY 35

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

Cragmoher House, Cragmoher, Corofin, Co Clare Asking Price €785,000 Cragmoher House is a fully modernised mid 19th century two storey, three bay, hipped roofed country residence standing on 1.32 ha (3.25 acres) overlooking Cragmoher lake. The property comprises a period residence in a courtyard setting with an adjoining one bedroom guest ( Ghilllies) cottage, and a large workshop (“The Dairy”). There are two additional two bedroom residential units, in the courtyard, being the renovated “Stables” and the “Coach house”. Manor house 353sqm.

Contact Diarmuid McMahon 065 6867866 Moymore House and lands, Liscannor, Co. Clare

Cloncullen, Cooraclare, Co Clare AMV €100,000

For Sale by Online Auction on the 11th of November 2021. Preregistration required.

For Sale by Online Auction on the 7th of October 2021. Preregistration required. 

Holding of 7.8hectares (19.27 acres) approx in the townland of Cloncullen in Cooraclare near Kilrush Co Clare.



The holding is made up of Folio CE18492



Good access and road frontage with the potential for a residential site subject to planning permission.



The land comes with €1,500 of entitlements per annum.

Lot 1 - Moymore House on 7.15 Hectares (17.66 acres approx.) of land.

Moymore House is a 19th century country farm house in need of repair on 7.15 Hectares (17.66 acres approx.).

The property is elevated and has stunning views facing south towards Lahinch, 5.5km below.

Contact Diarmuid McMahon 065 6867866

Contact Diarmuid McMahon 065 6867866

SHERRYFITZ.IE

AMV €235,000



/SHERRYFITZGERALDGROUP @SHERRY_FITZ

AMV €85,000

Lot 2 - 6.02 Hectares (14.87 acres approx.) of land.

This is a rectangular holding of agricultural land a short distance from Lot 1. 

BER G. BER no. 114373004

Joint Agents: Vaughan Hannon, Estate Agents, Ennistymon, Co Clare.

It’s not just about property. It’s about people

Solicitors: Cahir and Company Solicitors

PSRA No. 001212

30-09-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 36

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

Ennis showjumping brothers make history with international success ENNIS brothers Rhys and Coen Williams have made history in the showjumping world by becoming the first pair of siblings to be crowned leading international horse rider and leading International pony rider at the FEI International Jumping Nations Cup Youth Finals.

Competing in Peelbergen, Netherlands, current world champion Rhys won leading international horse rider while his younger brother Coen took the pony equivalent.

Rhys won the 1.30m international horse class on Thursday. He also won the same speed class again on Friday both days riding his parent’s (Paula & Adrian Williams - PARC Stables) horse Conthanja. On Saturday, he was the only rider to jump a double clear for his country in the U18 Nations Cup Finals leaving Ireland in 4th place for a finish with USA in 1st, Spain in 2nd and Belgium in 3rd.

Ireland continued to lead the way, with his brother Coen jumped in the pony section. He won the Int 1.25cm , 2 phase speed class on the Friday where Ireland had 2 brothers winning the international power and speed sections leaving behind France, Netherlands, GBR & Germany in the top 3 rankings.

On Sunday Coen, first of the Irish, riding Williams Sport Horses 'Dun The Business' really did do the business.

After being the only Irish European team member in Poland in August last

Rhys and Coen with their high performance trainer Denis Flannelly, being presented as leading riders

Scariff St Marys 42 Bruff 10 Venue: Bruff

SUNDAY marked the first game of the U13 North Munster Youth League for the Scariff/ St Marys amalgamation (pictured right).

The match against Bruff was a momentous occasion as it saw the young East Clare men leave behind minis rugby, and taste action under the full laws of rugby. It was their first time playing full pitch with a “non-coach” referee.

The amalgamated team embraced the challenge with great success. The game was 25 minutes aside with Scariff/ St Marys running out the eventual winners on a scoreline of 42-10.

ST SENANS PRE-SEASON RESULTS Challenge Cup, @ Abbeyfeale RFC St Senans 1st XV 26 Abbeyfeale 20 Friendly @ Jimmy Slattery Park St Senans 2nd XV 10 Old Crescent RFC 10 U18s friendly @ Jimmy Slattery Park St Senans 3 Garryowen 12

(right; St Senans 1st XV in action)

Kilmihil: We did our best to lose Paraic Aherne is met with a shoulder by Shane Egan Photo by Gerard O’Neill

month to jump a double clear, he carried out a repeat with another double clear this time securing gold. Ireland are now the Federation Equitation International U16 Nations Cup Final winners 2021.

After the Irish Anthem, the victory parade, lap of honour and prize giving it was then announced that the Leading Horse rider of the show was Rhys Williams and the Leading Pony Rider of the show was Coen Williams.

Their high performance trainer Mr Denis Flannelly said “both boys showed such skill and professional-

ism, they are wonderful to work with, they are always listening and willing to learn and most mannerly. I’m delighted for them both, we will hear a lot more about them in the future”.

Rhys holds a European Gold and Silver medal and in 2019 Clare County Council hosted a civic reception in his honour after Rhys secured results that had not been brought back to Co Clare since 1967. Coen has won the National Leading rider accolade & is the current Leading U16 pony premier rider in Ireland.

Scariff U13s taste North Munster league success as St Senans prepare for season SCARIFF/ ST. MARYS OFF THE MARK WITH CONVINCING WIN

CLARE SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RD4

KILMIHIL 1-09 Doonbeg 0-11 Venue: Cooraclare Compiled by Seamus Hayes

GERRY DOWNES, KILMIHIL MANAGER: “We did our best to lose this today, to be honest. If we had taken the chances we created and we created some great chances we would probably have won by five or six points.

We never do things easy. We didn’t mince our words at half time. I said to the lads the way they were playing they were going out of the championship. They were playing with fear, playing within themselves and making stupid mistakes.

We asked them for one big 35 minutes and all credit to them, they really dug in when the chips were down and it was great to see that fighting spirit.

There is still a place for the big fella on the edge of the square.

There is loads of football and great heart in David Ryan. Lads might think this is bonus territory. We set out stall out at the start of the year and our target was to get to the quarter final. We are there and you know what when your are there you want to go on and win the quarter final”.

EDDIE KILLEEN, DOONBEG SELECTOR: “We were up five coming to the midpoint in the second half. Then they got the goal following a mistake out the field. We are struggling around the middle third of the field, we tried our best, we changed around the team but we made silly mistakes and gave away the ball cheaply and that cost us dearly. A lot of those young lads are just out of minor ranks and it will take another year or two for them to get experience.

The pace of the game at championship time is different and you could see that. That said, we got our chances. We had three scoreable chances near the end and you can’t afford to miss chances at this level. We will have to blood a few SCAN HERE FOR more play- MATCH REPORT ers for next year”.

KILMIHIL Frees For: 27 (11/16) Spread of scorers: 5 Scores from play: 1-6 Top scorer: Martin O’Leary (1-1) and Ciaran Downes (0-4, 2f, 1’45).

Bookings: Gearoid O’Grady (50); David Ryan (52) Wides: 11 (6/5) Own kickouts: 11 out of 17

DOONBEG: Frees For: 16 (7/9) Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 0-08 Top scorer: David Tubridy (0-5 3f) Bookings: Cathal Killeen (15); Kevin Pender (31); Tadhg Lillis (52) Wides: 6 (3/3) Own kickouts: 16 out of 21

pg 37

30-09-21

Clare Echo THE

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

‘Patient’ Ennistymon sink Cratloe ENNISTYMON 3-06 CRATLOE 1-07 Venue: Cusack Park ENNISTYMON Frees for: 7 (4/3) Wides: 3 (2/1) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 3-06 Top scorer: Diarmuid Fahy (1-02) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 9 from 13 (69%) CRATLOE Frees for: 19 (10/9) Wides: 5 (4/1) Spread of scorers: 6 Scores from play: 1-03 Top scorer: Conor McGrath (1-00) Bookings: None Own kickouts won: 7 from 12 (58%)

NOEL CROWE, ENNISTYMON MANAGER: “We’re delighted to have come through today, it was a really tough battle against Cratloe, it took the full 60 minutes to get through it, we worked hard, when the opportunities came we took them towards the end.

“We were looking at our own performance to see how we could up it in the final quarter of the game, we became patient on the ball and when you’re patient on the ball

and working it well the opportunities will come, that bit of experience on the field shone through.

“All these games take 20 players generally, it is tough conditions out there playing at high-energy and a high level, you do need an impact coming in and that’s an important part of our overall plan.”

Compiled by Páraic McMahon es and that was the difference, they have some exciting players and fair play to them, we can’t concede three goals like that and expect to win a match.

“We haven’t been playing well, you don’t get to semi-finals unless you play well and we have not been doing that.”

Diarmuid Fahy closes down David Collins Photo by Gerard O’Neill

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

COLM COLLINS, CRATLOE MANAGER: “We got beaten by a better team, they took their goal chanc-

Miltown ‘wanted a battle and got a battle’ ST JOSEPH’S MILTOWN MALBAY 3-06 COORACLARE 0-07 Venue: Quilty MICHAEL NEYLON, ST JOSEPHS MANAGER: “We definitely wanted to get a performance today and we knew as the week went on looking at the conditions that were going to get worse and we knew it would be a battle and we came here for a battle today. We got a battle, that’s a good Cooraclare team and we are delighted that we managed to get the goals at the right time. We have an awful lot to work on moving forward to the quarter finals. The last game we played against Ennistymon was a knockout one for us as if we hadn’t won we were gone so we have experienced a knockout game already.

We are looking on to the quarter finals, we need to keep on improving because while the performance today g o t u s

over the line, it wasn’t good enough to win a quarter final.”

MICHAEL GARRY, COORACLARE MANAGER: “We had to use this game to prepare for relegation. If we hadn’t this game we would have been looking for a challenge game.

This was a

would not be good heading into the relegation. In fairness they responded to our call. It was hard luck that we didn’t get a goal midway through the second half, there were a couple of chances we should have converted and that is something we have to work on.

It’s a new game now.”

SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Conor Cleary struck for goal during Miltown’s win.

Photo by Gerard O’Neill

game we had to use and in fairness to the boys they did. We told them at half time that they had to tune into it and get out there and get into it as if they didn’t it

Club Dangan

First for style, Famous for choice!

Your Local Trusted Irish Supplier.

O'CONNELL STREET, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

Compiled by Seamus Hayes

MARKET STREET, ENNIS, CO. CLARE

065 - 6840403

MILTOWN MALBAY Frees For: 18 (10/8) Wides: 7 (2/5) Spread of scorers: 3 Scores from play: 3-01 Top scorer: Cormac Murray (1-05 5f) Bookings: Gordon Kelly Own kickouts won: 13 out of 16 (81%) COORACLARE Frees For: 22 (12/10) Wides: 9 (1/8) Spread of scorers: 4 Scores from play: 0-02 Top scorer: Michael Garry (0-02 2f), Mark Lillis (0-02 1f, 1‘45), Pearse Lillis (002) each.

Bookings: Eoin O’Driscoll, Ciaran O’Donoghue, Tadhg Lillis Colin McNamara, Damian Burke Own kickouts won: 11 out of 16 (69%)

Quarter-final pairings known for Clare SFC

by PÁRAIC McMAHON PAIRINGS are now known for the Clare SFC and IFC quarter-finals following a draw on Monday evening.

Champions Kilmurry Ibrickane face Kilmihil, reigning intermediate champions St Josephs Doora/Barefield take on last year’s beaten semi-finalists Lissycasey.

2019 winners St Josephs Miltown will meet the Donie Garrihy managed St Breckans while the final tie sees Ennistymon and Éire Óg go head to head. All Clare SFC last eight ties will take place on the weekend of October 9th/10th.

Cooraclare have been drawn with Clondegad in the relegation play-off, the loser drops down to the intermediate ranks with the winner facing Kilrush Shamrocks in a similarly must-win scenario. In the intermediate equivalent, Liscannor have been handed the bye with the town outfits of Wolfe Tones and Éire Óg doing battle.

In the Clare Junior A semi-finals, Kilmurry Ibrickane meet Ennistymon while 2020 beaten finalists Ballyvaughan will face off with Clooney/Quin.

CLARE SFC QUARTER-FINALS:

Kilmurry Ibrickane v Kilmihil St Breckans v St Joseph Miltown Lissycasey v St Josephs Doora/Barefield Ennistymon v Éire Óg

CLARE SFC RELEGATION PLAY-OFF: Cooraclare v Clondegad Kilrush Shamrocks bye

CLARE IFC QUARTER-FINALS: Shannon Gaels v Kildysart Kilfenora v Banner Corofin v MichaeI Cusacks Coolmeen v O’Currys

CLARE IFC RELEGATION PLAY-OFF Wolfe Tones v Éire Óg Liscannor Bye

CLARE JUNIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL: Kilmurry Ibrickane v Ennistymon Ballyvaughan v Clooney/Quin

BRENDAN ROUINE Ennistymon

Sponsored by Club Dangan

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Clare IFC: Comfortable victory for Cusacks Michael Cusack’s Joey Droney with Liscannor’s Cobhan Philipson Burren Eye Photography

by SEAMUS HAYES Michael Cusacks 5-16 Liscannor 0-6 Venue: Hennessy Park, Miltown Malbay

AS EXPECTED Michael Cusacks overcame the challenge of Liscannor in the intermediate football championship on Saturday and in doing so sealed second spot in their group and a place in the quarter finals of the championship.

Playing against the wind in the opening half, it took the Carron based outfit a while to get a grip on proceedings but goals from Aidan McNamara

and Domhnall McMahon shortly before half time helped them to an eight point advantage, 2-6 to 0-4, at half time.

They went on to dominate the second half and further goals from McMahon, Joey Droney and Aidan Forde helped them seal a comfortable win and consign Liscannor to the relegation play off.

The win has moved Cusacks ahead of their neighbours and rivals Kilfenora in the group but both go through to the last eight along with the group winners and one of the competition favourites, Kildysart.

Michael Cusacks: Shane Lee; John Fawle, Ruadhrti McMahon, Conor Fahy; Hugh Kelly, Danny O’Connor, Thomas Roche; Domhnall McMahon, Lorcan O’Grady; Seaghan Brosnan, Aidan McNamara, Pappy Taaffe; Joey Droney, Sean McNamara, Aidan Forde; Subs: Ronan Monahan for Brosnan, Cathal Droney for Taaffe, Robert Hunt for Fawle, Shaun Naughton for H. Kelly.

Liscannor: Alan McDonagh; Cobhan Phillipson, Alan Canavan, Shane Canavan; Francesco Bonito, Brian Considine, Stephen Murray; Alan Clohessy, Brian Leyden; Kevin Scales, Robert Lucas, Cathal O’Gorman; Aidan Murray, Oisin Leyden, Daniel White; Subs: Cian Guerin for Scales; Stephen Roche for White; Caoimhin Phillipson for McDonagh

Junior B honours for Parteen SCAN HERE FOR MATCH REPORT

Kilrush’s Killian Glynn with Parteen’s Éanna Mulvihill Burren Eye Photography

Newmarket-on-Fergus secured the U13A Plate at the expense of Clonlara

Blues & Tulla snatch early underage silverware

by EOIN BRENNAN

AS THE Under 13 Hurling and Football Championships enter the concluding stages, there was some welcome silverware for Newmarket-on-Fergus and Tulla last Saturday.

Ahead of this weekend’s Under 13A Hurling Championship and Shield Semi-Finals, five timely goals helped Newmarket to secure the Under 13A Plate at the expense of hosts Clonlara by 5-4 to 1-9.

With the sides having played out an opening draw in Mid-June, the Blues produced an eleven point turnaround to record what was their first victory of the campaign.

Goals through Colin Cavanagh (2), Ricardo Lameda (2) and Liam Murphy inflicted the major damage while there were also superb leadership displays from captain Dara McInerney and inspirational defenders Evan Crimmins and Joe Arthur as Newmarket grew in confidence with every passing minute.

A faltering finish to the season would be costly to hosts Clonlara who still had excellent performances from full-back Ben Power along with scorers-in-chief Mark and Dan Hogan. Indeed, that attacking duo combined for Mark to spectacularly open the scoring with a fourth minute goal, with Newmarket responding in kind when Colin Cavanagh managed to find the net at the other end. The Hogan’s, Mark (3) and Dan (2) would actually carve out a four point cushion for Clonlara by

the 20th minute at 1-5 to 1-1 but far from being deterred, the Blues would regain full parity within seven minutes, thanks in the main to a Liam Murphy goal.

Points from Dan Hogan and Conor McDonnell either side of the break kept Clonlara’s noses in front at 1-7 to 2-2 but they would be powerless to stop the Blues’ momentum that was glittered by three goals. Sucker-punches either side of the water break from Cavanagh and Ricardo Lameda powered Newmarket into the ascendancy before the latter sealed the title with a clinching second goal.

A similar narrative would decide the destination of the Under 13 Academy B Hurling crown as four goals helped Tulla overcome Scariff/Ogonnelloe on home soil by 4-8 to 0-6. A Brian Conheady strike was the ultimate difference in a tight first half at 1-4 to 0-3 before additional green flags were raised through Cillian O’Neill (2) and top-scorer Tom Moroney (1-4) as Tulla’s second team claimed the East Clare bragging rights.

Scariff/Ogonnelloe did finish the weekend on a high when their flagship side booked their place in the Under 13B Championship Final against either Clooney-Quin or Cratloe following a 6-10 to 3-03 semi-final win over Broadford in Ogonnelloe.

Crusheen/Tubber will contest the Under 13B Shield decider against the winners of Sunday’s encounter between Corofin/ Ruan and Smith O’Brien’s.

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Banner & Kilmihil record their second wins

by SEAMUS HAYES

A

FTER two rounds of game in the Clare ladies senior football championship, title holders Banner Ladies and their predecessors as champions, Kilmihil remain unbeaten while former winners, West Clare Gaels got their first win of the campaign. The championship continues this weekend with round three taking place.

THIRD QUARTER DECISIVE FOR BANNER LADIES

Banner 2-14 Kilmurry-Ibrickane 1-7 Venue: Banner GAA Grounds

A strong third quarter showing proved decisive as defending champions Banner overcame last year’s intermediate champions Kilmurry-Ibrickane in round two of the Clare ladies senior football championship on Sunday.

At the end of an evenly fought first half the winners were 1-7 to 1-4 ahead with Kilmurry’s goal coming f rom Sophie Daly.

Without the injured Niamh O’Dea, the champions upped their game after half time and they held the upperhand in the third quarter which, ultimately, proved decisive.

Goalscorers on the day for the winners were Grainne Nolan and Aoibheann Malone. Banner will take on St. Josephs at Gurteen on this Sunday

Banner Ladies; Emma O’Driscoll; Siobhan McMahon, Claire Hehir, Leah Talty; Lisa Ryan, Aoife O’Dea, Sinead O’Keeffe; Laurie Ryan. Louise Henchy; Louise Woods, Grainne Nolan, Sarah Ní Ceallaigh; Aoibhin Ryan, Aoibheann Malone, Aoife Keane Subs; Shonagh Enright for Talty; Sinead Power for Henchy; Alannah McNamara for Keane; Anna Marie Meenaghan for Ryan.

Kilmurry Ibrickane; Katie McMahon; Jessica Doohan, Rebecca Doohan, Rachel Tubridy; Maeve Coughlan; Karen Coughlan, Emma Coughlan; Ellie Hanrahan; Joanna Doohan; Ciara McCarthy, Sophie Daly, Chloe Moloney (0-6, 3f); Catlyn O’Connor; Karen Galvin (0-4), Amy Sexton. Subs; Chloe O’Dea for E Hanrahan; Emma Murray for Jessica Doohan

GAELS BOUNCE BACK West Clare Gaels 2-10 Cooraclare 1-11 Venue: Cooraclare

West Clare Gaels got their

(Noel Quinn) final tally was 2-10 to 1-11 and the referee’s report is final on such matters.

At the end of the first quarter Cooraclare led by a point but by half time the teams were level at 0-6 each.

Shauna Harvey had a goal early in the second half and West Clare did well in this period. Midway through the half Cooraclare fought back helped by a goal from Roisin Looney.

West Clare Gaels substitute Niamh Lardner struck for her side’s second goal which proved decisive in helping them to this victory.

Carol Browne puts Maedhbh O’Connor under pressure Photo by Gerard O’Neill

challenge for honours back on track in the Clare ladies senior football championship when they overcame Cooraclare.

However, in the event of score difference being required to determine posi-

tions at the end of the group stage, there is sure to be some discussion in Cooraclare about this tie as their scorekeepers had a tally of 1-13 for their side at the end of this tie.

However, the referee’s

West Clare Gaels; Emma McMahon; Sophie O’Callaghan, Sara Marrinan, Ciara McQuaid; Sorracha Griffin, Becky Madigan, Aine Moloney; Grainne Harvey, Ruth Ferguson; Caoimhe Harvey, Roisin Brew, Colette Keniry; Aoife Lynch, Shauna Harvey, Fidelma Marrinan. Subs: Niamh Lardner for S O’Callaghan; Siobhan Keane for A. Lynch; Nell Walsh for C. Keniry Cooraclare; Anne Marie Callinan; Aifric O Neill, Laura Quinlivan, Saskia Morrissey; Sinead Lillis, Aisling Morrissey, Katie Lillis; Shauna O Gorman, Roisin Looney, Anna Mae Killeen, Nicola Keating, Megan Downes, Aimee Mc Namara, Katie Cronin, Aoibhe Hehir Sub: Caoilfhinn Morrisey for Aoibhe Hehir (half time)

ANOTHER WIN FOR KILMIHIL

Kilmihil 3-8 St Josephs Doora/Barefield 1-6 Venue: Kilmihil

Kilmihil made it two wins from two outings when they accounted for Doora-Barefield in round two of the Clare ladies senior football championship Goals from Catriona Callinan, Edel McNamara and Sarah Browne helped the home side to this victory on a day when the visitor’s goal came from Amy Lenihan

Kilmihil; Michaela Glynn; Cathy Keating, Deirbhle Higgins, Rosie Currane; Zoe Ryan, Ellie O’Gorman, Kate Coughlan; Laura Egan (0-1), Chloe Devitt; Elaine O’Halloran, Caitriona Callinan (1-1), Aoife McNamara; Edel McNamara (1-2), Becky Mahon (0-4), Carol Browne Subs: Megan Downes Ryan for C Browne; Katie O’Halloran for C. Devitt; Sarah Browne(1-0) for Z. Ryan St. Josephs Doora/Barefield; Caoifhlinn Ni Chonnaill, Kate Dillon, Megan O’Brien, Maedhbh O’Connor; Hannah Doyle, Ciara Cahill, Siofra Ni Chonaill; Ashling Reidy (0-3), Emer Hanrahan; Chloe Towey, Ciara Guilfoyle, Roisin Cahill; Hannah Meaney, Ashling Hannan, Amy Lenihan (1-2) Subs: Lyndsey Clarke (0-1) for Hannah Meaney; Shauna Moloney for Emer Hanrahan; Aoibhinn O’Loughlin for Ciara Guilfoyle; Sinead O’Connor for Hannah Doyle.

Scariff/Ogonnelloe unbeaten as Kilkishen/Bodyke come alive

by BRÍD MacNAMARA

K

ILKISHEN/Bodyke got their senior championship bid back on track while potentially derailing Newmarket-on-Fergus’ chances of advancing from the group while Scariff/Ogonnelloe collected a second win.

SCARIFF/OGONNELLOE MAKE IT TWO FROM TWO

Scariff Ogonnelloe 1-15 St Josephs 2-2 Venue: Fr McNamara Park

In the second round of four, Scariff Ogonnelloe faced St Joseph’s after their previous win against Kilkshen Bodyke and St Joseph’s looking for a first win.

In what was a physical game, the end result was hard earned by Scariff Ogonnelloe who were made sweat by St Joseph’s intense work rate.

Play was concentrated in the Doora/Barefield backline in the opening exchanges and a messy ball in the square was pounced on by Alva Rodgers who pounced to record the match’s first goal. This seemed to rally St Joseph’s as they piled the pressure on forcing the East Clare side into conceding several frees. Two early missed frees were big disappointments for St Joseph’s which would have given them confidence in the opening minutes.

Play up to the first water break was hotly contested and two points were added by both sides with the score at 1-03 to 2 points.

Hard work by Amy Barrett and Jennifer Daly in Scariff Ogonnelloe’s half forward line saw them increase the lead to 1-06 to 0-02 at half time; St Joseph’s failure to convert from several chances in open play and frees left them with a hill to climb.

The second half began in the same vein as the first, as a real physical encounter with St Jospeh’s using their physicality to win numerous rucks. Scariff Ogonnelloe scored first as they enjoyed increased periods of domination thanks to Amy Barrett, capably supported by Mairead Scanlan. The latter’s free taking helped the East Clare side to increase the deficit to 1-11 to 1-02 at the second water break.

Failures to convert loose ball around the goal mouth prevented them from increasing their lead as Karen McMahon kept St. Joseph’s from going further behind.

Scariff Ogonnelloe benefited from Alva Rodgers and substitute Cliona McNamara’s physicality which helped ensure decisive scoring St Joseph’s threw everything at Scariff Ogonnelloe for the final 15 minutes.

Eventually, the experience of Scariff Ogonnelloe se-

cured the victory. While it was not to be for the maroon and white, they asked questions of Scariff Ogonnelloe.

Best on the day for Scariff Ogonnelloe were Susan Daly, Labhaoise O’Donnell, Alva Rodgers, Amy Barrett, with Louise Woods, Chloe Towey, Kate Dillon and Sinead O’ Connor being best for St Joseph’s.

Scariff Ogonnelloe: Rachael Daly; Alison McGee, Susan Daly, Bonnie Wiley Murphy; Rachel Minogue, Ciara Doyle, Labhaoise O’Donnell; Lynda Daly, Abby Walsh; Lorraine Grady, Amy Barrett, Jennifer Daly; Alva Rodgers, Aisling Corbett, Mairead Scanlan.

Subs: Cliona McNamara for Lorraine Grady (26), Danielle Beston for Corbett (45), Aisling Corbett J Daly (52) (inj).

St Josephs Doora/Barefield: Karen McMahon; Sinead O’Connor, Megan O’Brien, Kate Dillon; Hannah Doyle, Chloe Towey, Aisling McMahon; Aisling Reidy, Siofra Ni Chonaill; Orla Moloney, Louise Woods, Muirne Ni Chonaill; Ciara Duggan, Amy Lenihan, Katie O’ Callaghan. Subs: Aisling Hannon for Lenihan (20), Ciara Guilfoyle for Duggan (27), Ciara Whelan for O’ Callaghan (HT), Shauna Moloney for M. Ni Chonaill (45), Aoibhean Feuery for Orla Moloney (55).

KILKISHEN/BODYKE BATTLE PAST NEWMARKET-ON-FERGUS Kilkishen/Bodyke 2-14 Newmarket on Fergus 3-9 Venue: Fr McNamara Park

Determination shone through as Kilkishen/Bodyke recorded a merited two point win over last year’s beaten finalists Newmarket.

Having lost to Scariff/ Ogonnelloe in the opening round, a response was needed from Kilkishen/ Bodyke and it duly followed whereas Newmar-

ket-on-Fergus failed to reproduce the strong display they showed when defeating Kilmaley a week previous.

Aoife Ryan and Leah Minogue got the East Clare side off the mark before Jenny Kelly responded with a double with the Blues. The dominant Kate O’Gorman pushed Kilkishen/Bodyke back in front before Newmarket replied with a Katie O’Flanagan goal to give them a three-point cushion at the water break.

Five points from free-taker Siobhan Lenihan followed in a stop-start second quarter which concluded with the teams all square 0-10 1-07.

Although Kaci Toomey put Newmarket ahead on the restart, Kilkishen/Bodyke rallied with 2-01 in succession, the O’Gorman sisters Niamh and Kate raising the green flags. A crucial Jenny Kelly goal reduced the deficit to four points at the final water break. With six minutes left

on the clock, Laura McMahon converted a penalty for Brian Enright’s side bringing the gap to two points. Aoife Ryan pointed at the other end before her effort was cancelled out by Zoe McInerney just in time for Kevin Walsh to blow the whistle.

Newmarket face Scariff/ Ogonnelloe on Saturday needing a win to survive while Kilkishen/Bodyke have a bye into the next round.

Kilkishen-Bodyke: Edel McNamara; Hannah Minogue, Nollaig Baker, Orla O’Brien; Alannah Ryan, Eimear Murphy, Kate Lynch; Caoimhe Kelly, Kate O’Gorman (1-3); Siobhan Lenihan (07), Niamh O’Gorman (1-0), Shauna Doyle; Roisin Minogue, Aoife Ryan (03), Leah Minogue (0-1) Newmarket on Fergus: Ciara McCarthy; Aoife Crimmins, Caoimhe Lally, Aine O Brien; Tara O Neill, Laura McMahon (1-0 penalty), Ellen Casey; Aoife Griffin, Katie O Flanagan (1-1); Michelle McMahon, Clodagh O Halloran, Kaci Toomey (0-1); Jenny Kelly (13), Zoe McInerney (0-4 3F), Annemarie Hayes. Subs: Aimee McInerney for Tara O Neill (h/t), Kate Clancy for Aoife Griffin (38 mins), Niki Kaiser for Kaci Toomey (38mins), Roisin McMahon for Clodagh O Halloran (45mins)

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Clooney/Quin recorded a 3-17 1-10 win over Tulla in Dr Daly Park when Emma Considine finished with 1-12 for the victors. A hat-trick from Susan Fahy saw Whitegate seal a 3-11 2-07 victory against Éire Óg. Clarecastle/Ballyea were dominant as Doireann Murphy was to the fore once again as they recorded a 2-19 1-07 win versus Corofin.

JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP: Kilkishen/Bodyke edged out Scariff/Ogonnelloe by four points 3-06 3-02 whole Broadford were dominant victors against Inagh/Kilnamona with their encounter finishing 4-12 0-05.

JUNIOR B CHAMPIONSHIP: Clooney/Quin were deserving 1-10 1-04 winners against Newmarket-on-Fergus, Feakle/Killanena made it two wins from two outings overcoming Kilmaley on a score of 5-06 2-11. Sixmilebridge put seven goals past Éire Óg in a 7-09 1-02 win while Truagh/Clonlara claimed the bragging rights against Parteen as it ended 6-11 2-08.

JUNIOR C CHAMPIONSHIP: Clarecastle/Ballyea raised eleven green flags as they accounted for Kilkee/Bealaha 11-08 2-00, Cratloe defeated Broadford 5-06 2-08 and Whitegate were also goal-hungry overcoming Banner 8-04 1-10.

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Kunz hits five for Avenue 18 medals for Clare David Keenan scored the winning goal for Ennis Town FC Photo by Natasha Barton

and here Coole won on a 7-6 scoreline HOME ADVANTAGE DOESN’T AID SHANNON TOWN

at community games

Shannon Town 1 Rathkeale 2

This game was tied at 1 all at half time, the home side had a chance to go in front when awarded a penalty but Gary O’Connell failed to convert.

Then late in game Rathkeale scored to earn their place in second round.

ABBEYFEALE TOO STRONG FOR BUNRATTY/CRATLOE Abbeyfeale 6 Bunratty/Cratloe 4

by SEAMUS HAYES

T

HERE were a number of impressive performances by Clare sides as the race for the FAI Junior Cup got underway at the weekend.

Avenue United and Newmarket Celtsic have both progressed, Newmarket by virtue of a walkover as their opponents Classic FC weren’t able to field a team. There was disappointment for Shannon Town who went down, 1-2 to Rathkeale.

First round games in the Munster Junior Cup will dominate the Clare soccer scene this coming Sunday ELECTRIC ELIAS HITS FIVE GOALS AS AVENUE EASE TO VICTORY Avenue United 7 Granagh 0

Five goals from Elias Kunz was the highlight of Avenue United’s easy win over Granagh from the Desmond league.

A lightening start which saw the Ennis based side go 3-0 up in the opening ten minutes all three coming from Kunz laid the foundation for this comfortable win.

On a day when the other scorers were Ronan Kersin and Cian O’Dea, the winners were 6-0 in front at the interval and they could have had as many more such was their dominance.

Avenue United; James Tierney; Cullen McCabe, Conor Mullen, Dylan Casey,

Shane Brown, Mark Roche, Dylan Barry, Alan Roche, Cian O’Dea, Ronan Kerin, Eliaz Kunz. Subs: Jamie Roche for McCabe; Simon Cuddy for Mullen; Gary Roche for M. Roche; Mikey Dinan for A. Roche.

KEENAN SENDS ENNIS TOWN THROUGH Ennis Town 2 Broadford 1

Ennis Town recorded a good win in this first round tie against a fancied Desmond League team in a tie played at Frank Healy Park in Doora.

After a scoreless opening half, Ennis Town got the upperhand and went in front o n the hour mark when Lase Ifebago scored the lead was short lived, however as minutes later Broadford equalised.

The winner came with fifteen minutes remaining when Davy Keenan hit the target.

Ennis Town; Andrew Skerritt; Declan Ensko, Stephen Horgan, Lase Ifebajo, Sean Perrill, Eoin Keenan, Peter O’Brien, Jashar Aliu, Lee Clohessy, Dean Hegarty, Davy Keenan; Subs: Robbie Gormley for Aliu; Josh Saidi for O’Brien; Paddy Bugler for Ensko; Bruce Piggott for D. Keenan

COOLE PROGRESS ON PENALTIES Newcastle West 2 Coole FC 2 (AET) Coole win 7-6 on penalties

Coole FC had an excellent away win in Newcastle West.

The game ended with the sides locked together at 2 all. Extra time failed to break the deadlock so a penalty shoot out was needed to separate the sides

An excellent performance by the third division side just came up short and the more experienced Abbeyfeale came out on top, thanks to their greater strength and experience.

The scorers for Bunratty/ Cratloe were were Evan Barry (2) with Dylan Kerr and Darren Lindsay also hitting the net.

BRIDGE BATTLE INTO SECOND ROUND Bridge Utd 5 St Brendan’s Park (Kerry) 1

This was an excellent performance by the Bridge who are finding the going tough in the Premier Division in Clare at present.

Kieran Quinlan (2), Leon Daly, Brian Corry and Glenn Murray were the scorers for Bridge United in this one.

CLARE SIDES STRUGGLE IN KERRY Dingle Bay Rovers 5 Shannon Olympic 4

Shannon Olympic made the long trip to Kerry to play Dingle Bay Rovers, and despite scoring 4 they were beaten 5-4 by the home side. The Olympic scorers were Jason Regan (3) and Daniel Clair.

Elsewhere, Shannon Town B lost out to Desmond League side Breska (1-2) while Shannon Hibs fell short against Listowel (1-6) and Lifford were edge out against Kerry club Mastergeeha (2-3).

Clubs vote against fielding two teams in same league A PROPOSAL to allow two sides from the one club compete in the same division of the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) has been defeated, writes Seamus Hayes.

An emergency general meeting (EGM) of the CDSL was held on Monday to discuss changing Rule 41 following a proposal by Rhine Rovers at the CDSL’s AGM which took place in June.

Rule 41 states that no club can have two teams playing in the same division and when the proposal was first raised at the AGM, it resulted in strong

views on both sides. Chairman of the CDSL, Jason Ryan told the AGM this summer that the issue was “too big” to vote on at that meeting.

However on Monday evening, the motion to change the rule was defeated 34-20.

In recent years, both Avenue Utd B and Newmarket Celtic B have claimed First Division honours but have not been promoted to the Premier Division due to the rule and instead sides that finished in fourth and fifth place of the second tier have been promoted.

EIGHTEEN medals made their way back to Clare following tAldi Community Games National Athletics and Cycling on Grass Finals which took place in IT Carlow Sport’s Campus on Saturday 25th September 400 children from around Ireland took part in the National Athletics and Cycling on Grass Finals in IT Carlow Sport’s Campus on Saturday 25th September with special guests; Olympian Marcus Lawler and European Medallists Molly Scott and Sarah Quinn cheering them on.

Hosted by IT Carlow and supported

by Carlow County Council, 42 Athletics and Cycling Events took place in pods throughout the day to ensure that the safety of the participants, volunteers and families was the main priority. The event was live-streamed on YouTube.

Seadna Ryan (pictured above) of Clooney/Quin and Nicole Griffin took gold in the U10 200m with Lisdoonvarna’s Caoimhe Byrne O’Connell taking the U16 equivalent. Doonbeg took gold while Lisdoonvarna had to settle for silver in the Boys U16 1500m with Gerard Dunne first home followed by Jack Rush.

Ballynacally/Lissycasey welcomed

home silver medals thanks to Sean Hick and Daire Culligan finishing in second place in the U8 60m and U16 200m respectively. Molly Purcell went the distance in the U14 Long Puc and brought a silver medal back to Sixmilebridge while Thomas O’Connor of Doora/Barefield claimed second place in the U14 Long Jump as did Kilrush’s Gemma Galvin in the U16 1500m.

Newmarket-on-Fergus’ Evan Crimmins scooped bronze in the U14 Shot Putt as did Leah Leahy of Ballynacally/Lissycasey in the female equivalent while Leah Titley of Clooney/Quin also finished third in the U12 cycling on grass. Ennis St John’s had reason to celebrate with both Promise Jolaoshu (U14 100m) and Finn Duignan (U14 800m) winning bronze medals. Michael Kelly of Ballynacally/Lissycasey finished third in the U16 100m to add to Clare’s medal tally.

Fourth place was secured by Sophie Harrison of Clooney/Quin in the U10 100m while fresh from winning silverware with the Kilmaley U13 hurlers, Seanie Connellan representing the Inch/Kilmaley and Connolly club claimed fourth spot in the U12 Long Puc.

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Annual meeting of Ennis & Clarecastle coursing club

ENNIS and Clarecastle coursing club will run their annual meeting at Manus this weekend.

Founded in 1951, the joint club was originally called Ennis and Clarecastle United Coursing Club.

Ennis coursing club itself is in existence since 1932 when it originally coursed on the lands that now form the Quin Road Business Park and later went to Beechpark before finally to the Showgrounds.

This weekend’s card has four stakes down for decision and in the All Age, Our

Boy Gringo owned by Ger ‘Sparrow’ O’Loughlin and Donie Kelleher will go off as favourite following his excellent showing here last year in the same event.

Others to look out for here are Jeru Dan, Knockdrum Lilly and De Lantern. The Oaks TS is a very open event but Noel Hehir's Ivy Hill Pearl will be fancied to book her ticket to Clonmel. The likes of Magical Jess, Goleen Surprise or Craft Sambrero cannot be ruled out.

The Reserve Derby TS will see Paddy Egan's Masterofthesea go off as favourite

following his litter brother's Tromora Lennon victory in the Derby TS at Liscannor last weekend. Others to note are Ger The Gent, Valencia and San Quentin.

On Sunday, the Working Members Stake will be run and this is the highlight event for club members as to who will have bragging rights for the season. Club President Gerry Stud Moloney's Ballaghboy Panda who he owns along with his grandson Master Patrick O Driscoll could take all the beating in this one.

GET READY, GET SET

James Murray, Racing Manager Limerick Greyhound Track (middle) with Paul Geasley and Eric Hegarty of Matchbook and retired dog Hero at the announcement that Matchbook Betting Exchange will become the title sponsor of Irish St. Leger at Limerick Greyhound Stadium for 2021. The Classic Event commences on Saturday October 30 and the final is the Saturday 27th November Photo by Brian Arthur

Rogue from Doora is fastest in Galway

DOORA-owned Ballylean Rogue gave the run of the night at Galway Greyhound Stadium on Saturday.

Owned by Paddy Collins, Ballylean Rogue lasted home by an ever diminishing head from the flying Muffin in a very smart 28.64 in an A2 graded eighth contest.

Both winner and runner up were very smartly into their stride and rounding the opening bend Ballylean Rogue held a one length advantage in his rival.

Tracking well, Ballylean Rogue extended the advantage to over three lengths racing towards the halfway mark with Wee Small Hours back in third place. Racing between the final two bends Muffin gradually began to bridge the gap with every stride as Ballylean Rogue began to run on fumes but the son of Newhall Missile and Notimetotalk just managed to make the line to claim a sixth career success.

A career best effort was produced by the Siobhan Garrahy of Lahinch owned Cloneyogan Jet when taking the concluding A4 graded contest by three and three

quarter lengths over Peteles Duke in 29.06.

Very smartly into her stride the daughter of Kinloch Brae & Tiermana Rum quickly grabbed the rails berth from her trap three base and rounding the opening bend she led Peteles Duke and Bluwolf by two lengths rounding the opening bend.

Racing down the back straight Cloneyogan Jet extended her advantage to over four lengths as Peteles Duke went a clear second but the winner was gone beyond recall from halfway.

In the early strides of race two on Fridays night’s card for this S9 graded contest Sports Sunday showed pace towards the wide outside and approaching the opening bend she led by a length from Wilbrook No Deal on her inside. Rounding the bend, Sports Sunday still held the call but off the home bend the Claire Davoren of Ennistymon owned Wilbrook No Deal slipped through to lead as Crokers Queen but in a challenge out wide but Wilbrook No Deal(Bull Run Bolt-Tiermana Soda) stayed on well to prevail by a length and three parts in 19.64.

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30-09-21

Clare Echo THE

pg 42

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Cleary claims Grey Young Trophy

by SEAMUS HAYES TONY Cleary claimed the Greg Young Memorial Trophy in Lahinch while ties in the Woodstock Masters Competition tee off this weekend.

WOODSTOCK GOLF CLUB: Cian Moloney (14) won the September medal at Woodstock last week with 68 from Brendan Neylon (10) with 70, Lorcan Clancy (23) with 71 and Sean Williams (14) with 71. John Mulcahy (8) won the gross with 81.

This week’s seniors scramble was won by Pat Barry, Seamus Kelly and Seamus Hayes with 45 points.

The Woodstock masters competition involving the top thirty players on the golfer of the year order of merit and ties will take place this weekend.

Those who have qualified are Brendan Keogh, Fiachra McMahon, Tony Neville, John Dempsey, Cian Moloney, Barry Scanlan, Mike Kelly, Anthony Coote, John McGrath, Mike Liddy, Cathal McCoy, Patrick McMahon, Kieran Quinn, Adrian Kearney, Michael Reen, Barry Keane, Bernardo Kelly, Cathal O’Neill, Gerry Walsh, Stephen Kelly, David White, Brian Keogh, Gerard Griffey, Gerry Hayes, Jack Duffy, Brendan Neylon, Gareth Pyne, David McNamara, Darragh Casey, Sean Crowe, Pat Barry, Pat O’Brien, Stephen Spencer, Ryan Enright, Ray Hallahan, Noel Casey, Brian Kilker, Paddy Meehan, Stephen Dunne, Cathal O Connor, Eugene Morrisroe, Seamus Kelly, Morgan Lahiffe,

Michael Lynch and Lorcan Clancy.

A club singles(green stroke) will also run for the players that did not qualify for the Masters

LAHINCH GOLF CLUB: The Greg Young Memorial trophy competition was held last Friday (Castle Course) and Saturday (Old Course) with over 100 competitors making the cut from an entry field of over 160. Tony Cleary (Woodstock) returned a 36hole score of 137 (-4) to win by three strokes from Fergus Harrold (Castletroy) with Declan McInerney in third place on level par.

The Ladies Winter League will commence on October 9 and will run until January 30.

Teams will consist of 4 or 5 players, depending on number of entries. The closing date for entries is Tuesday October 5.

with 18 and Bridie Keane (17) with 17 while Sinead O’Sullivan (27) was the winner of the 9 hole improvers competition with 42 nett.

The weekly 18 hole stableford competition was won by Noreen Courtney (26) with 33 points from Monica Finnerty (23) with 32 points and Ethna Murphy (31), also with 32 points.

In the 9 hole stableford competition, Claire Ruane (10) won with 20 points from Patricia Kerwin (20) with 19 points with Mary Woulfe (15) in third spot with 18 points they were followed by Bride Keane (17) with 18 points, Attracta Williams (16) with 18 points and Mary Nagle (13) wth 18 points while Sinead O’Sullivan (27) won the 9 hole beginners section on Sunday with 38 nett with Mary Curley (29) winning on Wednesday with 45 nett.

ENNIS GOLF CLUB: Winners of the senior ladies outing at Ennis last week were Bridie Hanrahan, Eileen Daly and Eileen Corry with 40 points from Liz Kelly, Mary McMahon and Mary Murray with 38 points while third spot was filled by Brid Cunningham, Pat Leacy and Maureen Maloney with 35 points.

Wednesday’s 18 hole stableford cancer alliance fundraiser was won by Mary Lenihan (17) with 38 points from Noreen Courtney (27) with 35 points with third spot filled by Carmel Verling (23) with 33 points.

Mary Woulfe (15) won the 9 hole competition with 19 points from Mary Nagle (13)

DROMOLAND GOLF CLUB: Barry Nugent was the winner of the Friday open singles at Dromoland with 43 points from Jean Colleran with 41 points with Conor Tierney in third spot with 40 points Tony Cleary won the gross with 37 points.

The weekly 9 hole competition was won by Derek McCoy with 17 points from Darren Reilly with a similar score David O’Brien, also with 17 points, was third, Brian Arthur was the winner of Sunday’s 128 hole v par competition with an impressive score of 7 up.

He had one to spare over Alan Henstock with third

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(above) Aine Donegan will represent Ireland in Texas and (below) Aideen Walsh is on the Carey Cup team

Ireland duty for Woodstock duo

by SEAMUS HAYES

WOODSTOCK duo, Aideen Walsh and Aine Donegan are to collect international caps while representing their country over the coming weeks.

Aideen has been included in the Carey Cup team who play at Carton House on October 12 and 13 and will make history through her involvement. The Carey Cup sees Ireland play the Metropolitan golf Association in the biannual event. The 2021 competition will see an expanded format introduced with the teams expanding from six to ten players.

Four women will join six men in the Irish team, when the event takes place at the Montgomerie Course at Carton House. Paula Grant (Lisburn), Kate Lanigan (Hermitage), Rachel Thompson (Cork) and Woodstock’s Aideen Walsh will make history by becoming the first Irish women to compete in the event. Áine will be one of four players to represent Ireland at the Spirit International in Texas from November 4 to 6.

The biannual event takes place at Whispering Pines GC, and will see the Irish team compete in team and individual events in a 54-hole competition.

Sara Byrne (Douglas), Paul Conroy (Enniscorthy), Sam Murphy (Portumna) and Donegan will compete in the men's and women's competitions, with 20 countries being represented. Áine earned her first-career top-10 finish at the Badger Invitational when she posted Indiana's first round under par for the 2021-22 season with a 2-under 70. She carded a team-high five birdies on the final day of the tournament.

She finished tied for 10th in the tournament with a threeround score of 220 (76-74-70).

There was further reason to celebrate in Woodstock Golf Club when Callum Hayes claimed the U14 title at the Clare County Parkland championship in East Clare last weekend. He shot a wonderful round of 78 gross to win the championship.

PLANNING 43

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

PLANNING NOTICES CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KNOCKALISHEEN, MEELICK, CO. CLARE V94 P2RK 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 Tracy Price for permission to a) Retain garage conversion and roof alterations b) retain sheds and playhouse 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 RINEROE, QUILTY, CO.CLARE Take notice that D. Daly intends to apply to the Planning Authority for permission to retain first floor living area, revised elevations and garage (Ref No P99/1093) 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 COROFIN VILLAGE HOSTEL, MAIN ST., COROFIN, CO CLARE. Take notice that Marie and Jude Neylon intend to apply for PERMISSION to change the use of the existing Hostel Building to 2 no. individual Apartments and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL 23 COLLINS PARK, ENNIS, CO. CLARE Take notice that Mary O’Halloran and Connie Tyrrell intends to apply to the Planning Authority for retention of a porch to the front of their dwelling, retention of the change of use of an attached garage to living space and the retention of two extensions to the rear of the dwelling 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, New Road, Ennis, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the planning authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period of 5 weeks, beginning on the date of receipt by the planning authority of the application.

CLARE CO. COUNCIL MUNNIA, NEW QUAY, CO. CLARE Permission for the retention of (1) extension and alterations to existing

dwelling house and (2) domestic garage is being sought by Catherine Sides.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority Clare County Council, Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis, Co. Clare during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

Signed: Grealish Glynn & Associates, 1 The Punchbowl, Ennis Road, Gort, Co. Galway.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL OLD ENNIS ROAD, TULLA, CO CLARE Sean Halpin is applying to Clare County Council for Full Planning Permission for the construction of a two storey dwelling house of area 387.42sqm, detached garage of area 91.00sqm, new entrance arrangement to replace existing gate, pond, new effluent treatment system and percolation area and a new connection to public mains fresh water system.

All with the associated site development works at Old Ennis Road, Tulla, Co Clare.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL CARROWNACLOGH, ENNISTYMON, CO CLARE. Take notice that Lawrence Healy intends to apply for PERMISSION to build a new dwelling house, install a Waste Treatment System and all associated site and ancillary works at the above address. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority, during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the authority on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00, within the period

of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application.

CLARE COUNTY COUNCIL KILCLOHER, KILMALEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Joseph Murphy intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the rear of an existing dwelling house along with alterations to the existing dwelling, a new 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 CLOONUSKER, SCARIFF, CO. CLARE Take notice that Aidan Corry 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 LISKET, KILFENORA, CO CLARE Take notice that Diarmuid Nagle & Elin Granqvist, intends to apply for permission to construct a dwelling house, garage, wastewater treatment system and 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 KILCLOHER, KILMALEY, CO. CLARE Take notice that Joseph Murphy intends to apply to the planning authority for permission to construct an extension to the rear of an existing dwelling house along with alterations to the existing dwelling, a new 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 CLOONUSKER, SCARIFF, CO. CLARE Take notice that Aidan Corry 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 CO. COUNCIL NO. 1 GREENLAWN, LISSANE EAST, CLARECASTLE, CO. CLARE Take notice that Sean O Connor intends to apply for permission for development, the development consists of the construction of a domestic garage and associated site works at the above address.

The planning application maybe 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 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.

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46 PUZZLEPAGE

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

THIS WEEKS PUZZLES SEP 30

1 7

3

9

2 6

7

Dvorak

How to play

Gluck

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 2

7

1

9

3

4

8

4

7

6

1

8

5

2

9

3

6 5

3

9

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8

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2

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2

1

4

3 6

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5 9 2 1 3 7 4

2 9

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1 4

5 8

1/1

3

6

7 5

9 2

6

1

8

9/23/21, 12:57 PM

Holst

4

Haydn

8

Handel

6

Grieg

6

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.

8

HOW TO PLAY

2

Elgar

4

8

Wagner

6

8

4

2

2

5

Dukas

2

Verdi

7

1

Delius

7

Satie

7

7

Copland

6

9 4

Rossini

5

7

Chopin

Ravel

3

9

Brahms

8

8

7

5

Bizet

Orff

4

1/1

Beethoven

5

3

Mozart

Mahler

5

2

4

Bartok

Barber

9

1

Liszt

How to play

Bach

SUDOKU

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.

WORD SEARCH

9/23/21, 12:57 PM

The Clare Echo Crossword

1/1

Daily Quick Crossword: 23 September 2021, 9/23/2021 Michael Curl

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Michael Curl

Daily Quick Crossword: 23 September 2021, 9/23/2021

Order Online www.supermacs.ie

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18

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C H A R M

#supermacs heart of Ennis

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order direct

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For a quicker faster delivery service (065) 682 0914

23

25

27

O'Connell Street, Ennis

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26

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13

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CROSSWORD ANSWERS 27

11

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C

10

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QUIZ 47

THURSDAY, SEP 30 2021

The Clare Echo Quiz RACHAEL ENGLISH

What was the name of the evening show she fronted for six years on RTÉ Radio One? A: Around The Bend B: Five Seven Live C: The Commute

2

7

3

8

Rachael was among one of the youngest presenters during the early days of Clare FM. What year did she join the station?

A: 1989 B: 1993 C: 1997

4

During one Sunday bulletin, Rachael got a dose of the giggles on-air when reading aloud results from what?

A: The Lovely Girls Competition B: The Clare Senior Hurling Championship C: The Golden Vale VEC Schools Calf Rearing Competition

5

Her first report for RTÉ 2FM was on what?

A: The Spancil Hill fair B: The Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival C: Clare’s defeat to Dublin in the 1992 All-Ireland football semi-final

As presenter of this show, she won PPI awards for her coverage of what?

A: The Barr Tribunal B: The Burrell Affair C: 9/11 Rachael has been a presenter of the country’s most listened to radio show Morning Ireland since when?

A: 2005 B: 2010 C: 2015

9

She is the best-selling author of how many books?

A: Two B: Five C: Eight

10

Her parents, Tony and Ruth were one of the key inspirations for which section of The Clare Echo newspaper?

A: Spot the Difference B: Arts & Entertainment C: The Shannon page

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

The answers will be revealed in next weeks edition.

l Rachael English. Photograph: Joe Buckley

ANSWERS

6.Five Seven Live 7. 9/11 8. 2010 9. Five 10. The Shannon page

She attended St Patricks Comprehensive but which primary school was Rachael a student of?

A: St Aidans NS B: St Conaires NS C: St Tolas NS

Shannon St Conaires NS 1989 The Golden Vale VEC...

Clare’s defeat to Dublin...

B: Shannon C: Scattery Island

6

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

in Clare is Rachael English 1A: Where from?

Scariff

Last weeks Answers . Collar of person (middle) different colour . Part of sign different colour . Writing on top of person (right) missing . Part of grass missing near wall in background

. White square missing on wall in background . Part of sign missing . Part of tree missing in background

*Domhnall Ó Loinsigh, Mayor of Ennis Cllr Ann Norton (IND), Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers (FF), Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) and Donal Ó hÁiniféin.

Photograph: Eamon Ward

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